An Opening Blessing

A Native American tradition called for blessing a gathering by invoking the powers of the six directions. This morning, we will repeat this brief invocation with the help of the traditional Indian smudge sticks.

(Lights the sticks, extinguishes the flames, and uses the sticks to brush smoke in the directions indicated.)

(Below) We call on the power of Mother Earth, the Great Turtle, strong support for all humankind, bring to us patience and the ability to take one step at a time. Powers of the Earth, be with us!

(South) Powers of the South, Sacred Mouse, teacher of Trust and Innocence. Let us find again our innocent eyes, our playful trust in each other and in other humans. Powers of the South, the Mouse, be with us!

(West) Powers of the West, place of Intuition and of the power of woman, Great Bear, bringer of dreams. Teach us the ability to go inside ourselves and discover the truth within. Powers of the West, Great Bear, be with us!

(North) Powers of the North, home of the Great Buffalo, spirit of wisdom and knowledge. Bring us the wisdom to share with each other and to provide for one another. Powers of the North, Buffalo, be with us!

(East) Powers of the East, come, source of light and illumination, Eagle, creature of great heights. Give us the gift of sight, that we may see clearly the path ahead. Powers of the East, Eagle, be with us!

(Above) Powers of the Sky, Great Spirit, come, bring all healing and infinite guidance. Sun that shines bright upon all our days. Powers of Earth, of south, west, north, and east, be with us as the sun in the sky!

(Turns to the audience.) The traditional blessing of power came through the scenting of others with the smoke from smudge sticks like these, composed of sage, cedar or other substances. As I have ceremonially blessed this service, now let each of you do the same to the other.

(Each person uses the smudge stick on one other person.)

(From the American Indian Tradition)

Tags: self blessing  kabbalistic correspondenses  nobody needs  casting method  monotheism pantheism  wheel lifetime  spell uncross person  pagan manners  witchcraft symbols  witchcraft love  witch shop  candle magic  17th edmund  

Libation Blessing

God: Mine is the ripening sun.
Goddess: Mine is the nurturing soil.
God: Mine is the fruit of the vine.
Goddess: Mine is the chalice of life.
Both: We are the blessing of wine!
And the wine blesses us.

God: Mine is the planted seed.
Goddess: Mine is the fertile earth.
God: Mine is the mower's blade.
Goddess: Mine is the oven of making.
Both: We are the blessing of bread!
And the bread blesses us.

Tags: what paganism  consecrating sacred space  ethics rules  burning cords  covenant goddess  design rituals spells  self purification  cult danger evaluation  handfasting  earth rhythms nature  practicing wicca  spellbook  biddy woman witch  echoes gnosis  cauldron  real magic  death spells  inner temple meditation  

Phases Of The Moon

Tweet

Do you believe in 'Moon Madness'? Luna...Lunatic...Both words are derived from the Latin word "lunar". Our ancestors certainly believed that there was some kind of connection between the Moon and human emotions and madness. We find legends surrounding the Moon and how it causes poeple to become unhinged in almost every culture in the world. And according to this folklore, all kinds of 'crazy' things are said to happen during the period of the 'full moon'. such as the werewolf myth which dates back to the ancient days in Rome.

We all know, and I am sure that we all agree, that higher tides occur at the new and full moons because the moon's gravitational pull is stronger at those times. But, does how does this relate to the assumption that it is possible for the pull of the moon to somehow influence our souls in a totally negative way? Science tells us that the human body made up of the same percentage of water that is found here on the earth? With this in mind, isn't there reason to believe that these same tidal forces just 'might' affect us as well.

Statistics have shown that men actually DO become more violent during the full moon. Furthermore, according to some of these studies, the five areas of human aggression and violence--homicide, suicide, aggravated assault, fatal traffic accidents, and psychiatric emergency room visits--all noticeably increased during certain phases of the moon. (Dr. Arnold Leiber, University of Miami, 1974) This was especially true for homicides and assaults which seemed to be significantly clustered around the full moon...And, ironically, in all these cases, it was men who outnumbered women as being affected by the moon's gravitational pull.

Some other interesting facts about the moon are:

"PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS CLUSTER DURING THE FIRST QUARTER MOON AND DECREASE AROUND THE NEW OR FULL MOON."

"SUICIDE AND TRAFFIC ACCIENTS WENT UP WITH THE SAME CURVE AS HOMICIDE AND ASSAULT CASES DURING THE NEW MOON."

"BEES ARE MUCH MORE ACTIVE AT THE NEW MOON PHASE...IN KEEPING WITH THEIR FUNCTION AS THE FERTILIZERS OF PLANTS."

"A CERTAIN NEW MOON DURING THE SPRINGTIME TRIGGERS THE HORMONE THYROXIN IN SALMON WHO NEED TO SWIM DOWN RIVER TO THE SEA. THIS IS THE BEST TIME FOR THEM TO MAKE THE JOURNEY UNSEEN BY PREDITORS."

"IN SURGERY, BLEEDING FROM WOUNDS OFTEN INCREASES DURING A FULL MOON"

"MORE BIRTHS OCCUR AT A FULL MOON."

"SEEDS GERMINATE MORE QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY WHEN SOWN WITH THE MOON WAXING TO FULL."

"VETERINARY RESEARCHERS AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY FOUND EVIDENCE THAT MORE PETS ARE RUSHED TO EMERGENCY DURING A FULL MOON."

"INSOMNIA AND SLEEP PATTERN DIFFICULTIES AFFECTED WOMEN MORE DURING THE PERIOD OF THE FULL MOON."

Tags: witch craft spells  hindu gods and goddesses for children  name of all the greek gods and goddesses  the egyptian gods and goddesses  god and goddesses family tree  dark magic ritual  astral body projection  mr aleister crowley  the enochian  how to astral projection  master therion  abbey thelema  

Learning About Spells

Because of the very nature of magick, each working should be highly individualized and personal. Even if following a traditional spell, it should be tailored to your specific needs to be most effective for you. Understanding the basics of spell construction will enable you to formulate your own specific, effective spells for any purpose you desire.

Preliminary planning is necessary. The very first step is to decide precisely what your desired end result is to be. Before you can start, you must decide where you are going. You must be very explicit.

It is important, also, that you choose your time carefully. You should take into consideration all astrological implications, energy currents and moon phases.

The moon is the astronomical body closest to us and, therefore, has a profound influence upon us, it is very important to choose a time when the moon is in an astrological sign which is appropriate for your working.

For example:

Aries action enthusiasm
Taurus renewal sensuality
Gemini communication curiosity
Cancer emotion nurturing
Leo vitality determined
Virgo organizing studious
Libra balance cooperation
Scorpio sexual philosophical
Sagitarius strength humour
Capricorn authority ambitious
Aquarius innovation social
Pisces sensitivity idealistic.

Bear in mind that magickal workings for gain, increase or bringing things to you, should be initiated when the moon is waxing (from dark to full); when the moon is waning (from full to dark), it is time for magickal workings of decrease or sending away.

The highest energy occurs at the full moon and, therefore, this is the most powerful time for magickal workings. The new moon is the next most powerful time for magick.

Whenever possible, follow nature's natural energy currents. There is a natural time for starting things (a planting time), for maturing things (a growing time), for reaping things (a harvest time) and, of course, a time for rest and planning.

Flowing with these currents will make your magickal work much easier. remember to plan your project for a time of uninterrupted privacy. It is important that you have no distractions. Generally speaking, it is best to work as late at night as possible. A time when there is less frantic energy is most appropriate. You might consider midnight or later.

In choosing a place to do your magickal working pay particular attention to your needs, for you must be comfortable. Your place should be private, quiet and secure. If at all possible, set aside a special place for this purpose only. An unused room, a special corner
of your bedroom, a quiet, secluded spot in your garden. A place that is yours. A place that you can come to whenever need arises and that is as free from intrusion of others as possible.

Prior to the night of your magickal working, gather together the things that you will need. All of the things used are tools. They have no inherent magick. They are to help you create a mood. If correctly made and used, they will trigger primitive responses from
deep within you. They should be chosen with care. Consider the purpose of your ritual and choose your tools accordingly. If your magick is to be sexual, your candles, oils, incenses and so forth, should bring forth a sexual response. If the desired result of your
magick is tranquillity, then the tools should make you feel calm, peaceful and serene. Any candles you might use should not have commercially added fragrances as these may not be appropriate for your working.

Prior to your ritual, prepare yourself and your equipment by any means necessary to clean and purify. Historically, people have fasted, followed meticulous and detailed bathing practices, practiced chastity and used many other methods.

Most often a ritual bath is the preferred method. A bath frequently utilizing candlelight, fragrant herbs, bath salts or sensuous oils. A sumptuous hot bath, special bathing preparations and appropriate lighting, combined, can create the soothing effect which will help in the very important step of relaxing and clearing the mind completely of all mundane thoughts and experiences of the day. Your ritual bath should, also, begin to set the specific vibrations conducive to your purpose into motion. You must not only cleanse and purify but must, also, begin to create the type of energy necessary. Once your purification process has been accomplished, you are now ready to begin. Proceed to the special place you have previously chosen in which to perform your magick. If at all possible, you should make use of the primitive responses set into motion by a well chosen piece of music. Your music should start slowly and build to a rousing climax.

As you use your oils, light your candle or incense (or utilize any other tool you have chosen), you should begin to further intensify the energy that you have set into motion around you. A high degree of intensity is vitally important.

The altered state of consciousness that you must reach is not a meditative state. Anything that interferes with your ability to concentrate upon, reach and control the high energy state necessary to perform magick should be avoided. Such as, screaming children, a sink
full of dirty dishes, use of alcohol or drugs, etc.

Do not scatter your energy by attempting to do more than one magickal working at a time.

Remember that magick is the manipulation of energy, a thought is a form of energy and a visualization is an even stronger form of energy. Your visualization can be a method used to intensify further and direct your will. Your visualization can be the method by which you
control the magickal energy you have produced. You must know what you want. You must see it. You must feel the high energy flow. You must direct it.

One of the most important elements in the practice of any form of magick is the universal law of cause and effect. This means that whatever you do (or don't do) you cause something to happen.

The most important consideration is the universal law of retribution. this means that no matter what you do, it comes back to you in like kind.

It is the nature of things that as you send something out it gains momentum, so that, by the time it comes back to you, it is stronger.

Keywords: white magic  practicing wicca  dark claim  witch shop  candle magick  magical creatures  pagan africa  witches touchstone south  image teutonic  power animal eagle  

Protective Blessing For Birds

Kuan Yin of beauty and of grace,

Protectress of the avian race,

Shield (name of pet) from all hurt and harm

And keep him/her always safe and warm.

Watch over (name of pet) from day to day

And guide him/her home if he/she should stray.

And grant him/her much happiness

And a good life free of strife and stress.

Tags: issian circle  presentation chalice  dangers deity  common inquiries  bedtime prayers  closing circle  which right  casting circle method  wiccan religion  liber reference order  liber gnosticae  wiccan religion  views ordo orientis  

Your Natural Connection Exercise

(first letter here)Part of being on a magical path is recognizing, and connecting to, the energies of Nature wherever you may be. Here is an exercise that you can do even in the heart of the city.

Explore this place until you find one spot that feels especially comfortable. This will be your Nature spot. Stand in the middle of that Nature spot. Take a moment to center yourself, meditate, and connect gently with the energy of that Nature spot.

Stand and face outward from your nature spot toward whichever direction you choose. (If you know which direction you are facing that is fine, but not necessary for this exercise.) Facing your chosen direction, gaze outward and allow yourself to connect with all that you can see and feel before you. Honor all that is before you by reverently absorbing the energies before you. Imagine a circle surrounding you. Draw it in your mind's eye, beginning in front of you, circling to the right, around yourself and your Nature spot.

when you have done this, turn a quarter turn to the right and face outward in a new direction. Again, gaze outward and connect with all that is before you to see or feel. Reverently honor and absorb the energies of the direction you are facing.

When you have done this, turn a quarter turn to the right again and face outward in a new direction. You have completed half of your circle. Take time to gaze outward and connect with all that you see and feel in this direction. Honor and absorb the energies before you in this Nature spot.

Turn again a quarter turn to the right and face outward in a new direction. You have completed three quarters of your circle. Gaze out before you and connect with what you see and feel in that direction. Reverently honor and absorb the energies of the direction you are facing.

When you have done this, turn a quarter turn to the right one more time and face the direction you started with. You have completed your full circle. Feel the energy of all the directions surrounding you in your complete circle.

From where you stand, at the beginning of your circle, walk forward slowly, no more than twelve paces, and look for an object from Nature. This may be as simple as a leaf or a twig. It may be a feather, a stone, or even a bit of colored glass. when you have walked no more than twelve paces, return slowly, tracing your footsteps back to where you began. You may find something you overlooked the first time. When you have returned to where you started, take a moment to connect with your object from Nature and to give thanks for the gift you have received.

When you are ready, turn a quarter turn to the right and slowly walk forward, no more than twelve paces, to find an object in the next direction. Continue as you began until you have completed your circle of the four directions and have found your objects from Nature.

The key is to find one power object (or totem) in each direction. If you find four different kinds, that is fine. If you find four similar kinds, that is also fine and may be a clue to the type of energy you need to work with. It's advisable not to concern yourself about what you find as much as how you connect with it. Enjoy yourself.

When you have found each totem, try to leave a little something in return, for thank you.

~Amber Wolfe

Tags: squaring circle  gays craft  million died  naming names  self blessing  earth goddess  amazing excruciatingly  tips solitary witches  witchcraft  voodoo doctor  circle magical operations  free spells  rituals blue  

Beltane

Tweet

The first of May is Beltane or May Day, a time to celebrate the leaping fires of passion. It marks the height of spring and the flowering of all life. Beltane is a festival of sensuality, sexuality, flowers and delight. It is a traditional time to make love, preferably outdoors.

Beltane is the time when fairies return from their winter rest, carefree and full of mischief and delight. On the night before Beltane, in times past, folks would place rowan branches at their windows and doors for protection. If you do NOT wish the fairies to visit, do the same! This is also a perfect time for night or predawn rituals to draw down power to promote fertility in body and mind.

At Beltane, the Pleiades star cluster rises just before sunrise on the morning horizon. The Pleiades is known as the seven sisters, and resembles a tiny dipper-shaped pattern of six moderately bright stars in the constellation of Taurus, near the shoulder. Watch for it low in the east-northeast sky, just a few minutes before sunrise.

There are many lovely old customs associated with this time. Here are some simple ideas for celebrating this wild red time of year:

* Make a garland or wreath of freshly picked flowers and wear it in your hair.
* Dress in bright colors, especially hot pink or crimson, the traditional colors of Beltane, or wear green all day (and nothing all night!)
* Hang fruits and baked goodies from trees and bushes for later feasting
* Build a Beltane fire: leap over it to cleanse yourself, or state your desires and let the fire carry them upward
* Leap over your garden rows (or house plants), sharing joyous energy
* Make a 'May gad': peel a willow-wand and twine cowslips or other flowers around it
* Throw a May Day party and feast on May wine and food till the dawn. Turn a broomstick into a maypole and see how many people you can get to dance round it.
* Make love in the woods, in your garden, outside - at night.
* Watch the sunrise. Pack a picnic breakfast, a blanket, and some sweaters; and head out before dawn. Unpack your picnic on a hill with an unobstructed view and enjoy the early morning rays as the sun peaks over the horizon.
* Make a flower feast! Freeze edible flowers in your ice cubes. Add edible flowers to your salad. Candy flowers to decorate your dessert.
* Make a May basket. Fill it with flowers, food, ribbons, and fun. Leave it on a doorstep of a lover or friend, or someone who cannot get outside, such as an invalid or elderly person.
* Make a daisy chain and cast it into one of the lakes to please the water spirits
* Rise at dawn on May Day and wash in the morning dew: The woman who washes her face in it will be beautiful, the man who washes his hands will be skilled at knots and nets (always a useful skill for students).
* Twist a Rowan sprig into a ring and look through it- tonight is one of the three in the year when the uninitiated can see the faeries.
* Create a May Day altar with a mirror, a small maypole, a phallic shaped candle, a daisy chain and springtime flowers.
* Light a fire or candle on the top of a hill and make a wish as you jump over it (for authenticity, you can try this sky clad, it would also be amusing for any passing late-night dog walkers!)
* Perfume your house with delicate scent of woodruff, a tiny, star-like flower that blooms around this time in the Northern Hemisphere.
* Embrace the ones you love. Hugs and kisses all around.

Holidays are days made holy by the attention we pay them. Simple practices such as the ones listed above remind us that we too dance to the natural rhythms of the earth.

Tags: blank book of shadows  all the roman gods and goddesses  ancient greek god and goddesses  hinduism gods and goddesses  aleister crowley demons  free book of shadows download  freemasonry ancient egypt  greek and roman gods and goddesses  theurgia goetia  astral projection frequencies  book of shadows pages  satanic ritual robes