Christmas and Yule

Merry Meet!

It's that wonderful time of the year again, the winter season and holiday season. My Wiccan and Pagan friends are celebrating Yule, reinacting the death and resurrection of their god and the ritual joining of god and goddess. As a Christian Wicce, I too celebrate Yule. During my Yule celebration, I remember the the three Magi, the wonderful astronomers and astrologers who sought the baby Jesus. I include astrologer because they not only navigated by the star, but they knew the quality of the person who was born under that star. I also take time to thank God for the wonderful teachers that I have had, either people I have met, or people who have taught me through their writings. I have a Yule log and I light candles and play holiday music and I burn my regrets and my hopes and dreams and wishes. I usually treat myself with some new magical tool or even a new Book of Shadows or a new book to read. It is also the time I give thanks for the opportunity to work and to be generous and show love and compassion to my fellow man.

So, on this wonderous Yule, thank your own Sacred Spirit for what ever blessings they have bestowed on you and give love and compassion now and the whole year through.

Brightest Blessings Be

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Experiencing Resistance: How to deal with rejection, even inside the Wiccan/Pagan Community

Merry Meet!

Every human organization has its down side and this is also true about the Craft. As a Christian Wicce, I have experienced many different problems with other disciplines who close their door and knowledge to me because I am a Christian Crafter. Because of this, I have always looked at any human organized group with a sort of healthy skepticism. I have a feeling this is why I love and cherish my solitary practice.

Just as I have experienced resistance and prejudice for my Catholicism, so have I experienced problems with some members of the Crafting community. While I don't take it personally, because I know there are some Crafters who look down on solitaries and gay witches as well, I see this as a sad state of affairs because because there is so much we can learn from each other.

I remember I went to a Metaphysical Fair years ago in the central part of the state while I was in college. This was just when I was Craft curious and searching. I was having a wonderful time, buying celtic crafts and music and incense and candles and broomstick skirts and blouses. I was talking to a lady who was selling tarot decks and I was looking to buy an inexpensive set with a guide book. I bought them and started toward a booth that caught my eye. This lady was selling beautiful pewter cups, swords and athames and crystal balls.

Everything at her stand was very beautiful and somewhat expensive and beyond the Crystal Ball, I really hadn't a clue how one would use a chalice or an athame. The propriatress was a gothic Stevie Nicks type in a black corset tied with red silk ribbon and leather boots. She came over to the place where I was standing. I could feel her looking at my Celtic style Crucifix. I knew I was in trouble. I said hi.

"I'm Lady Midnight Gloomy Gus," (that was not her real name, I don't remember what she said her name was, but I am a big fan of Dickens, who gave his characters names that sort of described who they were.) "I belong to the celebrated Temple of the Insufferably Doomed. To what magikal tradition do you belong and what is your magikal name?" I was a bit taken aback, as you can imagine.

"I don't have a magikal name. I study with my friend, Celeste, over there," I answered, nodding my head toward Celeste, who was juggling wax candles to amuse a small group of kids while she taught them about spiritual concentration and balance. She was always good about a teachable moment.

"What discipline?" she asked. Now, Celeste had been the one to call me a Christian Witch or Wicce, so, I said : "Christian Witch," You know how you have just committed a faux pas and you know you have offended someone? This lady certainly had that look on her face. Sort of a face that I would recognize later as the look Malfoy gives Hermione just before he calls her a mudblood.

On the way home, as I fingered the holes of the wooden flute I had bought, I told my friend Celeste about the woman. She shook her head and rolled her eyes a bit as I told her about the single blemish on my day.

"Aslinn," she said, as she explained her take on this situation. "The Craft comunity is split into two groups. One group is very militant and very public and confrontational. They are primarily men and women who are angry and have come into the Wicca/Pagan religion as angry former Christians. They want to be the direct opposite of their families. The usual Lord and Lady of Darkness are the witches the newspapers and TV reporters want to interview. They dress like Dracula and Vampira 24/7/365. They tend to do what they claim to hate about Christianity, they hate anyone who is not like them," she said. "Then you have us. We're the hippy dippy witchies, the fluffy bunny witches. We are more tolerant but not any less passionate about our beliefs. But we acknowledge magik exists in all religions. We may look side ways at your pentacle and your cross and your Marian devotions but we also know that we can rely on you to help us with a magikal problem and you kow how to use most any herb. You are a part of what I call the universal coven and your Craft is just as important as anyone elses." she finished finally.

From then on I was never self conscious with my Craft and I offer no explanations or apologies. I always strive to be better as a person in and out of the realm of the Craft. I believe there will be hard times ahead and we will all be in trouble, regardless of what you believe in. Someday it will be against the law to practice any form of religion, whether you are Christian or Pagan, Wiccan or Jew, Muslim or Buddhist or a little mix of everything and we will all have to stand together with whatever magikal or spiritual tools we have and fight a monster that would have no God before him at all. Let us all be Brothers and Sisters, in and out of the Craft and may we all stand together.

And to all I say,

Bright Blessings Be

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Update on Patrick Stewart

The federal branch of the Department of Veteran's Affairs has decided that it is up the the State Department of Veteran's Affairs to decide whether or not to honor Sgt Stewart with a Wiccan Star. So far the Nevada State DVA has made statements suggesting that this would rectified and Sgt Stewart would have the appropriate religious emblem placed on his memorial.

Three Cheers and a Blessed Be

I'll keep you posted...
Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

More Books for your Perusal

Merry Meet!

Hello, here are some additions to the book lists I have been posting for you. Of course, these books are just suggested reading but I encourage all of you whether you are just starting your magical education or are an experienced witch, these books can only enhance your knowledge and help you develop a wider range of knowledge. Remember, you can only grow through study and practice. If you are practicing without studying, you can get yourself into real trouble.

The first books I am going to tell you about this evening are a pair in a series. They are written by Ashleen O'Gaea and they are entitled Celebrating the Seasons of life: Samhain to Ostara and Celebrating the Seasons of life: Beltaine to Mabon . Both of these books are designed to help you understand where these holidays come from, the symbols used in the celebrations and even suggestions as to how to celebrate them and how develop your own rituals. They are both published by New Page Books and they were both $14.99.

The next book I want to suggest leans a little on the Christian side, but can still be useful to anyone and it is called The Magic Shield by Francis Melville. It is chock full of interesting anecdotes and it is very well illustrated with lovely old woodcut prints. It is a small book but is a bit pricey at $19.99 and is published by Barron's.

The next couple of books have loads of general info, but is very educational to read. The Giant Book of Magic by Cassandra Eason is an interesting book to read though it is a bit static to read and a little under organized. The section on Gypsy magic and lore was great. Published by Magpie Books in London. It was 4.95 on sale but was probably regularly priced at 12.00. Check your local Borders Books, they may have it discounted as well.

The next book was Witchcraft and Practical Magic by Susan Greenwood and Raje Airey. It is full of the history of magic and has all sorts of chapters on gems. metals, dreams, meditation, tools and the like. Fantastic book, very well illustrated, again, was on sale for 4.55 and published by Hermes House. Regular price 10.39.

A couple of good all purpose spell books is The Little Giant Encyclopedia of Spells and Magic edited by Nancy Bailey, is a small, very fun to read book full of arcana that really encourages the witch to understand old notions about spells and casting and how to write your spells and rituals. It is published by Sterling Publishers and sells for 9.95. The second book is The Spells Bible written by Ann-Marie Gallagher. She breaks down spells by season, by the optimal day and by purpose. Well organized little book, full of great information. Published by Walking Stick Press,
for 19.95

Here are a couple of books all witches should have. It is not because they are great books of magic, but because they are great books chronicling the Burning Times. Just as there are Jewish Scholars who study the Holocaust and have a copy of Mein Kampf on their shelves, so should witches have these books on their shelves. The first is The Malleus Malficarum by Heinrich Kramer and James Sprenger at 14.95 and The Compendium Malficarum by Francesco Maria Guazzo at 11.95. Both books are published by Dover Publications. Get them, own them, read them and know them. They may save our Craft community someday.

The next book in my book shelf I recommend for you is Magic in the Middle Ages by Richard Kieckhefer. It is very good history, if a little scholarly, published by Cambridge University Press. I bought it used for 5.00 at a flea market but I think it would sell new for about 15.00. May be out of print so you may want try your local library or if you live near a college campus, browse the bookstore sale bins and library book sales.

I'll quit for now. Keep checking in for new book lists.

Bright Blessings Be

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Warriors and Today's War and the Witchcrafter

Merry Meet!

Veteran's day has come and gone and we have had on our minds the present war in Iraq and past wars in the Gulf, Vietnam, Korea, in Japan, and Europe and America and those who are serving and have served in these wars and those who died in these conflicts. There are some differing views about whether it is ethical for a person who practices the Craft to be involved with war. I have no arguement with either side. I understand that not all wars are worthy wars, but I also accept that some of us, whether we are crafters or not, to prove themselves on the field of battle.

Crafters who go into the military believe they fulfilling an act of soldiery, to become warriors of the craft and fulfill their spiritual and physical training through a contest of the wills to do so and earn the degree of warrior priest of the various Craft, Wiccan, or Pagan discplines. It does hurt my heart, however when I hear Wiccans say that they are wrong to desire the chance to be warriors and do what they feel is right. After all, if it were not the will of the fates, or God or gods and goddesses of that warrior's faith system, then they would not be allowed to do so.

So On this Weekend, when we honor the living and the dead who have fought for our freedom, and our flag, I honor also all Crafters in uniform, particularly Patrick Stewart, a faithful Wiccan who gave his life and now the government refuses to honor him with the symbol of his faith, the Pentacle Star, on his headstone. This post is dedicated you Patrick.

Brightest Blessings Be,

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

In Memory of Celeste

My circle sister was a woman named Celeste. Celeste was an energetic
and open minded friend when I first knew her. I met her in a women's studies class and though I did not care that much for the class, I became close friends with her. She had crisp black hair and bright green eyes and a full mouth that screamed Celtic. She had an incredible sense of humor and when you talked to her, you knew she heard you.
I had returned to college after my husband died nearly ten years ago. Our instructor did not show up to class one night and I decided to go to the local watering hole to drink a couple of Guinness to wash away the week. I asked if anyone would like to come and Celeste said that she could use a couple of brews herself. She was delightful and philosophical and newly divorced. Beyond knowing that she was studying anthropology, I knew very little about her.

It never dawned on me that Celeste was a Wiccan until I invited her to Mass one Sunday Morning. She smiled and turned me down. Later I saw her and apologized, I had meant no harm and offered the visit as a friendly gesture. She said it was okay. And then I asked her if she had a religion and she said that she was a Wiccan.

I knew some things about the Craft and the occult and I asked what I hoped were thoughtful questions. I told her I was recently widowed and that I wasn't sure where my life was headed. We came to no quick conclusions that day but over the years and between the miles Celeste became my ex-officio mentor as I embarked on my study of the Craft.

You know how you know someone all of your life and you know they are gay or whatever and when they come out to you, you aren't that surprised that they are gay. Well, Celeste was the first one to come out and say "Aslinn, you are a witch!" And her revelation was so disturbing to me that I wouldn't speak to her for a long time. I was afraid fo what being a witch meant. Did it mean I wasn't a Christian? Was I going to hell? She contacted me first and came over to my place and discussed with me what that meant.

She told me that Craft could be practiced as a religion, as she did, or you could practice Craft as a spiritual practice, reflecting your own religious practice or tradition. "Imagine,"she said, "a Christian Witch."

Now I can see that some of you out there are wiggling around in your chairs and looking uncomfortable because perhaps you are Christians and you have doubts about the reality of Celeste's faith. Maybe you even mourn her for not being a Christian. Maybe you are afraid of what I just said, Christian Witch, and now you think you are in the presence of the devil.
I am no priest nor judge of souls. No one can judge another man's soul. All I can say is whether a person has goodness in their heart. And Celeste did have that goodness in her heart. I believe Celeste is in the Summerland she believed in and dreamed of and spoke of all of her life. She lived her life in circle of seasons and her life has come full.

Will we see her again? I say yes becuse heaven is a place of understanding and unversality and when we get ther we will be surprised to see who is standing next to us. Even if this is not a part of your belief system, do not judge Celeste or those who called her friend, sister, priestess and Crone. For Celeste walked a lightfooted path, trying not to harm flora or fauna or fellow man and serve the spirit she called divine, fulfilling her calling as a leader, healer and a teacher. She lives on in all of us and we are all better for having known her. As she always closed her letters, I give to you her sweetest words:

Brightest Blessings Be

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Celebrations in November

Merry Meet!

Though there is no Wiccan counterpart to the Sabats I celebrate in November, I do like to appoint a day about mid month when I do a cerimony or two to celebrate a couple of things that are important in my life. On that special sabat, I take time to remember the warriors, Wicce or not, who are serving our country here or abroad, particularly during this time of war. I don't like the thought of men and women in harm's way, particularly for this war, which is so unneccesary, but I do like to honor them and celebrate their warrior ways and their bravery and I like to celebrate those who have died in all of the wars for whether we like it or not, it was for us they died so that we could be free in America and over the years, freedom has come to mean so much us, particularly those of us in the Craft.

I also take time to thank God for all he has given to me. This can work for my Pagan and Wiccan friends, too, they can just thank their goddess or god of their choice. For this celebration, I set up my family shield. This is just a little something that I put together and made of posterboard cut into the shape of a shield and I glued pictures of my family, living and dead, symbols of our family, like shamrocks or feathers or bits and pieces that are important to me. I also display a cornucopia, celebrating the wealth which has been bestowed on me and my family. I set out orange and red and green and yellow candles to represent the passing or the seasons and wealth and I make lists of those I wish to honor, my accomplishments and things I have managed to do, and my goals and dreams. I have cakes and ale and I intone protections for my friends and family, especially if they travel and I intone blessings for the soldiers, living and dead and those who are at war for their protection. I play happy music, usually celtic or Native American and I thank God for all I have. It isn't an official Sabat from the wheel of the year, but it suits me and I invite everyone to do their own thanks for giving sabat.


Bright Blessings Be

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

A wonderful book came to me

Bright Blessings Be!

As I have traveled through my life and through my studies, I have found that I have met great people of faith, of Wiccan and Pagan and Christian, practicing Craft or just curious about the Craft. From time to time I have met resistance and not just from Christian friends who have noticed that my library leans heavily on the occult, but from Craft friends who say I cannot practice Craft and be Christian. One of these friends who expressed doubts, but does not hesitate to call me when she needs advice, called me about a month ago and said that I should get this little book called The Hex and Spell Craft of the Pennsylvania Dutch. I meant to get it, but then Celeste, my circle leader died and I started a temp job and I completely forgot about it when I saw it on Amazon.com. I went on and ahead and ordered it and when it came in, I immediately devoured it. For a long time I wanted to find a book that very closely resembled or explained what I did as a witch, and though I still lean heavily on the Wiccan side of things like ritual and symbol, this book explained so much about what I believed in as a Christian and a worker of the Craft.

The book also delved into the magical practices of my Appalachian culture, and there are tons of magical spells and rituals in my culture that I have been collecting for years. This sort of magic is loosely referred to as Pow Wow and mixes some Native American Practices with Appalachian, sort of a non-Catholic, Protestant Appalachian Hoo Doo. It is mostly cures and herbs and prayers but there are also some spells and castings and other magical rituals one would be accustomed to.

This form of magic is practiced by the plain people, the Mennonites, Amish and the Lutheran brethren and there are some who say that they look at the hexes and the spellcraft with embarrassment because they are condemned as superstitious. This is not true because witches are not superstitious and they are not given to practicing superstition. They are practical people who wish to be of help and are in tune with the world of nature.

While I needed no book to vindicate me and my beliefs and practices, I feel as though a friend has been taught that there is a wide world of magics and an even wider world of witches tan she has ever imagined.

Merry Meet, Merry Met, Merry Meet Again.....

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Halloween, another year and the turn of the cyclical wheel of the year

Bright Blessings Be

It has been a year since I started this blog and since then I have met wonderful people and read wonderful books and had great experiences, both happy and sad. The magik I have practiced and the spells I have cast and the spells I have shared with my friends have been extraordinarily successful for me and I have been very happy with my travels. For these things I give thanks.

Of my regrets, I have regretted that I have had only a small bit of time to devote to my Wicce studies and my Wicce activities, like this blog. I regret my angers and my lack of patience and my ignorances which may have hurt others. I regret my lack of self confidence and my fears. And I now let these things go and look forward to the future.

Of my goals, I want to continue to study, I want to continue to write, both my blog and my BOS. to read my books and write more spells. I resolve to practice my Wicce ways more fully and live with confidence and hope and without fear. I resolve to teach more of my discipline of my earthly knowledge and teach more of my Wicce ways.

As I will all of these things, So mote all of these things be.

Merry Meet, Merry Met, Merry Meet Again.

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Some Lore and Arcana from the Book of Shadows of Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Merry Meet!

Hope this is helpful to you. Don't hesitate to add information to this blog.

Herbs and Oils

Anointing Oils- Jasmine, frankincense, rosemary, rose, myrrh, lily of the valley and lavender.

Purification- mint, dragon’s blood, thyme, myrrh, lavender, parsley, lemon verbena, basil, anise, salt.

Protection- mustard, marigold, eucalyptus, basil, anise, witch hazel, vanilla, sandalwood, pepper, parsley, cinnamon, lilac, rosemary, rose, frankincense sage.

Blessings- Cypress, rosemary, frankincense

Spirituality- Sandalwood, and frankincense

Exorcisms- Sandalwood, pepper, basil, cloves, myrrh, frankincense.

Money- mint, allspice, patchouli, cloves, jasmine, opium, orange, mustard, ginger, anise.

Love- ginger, basil, heather, catnip, musk, gardenia, apple, vanilla, opium , orange, licorice, lemon verbena, thyme, jasmine, honeysuckle, patchouli, cloves, lavender.

Peace- Gardenia, lavender.

Healing- Sandalwood, cinnamon, thyme, opium scent, lavender, sage, eucalyptus, gardenia, mint.

Sleep- opium and lavender and chamomile.

Happiness- catnip and lavender.

Inspiration- cloves, rosemary, lily of the valley

Wisdom- cloves, rosemary, lily of the valley and sage.

Spirituality- Sandalwood, gardenia, myrrh, frankincense

Magik Tools- Myrrh

Transformation- Myrrh

Clairvoyance- honeysuckle, lilac, rose, lemon grass, cinnamon, thyme, nutmeg

Beauty- catnip, rose, rosemary

Releasing love- rose

Banishing- lilac, cedar, patchouli, cloves and rose.

Courage- musk, dragon’s blood, allspice, rosemary

Will power- rosemary

Negative energy( repel) – rosemary

Gossip (stop)- cloves

Fertility- Opium, mustard and patchouli

Gravedust (substitute) – patchouli

Forgiveness- sandalwood, cypress, cedar

Prosperity- basil, chamomile, cinnamon, nutmeg, sage

Meditation- chamomile

Calm- chamomile

Cat Magik- Catnip

Longevity- Sage

Nightmares (prevent) Anise, lavender, chamomile, opium

Success- Ginger, and cinnamon

Lust- licorice, lemon grass

Legal matters- Marigold

Divination- Orange

Wishes- Sandalwood

Mental powers- vanilla

Rejuvenation- vanilla

Solace for lost love- witch hazel, lavender

Remembrance- evergreen

Magik- Vanilla

Forgetfulness- opium

Power- ginger, dragon’s blood

Friendship- rose

Dedication- myrrh

Mental Health- lavender

Preservation- Myrrh

Highmeadow’s Oil- Chamomile, heather and gardenia

Wolf’s song oil- opium, frankincense

Wolf’s Bane- Sage

Solomon Oil- cloves

Holy Oil- Lily of the Valley and or rose

Helping hand- patchouli

Peace oil- Chamomile and lavender

Mandrake oil- ginger or dragon’s blood

Lotus oil- Chinese sandalwood, Arabian musk, rose

Fertility oil- Patchouli

Witchoil- frankincense, rose, lilac, gardenia, honeysuckle, cinnamon, orange, sandalwood, vanilla. (also Wicca oil)

Midas oil- Jasmine, patchouli, mint, orange and opium.

Tranquility oil- chamomile

Forgiveness Oil- Cedar, cypress, or sandalwood.

Joy- Lavender.

Friendship oil- Rose, cedar and lavender

John the Conqueror- Cinnamon, eucalyptus, sandalwood

Moonlight oil- Lily of the Valley, lavender, and dragon’s blood.

White Solstice oil- musk and lavender

Just Judge Oil- Rose musk and vanilla.




Candles and Colors

Red- Aries/Scorpio- Tuesday- South- Willpower, energy, love, career, power, strength, passion, courage, fire, fertility, & Archangel Michael

Green- Taurus- Thursday- Healing, good luck, environment, dispelling jealousy

Yellow- Gemini/Virgo-Sunday- East- inspiration, property, change luck, mental powers, learning, memory, sudden change, charm, visions, new home, confidence, attraction, & Archangel Raphael.

Silver- Cancer- moon magik, encourage, remove negativity, protection, quick money, gambling.

Orange- Leo- property, seal a spell, selling things, good luck, success, energy, attraction, new home, stimulation, justice.

Pink- Libra-love, friendship, spiritual awakening, harmony, fidelity, honor, emotional healing and home blessing.

Purple- Sagittarius- Wednesday- independence, power, sobriety, peace, divination, wisdom, spiritual growth, abstinence, success.

Black- Capricorn- Saturday- sobriety, bindings, protection, abstinence, repelling.

Blue- Aquarius- Friday-West- protection, success, creativity, wisdom, home, truth, sleep, hope, friends, peace, healing, calm, patience, confidence, & Archangel Raphael.

Mauve- Pisces

Grey- Glamories

Light Blue- Remembrance

White- Monday- truth, purity, protection, home purification, peace, moon magik, happiness.

Gold- God- good friends, success, devotion, home blessings.

Brown- North- animal shamanism, home, friendship, locate, lost objects, herbalism, & Archangel Uriel

In an emergency and you don't have the colors you need, white candles can be a substitute.


Celtic Astrology

Dec 23- Jan 1 (June 25-Jul 4) Apple Tree- Thin, charming, pleasant, flirty, adventurous, sensitive, loving, generous, scientific, philosophic, imaginative.

Jan 2-Jan 11 (July5- July 14) Fir Tree- taste, dignity, sophistication, loves beauty, moody, stubborn, modest, ambitious, talented, industrious, reliable.

Jan 12- Jan 24 (July 15-July 25) Elm Tree- pleasant shape- tasteful clothes, modest demands, unforgiving, cheerful, loves to lead, practical, noble minded, generous, humorous.

Jan 25-Feb 3 (Jul 26-Aug 4) Cypress Tree- strong, adaptable, content, optimistic, hates loneliness, faithful, quick tempered, unruly, pedantic, careless.

Feb 4-Feb 8 (May 1- May 14/ Aug 5- Aug 13) Poplar Tree- decorative, unconfident, courageous when they have to be, needs good will, pleasant surroundings, choosy, artistic, organized, and philosophical.

Feb 9- Feb 18 (Aug 14- Aug 23) Cedar Tree- of rare beauty, adaptable, enjoys good health, not shy, a bit snobby, self confident, determined, impatient, impressive, talented, industrious, and optimistic.

Feb 19-Feb 28 (Aug 24- Sept 2) Pine Tree- loves good company, robust, comfortable, active, natural, standoffish, falls in and out of love, gives up

Mar 1- Mar 10 ( Sept 3-Sept 12) Weeping Willow- beautiful, melancholy, attractive, empathetic, loves beauty and travel, big dreamer, restless, honest, demanding, good intuition.

Mar 11- Mar 20 (Sept 13- Sept 22) Lime Tree- accepts what life dishes out, loyal, jealous, hates fighting, stress and work, dislikes laziness in others, soft, relenting, makes sacrifices, talented.

March 21- Oak Tree- robust, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, stable, a person of action.

Mar 22- Mar 31 (Sept24- Oct 3)- Hazelnut Tree- charming, undemanding, understanding, makes an impression, agent for change, popular, moody, and excellent sense of judgment.

April 1-April 10 (Oct 4-Oct 13)- Rowan Tree- full of charm, cheerful, gifted, loves attention, life, motion, unrest, and complications, both independent and dependent, artistic, passionate.

April 11-April 20 (Oct 14- Oct 23)- Maple Tree- no ordinary person, imaginative, shy, reserved, ambitious, proud, confident, loves new experiences, nervous, complex, good memory.

April 21-April 30 (Oct 24- Nov 11)- Walnut Tree- unrelenting, strange, full of opposites, egoistic, aggressive, noble, looking for the next horizon, unexpected reaction, spontaneous, limited, ambitious, inflexible, difficult, admired, jealous.

May 15- May 24 (Nov 12- Nov 21)- Chestnut Tree- beautiful, modest, seeks justice, vivacious, diplomatic, irritable, sensitive, low confidence, loves only once.

May 25-June 3 (Nov 22- Dec 1)- Ash Tree- attractive, vivacious, demanding, hates criticism, ambitious, intelligent, egotistical, reliable, trustworthy, faithful, prudent, and serious in love.

June 4- June 13 (Dec 2- Dec 11) Hornbeam Tree- cool beauty, takes care, good taste, makes life comfortable, reasonable, disciplined, kind, cautious, and conscientious.

June 14- June 23 (Dec 12- Dec 21) Fig Tree- strong, willful, independent, doesn’t argue, loves life, family, children, animals, social occasions. Humorous, lazy but talented.

June 24- Birch Tree- vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, nothing in excess, hates vulgarity, loves nature, imaginative, but unambitious, calm and content.

September 23- Olive Tree- warmth, kindness, reasonable, balanced, loves the sun, avoids aggression, calm, just, tolerant, cheerful, free of jealousy, loves to read, and being in the company of intellectuals.

Dec 22- Beech Tree- good taste, concerned with appearance, materialistic, organized, economical, leader, no risks, friend for life, and avid health nut.


More to come. Bright Blessings Be

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Some bits and pieces from the Book of Shadows of Aslinn Dhan

Merry Meet!

I'm sharing some more goodies from my Book of Shadows. Hope you have as much success with them as I have.

All of these rituals and spells are written with the Christian Wicce in mind, but feel free to change them to fit your own discipline needs.


A Cleansing Ritual

Note: In the old days a witch would do her magical work in front of her fire or at a fire outside. From this fire she would light any candles or cook any potion or burn any amulet or talisman as prescribed. To accommodate urban dwellings without access to a fire or an outdoor space, a sacred fire is simply a large candle dedicated to be the witches' fire source.

To be done at the start of any ritual or casting

To cleanse the Space, all objects should be out and ready to be used in your work. With your broom, you should sweep the area of your sacred space and with holy water all should be anointed intoning: “Blessed be this holy space”. You should set up for your ritual and light your Sacred Fire intoning: “This is the Fire of knowledge, truth and hope and inspiration. May it burn brightly for the intention of my Craft.” Meditate and pray in your sacred space. This might be a short prayer, focusing on the person or intention of the work ahead or a reading from the Bible or Prayer Book or the praying of your Rosary or if you are Pagan, to salute your dieties and meditate on the intentions of your workings

Calling the Corners

With your athame, turn in your sacred space and intone:

North, South, East, and West
I call upon your guardian best
Earth, Fire, Water and Wind
To this circle I invoke within:

Uriel, Servant of the Earth, Angel of the North, Aid to Healers, Hear Me!
Michael, Bringer of Fire, Angel of the South, Aid to the Defenseless, Hear Me!
Raphael, Bearer of Water, Angel of the East, Aid to the Seeker, Hear Me!
Gabriel, Master of the Wind, Angel of the West, Aid to the Intuitive, Hear Me!

I charge your powers; create a shield, a spirit wall you may build.
Protect this time, protect this space, protect this ritual in its place.


You may now continue with any ritual or other work.





Binding Spells

Binding spells are cast to protect the witch or the seeker of the spell and to protect the object of the spell from harm. This is very good for the timid or the physically small and it is pretty simple and there are many types.

Binding Spell One

Materials

Athame, Bowl, White and Black Candle, paper and pen, wand, incense, sacred fire, salt, and water

Perform cleansing and the calling of the corners to begin each spell.

Pour some of your water into a bowl and bless it with the sign of the cross. Using salt, cast your protective circle and light the white candle from your sacred fire. Place the candle in the center of your circle and with your wand intone:

Angels of the four corners, hear my cry.
Carry my words to your Master and mine.
Within this space stands one who believes
Protect me and give me the strength I need.

Write the name of the one who is harassing you. Roll it like scroll or fold it and lay it in your sacred space. Intone:

On this paper is the name of who is vexing me. Bind them from harassing others, and me, from harming others or me. The harm they inflict comes back to them. By the power of three make it be. May their heart grow heavy with regret but may they make amends. St. Michael the Archangel, I ask your help in this matter.

Burn or otherwise destroy the paper. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Take up your wand and say


___________ I admonish you from harming yourself and others. Your hurtful ways harm not only others but yourself. Angels of the four corners, protect him from harm and protect others from being harmed by him.

Announce: Blessed Be!

Angels of the four corners carry the sentiment of this spell to God in heaven. May all of the elements of this spell enlighten me to help me to withstand evil and encourage those around me to put aside their evil ways that are harmful to themselves and to others. May all we do come back to us seven times.

Perform closing ritual.

Binding Spell Two

This is a quickie spell for when you don’t have time for a full-fledged ritual casting.

Write the name of the person who is harassing you on a piece of paper. Put it in a bottle bound with black thread. Fill with salt and protective herbs. Seal the bottle and bury the spell.

Binding Spell Three

Make a poppet of black cloth, fill it with earth and piece of paper with the person’s name ( I would add salt) intone with wand:

Creature of earth thou art
Now creature of flesh and blood you be.
I name you __________
No more shall you do me harm or say evil against me
Nor will you interfere in my life or the lives of my loved ones.
By the power of God it must be (make the sign of the cross over the poppet)
(With black thread)
I bind your feet from bringing you to do me harm.
I bind your hands from doing me harm.
I bind your mouth from speaking to do me harm
I have bound this person from doing harm and by the powers of God I fix this spell and set it free.
T’will give no harm to return to me.

Bury the poppet or some other appropriate conclusion.

Close the ritual.

There are ways to simplify these rituals. If you cannot bury the object in dirt, you can crush or drown the object in water. If you are unable or uncomfortable with poppets, you can write the name on a piece of paper and destroy it that way. Some witches even prefer to eat their spells. Use what you are comfortable with.

Here is a word spell which requires no materials:

With the fingers of your wand hand, circle the first two fingers of your opposite hand. Intone:

I bind you________ from harming others and from harming yourself. Repeat the spell 3 times. End with :

As I will it so mote it be.

An Unbinding Ritual

A binding is when a witch feels harassed or in danger of harm and the witch performs a binding spell to keep the harasser from harming the witch, himself or others. If a witch feels they may be bound in a binding and cannot work the Craft successfully, the witch may be under a binding. Before performing an unbinding ceremony, the witch must examine her conscience.

1. Have I broken any of God’s commands?
2. Have I intentionally worked the Craft for evil or greed?
3. Have I been uncharitable?
4. Have I worked a spell against someone who is innocent?
5. Have I carelessly worked a spell or ritual?

If your answers are yes, go to confession, and do an act of penance. If you have gained from an evil worked through the Craft, donate a cash gift equal to the gain to charity. If possible, ask for forgiveness of the person harmed by your spell. If you are unable to that, do some act of good in their name. If you carelessly worked a ritual, refrain from the Craft for a moon cycle. During this moon, study your rituals and meditate on your calling to the Craft.

If you answered no truthfully to the questions, then do this unbinding ritual:

Begin with cleansing and calling the corners.
Materials

Wand, athame, bottled water, salt, rose oil, lilac, dragon’s blood, gardenia, vanilla, and a broom

Begin with the Lord’s Prayer and the Shepard’s Prayer. If you are a Pagan or Wiccan, you may address the deities of your choice. With the salt, draw a protective circle around your altar stone. Place a few drops of the oils in the cauldron and begin cooking it together.

With your wand intone:

Beleaguered am I and I call upon my personal angel, __________and ask him to cast his protection around me. Wave your wand around your head in a halo motion.

Strengthen me to wield the Craft in the name of social concern. Unbind me and remove all hindrances to my service to God from whom comes all my strengths and knowledge. By the power of three let this evil flee from me!

With your athame, make the sign of the cross to the four corners. (or the sign of the pentangle)

I cut the bindings surrounding me and ask God and all of the angels to protect the one who has done me disservice. Protect him and guide him that he may turn his Craft to the service of God.

Say Prayer to St. Michael, submitting the name of your personal angel guarding you. Bless yourself and your sacred space with the potion. Spend some time in your sacred space and meditate.

Close ritual

Banishment Spell

Materials

Oils: Rose and Patchouli
Herbs: Cloves and Salt
Candle: Silver
Sacred Fire
Pen and Paper
Wand and Anthame
Bottled Water
Cauldron

Cleanse sacred space and call the corners.

Write down your concerns or the object of your banishment.

With your wand raised, intone

I am on my path but there is an obstacle in my way called _______Remove it!

Place three drops of rose in cauldron with water

I have envisioned my goal but this obstacle_______is in my way. Remove it!

Place three drops of patchouli in cauldron.
I see myself climbing over this obstacle __________and overpowering it. It is removed.

Place cloves in cauldron

I light this candle to guide me over the obstacle _______ so I do not stumble over it. It is removed.

Jesus said if I had faith I would move mountains. I trust in you Lord Jesus. It is removed!

Closing ritual and destruction of the obstacle. Use the potion for seven days as an aromatic or as an ointment for the pressure points.


There are three spells in this next grouping which can be worked together. Witches are often asked for spells for love. Witches know that love spells and potions are dangerous. In place of love spells and potions, the witch can prescribe spells for confidence, for beauty and courage. These qualities in and of themselves are conduits to attraction and love.

Spell for Courage

Materials

Oils: Rose and Dragon’s Blood
Candles: Blue and silver
Paper and Pen
Caldron and Wand

Cleanse sacred space and call the corners, draw your salt ring. Write the name of the person for whom you are working and place it in the center of your salt circle. With wand in hand intone:

Courage of soldiers, Priests and Believers, Courage of Lovers, Witches and Seers embolden _________ strength of heart to do what is right and give no harm. Make them eloquent of speech, compassionate and true to attract the one they wish to woo. Help them to plant the seed of heart’s love to grow. This is what I ask and by the power of three make it so

Light the candles

May this flame burn like the love in __________’s heart.

Mix oils

May this potion remind ___________of their courage

Close the spell or continue with the next.

Spell for Confidence
Materials

Oil: Lemon Verbena, Orange
Candle: Yellow
Pen and Paper
Wand

Light the candle. With wand in hand intone:

I must speak before crowds, give me eloquence. I must present my best inspiration, give me vision. I must speak to one I care for; untie my tongue with the feelings of my heart. Give ____________ the power of confidence. Give _____________faith in himself as a creature of God. Give__________understanding of all circumstances helping and hindering his intended goal.

By the power of three, let it be, let it be!

Close Spell or continue with the next.

Beauty Spell
Materials

Oil: Rose and Cloves (if you are performing this spell with courage and confidence, you need only cloves) Catnip, Orange and Green Candles Pen and Paper Sacred Fire and Wand.

With wand raised, intone:

All people have the spark of beauty. With this candle let it strike the flame of recognition of beauty within myself and others. (light the candles) ______seeks beauty within themselves, make them see their own personal beauty without and within and may those they love see their beauty and appreciate and love it. Write their name on a piece of paper if it hasn’t already been done and place it in salt circle)

With wand raised intone:

Help this person recognize their own self worth for all things of value has its own intrinsic beauty. So it must be.

Combine your herbs and oils to the cauldron and with wand intone:

Rose of beauty, Cloves of purity, catnip of playful charm and grace combine your essences and make beautiful _______’s face.

Blessed Be!

Close spell.


Banish Lonliness Spell

Materials
1 Yellow Candle
High Meadows Oil
Frankincense
Sage
Picture of Wolf
Cauldron
Bottled Water
Wand
Athame
Mirror

Cleanse sacred space and call the corners. Light sacred fire and draw sacred circle. Annoint candle with High Meadows oil. Light Candle
With wand intone:

See my candle dispelling shadows. I am free from being lonely. Comfort me with golden glow as through this world I go.

Light Incense. With Athame

The lonely witch draws moonlight
Calling the children of the night
Lovely music of the wind
And of the lonely wolf within
A magical tune will sing with delight
And reflect a dancing light
Each time a wolf makes a friend
And put loneliness to an end.
So it mote be.

Close ritual.


Use these workings in good health and to positive purpose.

Blessings Be

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

To the Summerlands

Merry Meet

I wrote about my trip to see my circle sisters and have my third degree initiation. Our leader was a lovely woman I met some years ago after my husband died and she was the one who saw Craft in me when I did not see it in myself. I sent my beloved sister off on her journey to the Summerlands this weekend. She had traveled to NorthCarolina to do her Croning by her beloved mentor and officiate over a Wiccaning and a Handfasting for a couple who had been through real traumas in their life and had now found balance with themselves and each other and the Craft and had planned to raise their daughter in the Pagan way. As she was heading to their lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains, a deer ran out into the road and she swerved to avoid it. Hikers found her down an imbankment. She was paralyzed and put into a Halo and given steriods to keep her going until a couple of us from the group could be with ther and the Priest and Priestess of the coven where she had gotten her Wiccan education. They knew me as a Christian Wicce but opened their circle for me so I could help my sister and teacher go to the heaven she believed in all her adult life. As a final gift she was Croned by her mentor in the hospital room. Nurses looked at us sideways in our cerimonial clothes and our wands and staffs and athames. The clergy, a little Baptist minister asked if she would like to talk to someone about Jesus and one of my Wiccan sisters said, very politely, "No, our sister has a Christian here to tell her about Jesus if she so desires, "and pointed at me in my yellow robes with a black celtic cross on the chest.

At four this morning, she entered the Summerland. I will miss her and I pray she sends all of us Blessings be from the place of rest and plenty.

Blessings Be to all of you,

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

A History of Witchcraft

Merry Meet

From The Book of Shadows of Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk, Christian Wicce


A History of the Craft

There are arguments among occultists and historians and anthropologists as to the age of the art of witchcraft. Witches believe the craft is at least 24,000 years old. Historians and anthropologists say witchcraft is only 3000 to 4000 years old. This seems to be a willingness of occult practitioners to attach themselves to ancient, primitive, shamanistic practices that are found throughout Europe leaving evidence of their presence through Paleolithic, archeological sites. Though some elements of their practices in antiquity can be found in the Craft, the Craft, as we know it today, is overwhelmingly identified by the celto-nordic spiritual practices of the last 5,000 years, intermixed with other primitive practices.

As communities became more developed and stable, serious studies of herbs, drugs, and diets as well as more complicated religious disciplines grew. Knowledge and wisdom were thought to be gifts of the gods and goddesses. These gods and goddesses took interest in different aspects of human life. Those with wisdom learned how to communicate with the gods and goddesses and learn how to work cure with potions and herbs and prayers and spells and rituals. Communication with the gods could be as simple as prayer and as complex as ritual possession. All religions practice a form of ritual possession, even Christianity in its more primitive forms invites the Holy Spirit to possess and speak through them with the holy and secret language or unknown tongues.

As travel became easier, people of different cultures and spiritual practices shared knowledge and wisdom and spread their religious practices. These practices and wisdoms became integrated until the knowledge and practice became universally accepted. Once they were universally accepted, they became absolute knowledge and wisdom.

During this period of development, there were no doctors, as we understand the word. People who understood common ailments understood through long periods of observation, study of the flora and fauna around them. They also knew that to call upon the gods would build confidence in their patients. The early healer knew that herbs and ointments and tonics and rubs were only part of the solution. A person was body and soul and illness affected both.

The wise ones kept their art secret, revealing only to their students. These students would eventually, through oral tradition and eventually through writing, preserve this knowledge. How the Craft became dominated by women no one really knows for sure, but one can suppose it came about because of three things: Women were more spiritual and the responsibility of keeping religious practice in the home fell to women. The religion also included female deities, and finally women were the regular hearthside nurses who took care of the sick and injured and women in labor.

Next time: Midwifery

Blessings be, Aslinn Dhan

Casting a circle

Merry Meet

When I was with my friends during my initiation ceremony, we were sitting around doing what we called speed spelling. That was when we talked about the special needs of someone we knew and we wrote spells together, each of us writing our own spell for each dilemma. We started this years ago and we have just absolutely increased our Book of Shadows by leaps and bounds. The lady I consider the leader of our group, if we have such a person started us on a writing round for a circle blessing and this is what we came up with:

Turning out and turning in
We call upon the four winds
Northern winds for earthly wisdom
Eastern winds of inspiration
Give hope and Art to every nation

Southern winds of warrior might
Western winds bringing sweet comfort.
Protect those who need us day and night
And heal our sisters and brothers.

May we in unity be
Pagan, Wiccan and Christian Wicce three
And establish peace in the world where we live
Combine our powers and protect neighbor and friend

Help us accept those who give us pain
Let magik happen and wisdom reign
The more we are different, the more we are the same
Blessed winds on all of us blow
So we will it mote it be so.


Blessings be
Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Random Thoughts

Merry Meet,

Had a wonderful cerimony over the weekend. I am at the third degree of my studies. In a few years I will be croning, which is becoming an elder. There are many things to be said about covening or even just having a few people to study with. I love my solitary life, but I also loved being with my friends, who practice a similar sort of Christian Wicce as I do. I received a beautiful ring and a wonderful athame at my dedication cerimony. It made all the studying seem worth while and all the meditation an act of completion.

For those of you still searching, search on. For those of you still seeking, seek on. For those of you who have found your way may blessings upon you be and those who share their gifts, may gifts return by threes. As I will it, so mote it be.

Blessings Be
Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

Casting with Words Alone

Merry Meet!

It is a lovely cool and rainy September 1st and I thought it would be a great day to give you your first spell to try. This sort of casting is good when you are away from home and cannot get to your sacred space and you do not have materials and candles where you happen to be. Remember what I told you some time ago, that there are ways to practice the craft in your mind if you find yourself in a position where you can not make potions or burn candles or own paraphenalia. So keeping in mind that you are full of magical energy of your own and it comes from the energies of earth and air and the fire in your soul and the water of the blood in your veins. You are a child of the Creator, endowed with the mystical energies of the angels and spirits who serve the Creator. You can call upon these energies with slight gestures and the sound of your voice. With that in mind, let us begin.

To Remove an Obstacle

With wand hand make a sweeping motion over the opposite hand

There is an object in my way

I sweep it all away today

Obstacles I will remove

And make my path clean and smooth

As I will it, so mote it be

As you intone the spell, imagine the obstacle being removed.

Try this one when you see someone fighting or if two friends are fighting

To Promote Peace

With hands raised to chest level, palms up, intone:

In this world of war and discord

I chant this spell to push peace forward

May hate and spite disappear

So all can live without pain or fear

As I will it, so mote it be

The key to casting word spells is visualise and trust in your own magikal energies.

Until next time,

Blessings Be

Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk

I may not be writing for a while. I am taking a trip with a couple of Christian Wicce friends so I can have my third degree initiation. When I come back, I'll do some more word spells with you and go over the eight sabats with you.