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
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Saturday, September 23, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
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
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
Saturday, September 16, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
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
Friday, September 01, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Even More Books
Merry Meet!
The next book I want to recommend is written by Raymond Buckland. He is the acknowledged father of American witchcraft. There are several books I can recommend of his but the first one is Wicca For One: The Path of Solitary Witchcraft. It is all really good basic stuff that helps you to begin thinking about how you want to celebrate Sabats and Esbats and some good general information about magikal stones and crystals, prayer and meditation and magical terms and alphabets. It is published by Citadel and it is $15.
The next book I really want to impress upon those who are seeking a an eclectic or Christian practice of the Craft, I suggest reading Practical Solitary Magic by Nancy B. Watson. Among all of the books I have read about the magikal arts and the practice of witchcraft, Nancy really takes a strong stand on the idea that magik can be practiced in any religious faith system and these practitioners can proudly claim their place among Pagan and Wiccan practitioners. It's a great book that helps you develope a closer relationship with your concept of God or Goddess and helps you develop a spiritual bond with the craft. She also admits there may be those of us who have no bond whatever with a God type and has no use for one. Weiser Books $17.
The last book for this entry is Self Initiation for the Solitary Witch: Attaining Higher Spirituality Through a Five Degree System by Shanddaramon. It is a fantastic outline for your path of study through the years from novice to elder and discusses such topics as shamanism, divinations, meditations, healing, warrior studies and ecology. It is a great book you will read over and over again and it has so much snowledge a beginning witch really needs. Published by New Page Books $15.
That's a hefty list to be getting on with now, so enjoy these books and in couple of weeks, I'll give you some more titles.
Next time I write, I will give you some simple spells that you can cast and you don't even need a wand or materials.
Until next time,
Blessings Be
Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk
The next book I want to recommend is written by Raymond Buckland. He is the acknowledged father of American witchcraft. There are several books I can recommend of his but the first one is Wicca For One: The Path of Solitary Witchcraft. It is all really good basic stuff that helps you to begin thinking about how you want to celebrate Sabats and Esbats and some good general information about magikal stones and crystals, prayer and meditation and magical terms and alphabets. It is published by Citadel and it is $15.
The next book I really want to impress upon those who are seeking a an eclectic or Christian practice of the Craft, I suggest reading Practical Solitary Magic by Nancy B. Watson. Among all of the books I have read about the magikal arts and the practice of witchcraft, Nancy really takes a strong stand on the idea that magik can be practiced in any religious faith system and these practitioners can proudly claim their place among Pagan and Wiccan practitioners. It's a great book that helps you develope a closer relationship with your concept of God or Goddess and helps you develop a spiritual bond with the craft. She also admits there may be those of us who have no bond whatever with a God type and has no use for one. Weiser Books $17.
The last book for this entry is Self Initiation for the Solitary Witch: Attaining Higher Spirituality Through a Five Degree System by Shanddaramon. It is a fantastic outline for your path of study through the years from novice to elder and discusses such topics as shamanism, divinations, meditations, healing, warrior studies and ecology. It is a great book you will read over and over again and it has so much snowledge a beginning witch really needs. Published by New Page Books $15.
That's a hefty list to be getting on with now, so enjoy these books and in couple of weeks, I'll give you some more titles.
Next time I write, I will give you some simple spells that you can cast and you don't even need a wand or materials.
Until next time,
Blessings Be
Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk
Monday, August 21, 2006
More reading materials
Merry Meet,
The next three books I am going to suggest are books written by two fathers of the witchcraft movement. Gerald Gardner was a sociologist who studied Eastern culture and philosophy and in his later years came home to England, after World War II and discovered that the witch ways were not entirely gone. He became a noted writer and scholar of the Craft after 1951 when Great Britain repealed its ancient witchcraft laws and acknnowledged that the Craft can be a legitimate practice. The second one of the fathers is of the American witchcraft movement named Scott Cunningham. He has written over fifty books and he covers everything from divinations and crystals to herbology and potions and practices.
The first book I want to profile is The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner. In it he gives a serious but generous discussion of witchcraft as religion and practice. If you are a Christian Wicce you will have to bear with patience some of the remarks he makes about Christians and magik, but there are truths that Christian Practitioners must accept and that is like all conquering cultures, Christianity subborned the native practices of conquered people and demonized them. To many pratitioners of the Craft and followers of Wicca, Christians practicing the Craft are interloping in the ancient practices of pagan people. It is a sad division, just as all divisions are among faith communities are but all of us can come to some level of understanding. But, back to Gardner. Gardner also shatters some myths and misconceptions that non-magikal folk have about the Craft. Very well written and insightful book. Published by Weiser Books and costs $20.
The next two books are by Scott Cunningham. The Truth About Witchcraft Today is a really well written book that works on the same level as Gardner's book but takes a gentler stance. He gives you a basic history, modern challenges of the practicing witch, the religion of Wicca and basic ritual forms. Very good book for the older teen interested in the Craft and discusses some of the social and religious questions about Craft practices and how to judge the safety of a group or coven. Llewllyn Books $5.00
The second book is written expressly for the solitary witch, as many of us are, whether we are Christian or Pagan or Wiccan. Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner discusses all the characteristics for ritual and dedications and it has a very good basic Book of Shadows and a guide to help you write your own spells and rituals. It also has a basic herbal guide and glossary of terms and index for further research. Llewellyn Books $10 and a very good value for your money!
I hope these reading suggestions are helpful. Until next time,
Blessings Be
Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk
The next three books I am going to suggest are books written by two fathers of the witchcraft movement. Gerald Gardner was a sociologist who studied Eastern culture and philosophy and in his later years came home to England, after World War II and discovered that the witch ways were not entirely gone. He became a noted writer and scholar of the Craft after 1951 when Great Britain repealed its ancient witchcraft laws and acknnowledged that the Craft can be a legitimate practice. The second one of the fathers is of the American witchcraft movement named Scott Cunningham. He has written over fifty books and he covers everything from divinations and crystals to herbology and potions and practices.
The first book I want to profile is The Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner. In it he gives a serious but generous discussion of witchcraft as religion and practice. If you are a Christian Wicce you will have to bear with patience some of the remarks he makes about Christians and magik, but there are truths that Christian Practitioners must accept and that is like all conquering cultures, Christianity subborned the native practices of conquered people and demonized them. To many pratitioners of the Craft and followers of Wicca, Christians practicing the Craft are interloping in the ancient practices of pagan people. It is a sad division, just as all divisions are among faith communities are but all of us can come to some level of understanding. But, back to Gardner. Gardner also shatters some myths and misconceptions that non-magikal folk have about the Craft. Very well written and insightful book. Published by Weiser Books and costs $20.
The next two books are by Scott Cunningham. The Truth About Witchcraft Today is a really well written book that works on the same level as Gardner's book but takes a gentler stance. He gives you a basic history, modern challenges of the practicing witch, the religion of Wicca and basic ritual forms. Very good book for the older teen interested in the Craft and discusses some of the social and religious questions about Craft practices and how to judge the safety of a group or coven. Llewllyn Books $5.00
The second book is written expressly for the solitary witch, as many of us are, whether we are Christian or Pagan or Wiccan. Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner discusses all the characteristics for ritual and dedications and it has a very good basic Book of Shadows and a guide to help you write your own spells and rituals. It also has a basic herbal guide and glossary of terms and index for further research. Llewellyn Books $10 and a very good value for your money!
I hope these reading suggestions are helpful. Until next time,
Blessings Be
Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Suggested Readings
Merry Meet,
I promised that I would begin giving you a book list and after much consideration, I though I would profile three books at a time in some sort of ascending order that moves you from one basic beginners level to the next. I've read all of the books and will tell you the good things and the bad things about the books and how I used them as a Christian Wicce.
The first book I recommend for those who are beginning their studies into the Craft is The Wiccan Rede by Mark Ventimiglia. It is a wonderful little book, written for the Wiccan-Pagan in mind, but filled with basic truths that all religious faiths could appreciate much of it. The rede is carefully analyzed as poetry and as creed to follow for a religious rule of thumb. It is a very thoughtful work and I recommend it to all who are interested in the Craft. It is published by citadel press and it is hard back and I think I paid $10.
An Ye Harm None: Magical Morality and Modern Ethics by Shelley TSivia Rabinovitch and Meredith Macdonald. This book takes up where Ventimiglia leaves off. It seems a bit heavy handed, but really, everyone could do with making things last and using up what you have and controlling your buying and wasting. Some of it may be a little difficult to do, but you can get a lot of real insight about your rights and responsibilities as a witch. I urge any young person to read this book and really think about what it really means to be a witch. Ithink I paid $15-$17. It was published by Citadel Press.
The Elements of Ritual by Deborah Lipp. This is a fantastic book that helps the learner think about the rituals or spell work they want to do. It is a very open hannded and generous book that explains the use of the pentangle and candles and casting circles and the eight Sabats and the seasons and some things you can do to celebrate in your own unique way. She also dicusses how to build a relationship with the four elements. $17 from Llewellyn Press.
Of all of the expense you will have, books will be your greatest expense of all. Some of these will be available at your local library and you may be able to check them out or read them and make notes. You should get a journal or notebook anyway to begin writing what you learn. This notebook will be basis for your Book of SHadows or personal spell book.
I'll profile three more books next time and give some basic castig advice to get ready to teach you to cast spells that were written by someone else or how to write your own spells.
Until then, Blessings Be,
Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk
I promised that I would begin giving you a book list and after much consideration, I though I would profile three books at a time in some sort of ascending order that moves you from one basic beginners level to the next. I've read all of the books and will tell you the good things and the bad things about the books and how I used them as a Christian Wicce.
The first book I recommend for those who are beginning their studies into the Craft is The Wiccan Rede by Mark Ventimiglia. It is a wonderful little book, written for the Wiccan-Pagan in mind, but filled with basic truths that all religious faiths could appreciate much of it. The rede is carefully analyzed as poetry and as creed to follow for a religious rule of thumb. It is a very thoughtful work and I recommend it to all who are interested in the Craft. It is published by citadel press and it is hard back and I think I paid $10.
An Ye Harm None: Magical Morality and Modern Ethics by Shelley TSivia Rabinovitch and Meredith Macdonald. This book takes up where Ventimiglia leaves off. It seems a bit heavy handed, but really, everyone could do with making things last and using up what you have and controlling your buying and wasting. Some of it may be a little difficult to do, but you can get a lot of real insight about your rights and responsibilities as a witch. I urge any young person to read this book and really think about what it really means to be a witch. Ithink I paid $15-$17. It was published by Citadel Press.
The Elements of Ritual by Deborah Lipp. This is a fantastic book that helps the learner think about the rituals or spell work they want to do. It is a very open hannded and generous book that explains the use of the pentangle and candles and casting circles and the eight Sabats and the seasons and some things you can do to celebrate in your own unique way. She also dicusses how to build a relationship with the four elements. $17 from Llewellyn Press.
Of all of the expense you will have, books will be your greatest expense of all. Some of these will be available at your local library and you may be able to check them out or read them and make notes. You should get a journal or notebook anyway to begin writing what you learn. This notebook will be basis for your Book of SHadows or personal spell book.
I'll profile three more books next time and give some basic castig advice to get ready to teach you to cast spells that were written by someone else or how to write your own spells.
Until then, Blessings Be,
Aslinn Dhan Dragonhawk
Friday, August 18, 2006
Oils and the Craft
Merry Meet,
Oils have been used as curatives for thousands of years and they have been used as a part of religious practices for just as long. Oils were used as preservatives to keep the body until burials could take place. They have been used in medicines as lubricants, muscle relaxers and laxatives. Scented oils are very important in cures and ritual as well. Many times oils were made of botanicals and purified animal fats and oils collected from plants. It was time consuming work to extract purified oils from the source and the herbs and flowers and resins used to perfume them were rare and costly. That is the point of the tale of the fallen woman who anoints Jesus feet. Judas tells Jesus off for allowing the woman to use the oils because they are costly and he feels that Jesus is indulging in some selfish vanity by allowing her to anoint him. Oils were mostly used by the wealthy and Jesus was supposed to be living the life of poverty and suffering.
Today, there are many types of oil that we call perfumed oils. Witches and Wiccans and Pagans of all traditions are renowned for the purity of their oils and the materials they are made from. Even if you are not a practitioner of any magikal art or tradition but you enjoy making wax candles and soaps and lotions with wonderful scents in them, then buy your goods from metaphysical shops. There are also the kinds that you find in art and hobby stores and even at your local shopping center or grocery. These are usually just fragrance oils that you put in simmer jars or on sachets to perfume a room. These are often artificially scented and use a petroleum oil as a carrier. Petrolium oils are like mineral oils or oil for your car. They are made of the same oil that is pumped out of the ground and refined to run our cars. It is not natural and is not good for mystical purposes in most regards.
There are some mass produced brands of essential oils. Spiritual Sky is a popular one and can be found in most "head shops" or hippy stores. It simply takes time to find those dealers who sell the real deal. The most important are Myrrh, Sandalwood, Amber, Dragon's Blood, Lavender, Peppermint, and Cinnamon. The corresponding incenses are great to have, as well. If you need to make potion and need a carrier oil, use sweet oil, or almond oil. If all else fail, use extralight, extra virgin olive oil or corn oil or sunflower oil. They may have a bit of an odor but they work well. Sweet oil can be found in pharmacies or grocery oils.
Now, I know that you see people drink potions all of the time in movies and shows, but do not drink your potions. The potions you make are to be used in the following ways: You may anoint candles with them. The way to anoint is that if you want your spell's desire to come to you. you anoint from the top of the candle to the base of the candle. If you want to the spell's desire to get away from you, you anoint from the bottom up. You may anoint a person with them. If you are bringing them into the Craft, for instance, you would want mix a potion used for dedication. Or if you were healing them, you might want to gently massage the afflicted area. You can use it as a fumigant. You can thin the potion by adding a teaspoon of whisky (or if you are a minor, rubbing alcohol) to every two ounces of potion and sprinkle or spray the potion in a spray bottle around the room to bless or exorcise or to bring healing, whatever you happen to be doing. You can simmer the potion in a simmer pot to incense a room. You can also add herbs and flowers to you potion as they are called for or if they match the energies of the oils you are using.
This is by no means comprehensive, in fact it is pretty basic. So, the next time, I will give you a book list that will help you study into your second and third degree. Some are written expressly for young people, which are still good for the adult novice, and some have a revolving value that comes with reading and rereading the books as you advance in your studies.
Until then,
Blessed Be
Aslinn Dhan
Oils have been used as curatives for thousands of years and they have been used as a part of religious practices for just as long. Oils were used as preservatives to keep the body until burials could take place. They have been used in medicines as lubricants, muscle relaxers and laxatives. Scented oils are very important in cures and ritual as well. Many times oils were made of botanicals and purified animal fats and oils collected from plants. It was time consuming work to extract purified oils from the source and the herbs and flowers and resins used to perfume them were rare and costly. That is the point of the tale of the fallen woman who anoints Jesus feet. Judas tells Jesus off for allowing the woman to use the oils because they are costly and he feels that Jesus is indulging in some selfish vanity by allowing her to anoint him. Oils were mostly used by the wealthy and Jesus was supposed to be living the life of poverty and suffering.
Today, there are many types of oil that we call perfumed oils. Witches and Wiccans and Pagans of all traditions are renowned for the purity of their oils and the materials they are made from. Even if you are not a practitioner of any magikal art or tradition but you enjoy making wax candles and soaps and lotions with wonderful scents in them, then buy your goods from metaphysical shops. There are also the kinds that you find in art and hobby stores and even at your local shopping center or grocery. These are usually just fragrance oils that you put in simmer jars or on sachets to perfume a room. These are often artificially scented and use a petroleum oil as a carrier. Petrolium oils are like mineral oils or oil for your car. They are made of the same oil that is pumped out of the ground and refined to run our cars. It is not natural and is not good for mystical purposes in most regards.
There are some mass produced brands of essential oils. Spiritual Sky is a popular one and can be found in most "head shops" or hippy stores. It simply takes time to find those dealers who sell the real deal. The most important are Myrrh, Sandalwood, Amber, Dragon's Blood, Lavender, Peppermint, and Cinnamon. The corresponding incenses are great to have, as well. If you need to make potion and need a carrier oil, use sweet oil, or almond oil. If all else fail, use extralight, extra virgin olive oil or corn oil or sunflower oil. They may have a bit of an odor but they work well. Sweet oil can be found in pharmacies or grocery oils.
Now, I know that you see people drink potions all of the time in movies and shows, but do not drink your potions. The potions you make are to be used in the following ways: You may anoint candles with them. The way to anoint is that if you want your spell's desire to come to you. you anoint from the top of the candle to the base of the candle. If you want to the spell's desire to get away from you, you anoint from the bottom up. You may anoint a person with them. If you are bringing them into the Craft, for instance, you would want mix a potion used for dedication. Or if you were healing them, you might want to gently massage the afflicted area. You can use it as a fumigant. You can thin the potion by adding a teaspoon of whisky (or if you are a minor, rubbing alcohol) to every two ounces of potion and sprinkle or spray the potion in a spray bottle around the room to bless or exorcise or to bring healing, whatever you happen to be doing. You can simmer the potion in a simmer pot to incense a room. You can also add herbs and flowers to you potion as they are called for or if they match the energies of the oils you are using.
This is by no means comprehensive, in fact it is pretty basic. So, the next time, I will give you a book list that will help you study into your second and third degree. Some are written expressly for young people, which are still good for the adult novice, and some have a revolving value that comes with reading and rereading the books as you advance in your studies.
Until then,
Blessed Be
Aslinn Dhan
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
More working with Herbs
Merry Meet
To continue with the herbs. Thyme is another great herb. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme are true and real love herbs and can be used to make a love bath and sachets for the love bed. Thyme is also good for physical and spiritual healing in teas for sleeplessness and anxiety and head aches and in baths for aching and sore muscles and as aromatics for congestion. Thyme is good for meditations and clairvoyance as it does open the mind.
Ginger, preferably in root form but good in powdered is great for seasoning Asian food and pork some fish. It is also good in a tea for menstrual cramps along with cinnamon and nutmeg. It works well, especially in root form, sliced in a coin sized slice, to draw success or to increse personal power.
Rosemary is good for chicken and fish in cooking. It can be added to teas especially floral teas. Rosemary can be used in ritual annointings to dedicate someone or something. It can be used in blessings like a wiccaning or hand fasting. Used in wisdom and inspiration spells and potions, it can open the mind. It can be added to catnip and used as a beauty wash. Its fragrant scent can be used to chase away negative energy.
There are all sorts of ways to use common kitchen herbs and many of them are extremely easy to grow. You don't need a lot of room and you don't need really great soil and once they are established the herbs do okay if they aren't watered everyday like flowers. They are great to grow in containers, you should especially grow mint in containers because they spread and are invasive.
Learn all you can about herbs and flowers. Many times, archaic and exotic herbs, plants and roots are members of more common families that you can find easily. When you harvest your herbs, harvest in the full moon so you get the most of the plant's energies. Learn how to dry the herbs and how to clean and store them. If you can't grow your own herbs, do the best you can with the herbs you can get at the grocery store. Magik understands.
Next time , I will discuss oils and aroma theraphy and massage as magik and spell work.
Blessings Be,
Aslinn Dhan
To continue with the herbs. Thyme is another great herb. Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme are true and real love herbs and can be used to make a love bath and sachets for the love bed. Thyme is also good for physical and spiritual healing in teas for sleeplessness and anxiety and head aches and in baths for aching and sore muscles and as aromatics for congestion. Thyme is good for meditations and clairvoyance as it does open the mind.
Ginger, preferably in root form but good in powdered is great for seasoning Asian food and pork some fish. It is also good in a tea for menstrual cramps along with cinnamon and nutmeg. It works well, especially in root form, sliced in a coin sized slice, to draw success or to increse personal power.
Rosemary is good for chicken and fish in cooking. It can be added to teas especially floral teas. Rosemary can be used in ritual annointings to dedicate someone or something. It can be used in blessings like a wiccaning or hand fasting. Used in wisdom and inspiration spells and potions, it can open the mind. It can be added to catnip and used as a beauty wash. Its fragrant scent can be used to chase away negative energy.
There are all sorts of ways to use common kitchen herbs and many of them are extremely easy to grow. You don't need a lot of room and you don't need really great soil and once they are established the herbs do okay if they aren't watered everyday like flowers. They are great to grow in containers, you should especially grow mint in containers because they spread and are invasive.
Learn all you can about herbs and flowers. Many times, archaic and exotic herbs, plants and roots are members of more common families that you can find easily. When you harvest your herbs, harvest in the full moon so you get the most of the plant's energies. Learn how to dry the herbs and how to clean and store them. If you can't grow your own herbs, do the best you can with the herbs you can get at the grocery store. Magik understands.
Next time , I will discuss oils and aroma theraphy and massage as magik and spell work.
Blessings Be,
Aslinn Dhan
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Working with herbs
Merry Meet!
So, here we are and I thought I would begin some instructional things on basic herbs and their uses. First off, be careful with herbs. Some folk may be allergic or sensitive to the herbs you use. Second of all, herbs are pretty basic and many of them can be easily grown or bought, sometimes fresh, at your local grocery or Asian or Ethnic food store. Some can even be bought in Health food stores, so don't let the idea of herbs bother you.
There are basic herbs. Lavender is a great all purpose herb for nerves, anger, fear and any type of calming. You can get lavender at your local florists, or at art stores where you can buy sachets of lavender. You can get lavender oil, but I will talk about oils a little later. There are some teas that contain small amounts of lavender in them. Lavender is used primarily in sachets or mojo bags or as a bath packet. You can make a herbal bath packet by gathering the leaves or spices you want and folding them into a coffee filter and stapling the filter shut so the herbs don't come out.
Chamomile is a another great herb. It is a soother as well. It is also great for stomach complaints and headaches and tired eyes. You can get this in a tea form. Drink for stomach complaint just as you normally would. Headaches the same. For tired eyes, make your tea but do not add milk or sweetner and when it cools, take a clean wash cloth and soak your cloth in the tea, wring it out and place on the eyes.
Mint is great for many things. Mint can be used as a tea to drink for stomach complaint or indegestion. You can use it as a muscle relaxer by soaking in it in a tub of water. It is good for chest colds and complaints, and good for skin trouble if strained and used straight as a facial rinse (no milk or sugar, please) Esoterically, it can cleanse the house of troubles and quarrels and be used in love rubs or potions.
Garlic has been an old time herb for health. Just seasoning food while it cooks or making garlic butter, whatever you like in garlic makes the dish healthier for you. You can use it as a muscle rub...but brother do you smell afterwards. It is also sovereign against evil spirits, ghosts, and monsters of all sorts. Wearing a piece of it in your mojo or having it at your door protects you and your house.
Salt, humble and common is great as a gargle for sore throat, cleanser for mind abrasions, wash for the face, add savor to any food, preserve meats, vegetables, even breads. It is also sovereign against evil spirits and if you believe in the faery folk, it will keep them out of your house.
Sage is great for all fowl and fish and dressings and pork. It is also good for clearing the mind for careful thought, just sprinkle a little in some tea. It is good for smudging, which is burning like incense. If you don't have a sage wand, take a small square of paper and place a half teaspoon in the center and twist the sage up into the paper and place in a heat resistant bowl. Light the paper and waft the smoke toward your room or the person you wish to bless. Caution, sage has a very strong grassy smell, almost like marijuana, so be careful if you are practicing in secret.
I'll quit for now. My next blog, I'll talk about more common herbs and what they may be used for.
Blessings Be!
Aslinn Dhan
So, here we are and I thought I would begin some instructional things on basic herbs and their uses. First off, be careful with herbs. Some folk may be allergic or sensitive to the herbs you use. Second of all, herbs are pretty basic and many of them can be easily grown or bought, sometimes fresh, at your local grocery or Asian or Ethnic food store. Some can even be bought in Health food stores, so don't let the idea of herbs bother you.
There are basic herbs. Lavender is a great all purpose herb for nerves, anger, fear and any type of calming. You can get lavender at your local florists, or at art stores where you can buy sachets of lavender. You can get lavender oil, but I will talk about oils a little later. There are some teas that contain small amounts of lavender in them. Lavender is used primarily in sachets or mojo bags or as a bath packet. You can make a herbal bath packet by gathering the leaves or spices you want and folding them into a coffee filter and stapling the filter shut so the herbs don't come out.
Chamomile is a another great herb. It is a soother as well. It is also great for stomach complaints and headaches and tired eyes. You can get this in a tea form. Drink for stomach complaint just as you normally would. Headaches the same. For tired eyes, make your tea but do not add milk or sweetner and when it cools, take a clean wash cloth and soak your cloth in the tea, wring it out and place on the eyes.
Mint is great for many things. Mint can be used as a tea to drink for stomach complaint or indegestion. You can use it as a muscle relaxer by soaking in it in a tub of water. It is good for chest colds and complaints, and good for skin trouble if strained and used straight as a facial rinse (no milk or sugar, please) Esoterically, it can cleanse the house of troubles and quarrels and be used in love rubs or potions.
Garlic has been an old time herb for health. Just seasoning food while it cooks or making garlic butter, whatever you like in garlic makes the dish healthier for you. You can use it as a muscle rub...but brother do you smell afterwards. It is also sovereign against evil spirits, ghosts, and monsters of all sorts. Wearing a piece of it in your mojo or having it at your door protects you and your house.
Salt, humble and common is great as a gargle for sore throat, cleanser for mind abrasions, wash for the face, add savor to any food, preserve meats, vegetables, even breads. It is also sovereign against evil spirits and if you believe in the faery folk, it will keep them out of your house.
Sage is great for all fowl and fish and dressings and pork. It is also good for clearing the mind for careful thought, just sprinkle a little in some tea. It is good for smudging, which is burning like incense. If you don't have a sage wand, take a small square of paper and place a half teaspoon in the center and twist the sage up into the paper and place in a heat resistant bowl. Light the paper and waft the smoke toward your room or the person you wish to bless. Caution, sage has a very strong grassy smell, almost like marijuana, so be careful if you are practicing in secret.
I'll quit for now. My next blog, I'll talk about more common herbs and what they may be used for.
Blessings Be!
Aslinn Dhan
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
What are the Druids and how are they related to Wicca?
Merry Meet!
As you read about magick and the mystical arts and the Craft, you will read about the Druids. What are the Druids and how do they relate to us, the modern witches and covens of today. No one is really sure about who the Druids are. There are some who say they were some sort of ruling class, some where after the chief or king but above the ordinary citizenry. They were the wise men and women who formed the basic legal system, made decisions about crime and punishment, advised kings when and when not to make war, alliances, marry and crown heirs. They functioned also as the leaders of religion, presiding over marriages, divorces, births, funerals, coronations and religious feasts, sports, and rites.
We know this very small bit not from Druids themselves, but from the invaders of Europe, namely the Romans under people like Julius Caesar. In Julius Caesar's Commentaries, he wrote that the Druids were blood thirsty, savage men( ignoring of course the roles of women in the Druidic culture) who sacrificed humans in large quantities and ate human flesh and burned people alive in their wickerman festivals before Samhain. And following largely in this same vein, writers like Pliny the elder spoke of some elements of Druid religion, like the veneration of trees and the worship of the moon and the sun and the use of mistletoe and some meanings of the varying woods. But this is all we really know, and we should have some skepticism about histories that were not written by the people themselves either through art or written language.
Did the Druids write their own history? I'm afraid the Druids themselves wrote very little about their work and their religion or their knowledge. Most of the Druid's knowledge was oral history, told from one Druid to another, taught from generation to generation and handed down as legacy of sorts. It is thought, because no one really knows for sure, they were a culture who believed in leading strenuous lives of hard work and play. If things were written down, then no one need learn things and memorize them, they could look it up anytime. So just as there were people who did wondrous athletic feats, so too were there people who memorized millions of words of poetry and formulas and spells. This is fantastic in and of themselves, but imagine now, the death of the group of people! It would be the death of all that learning.
And that is what happened, and just all invaders do, they bring their pantheons of Gods and Goddesses to replace the native Gods. Now, does that mean the Druid religion and their magical practices are lost forever? No, but you can never call it "Druid" again. There were people who remembered little bits, a spell here, a practice there, maybe even a ritual or two and keep it in their hearts, teaching their family, celebrating with others, adding to the parts they have forgotten with some new bit they thought would enhance the rite and make it respectful and memorable for them in their time. And over time, the faith system of the conquerors become absorbed by the conquered, that is why we see Greek and Roman spirits and imagery of European Wicca and Native American imagery in North America and we are now seein Christian imagery in the Craft, as we have come to call it.
There are reasons for everything under the sun. There may be a reason why we don't know must about the Druids. It may be that it was simply their time to go away from us. Perhaps it was some divine way of teaching us to appreciate the Craft we have and to help it grow as we see fit, just as the ones who remembered a few spells worked hard to learn more. And we have to appreciate others. I have to thank myPagan and Wiccan brothers and sisters for writing those wonderful books I studied and read and learned from and thank other Christian Wicces for coming out of the broom closet and telling me that I was not alone.
And finally, thanks to all of those ancient Craft traditions who went before us all and suffered for their Craft and taught us to never take learning for granted.
Blessings be
Aslinn Dhan
As you read about magick and the mystical arts and the Craft, you will read about the Druids. What are the Druids and how do they relate to us, the modern witches and covens of today. No one is really sure about who the Druids are. There are some who say they were some sort of ruling class, some where after the chief or king but above the ordinary citizenry. They were the wise men and women who formed the basic legal system, made decisions about crime and punishment, advised kings when and when not to make war, alliances, marry and crown heirs. They functioned also as the leaders of religion, presiding over marriages, divorces, births, funerals, coronations and religious feasts, sports, and rites.
We know this very small bit not from Druids themselves, but from the invaders of Europe, namely the Romans under people like Julius Caesar. In Julius Caesar's Commentaries, he wrote that the Druids were blood thirsty, savage men( ignoring of course the roles of women in the Druidic culture) who sacrificed humans in large quantities and ate human flesh and burned people alive in their wickerman festivals before Samhain. And following largely in this same vein, writers like Pliny the elder spoke of some elements of Druid religion, like the veneration of trees and the worship of the moon and the sun and the use of mistletoe and some meanings of the varying woods. But this is all we really know, and we should have some skepticism about histories that were not written by the people themselves either through art or written language.
Did the Druids write their own history? I'm afraid the Druids themselves wrote very little about their work and their religion or their knowledge. Most of the Druid's knowledge was oral history, told from one Druid to another, taught from generation to generation and handed down as legacy of sorts. It is thought, because no one really knows for sure, they were a culture who believed in leading strenuous lives of hard work and play. If things were written down, then no one need learn things and memorize them, they could look it up anytime. So just as there were people who did wondrous athletic feats, so too were there people who memorized millions of words of poetry and formulas and spells. This is fantastic in and of themselves, but imagine now, the death of the group of people! It would be the death of all that learning.
And that is what happened, and just all invaders do, they bring their pantheons of Gods and Goddesses to replace the native Gods. Now, does that mean the Druid religion and their magical practices are lost forever? No, but you can never call it "Druid" again. There were people who remembered little bits, a spell here, a practice there, maybe even a ritual or two and keep it in their hearts, teaching their family, celebrating with others, adding to the parts they have forgotten with some new bit they thought would enhance the rite and make it respectful and memorable for them in their time. And over time, the faith system of the conquerors become absorbed by the conquered, that is why we see Greek and Roman spirits and imagery of European Wicca and Native American imagery in North America and we are now seein Christian imagery in the Craft, as we have come to call it.
There are reasons for everything under the sun. There may be a reason why we don't know must about the Druids. It may be that it was simply their time to go away from us. Perhaps it was some divine way of teaching us to appreciate the Craft we have and to help it grow as we see fit, just as the ones who remembered a few spells worked hard to learn more. And we have to appreciate others. I have to thank myPagan and Wiccan brothers and sisters for writing those wonderful books I studied and read and learned from and thank other Christian Wicces for coming out of the broom closet and telling me that I was not alone.
And finally, thanks to all of those ancient Craft traditions who went before us all and suffered for their Craft and taught us to never take learning for granted.
Blessings be
Aslinn Dhan
Monday, June 26, 2006
Witchcraft Without Tools Part 2
Merry Meet!
As I said before, there may be times that you cannot do spells in the open. This may be because of living situations or problems of acceptance or even situations where you may need to whip up a little protective magic and you can't get to your sacred space or altar. Magic isn't just about the things we use, sometimes it is simply the power of our intentions.
There are many times in life when just going through the motions are not enough but in magic, sometimes going through the motions are just enough to send magic out on the spot. If you have been working with your wand, then you know what hand you use to work with it. For the sake of this dicussion, I will simply say wand hand. The other will be called your opposite hand.
When I need to use a wand and I have only my finger, I use one finger, my index finger, to be my wand. Remember when your mom or dad told you it wasn't nice to point? This is why, I think, because people believed that not only do witches use wands to cast, but they can use their index finger too, and they were right. To symbolize the athame, I use two fingers. If I need a cauldron, my opposite hand is the cauldron, cupped and ready. Simple gestures and seeing the brewing, casting and cutting in the mind are the only things that you need for mind casting. Imagine the simplest herbs, oils and flowers in your cauldron. If we believe that all things have a soul, then we can call upon the soul of our herbs and flowers and the four directions and the sun and the moon to help us at a moment's notice.
Can we cast this way? Yes....all you have to do is believe that you can, through the powers of God or by whatever way you define the creator, the elements and the magic around you at all times. If you do not believe in all of these things then you are just a potion maker or fortune teller and you are no witch. The Craft is about absolute belief in your ability and your place in the magical world around you. You are magic, and if you don't believe that then you you cannot work the Craft. No amount of reading or casting will work for you.
It is said that magic doesn't work if you don't believe in it and I believe that is true, whether you are a Christian Wicce, or a Wiccan or Pagan, whether you practice dark magic or light magic. This is a real test of who you think you are as a witch. Are you are a fashionable shopping center witch who looks the part, but doesn't really know what you are doing? Or are you a person people would never know was a witch who goes along quietly through life and studies and gathers knowledge to help others. Are you fortunate enough to work with a great study group or coven. Or are you plodding on alone and in secret to learn as much as you can?
I've said it before, Craft is about dedication and study and hard work, not fashion. Regardless of the tradition you embrace or whether you are a solitary or a covener, you have to discover, embrace and enrich the magic inside yourself, the great inheritance from God, your ancestors, the heavens and the earth. It is not something to play with or abuse.
Don't ever doubt the energies that each of us have and always think of the energies you create with each casting or ritual. Study all of the time. Even if every book you get says mostly the same thing, you will find some small tid bit. Understand not only that potions work but why they work. And always thank the spirits for the things you do. Even the most learned of us sometimes need to take time and thank God or the Creator or the ancestors and nature and the stars and the planets for their help.
Next fall, I shall be dedicated at the third degree and I will in a few years be considered an elder and after so much study and thinking and practice I am still learning my Craft. Keep learning and studying.
Blessings be
As I said before, there may be times that you cannot do spells in the open. This may be because of living situations or problems of acceptance or even situations where you may need to whip up a little protective magic and you can't get to your sacred space or altar. Magic isn't just about the things we use, sometimes it is simply the power of our intentions.
There are many times in life when just going through the motions are not enough but in magic, sometimes going through the motions are just enough to send magic out on the spot. If you have been working with your wand, then you know what hand you use to work with it. For the sake of this dicussion, I will simply say wand hand. The other will be called your opposite hand.
When I need to use a wand and I have only my finger, I use one finger, my index finger, to be my wand. Remember when your mom or dad told you it wasn't nice to point? This is why, I think, because people believed that not only do witches use wands to cast, but they can use their index finger too, and they were right. To symbolize the athame, I use two fingers. If I need a cauldron, my opposite hand is the cauldron, cupped and ready. Simple gestures and seeing the brewing, casting and cutting in the mind are the only things that you need for mind casting. Imagine the simplest herbs, oils and flowers in your cauldron. If we believe that all things have a soul, then we can call upon the soul of our herbs and flowers and the four directions and the sun and the moon to help us at a moment's notice.
Can we cast this way? Yes....all you have to do is believe that you can, through the powers of God or by whatever way you define the creator, the elements and the magic around you at all times. If you do not believe in all of these things then you are just a potion maker or fortune teller and you are no witch. The Craft is about absolute belief in your ability and your place in the magical world around you. You are magic, and if you don't believe that then you you cannot work the Craft. No amount of reading or casting will work for you.
It is said that magic doesn't work if you don't believe in it and I believe that is true, whether you are a Christian Wicce, or a Wiccan or Pagan, whether you practice dark magic or light magic. This is a real test of who you think you are as a witch. Are you are a fashionable shopping center witch who looks the part, but doesn't really know what you are doing? Or are you a person people would never know was a witch who goes along quietly through life and studies and gathers knowledge to help others. Are you fortunate enough to work with a great study group or coven. Or are you plodding on alone and in secret to learn as much as you can?
I've said it before, Craft is about dedication and study and hard work, not fashion. Regardless of the tradition you embrace or whether you are a solitary or a covener, you have to discover, embrace and enrich the magic inside yourself, the great inheritance from God, your ancestors, the heavens and the earth. It is not something to play with or abuse.
Don't ever doubt the energies that each of us have and always think of the energies you create with each casting or ritual. Study all of the time. Even if every book you get says mostly the same thing, you will find some small tid bit. Understand not only that potions work but why they work. And always thank the spirits for the things you do. Even the most learned of us sometimes need to take time and thank God or the Creator or the ancestors and nature and the stars and the planets for their help.
Next fall, I shall be dedicated at the third degree and I will in a few years be considered an elder and after so much study and thinking and practice I am still learning my Craft. Keep learning and studying.
Blessings be
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Witchcraft Without Tools
Merry Meet!
While we may not have to fear being burnt at the stake, at least only in metaphor, there are those of us who cannot practice the Caft in the open. This may mean that they cannot burn candles, own books(other than those they can keep somewhere else, borrow, or read on the net), use herbs, or otherwise practice elements of the Craft be cause of some prohibition. It may be that you are a minor living at home with parents who would not approve, or you may be in a prison or in the military, or you may be sharing a residence with someone who would not approve of your practicing the Craft. It may seem to you that this is unfair and do a lot of rebelling and screaming and hair pulling, but you might also consider this a challenge and a true test of your desire to practice the Craft.
All of those things that we use, the athame, wand, cauldron, pentacle, are magic only because we imbue these things with our own magical energies.True, herbs, scents and candles are sources of healing and spiritual comfort, but if there is a reason for not being able to practice the Craft in a physical way, there is a mental way of practicng the Craft. It is more difficult to master and requires more spiritual discipline and concentration but it can be done. If you do not believe in your own magical powers, no amount of cauldron brewing, candle lighting and wand waving can give you power to work the Craft.
As with all magic, you must have an imagination. Being able to make images in your head of the magic you wish to perform is essential. It is essential in physical magical and essential in mental magic. Another thing you need is an understanding of the elements and the cardinal directions. Being in tune with the moon is also essential. Using the power and energies of the moon are crucial.
Being creative and spontaneous is great. Having some dramatic ability to make casting gestures is great, too. But most of all, concentration is the key.
Next time, I'll discuss in depth some scenarios where you can use mental magic.
Blessed Be
Aslinn Dhan
While we may not have to fear being burnt at the stake, at least only in metaphor, there are those of us who cannot practice the Caft in the open. This may mean that they cannot burn candles, own books(other than those they can keep somewhere else, borrow, or read on the net), use herbs, or otherwise practice elements of the Craft be cause of some prohibition. It may be that you are a minor living at home with parents who would not approve, or you may be in a prison or in the military, or you may be sharing a residence with someone who would not approve of your practicing the Craft. It may seem to you that this is unfair and do a lot of rebelling and screaming and hair pulling, but you might also consider this a challenge and a true test of your desire to practice the Craft.
All of those things that we use, the athame, wand, cauldron, pentacle, are magic only because we imbue these things with our own magical energies.True, herbs, scents and candles are sources of healing and spiritual comfort, but if there is a reason for not being able to practice the Craft in a physical way, there is a mental way of practicng the Craft. It is more difficult to master and requires more spiritual discipline and concentration but it can be done. If you do not believe in your own magical powers, no amount of cauldron brewing, candle lighting and wand waving can give you power to work the Craft.
As with all magic, you must have an imagination. Being able to make images in your head of the magic you wish to perform is essential. It is essential in physical magical and essential in mental magic. Another thing you need is an understanding of the elements and the cardinal directions. Being in tune with the moon is also essential. Using the power and energies of the moon are crucial.
Being creative and spontaneous is great. Having some dramatic ability to make casting gestures is great, too. But most of all, concentration is the key.
Next time, I'll discuss in depth some scenarios where you can use mental magic.
Blessed Be
Aslinn Dhan
Friday, June 16, 2006
Magical Clothes : Or Do I have to Wear that Conical Hat?
Merry Meet
I have asked this question before and there is no reason not to ask it again. When people ask you to describe a witch, what do you hear? "Well, first of all, they wear all black except for their red and white stripy socks!" is probably the firm answer you will get from most anyone. And I admit that on a few Samhain celebrations I have embraced the Witch Hazel in me. Besides, black is so slimming and sexy. But the truth of the matter is, there simply is no correct ritual dress code for the working witch. One of the rules of thumb is dress in clean clothes, wear clothes that symbolize the magical part of you, and realize that color has meaning. Red can be healing or protection, black can be binding or new moon spells, purple can be worn for divinations, white for dedications or purifications. Greens and golds can be worn for fertility and handfasting, and silvers and metallic golds can be worn for wiccanings (or christenings) Whatever you plan to do during your ritual, think of clothes or colors that suit the occasion.
I have spoken of this briefly and it has to do with skyclad. Skyclad is being naked. If you are a minor and are joining a coven and they demand that you have to have to be naked, get away from that coven, no coven of the Craft that follows the Wiccan Rede will demand nudity ( most Wiccans won't allow you to join until you are in your majority anyway) And no coven will demand sex as the entrance fee for your acceptance into the coven. If they do, get away from them. Even sexual rituals are private affairs between the High Priest and Priestess and do not involve the direct energies of the coven. There are some Gardnerian tradition witches who do skyclad work and that is something they do if they have adequate privacy and the weather is with them. But skyclad has fallen out of fashion right now and like all groups and systems it will take a while for a another nudie witchy movement come back round. Even Raymond Buckland states that there is some mild but none the less infantile curiosity about your Witchy Brother or Sister's shape under their robes. One word of warning. If you are wearing long ritual robes, capes or dresses, be very careful with candles, fire, incense, and cauldrons.
Blessings Be
I have asked this question before and there is no reason not to ask it again. When people ask you to describe a witch, what do you hear? "Well, first of all, they wear all black except for their red and white stripy socks!" is probably the firm answer you will get from most anyone. And I admit that on a few Samhain celebrations I have embraced the Witch Hazel in me. Besides, black is so slimming and sexy. But the truth of the matter is, there simply is no correct ritual dress code for the working witch. One of the rules of thumb is dress in clean clothes, wear clothes that symbolize the magical part of you, and realize that color has meaning. Red can be healing or protection, black can be binding or new moon spells, purple can be worn for divinations, white for dedications or purifications. Greens and golds can be worn for fertility and handfasting, and silvers and metallic golds can be worn for wiccanings (or christenings) Whatever you plan to do during your ritual, think of clothes or colors that suit the occasion.
I have spoken of this briefly and it has to do with skyclad. Skyclad is being naked. If you are a minor and are joining a coven and they demand that you have to have to be naked, get away from that coven, no coven of the Craft that follows the Wiccan Rede will demand nudity ( most Wiccans won't allow you to join until you are in your majority anyway) And no coven will demand sex as the entrance fee for your acceptance into the coven. If they do, get away from them. Even sexual rituals are private affairs between the High Priest and Priestess and do not involve the direct energies of the coven. There are some Gardnerian tradition witches who do skyclad work and that is something they do if they have adequate privacy and the weather is with them. But skyclad has fallen out of fashion right now and like all groups and systems it will take a while for a another nudie witchy movement come back round. Even Raymond Buckland states that there is some mild but none the less infantile curiosity about your Witchy Brother or Sister's shape under their robes. One word of warning. If you are wearing long ritual robes, capes or dresses, be very careful with candles, fire, incense, and cauldrons.
Blessings Be
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Patrick Stewart, American, Patriot, and Wiccan
Merry Meet!
I have been following the news about the VA's position on placing the witches star on Patrick Stewart's grave marker. I believe that the star should be placed on his memorial marker. He was a military man, serving his country in Afganistan and being a warrior in his faith. He practiced his religion and fought for the freedom of others so they could be free of tyranny that told them there was only one way to find God and paradise. The US Military has written instructions in the Chaplain's guide book on how to support and facilitate Wiccans in the armed forces. Patrick won the bronze star and the purple heart for his service. It would cost very little for the American Government to honor Patrick and his faith.
Wiccans, Pagans and Chrstian Wicces and anyone who considers themselves to be among the wise should contact the VA and tell them about it. Go to www.va.gov and tell them about it. It is a little lengthy in process and you need to be patient. A little hint from an old hand at writing the government. Be polite, be succinct and back up everything with knowledge. Make sure you tell the VA that the US armed forces recognizes Wicca as a religion. If they already have a precedent, they can't balk too much. Also, use your magical name when you sign your message and say thank you and identify your particular tradition. Ranting and raving will only get you ignored. You don't have to kiss butt, but you don't have to kick it either and remember the karmic return, harm none.
Blessings be,
Aslinn Dhan
I have been following the news about the VA's position on placing the witches star on Patrick Stewart's grave marker. I believe that the star should be placed on his memorial marker. He was a military man, serving his country in Afganistan and being a warrior in his faith. He practiced his religion and fought for the freedom of others so they could be free of tyranny that told them there was only one way to find God and paradise. The US Military has written instructions in the Chaplain's guide book on how to support and facilitate Wiccans in the armed forces. Patrick won the bronze star and the purple heart for his service. It would cost very little for the American Government to honor Patrick and his faith.
Wiccans, Pagans and Chrstian Wicces and anyone who considers themselves to be among the wise should contact the VA and tell them about it. Go to www.va.gov and tell them about it. It is a little lengthy in process and you need to be patient. A little hint from an old hand at writing the government. Be polite, be succinct and back up everything with knowledge. Make sure you tell the VA that the US armed forces recognizes Wicca as a religion. If they already have a precedent, they can't balk too much. Also, use your magical name when you sign your message and say thank you and identify your particular tradition. Ranting and raving will only get you ignored. You don't have to kiss butt, but you don't have to kick it either and remember the karmic return, harm none.
Blessings be,
Aslinn Dhan
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