I would like to thank several important people in my life who have stood by me year after year and helped me achieve the goals I wanted.
First and foremost Ziere and all my guides who have helped me make life changing decisions, they have guided me through many troubled times and shown me light and love beyond my dreams.
Two of the most loved women in my life, my mother Lynn and my sister Debra; they are truly goddesses in their own right.
The important men in my life, my father Frank, my brothers, David, Christopher & Jeremiah and my son, Joshua.
One amazing woman who have inspired me, encouraged me, listened to me complain and helped fill my life with laughter and love; Phyllis.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Chapter 18: Herbs and Their Properties
Below are some of the magickal properties for herbs and other plant materials found in essential oils and incenses. This list is by no means complete. Many herbs have additional properties such as therapeutic uses in alternative healing and aromatherapy. Many herbs also have unique characteristics when used in combination with other substances. Do not ingest any herb without completely researching it first. Do not replace medical treatment with herbs with out the consent of a professional.
Courage: Cedar, Musk, Sweet Pea, Yarrow Flower
Exorcisms: Angelica Root, Clove, Clover, Frankincense, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood
Fertility: Geranium, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Musk, Patchouli, Pine, Rose Geranium
Healing: Allspice, Carnation, Cedar, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Jasmine, Mugwort, Pine
Love: Apple Blossom, Catnip, Cherry, Cinnamon, Clove, Clover, Dragon’s Blood, Gardenia, Geranium, Ginger, Ginseng, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lily of the Valley, Lotus, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Orange, Orris, Peppermint, Plumeria, Rose, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Spearmint, Strawberry, Vanilla, Vervain, Violet, Wormwood, Yarrow Flowers, Ylang Ylang
Luck: Allspice, Bayberry, Catnip, Nutmeg, Orange, Rose, Strawberry, Violet
Money: Allspice, Almond, Bayberry, Cedar, Chamomile, Clove, Clover, Comfrey, Ginseng, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Mandrake, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli, Pine, Vervain
Peace: Amber, Bayberry, Gardenia, Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Magnolia, Narcissus, Pennyroyal, Vervain, Violet, Ylang Ylang
Prosperity: Almond
Protection: Acacia, Angelica Root, Anise, Blessed Thistle, Carnation, Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Clover, Dragon’s Blood, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Lotus, Mandrake, Marigold, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Patchouli, Pennyroyal, Pine, Plumeria, Rose, Rose Geranum, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vervain, Wormwood
Psychic Awareness: Acacia, Camphor, Cinnamon, Juniper, Lemongrass, Marigold, Mugwort, Peppermint, Rose, Yarrow Flowers
Purification: Anise, Blessed Thistle, Cedar, Hyssop, Lemon, Vervain
Self Confidence: Amber
Sleep: Chamomile, Jasmine, Lavender, Passion Flower, Rosemary
Spirituality: Frankincense, Gardenia, Lotus, Myrrh, Sandalwood
Courage: Cedar, Musk, Sweet Pea, Yarrow Flower
Exorcisms: Angelica Root, Clove, Clover, Frankincense, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Pine, Rosemary, Sandalwood
Fertility: Geranium, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Musk, Patchouli, Pine, Rose Geranium
Healing: Allspice, Carnation, Cedar, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, Gardenia, Jasmine, Mugwort, Pine
Love: Apple Blossom, Catnip, Cherry, Cinnamon, Clove, Clover, Dragon’s Blood, Gardenia, Geranium, Ginger, Ginseng, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lily of the Valley, Lotus, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Orange, Orris, Peppermint, Plumeria, Rose, Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Spearmint, Strawberry, Vanilla, Vervain, Violet, Wormwood, Yarrow Flowers, Ylang Ylang
Luck: Allspice, Bayberry, Catnip, Nutmeg, Orange, Rose, Strawberry, Violet
Money: Allspice, Almond, Bayberry, Cedar, Chamomile, Clove, Clover, Comfrey, Ginseng, Honeysuckle, Jasmine, Mandrake, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli, Pine, Vervain
Peace: Amber, Bayberry, Gardenia, Lavender, Lily of the Valley, Magnolia, Narcissus, Pennyroyal, Vervain, Violet, Ylang Ylang
Prosperity: Almond
Protection: Acacia, Angelica Root, Anise, Blessed Thistle, Carnation, Cedar, Cinnamon, Clove, Clover, Dragon’s Blood, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Hyssop, Juniper, Lavender, Lotus, Mandrake, Marigold, Mistletoe, Myrrh, Patchouli, Pennyroyal, Pine, Plumeria, Rose, Rose Geranum, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vervain, Wormwood
Psychic Awareness: Acacia, Camphor, Cinnamon, Juniper, Lemongrass, Marigold, Mugwort, Peppermint, Rose, Yarrow Flowers
Purification: Anise, Blessed Thistle, Cedar, Hyssop, Lemon, Vervain
Self Confidence: Amber
Sleep: Chamomile, Jasmine, Lavender, Passion Flower, Rosemary
Spirituality: Frankincense, Gardenia, Lotus, Myrrh, Sandalwood
Chapter 17: Crystals and Their Properties
Crystals have been used in magick since time began and now they are making a come back. They are very popular today among the teenagers for jewelry. Most crystals are very easy to come by and not to expensive. You can use them in your spells or to decorate your altar. We keep them scattered around our house for various reasons. Each crystal is used for a certain thing but most of them complement each other. Below is a basic list of crystal and their properties.
Agate, Botswana: Stress reducer
Agate, Green Moss: Energy restoring
Amazonite: Money
Amber: Strength
Amethyst: Spiritual awareness
Apache Tears: Luck
Aventurine: Mental awareness
Bloodstone: Physical strength
Carnelian: Self confidence
Fluorite: Stress reducer
Garnet: Strength
Hematite: Grounding
Jasper, Red: Protects from negative energy
Lapis: Wisdom
Lepidolite: Calming
Lodestone, Green: Money
Lodestone, Red: Love
Malachite: Protection
Mother of Pearl: Money
Quartz, Rose: Love and happiness
Quartz, Smoky: Mood elevator
Quartz, Yellow: Protection
Rock Crystal: Protection
Sodalite: Wisdom
Tiger-eye: Wealth
Tourmaline, Black: Grounding
Agate, Botswana: Stress reducer
Agate, Green Moss: Energy restoring
Amazonite: Money
Amber: Strength
Amethyst: Spiritual awareness
Apache Tears: Luck
Aventurine: Mental awareness
Bloodstone: Physical strength
Carnelian: Self confidence
Fluorite: Stress reducer
Garnet: Strength
Hematite: Grounding
Jasper, Red: Protects from negative energy
Lapis: Wisdom
Lepidolite: Calming
Lodestone, Green: Money
Lodestone, Red: Love
Malachite: Protection
Mother of Pearl: Money
Quartz, Rose: Love and happiness
Quartz, Smoky: Mood elevator
Quartz, Yellow: Protection
Rock Crystal: Protection
Sodalite: Wisdom
Tiger-eye: Wealth
Tourmaline, Black: Grounding
Chapter 16: Divination
There are several forms of divination available to today’s modern witch. You have a hundred different tarot decks to choose from, runes to cast, astrology, scrying mirrors, scrying goblets, crystal balls, reading sticks, reading tea leaves even reading clouds. Here are a few of the more commonly known ways of divination.
Tarot Cards.
We have all seen them some of us have even had our cards read. Tarot cards are easily available in most bookstores. The most common deck is the Raider Waite deck. It has been around for years and is the one you hear about most often. There are 72 cards in a deck. The deck is broken up into two categories the Major and Minor Arcana. They further divided into four sections, Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles. You can do several layouts but the most common is the Celtic Cross. Tarot is a good tool to know but it does take time to learn it.
The difference between all the decks is the interpretation of the creator. Each card holds a specific meaning. The pictures on the cards have several things that you need to know about in order to read that card correctly. Many decks use the basic Rider Waite definition for the cards and others have created their own explanation. Each deck will come with a book, be sure to read it completely in order to understand what you are reading. It was once thought that the only way to get a deck of Tarot cards was to be given it as a gift. If this were true, I would still be waiting for my first deck. Go to the store look at all the cards they have, research them and make the choice based on what you like.
Runes
Runes are an ancient form of divination and also an ancient alphabet. They date back to the first century and the alphabet was widely circulated until sometime in the Middle Ages. Each rune has a literal meaning and each one translates into a word or a phrase signifying concepts important to people whom used them. Runes were craved into tools, weapons, rocks, altars or other personal items. There were used by clergy as an alternative to the Latin alphabet. You read the runes by casting them on the ground and reading them in the order the lay.
Runes are very easy item to make and it only takes some creativity and time. You can make runes out of almost anything you like, stones, gems, crystals, pieces of wood, or clay. Carve, draw or paint the symbols of the runes on each piece and go at it. You can have several sets if you like and use them when you want. Just have fun, and be creative.
Scrying
Scrying is a form of divination where you look deeply into a reflective surface and look for a vision. You can use your cauldron or chalice filled with water, a Scrying mirror, crystal ball or the flames of a fire. Once you have your scrying source you simply meditate on the area and wait to see what is revealed to you.
Tarot Cards.
We have all seen them some of us have even had our cards read. Tarot cards are easily available in most bookstores. The most common deck is the Raider Waite deck. It has been around for years and is the one you hear about most often. There are 72 cards in a deck. The deck is broken up into two categories the Major and Minor Arcana. They further divided into four sections, Wands, Swords, Cups and Pentacles. You can do several layouts but the most common is the Celtic Cross. Tarot is a good tool to know but it does take time to learn it.
The difference between all the decks is the interpretation of the creator. Each card holds a specific meaning. The pictures on the cards have several things that you need to know about in order to read that card correctly. Many decks use the basic Rider Waite definition for the cards and others have created their own explanation. Each deck will come with a book, be sure to read it completely in order to understand what you are reading. It was once thought that the only way to get a deck of Tarot cards was to be given it as a gift. If this were true, I would still be waiting for my first deck. Go to the store look at all the cards they have, research them and make the choice based on what you like.
Runes
Runes are an ancient form of divination and also an ancient alphabet. They date back to the first century and the alphabet was widely circulated until sometime in the Middle Ages. Each rune has a literal meaning and each one translates into a word or a phrase signifying concepts important to people whom used them. Runes were craved into tools, weapons, rocks, altars or other personal items. There were used by clergy as an alternative to the Latin alphabet. You read the runes by casting them on the ground and reading them in the order the lay.
Runes are very easy item to make and it only takes some creativity and time. You can make runes out of almost anything you like, stones, gems, crystals, pieces of wood, or clay. Carve, draw or paint the symbols of the runes on each piece and go at it. You can have several sets if you like and use them when you want. Just have fun, and be creative.
Scrying
Scrying is a form of divination where you look deeply into a reflective surface and look for a vision. You can use your cauldron or chalice filled with water, a Scrying mirror, crystal ball or the flames of a fire. Once you have your scrying source you simply meditate on the area and wait to see what is revealed to you.
Chapter 15: Spells
Spells are one of the reasons people are attracted to Wicca and Witchcraft. The thought of being able to say a few words to make someone fall in love with you is a very enticing offer. However, spells are something that must be taken very seriously and never abused. Many will use the fact that we do spells as a way of making fun of us, but if you think about it there is really not much difference between a spell and a prayer. You are asking someone for help or something you need.
There are a few rules that go with spell casting, of course the main one being our own Rede and also you are never allowed to cast a spell to control another person. This rule includes, love spells and well as protection spells. Many do not realize that they are in fact, violating a person by casting a protection spell over them without their knowledge. If you feel that someone close to you needs a protection spell talk to her about it and see what she says. They may be scared to death by the offer if they do not know enough about it. Something you can do is offering a talisman that is created as a protection device. Then the person has the option of taking it or not.
Remember, that when you write a spell it is yours and yours alone. You want to make sure that you know exactly whom you give it to. I prefer not to give any spells that I have created out to other people. I have used spells that others have offered and they have worked okay, but my spells are very personal and I like to keep them close to me.
When you start to write a spell you want to take a few things into consideration. The spell will work best if it is done on the right day at the right time and when the moon is at the right phase. Your spell, like your ritual, should be very exact, with no room for doubt. Certain colors also help your spells to work properly.
The Moon Phases
When the moon is waxing (from dark to full) it provides good energy for growth or enhancement spells, beginnings, fresh starts, with things such as business or love. When the moon is full this is the time to do difficult spells. The moon is at its most powerful. The Waning moon (full to dark) is usually used for spells that are calling for peace in separation or eliminating something. When the moon is dark, it is called “void of course” and we do not cast spells. This is a time of relaxation and regeneration.
The Sun Phases
The sun can also help in your spell work. The sunrise is a time for spells that are for beginnings, changes and cleansing, it can also help with rejuvenation. The Morning Sun is strong and active this is good for any spell that is for building, growth or expansion. The Noon Time Sun is when the sun has reached its peak. The vibrations are great for spells for mental abilities, health and physical energy; you can also charge crystals, stones or metal tools during the Noon Sun. The Afternoon Sun is a receptive sun so any work that involves professionalism, business matters, communication and clarity should be done at this time. The Sunset removes stress and confusion and is for spells that require reduction or alleviation of stress.
Days of the Week
The day of the week also plays a part in the effectiveness of your spell.
Monday: Spells dealing with women, home and hearth, family, garden, travel and medicine.
Tuesday: Spells dealing with conflict, physical endurance and strength.
Wednesday: Spells dealing with inspiration, communication, studying, learning or teaching.
Thursday: Spells dealing with material gains.
Friday: Spells dealing with pleasure, comfort and luxury.
Saturday: Spells dealing with reincarnation, karmic lesson and mysteries of life.
Sunday: Spells dealing with business partners, work promotions, business ventures or professional success.
So what do you do after you take all of this into consideration, cast your spell and nothing happens. You feel cheated; you think the Goddess was not listening to you. Try to remember this is not something that happens instantly. Sometimes it takes awhile for you to see the results. Sometimes there are no results; the spell just did not work. These things happen. Spells take some practice; there is no instant gratification, you have to work at it. But over time as you become more comfortable and you are writing your own spells and adding your own energy you will see the results. Just be patient.
There are a few rules that go with spell casting, of course the main one being our own Rede and also you are never allowed to cast a spell to control another person. This rule includes, love spells and well as protection spells. Many do not realize that they are in fact, violating a person by casting a protection spell over them without their knowledge. If you feel that someone close to you needs a protection spell talk to her about it and see what she says. They may be scared to death by the offer if they do not know enough about it. Something you can do is offering a talisman that is created as a protection device. Then the person has the option of taking it or not.
Remember, that when you write a spell it is yours and yours alone. You want to make sure that you know exactly whom you give it to. I prefer not to give any spells that I have created out to other people. I have used spells that others have offered and they have worked okay, but my spells are very personal and I like to keep them close to me.
When you start to write a spell you want to take a few things into consideration. The spell will work best if it is done on the right day at the right time and when the moon is at the right phase. Your spell, like your ritual, should be very exact, with no room for doubt. Certain colors also help your spells to work properly.
The Moon Phases
When the moon is waxing (from dark to full) it provides good energy for growth or enhancement spells, beginnings, fresh starts, with things such as business or love. When the moon is full this is the time to do difficult spells. The moon is at its most powerful. The Waning moon (full to dark) is usually used for spells that are calling for peace in separation or eliminating something. When the moon is dark, it is called “void of course” and we do not cast spells. This is a time of relaxation and regeneration.
The Sun Phases
The sun can also help in your spell work. The sunrise is a time for spells that are for beginnings, changes and cleansing, it can also help with rejuvenation. The Morning Sun is strong and active this is good for any spell that is for building, growth or expansion. The Noon Time Sun is when the sun has reached its peak. The vibrations are great for spells for mental abilities, health and physical energy; you can also charge crystals, stones or metal tools during the Noon Sun. The Afternoon Sun is a receptive sun so any work that involves professionalism, business matters, communication and clarity should be done at this time. The Sunset removes stress and confusion and is for spells that require reduction or alleviation of stress.
Days of the Week
The day of the week also plays a part in the effectiveness of your spell.
Monday: Spells dealing with women, home and hearth, family, garden, travel and medicine.
Tuesday: Spells dealing with conflict, physical endurance and strength.
Wednesday: Spells dealing with inspiration, communication, studying, learning or teaching.
Thursday: Spells dealing with material gains.
Friday: Spells dealing with pleasure, comfort and luxury.
Saturday: Spells dealing with reincarnation, karmic lesson and mysteries of life.
Sunday: Spells dealing with business partners, work promotions, business ventures or professional success.
So what do you do after you take all of this into consideration, cast your spell and nothing happens. You feel cheated; you think the Goddess was not listening to you. Try to remember this is not something that happens instantly. Sometimes it takes awhile for you to see the results. Sometimes there are no results; the spell just did not work. These things happen. Spells take some practice; there is no instant gratification, you have to work at it. But over time as you become more comfortable and you are writing your own spells and adding your own energy you will see the results. Just be patient.
Chapter 14: Sabbats
The Sabbats are the holidays that a Wiccan celebrates. There are eight of them in a year Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon and Samhain.
I can sit for hours and tell you how the Christian took our holidays and made them their own but that would be just wasting time and telling you something you already know. It is a proven and known fact that Christians picked the day that their God was born to be next to the day the Pagan God was born. It was easier to keep the people converted if you gave them holidays to celebrate. And instead of making them change their habits they just took already existing holidays and used them and changed their meaning. Many of our Sabbats are still used today by farmers, whether they know it or not, they check their almanacs to find out when will be the best time to plant and harvest their crops. This is what the people did many centuries ago and being as it was the busiest and most celebrate time they would hold festivals to thank the Gods for their bounty or to ask for a bountiful harvest when planting.
Many of the traditions that existed back then are still used today. You still hear the word Yule used at Christmas time. Many just think it is a happy word. The mistletoe was a Pagan tradition that is still used today. Bringing in a Christmas tree was derived from the Pagan’s bringing in the Yule Log and lighting it. How many of you make sure your tree is down by New Years or it will be bad luck. This is a Pagan tradition as well, they felt that the Yule Log had to be complete by the twelfth night or the year would be bad. But, Yule is not the only holiday that was used to create modern day celebrations. Ostara is now Easter. Did you ever wonder what colored eggs and bunnies had to do with Jesus dying? Well nothing. But to Pagan’s the eggs and bunnies represented fertility and reproduction. Groundhog’s Day on February 2nd was Imbolc; Pagan’s took this time to look at the coming spring. Winter was behind them and the animals where starting to prepare to have their young. It was a time of hope of things to come. Now we use the Groundhog to tell us whether spring is coming or not.
So as you can see the holidays have been there all along they are just now being returned to the rightful owners again.
Yule
Date Celebrated: December 21
Also Called: Winter Solstice
History: Yule is the celebration of the rebirth of the God from the virgin Goddess. It is the shortest day of the year. The typical Yule celebration lasted 12 days and started the eve before the Solstice. This is where the song “12 Days of Christmas” got its roots. In ancient Egypt it was a time to celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God, Ra and to celebrate the creation of the universe.
Traditions: The Yule Log came from the Celts. It was from an Oak tree and brought into the home, decorated with holly, mistletoe and evergreens to represent the God and Goddess being reunited. Later in history 3 holes were added to the top of the log to represent the Goddess in her three forms. The Yule log is allowed to burn completely; however, a piece of it should be saved to light the next year’s log.
Known today as: Christmas
Imbolc
Date Celebrated: February 2nd
Also Called: Candlemas
History: Imbolc represents and honors the Goddess in her Maiden form. She is recovering from having given birth to the God. It is the 1st spring celebration and marks the moment when the beginning of spring can be seen. The word itself has different meanings depending on the culture. To the Celtics it means “the belly” referring to the pregnant livestock but to the Gaelic’s it means “in the milk” referring to the sheep that have given birth to the first offspring of the year.
Traditions: We celebrate this festival with lights, candles, and things that imitate fertility. Some create “Brid’s Bed” by making a female figure of straw and placing it into a basket where a phallic symbol wand is placed across the female to represent impregnation of the Mother. Evergreens from Yule are removed and burned to prevent hauntings of the home, as the corner into spring has been turned.
Known today as: Groundhog’s Day, St. Brigid’s Day
Ostara
Date Celebrated: March 21st
Also Called: Spring Equinox
History: The word Ostara is the name of the Virgin Goddess of Spring in ancient Germany. This is a festival of fertility and is the 2nd spring celebration. The Goddess has fully awakened from her sleep. This is the first day of spring, the God and Goddess and encouraging the animals to reproduce. This is the time of year when the days and nights are equal in length.
Traditions: Colored eggs and the Easter Bunny.
Known today as: Easter
Beltane:
Date Celebrated: May 1sat
Also Called: May Day
History: The 3rd Spring Celebration. Beltane is also a fertility festival. The young God has entered manhood. This is when the God and Goddess fall in love and she becomes pregnant. Everyone starts to prepare for the hotter months of summer. Beltane is associated with love.
Traditions: Dancing around the May Pole
Known today as: May Day
Litha:
Date Celebrated: June 21st
Also Called: Summer Solstice
History: This is the longest day of the year and exactly opposite of the Winter Solstice. The powers of nature have reached their highest point. Many find this to be the best day for magick.
Traditions: No traditional celebrations
Known today as: First Day of Summer
Lammas:
Date Celebrated: August 2nd
Also Called: Lughnassadh
History: Lammas is the time the harvest starts. The God is loosing strength while the Goddess watches as he is dying yet knowing he is already re-growing within her. The people are starting to prepare for the winter to come. This is the 1st harvest festival.
Traditions: Canning food for winter, and harvesting herbs to be dried.
Known today as: First Day of Fall
Mabon:
Date Celebrated: September 21,
Also Called: Autumn Equinox
History: This is when the harvest is completed. Day and night are once again equal in length. The Goddess has acknowledged the weakening Sun. This is the 2nd harvest festival.
Traditions: Completing the drying of herbs and plants for the winter.
Samhain:
Date Celebrated: October 31
Also Called: Halloween
History: Considered the Witches New Year. It represents one full turn of the seasonal year. We are saying goodbye to the God until his birth at Yule. This is the time when we look back over the year and thank the God and Goddess for the good things we have. Many believe this is the night when the veil to the other side is at its weakest. We reflect back on our ancestors that have passed over and remember them with fondness.
Traditions: Jack-o-Lanterns
Known today as: Halloween or All Hollows Eve
I can sit for hours and tell you how the Christian took our holidays and made them their own but that would be just wasting time and telling you something you already know. It is a proven and known fact that Christians picked the day that their God was born to be next to the day the Pagan God was born. It was easier to keep the people converted if you gave them holidays to celebrate. And instead of making them change their habits they just took already existing holidays and used them and changed their meaning. Many of our Sabbats are still used today by farmers, whether they know it or not, they check their almanacs to find out when will be the best time to plant and harvest their crops. This is what the people did many centuries ago and being as it was the busiest and most celebrate time they would hold festivals to thank the Gods for their bounty or to ask for a bountiful harvest when planting.
Many of the traditions that existed back then are still used today. You still hear the word Yule used at Christmas time. Many just think it is a happy word. The mistletoe was a Pagan tradition that is still used today. Bringing in a Christmas tree was derived from the Pagan’s bringing in the Yule Log and lighting it. How many of you make sure your tree is down by New Years or it will be bad luck. This is a Pagan tradition as well, they felt that the Yule Log had to be complete by the twelfth night or the year would be bad. But, Yule is not the only holiday that was used to create modern day celebrations. Ostara is now Easter. Did you ever wonder what colored eggs and bunnies had to do with Jesus dying? Well nothing. But to Pagan’s the eggs and bunnies represented fertility and reproduction. Groundhog’s Day on February 2nd was Imbolc; Pagan’s took this time to look at the coming spring. Winter was behind them and the animals where starting to prepare to have their young. It was a time of hope of things to come. Now we use the Groundhog to tell us whether spring is coming or not.
So as you can see the holidays have been there all along they are just now being returned to the rightful owners again.
Yule
Date Celebrated: December 21
Also Called: Winter Solstice
History: Yule is the celebration of the rebirth of the God from the virgin Goddess. It is the shortest day of the year. The typical Yule celebration lasted 12 days and started the eve before the Solstice. This is where the song “12 Days of Christmas” got its roots. In ancient Egypt it was a time to celebrate the rebirth of the Sun God, Ra and to celebrate the creation of the universe.
Traditions: The Yule Log came from the Celts. It was from an Oak tree and brought into the home, decorated with holly, mistletoe and evergreens to represent the God and Goddess being reunited. Later in history 3 holes were added to the top of the log to represent the Goddess in her three forms. The Yule log is allowed to burn completely; however, a piece of it should be saved to light the next year’s log.
Known today as: Christmas
Imbolc
Date Celebrated: February 2nd
Also Called: Candlemas
History: Imbolc represents and honors the Goddess in her Maiden form. She is recovering from having given birth to the God. It is the 1st spring celebration and marks the moment when the beginning of spring can be seen. The word itself has different meanings depending on the culture. To the Celtics it means “the belly” referring to the pregnant livestock but to the Gaelic’s it means “in the milk” referring to the sheep that have given birth to the first offspring of the year.
Traditions: We celebrate this festival with lights, candles, and things that imitate fertility. Some create “Brid’s Bed” by making a female figure of straw and placing it into a basket where a phallic symbol wand is placed across the female to represent impregnation of the Mother. Evergreens from Yule are removed and burned to prevent hauntings of the home, as the corner into spring has been turned.
Known today as: Groundhog’s Day, St. Brigid’s Day
Ostara
Date Celebrated: March 21st
Also Called: Spring Equinox
History: The word Ostara is the name of the Virgin Goddess of Spring in ancient Germany. This is a festival of fertility and is the 2nd spring celebration. The Goddess has fully awakened from her sleep. This is the first day of spring, the God and Goddess and encouraging the animals to reproduce. This is the time of year when the days and nights are equal in length.
Traditions: Colored eggs and the Easter Bunny.
Known today as: Easter
Beltane:
Date Celebrated: May 1sat
Also Called: May Day
History: The 3rd Spring Celebration. Beltane is also a fertility festival. The young God has entered manhood. This is when the God and Goddess fall in love and she becomes pregnant. Everyone starts to prepare for the hotter months of summer. Beltane is associated with love.
Traditions: Dancing around the May Pole
Known today as: May Day
Litha:
Date Celebrated: June 21st
Also Called: Summer Solstice
History: This is the longest day of the year and exactly opposite of the Winter Solstice. The powers of nature have reached their highest point. Many find this to be the best day for magick.
Traditions: No traditional celebrations
Known today as: First Day of Summer
Lammas:
Date Celebrated: August 2nd
Also Called: Lughnassadh
History: Lammas is the time the harvest starts. The God is loosing strength while the Goddess watches as he is dying yet knowing he is already re-growing within her. The people are starting to prepare for the winter to come. This is the 1st harvest festival.
Traditions: Canning food for winter, and harvesting herbs to be dried.
Known today as: First Day of Fall
Mabon:
Date Celebrated: September 21,
Also Called: Autumn Equinox
History: This is when the harvest is completed. Day and night are once again equal in length. The Goddess has acknowledged the weakening Sun. This is the 2nd harvest festival.
Traditions: Completing the drying of herbs and plants for the winter.
Samhain:
Date Celebrated: October 31
Also Called: Halloween
History: Considered the Witches New Year. It represents one full turn of the seasonal year. We are saying goodbye to the God until his birth at Yule. This is the time when we look back over the year and thank the God and Goddess for the good things we have. Many believe this is the night when the veil to the other side is at its weakest. We reflect back on our ancestors that have passed over and remember them with fondness.
Traditions: Jack-o-Lanterns
Known today as: Halloween or All Hollows Eve
Chapter 13: Casting a Circle
The circle is your safety zone, where you and everything you do is protected. The circle is created with personal power and encompasses the entire working area. The circle marks the ring where it touches the Earth and continues through to form the other half. You can use a marking on ground or floor for by placing a cord, or drawing it with chalk this may help you to be able to visualize it better.
The circle should be 9 feet in diameter. If you do not have that much space whatever you have will do. Use a compass so that you know where the exact directions are. You will start in the East where the sun rises each day and end in the North. Mark your directions with your candles choosing the color that is associated with that direction.
Direction: East
Tool: Censer
Element: Air.
Represents: The mind, communication, movement, divination and ascetic spirituality
Direction: South
Tool: Candle
Element: Fire.
Represents: Transformation, passion, change, success, health and strength.
Direction: West
Tool: Chalice
Element: Water.
Represents: Emotions, psychic mind, love, healing, beauty and emotional spirituality.
Direction: North
Tool: Pentacle
Element: Earth.
Represents: Fertility and nourishment
The circle is used to represent the Goddess and the Earth. Your circle can be one that you establish each time you need it or a permanent one. If you are going to have a permanent circle you will want to put it somewhere that is not used often, an extra bedroom, the attic or the basement. You do not want to have people walking all over it. If you are going to make a permanent circle you can paint it on the floor and mark your corners.
When you are ready to begin you need to gather all the tools and supplies you will be using in your ritual. Place all the items on the altar. Light candles around the room for some light, but not the candles that will mark your points. Once you have done this you can consecrate your circle. I will explain this in steps so that it is easier to read later. Once you are comfortable with this you can change it up to fit your needs. You can re-write the sayings and create your own.
1. Ring the bell three times, to clear any negative energy that may be in the room.
2. Using your athame or wand start at the East Point; visualize sending energy from your body into the East point with your athame or wand. Make a complete circle going from East, South, West, and North back to the East point.
3. Back at the East corner light the candle, then move to the South, West, North and then back to your altar. Finish by lighting the altar candle.
Your circle is now cast and you are ready to hold your ritual. There are various forms of circle casting, some are very elaborate and some are simple. I prefer the simple ones. But for the Sabbats you may want to be a bit more elaborate. You can find various versions of rituals on line if you are interested in seeing how others do it.
When you are done with your ritual you will need to close the circle, this is very important in order to finalize the ritual. Start by thanking the God and Goddess for the assistance with the ritual. To close your circle you simple walk the circle in the opposite direction you did casting it. Visualize the energy being returned to you.
Just a few simple pointers, when you are holding a ritual we refer to the God and Goddess as Lord and Lady. Some covens allow members that have reached a certain degree to refer to themselves as Lord and Lady. You will notice the saying “So Mote It Be” this is simply our version of amen. It states this is what we want so let it be.
If you were to hold a ritual or participate in one with a full coven there are several more things that are done. The High Priest and Priestess are the ones who lead the ritual; they will usually have a maiden and squire as their assistants. Many times depending on what the ritual is there are parts for members of the coven to play. You will have readings or you could be in charge of a direction and you would be responsible for everything that is done there. This is nice because everyone is a part of the ritual versus just watching.
There is not a time limit on your ritual; they can be as long or short as you want them. Just be sure they are exact and complete. Many people will hold a little festival meal afterwards and continue the celebration.
The circle should be 9 feet in diameter. If you do not have that much space whatever you have will do. Use a compass so that you know where the exact directions are. You will start in the East where the sun rises each day and end in the North. Mark your directions with your candles choosing the color that is associated with that direction.
Direction: East
Tool: Censer
Element: Air.
Represents: The mind, communication, movement, divination and ascetic spirituality
Direction: South
Tool: Candle
Element: Fire.
Represents: Transformation, passion, change, success, health and strength.
Direction: West
Tool: Chalice
Element: Water.
Represents: Emotions, psychic mind, love, healing, beauty and emotional spirituality.
Direction: North
Tool: Pentacle
Element: Earth.
Represents: Fertility and nourishment
The circle is used to represent the Goddess and the Earth. Your circle can be one that you establish each time you need it or a permanent one. If you are going to have a permanent circle you will want to put it somewhere that is not used often, an extra bedroom, the attic or the basement. You do not want to have people walking all over it. If you are going to make a permanent circle you can paint it on the floor and mark your corners.
When you are ready to begin you need to gather all the tools and supplies you will be using in your ritual. Place all the items on the altar. Light candles around the room for some light, but not the candles that will mark your points. Once you have done this you can consecrate your circle. I will explain this in steps so that it is easier to read later. Once you are comfortable with this you can change it up to fit your needs. You can re-write the sayings and create your own.
1. Ring the bell three times, to clear any negative energy that may be in the room.
2. Using your athame or wand start at the East Point; visualize sending energy from your body into the East point with your athame or wand. Make a complete circle going from East, South, West, and North back to the East point.
3. Back at the East corner light the candle, then move to the South, West, North and then back to your altar. Finish by lighting the altar candle.
Your circle is now cast and you are ready to hold your ritual. There are various forms of circle casting, some are very elaborate and some are simple. I prefer the simple ones. But for the Sabbats you may want to be a bit more elaborate. You can find various versions of rituals on line if you are interested in seeing how others do it.
When you are done with your ritual you will need to close the circle, this is very important in order to finalize the ritual. Start by thanking the God and Goddess for the assistance with the ritual. To close your circle you simple walk the circle in the opposite direction you did casting it. Visualize the energy being returned to you.
Just a few simple pointers, when you are holding a ritual we refer to the God and Goddess as Lord and Lady. Some covens allow members that have reached a certain degree to refer to themselves as Lord and Lady. You will notice the saying “So Mote It Be” this is simply our version of amen. It states this is what we want so let it be.
If you were to hold a ritual or participate in one with a full coven there are several more things that are done. The High Priest and Priestess are the ones who lead the ritual; they will usually have a maiden and squire as their assistants. Many times depending on what the ritual is there are parts for members of the coven to play. You will have readings or you could be in charge of a direction and you would be responsible for everything that is done there. This is nice because everyone is a part of the ritual versus just watching.
There is not a time limit on your ritual; they can be as long or short as you want them. Just be sure they are exact and complete. Many people will hold a little festival meal afterwards and continue the celebration.
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