New Book

Ok, so the other night I was listening to a new (to me) podcast called, New World Witchery. On one of the podcasts they were talking about witchcraft & media, namely what books, TV shows, movies have a bit of the Craft in them disguised by the fake stuff. When they were talking about books, the mentioned the Elements Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells and how there are a lot of good spells in there, ranging from old, out of date hexes to general everyday spells. This book is for most spell workers, not necessarily those who practice the Wicca religion, as there are spells included that go against their Threefold Law. The author, Judika Illes, gathered spells from all over, from different religions of the world, different cultures, etc.

This book does contain hexes, love spells, curses and there is a disclaimer at the beginning of the book explaining that some of the spells should not be used without proper knowledge of the ingredients used, your intent & the outcome of doing some workings. Yes, some of you Wiccans will have issue with this book, but it's sourced from many other religions that don't follow Gardner's law of 3. There's a bit of Hoodoo, Voodoo, Pennsylvania Dutch, Powaqa, Pagan, Neo-Pagan, Santeria, Christian magic contained in this book. There's herbal magic, animal magic, food magic, magic baths, aromatherapy, etc.

When I was out the other day looking for it, but at the time I couldn't afford the price, as I was on a budget to get other things, as well. So, I purchased the sister book, Elements Encyclopedia of 1,000 Spells, which contains other spells not in the larger book as well as some from it. Now, my belief in spell books is that if you can find a few spells in it that work, than you got your money's worth. Also, a general rule of thumb when purchasing spell books is to remember that most of them don't tell you to visualize your intent or the final outcome to aid in the power of the spell. Most spells don't require using an altar to do it and you can use whatever supplies you have on hand to make due if there's a spell you really need to do. In this book, there are no magical correspondences or telling you what day of the week to perform the spell. Most other cultures don't need to wait til the moon was right, or the proper day of the week to do a working, they just do it, to borrow from Nike.

I am currently still reading this book and I do find it fascinating to read. I get to learn about how others from around the world do things, new things I never before considered doing. So far, it is a good read. And hey, if some spells don't work for me & some do, I got something out of it. Tomorrow, I'll be getting the bigger book to add to my library.

Blessings,
~Rowan
)O(

Mabon Balance Mediatation

Mabon is one of those times of year that affect people in different ways. For some, it's a season to honor the darker aspects of the Goddess, calling upon that which is devoid of light. For others, it's a time of thankfulness, of gratitude for the abundance we have at the season of harvest. No matter how you see it, Mabon is traditionally a time of balance. After all, it's one of the two times each year that has equal amounts of darkness and daytime.

Because this is, for many people, a time of high energy, there is sometimes a feeling of restlessness in the air, a sense that something is just a bit "off". If you're feeling a bit spiritually lopsided, with this simple meditation you can restore a little balance into your life.

Setting the Mood

Now that fall is here, why not do an autumn version of Spring cleaning? Get rid of any emotional baggage you're dragging around with you. Accept that there are darker aspects to life, and embrace them, but don't let them rule you. Understand that a healthy life finds balance in all things.

You can perform this ritual anywhere, but the best place to do it is outside, in the evening as the sun goes down. Decorate your altar (or if you're outside, use a flat stone or tree stump) with colorful autumn leaves, acorns, small pumpkins, and other symbols of the season. You'll need a black candle and a white one of any size, although tealights probably work best. Make sure you have something safe to put them in, either a candle holder or a bowl of sand.

Light both candles, and say the following:

A balance of night and day, a balance of light and dark Tonight I seek balance in my life as it is found in the Universe. A black candle for darkness and pain and things I can eliminate from my life. A white candle for the light, and for joy and all the abundance I wish to bring forth. At Mabon, the time of the equinox, there is harmony and balance in the Universe, and so there shall be in my life.

Meditate on the things you wish to change. Focus on eliminating the bad, and strengthening the good around you. Put toxic relationships into the past, where they belong, and welcome new positive relationships into your life. Let your baggage go, and take heart in knowing that for every dark night of the soul, there will be a sunrise the next morning.

~Source

Grounding & Meditation Techniques

I've been doing a lot of meditating lately, so I thought I would share with you what I do exactly. First, I usually wait until my son has gone to bed, as to avoid frequent interruptions from him, so I usually meditate at night, around 8pm. I do this every time, at the same time, I like routine. Depending on the type of meditation I am doing, I light the appropriate incense and a single candle of the chosen color I need.

I sit quietly on the floor (I used to sit on my bed, but would slowly slouch down & fall asleep, not good) with my legs in a comfortable position, usually slightly bent, but not crossed. I close my eyes, take a few cleansing breaths through my nose, using my diaphragm to take in as much air as I can. I hold it for a count of 3 then release it, visualizing the outtake as black smoke of my stress going away. I'll do that for about 5 minutes, but I'm not sure as I am not keeping track of the time passing.

When I feel all my muscles relaxed, I do a grounding technique to "get my mind right". I picture my spine extending down to the floor, into the floor and into the ground beneath (I live on the ground level floor of an apt, so my taproot doesn't travel too far). Like roots of a tree, I visualize the roots expanding & separating, like tendrils, into the Earth below, past the rocks, the worms and whatever else is in the ground below. I silently ask Gaia to permit me some of Her energy. I see this as a soft blue light, but lately it has been silvery & sparkly. I feel its warmth flowing into my roots, flowing upwards into my body; down my legs, to my toes; down my arms to my fingertips; up my neck to my head, into my aura. When I feel it throughout my body, I know it's time to begin my meditation.

I usually visualize a huge oak door in front of me, being guarded by a being, who permits me entry after I ask permission. I follow a set of steps that descend into a tunnel. At the bottom of the step, I'm usually wherever my minds takes me. Sometimes, I'm in a forest, my Inner Temple or at a waterfall. I let my meditations guide me, depending of what I need to know, that goes for my guides who I encounter there. I, like you, have guides for different things & needs. If I really need some major guidance, that's when my Deities step in and help me out. I find sometimes in my meditations, I walk until I find them, or sometimes they are waiting for at the bottom of the steps. It depends.

After I commune with them, I bid them thanks for their help and a farewell. I make my way up the steps, through the door and I reverse my grounding technique, sending the energy back to Gaia with my gratitude. By this time, the incense has burned away and the candle is just a nub. I slowly get up and make my way to the kitchen, where I make a snack and then reflect on my journey & write it down in my journal.

Yule Ritual for Solitaries

The candles should be Green for the North, Red for the South, Silver for West and Gold for East, the candles should remain unlit for the time being.
Set up the altar as is most comfortable for you; a gold pillar candle should be unlit on the altar as well.

When you are ready, stand facing the North and say:
“Tonight I honor the darkness, for from darkness is born the light. From the void, the darkest night of the year is at its threshold. And the Sun is born again.”

Face east and light the Gold Candle (not the one on the altar), saying:
“Powers of Air, come forward from the darkness Enter my circle, as dark gives way to light. Bring with you the essence of the pine trees, Remind me of Spring on this Solstice Night.”

Going to the South, light the Red Candle and say:
“Powers of Fire, come forward from the darkness, Enter my circle, as dark gives way to light. Bring with you the first glint of tomorrow, Remind me of Summer on this Solstice Night.”

Move to the West and light the Silver Candle, saying:
“Powers of Water, come forward from the darkness, Enter my circle, as dark gives way to light. Bring with you the bittersweet memories, Remind me of Autumn on this Solstice Night.”

Face the North and light the Green Candle and say:
“Powers of Earth, come forward from the darkness, Enter my circle, as dark gives way to light. Bring with you the land that now sleeps, Remind me of Winter on this Solstice Night.”

Finally, take up the Athamé and facing East, the direction of the Rising Sun, take a moment to center yourself and begin to cast the Circle. Visualize a white light coming from the tip of the athamé and with arms straight out, turn the blade point out, slowly turning clockwise the light following you.

When you return to the East bring the athamé back to you and say:
“As above, so below.”
As you say this, visualize the light going above you and below you forming a perfect sphere.

Invoke the God and Goddess
“Goddess of all seasons, I see You now as Mother with Child. Be with me tonight.”
“God of all seasons, I see You now as the dying Sun, and also as a tiny Baby, the Sun Reborn. Be with me tonight.”

Begin the Ritual
“As the darkness grows, I felt the passing of the Sun King. Yet, in the darkest hour of Winter, He is reborn as the light of the Infant Sun. The Great Mother who gives birth to Him, Who brought the Child of Promise to the Earth. It is the Lord of Light and Life who is born once more!”
“Awake now Mother – Awake now Goddess of Life, Death and Rebirth! Awaken, Lady, look upon Your Divine Child, His rebirth while you slept was subtle and silent. The Sun Lord awaits Your wakening!”

Light the gold candle on the altar at this time and say:
“Hail the Oak King, His rebirth a promise! Hail the Divine Child, Giver of Life Hail the Blessed Sun, reborn of the Mother For He retakes His throne at the end of Solstice Night!”

Meditate for a time on the meaning of the Winter Solstice and the return of the Sun. When you are done, thank the Goddess and God:
“Lovely Mother and Tiny Child, Thank you for blessing me with your presence tonight. As the days grow longer, I will know you are always with me.”

Take in the Circle in whatever manner is appropriate for you, and release the Quarters by saying:
“Carry tidings sweet around the world and beyond, I change as Messengers Earth, Water, Fire and Air Let all rejoice loudly in the Sun King’s return Teach all that you meet with tidings that you bear.”

The circle is ended.

Candle Correspondances

White: Most known for Protection & Peace. Use for finding truth, sincerity and use in all workings and blessings

Black: Most known for absorbing negativity and evil. Use to help when you are feeling at a loss or confused; when banishing illness; breaking hexes and for exorcism

Red: Love, Passion and Courage

Blue: Understanding, Health/Healing, Patience, Meditation, Tranquility and Peace

Yellow: Clairvoyance, Charm, Attraction, Divination, Studying, Confidence, Learning, Intellectualism, Persuasion, and Mental Powers.

Green: Healing, Money/Finance, Prosperity, Luck and Fertility

Purple: Power, Ambition, Tension, Healing deadly diseases, Business improvement and To boost your own magickal powers

Orange: Strength, Adaptability, Encouragement, Authority, Attraction, Stimulation and Luck

Pink: Emotional love, Friendships, Honor, Goodness, Love and Affection

Lavender: Soothing, Calming, Rest, Dream, Dream Interpretation, Intuition, Dignity and properties of Purple & White.

Silver: Telepathy, claivoyance, caliraudience, psychometry, intuition, dreams, astral energies, female power, communication, the Goddess.

Gold: Wealth, the God, promote winning, safety and power of the male, happiness, playful humor.

Light Brown: Influence friendships, special favors, grounding, animal magick, earth magick

Job Seeking Spell

What you need:

Four candles: One yellow, an astral colour to represent the self. One green for prosperity, a Black candle to remove obstacles and a Brown one for the job itself.

Patchouli oil, and Cinnamon oil.

Four slips of paper and a marker pen.

A chalice or other receptacle for the ashes.

This spell is best worked during the waxing phase of the moon. It can be performed with or without a circle depending on whether you intend to call on the deities.

Preparation:

While visualising the job you are seeking or the type of work you wish to do anoint the black candle with patchouli oil, working from the base upwards to the wick and place in a holder. Wash your hands of all traces of the oil before using the other candles. Still visualising anoint the other three candles with the cinnamon oil, this time from the wick to the base and place in holders. Wash your hands of all traces of the oil and set up your altar. Place the black candle in the centre of the workspace with the yellow candle above it to the north, the brown candle to the left in the west and the green candle to the right in the east. The chalice can be placed wherever convenient but within easy reach, don’t forget the matches or lighter.

Before starting your rite, you may wish to meditate for a while on how to achieve your goal. Burning a prosperity incense (Benzoin, Cedar, Cinnamon or a mixture) may also help.

The Working Ritual:

Form a magick circle (if your using one) and call the Goddess and God to aid your spell. As you light each candle focus your intent. Start with the yellow astral candle, light it and say something like:

“I seek to change, for what feels right. Open the way and clear my sight.”

Visualize yourself reading through and selecting jobs out of the vacancy sections in the local newspaper or looking through the notice boards at the job centre. Write on a slip of paper a single word or brief description symbolizing your intent (in this case it might be “Change”). Light the paper in the candle and as it burns push out your thoughts and see yourself finding what you are looking for. Place it in the chalice and let it burn out. Light the black candle and say something like:

"Negate bad luck, Let obstacles fall. Break-down barriers, Heed my call!"

Visualise yourself filling in application forms or mailing out your C.V. to prospective employers. See your mail-outs arriving at their destinations being accepted, and your name being added to interview lists. Write on a slip of paper your intent (“Break-down barriers”). Light the paper from the candle, push out your thoughts and see interview appointments being made in your favour. When it’s burned out, light the green candle and say something like:

"Bring Prosperity, Security too. Just rewards for the work I do.”

Visualise yourself arriving for interview calm, confidant and smiling. See yourself shaking hands with the interviewer and discussing and agreeing to details. Write on a slip of paper the intent (“Just Rewards”). Light it from the candle, push out your thoughts and see, feel and know the interview has gone well. When it’s burned out, light the brown candle and say something like:

"Opportunities, work and rewards I see. As I will, so must it be!"

Write the intent (Opportunities, Work, Rewards) on the last piece of paper. Light it from the candle and visualise yourself in a successful new job receiving your first pay packet, push out your thoughts to make it real and happen.

When you have finished thank the deities for their help and close the circle. Leave the candles to burn out completely. Remember a spell won’t work on its own, you need to actively seek a job. Listen to all your hunches and follow up on any leads. Each night for a week, burn a 2nd brown candle for 10 minutes while meditating in preparation for the job and the good you will gain from it.

~Courtesy of A Miscellany Collection of Spells

How to Dress A Candle for Spell Working

1. Carve symbols into your candle based on your spell’s intent. This can be ancient symbols or runes that have been passed down through the ages, or modern symbols such as a dollar sign for money. The symbols you choose should be meaningful to you. You may also wish to carve in your name, or the name of the person you are casting the spell for. If the spell is for a specific event, such as luck for a night out gambling or a court case, carve in the date for it.

2. Prepare oils for anointing your candle. Put about 1/8 cup of olive oil into a pot as a base oil. Put the heat on low. Add 20 to 40 drops of essential oils that coordinate with your intent. You can use more than one kind of oil; just research the oil’s properties. If you are trying to draw something toward you, stir the oil clockwise. If you are trying to repel something, stir the oil counter-clockwise.

3. If you do not have essential oils, you can infuse the oil with herbs from your kitchen. As with oils, herbs should be researched for their magical properties so that the energy aligns with your spell’s intent.

4. Allow the olive oil to warm but not simmer. Take it off the heat and allow it to cool. Strain it if you used herbs. You will only need a little of the oil for dressing a candle, so you can put it into a container and store it in a dark, cool place for future use.

5. Sit with your candle and your anointing oil, preferably at your altar. Hold your candle and meditate a few moments on your intent. Place some oil in your hands and begin to rub the oil on your candle. If you are trying to attract something, rub from the top of the candle to the bottom. If you are trying to repel something, rub from the bottom to the top of the candle.

6. Start rubbing slowly while thinking of your intent. Gradually pick up speed. Feel the energy you are raising be absorbed into the candle. Continue thinking of your intent. When you feel the candle tingling and pulsing with energy, it is ready.

7. Set your candle into the holder until you are ready to cast your spell. When you light the candle, the energy that you have poured into it will be dispersed into your circle to aid your magic.

~~Courtesy of eHow.com~~

Samhain Chant

Fire red, summer’s dead
Yet it shall return.
Clear and bright, in the night,
Burn, fire, burn!

Chorus:
Dance the ring, luck to bring,
When the year’s a-turning.
Chant the rhyme at Hallows-time,
When the fire’s burning.

Fire glow, vision show
Of the heart’s desire,
When the spell’s chanted well
Of the witching fire.

Chorus:
Dance the ring, luck to bring,
When the year’s a-turning.
Chant the rhyme at Hallows-time,
When the fire’s burning.

Fire spark, when nights are dark
Makes our winter’s mirth.
Red leaves fall, earth takes all,
Brings them to rebirth.

Chorus:
Dance the ring, luck to bring,
When the year’s a-turning.
Chant the rhyme at Hallows-time,
When the fire’s burning.

Fire fair, earth and air,
And the heaven’s rain,
All blessed be, and so may we,
at Hallows-tide again.

Chorus:
Dance the ring, luck to bring,
When the year’s a-turning.
Chant the rhyme at Hallows-time,
When the fire’s burning.

Doreen Valiente
“Witchcraft For Tomorrow” p. 193

Casting A Solitary Circle

I hope this helps you if you are new to the Craft or want a little different take on a basic ritual.

Casting the Circle: Place white or appropriately colored candles at the compass points, the altar may be at the center of the circle. A small white or beeswax candle, two larger candles, the censer with unlit incense, the Athamé, a dish of salt, a goblet of water, small cakes or cookies for "cakes and ale," a goblet of wine, an offering dish and any items for work to be done within the cast circle.

Take a short moment, eyes closed, to become "At peace" before standing before the altar.

Light the small candle and walk toward the east. Light the yellow or white candle from the small candle, saying

"Here I call forth the powers of air from the east, that I may be like the air, unfettered and pure."

Take a moment to remember the air visualization, and to contemplate the meaning of the east, air and freedom before continuing onward.

Light the red or white candle to the south with the small candle saying.

"Here I call forth the powers of fire from the south, that I may be like fire, enduring all hardships to become strengthened."

Recall your own "trials by fire" and contemplate the possibility of more, the meaning of the words spoken is thought on, and the caster continues.

Light the blue or white candle to the west, saying,

"Here I call forth the powers of water, that I may be like water, supporting and protecting all that I encounter,"

Contemplate the water visualization and the meaning of the west in your life.

Move on to the North, lighting the green or white candle, saying

"Here I call forth the power of Earth, that I may be like earth, grounded at all times."

Here ground and think before moving to the east to say.

"Welcome Air, Fire, Water, Earth, shine your light and lend your strength to this my circle to night/day."

Still moving clockwise, return to the altar, and light the incense saying.

"Negative forces begone, you are not welcome here."

Breathe deeply of the incense and banish away negative forces within before circling clockwise thrice with the censer, visualizing hate, jealousy and the like fleeing from the smoke.

Returns to the altar, pick up the Athamé and pick up a measure of salt with its tip. Inserting the tip of the blade into the water saying.

"As man to woman so blade to chalice, I purify this water with love, light and power."

Walk around the circle, sprinkling the salted water about the circle thrice. Returning to the altar, raise the Athamé to the sky and visualize a beam of blue light filling it, walk once around the circle, using the Athamé and its light to "cut" a space between the worlds.

This done, move to the altar and light the two candles.

"Lord and Lady, I invite you to this my worship, that you may look upon my devotions and celebrations and be heartened and strengthened by them."

Turn toward the west and announce.

"Now is my circle cast, unbreakable and without harm. Thus is sacred space decreed, and no act goes unnoticed. So mote it be."

Closing the circle: Thank the Gods for their attentions, snuff their candles. Dismiss individually each element and thank it for lending its strength, Walk around the circle, drawing the blue light back into the Athamé, breathe deep, and take some of the power back. A closing statement usually follows, ending in,

"The Circle is open, but ever unbroken...So mote it be."

A Spell to Release Anger

This is a spell I found in my BOS for releasing anger. Anger can be caused from many things: any type of abuse to anger towards another who hurt you.

For this ritual, you will need some quiet time, a red candle, a black or a white candle, paper and writing implements, a container in which to burn paper, and matches. Any other symbols, magickal gear, or acoutrements you wish to bring to the ritual are yours to choose; I'm just presenting the bare bones.

Once you have gathered your stuff and set up your quiet space, you will want to call in a circle to protect yourself, and to protect others from the energies you plan to release.

Face the east, and call upon the air to help you express your rage clearly, to help you focus mentally while you release your emotions safely within the circle.

Face the south, and call upon fire to help your rage burn up and out of you, burning away the past and the trauma that has enraged you.

Face the west, and call upon the water to help your emotions flow freely within the circle, cleansing your spirit and restoring yourself.

Face the north, and call upon the earth to allow you to safely ground your rage, and to sustain and support your through the releasing process.

As you call in the directions, visualize a circle of white light forming around your working space, shielding you and protecting you with the elements you've called in.

(I have sometimes found that it also helps to call upon the archangels to further strengthen the circle--Raphael for east, Michael for south, Gabriel for west, and Uriel for north--if your beliefs trend that way.)

Then when you feel the circle is secure, call upon the Higher Powers in whatever form you relate to them to work with you and shield you through the course of the ritual.

Now, light the red candle. By its light, begin to write or draw what it is that is enraging you, whether it be some form of emotional abuse that trashed your worth as a person, sexual abuse that made you into an object, physical abuse that broke your body's connection with your mind, or whatever. Focus on making the issues clear to yourself and the Higher Powers that you've called in. Focus on how the actions made *you* feel, not on the other person's guilt or motivations, or on revenge on the other person. (You can do this part ahead of time, if you want. Blame may be necessary for some folks, but until you release the rage within, I feel that you cannot assess blame remembered and felt out of your abusive relationship, being rationally and safely.)

Next, hold the paper between your hands, focus your awareness on the red candle, and begin to chant, shout, scream, or make whatever sounds help you to feel the rage come up and leave you. Send the rage into the red candle. Focus your rage on the red candle, watching the flames burn brighter and hotter as the force of your anger fuels them. When you feel that you've released the red rage as much as you can, light the papers on which you've drawn or written your problem and drop them into the container so they can burn out. (Do remember to put something under the container to protect the surface it rests on--I did this ritual a couple of months ago and almost caught my thumb on fire.)

After the papers have begun to burn down, light the black or white candle. (The choice of color depends on how you wish to focus on restoring yourself--black represents the energy of transformation and white represents an energy of peace and purification.) Focus on what you'd like to replace the rage with--peace, self-esteem, happiness, or whatever. Let the energy of the new emotions fill you up. Write or draw on a new piece of paper those things that you want to find in yourself and your life now that you've released the poisonous rage that was holding you back. You could even take the ashes from the burnt paper and write the name of the emotion on a new piece of paper to help you focus. Feel the healing begin.

When you are comfortably calm again, release the energy of the circle. Visualize it sinking back into the earth as you thank the elements at each direction for watching over you. Thank the Higher Powers for their insight and help. Let the candles burn completely out.