Witchcraft for All

Who Is Ellegua

2011-04-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

In Yoruba mythology, Ellegua is an Orisha (spirit) associated with "opening the ways", or crossroads. Often depicted as a child or a small man, he is a playful; a trickster and a strategist amongst the divinities.

Worshippers often have a cement head with a metal spike in the top, and cowrie shells for eyes and mouth, as a representation of Ellegua which receives offerings and protects in return.

Santeria practitioners often have an Ellegua head behind their front door as he is said to protect the entry way and prevent harm from entering the dwelling.

Receiving a consecrated Ellegua head is part of the Santeria initiation known as Los Guerreros (the Warriors).

Ellegua is said to like candy, toys, and coconut as offerings, or anything children would enjoy. In return he helps people overcome various problems.

The strength of Ellegua lies at the crossroad. he is the remover of obstacles. An offering of twenty-one pennies and three candies left at the crossroad will prompt him to be kind and remove the roadblocks in your life.

In the If'a tradition practiced by the Babalawo, ellegua is used to open the way for the of prophesy orunmila.

It is said that Ellegua is a manifestation of Eshu, a primordial force that spawned out of a rock. The mother of Ellegua is said to be Oya.

Ellegua's fills a similar role in Santeria as Papa Legba in Vodou.

source: wikipedia

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Salt Spilling Rituals

2011-03-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Folklore says much about salt. It brings luck, prosperity, and protection in many cultures around the world. People warn against borrowing it, as it means borrowing trouble; or lending it, which means giving away one's luck-quite a contradictory bit of advice. Far more elaborate are the warnings and rituals involved in dealing with the spilling of salt, and what to do in such a case.

Given the many uses of this element in spells, however, I find that in a magical household, the spilling of salt most often signifies nothing more dire than a hint to strengthen the wards protecting the place. If you happen to spill salt, don't worry; just speak a charm such as this:

Spill salt, spill luck!

Sprinkle a bit around the room,

And that will lift the coming gloom.

Then suit actions to words, visualizing a bright shield over all.

~ courtesy of Elizabeth Barrette

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George Robert Stowe Mead - A Mithraic Ritual
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Ritual For Marduk Day

2011-03-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

* COLORS" blue and "* ELEMENT: "* ALTAR: On a cloth of pale blue place a naked sword,

three grey candles, and a loaf of bread shaped like a dragon. * OFFERINGS" something into pieces.
* DAILY MEAL" or meat, chopped finely.

INVOCATION TO MARDUK" warrior's sword is clean and bright" has two edges. So Marduk found" up the sword, he slew" Dragon Mother Tiamat" from her body carved the earth" the overarching sky" he found, as we all do" he could not live anywhere" this the new earth without" her, and all that she was" he lived and died surrounded" her at the last" her body took his" at last he was betrayed", ye who would be king" force of arms! Your enemies define you" choose them well.

(One who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual takes up the sword and cleaves the bread dragon into pieces, which are then passed around and eaten. Exit to the beating of a drum.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

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A Sweet Bath For Insomnia

2011-02-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

* One cup of milk
* One quarter cup of honey
* One teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* Four drops essential oil of lavender
* Four drops essential oil of chamomile

Warm the milk gently over a low heat and stir in the honey. When they are blended, remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and essential oils. Disperse the mixture in warm running bath water. For a more luxurious bath experience, increase the qantities, just be sure to maintain the proportions.

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Chocolate Bunny Ostara Ritual For Children

2011-01-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

For this ritual, you'll need the following:
* A bag of jellybeans
* Marshmallow Peeps -- chicks, bunnies, etc.
* A chocolate rabbit for each particpant
* A glass of milk for each participant

Arrange your ritual supplies on your altar so they look pretty. Kids can do this -- typically the chocolate rabbits end up in the center, surrounded by an army of Peeps and several rings of jellybeans. A quick note -- you might want to perform this ritual well in advance of mealtime, or all the kids will be too full of candy to eat a real dinner.

First, give everyone present a handful of jellybeans. Point out the different colors in the jellybeans, and what they can represent. As you call out each one, eat the jellybeans in that color. Feel free to be a bit goofy. Say something like:

Behold, little jelly eggs, small symbols of the season,

How we adore you!

Green is for the grass that springs from the land!

(eat all the green jellybeans)

Yellow is for the sun shining above our heads!

(eat all your yellow jellybeans)

Red is for the tulips that grow in our garden!

(eat your red jellybeans)

Pink is for Aunt Martha's new Easter hat!

(eat your pink jellybeans)

Purple is for the crocuses that sprout along our driveway!

(eat the purple ones)

Continue this until all the colors are gone -- if you really want to have some fun, make the kids take turns naming off the colors and what they mean to them. When they're all gone, call out"! Hail! to the mighty jelly bean of Spring!

Next, hand out the marshmallow Peeps. As you do, say:

Behold the Peep! The Peep is life, brought back in the spring!

Little Peep chickens, we honor you!

(bite the Peep chicks)

Little Peep bunnies, we honor you!

(bite the Peep bunnies)

Continue this until the Peeps are all gone -- it's probably a good idea to limit each kid to just two or three Peeps at the most. When the Peeps have all vanished, call out"! Hail! to the mighty Peeps of Spring!

Finally, distribute the chocolate rabbits. Say:

Behold the great chocolate rabbit!

As he hops through the land, he spreads joy and happiness!

O, how we adore the chocolate rabbit and his great big chocolate ears!

(eat the rabbit's ears)

Praise the chocolate rabbit, and his delicious chocolate tail!

(eat the rabbit's tail)

Honor this chocolate rabbit, and his chocolate hoppity legs!

(eat the rabbit's legs)

He is a wonderful rabbit, and he is special indeed!

(eat the rest of the rabbit)

When the rabbits are all gone, say"! Hail! to the mighty chocolate rabbit of Spring!

Give everyone a glass of milk, and raise your drinks in a toast to these three symbols of the season.

To the jelly beans!

To the Peeps!

To the chocolate rabbit!

We drink in your honor!

Drink your milk, and sit back to enjoy the sensation of being stuffed with ritual candy"".about."

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A Ritual For Ostara

2011-01-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

For this ritual, you'll want to decorate your altar with symbols of the season. Think about all the colors you see in nature at this time of year -- bright daffodils, crocuses, plump tulips, green shoots -- and incorporate them into your altar. This is also a time of fertility in the natural world -- the egg is the perfect representation of this aspect of the season. Symbols of young animals such as lambs, chicks, and calves are also great altar adornments for Ostara.

IN ADDITION, YOU'LL NEED THE FOLLOWING:

* Three candles -- one yellow, one green, and one purple
* A bowl of milk
* A small bowl of honey or sugar

Perform this ritual outside if at all possible, in the early morning as the sun rises. It's spring, so it may be a bit chilly, but it's a good time to reconnect with the earth. If your tradition normally requires you to cast a circle, do so now.

Begin by taking a moment to focus on the air around you. Inhale deeply, and see if you can smell the change in the seasons. Depending on where you live, the air may have an earthy aroma, or a rainy one, or even smell like green grass. Sense the shift in energy as the Wheel of the Year has turned. Light the green candle, to symbolize the blossoming earth. As you light it, say:

"The Wheel of the Year turns once more,

and the vernal equinox arrives.

Light and dark are equal,

and the soil begins to change.

The earth awakes from its slumber,

and new life springs forth once more.

Next, light the yellow candle, representing the sun. As you do so, say:

"The sun draws ever closer to us,

greeting the earth with its welcoming rays.

Light and dark are equal,

and the sky fills with light and warmth.

The sun warms the land beneath our feet,

and gives life to all in its path.

Finally, light the purple candle. This one represents the Divine in our lives -- whether you call it a god or a goddess, whether you identify it by name or simply as a universal life force, this is the candle which stands for all the things we do not know, all those things we cannot understand, but that are the sacred in our daily lives. As you light this candle, focus on the Divine around and within you. Say:

"Spring has come! For this, we are thankful!

The Divine is present all around,

in the cool fall of a rain storm,

in the tiny buds of a flower,

in the down of a newborn chick,

in the fertile fields waiting to be planted,

in the sky above us,

and in the earth below us.

We thank the universe* for all it has to offer us,

and are so blessed to be alive on this day.

Welcome, life! Welcome, light! Welcome, spring!

Take a moment and meditate on the three flames before you and what they symbolize. Consider your own place within these three things -- the earth, the sun, and the Divine. How do you fit into the grand scheme of things? How do you find balance between light and dark in your own life?

Finally, blend the milk and honey together, mixing gently. Pour it onto the ground around your altar space as an offering to the earth. As you do, you may wish to say something like:

"I make this offering to the earth,

As thanks for the many blessings I have received,

And those I shall some day receive.

Once you have made your offering, stand for a minute facing your altar. Feel the cool earth beneath your feet, and the sun on your face. Take in every sensation of this moment, and know that you are in a perfect place of balance between light and dark, winter and summer, warmth and cold -- a time of polarity and harmony.

When you are ready, end the ritual.

TIPS:

* Instead of "the Universe", feel free to insert the name of your patron deity or the gods of your tradition here.
* If you're doing this rite indoors, take your bowl of milk and honey and pour it in your garden, or around your yard""

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A Lammas Harvest Ritual

2011-01-05T23:40:00.000-08:00

In some Wiccan traditions, Lammas is the time of year when the Goddess takes on the aspects of the Harvest Mother. The earth is fruitful and abundant, crops are bountiful, and livestock are fattening up for winter. However, the Harvest Mother knows that the cold months are coming, and so she encourages us to begin gathering up what we can. This is the season for harvesting corn and grain, so that we can bake bread to store and have seeds for next year's planting. If you would like to hold a Lammas harvest ritual, here's how:

WHAT YOU NEED:

* A candle to represent the Harvest Mother
* Stalks of wheat
* A loaf of bread
* Ritual wine (optional)

This ritual celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and the cycle of rebirth, and can be done by a solitary practitioner or adapted for a group or coven setting. Decorate your altar with symbols of the season -- sickles and scythes, garden goodies like ivy and grapes and corn, poppies, dried grains, and early autumn foods like apples. If you like, light some Lammas incense.

Have a candle on your altar to represent the Harvest Mother -- choose something in orange, red or yellow. These colors not only represent the blaze of the summer sun, but also the coming changes of autumn. You'll also need a few stalks of wheat and an un-sliced loaf of bread (homemade is best, but if you can't manage, a store-bought loaf will do). A goblet of ritual wine is optional.

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.

LIGHT THE CANDLE, AND SAY:

The Wheel of the Year has turned once more,

and the harvest will soon be upon us.

We have food on our tables, and

the soil is fertile.

Nature's bounty, the gift of the earth,

gives us reasons to be thankful.

Mother of the Harvest, with your sickle and basket,

bless me with abundance and plenty.

Hold the stalks of wheat before you, and think about what they symbolize: the power of the earth, the coming winter, the necessity of planning ahead. What do you need help planning right now? Are there sacrifices you should be making in the present that will be reaped in the future?

Rub the stalks between your fingers so a few grains of wheat fall upon the altar. Scatter them on the ground as a gift to the earth. If you're inside, leave them on the altar for now -- you can always take them outside later. Say:

The power of the Harvest is within me.

As the seed falls to the earth and is reborn each year,

I too grow as the seasons change.

As the grain takes root in the fertile soil,

I too will find my roots and develop.

As the smallest seed blooms into a mighty stalk,

I too will bloom where I landed.

As the wheat is harvested and saved for winter,

I too will set aside that which I can use later.

Tear off a piece of the bread. If you're performing this ritual as a group, pass the loaf around the circle so that each person present can take off a small chunk of bread. As each person passes the bread, they should say" pass to you this gift of the first harvest.

When everyone has a piece of bread, say:

As the grain dies, it transforms to bread,

and brings us life through the winter.

We bless this bread, and it blesses us in return,

and we are thankful for the gift of the harvest.

Everyone eats their bread together. If you have ritual wine, pass it around the circle for people to wash the bread down. Once everyone has finished their bread, take a moment to meditate on the cycle of rebirth and how it applies to your own life - physically, emotionally, spiritually. When you are ready, if you have cast a circle, close it or dismiss the quarters at this time. Otherwise, simply end the ritual in the manner of your tradition.

Article by Patti Wigington

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Symptoms And Black Magic Bad Effects

2011-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Identifying the symptoms and bad effects of ghost Pollution.
Continuous illness. All medical treatments fail.
Constant worries, Suicidal tendencies, or Desire to move away from home and family.
Continuous illness of any member of the family.
Tiredness and weakness like M.E.
Eating disorders associated with obesity and anorexia.
Being short tempered. Sterility, without any physical deficiency or without any medical reason.
Repeated miscarriages or death of children.
Sudden unnatural deaths in the family.
Problems in the construction of new houses, new factory or any other building.
Shortness of money, in spite of hard labour.
No desire to live. Feels suffocated. Life seems useless.
Apathy, no desire to rise In Life.
Achievement of objectives seems impossible.
Sudden quarrels between brothers or the members of the family, without any reason.
Unexpected loss in the business of property.
Ill health and under development of children.
Loss of peace due to the fear of enemies and their evil Designs.
Discord between spouses or the family.
Greatest efforts always resulting in failure.
Lack of Govt, favours, promotions and the desired raises or transfers.
Poverty, in spite of hard work.
Mental disorders - Insanity - Craziness.
These are some effects which prove that one is under the spell of the supernatural or black magic.
Even though Intelligent, one still fails to find solutions to such problems.
It is only due to "Black Works" that all your wisdom, all your strategies and all your intelligence fails.

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Peace And Love Ritual

2010-12-31T16:20:00.000-08:00

Love and peace are powers greater than we can know, but we can tap into the energies that surround these concepts and bring them into the new week by anointing a rose quartz with gardenia oil today. As you anoint the stone, whisper "peace" and "love" to yourself, magnifying the energy in the stone.

Carry the stone with you today and any day you desire peace and love. A few times each day, take a moment to slow and deepen your breathing. Holding the stone in your hand, inhale and say the word "peace" to yourself. Feel a peaceful sensation fill your body. As you exhale, think the word "love," and see a loving pink light flow through you into the world. Repeat two more times each time you effect the spell. You will not regret it.

Courtesy of: Kristin Madden

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The Athame

2010-12-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

The athame is used in Magick, as I use it, to represent the element of fire and the direction of the south. In the circle the athame is used to cast the circle and to charge the contents of the chalice in the central rite of all Wicca, the SYMBOLIC joining of the Lord and the Lady in LOVE. It is also used to banish any imbalanced, excess positive or negative energies that are harmful to us - in whatever form these may take. IT IS NOT USED FOR MUNDANE TASKS such as inscribing candles or slicing the "cake" for cakes and wine. A simple, white-handled knife is kept for that usage.

The athame is usually replaced, as soon as possible, by a sword for coven work. This sword should be worked on by the group in the same way that the athame is by the individual, as it is a channel of the group's energy. The sword should, therefore, be taken special care of. Swords are expensive and someone NOT connected with Wicca might be tempted to purloin it and try to resell it. If the coven has a sword, it is put in the care of the High Priestess and High Priest and they would be wise to keep it in a locked closet, if at all possible. It symbolizes the energies of the group psyche that has been formed or is being formed, as well as the group's magickal power.

If the Coven should separate, it has been traditionally left to the Highest ranking individual in the Coven, which should be the High Priest and/or High Priestess. Even though the coven has paid for it and worked on it, the High Priesthood retains it as a symbol of the circle's GRATITUDE for the teaching they have received from them. It can be cleansed by the Leaders and used in further covens they may sponsor in their travels - and often each new group chooses some symbol or something they can add to it.

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How To Make Your Own Athame

2010-12-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

You will need the following:

Kitchen-Knife
Hammer
Cardboard
Scissors
Yarn
Glue
Tin Foil
Tape
Card-stock
Ruler
Pencil

1) Begin by removing the blade from your kitchen knife. To do this, I took my knife to my patio with a hammer. I held the knife by the blade against the concrete with the sharp side of the blade touching the cement. I then carefully struck the handle with the hammer along its seam where the two pieces of the handle join around the handle.
2) Using your ruler, draw a basic T-Shape on a sheet of card-stock that is approximately 5 inches long and 3 at its widest part. Cut out the T-Shape and then fold it in half and using your scissors, cut the T-Shape in to a symmetrical design. This will be the pattern for the handle of your athame.
3) Trace your pattern on the cardboard four times and cut each piece out.
4) Glue the blade you removed from the kitchen knife between two of the cardboard cut-outs. Make sure you use lots of glue. You may want to lay the knife on a flat surface and place something heavy on top of it.
5)When it is dry, glue the second two pieces just as you did the first two. Allow to dry.
6) When this is dry, there is bound to be some shifting of pieces so trim the handle so that it has a clean edge and that the both pieces of cardboard are even.
7) Now hold the Athame for a few minutes to get an idea for how it will feel in your hand. Does the handle feel too long? Would you rather then edges be rounded or have corners? Trim and adjust as desired, although I wouldn't attempt to get too detailed and fancy in my design.
8)Wrap tin foil around the handle shaping it as desired. When you are done, wrap the handle with tape to hold it all together.
9) Finally, wrap the entire handle with yarn (your choice of color). You can wrap the entire handle with one long piece of yarn, getting as close to the tips as possible. When you are done, you can wrap the tips in a spiral pattern to cover the handle completely by smearing the tip with glue first and carefully laying down the yarn.
10) When you have wrapped the entire Athame you can coat it with several coats of glue allowing it to completely dry between coats. When the glue dries it will harden.
11) Finally, paint the handle with a clear lacquer to seal everything. If you desire you can paint the handle a specific color before sealing with lacquer.
12) If you desire, you can then take a sharpening-stone and sharpen the dull side of the blade so that they are even. However, I like the idea that one side is sharp and the other side is dull, creating a balance of opposites.

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Howard Phillips Lovecraft - The Tree On The Hill
Howard Phillips Lovecraft - The Shadow Out Of Time

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Bread As A Magickal Ingredient

2010-12-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

In many cultures, prayers are often said over bread, which is considered sacred, before eating it. Bread represents the union of humankind and the divine. In some cases it is representative solely of the divine, but by ingesting it, humans are able to take in the divity.

Bake and eat dark breads full of grains for prosperity.

On the full moon, place round bread on the altar and bless it for prosperity and fertility. Offer half the bread to the earth and share the other half with others.

On the autumn equinox, cut phallic-shaped bread into pieces and then bury them in the earth. This rite symbolizes the sacrificed grain god whose seed will return to the earth to fertilize it and bring new life in the spring.

From: The Encyclopedia of Magical Ingredients

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Charging Your Tools

2010-12-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

What you will need:

The item in which you wish to charge, whether it be some jewelry, your pentacle or some crystals.

- Salt for the Earth element
- A candle for the Fire element
- Water or rose oil for the Water element
- Incense for the element of Air

How to do the ritual:

This is a really simple charging ritual. You may wish to elaborate on it once you have created your own ritual style!

Start by taking your item that you want to charge and place it in front of you. Shake or sprinkle a little salt over your item and say the following:

"Earth spirits from the North/South I ask you to charge this ..... with the power of Earth. By the Goddess and/or God so mote it be." Imagine a green light filling the item and empowering the item with the qualities of Earth.

Dip or trickle some water over your item and say this:

"Water spirits from the East/West I ask you to charge this ..... with the power of Water. By the Goddess and/or God so mote it be."Imagine a blue ocean like colored light filling the item and empowering the item with the qualities and power of Water.

Pass the item through the smoke of the incense and say:

"Air spirits from the West/East I ask you to charge this ..... with the power of Air. By the Goddess and/or God so mote it be." Imagine a pale light filling the item and surrounding it. Empowering it with the powers of Air.

Move the item through the heat above the candle flame and say the following:

"Fire spirits from the South/North I ask you to charge this ..... with the power of Fire. By the Goddess and/or God so mote it be." Imagine a red or orange light filling the item and empowering it with the power and energy of Fire.

Once you have done this imagine a bright white/blue light surrounding the item charging it with your own energy.

After this the item will be charged with the elemental powers and your own.You can now use the item for whatever purpose you needed it.You can perform this ritual as often as possible.

By Bronwyn, * Berkana Golden Owl *

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Josh Norton - Charging An Enochian Tablet
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Beauty Spells

2010-12-09T00:50:00.000-08:00

BEAUTY SPELL I

On Beltaine Eve, set out a pretty bowl in your yard. If you forget to, don't worry, you can collect the dew directly from the grass with your hands.

Say the following while washing your face with the morning dew, as the sun is peeking over the horizon:

"Blessed dew of Beltaine morn,
Help my face be less care worn,
Brows unfurrowed, wrinkles smoothed,
Crow's feet from my eyes removed.
My face a reminder of this Beltaine Day,
Beautiful and fair in every way;
Hear my words, this spell to last
'Till another Beltaine comes to pass,
-And, As My Will, So Mote it be!"

A Ritual to Have Yourself Be Seen More Attractively:

Fill your bathtub with water and scatter some fresh rose petals in it. Light some vanilla candles and/or incense. As you lie in the water, meditate on the image you would like to project and say these words:

"Earth, Air, Fire, Sea
Let the Goddess' beauty
Shine through me"

EYE COLOR SPELL:

TO CHANGE YOUR EYE COLOR....GET A PINK CANDLE AND A FLOWER SAY

"THIS IS TO TOUCH"
TOUCH THE FLOWER, SAY
"THIS IS TO FEEL"

FEEL THE FLAME OF THE CANDLE, PUT YOUR HANDS OVER YOUR EYES AND SAY:

"THIS IS TO BE SHAPE AND CHANGE IT FOR ALL TO SEE
BY THE POWER OF THREE TIMES THREE
LET IT BE"

ENVISION THE COLOR YOU WANT

Glamour and Beauty Spell:

The best time to perform this spell is during the Full Moon, although, you can also do it on a Friday during the Waxing Moon.

Ingredients/Tools:
Bowl of spring water
Herbs for beauty, such as lavender and catnip
A white rose that has been separated from the stem
Mirror

A ritual bath or purification ritual is recommended before performing this spell to sort?of 'clean the slate' and allow Magick to start anew. Cast the circle and become calm and centered. Sit or stand facing the West. Pour the spring water into the bowl and hold it up to the Western corner. Say:

I hail to the West and the forces of Water. Hear and aid me in this Magick tonight. Grant me your beauty, Shape and form this face and body and let me radiate with self?love. With harm towards none, and for the free will of all, So mote it be.

Set afloat the rose on top of the water and stir it with your fingers three times round in a clockwise motion. Take the flower out of the water and hold it in your hands. Say:

By the powers of the West, The forces of Water, I charge this flower with love. Beauty is here; it shines with the power. Beauty is here, Contained in this flower.

Keep the flower in a box along with catnip and/or lavender to remind you of your true beauty. If a friend or loved one needs the power of love and beauty, tell them the story of the rose you have blessed and give them the rose to continue it's power. I hope you enjoyed this spell, and I hope you see the true beauty with your hearts.

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Anonymous - White Magic Spells
Anonymous - Book Of Spells

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Magick In The Life Of A Child

2010-12-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

Whether by birth, adoption, or association with another parent, the entrance of a child into one's life is one of the finest and greatest experiences that life has to offer. An ancient Chinese proverb states, "It is the wise parent who gives his child roots and wings."

Our roots are the ties that bind us to one another by blood and make us a family. They are the collective totality of our shared experiences, both good and bad. They are the stories we tell time and again over shared meals, they are the tears that we shed at a common pain.

Our roots teach us the value of history, and learning from those who have gone before. Roots are fostered with daily doses of quality time, the ordinary things that you do together in any given day, the family traditions that make sense only to you and yours.

Our roots are present at the very moment of our conception in our mother's womb; however, we sprout our wings the day that we are born. From the moment that we take our first breath in the world, we take the first steps on our journey of becoming who we are. Though we are momentarily dependent on those who take care of us, we are striving ever forward on our journey to wholeness. Whereas our roots are the ties that bind us together, our wings represent the gift of free will, and the things which define us as individuals.

Our wings carry us through daily experiences, and most notably during those rites of passage that all must face at the appointed hour. Those moments that tell us that we are where we are supposed to be, the first love, the triumph of obtaining our driver's license, graduation, our first paycheck, the first time we make love, the first time we become parents ourselves..........

As the wheel of life revolves, we may one day have children of our own, and pass on to them the gift of roots and wings. If not to our own children, then to the child of another, for it has been said that 'it takes a village to raise a child.' And as the waters of the Earth run to the Sea, we too return to our own roots, as our progeny carries forward with this, their legacy; those intangible things more common that air, or dirt; more priceless than gold, or rubies. The child that you love becomes that adult that you respect, and the one that holds your hand when it is your time to journey to the Summerland.

Also read this ebooks:

Belle Wagner - Within The Temple Of Isis
Naomi Janowitz - Magic In The Roman World
Aleister Crowley - Magick In Theory And Practice

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Altars Misc Thoughts

2010-11-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

As for Altar set ups...

1. I once read Crowley's remarks on how he contrived his stuff while he was out wandering the world or climbing mountains. He found ways to just use the simple things from his kit...cook knife became Athame, tin cup became the Cup...etc.

This sort of 'kitchen witch' working is accepted by lots of folks. You can set an altar up and take it down as fast as you can set a table.

2. I also have noted the "Porto-Pagan" set-ups at some of the Pagan Fests I've attended. Carry the stuff in a cardboard box that can be up-ended for an altar, or even placed on it's side for a rain-proof 'shrine'. Close and carry off at the end of the visit with a minimum of re-wrapping to protect the fragiles. Some just contrive one with the natural objects at hand...a rock, a stick, a lantern or candle, etc.

3. Some folks (including myself) have a small duffle into which I've placed a second set of "traveling" working tools. I have the great good-fortune of having friends who give me cool things. The coolest stay on my Altar, the second-coolest hang out in the sac, and sometimes I shift the goodies around.

4. I have a buncha books that offer arrangements I find a bit Over-whelming, but I can certainly post them, if you really need them. If you want me to fetch out Official Altar diagrams from some of the slick commercial works I have on the shelf, RSVP.

5. For "public" Altar, in my home, I 'clutter' a shelf, a mantle, or a small window sill. It sounds to me as though, since all your stuff is packed andyour space is totally compressed, that the "window sill" Altar is a good solution for you. I put a little origami pinwheel up on an Eastern sill, a small shell on a Western one, a tiny oil lamp on a Southern one, and a pretty rock on a Northern one. The whole House is the Altar "Table".

To clear my space I have been known to light a stick of incense, scaling it upward in my mind until I am swinging a huge flaming brand before the various Darks I'm dispelling, and run through the house screaming and raving aloud until they back off. A joss stick lasts about 20 minutes. I can almost guarantee that if you summon your Ki and Incant over a flaming brand for 15 minutes, most Shadows _will_ go elsewhere. I haven't had to do it in THIS house more than twice in 3 years.

by Chris Olmstead

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Howard Phillips Lovecraft - Cults Of Cthulhu
Stephen Mitchell - Learning Magic In The Sagas

Keywords: salem witch trials victims foundations luciferian reclaiming heart black venus hermetic edwin abbott abbott

13 Goals Of A Witch

2010-11-27T00:47:00.000-08:00

These thirteen goals were written by Scott Cunningham in skeleton form without added substance to explain their complete meaning. Scott wrote this list in one of my favorite books, "WICCA: A guide for the solitary practitioner." Inside, he includes his private Book of Shadows and other valuable writings for both a coven of witches and the solitary practitioner. I've fleshed out the meaning of his goals from his teachings and those of Buckland.

1. Know yourself

When you truly are in tune with your inner self, that will reflect to others. You'll be trusted, confident and sure of your path.

2. Know your Craft

Only through your understanding how to use the Craft for helping others and yourself, will you build your relationship with the God and Goddess, Lord and Lady. Respect the rights of others, and "ye do no harm, do what ye will."

3. Learn

The more you learn about Wicca, the Craft and becoming a witch, the more you'll understand that you know nothing. There is a vast amount of knowledge available for any who seek it.

4. Apply knowledge with wisdom.

Though you know how to create and maintain a binding spell, does not mean you have the wisdom to administer the spell. Wisdom takes years of working spells, magick and communing with other witches to fairly and justly administer magick to those in need. Learn all the Craft you can, then learn to practice those skills wisely and with love.

5. Achieve Balance.

You will have other interests that seem to pull you away from the Craft or Wicca. You shouldn't feel obligated to stay within the boundaries of what you believe a witch or Wiccan should be every day. Feel free to express yourself with balance. Join a group to clean up the beaches to keep gaia clean and beautiful. Volunteer at a hospital to assist the elderly. Balance in your life will make you a better person and a better witch.

6. Keep your words in good order

"Speak little, listen much", "Think before you speak" are good goals for a learning witch. The elders have much to say and you should learn to listen as you grow in the Craft.

7. Keep your thoughts in good order.

There is no revenge, or evil intent in the Craft. When you're feeling overwhelmed by others, wish them great success. Remember the power of three will return to you when you send your white magick toward those who verbally abuse or have the desire to harm you.

8. Celebrate life

Enjoy every moment that life brings to you, whether a brief moment of pain or joy. Take part in events and ritual to celebrate the God and Goddess, make new friends who share your enthusiasm. Surround yourself with those who emit a natural positive energy and bring a smile to your lips.

9. Attune with the cycles of the Earth

When the sun goes down, your body may say it's time to rest. Listen to the natural circadian rhythm of your body. You were born on this planet and when the moon is high and full, changes in gravity works on your bodies chemistry. Denying your animal instincts and inner self that recognizes gaia's cycles will work against you.

10. Breathe and eat correctly

Live where you can breathe in clean air and have access to food from natural sources. Treating your body as the multi-tasking, super-machine at work and play takes a heavy toll. Filling up with sugar, fat and massive amounts of alcohol will dull the senses and quite possibly make you ill.

11. Exercise the body

A strong healthy body at any age; maiden, maid or crone will serve you well.

12. Meditate

This is an important tool for the witch who wishes to divine or commune with the deities. To conjure or make your spells work, you must be able to reach deeply and connect with gaia, the Goddess and God.

13. Honor the Goddess and God

All things are possible when you embrace the feminine and masculine parts of the faith of Wicca. One is as necessary as the other in nature and so mote it be.

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Michael Harrison - The Roots Of Witchcraft
Margaret Alice Murray - The God Of The Witches

Keywords: salem witch trials victims foundations luciferian reclaiming heart black venus hermetic edwin abbott abbott

Casting The Circle

2010-11-12T05:43:00.000-08:00

Set up: place a candle in each of the four cardinal directions. Lay the rest of the tools on the altar cloth or near it. The altar can be on the ground, a table, a rock or a stump. The altar should be in the center or just north of center of the Circle. Light the six candles and the incense, start the music and begin the ritual.

The Ritual

Facing North, the High Priest and Priestess kneel in front of the altar with him to her right. She puts the bowl of water on the altar, places the point of her athame in it and says:

"I exorcise thee, O Creature of Water, that thou cast out from thee all impurities and uncleanliness of the world of phantasm; in the names of Cernunnos and Aradia"

She then puts down her athame and holds up the bowl of water in both hands. The High Priest puts the bowl of salt on the altar, puts his athame in the salt and says:

"Blessings be upon this Creature of Salt; let all malignity and hindrance be cast forth hence, and let all good enter herein; wherefore so I bless thee, that thou mayest aid me, in the names of Cernunnos and Aradia."

He then puts down his athame and pours the salt into the bowl of water the High Priestess is holding. The High Priest then stands with the rest of the Coven outside the Circle. The High Priestess then draws the Circle with the sword, leaving a gap in the Northeast section. While drawing the Circle, she should visualize the power flowing into the Circle from off the end of the sword. She draws the Circle in a East to North or deosil or clockwise direction. She says:

"I conjure thee, O Circle of Power, that thou beest a meeting place of love and joy and truth; a shield against all wickedness and evil; a boundary between men and the realms of the Mighty Ones; a rampart and protection that shall preserve and contain the power that we shall raise within thee. Wherefore do I bless thee and consecrate thee, in the names of Cernunnos and Aradia."

The High Priestess lays down the sword and admits the High Priest with a kiss while spinning him deosil and whispers "Bless Be" .He then admits a women the same way. Alternate male female male. Then the High Priestess finishes closing the Circle with the sword. She then names three witches to help strengthen the Circle. The first witch carries the bowl of consecrated water from East to East going deosil, sprinkling the perimeter as she/he goes. They then sprinkle each member in turn. If the witch is male, he sprinkles the High Priestess last who then sprinkles him. If female she sprinkles the High Priest last, who then sprinkles her. The bowl is replaced on the altar. The second witch takes the incense burner around the perimeter and the third takes one of the altar candles. While going around the perimeter, each person says:

"Black spirits and white,
Red spirits and gray,
Harken to the rune I say.
Four points of the Circle, weave the spell,
East, South, West, North, your tale tell.
East is for break of day,
South is white for the noontide hour,
In the West is twilight gray,
And North is black, for the place of power.
Three times round the Circle's cast.
Great ones, spirits from the past,
Witness it and guard it fast."

All the Coven pickup their athames and face the East with the High Priest and Priestess in front, him on her right. The High Priestess says:

"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air; I do summon, stir, and call you up to witness our rites and to guard the Circle."

As she speaks she draws the Invoking Pentagram of Earth in the air with her athame. The High Priest and the rest of the Coven copy her movements with their athames. The High Priestess turns and faces the South and repeats the summoning:

"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Lords of Fire; I do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our rites and to guard the Circle."

She does the same pentagram and then faces West and says:

"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Lords of Water, ye Lords of Death and Initiation; I do summon, stir, and call you up, to witness our rites and to guard the Circle."

She faces North with rest of the Coven and says:

"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, ye Lords of Earth; Boreas, thou gentle guardian of the Northern Portals; thou powerful God and gentle Goddess; we do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our rites and to guard the Circle."

The Circle is completed and sealed. If anyone needs to leave, a gate must be made. Using the sword, draw out part of the Circle with a widdershins or counterclockwise stroke. Immediately reseal it and then repeat the opening and closing when the person returns.

Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 1983 and Valiente, Doreen; "Witchcraft for Tomorrow"; Phoenix Publishing 1985

Suggested ebooks:

Bernard King - Meanings Of The Runes
Rabbi Michael Laitman - Attaining The Worlds Beyond
Howard Phillips Lovecraft - The Beast In The Cave

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Ways To Attract Faeries Into Your Home

2010-11-11T22:50:00.000-08:00

I love looking for fairies and have been blessed with the ability to commune with them for many years now. So when I moved into my own house, I was determined to create a beautiful fairy garden. I soon discovered, however, that there is more to making a fairy garden than simply planting pretty flowers and letting a small patch grow wild!

(Be Warned!, Once they are invited in, they may never leave)

1.Spend time in nature.
2.Meditate while sitting under trees, around lakes, etc.
3.Have plants and flowers inside your house or apartment.
4.Be cognizant of the abuses of nature and do your part to clean it up and reverence it.
5.Involve yourself in some creative activity on a regular basis. You don't have to be expert in it, but enjoyment of any creative activity will draw those of the faerie realm.
6.Leave an area in your yard to grow wild so that the faeries can play freely.
7.Be generous in your dealings with others.
8.Keep the child in you alive.
9.Place an echinite (fossil sea urchin) on your mantelpiece. They were called faerie loaves, made by the faeries. Those who had them would never want for food and always had faerie assistance.
10.Sing often. Nature spirits gather wherever there is song and music.
11.Keep your house relatively clean. Unless you are trying to attract a brownie, most faeires shy away from mess.
12.Once you have a faerie in your home, never leave it monatary gifts. A thimble of milk and a little bread with honey will do just fine.

Ways to Attract Fairies to your Garden

Do you want to design a garden that is an absolute haven for fairies? More and more people are awakening to the knowledge that fairies, like angels, are very real indeed. Although we cannot usually see them with the physical eye, they are there in elemental form, and it is possible to train your mind to connect with them. There is more information on how to do this at one of the links at the bottom of this page (just don't forget to come back and learn how to make your beautiful garden!)

There are lots of things to consider when designing your fairy garden and becoming an instant magnet for fairies!

* Flowers
* Trees
* Colours
* Sounds
* Scents
* Hiding places
* Provisions for wildlife
* Being eco-friendly
* Your native soil and weather conditions

And much more!

Offerings to Attract Fairies to your garden

Once your garden is ready for fairies, there are a few extra enticements to help bring them out of their hiding places.

* Put out offerings, such as bread, milk, honey, cream, milk, mead or sweet treats
* Leave gifts, such as home baked cakes, handmade crafts or natural objects like crystals and shells
* Put out little houses and shelters for the fairies to play in. You can learn how to make one here or, if you're not creative, use small birdhouses
* Play enchanting music, or hang musical objects like windchimes. Fairies love sound and song!

Finally, laugh and play in your garden. After all, more than anything else, fairies love to have fun!

Plants to Attract Fairies to your Garden

Sacred trees, native wildflowers and magical scented herbs are a great starting point for your garden. If a plant is attractive to wildlife then it will be attractive to fairies too! At makeafairygarden.com you will learn about using different flowers for different themes, seasons and areas of your garden.

Remember to tend your plants regularly, and make sure you use eco-friendly methods, preferably organic! Don't just throw weeds and fallen leaves away, make use of them in compost or mulch, and if you have to get rid of some pests, either use organic pesticides or even better, unleash an army of predators via biological control!

Suggested ebooks:

Douglas Colligan - Strange Energies Hidden Powers
Hermes Trismegistus - The Golden Tractate Of Hermes Trismegistus

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Elemental Work

2010-11-11T01:01:00.000-08:00

Experiment to make spirits of the air manifest:

The rite to summon spirits of the air to visible appearance within a triangle, with a circle around in, and inside it, with a dot in the middle of it having been drawn on chalk, and then drawn with the athame, was successful. I could see wisps of smokelike beings, which cohesed into a more or less solid looking body, which pulsated and changed shape. The image would change if I began exerting some desire for a particular appearance.

Suggested ebooks:

Frater Hoor - A Thelemic Calendar
Herbert Stanley Redgrove - Alchemy Ancient And Modern

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Witchcraft And Superstitious Record In The South Western District Of Scotland

2010-11-09T13:35:00.000-08:00

Book review: Witchcraft And Superstitious Record In The South Western District Of Scotland by John Maxwell Wood

Witchcraft persecutions really began in England in 1563 with the statute of Elizabeth I, much later than elsewhere in Europe, but did not really become fully developed until the reign of James I. Various estimates have been given of the number of persons hanged as witches in England during the period of laws against witchcraft ( 1542-1736) but the probable number is around 1,000. The first person definitely known to be hanged for witchcraft in modern times was Agnes Waterhouse at Chelmsford in 1566, the last was Alice Molland at Exeter in 1684. The last person to be found guilty of the crime of witchcraft was in 1712 when Jane Wenham, the Wise Woman of Walkern. She was reprieved.

English witchcraft trials took a different direction from those of Europe. In England there were generally no elements of extreme torture, such as those used by the Inquisition, nor were witches burned at the stake as was the universal practice elsewhere. Under English law burning was the penalty for treason and those witches who were burned in England suffered this fate because they were convicted of the crime of “Petty Treason”, usually for murdering their husbands.

Nor were there mass executions in England such as those in France and Germany. The largest groups in England were nineteen witches hanged at Chelmsford in 1645, and the nine Lancashire witches sent to the gallows in 1612.

Peculiarly English features of witchcraft trials were the concepts of “pricking” to locate the devils mark and the use of “possessed”children as accusers, a feature that was to recur in the Salem trials in America. The relative simplicity of English trials and the absence of many of the satanic features of their continental counterparts was probably due to the absence of a centralised persecuting body such as the Inquisition. In England too there was open debate about, and opposition to, the concept of witchcraft which acted as a restraining influence.

Download John Maxwell Wood's eBook: Witchcraft And Superstitious Record In The South Western District Of Scotland
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A Summer Solstice Ritual

2010-11-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

The Summer Solstice, or Midsummer, celebrates the longest day of the year. It falls around June 22. The Summer Solstice ritual focuses on the god because summer is his time. Celebrate it outdoors if you can, or if indoors, during the day so the sun is a prominent part of your ritual.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:

* Piece of cloth or cloth pouch
* Midsummer herbs
* Piece of red string or yarn
* Midsummer flowers
* Gold or yellow robe, shirt or dress
* Yellow or gold candle
* Summer fruit

Prepare for the Summer Solstice ritual by gathering a piece of cloth or cloth pouch and midsummer herbs. Use any combination of sage, rosemary, thyme, basil, lavender, Saint John's wort and vervain that appeals to you. Meditate on your pain, troubles, sorrows and illnesses. Tie up the cloth or pouch with a red string or yarn and save it for the ritual.

Think about the qualities of fire because the Summer Solstice ritual is a fire ritual. Contemplate what you need protection from (debt-collectors, a jealous friend, an abusive family member). Write down in what aspects of your life you need strength because the Summer Solstice ritual is a time to gather courage.

Collect flowers for your Summer Solstice ritual that are golden yellow, deep red, white, pink and purple. Whatever you wear, choose a gold or yellow color to honor the sun. Use a gold or yellow candle to represent the god in ritual.

Cook dishes with midsummer herbs such as basil, sage, thyme and rosemary. Tomato soup or sauce, with its fiery red color, is suitable for the season. Eat fresh fruit or fruit salad at the close of the ritual for a sweet end to summer.

Set up your altar with your summer flowers, golden candle, pouch of herbs and any other tools you wish to use and cast the circle. At the point most suitable to you during your Summer Solstice ritual, hold the pouch of herbs in both hands. Mentally pour all your troubles, sorrows and pain into it. At the end of the ritual, bury the pouch deep in the ground.

source

Also read this ebooks:

Anton Szandor Lavey - The Satanic Rituals
George Robert Stowe Mead - A Mithraic Ritual

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Witches And Broomsticks Use And History

2010-11-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

The Broomstick...

The traditional companion of the witches was the enchanted broomstick, used for their wild and unholy flights through the night and probably to some distant Witches' Sabbat. This is one of the first images you get to see as a child and this was doubtlessly believed by the prominent rulers of Europe. The number of actual confessions of witches doing so is remarkably small. Usually confessions state that they went to the Sabbat on foot or on horseback.

Legends of witches flying on brooms goes back as far as the beginning of the Common Era. The earliest known confession of a Witch flying on a broom was in 1453, when Guillaume Edelin of St. Germain-en-Laye, near Paris, stated that he had done so. In 1563, Martin Tulouff of Guernsey said to have seen his aged mother straddle a broomstick and whisk up the chimney and out of the house on it, saying "Go in the name of the Devil and Lucifer over rocks and thorns". In 1598 Claudine Boban and her mother, witches of the province of Franche-Comt, in eastern France, also spoke of flying up the chimney of a stick. The belief of flying off though the chimney became firmly embedded in popular tradition, although only a few people ever mentioned doing so. It has been suggested that this idea was connected with the old custom of pushing a broom up the chimney to indicate the absence of the housewife. The Germanic Goddess Holda or Holle is also connected with the chimney.

Other indications that lead to the popular belief that witches actually flew on broomsticks can be found in an old custom of dancing with a broom between the legs, leaping high in the air. In Reginald Scot's book, The Discoverie of Witchcraft, published in 1584, we find a similar description:

"At these magical assemblies, the witches never failed to dance; and in their dance they sing these words, 'Har, har, divell divell, dance here dance here, plaie here plaie here, Sabbath, Sabbath'. And whiles they sing and dance, ever one hath a broom in her hand, and holdeth it up aloft." Scot quoted these descriptions of Witch rites from a French demonologist, Jean Bodin, who made observations of a kind of jumping dance, riding on staffs. These customs might have contributed to the popular picture of broomstick-riding witches through the air.

In 1665, from the confession of Julian Cox, one of the Somerset coven, mentioned "that one evening she walks out about a Mile from her own House and there came riding towards her three persons upon three Broom-staves, born up about a years and a half from the ground. Two of them she formerly knew, which was a Witch and a Wizard".

Where do these beliefs come from?

Some authors claim that the oldest known source of witches flying on broomsticks is a manuscript called Le Champion des Dames by Martin Lefranc, 1440. This might be one of the oldest images representing a hag on a broomstick, but it is certainly not the first. A wall painting from the 12th century in Schlesswig Cathedral (Germany) shows the Norse deity Frigg riding her staff.

If we really dig a bit deeper into history, we'll find that from the Roman world there are reports that mention witches flying on broomsticks as well as having used ointments, as early as the first century. They were called Straigae (Barnowl) and the Lamiae from Greek culture had similar characteristics. Later in Roman history, the goddess Diana was the leader of the Wild Hunt:

"It is also not to be omitted that some wicked women, perverted by the Devil, seduced by illusions and phantasm of demons, believe and profess themselves in the hours of the night to ride upon certain beasts with Diana, the goddess of pagans, and an innumerable multitude of women, and in the silence of the dead of the night to traverse great spaces of earth, and to obey her commands as of their mistress, and to be summoned to her service on certain nights". (See: Canon Episcopi).

Similar beliefs existed in many parts of Europe. From Norse mythology, we know that the army of women, lead by Odin (Wodan), called the Valkyries, was said to ride through the skies on horses, collecting the souls of the dead. In continental Germanic areas, the goddess Holda or Holle was also said to lead the Wild Hunt and is connected to chimneys and witchcraft. Berchta or Perchta, another Germanic goddess, which can be identified with Holda, has similar characteristics.

Again in Celtic Traditions, the Horned God Cernunnos, and/or Herne the Hunter was leader of the Wild Hunt and the Scottish Witch Goddess Nicneven was also said to fly through the night with her followers. Eastern Europe sources also have a wealth of folklore about witches flying through the air. So flying through the air, evidently, was a deeply rooted mythological theme, associated with the free roaming of the spirit, the separation of soul and body.

Symbolism

The broomstick is a female and male symbol, "the rod which penetrated the bush". Its symbolism and interpretation is therefore purely sexual.

Broomstick Weddings

"To marry over the broomstick," "jump the besom", was an old-time form of marriage, in which both parties jumped over a broomstick to signify that they were joined in common-law union. Also in the Netherlands, one can still find the old saying "over de bezem trouwen" (marrying over the broomstick). At gypsy wedding ceremonies, the bride and groom jump backwards and forwards over a broomstick. A besom used to be placed before the doorway, the married couple had to jump over it without dislodging the broom, from the street into their new home. At any time within a year, this process could be reversed to dissolve the marriage by jumping backwards. All this had to take place before several witnesses.

In folk-belief, like that in Yorkshire, it was unlucky for an unmarried girl to step over a broomstick because it meant that she would be a mother before she was a wife. Light-hearted wags used to delight in putting broomsticks in the path of unsuspecting virgins.

RITUAL USE

Artificial Phallus

There are hints of its use as an artificial penis or dildo. In a curious old book, A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon and Cant, by Albert BarrSre and Charles Godfrey Leland (1897-1899), we are told that the slang term in those days for a dildo or artificial penis was "a broom-handle", and the female genitals were known vulgarly as "the broom". To "have a brush" was to have sexual intercourse. Noteworthy is the evidence from Witch trials mentioning the "cold hard member of the Devil himself". In 1662, Isabel Gowdie, accused of
witchcraft, made a confession which could suggest that some sort of artificial phallus of horn or leather may have been used:

"His members are exceeding great and long; no man's members are so long and big as they are....(he is) a meikle, black, rough man, very cold, and I found his nature as cold within me as spring-well water...He is abler for us that way than any man can be, only he is heavy like a malt-sack, a huge nature, very cold, as ice."

Broomsticks and Ointments

That ointments used to induce astral projection has been known for a long time. Therefore the belief of witches flying away on their brooms probably has its true origin in this shamanic practice of applying narcotic herbs. There are numerous paintings, engraving and woodcuts from witches, anointing themselves, before flying off to the Sabbat. There are also quite a lot of confessions of ointments being applied to leave the body and fly off. These confessions sometimes show an unawareness that they were not actually flying, but often it is obvious that the witches knew that the ointments they used had the effects requited for leaving the body and making spiritual journeys. These practices we now call astral projection, were obviously known throughout large parts of the world, but especially worthy evidence comes from French and Italian records.

There is also a hint of use of besoms and sticks as a means to insert the witches unguent into the vagina to potentate the aphrodisiac effects and for optimal absorption and effect, while serving as an artificial penis.

The confessions of a woman named Antoine Rose, a Witch of Savoy (France) who was tortured and tried in 1477, stated that "The first time she was taken to the synagogue (Sabbat) she saw many men and women there, enjoying themselves and dancing backwards. The Devil, whose name was Robinet, was a dark man who spoke in a hoarse voice. Kissing Robinet's foot in homage, she renounced God and the Christian faith. He put his mark on her, on the little finger of her left hand, and gave her a stick, 18 inches long, and a pot of ointment. She used to smear the ointment on the stick, put it between her legs and say "Go, in the name of the Devil, go!" At once she would be carried though the air to the synagogue."

Alice Kyteler, a famous Irish Witch of the early 14th century, was supposed to have owned a staff "on which she ambled and galloped through thick and thin, when and in what manner she listed, after having greased it with the ointment which was found in her possession."

Book and Article Resources:

An ABC of Witchcraft by Doreen Valiente, 1973. De Benedanti: Hekserij en Vruchtbaarheidsriten in de 16e & 17e Eeuw by Carlo Ginzburg, 1966, 1986. Encyclopedia of Witchcraft & Demonology, 1974. Europe's Inner Demons: The Demonization of Christians in Medieval Christendom by Norman Cohn, 1975, 1973. Heksen, Ketters en Inquisiteurs by Arie Zwart en Karel Braun, 1981. Practical Magic in the Northern Traditon by Nigel Pennick, 1989. The History of Witchcraft by Montague Summers, London, 1927. Witchcraft, A Tradition Renewed by Doreen
Valiente and Evan Jones, Phoenix Publishing, 1990. Witchcraft & Demonology by Francis X. King, 1987, and various online resources and articles...

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Patricia Telesco - A Witchs Beverages And Brews Magick Potions Made Easy
Kathryn Paulsen - Witches Potions And Spells
Alfred Thompson - Magic And Mystery A Popular History

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Altar Pentacle

2010-11-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Pentacle is a Magickal tool that some folks do not use. Their reasoning is sound since it is obviously an adaptation from ceremonial Magick, as is the athame. These people use only the wand and the chalice in their work. But I like the use of the pentacle and athame because Wicca has always been quite ecclectic and drawn from several Pantheons and systems. So it doesn't make any sense to me to say we can draw on all systems EXCEPT the Kabbalah as used in Ceremonial Magick. Also I like the way using all 4 of these main tools that most traditions and practitioners share brings correspondences to the 4 suits of Tarot cards and to the 4 elements.

The Pentacle is a flat disk, traditionally inscribed on copper and coated with a clear finish of some type to prevent corrosion after it has been inscribed with the continuos 5-pointed star or pentegram. This is not an open pentacle like many witches wear. It is ENGRAVED on the disk. The reason being you put SALT on this disk in circle and if it was open all the salt would be on the altar, on the floor, everywhere but where you need it.

I have also, recently, seen some pentacles inscribed on slices of agate put out by cauldron Crafts in Maryland that are JUST GORGEOUS. Since the pentacle is feminine and relates to earth either the copper or the stone is appropriate. However brass I find less so as it is usually considered a solar metal and masculine. That is why I also prefer to avoid brass chalices. Copper chalices are avoided because they give off a metallic residue that is poisonous into the liquid, if they corrode - and alcohol in wine or ale and acid in wine or juice WILL do this. But copper is perfect for the pentacle.

What you engrave on your pentacle is entirely up to you. The NeoGardnerian and NeoAlexandrians (as well as the originals of these traditions) have very specific symbols that they always use. Other traditions sometimes have specific symbols they require as well. But others just use a plain pentacle, or tht pentacle with runic symbols of their choosing or whatever has meaning to them. I have seen beautiful pentacles - in fact our distributor of jewelry carries them - that are pentegrams surrounded by inscribings of Celtic knotwork.

I have also seen some gorgeous stained glass altar pentacles – my favorite of these was one where the points where the colors of the elements. The 4 lower points were the Red, Yellow, BLue and Green my tradition ascribes to the elements and the top one was silver for Spirit/Divinity. The center and background were a lovely violet color. Obviously SOMEONE put a lot of work into it.

One note - a specific coating I have found to work well on copper pentacles so that the salt doesn't destroy them is CLEAR NAIL POLISH. This has to periodically be reapplied however.

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Rabbi Michael Laitman - The Kabbalah Experience
Greg Wotton - A Mystery Of The Pentalpha
Rabbi Michael Laitman - Kabbalah Revealed

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What The Wiccan Rede Means To Me

2010-10-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

The word Rede comes from Old English and it means a guide or advice. The Wiccan Rede is the principle by which many Wiccans live their lives, but it is not an immutable cosmic law, rather it is a guide by which to live, if you so choose. Humans are born with the gift of free will, and all have the freedom of choice in how they exercise that will.

The exact origin of the Wiccan Rede is uncertain. According to Gerald Gardner, the Rede is derived from the legendary Good King Paulsole, who declared, “Do what you like, so long as you harm no one.” and apparently was adhered to by a successive generation of witches. It has also been claimed that the Rede has its origin, at least in part, in the writings of Aleister Crowley, Lady Gwen Thompson, Francois Rabelais, and many others though these claims have been disputed. Suffice it to say, the origin of the Rede cannot be clearly defined.

The Wiccan Rede has been a somewhat controversial subject among Wiccans, Witches, and Pagans. Some have theorized that the Rede’s true purpose was to assist in making modern witchcraft more acceptable to the public. Because the Rede is a concept that was generally believed to have been written by a living person rather than a strict commandment from a deity, it is not generally given the same weight as laws in other religions, such as the Ten Commandments.

Generally, witches do not believe that they should use their powers to interfere with another’s free will. They believe that it is unethical to use magick to harm or manipulate others in any way. Many witches believe that the Rede prevents them from casting spells on others without that person’s permission even healing spells. This interpretation seems extreme, for it means that spells should not be cast against wrong doers—a witch could make no effort to stop a rapist, or murderer magickally because they would be interfering with that person’s free will. Conservative witches argue that they can instead cast spells to protect victims. Often witches get around the issue by casting binding spells, that is, spells aimed to prevent evil.

In the old craft laws, witches were taught that they could not attack another person maliciously; however, they have every right to protect and defend themselves if the necessity arose and to do so in a manner that they feel would most efficiently get the job done. Some witches practice cursing or other manipulative spells when they feel that it is warranted, but they do so with the knowledge that they must accept the consequences of their actions and keep quiet about their work. The poetic version of the Wiccan Rede states, in part, “Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.” To me this means that in the course of my life, that I should attempt to be fair with others and exercise patience as well as to resolve my problems with others on a mundane level, but should the time come when I feel the need to use magick against another individual, then I should let the punishment fit the crime.

For example, as much as we want to murder that person who cuts us off in traffic and exceeds the speed limit endangering others on the road that would be over-kill. However, in this instance it wouldn’t be uncalled for to magically ensure that that person gets detained by the authorities, their license suspended, or at the very least, get ticketed.

Another area of concern in magick circles is that of casting love spells. Generally speaking, casting spells to bring “an appropriate lover” to yourself are considered not harmful, as you are asking the universe to send someone to you who is compatible and who would be accepting of your attention and interest and who would return your affection in kind. However, many witches feel that casting spells to cause a specific person to fall in love with you to be inappropriate and a violation of the Wiccan Rede. However, it is my belief that casting a love spell is no more manipulative than having good hygiene, wearing enticing cologne, dressing to accentuate your physical form, or even flirting! In the same manner, casting a spell to get a specific job is no more wrong than dressing the part and presenting yourself as having the right attitude and qualifications for that job.

The Wiccan Rede is often cited along with the Threefold Law. Whereas the Rede provides us with a guide for living an ethical life, the Threefold Law represents the consequences of straying from the Rede. The Threefold Law says that an action is not returned in equal measure, but rather will be magnified three times, which defies the laws of physics. I personally do not believe in the Threefold Law, in this respect. Wicca, as a religion which draws its teachings from nature itself, should therefore reflect the law of nature. Science tells us that every action has an equal or opposite reaction. An object propelled upwards will descend at the same rate of speed at which it climbed. Therefore, I believe that “what is sent, comes back” in equal measure.

In summation, I believe that the Wiccan Rede to be an idealistic guide to the way in which a person can live their life. As humans, we have free will and we will not always exercise that will in accordance with the Wiccan Rede. The Wiccan Rede empowers me to find and pursue my true will, and it is not an excuse for inaction, or to be the world’s dormat. I believe that magick is a means to an end and that it is no more manipulative than other means that are used by those who do not use magick. I believe in treating people with fairness and consideration and in attempting to resolve my problems with others on a mundane level before resorting to magick. I have the right to protect and defend myself from harm, and I have a choice in how I will protect myself. When I choose to invoke the forces of magick against those that have or have attempted to bring my harm, or who are a threat to me and my well being, I choose to let the punishment fit the crime. If I violate the Rede, I do so with the knowledge that what I send out will eventually return to be in equal measure, not magnified thrice over. And this is what the Wiccan Rede means to me.

Also read this ebooks:

Howard Phillips Lovecraft - The Green Meadow
Howard Phillips Lovecraft - What The Moon Brings
Anonymous - What Is Wicca Article 2

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Ritual For A Day Of Peace In The Family

2010-10-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

COLOR: Lavender

ELEMENT: Water

ALTAR: Upon a lavender cloth set a tray of cakes shaped like clasping hands, and many cups full of hot tea.

OFFERINGS: Promise to attempt to be more considerate of those you live with.

DAILY MEAL: Any food, but it must be served from one great plate for every table, and it should not be in separate portions.

INVOCATION:

May there be Peace in this house.

(Response: "May there be peace in this house!")

Peace can be a hard mistress. The daily round of the ordinary, The simple turn of day and night and day The presence of the same souls Can come to be like a shadow on the sun, And yet Peace still demands That we find a way to move past That ordinariness And all the thousand thorns and briars And bring Peace into the house.

(Response: "May there be peace in this house!")

Take the hand of your sister, your brother, The one who shares your roof, your table, The ground you walk on, Whose feet know the boards as well as your own, And swear to find a way To bring peace into the space between you.

(Response: "May there be peace in this house!")

CHANT: My brother, my heart, my sister, my soul;

My family, my life, come in from the cold;

My sister, my heart, my brother, my soul;

My family, my life, that makes this life whole.

(Instead of a ritual, this period of time should be used to mediate and address problems between members of the family, with emphasis on peacemaking and compromise and useful solutions. At the end of the meeting, all share cakes and tea.)

Found in: Pagan Book of Hours - Breviary

Also read this ebooks:

Charles Godfrey Leland - Ariadia Or A Gospel Of The Witches
Benjamin Rowe - A Ritual Of The Heptagram
David Oringderff - Spiritual Philosophy And Practice Of Wicca In The Us Military

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Chosing A Location For Coven Ritual

2010-10-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

Deciding where to hold your gathering depends on a lot of factors.

* Do you want the gathering inside or outside?
* What is the season of the year? Is it warm or cold outside?
* What are the weather conditions? Will it be clear skies, or pouring down rain?
* What time of the day? Will it be during daylight hours or after dark?
* How many people will be attending?
* Will it be in a public place or private space?
* What kind of interruptions might occur?

But you need to consider the conditions and how the weather will affect your members. If it’s too cold to be outside, then the weather will be a distraction. Your group will not be able to concentrate on the mechanics of the ritual. Such as raising energy, connecting to spirit and so on. If it’s cold outside, and you hold your ritual inside, you might have to worry about the number of people crammed into a tight space. Or if you have room the number of people, you might need to think about how they will be generating their own heat, along with candles burning, all making the gathering space too hot and uncomfortable.

There are groups who rent space to hold their gatherings. This can be a great way to select the right space. But being in a public space has it’s own set of concerns. Regardless of it being inside or outside, there maybe outside influences to consider. Is the space closed from public viewing? If not, what types of interruptions might occur? What types of complaints might occur? This might be something to consider if you’re holding service in an outdoor location, such as a public park. There are plenty of news stories about pagan gatherings gaining permission to use an outdoor space, only to be interrupted by protestors.

There are groups who hold their gatherings in someone’s home. While these are often great spaces, there are a few things to consider in these environments as well. If the space is an apartment, you have to consider the amount of noise that might be created and how it affects your neighbors. You don’t want to be in the middle of a drumming ritual and have an irate neighbor pounding on the door. If the host has children, you may need to consider how they are incorporated into the ritual. If they’re not, what is the potential for them interrupting the ritual because they want Mommy or Daddy. And you also need to consider the family or personal environment that occurs within the home during normal hours. If the personal relationships are volatile then the energy created by the stress, sadness or anger could easily hover over your ritual gathering. The energy of the ritual space will have an affect on the members participating in the ritual. Even with a clearing and cleansing to set the space; you could still have residual energy from the host themselves.

Today many groups are finding ways to establish their own areas of worship. Some groups are formalizing their membership and establishing their own spiritual centers. These are often places where they can practice their beliefs indoors or outside. Other groups have the benefit of a member, often the head of the group, having a nice area in their own home separate from the living space. For instance I know a High Priest who turned her garage apartment into a gathering area for her coven. The space is only used spiritual purposes and it’s kept energized and protected. These types of situations also provide the choice of practicing outside as well. There are many coven leaders who are looking for specific types of property where they can have a wooded area for outdoor ritual gatherings. These are fantastic areas to hold rituals.

Free e-books (can be downloaded):

Aleister Crowley - Songs For Italy
James Eschelman - Invocation Of Horus

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A Ritual For Februalia

2010-10-16T00:48:00.000-07:00

Februalia, Februa, and also Februatio, was the Roman festival of ritual purification, later incorporated into Lupercalia. The festival, which is basically one of Spring washing or cleaning (associated also with the raininess of this time of year) is old, and possibly of Sabine origin. According to Ovid, Februare as a Latin word which refers to means of purification (particularly with washing or water) derives from an earlier Etruscan word referring to purging.

The Roman month Februarius ("of Februa," whence the English February) is named for the Februa/Februatio festival, which occurred on the 15th day of the Roman month. A later Roman god Februus personified both the month and also purification, and is named for them. Thus, the month is named for the festival and not for the god.

HERE IS A RITUAL FOR FEBRUATA, AND IS APPROPRIATE ANY DAY DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY:

*": "*": "*": Spread with a clean white cloth and place thereupon four white candles and a bowl of water, very simply.
*": Clean something externally, and at the same time clean something internally.
*" MEAL: Fasting for the day. Drink plenty of water.

FEBRUATA INVOCATION" winter has lain heavily upon us" Februata, Queen of the new light" we are sunk in layers of thought Like a hibernating mole Beneath layers of earth" us forth into the light, Lady" us remove all filth From our bodies and our souls" them a place of clarity.

Chant" Februus Lucina "(There is no further ritual; all silently take cleaning tools and being to thoroughly clean the entire building, ending with a ritual bath. As each cleans, they should meditate on what part of the mind or spirit needs cleansing, and let the physical cleansing aid in the spiritual aspect.)

Sources: Wikipedia and Pagan Book of Hours

Also read this ebooks:

Andrew Lang - Myth Ritual And Religion
Elsie Spicer Eells - Fairy Tales From Brazil

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Making A Wand

2010-10-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

One neat way to make a wand that is very popular is to get a piece of copper tubing and a crystal that fits in the end of it or even one for both ends of it. Then you can decorate the tube in various ways. SOME people solder small chips of gemstones on it, while others wrap it in black leather (crazy glue keeps this on the pipe!) and then braid various colors of embroidery thread about this or attach feathers to it or whatever. You can fill the tubes with herbs sacred to your purpose/goal in life too.

Some folks have more than one of these wands for various purposes in their lives.

You can solder the crystal/s in the end/s or you can fashion prongs out of the end of the tubing and stick it in in much the same way a jeweler sets a diamond in a ring. Again, if you do this, you may find a touch of crazy glue keeps it in better.

Of course a wand doesn't have to be this complicated. Another nice wand is the ceremonial Magick - type "lotus wand" that some witches have adopted as their own. Take a branch from a tree that is fairly straight and the right length for a wand. Preferably this should be one you find, but it can also be taken from a living tree if you psychically "ask the tree's permission" - if you get a strong feeling this is wrong and that you shouldn't cut that tree, don't do it. THIS SHOULD BE DONE ON THE WAXING MOON. All ritual tools you make should be made and/or consecrated ONLY on the Waxing moon. The waxing moon is the time from one day after the new moon up to and including the night of the full - moon.

Either way, leave an offering of thanks afterwards. If you are into the Native American traditions, an ounce or so of tobacco (PURE - the kind used in the sacred pipe) or cornmeal is appropriate. If you are in Wicca / NeoPaganims, a libation of apple juice is most fitting - as is some home-baked cakes (unfrosted plain cupcakes, some corn muffins, oatmeals or cornmeal cookies or cornbread, a loaf of home-made or all-natural whole wheat bread, etc - NATURAL stuff, please NO TWINKIES AND JUNKFOOD) or even a few small charged crystals can be implanted in the ground for the trees growth. In Santeria it was traditional when taking anything from nature to leave a specific number of copper coins, perhaps with specific foods, depending upon the Deities/Orishas or other entities being invoked according to a very strict tradition of what Beings ruled what places. (for example, 5 is the number of a river or fresh water, 7 is the number for the ocean, 4 or 6 for a mountain, 2 for the forest, etc.)

Then you strip the bark, sand it down, mark it in 7 segments and paint them each in these colors of the rainbow from top to bottom. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet.

Some celtic traditions put a steel rod through the middle of any wooden wand - a tricky business, but effective to make it a channel of the energy. To do this you MUST be sure your branch is of a certain thickness or it will split as you try to do this. This channels the energy in a simillar way to the copper tubing in the crystal wand. They also wrap a coil of thick steel wire around it's handle, like a snake, for 4-5 times which makes a grip and is also said to contribute to the energy flow.

Another way to paint a wooden wand is half black and half white or half gold and half silver, to express the balance of the polarities. If you are into Kabbalah, some folks also use Red and Blue as these are the colors usually associated with Chesed and Geburah in magick which are the central spheres on the masculine and feminine pillars of the tree of life, respectively.

And some people leave the wooden rod plain, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to come through.

ALSO, some people make their wands out of a wooden dowel rod bought at a local lumber supply house.

I do, however, suggest that if at all possible, you still go into nature and make a small offering to mother earth for the materials used. Even a purchased dowel or a crystal bought from a rock shop or a copper tubes are all gifts from Mother Earth and Father Sky and it is important to show our gratitude for what they have given us.

Ultimately, you should make the wand be what you FEEL. A simple stick wrapped with embroidery thread that has some feathers tied to the ends of the thread works well for one friend of mine in MASS.

Also read this ebooks:

Naomi Janowitz - Magic In The Roman World
Anonymous - Reaching Out To Wiccans
Anonymous - Magic And Wyrd

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Beginning Witchcraft Even More Very Basics

2010-10-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

Questions:

1. Who first practiced witchcraft, is there a certain group?
2.Can witches actually read minds, or is there a trick, and can they tell the future?
3.Can witches make objects fly, or is that another one of them make believe fairy tales?
4. I hear that witches have certain names. Is that for a certain reason?
5. Can you do a spell to make yourself a better person? How about to have someone like you, or get money, etc.
6. How does the Three Fold Law work? If you pick on someone youll have it back on you three times? Or does it only work for spells?
7. I have practiced witchcraft before, now you said that that makes you a witch. What if that spell doesnt work? How do you know if a spell did?
8. Youve probably answered this but not in those wordsCan you be born into witchcraft?

Answers:

1) Nobody really knows. It is believed by many scholars that forms of Paganism were amongst the first religions ever practiced. Though those Pagans are quite a bit different than those of today. Wicca, on the other hand, is a fairly new religion originating with Gerald Gardner in 1939.

2) Can witches read minds or tell the future... That is an interesting question. People claim that I can read minds. I think it has more to do with understanding how people in general think (applied psychology) than anything else. As for telling the future, I have been told I am very good with a Tarot deck, and I've predicted events. Someone examining the events very closely may put it up to coincidence or educated guesses, but I've been correct too often to get that lucky.

3) Make things fly? In my experience, that's a tale. Some people will tell you differently.

4) Often witches go by a second name. For some, it is a way to feel more magickal, or to get into a specific mood. Just like many people use different names on the Internet. In many cases, a second name is also used to protect their legal name if they are afraid to give out their real name.

5) Yes. We'll need to go into the concepts behind how spells work. Some you can expect to work better than others. Spells for things like self-improvement are almost always the strongest.

6) The three-fold law is based on how you treat others, and your intent when working magick. This could also use some further discussion. But if you try to emotionally hurt someone, than you're very likely to get hurt even worse. Of course, the opposite is true. If you help someone, it's likely that you'll get help in return. (Yes, this is one of the reasons why Pagans and Wiccans like doing nice things!) In my experience, Pagan or not, the rule of three applies in the world.

7) The real question is, do you consider yourself a Witch? How do you know if it worked? Depends on the spell!

8) Can you be born into Witchcraft? Just as much as you can be born into Christianity or Judaism. Any religion or practice requires some teaching. However, some people are more likely to accept one set of beliefs over another regardless of what their parents brought them up as.

Bright Blessings

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Tom Peete Cross - Witchcraft In North Carolina
Jaroslav Nemec - Witchcraft And Medicine
Hesketh Bell - Obeah Witchcraft In The West Indies Ocr Version
Michael Ford - Luciferian Witchcraft The Mystery Revealed
George Lyman Kittredge - Notes On Witchcraft Ocr Version

Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients

2010-10-05T02:04:00.000-07:00

Book: Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients by Michael Night Sky

I personally feel that the origins of Witchcraft are Prehistoric and evidence of it is found in a combination of ancient literary works and historical references. The writings of Homer, Horace, Lucan and Ovid, just to name a few all refer to Witches and Witchcraft. By also factoring in the etymology of words translated as “Witch” and “Witchcraft” we can also uncover evidence that Witches existed in ancient times. What is important here are references to non-supernatural, magic-using beings. For example, one of the earliest words used to indicate Witchcraft is the Greek word pharmakis, which indicates dealings with the properties of plants. Our English word pharmacist is derived from the Greek word for Witchcraft.

Within ancient literary works, we find the themes of earlier oral tales; though such tales are largely fiction, they are based upon known elements of culture and society to make the story more believable. For example, the ancient tales about Medea, written by Lucan and Ovid, include magic, cauldrons, ritual circles, wands, and aid from deities and spirit forces. These elements fit into what we know of the religious and magical systems of the period, and so it is reasonably safe to assume these elements are reliable. The writings of Horace (in his Epodes) depict the “Witch” as a woman who calls upon the goddess Diana and works magic of an Astronomical nature. Lucan references the concept of a Triple Goddess associated with Witchcraft: Hecate, Diana, Persephone. (Raven Grimassi)

Buy Michael Night Sky's book: Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients

Books in PDF format to read:

Paul Foster Case - An Introduction To The Study Of The Tarot
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Cave Of The Ancients
John Dee - Grimoirium Imperium Or The Book Of The Old Spirits
Michael Night Sky - Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients

The Calling To The First Of Witch Blood An Invocation Of Cain

2010-10-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

Book: The Calling To The First Of Witch Blood An Invocation Of Cain by Michael Ford

A short dedication to the Luciferian Sabbat and those seeking their own light within the gnosis of the Adversary. The initiation of the witch into the Circle of Cain, the living Son of Satan and Lilith, the great Harlot and Demoness, the Adversarial deific force of dark instinctual desire and willed continual existence.

Download Michael Ford's eBook: The Calling To The First Of Witch Blood An Invocation Of Cain

The History Of Magic

2010-10-03T19:24:00.009-07:00

Book: The History Of Magic by Joseph Ennemoser

A text of 1854, in two volume to which is added an Appendix, of the most remarkable and Best Authenticated Stories of Apparitions, Dreams, Second Sight, Somnambulism, Predictions, Divination, Witchcraft, Vampires, Fairies, Table-Turning, and spirit Rapping. Translated by William Howitt. Extremely scarce, this is a foundational work on magic and mysticism! Contents: Author's Preface; Of Magic and its Branches in General; Theoretical Views on Magic Among the Ancients; Magnetism among the ancient Nations especially the Orientals, Egyptian, and Israelites; Magic among the Greek and Romans; Magic in Mythology; Magic of the Germans; Mystic Doctrines and Endeavors after a Philosophical Elucidation of the Magic of the Middle Ages; Apparitions; Haunted Houses; Dreams; Second Sight; Trance and Somnambulism; Ecstasy; Predictions; Divination; Witchcraft; Vampires; Amulets and Charms; Narcotics; Fairies; spiritual Manifestations.

Buy Joseph Ennemoser's book: The History Of Magic

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Borce Gjorgjievski - History Of Western Magic
Amber K - The Basics Of Magick
Joseph Ennemoser - The History Of Magic Vol 2

In The Devil Snare The Salem Witchcraft Crisis Of 1692

2010-10-03T19:24:00.007-07:00

Book: In The Devil Snare The Salem Witchcraft Crisis Of 1692 by Mary Beth Norton

Every historian dealing with the Salem witchcraft episode has attempted to explain "why Salem?" in terms of their own times. Reasons why have ranged from sheer fakery to mass hysteria to land greed or medical causes. Noted historian Mary Beth Norton has throughly combed through the surviving original records to arrive at a new and convincing explanation of the infamous 1692 witch crisis: the very real fear of Indian attacks on settlements in Massachusetts and Maine. Norton explores the news and letters of the times before and during 1692 to discover that Essex County MA residents were primarily concerned with the hit and run attacks on homes and settlements by Native Americans(some with French support). She bases her thesis on what she has found in original documents, rather than use the records to support her thesis. Puritans and others had very real reasons to be obsessed with the Devil in Massachusetts as they considered Native Americans Satan's agents.... Norton's narrative is most absorbing in relating the cause and effect of Native American attacks on colonial settlements.

The story of the Salem witchcraft trials is well known, from both historical accounts and dramatic retellings, such as Arthur Miller's play The Crucible. Cornell historian Mary Beth Norton now offers a significant reinterpretation of the events that (by her count) led to legal action against at least 144 people, 54 confessions of witchcraft, 19 hangings, and one "pressing to death ... by heavy stones." Norton's contribution is to contextualize what happened. She studies not just Salem itself, but all of Essex County and Northern New England, because so many of the people involved in the witchcraft crisis didn't live in Salem proper. She also says these grim events must be understood in relation to King William's War, which the early Americans called the Second Indian War. This frontier conflict and the religious interpretations thrust upon it created the conditions for what happened in Salem and the surrounding region, which, says Norton, would not have occurred in the war's absence. As might be expected, her narrative does not proceed along traditional lines. It is driven more by the academic imperative to break scholarly ground than by the urge to tell a harrowing story. For readers interested in knowing what really happened at Salem, though, In the Devil's Snare may be the best source.

Two factors in Norton's work are most striking: 1)Just about everyone involved in the Salem witch episode had or knew of someone who had suffered losses in the eras now called King Philip's and King William's Wars, and 2)Nearly everyone involved was related to everyone else in some degree.

Norton rights many historical fallicies concerning the Salem witch episode(which she accurately terms Essex County witchcraft), focusing on the Andover area which had the highest concentration of witchcraft accusations and confessions, as well as Salem Town and Salem Village. Norton brings to light some "lost" information on accusers and accused as well, however noting that many documents may be forever lost due to deliberate destruction by either the originators and/or decendents of both accused and accusers, all wanting to preserve their families good names.

This fascinating and informationally dense book kept me up late two nights running to finish it. Norton also provides nearly 100 pages of notes and source materials, mostly of interest to serious amateur and professional historians, but full of interesting facts and further explanations.

The only real flaw in this best book I've encountered of the 1692 Witch Crisis(and I've read all of them, I believe) is that Norton uses the "they must have thought such and such" language of many of today's historians, rather than write "may" or "might", instead of "must"or "should". Norton does back up these "must" conclusions with evidence, however the reader may silently disagree upon rare occasion.

Altogether, this is a must-have book for those interested in "Salem 1692."

Buy Mary Beth Norton's book: In The Devil Snare The Salem Witchcraft Crisis Of 1692

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Witchcraft In North Carolina

2010-10-03T19:24:00.005-07:00

Book: Witchcraft In North Carolina by Tom Peete Cross

The study of popular delusions has far more than an antiquarian or academic interest. Its results constitute one of the most fascinating and instructive chapters in the story of human progress. Written history is not so much the record of battles, conquests, and legislative acts as of social and intellectual development, and no true chronicle of any people can be written until account is taken of its popular beliefs and superstitions, as well as of the more obvious forces that ordinarily engage the attention of the historian. Witch stories are human documents and as such they must be reckoned with in any account of the mental temper of a people who believe in witches and whose actions are, even to a limited extent, ordered in accord with such belief.

With these facts in mind, the branch of the American Folk-Lore Society recently organized in North Carolina has undertaken the task of collecting and recording the popular tradition of that state. The following sketch, prepared at the request of the society, was designed originally to deal with only one of the many phases of folk superstition—Witchcraft ; but owing to the heterogeneous character of the collectanea submitted, it has in process of time become a sort of omnium-gatherum of North Carolina tradition regarding magic and supernaturalism. Its purpose is twofold: first, to enumerate such items of witch lore as have already been collected in North Carolina and to point out their traditional character; second, by means of illustrations from the folk-lore of neighboring territory, to indicate what other Articles of the diabolical creed future collectors may hope to discover.

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Magikal Path Labels

2010-10-03T19:24:00.003-07:00

There are typically 3 labels used to define the practice or an individual within the Craft community.

* Solitaire - A person who has dedicated their spiritual life to a pagan path and are practicing alone or within their immediate family unit.
* Practioner - A person who has dedicated their spiritual life to a specific tradition and practices alone or within their family unit.
* Coven Memeber - A person who has been initiated within a formally organized coven, clan, grove or the like

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Witchcraft In Yorkshire

2010-10-03T19:24:00.001-07:00

Book: Witchcraft In Yorkshire by Patricia Crowther

Patricia Crowther`s witchcraft in Yorkshire was originally published in the UK in 1973. A small book of the region`s lore, this important and detailed book described customs, legends, spells, and beliefs of the Yorkshire area of the UK. This facsimile reproduction of the original 1973 book is now available as a limited edition, yet at an affordable price, with all the original language, observations, and commentary intact. Even the back cover photo is from that era. The front cover alone has been updated in tribute to the importance of this very influencial work. The foreword to this new edition puts this book in modern perspective, stating, "The small book you are now holding in your hands was an early effort by one of the first publicly announced practitioners to contribute to a fuller picture of the witch, and of witchcraft. The text provides samplings of how witchcraft and folk-magic manifested themselves, over many years, within the borders of Yorkshire."

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Louise Huebner - Witchcraft For All
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Czechoslovak Fairy Tales

2010-10-03T01:33:00.009-07:00

Book: Czechoslovak Fairy Tales by Parker Fillmore

This popular classic work by Forrest J. Ackerman is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Forrest J. Ackerman then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection.

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A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials

2010-10-03T01:33:00.007-07:00

Book: A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials by Martin Van Buren Perley

This short history meets that earnest desire; it gives the origin, growth, and death of the hideous monster; it gives dates, courts, and names of places, jurors, witnesses, and those hanged; it names and explains certain "men and things" that are concomitant to the trials, with which the reader nuiy not be conversant and which are necessary to the proper setting of the trials in one's mind; it compasses the salient features of witchcraft history, so that the story of the 1692 "delusion" may be garnered and entertainingly rehearsed.

The careful reader may discover, between the lines, in questions, in answers, and in the strange exhibitions, the real state of mind pervading all, which has been mildly characterized as a "delusion"; also he may be able to compare the Mosaic, the 1692, and the modern spirit manifestations, and advantageously determine for himself what is worth while in modern spiritualism, mindreading, clairvoyance, mesmerism, and the rest.

Though men of education, religion, titled dignity, and official station, of the professions and the 61ite, were responsible for the horrible cataatrophy, and in one instance or more forced the yeoman jurors to convict (who at the end signed recantations and expressed their grief), — religion and education must not be undervalued; a religious education will yield the highest type of manhood.

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Martin Van Buren Perley - A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials Ocr Version
Martin Van Buren Perley - A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials

The Book Of The Witch Moon

2010-10-03T01:33:00.005-07:00

Book: The Book Of The Witch Moon by Michael Ford

Presenting the forbidden works of Chaos, Vampiric and Luciferian Sorcery. A grimoire which explores the dark feminine current of HECATE, Witch Moon explores ritual and dream Lycanthropy, Chaos Sorcery and Luciferian Ritual practice as well as the darksome practice of Vampirism and Predatory Spirituality. The Nine Angles and the Trapezoid workings, inspired by Anton LaVey and presented around the cult of Daeva-Yasna, the persian demon-sorcery of Yatuk Dinoih. Contains the rituals of Dream, ritual and astral vampirism as an initiatory tool, other Cabalistic workings presenting the Qlippoth. Contains the Grimoire based on Ancient Egyptian Vampirism, LIBER AAPEP, Luciferian Magick practice, The Chaos Cult Workings of Choronzon as Vampire, The Rites of Hecate, the Infernal and Luciferian Sabbat, and the foundations of Satanic practice in Magick.

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Mastering Witchcraft

2010-10-03T01:33:00.003-07:00

Book: Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson

This is the closest you will ever come to read about true genuine authentic witchcraft if you can omitt the Lords Prayer backward section. The recipes, spells, initiation, witches pyramid (very important), tools and coven chapters are a must for true witches. Mr Huson's recipes are not only genuine but centuries old. His version of Cernunnos oil is none other than the centuries old "Oil of Immortality". The coven section dealing with how to form one and initiation are absolutely a must for anyone trying to start their own coven. Unlike the corny goody good magick and goddess worship femmenist crap found in most wicca books this book is about TRUE authentic Witchcraft or the Craft of Witches not to be confused with Wicca a Neo-Pagan religion founded by Gerald Gardner which is based on Goddess worship. Witchcraft is not a religion but an art or craft. It is the art of causing changes to occur in comformity with will. The art of bending or shaping your life, futu! ! re, events, etc. You can be a witch and not necessariy be wiccan. This book is a must for anyone interested in TRUE Witchcraft, but I must say it is not for beginners, faint of heart or wiccans. I also recommend Huson's "Mastering Herbalism" which I believe is currently out of print. Good fortune and much power to you all.

In the circle of firelight which we are pleased to call an enlightened scientific civilization, we usually feel secure in the knowledge that most of our worst childhood terrors and nightmares were merely fantasy. But if and when the firelight happens to dim, at those times when the unknown presses hard upon us, in the presence of death or insanity or insurmountable calamity, we again know instinctively that science is ultimately irrelevant, and we once again experience the old childhood terrors. We are still powerless in the face of overmastering fate. Science still completely fails to come to grips with that outer darkness beyond the flickering ring of light.

Whether you believe the Christian bugaboos and fear to lose your soul in return for the powers or, like us, consider the gamble well spent, is up to you. Should you decide the former, then read no further. The aim of this book is solely to teach you the first steps to becoming a witch or warlock. But remember, the choice was yours. We take no responsibility for the results you may achieve, good or bad. Witchcraft is witchcraft. The seeds of success or destruction lie within you and you alone. Night is jealous of her secrets and guards them in many ways; but those who succeed in wooing her may reap many rewards. On the other hand, those who timidly shun the darkness win temporary respite only, until such a time as the darkness itself reaches out and takes them when they are least forearmed.

Buy Paul Huson's book: Mastering Witchcraft

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What Is A Wizard

2010-10-03T01:33:00.001-07:00

(Anglo-Saxon) Includes both sexes; One who is born with naturally given talents, energies and great knowledge of Magikal practices. One who adheres to the pagan traditions. A wizard usually acts alone and is sometimes considered to be a semi-divine authority. Merlin would be a good example. However, this divine perception is often rejected and most often redirected to the proper deities by the wizard himself/herself.

Everyone is born with gifts and talents, however, a wizard is born with an inner instinct toward magikal practices. That person still has to make the 'choice' to use those gifts on the pagan path. A witch or wizard is making a choice to follow the principles and beliefs of the pagan path and exercise their given talents. They are not born with an all knowing wisdom. Just like everyone else; they have learning to do and wisdom to achieve.

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The Religion Of The Ancient Celts

2010-10-02T19:24:00.009-07:00

Book: The Religion Of The Ancient Celts by John Arnott Macculloch

Originally published in 1911 MacCulloch uses various texts as a source to piece this tome on the religion of the pre-Christian Celts together. Overall a good work, especially when you consider this was written before most, if not all, of the major archaeological finds that gave great insight into the ancient Celts. I love reading historical books that were published in the 1800's and early 1900's because the authors are not chained by political correctness and were often willing to think outside the box instead of toeing the line of mainstream academia.

Well worth its price, the work is suitable to the general public, while still valuable to those interested in the Celts from an historic, linguistic, mythological or ethnological standpoint. MacCulloch covers his subject matter clearly and thoroughly (referencing such things as parallels with Greek mythology and Sumerian religion) and writes in a style that will satisfy the expert without mystifying or losing the attention of the amateur.

The main text is 390 pp, is fully referenced in footnotes, and is fully indexed. Chapter titles include: Gods of Gaul - The Irish Cycle - Tuatha De Danaan - Gods of the Brythons - Cuchulainn Cycle - Fionn Saga - Gods and Men - Cult of the Dead - Nature Worship - River and Well Worship - Tree and Plant Worship - Animal Worship - Cosmogony - Sacrifice, Prayer & divination - Taboo - Festivals - The Druids - Magic - Etc...

Although the book may be "dated", it is not "outdated". Given the scholarly standards of its time, this may be more of a virtue than a drawback. More recent results in the area are naturally not addressed. But the work is consistent with comparative methods, and considers the consensus without neglecting competing accounts. There is neither neo-Druidic nonsense nor needless pedantry. While the study is generally limited to the culture of the British Isles, as opposed to that of the Continent, this is due to the lack of Continental oral tradition rather than to lack of attention on the author's part.

MacCulloch is judicious. Yet he addresses issues such as the pre-Indo-European origins of the Mother-Goddess cult of Brigid, as the legends of the faerie-folk known as the "Side,"* (as in banshee) and as the stories of "Isles to the West" now sunk below the sea.

Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien will find this work enthralling and familiar, as it shows some of the sources for his magnificent "Middle-Earth." Avid youngsters, Celtophiles, students of Irish poet W.B. Yeats, followers of Marija Gimbutas (Civilization of the Goddess) and admirers of Robert Graves (The White Goddess) will likewise be pleased.

(Consider a search for MacCulloch's 1918 "Celtic Mythology" at Google Books which will return the entire public domain text. It can be browsed or downloaded in lieu of a preview here of his style.)

I can recommend this work unreservedly for readers of all persuasions. (reader's review)

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John Arnott Macculloch - The Religion Of The Ancient Celts

Self Initiation For The Solitary Witch

2010-10-02T19:24:00.007-07:00

Book: Self Initiation For The Solitary Witch by Shanddaramon

In Hellenistic Greece and, most likely, far earlier in history, there existed several mystery schools. These spiritual schools existed, in theory at least, to teach people about the Great Mysteries of the gods. This learning took place in stages or degrees. Students began by dedicating themselves to a particular school of study. With each successive degree, the initiate delved into a deeper and more profound learning of these mysteries. This book brings the learning style of the mystery school to the path of the practitioner of Wicca. It divides intense learning and practice into five different degrees. Each chapter discusses a level in detail and contains a listing of the degree associations, a list of goals, a discussion of the focus of each level and its related Great Mystery, and a detailed explanation of each step in the degree, followed by a brief review. For each degree there is a color, title, prefix, number, and a list of goals.

The seeker may use these as needed. For example, the color could be used for the decoration of a robe, belt, or pendant to indicate to others the degree earned. The title can also indicate your level. The prefix can be used when referring to your name (common or magickal), and the number can refer to the level of the path. As always, these trappings are to be used only if doing so appeals to you. For those who do not wish to wear robes, pendants, or fancy belts, or who do not wish to discuss or share with others their progress, these adornments are pointless. If, however, they create a sense of fun and mystery for the seeker, then use them in this manner—for fun is a great part of this religion. Using any of these items to differentiate you from others solely for the purpose of elitist fancies is against the theme of this path. Constant vigilance against this attitude is necessary for the dignity of this tradition. More than that, however, is the fact that such arrogance is a hindrance in spiritual development.

Each chapter also includes several charts, graphs, and tables to help you understand the concepts discussed. These are listed as Items and are numbered. These Items should be transferred to your journal or collection of notes (such as a Book of Shadows) so that you will have a quick and easy reference as you continue to study. Each of the degrees also suggests that the seeker perform a final ritual. These rituals can be as simple or as complex as desired, and may be enacted singly or with a group of people that support such an activity. It is important to mark one’s progress, and such rituals are a fitting and meaningful way to do so. The first ritual that will be introduced will be the Dedication ceremony. Strictly speaking, this ceremony will not be a full-blown Wiccan ritual because little of the ritual practice will have been learned at this point. It will, instead, be a simply designed ceremony. Learning how to do rituals will be a main focus of early development, and the initiation ritual practiced at the end of every degree is a good way to practice and refine what has been learned. I recommend that each degree take a minimum of a year and a day of study, but you will be able to best determine your own rate of development.

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Liber Kkk Or Kaos Keraunos Kybernetos

2010-10-02T19:24:00.005-07:00

Book: Liber Kkk Or Kaos Keraunos Kybernetos by Peter Carroll

Liber KKK is the first, complete, systematic magical training programme for some centuries. It is a definitive replacement for the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage, which system has become obsolete due to its monotheist transcendentalism and its dependency on repressive forms of inhibitory gnosis now considered inappropriate.

Liber KKK is presented as a series of general magical techniques which the magician must develop into a workable programme using whatever symbols, instruments and forms of gnosis that appeal to him. It would be inappropriate for a Chaos Magic text to prescribe any particular beliefs or dogmas, except that magic works if certain general principles are followed. It would be inappropriate for any Chaos magician to slavishly adhere to the fine detail of any system. Much can be learnt from Liber KKK in the process of adapting general procedures to personal taste and objectives. Liber KKK may be attempted by any adult. The word "magician" applies equally to either sex and the use of the male personal pronouns in the text is merely a literary convention in the absence of neutral forms in English.

Liber KKK is a series of twenty-five magical operations or "conjurations". The five classical conjurations of Evocation, Divination, Enchantment, Invocation and Illumination are each performed on the five levels of Sorcery, shamanic Magic, Ritual Magic, Astral Magic and High Magic. Thus the whole work systematically resumes the entire tradition of magical technique, leading the magician from simple practices and the manufacture of tools towards the mastery of more complex experiments on the psychic level.

It is highly desirable that the magician has some form of private temple for his conjurations. Yet it is essential that the magician remains active in the world for the period of the work as a whole. The work does not entail any form of retreat from the world, but rather the world surrounding the magician is used as the proving ground for magic. Thus the business and social affairs of the magician are the prime focus for his magic. In performing that magic he gradually defines his style or spirituality. For it is senseless to define spirituality as other than the way one lives. If the Way of Magic is to have a spiritual component it can only be discovered through the performance, all strictures and exhortations are useless.

Download Peter Carroll's eBook: Liber Kkk Or Kaos Keraunos Kybernetos

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Witchcraft In Kenmore From 1730 To 1757

2010-10-02T19:24:00.003-07:00

Book: Witchcraft In Kenmore From 1730 To 1757 by John Christie

This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

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A Rebel And Witch The Historical Context

2010-10-02T19:24:00.001-07:00

Book: A Rebel And Witch The Historical Context by Marylynn Saul

Morgan le Fay, alternatively known as Morgane, Morgaine, Morgana and other variants, is a powerful sorceress in the Arthurian legend. Early works featuring Morgan do not elaborate her character beyond her role as a fay or magician. She became much more prominent in the later cyclical prose works such as the Lancelot-Grail and the Post-Vulgate Cycle, in which she becomes an antagonist to King Arthur and Queen Guinevere: she is said to be the daughter of Arthur's mother, the Lady Igraine, and her first husband, Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, so that Arthur is her half brother (by Igraine and Uther Pendragon).

The early accounts of Geoffrey of Monmouth and Gerald of Wales refer to Morgan in conjunction with the Isle of Apples (later Avalon) to which the fatally-wounded Arthur was carried. To the former she was an enchantress, one of nine sisters, while to the latter she was the ruler and patroness of an area near Glastonbury and a close blood-relation of King Arthur. In the early romances of Chretien de Troyes, also, she figures as a healer.

Though in later stories she becomes an adversary of the Round Table when Guinevere discovers her adultery with one of her husband's knights, she eventually reconciles with her brother, and even retains her original role, serving as one of the four enchantresses who carry the king to Avalon after his final battle at Camlann. She has at least two older sisters, Elaine and Morgause, the latter of whom is the mother of Gawain and the traitor Mordred. In Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur and elsewhere, she is married, unhappily, to King Urien of Gore and Ywain is her son.

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Marylynn Saul - A Rebel And Witch The Historical Context

Hierarchical Titles In Witchcraft

2010-10-02T16:52:00.009-07:00

Titles are a little different than labels. Titles are labels that are earned. Not taken on to be impressive or to create a false sense of importance. So when it comes to saying you're a Shaman, Priest or High Priestess, make sure you have the right to take on those titles and you're not misrepresenting yourself to others. There are many Hierarchical labels, Wizard, Mage, Sage, Sorcerer/Sorceress and so on. Each tradition might take on a variation of these labels to represent different initiation levels within the tradition as well. Or to represent different roles and/or responsibilities.

The most common titles are:

* Initiate -
A person who has been invited to join a specific coven. Most traditions have varying levels of initiation. The first is always an invitation by the coven to join their group. Each level after is often based on learning, knowledge and demonstrating one's ability within the coven and beliefs of the practice.
* Junior Initiate -
A person who has been invited to join a specific coven and who has reached the second level of initiation within that coven.
* Senior Initiate -
A person who has been invited to join a specific coven and who has reached the third level of initiation within that coven.
* Priest/Priestess -
A person who has completed the training of a specific coven and has demonstrated their ability to teach and lead. Then has been initiated by another Priest or Priestess into that traditions Priesthood.

Here's another example in detail. Within my clan each level of membership defines an individuals role within the Clan and the Clan community at large. These titles are earned, they are not given out just by being a member of our organization.

* Member at Large -
A 1st level initiate. A practioner of the faith and member of the Clan. Some take on the label Celtic or Clan Witch to define this role within our community.
* Clan Administrator -
A 1st level initiate. A volunteer within the Clan who is assigned to administrative duties within the Clan.
* Clan Mentor -
A 2nd level apprenticing initiate, assigned to mentor other members of the Clan in a specific specialized area of study.
* Clan Sage
A 3rd level initiate dedicated to sharing the knowledge and wisdom of the faith and a specialized area of study such as divination, magik, or healing.
* Clan Shaman / Shamanka (Clan Leaders)
A 4th level initiate dedicated to sharing the knowledge and wisdom of the faith, proven gifts of divination, expert knowledge of Holistic Healing, with leadership capabilities of the Clan, and it's practices.
* Clan Elder
A 5th level initiate dedicated to providing services, leadership and teachings to all members within and outside the Clan. Who through action and deed has continually demonstrated a high level of ethics, knowledge and wisdom.

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A Witchs Beverages And Brews Magick Potions Made Easy

2010-10-02T16:52:00.007-07:00

Book: A Witchs Beverages And Brews Magick Potions Made Easy by Patricia Telesco

This book is dedicated to good friends, without whom there would be little worthy of toasting. Specifically, to Walker, I promise never to serve you anything other than Coors Light and Sam Adams again. Rowan, Kit, and Danya, you can
show this to him when he gets uppity. To Maggie, AJ, Wade, Diane, Betsy, Talyn, Corwyn, T’sa, the Guardians, and many others who never forget a cold beer and a warm smile. And finally, to all the wonderful festival coordinators everywhere, who deserve far more thanks for their time and efforts than any one dedication can manage. Without you, our community would be sorely wanting. Cheers!

Buy Patricia Telesco's book: A Witchs Beverages And Brews Magick Potions Made Easy

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Wishcraft

2010-10-02T16:52:00.005-07:00

Based on my experiential knowledge, I have found that Wishcraft, or the act of conscious wishing, is real; I have used it for most of my life. But, as with any Craft practice, take it with a grain of salt; there are no absolutes. In this article, I hope to give a clearer view of Wishcraft so the reader could better understand how it operates as well as present its place in magic.

The difference between a wish and a spell is that a wish can be used on a smaller scale than a spell. There are typical mundane props which are used in a spell. With a wish, nothing mundane is used. Think of the difference between a wish and a spell like the difference between a full three course meal and a sandwich and drink. Both would fill you up and both would be healthy. But a sandwich is much more convenient; it could be eaten anytime.

Here is a barebones definition of Wishcraft. According to dictionary.com: to "wish" is to “feel or express a desire or hope concerning the future”; "craft" is a “skill in doing or making something, as in the arts; proficiency.” Thus, Wishcraft is an informed individual expressing an active desire through the force of will—in other words, making a “smart wish.” For example, instead of randomly wishing for money, the caster would consider how the money would be achieved. Rather than accidentally kicking off Aunt Bea for her inheritance, take into consideration the wording of your wish. There are many ways of wishing and many things for which one might wish, but caution must take precedence.

How does Wishcraft work? You would focus your energy and thoughts into one simple sentence, say “I wish…” and let loose the wish. Energy wise, I will explain the process of a wish. One example is the annual occurrence that we experience—a birthday. Remember the cake with all its candles and icing? The moment your parent said “Make a wish!” was the moment you first did magic, pagan-style. The intricacies of your wish can be explained in a simple manner. The cake was the focus point and the candle-blowing was where you focused Energy. The Wish was your will becoming a conscious entity. This is using Wishcraft in its simplest form.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Paul Huson - Mastering Witchcraft
George Lyman Kittredge - Notes On Witchcraft
Louise Huebner - Witchcraft For All
Gerald Gardner - Witchcraft Today

Witches Potions And Spells

2010-10-02T16:52:00.003-07:00

Book: Witches Potions And Spells by Kathryn Paulsen

Witches have great knowledge of how to make magical potions and charms. A potion is a drink that causes a desired effect in a person's behavior. A charm is a magical incantation that helps to bring about a spell. Witches also are believed to be able to see into the future.

According to tradition, witches are said to be masters of the supernatural world. They conjure and command spirits. They may have special helping spirits called familiars, who take the form of animals, particularly cats, snakes, owls, and dogs.

Most witches practice in secrecy. Some do so because they believe that is the tradition. Others do so because they wish to avoid persecution. Because of secrecy, it is difficult to estimate how many people practicewitchcraft.

Download Kathryn Paulsen's eBook: Witches Potions And Spells

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Ea Wallis Budge - The Egyptian Heaven And Hell
Phil Hine - Devotions And Demonesses
Anonymous - Hypnotism Spells
Louise Jackson - Witches Wives And Mothers
Kathryn Paulsen - Witches Potions And Spells

False Memory Syndrome And The Inquisition

2010-10-02T16:52:00.001-07:00

Book: False Memory Syndrome And The Inquisition by Summer Woodsong

Memories are modified by circumstance and environment There is a new witch hunt in the United States. It has no need for proof and there is no reprieve. It is sufficient to be accused, and the lingering stench never fades. It is sexual abuse of children. The accusers are children with recovered memories of abuse and the accused are their parents. My interest in the current therapy of recovered memories has to do with the physiological aspects of the memories created.

If we look at witch hunts in history there is much evidence both written and pictorial that we as a species are able to create, believe and promote unreal events and circumstances. When asked to think of unimaginable horrors most people can dredge up horrors that rival and surpass the worst available on today's' theater. If circumstances favor it, these horrors become real memories and part of our world. Then let's look at the how and why of our psychology. If we do not learn from these experiences we are in dread danger of suffering from these events again. It has already begun.

Download Summer Woodsong's eBook: False Memory Syndrome And The Inquisition

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Kenneth Grant - Aleister Crowley And The Hidden God
Aleister Crowley - Liber 888 Preface To Androcles And The Lion
Summer Woodsong - False Memory Syndrome And The Inquisition

How To Create Your Clean Wicca Witchcraft Altar

2010-09-30T19:35:00.003-07:00

The first step is to thoroughly clean the room that will contain your altar. It is best to mix sea salt into water. If you can't find any sea salt to use (any new age shop should have some), just use cleaning supplies you would normally use.

Scrub down the walls, ceiling and floor (if you don't have a rug). Make sure to pick up the clutter, and organize the room as best you can. The less clutter and mess, the easier it will be to control the energy that collects.

Now, you need to determine where North, South, East, and west are. You can use a compass, or ask someone who knows (if you don't). Once you figure them out, make sure to mark them using any small objects so that you won't forget. The reason you are doing this is because your altar will be setup-facing North because it is the direction of "Earth" and the primary energy you will connect to.

Next, you need to mark your circle. You can use white cord, or any small objects that are sacred to you. (such as candles or figurines) If you have enough room, try to mark the circle between 5 to 9 feet in diameter. (If you don't have enough space your circle can be smaller, but it may be a little more difficult to stay inside of the circle when doing your spell work.

When you mark the circle start in the East and move clockwise around the circle, finishing again in the East. Think of this is a "permanent" circles that you will "redraw" each time you do ritual or spell work. (You'll see how to redraw it later)

Now it is time to decorate your temple (the area around your circle). You can hang meaningful posters, fabric, and pictures. You can set up candles all around the room in any way that feels right for you. Try to set up a mystical feel, one that builds strong emotions for Magick work. The decorating can be simple or elaborate, whatever evokes strong feelings inside of you.

Next, you need to do an initial cleansing and purification of your space. So you must first prepare the cleansing water for this ritual. You will "charge" the water with positive and pure energy from your heart. Then you will use this water to cleanse your space.

This purification is very important to perform correctly or your space will be tainted - and it will never "feel" right. Your Magick will probably suffer as a result.

I can't stress how important the preparation of your cleansing water, and the actually cleansing and purifying of your space is. It so critical for you to actually see the rituals being done that I have included a DVD section on them in the full witchcraft Academy. Not only is there a detailed step-by-step guide for you to follow (with pictures and images), but you will actually see a demonstration of this powerful (and important) ritual.

Once you have fully cleansed and purified your space, it is time to set up your altar. Throughout this process, keep in mind that you can use any materials to set up an altar - but it is best to avoid using synthetic or metal materials. You can use a small wooden table that is between knee and chest high (you may even consider a circular table - which are popular for altars) The idea here is to maintain the natural energies of the Earth by using materials coming directly from the earth (if possible).

Set up your feminine diety elements to the left, and your mail diety elements to the right. (For Wiccans, Goddess elements to the left, and your God elements to the right)

If you want to see a full layout of elements and how to arrange them on your altar to heighten your connection to Magick - see the Home Academy to follow the exact steps. It also includes pictures of different altar setups and a video demonstration of setup and "consecration" of tools and other items on your altar. (This is a must to harmonize the energy within the tools with the energy of the altar and your sacred space)

Replace the markers you used to define the directions (North, South, East, and West) with white candles. In the DVDs you will also see how you can use colored candles that represent each of the elemental colors of the four directions. I like to place more candles around the border of the circle because I like to work my magic by candlelight.

Finally, repeat the purification ritual in the Home Academy for your altar and the circle. Then take a broom, or use your arm to clear out the space of the circle and push any negative or dark energy away.

Your first Witchcraft alter is born, congratulations! Now you can gradually increase it's power to attract the Magick energies you will need in your spell work by adding meaningful objects to it. There are many specific examples of altar setups, and examples of objects that you can add. Above all, these objects must be a reflection of you. The more of "you" that goes into your altar, the more power you will be able to draw from it - and the more protection it will offer as you do your Magick.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Herbert William Magoun - The Asuri Kalpa A Witchcraft Practice Of The Atharva Veda
George Lyman Kittredge - Notes On Witchcraft
Gordon Ireland - Faq On Wicca And Witchcraft And More
William Frederick Poole - Cotton Mather And Salem Witchcraft
Alexander Roberts - A Treatise Of Witchcraft

The Nocturnal Witch Collection Book Of Shadows From The Shadows

2010-09-30T19:35:00.001-07:00

Book: The Nocturnal Witch Collection Book Of Shadows From The Shadows by Konstantinos

Let me begin by saying that Konstantinos' "Nocturnal Witchcraft" and its companion "Gothic Grimoire" included in the set are one of the few Llewellyn books I would ever recommend to anyone. Please do not let the titles suggest that what you will receive is a wrist-slitting church of satan tome intended to teach you how to summon up the forces of darkness to curse your enemies and enslave lovers. No, what you are receiving here (and as is clearly stated by the back matter, and clearly stated by the publisher name?...) are two manuals on a nocturnal take on Alexandrian Wicca. Those of you who favor the romantic "shadowside", the mysteries of the night, the energies of the Moon, and dark Gods and Goddesses of ancient pantheons, but want to maintain strong, ethical and moral values should buy this set.

Embrace the shadows and explore the dark side of magick with this boxed set of Konstantinos favorites. Nocturnal witchcraft introduces how to work with lunar powers and spiritual entities that prefer the darkness. Learn to cast a nocturnal magick circle, skry the night, open the gates to the underworld, and use dark symbols in your night rituals. Expand your connection to the dark ether and the unseen world with Gothic Grimoire. This book features techniques and rituals taken directly from Konstantinos’ personal magickal notebooks, including the Nocturnicon, rites for overcoming obstacles that appear in the life of the nightkind. From astral travel to working with thoughtforms, The Nocturnal Witch Collection will help you connect with the positive side of the dark-ness.

What you get here are two manuals on non-fluffy Wicca for night owls. In Nocturnal Witchcraft, you will learn the preliminaries. Beginners and even experienced witches will benefit greatly from the practices and exercises here, compromised of banishing rituals, circle casting, consecration of tools, invocation, godform assumption, relaxation exercises, vizualization exercises, concentration exercises, scrying lessons, an introduction to the god and goddess of night, basic rites and spells, and much, much more. Nocturnal Witchcraft can easily double as a Wicca premier, but with a night side take. After you've read and mastered "Nocturnal Witchcraft", the "Gothic Grimoire" will take you much further. Nocturnal sabbats and esbats, advanced thoughtforms, astral projection, astral manipulations, night vision, creation of an elemental servant, advanced spells and rites, opening the gates to the Underworld, and much, much more await you herein. Not all darkness is evil. And many of the "darkly inclined" tend to display an interest in neopaganism, and ethical neopaganism at that, do well to check out Konstantinos' books. Also highly recommended are John J. Coughlin's "Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick", Denise Dummars & Lori Nyx's "Dark Archetype" and everything by Demetra George and Michelle Belanger. As Konstantinos would say, blessings, nocturnal witch.

Buy Konstantinos's book: The Nocturnal Witch Collection Book Of Shadows From The Shadows

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Sekhet Sophia - The Alexandrian Book Of Shadows
Gerald Gardner - The Garnerian Book Of Shadows
Asatru Free Assembly - The Odinist Anthology Selection From The Runestone
Austin Osman Spare - The Sorceries Of Zos From Cults Of The Shadow

Midnight Circle A Commentary Of Azothoz A Book Of The Adversary

2010-09-30T19:34:00.005-07:00

Book: Midnight Circle A Commentary Of Azothoz A Book Of The Adversary by Michael Ford

A Commentary of AZOTHOZ – A Book of the Adversary. Presented by The Night Ravener (Akhtya Seker Arimanius ~ Michael W. Ford)- A Brother in the Pact of Witchblood.

AZOTHOZ presents in poetic form the antinomian concept of separation from the natural order. This is clear throughout the various grimoires such as NOX UMBRA, BOOK OF CAIN, YATUK DINOIH, GOETIA (Luciferian Edition), and The TOAD RITE. Azothoz is actually a strong foundation from which these works arose. As written as lyric and poem form, the original praxis of the spiral force is not only directed inward, it is invoked in the circle of being. As some may have studied, Aleister Crowley[1] has placed significant focus on the Spiral Force, the traveling point of magickal energy. The same may be stated in the Antinomian practice of Left Hand Path Magick, it is the spiral force from below (darkness) which ascends through the body (self) towards the Luciferian Realms (Light).

Download Michael Ford's eBook: Midnight Circle A Commentary Of Azothoz A Book Of The Adversary

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

John Dee - Grimoirium Imperium Or The Book Of The Old Spirits
Gregory Price Grieve - Imagining A Virtual Religious Community Neo Pagans On The Internet
Padraic Colum - The Children Of Odin The Book Of Northern Myths
Michael Ford - Midnight Circle A Commentary Of Azothoz A Book Of The Adversary

3 Green Books

2010-09-30T19:34:00.003-07:00

Book: 3 Green Books by Morwyn

Reformed Druids like stories and short pithy wisdom sayings. Over the years, various Arch-Druids have collected good stories to share with their fellow Grove members, especially during the meditative part of the Order of Worship. Some consider the meditation to be the very heart and purpose of the ritual, so chose a selection carefully. If you can’t find one, perhaps one of these may work for you. At Carleton, the first Green Book (named after its cover), proved influential, but the 2nd and 3rd volumes seem much less so.

We have thought it appropriate to print The Green Book to bring it to a larger audience, in the hope that others, too, may find it useful in the search for awareness. The pages of the original are unnumbered, for David encouraged his successors to add such meditations as they found appropriate. We encourage our readers to do likewise, and have accordingly left the pages unnumbered. There have been additions since David’s time, but they have been few. For this edition we have included several selections that have long wanted adding; the Yeats poems, for example, which have almost become part of the Carleton liturgy. We have resisted the temptations to make a few excisions. We should especially have liked to excise the “Sayings of the ancient Druids” which are no more Druidic than is Stonehenge, and which certainly cannot be said to represent the beliefs of the Reformed Druids; yet David included it, and we shall not gainsay him.

Herewith, then is The Green Book, in substantially the same form as it was bequeathed to Carleton by David. May you find joy in the reading!

Download Morwyn's eBook: 3 Green Books

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Gerald Gardner - The Garnerian Book Of Shadows
Ann Groa Sheffield - Groa Top Nine Heathen Books
Reformed Druids - Anthology 06 The Green Books
Rabbi Michael Laitman - The Open Book
Morwyn - 3 Green Books

Discovery Of Witches

2010-09-30T19:34:00.001-07:00

Book: Discovery Of Witches by Thomas Potts

Were not every chapter of the history of the human mind too precious an inheritance to be willingly relinquished -for appalling as its contents may be the value of the materials it may furnish may be inestimable -we might otherwise be tempted to wish that the miserable record in which the excesses occasioned by the witch mania are narrated could be struck out of its pages and for ever cancelled.

Download Thomas Potts's eBook: Discovery Of Witches

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Anonymous - History Of Nordic Runes P9
Margaret Alice Murray - The God Of The Witches
John Stearne - A Confirmation And Discovery Of Witchcraft
Reginald Scot - The Discoverie Of Witchcraft
Thomas Potts - Discovery Of Witches

Structure Your Gathering

2010-09-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

If you’re gathering for a ritual to celebrate and esbat or sabbat, then a circle is the ideal format. But if you’re gathering for a homily, then a standard platform/audience set up might be the better environment. Most covens like to gather in Circles. Typically a circle is 9 feet in diameter. But if you have a larger group of people, you might want to make your circle larger. Or create two lines of the circle (or a circle within a circle).

As I mentioned, not everyone uses a circle. There are some groups who feel very connected to a spiritual trinity and prefer to gather in the shape of a triangle. I’ve even participated in a ritual where the group had enough members to gather in the shape of a pentagram. I know of an Egyptian group who tries to recreate the Great Pyramid and gather in a perfect square, with the Priestess standing on a small platform in the center to represent the center point of the pyramid.

The format you use to gather depends on what you feel drawn to. What you want to align your energies with and how you think you can best do that.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Emilie Kip Baker - Stories From Northern Myths
William Wynn Westcott - Historic Lecture Golden Dawn
Anthony Arndt - Asatru The Northern Way

The Christian Eucharist And The Pagan Cults

2010-09-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

Book: The Christian Eucharist And The Pagan Cults by William Mansfield Groton

Publisher: London, Longmans, Green, and co. Publication date: 1914 Subjects: Lord's Supper Notes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be numerous typos or missing text.

Download William Mansfield Groton's eBook: The Christian Eucharist And The Pagan Cults

Eclipse Meditation Ritual

2010-09-19T00:31:00.000-07:00

Eclipses are opportunities for major transformation; this is a time when the energies of the lunations are more amplified and focused.

Solar eclipses always occur on the New Moon, and Lunar eclipses occur on the Full Moon. The eclipses reflect the lunation they correspond to, but they're much more intense and their effects are more long-lasting, so it is a powerful time for rituals of transformation and release.

FOR THE ECLIPSE MEDITATION RITUAL YOU WILL NEED:

* a white candle
* salt
* purified or spring water
* incense
* small pieces of paper and pen

Take a ritual bath (add hyssop and lavender if you have it, salt if you do not) and visualize yourself releasing any blocks and fears, and affirm that you are ready to take yourself to the next level, and face the truth with an open heart and mind.

After your bath, sit in front of your altar, and do some basic grounding and rhythmic breathing. (You can ground by imagining your spine growing roots that grow down into the earth, and with each inhale, breathe in the energy from the core of the Earth... with each exhale, release anything you need to release, i.e. fears, doubt, sadness, apathy, etc. The earth can turn almost anything into fertilizer, so transform your "negatives" into something you can use!)

Drumming is a great way to get you in the correct meditational state as well... one of the fastest ways to reach alpha state is to follow the tempo of the heartbeat with your drum.

Pour the salt into the water, and clear yourself with it by lightly sprinkling yourself and anointing yourself with it.

Light your candle. Meditate on the symbolism of the flame, that fire transforms and illuminates, and stare into the flame for a while, and ask for clarity and truth during this eclipse cycle. Give yourself permission to release any and all thought forms that no longer serve your highest good. Ask the following:

* What area of my life needs some new ideas and a fresh perspective" it down on a small piece of paper, and create an affirmation supporting your new goal._

* How can I break through restrictive "safe" constructs, to be fully alive and, like the Phoenix, be reborn thru transformation" it down on a small piece of paper, and create an affirmation supporting your new goal._

Save those pieces of paper for later.

* Write down on the remaining pieces of paper (one at a time) what keeps you from achieving the goals you are after... focus on it, then say something like:

_"All energy is neutral. I now release and transform this energy into an energy source that can be utilized for the highest good for all concerned (or "in the name of Goddess / Universe / God / Creator" etc.) _

Burn the paper, focusing on the transformation of the energy.

When you feel like you're clear, thank the Deities, energies, spirits, guides, angels, etc. you've worked with, and bury the ashes in the earth, and imagine your goals for transformation fulfilled. Blessed Be.

The use of symbols can sometimes help make a spell more powerful... let your imagination guide you as you set up your personal lunar altar.

* Use white or silver candles and altar cloths
*" GODDESSES:_ Isis, Artemis, Diana, Hecate, Kwan Yin
*" HERBS:_ mugwort, camphor, sandalwood
*" METAL:_ silver
*" STONES:_ moonstone, selenite, pearl, mother of pearl, sapphire
* Draw the symbol for the Moon on your candles
* Make a medicine bag representing what you want to transform and consecrate it; carry your medicine bag next to your skin

Tell no one about your spell work! Make a strong floor wash out of mugwort and a pinch of camphor, and clean ritual area and psychic tools with it.

(c)1997-2005. Sarolta G. DeFaltay

DSAS, Inc. Deep Skies Astrological Services

Source: Moonspells.com

Also read this ebooks:

Vovim Baghie - The Grand Satanic Ritual
Anton Szandor Lavey - The Satanic Rituals
George Robert Stowe Mead - A Mithraic Ritual

Labels: reference witchcraft bath elements loved ones death love apocalypse letters demonology witchcraft wicca symbol notebook lessons witchcraft moon magic bartzabel spirit numerology numbers lotus influences enochian

The Dark Powers

2010-09-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

I felt (once again) the need to submit this article based on the fact that there is little known about this aspect of The Craft. I have recieved many questions about this subject and will try to cover as much of it as possible in this article.

The dark powers I refer to are the dark aspects of the Goddess and God. These powers come from the Crone and Lord of Shadows; the Hag and the Hunter. These are the two dark forms of the Lady and Lord. These powers are not only about the negative in our lives, but also very potent with the negative aspects in the universe. It is possible, in time, to turn these negatives to positives and apply them to your spellcraft. By accepting that the dark powers are in balance with the light powers, you are able to utilize the wholeness of the power. Shadow and light must be equal in our lives. Energy can be drawn to either light or dark, so when we die, the energy we have drawn will provide the soul's passage.

Dark powers are not something we should fear. When you are able to utilize the dark powers in balance with the light, you are able to take control of the power in whole. The unity you make with light and dark offers wholeness and peace, which may then be transferred to external energies and spells. Dark moons, however, are not very productive in spells and rituals. These signify a time not to call on the Lady and Lord, but to have quiet time or sleep and dreamtime.

Using dark power in meditation and spellcraft is very useful. You can call upon this power and use it's strong negativity for good, not for an increase of anger or rage. Casting a circle for a dark aspected spell or meditation is done deosil (N-W-S-E) or counter-clockwise. Call the elements and begin your practice. You can also use some of your tools for dark and dark only. Some of these are: a black mirror, gourd rattle, athame (if you can afford to), and cauldron. I use all the same for both light and dark. Some witches have seperate for each power.

Dark power colors are as follows:
Black - absorb/block negativity; remove negativity; focus on Shadowland/Underworld
Gray - Feary paths; neutralizing negativity; veiling
Purple - spiritual development; power, cleansing and intuition; progress
White - protection/truth; peace
Red - Power, energy and strength
Lavender - Sidhe magics, psychic growth and spiritual development
Silver - lunar energy

Dark powers are extremely strong and very useful. I do recommend that one know their own strength and know their Craft before one attempts working with them. Being that they are dark, and negative at that, it is possible to misuse them. Be careful what you do, and blessed be!

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Sri Swami Sivananda - Thought Power
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Saffron Robe
Melita Denning - The Aurum Solis
Paul Foster Case - The Life Power
Ona - The Dark Forces

Mysterious Delusions Witchcraft In Salem

2010-09-15T03:44:00.000-07:00

Book: Mysterious Delusions Witchcraft In Salem by Walter Rowe

The Salem witchcraft trials are events that most Americans have heard of, but about which they actually know very little. For example, some people believe that witches were burnt in Salem. Actually, the prescribed punishment for witchcraft under English law was hanging. Another commonly held belief is that the witchcraft hysteria started when a group of young girls in Salem, under the tutelage of Tituba, an African slave, used magical spells to try to find out the occupations of the men that they would marry. This cluster of beliefs now has the status of an academic urban legend. The notion that a group of girls was using magic to find out about their future husbands stems from a careless reading of a remark of Rev. John Hale, who wrote that one of the young accusers had confided to him her own use of magic in this way. (by Walter F. Rowe, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Forensic Sciences The George Washington University Washington, DC)

Download Walter Rowe's eBook: Mysterious Delusions Witchcraft In Salem

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Michael Harrison - The Roots Of Witchcraft
Paul Huson - Mastering Witchcraft
Walter Rowe - Mysterious Delusions Witchcraft In Salem

Getting Started In Traditional Witchcraft Now

2010-09-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in becoming a Traditional Crafter, a Traditional Witch, here is where to start. With all the misinformation drifting around about this topic it is best to start with some basic essentials. When I was first starting out I wanted to get into the “fun stuff” you know, when do you get to work with tools? And rituals? Spells? Those are all interesting aspects of the Craft but you really must learn some central skills and techniques that will be useful in all those activities later on. Fortunately it is easier than you may think.

Let me share some of my own experience. I can vividly remember visiting an old family friend in the woods to the north of where I lived, it was a small home he owned and built himself. For as long as I can remember he had been a Crafter and I was always interested in what he practiced. I would always knock three times and then he would answer, the smell of aromatic dried herbs hit you as you walked into his small cottage. The first time I visited him I was not sure what to expect, would he teach me a spell, or some sort of ceremony?

I could not have been more mistaken. When I got there he took me out the back door that opened directly into the forest. We walked deep into the woods where the ancient trees grew. Finally he stopped and told me to sit on an old stump. He told me to sit perfectly still, to close my eyes and calm my mind. After a while I became very aware of my surroundings and sensitive to nature itself. I could feel the sway of the trees and the breeze that moved them; I could hear the flutter of even the tiniest of winged insects, smell the amber colored leaves as they fell from the trees, and even tastes the lingering moistness left over from summer rains. It was peaceful and wonderful, nothing had even felt this real to me.

He explained afterward that the lesson he was trying to teach me was to “Go Within,” to focus the mind, it is what some might call meditation. Being in the forest is a great place to Go Within, and to grow closer to nature. These are the first two steps a new seeker should take: Go Within, and become closer to nature.

You can Go Within in your home, outside, or anyplace. The idea is to focus, to turn off all the distractive thoughts that race through the mind every second of our lives. This “mental noise” prevents us from seeing clearly; but if we can focus on just one thing we can tune out all the other distractions. This is a vital ability in the Traditional Craft, and is a basic skill used in Traditional Magic. Our modern society has become dominated by industrialization and commercialization; too non-thinking, hectic, and automatic. nature is often an afterthought, but getting close to nature is exactly what a new seeker needs to do.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Howard Williams - The Superstitions Of Witchcraft
Swain Wodening - Anglo Saxon Witchcraft
Alexander Roberts - A Treatise Of Witchcraft
Michael Bailey - Historical Dictionary Of Witchcraft

Consecrating Tools Method 1

2010-09-14T05:12:00.000-07:00

You may wish to concentrate you tools, although it is not necessary, as the Kitchen Witch knows.

Supplies in addition to circle casting supplies:

Any tool you wish to consecrate
White candle for consecration flame

Cast your circle:

To consecrate the tools, the elementals may be used.

Pick up the wand, saying:

"I have chosen this wand to assist me in my work."

Visualize the wand being cleared of any negativity, especially if it has had a previous owner. Continue till the wand feels clear to you. Now visualize positive energy flowing from you, down you arm and into the wand. Visualize a strong white light flowing through your body to the tool. Feel it absorb the positive energies. Touch it to the pentacle, saying:

" In the names of the Goddess and God (use any names you wish), I bless and make sacred this wand, tool of my craft. I charge this wand by the element of Earth."

Point the wand towards the North, saying:

"May the powers of the Earth cleanse and fill the wand I have chosen."

Pass the wand through the smoke of the incense, saying:

"In the names of the Goddess and God (use any names you wish), I bless and make sacred this wand, tool of my craft. I charge this wand by the element Air."

Point the wand to the East, saying:

"May the powers of the Air cleanse and fill the wand I have chosen."

Pass the wand through the candle flame, saying:

"In the names of the Goddess and God (using any names), I bless and make sacred this wand, tool of my craft. I charge this wand by the element Fire."

Point the wand to the South, saying:

"May the powers of Fire cleanse and fill the wand I have chosen."

Sprinkle the wand with water, saying:

"In the names of the Goddess and God (using any names), I bless and make sacred this wand, tool of my craft. I charge this wand by the element Water."

Point the wand to the West, saying:

"May the powers of water cleanse and fill the wand I have chosen."

"This tool is now ready, being consecrated and charged to assist me in my work. So mote it be."

Perform other workings if you wish, then close the circle.

To consecrate, cleanse and charge other tools, substitute the word "wand" with the name of the chosen tool.

Suggested ebooks:

Pangaia - Handcrafted Ritual Tools
Rabbi Michael Laitman - Attaining The Worlds Beyond

Labels: fifth thing finding mentor guide mysterious pentagram reviews ruckbie work hood witches elemental work ritual witchcraft dark forces liber light grimoire bucklands book witchcraft

The Complete Idiots Guide To Wicca And Witchcraft

2010-09-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

Book: The Complete Idiots Guide To Wicca And Witchcraft by Denise Zimmermann

An invaluable resource for beginners and adepts alike, this best-selling and frequently Recommended book on wiccan magick and witchcraft has been updated and revised, now featuring a Year-and-a-Day calendar for the solitaire who is beginning to explore Wicca on his or her own.

- Loads of new spells
- New for this edition—a Year-and-a-Day calendar
- Expanded information on creating a personal grimoire and book of Shadows—the witch’s spell manual and "bible"

This guide offers a beginner's look at the history of paganism, Wicca, and witchcraft, from the Druids and Celts to the witches of today who practice an earth-based religion, cast spells, and perform natural magic. The book, written by a practicing witch, reveals details of the witches' Sabbaths, ceremonies, and altars.

Don't get me wrong, fellow pagans, I recommend Cunningham' Guide for a Solitary Practitioner and other well known books. But sometimes it is easy to start from the very beginning. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft, does just that. It lays the foundation for other works (such as those by Cunningham) to contiune the way. This book introduces you to concepts and theories as well as jargon and even how to lead you in circle casting and ritual work. It presents the information in an easy to understand and comprehend manner. It breaks down complex ideas and explains them to you one piece at a time. It also offers tidbits of information throughout the book that are fun and informative.

This book has gone on my top ten of books to recommend to new people. I also recommend this book to people wanting a refresher on Wiccan basics. Kudos!

Buy Denise Zimmermann's book: The Complete Idiots Guide To Wicca And Witchcraft

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Howard Williams - The Superstitions Of Witchcraft
Frater Fp - Pocket Guide To Witchcraft
Denise Zimmermann - Complete Idiots Guide To Wicca And Witchcraft

Do All Witches Practice Magick

2010-09-05T20:18:00.000-07:00

Magick is a tool. As a tool, it can be used within any religion. Some people who follow the religion of Witchcraft do not practice magick. It would be inaccurate to say that magick has nothing to do With Witchcraft. Still, there are those who choose not to practice magick. Foremost, witchcraft is a religion.

Books in PDF format to read:

Anonymous - Rep Insight The Witches Resource Pack
Lincoln Order Of Neuromancers - Apikorsus An Essay On The Diverse Practices Of Chaos Magick
Lisa Mcsherry - The Alchemy Of Abundance Practical Money Magic
Anonymous - Witchcraft A Guide To Magic
Ophiel - The Art Practice Of Caballa Magic

Other Healing Spells

2010-09-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

Healing Spell #1:
Think intensely about the person that you want to heal while chanting the following words.

Wrap thee in cotton,
Bind thee with love,
Protection from pain,
Surrounds like a glove,
Brightest of blessings,
Surround thee this night,
For thou art cared for
Healing thoughts sent in flight

Healing Spell #2:

Write the names of the people taking part on a blue candle. On a piece of parchment write a list of the things you wish to have healed. This can be specific or general. For you, someone else, or just the universe in general Light the candle and see the energy being sent into the candle and leaving through the smoke and flame to carry out your will. Hold the paper to the flame to burn. As it does say:

By full moon's light,
With helping hands,
I spread good health,
Throughout the lands
Send energies far and near,
To heal this earth,
That I hold dear.
And all of those,
So dear to me,
With harm to none,
So mote it be.

Healing

Chant for Healing, Illumination and the Sun

Sun of power, Sun of gold
Sun O wondrous fair
Hear my words of power and grace,
Winging through the air
Illuminate Deep Mysteries,
Bring me favors great
Fill my life with joy and hope
Grant me wondrous fate
All?powerful healing Deities
Guide me to high Destinies

Health Remedies:

Guardian Gargle

2 drops Guardian Blend ( health food store)
2 Tbsp Colloidal Minerals (Colloidal Silver can be used)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup Natures spring water (warm)

Mix together & gargle. Follow with the dose of Colloidal Silver internally.

Throat Massage

2 drops lemon
2 drops Bergamot
2 drops lavender

Place in massage oil and use topically, gently massaging the throat area. Use once to twice per day for 3 to 4 days.

Throat Massage II

2 drops frankincense
3 drops lavender
1 drop sandalwood
Place in massage oil and gently massage throat area. Can also be diffused at night before bedtime.

Garlic Oil Ear drops

1 garlic oil gel cap (opened)

Equal amount of olive oil

2 drops helichrysum
1 drop lavender

Place 2 to 3 drops of this blend directly in each ear and let settle for 3-5 minutes. Plug with cotton. This is very effective for chronic inner ear congestion

Colloidal Silver Ear drops

Another ear formula includes

1 drop tea tree
1 drop Helichrysum
3 drops colloidal silver

Place directly in the ear and plug with cotton. This is a very effective remedy for chldren who are experienncing constant inner ear problems from blocked eustachian tubes and chronic sinus problems.

Ear Massage Blend

Topical massage around the ear to reuce inflamation

2 drops Helichrysum
3 drops lavender
1 drop Roman Chamomile

Place in Massage oil andrub gently aroundoutside of ear and throat area

Aromatic Nasal Relief

Salves, including eucalyptus, lavender & frankincense, rubbed on the chest are helpful in relieving congestion. They work as antispasmodics and also have expectorant qualities. Equal parts of eucalyptus, pine & peppermint used as an inhalant are wonderful to clear sinus stuffiness. Thyme, eucalyptus & myrrh can be used as an effective inhalant as well.

Baths are relaxing & beneficial for body when the ears, nose and throat are in distress. Oils in the bath act in 2 ways, absorption into the skin & by inhalation of aroma.

Fact: Ear infection

The most common cause of ear infections is food allergies, especially those from dairy products - cow's milk, cheese and ice cream. Even nursing mothers must watch what they eat, as they can set off sensitivities in their nursing babies. Bottle-fed babies suffer more frequently from ear infections than breast fed babies.

To switch from dairy products, consider using goat cheese, which is more easily tolerated & actually helps lymphatic drainage. Milke substitutes include rice milk, soy milk & almond milk. Many people tolerate frozen yogurt better than ice cream.

Also read this ebooks:

Howard Phillips Lovecraft - The Crawling Chaos
Leo Ruickbie - Halloween Spells
Anonymous - White Magic Spells

Labels: anniversary death pagan origins halloween practical magic witchcraft magic opening circle confirmation discovery advanced witchcraft inner meditation psychic history experimental single secret samekh theurgia summae aleister crowley poems

A History Of Magic And Experimental Science

2010-09-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

Book: A History Of Magic And Experimental Science by Lynn Thorndike

Lynn Thorndike's History of Magic and Experimental Science, in 8 volumes, is still the premier reference work for the history of magic in the west. The first 2 volumes cover late antiquity through the 13th century, and volumes 3-4 cover the 14-15th century. These are strong volumes, copiously researched and well-indexed, and a major source for work on the period. But it is the last 4 volumes that are the heart of the work. Covering the 16th, and 17th Centuries (2 volumes each), these four volumes remain entirely unsurpassed. Thorndike has chapters on almost everything, from major figures (Agrippa, Cardano, Bruno, etc.) to broad themes (Astrology, pseudo-Aristotelian works, etc.). Just about everything worth mentioning is at least mentioned here; the index alone is worth the price of admission...Now to whom would this set be useful? Well, anyone who has a good reason to want to investigate something in the history of magic fairly thoroughly. The primary difficulties with the book, you see, are (1) it was completed in the early 1950s, so none of the more recent Scholarship (e.g. any of Frances Yates's work) is taken into account, and (2) Thorndike was something of a positivist, and so he tends to pass rather summary judgment on the more unabshedly magical of his subjects --- note his hatchet-job on Cornelius Agrippa, a personal favorite of mine. If, however, you expect to do any scholarly research on some figure or problem in especially 16th-17th century magic, you need to read Thorndike on the subject. Sure, his judgments may be dated, and his scholarly methods even more so, but you will never find another reference work on magic which packs so much information so densely. Every library which claims to be a research library needs this boook; for private individuals, nobody can really claim to have much of a "magical library" (for whatever purpose) unless he or she has shelled out for this set. Scholars of the subejct who don't know about this ought to be ashamed of themselves. And any occultists take note: chuck out that dreadful Man, Myth, and Magic set, and buy this instead!

Download Lynn Thorndike's eBook: A History Of Magic And Experimental Science

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Joseph Ennemoser - The History Of Magic Vol 2
John Campbell Colquhoun - An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism
Lynn Thorndike - A History Of Magic And Experimental Science

Witchcraft For All

2010-08-31T02:48:00.000-07:00

Book: Witchcraft For All by Louise Huebner

There are real witches today. Contrary to folk tales, they don't go riding about by night on brooms. They don't cavort in the nude unless they have something very normal in mind, and they don't cackle over cauldrons of vintage LSD.They do dabble in spells and chants, burning candles and employing powerful processes, but once the mystery is stripped away, there is nothing much more strange connected with witchcraft than the mysteries of love and religion. In fact, when lovers light candles for dinner, and when churchgoers light candles in prayer, they invoke a force that witches have always known to be beneficial.As to whether witches are good or evil, that depends upon your point of view about what's good and what's evil.

Download Louise Huebner's eBook: Witchcraft For All

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Anonymous - Witchcraft A Guide To Magic
Fransis Bragge - Witchcraft Farther Displayd
Tom Peete Cross - Witchcraft In North Carolina
Gerald Gardner - Witchcraft Today
Louise Huebner - Witchcraft For All

The Inner Temple Of Witchcraft Magick Meditation And Psychic Development

2010-08-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

Book: The Inner Temple Of Witchcraft Magick Meditation And Psychic Development by Christopher Penczak

The Inner Temple of Witchcraft is a thorough course of education, introspection, meditation, and the development of the magickal and psychic abilities that are the birthright of the witch. Four introductory chapters present the history, traditions, and principles of witchcraft, followed by thirteen lessons that start with basic meditation techniques and culminate in a self-initiation ceremony equivalent to the first-degree level of traditional coven-based witchcraft.

This book's non-dogmatic presentation encourages an eclectic, personal approach while providing a strong foundation for the practice of witchcraft and magick. Develop your psychic abilities and practice potent magickal techniques as you explore the source of every witch's power--the temple within.

These two new titles from Llewellyn focus on witchcraft, or Wicca, a cluster of religious rituals and beliefs deriving from ancient European polytheisms or paganisms. The author of seven books on witchcraft, Grimassi is a practicing Italian witch (a strega) who has researched the history and theory of witchcraft back to antiquity, with a view to recovering and preserving teachings and lore. As a result, the book is primarily a historical study of various European Witchcraft traditions. Even when considering magickal techniques for the focusing of natural power or discussing methods of psychic development, the author takes pains to cover their historical development. While Grimassi's book will appeal more to scholars of religion, Penczak's book will appeal to believers and interested casual readers. An active witch and teacher of modern neo-Paganism, Penczak teaches classes (mainly in New England) on witchcraft and various other New Age practices such as reiki, shamanic journeying, and past-life regression. His book aims at using Wiccan techniques (generally termed "Magick") to aid in personal growth. Accordingly, after a brief history and some basic theory of Wiccan spirituality comprising four chapters, there follow 13 lesson-chapters on techniques of spiritual growth, each followed by appropriate exercises. A minor criticism: some of the material discussed, while probably hermetic or occult in origin, is not ordinarily considered Wiccan but pertains to other religious traditions. Astral travel, for instance, is more often a feature of Shamanism, while chakras are a part of yoga. Both books provide a useful introduction to Modern Witchcraft and are recommended for both academic and public libraries, particularly those with substantial religion collections.

As you progress through this year-and-a-day course of study, you will explore a wide range of topics that support and inform the dedicated witch:

- Ancient and modern magickal philosophy
- Modern scientific theories supporting a new definition of reality
- "Instant" magick techniques for protection, healing, and serenity
- Energy work and anatomy, including chakras and auras
- Astral travel, dreams, and spirit guides
- Healing techniques for body, mind, and spirit

Unlike most beginner books on Witchcraft, this book does not focus on spells, tools, or celebrating the wheel of the year (Sabbats). It is all to often that student of the Craft go straight to traditional spellwork without understanding how or why it works. The author insists that students who have not experienced energy or psychic powers, the "foundation stones or magick", will have a less profound experience in ritual. Instead this book focuses on the journey within, psychic development, meditation, and magick.

The book starts out with four introductory chapters that gives basic definitions of the word "witch", such as the healer and Walker Between worlds. It describes Witchcraft as an art, science, and spirituality and describes the ancient history and modern traditions of Witchcraft. The rest of the book is divided into 13 lessons along with exercises, meditations, and homework to go along with "a year and a day" study course. Lesson topics include meditation, ancient philosophy, magickal theory, protection, astral projection, light, energy anatomy (chakras, auras, etc.), spirit guides, and healing.

In my opinion, The Inner Temple of Witchcraft is an extraordinary text. Christopher Penczak's eclectic approach and personal experience makes this book a pleasure to read. When reading a book on Witchcraft, what's better than one written by an experienced minister and practitioner of the Craft.

This book makes me feel better knowing that I'm not the only one who can't figure out what it really is to "visualize your intent" right off the bat. It eases you into a meditative practice, visualization, affirmations, healing, chakra work, etc. He presents the skills as progressive lessons so the format is easy to follow. All the other magic 101 books say that magical skill comes with practice, but once again, this book is much more useful. Instead of just saying that you should practice, Penczak actually lists homework at the end of each lesson.

Buy Christopher Penczak's book: The Inner Temple Of Witchcraft Magick Meditation And Psychic Development

Books in PDF format to read:

Summers Montague - The History Of Witchcraft And Demonology
Justin Winsor - The Literature Of Witchcraft In New England
Bjarke Folner - Theoretical Foundations Of Witchcraft And Demonological Development

Spirituality And Gender

2010-08-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

Book: Spirituality And Gender by John Nash

A major crisis in the world today concerns women and spirituality. Women everywhere are experiencing a rapid expansion in consciousness that has opened up new avenues to self-expression and fulfillment. From the limited fields of the home, teaching, and nursing, women now enjoy opportunities in virtually every field of endeavor: the professions, politics, the military, business, manufacturing and construction industries, entertainment, sports, and many other areas. Although they have met some resistance, the response from male colleagues to women's entry into these fields has been overwhelmingly positive. For the most part, men are readily sharing in women's consciousness-raising. Government and industry leaders stress the contribution that this previously untapped human resource can make to growth and prosperity. Today's women can do anything men can do, outside the realms of physical sex and religion.

Women have long been welcome in organized religion in service roles. Nuns could teach in schools and nurse the sick, female parishioners could arrange flowers on the altar, women could teach children and other women in Sunday school and could serve as volunteers in the great many jobs needed to keep a church operating. Now women are knocking on the seminary doors and demanding entry to the ministry. Some Christian denominations have admitted women to the ministry on an equal footing to men--in a few cases even to senior ranks such as bishop. Reform Judaism welcomes women to the rabbinate, and women have made some inroads into the priesthood of Hindu and Buddhist temples. However, other Christian denominations and Islam adamantly refuse even to discuss the issue of female ordination. After all, as the fundamentalists are quick to point out, it was through women that sin came into the world. Furthermore, the Savior/Prophet was male, so that's that.

For much longer, women have played a distinct spiritual role, although this role has received scant support from male-oriented society. The goddess culture of ancient times was destroyed by patriarchal invaders, notably the Hellenic Greeks. Priestesses and vestal virgins continued to play a significant role in religious life during the Greek and Roman periods, although large numbers are reported to have been raped or murdered. Others went to war, often fighting to the death or taking their own lives before they could be captured.

In the later Christian era, a few women, like Hildegard of Bingen and Theresa of Avilla were revered as mystics, but many more, including Joan of Arc, were burned at the stake. Historians attribute much of the appeal of Medieval Witchcraft to women's unfulfilled saccerdotal ambitions. Even today, Wicca attracts women who might in other circumstances be attracted to the priesthood available to their male counterparts.

Download John Nash's eBook: Spirituality And Gender

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Starhwak - The Spiral Dance
Jaroslav Nemec - Witchcraft And Medicine
Raym - Spirit Guide A New Life Guide
Andrew Lang - Myth Ritual And Religion
John Nash - Spirituality And Gender

Salem Possessed The Social Origins Of Witchcraft

2010-08-17T02:25:00.000-07:00

Book: Salem Possessed The Social Origins Of Witchcraft by Paul Boyer

This is a wonderful book. Boyer and Neissenbaum take you to society and the time right before the witch trials took place. They give you all the information you need to feel what life was like there and to understand the underlying tensions and disputes, jealousies and arrogance. Things were changing. Some people wanted --and benefited from the changes-- others didn't want, and were antagonistic to, the changes. The ideal of the community was being tested by economic opportunity, which was fostering economic greed. An increasing stratified society was coming into being. Meanwhile, there was no mechanism available for petty disputes to be resolved via the courts or other public venues -- this is just a short list of the variety of problems that sat unresolved and which eventually broke loose in the hysteria of a witch hunting. This is an amazingly complex and fascinating story--the research and scholarship here is extraordinary. If you want to know what lead up to the witch trials this is the book you want to read.

Provides an admirable illustration of the general rule that, in Old and New England alike, much of the best sociological history of the Twentieth Century has only been made possible by the antiquarian and genealogical interests of the nineteenth...This sensitive, intelligent, and well-written book will certainly revive interest in the terrible happenings at Salem.
--Keith Thomas (New York Review of Books )

The authors' whole approach to the Salem disaster is canny, rewarding, and sure to fascinate readers interested in that aberrant affair. (The Atlantic )

This is an 'inner history' of Salem Village that aims to raise the events of 1692 from melodrama to tragedy...It is a large achievement. This book is progressive history at its best, with brilliant insights, well-organized evidence, maps, and footnotes at the bottom of the page.
--Cedric B. Cowing (American Historical Review )

This short book is a solid contribution to the understanding of the 1692 witch trials. The authors use impressively rich demographic detail to support the thesis that the witch trials are best explained as symptoms of typical social tensions in provincial towns at the time. According to Boyer and Nissenbaum, Salem villagers played roles determined by economic, geographic, and status interests.
--Richard Ekman (Canadian Historical Review )

An important, imaginative book that brings new insights to the study of the 1692 witchcraft outbreak in Massachusetts. Building on Charles Upham's Salem Witchcraft (1867), Boyer and Nissenbaum explore decades of community tension and conflict in order to explain why Salem was the focus of this episode. The authors reveal a complex set of relationships between persons allied with the growing mercantile interests of Salem Town and those linked to the subsistence-based economy of outlying Salem Village.
--Carol Karlsen (Journal of Women in Culture and Society )

A provocative book. Drawing upon an impressive range of unpublished local sources, Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum provide a challenging new Interpretation of the outbreak of witchcraft in Salem Village. They argue that previous historians erroneously divorced the tragic events of 1692 from the long-term development of the village and therefore failed to realize that the witch trials were simply one particularly violent chapter in a series of local controversies dating back to the 1660s. In their reconstruction of the socio-economic conditions that contributed to the intense factionalism in Salem Village, Boyer and Nissenbaum have made a major contribution to the social history of colonial New England...[They] have provided us with a first-rate discussion of factionalism in a seventeenth-century New England community. Their handling of economic, familial, and spatial relationships within Salem Village is both sophisticated and imaginative.
--T. H. Breen (William and Mary Quarterly )

An illuminating and imaginative interpretation... of the social and moral state of Salem village in 1692. A sensitive, intelligent, and well-written book. (New York Review of Books )

A large achievement. This book is progressive history at its very best, with brilliant insights. (American historical Review )

Salem Possessed is a provocative book. Drawing upon an impressive range of unpublished local sources, Paul Boyer and Stephen Nissenbaum provide a challenging new interpretation of the outbreak of witchcraft in Salem Village... A major contribution to the social history of colonial New England... Sophisticated and imaginative. (William and Many Quarterly )

Buy Paul Boyer's book: Salem Possessed The Social Origins Of Witchcraft

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Michael Bailey - Historical Dictionary Of Witchcraft
Howard Williams - The Superstitions Of Witchcraft
Reginald Scot - The Discoverie Of Witchcraft
Michael Harrison - The Roots Of Witchcraft
Anonymous - Basic Technologies Of Witchcraft

Nocturnal Witchcraft Magick After Dark

2010-08-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Book: Nocturnal Witchcraft Magick After Dark by Konstantinos

I found this book very useful. Although it is not a Complete Course in magick, it does offer a unique perspective and approach I have not found in any other Wicca or witchcraft books. I agree that it may seem a little trendy to the casual observer, but honestly what mass produced books on Wicca aren't trendy these days? I thought the book was a refreshing change from the New Age/wicca books currently flooding the market.

But this book isn't for everyone. If a person has a deep love of the entity known as night then the book will resonate with them. Otherwise it is easy to dismiss it as a trendy goth work (although the author doesn't spend much time discussing that particular sub-culture). Personally as a non-Goth I appreciated the author's insights into the night. His approach is more about a naturally based identification with the night than a socially based one.

As far as modern reworkings of the old magicks go, I think Konstantinos has done a good job with this book. Of course it isn't a stand alone work, but it is a good primer for those who love the night and want to work with it in a deeper way.

Konstantinos is a genius is explaining this issue to a new level. I have read his books before and am by no means new to magic or the dark night, but he has outdone himself once again. I look forward to reading his next publication. I already knew most of what he was saying in the book, but it helped make it easier to clarify some of the things I was already doing. This is a love it or hate it book, so if you are not nocturnal...... you might wanna pass.

This book is what anyone who wants to know more about shadow magick should get. Even though there are books out there that deal with this topic, Nocturnal Witchcraft takes it steps further. Konstantinos excellently tells what exactly the shadows are to witches and how it can be used in everyday magick. Plus, he adds extra information(a listing of the deities, herbs used during certain rituals) to help the novice or experienced witch what they need in order to come closer to the shadows. He does not try to candy coat anything, just explains with detail and his own personal experiences with this magick.

I have already told many people about this book and I hope through this review and many others, that witches do purchase this book. Such a wonderful insight into the shadows...

Buy Konstantinos's book: Nocturnal Witchcraft Magick After Dark

Books in PDF format to read:

Paul Boyer - The Salem Witchcraft Papers Vol 3
Hesketh Bell - Obeah Witchcraft In The West Indies
Fransis Bragge - Witchcraft Farther Displayd
George Lyman Kittredge - Notes On Witchcraft Ocr Version

Ritual For Yule

2010-08-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Take a warm bath with cinnamon, mint and rose petals to improve psychic awareness. Relax... let the warm sooth you, and consume you.

Decorate the sacred space with gold and silver spheres to represent the returning sun, and wreaths to symbolize the turning Wheel.

Have oak shavings ready as a base for your incense. Add any other personally meaningful herbs to this mixture and start burning it before the invocation to help prepare the sacred space.

Finally, put a candle representing the sun at the southern point of the circle.

Cover the altar with a pale green cloth - the color of early sprouts, which represents continuance. Add red berries for life's blood; holly; ivy; and pine branches as a symbol of longevity. The pine also welcomes sylvan spirits to your circle.

Have a Yule log at the center point, placing there your God and Goddess candles. Always keep a part of the candles or the log itself for future years; this brings good luck, life, health and providence.

Take up your Athame, butter knife, or finger and Cast the Circle starting in the West, the region where several cultures believe the afterlife resides, the direction of the Dying Sun.

Take a moment to center yourself and begin to cast the Circle. Visualize a white light coming from the tip of the Athame and with arms straight out, turn the blade point out, slowly turning clockwise the light following you.

When you return to the West bring the atham'e back to you and say: "As above, so below." As you say this, visualize the light going above you and below you forming a perfect sphere.

Light the Goddess candle in the Yule log, then move to the Northern point in your Circle. This is the quarter traditionally ascribed to the season of winter.

Face North and say: "Ancient Mother, I look for your opulence, but tonight naught but barren trees decorate the land. In this restful moment, let my spirit find healing."

Face East and say: "Ancient Brother, I listen for your winds, but tonight they are still. In this quiet darkness, help me find inspiration."

Face South and say: "Ancient Father, I look for your fires, but tonight the embers only begin to glow more brightly. May this gentle warmth temper my spirit."

Face West and say: "Ancient Sister, I seek your glistening tears, but tonight they are frozen. Beneath this cool blanket, let my emotions find stability."

Face center and say: "Ancient Ones, I seek Your face, but tonight darkness surrounds. Help me find Your spark within to guide my path."

Sit and close your eyes. Let any remaining tension drain away, then begin listening to the sound of silence. Smell the aromas of oak and herb. Feel the latent energy of everything around you and the magic you've placed there. Know it as your own.

Listen to your breath and your heartbeat. Sense the pulse and ebb within as the same energy without. Listen closely; does it whisper a message to you? Does it whisper a name? Do you hear the cry of an animal? Do you hear words that fill you with energy? Linger in this place between Earth and stars until you receive a message. Then return to normal levels of awareness, and write of this experience in your journal.

Turn toward the northern part of your circle. Think of things that you want to banish, such as bad habits. Say: "I call to the darkness. Come embrace my "(fill in with your negative characteristics). Take them to yourself. I release them. As the sun climbs in the sky, take these things with you in retreat, never to return to me again."

Turn to the south of the circle, light the sun candle, and repeat this chant. Let it naturally grow to fill the entire space with positive vibrations: "Strong sun, returning sun; the light burns as the Wheel turns. Strong sun, returning sun; the shadows fade; my magic bade. Strong sun, returning sun; the shadows flee, the magic is free!"

Return to the altar now and light the God candle, using the Goddess candle as a fire source (symbolic of the womb). "Sun Father, Your journey has left you weary. May this light give you strength to reach toward the heavens again with warmth and brilliance."

After saying so, go through your home and light all its candles, lamps, flashlights, or decorative lights to represent the sun's return.

Face West and say: "Spirit of the West, thank you for cleansing body, mind, and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise purify Earth."

Face South and say: "Spirit of the South, thank you for this warmth of body, mind and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise generate love on Earth."

Face East and say: "Spirit of the East, thank you for this stillness of body, mind and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise bring peace to Earth."

Face North and say: "Spirit of the North, thank you for healing me in body, mind, and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise heal Earth."

Face Center and say: "Ancient Ones, thank you for turning the Wheel that enlightens body, mind, and spirit. As you go from this place, likewise edify Earth."

NOTES:

I know it's got a lot of steps, but they are all important.

If you are worried about "not having the right materials", do not worry. You can substitute as you need, and use symbolism as you need (for example, if you don't have a yule log, use a fallen tree branch, some twigs, etc...)

Happy Yule to you and everyone you love. Brightest Blessings, from: Rose Ariadne

Also read this ebooks:

William Elliot Griffis - Dutch Fairy Tales For Young Folks
Aleister Crowley - Ritual Viii
Louise Huebner - Witchcraft For All

Labels: witch misc tools green books fairy wand witchcraft wicca magickal name bedtime prayers eclectic magick altars altar setup aemeth seal french xvii asclepius truly wicca rituals religion

Witchcraft for All

Who Is Ellegua

source: wikipedia

Salt Spilling Rituals

Ritual For Marduk Day

A Sweet Bath For Insomnia

Chocolate Bunny Ostara Ritual For Children

For this ritual, you'll need the following:

Next, hand out the marshmallow Peeps. As you do, say:

Finally, distribute the chocolate rabbits. Say:

A Ritual For Ostara

IN ADDITION, YOU'LL NEED THE FOLLOWING:

When you are ready, end the ritual. TIPS:

A Lammas Harvest Ritual

WHAT YOU NEED:

LIGHT THE CANDLE, AND SAY:

When everyone has a piece of bread, say:

Article by Patti Wigington

Symptoms And Black Magic Bad Effects

Peace And Love Ritual

Courtesy of: Kristin Madden

The Athame

How To Make Your Own Athame

Bread As A Magickal Ingredient

From: The Encyclopedia of Magical Ingredients

Charging Your Tools

Beauty Spells

Magick In The Life Of A Child

Altars Misc Thoughts

13 Goals Of A Witch

Casting The Circle

Ways To Attract Faeries Into Your Home

Elemental Work

Witchcraft And Superstitious Record In The South Western District Of Scotland

Book review: Witchcraft And Superstitious Record In The South Western District Of Scotland by John Maxwell Wood

A Summer Solstice Ritual

THINGS YOU'LL NEED:

source

Witches And Broomsticks Use And History

Altar Pentacle

What The Wiccan Rede Means To Me

Ritual For A Day Of Peace In The Family

INVOCATION:

Found in: Pagan Book of Hours - Breviary

Chosing A Location For Coven Ritual

A Ritual For Februalia

Sources: Wikipedia and Pagan Book of Hours

Making A Wand

Beginning Witchcraft Even More Very Basics

Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients

Book: Raven Grimassi Interview Exploring The Magic Of The Ancients by Michael Night Sky

The Calling To The First Of Witch Blood An Invocation Of Cain

Book: The Calling To The First Of Witch Blood An Invocation Of Cain by Michael Ford

The History Of Magic

Book: The History Of Magic by Joseph Ennemoser

In The Devil Snare The Salem Witchcraft Crisis Of 1692

Book: In The Devil Snare The Salem Witchcraft Crisis Of 1692 by Mary Beth Norton

Witchcraft In North Carolina

Book: Witchcraft In North Carolina by Tom Peete Cross

Magikal Path Labels

Witchcraft In Yorkshire

Book: Witchcraft In Yorkshire by Patricia Crowther

Czechoslovak Fairy Tales

Book: Czechoslovak Fairy Tales by Parker Fillmore

A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials

Book: A Short History Of The Salem Village Witchcraft Trials by Martin Van Buren Perley

The Book Of The Witch Moon

Book: The Book Of The Witch Moon by Michael Ford

Mastering Witchcraft

Book: Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson

What Is A Wizard

The Religion Of The Ancient Celts

Book: The Religion Of The Ancient Celts by John Arnott Macculloch

Self Initiation For The Solitary Witch

Book: Self Initiation For The Solitary Witch by Shanddaramon

Liber Kkk Or Kaos Keraunos Kybernetos

Book: Liber Kkk Or Kaos Keraunos Kybernetos by Peter Carroll

Witchcraft In Kenmore From 1730 To 1757

Book: Witchcraft In Kenmore From 1730 To 1757 by John Christie

A Rebel And Witch The Historical Context

When you are ready, end the ritual.

TIPS: