Monday, January 31, 2011
The Elements
Everything in Wicca is a part of an Element: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Each Element is assigned its own color and direction: Earth (green; North); Air (yellow; East); Fire (red; South); Water (blue; West); Spirit (energy). The elements are called forth during ritual to protect the circle, and they are called the quarters, watchtowers, or the elements, depending upon the tradition. Here is a good website explaining a bit more about the elements, http://bit.ly/h8Nape
Research each of the different powers of the elements. Meditate with a candle in the color of the element you are communing with. It's always a good idea to incorporate each of the elements into your daily life. Learn about the different elementals, or energy beings, that live in each of the directions, as well as the different names for the directions that are called upon during ritual. It is extremely important to research the different elements before calling upon them during ritual, so you know what you're dealing with. Never call upon any force that you are unfamiliar with in the circle.
As always, Blessed Be!
Research each of the different powers of the elements. Meditate with a candle in the color of the element you are communing with. It's always a good idea to incorporate each of the elements into your daily life. Learn about the different elementals, or energy beings, that live in each of the directions, as well as the different names for the directions that are called upon during ritual. It is extremely important to research the different elements before calling upon them during ritual, so you know what you're dealing with. Never call upon any force that you are unfamiliar with in the circle.
As always, Blessed Be!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
It's the weekend!
So many people make a resolution, but few keep it to the rest of the year other than January. I've been following a motivational speaker's videos, Chalene Johnson, has anyone heard of her? She's from Socal and has her own line of exercise videos, and also does motivational speaking. For January, her videos are about creating to-do lists and actually keeping to them, to follow your goals. I was actually able to do the first thing on my list, "get organized." Now I want to start another task for February. It takes at least 30 days or so to create a habit. I've gotten a bit more organized since starting the challenge, as she calls it, and I'm proud of that. Now I want to tackle something else in my life that needs help with. Two important goals I have are meditate once a day, and exercise once a day. I want to lose 25 pounds this year, and ten by June, since I'm going to be a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding! So if anyone wants me to help them keep to their New Year's Resolution all year round, don't hesitate to leave a comment! I'll share with you some of the tricks I learned about keeping a to-do list.
I realized I didn't give a full introduction of myself when I started this blog! Okay, here goes. I'm a 25yo, and I've been struggling with independence. I was sheltered as a child, and I live on an island off the coast of California, which doesn't help my situation, lol. I've shared apartments with roommates since college, but by situation, had to move back home. I mean, it does have its perks, but I hate the whole checking in with the 'rents whenever I leave for 24 hours at a time. I've been Wiccan since I was in high school, so just about ten years. Omg! Has it been that long?? My dream is to have my own apartment, so I can put my altar in plain view and put a pentagram on the door, and a broom right next to it. I will be able to have full rituals in the living room, instead of keeping small ones inside my bedroom. I have a younger sister, and a small dog, whom I love to death!! She definitely makes the living at home situation bearable. One of my goals this year is to have two writing internships, to create a writing portfolio, since I was an English major in college. Right now I'm blogging part-time, which is a good learning experience. Finding the right internship is definitely tricky. It's difficult to find a paying one that doesn't have you doing more work than you should be doing in an internship, since many companies try to overwork their interns for less than $8 an hour. Anywho, I wish everyone a great weekend,
Blessed Be!
I realized I didn't give a full introduction of myself when I started this blog! Okay, here goes. I'm a 25yo, and I've been struggling with independence. I was sheltered as a child, and I live on an island off the coast of California, which doesn't help my situation, lol. I've shared apartments with roommates since college, but by situation, had to move back home. I mean, it does have its perks, but I hate the whole checking in with the 'rents whenever I leave for 24 hours at a time. I've been Wiccan since I was in high school, so just about ten years. Omg! Has it been that long?? My dream is to have my own apartment, so I can put my altar in plain view and put a pentagram on the door, and a broom right next to it. I will be able to have full rituals in the living room, instead of keeping small ones inside my bedroom. I have a younger sister, and a small dog, whom I love to death!! She definitely makes the living at home situation bearable. One of my goals this year is to have two writing internships, to create a writing portfolio, since I was an English major in college. Right now I'm blogging part-time, which is a good learning experience. Finding the right internship is definitely tricky. It's difficult to find a paying one that doesn't have you doing more work than you should be doing in an internship, since many companies try to overwork their interns for less than $8 an hour. Anywho, I wish everyone a great weekend,
Blessed Be!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Ritual Tools Basics
Here is a list of many Wiccan ritual items. This list is by no means complete, and ritual tools are individual to the Wiccan. Each ritual tool is assigned an element. It is important to have all the elements represented on your altar, as well as a representation of the Goddess and the God, and the pentacle represents Spirit. Here is a site explaining altar items, http://bit.ly/hUDCFD
Pentacle (Spirit) The pentacle has the five points of a star, with a circle surrounding it.
Altar (Spirit) The platform which holds the ritual items
Altar cloth The cloth that adorns the altar, could be in any design you choose that holds meaning to you.
Wand (Air) The item that is usually made of the branch of a fruit tree, is usually used in Wiccan ritual to create sacred space and calling the quarters.
Athame (Fire) A ritual knife, with a double-edged blade and a black handle. It can also direct energy within the circle, can also be used to create the circle. A boline, a dagger with a white handle, can be used to cut herbs.
Goddess and God representation (Spirit) Usually represented by a gold and silver candle, set side by side on the altar. It can also be a representation of your pantheon. Many witchcraft shops also offer candles in the shape of a male and female that are also used. Color can depend upon the ritual.
Chalice (Water) A special ritual cup, used in the Cakes and Ale portion of ritual, usually holding wine specific to that ritual.
Incense (Fire/Air) Used to smudge the ritual space, to cleanse it of negative energy.
Candles (Fire) Placed on the altar, and also can be placed at the North, East, West, and South portions of the circle, to represent the different elements. Color can be white, or the colors of the elements they represent.
Water (Water) Used to sprinkle around the ritual area to create sacred space.
Bell (Air) Used to signify the beginning, and sometimes end, of a ritual. Disperses negative energy when rung.
The descriptions here are what I have learned. If you know of a different element that something belongs to, or a different ritual item, you can name it in the comments below.
As always, Blessed Be! More to come soon!
Pentacle (Spirit) The pentacle has the five points of a star, with a circle surrounding it.
Altar (Spirit) The platform which holds the ritual items
Altar cloth The cloth that adorns the altar, could be in any design you choose that holds meaning to you.
Wand (Air) The item that is usually made of the branch of a fruit tree, is usually used in Wiccan ritual to create sacred space and calling the quarters.
Athame (Fire) A ritual knife, with a double-edged blade and a black handle. It can also direct energy within the circle, can also be used to create the circle. A boline, a dagger with a white handle, can be used to cut herbs.
Goddess and God representation (Spirit) Usually represented by a gold and silver candle, set side by side on the altar. It can also be a representation of your pantheon. Many witchcraft shops also offer candles in the shape of a male and female that are also used. Color can depend upon the ritual.
Chalice (Water) A special ritual cup, used in the Cakes and Ale portion of ritual, usually holding wine specific to that ritual.
Incense (Fire/Air) Used to smudge the ritual space, to cleanse it of negative energy.
Candles (Fire) Placed on the altar, and also can be placed at the North, East, West, and South portions of the circle, to represent the different elements. Color can be white, or the colors of the elements they represent.
Water (Water) Used to sprinkle around the ritual area to create sacred space.
Bell (Air) Used to signify the beginning, and sometimes end, of a ritual. Disperses negative energy when rung.
The descriptions here are what I have learned. If you know of a different element that something belongs to, or a different ritual item, you can name it in the comments below.
As always, Blessed Be! More to come soon!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Visualization
Visualization, or seeing through your mind's eye, is important for spellcraft. Learning to visualize exactly what you want to come to be helps it come to be. Think about it. Every action, every manifestation, originates with thought. You change yourself, you change your world. Wikipedia describes creative visualization as "the practice of seeking to affect the outer world via changing one's thoughts." Can you see your living room at home? Can you notice the color of the curtains, the couch? Which magazines are on the table, do you remember? Learn to see as much detail as possible with your mind's eye. Here is a site that teaches the steps of how to visualize, http://bit.ly/f6QjZm
When creating a spell, one uses visualization to put energy into it. The more detailed the visual picture, the better the energy can direct the spell to your desire. Do you want a certain kind of cat for a pet? Draw the kind of cat you would like, and picture it in your mind's eye. Describe everything you would want in a cat. Playful? Good with children? Put as many details as you can into your visualization. Call upon the Goddess and the God, or whichever pantheon you choose, build up energy, and then release that energy. Even if you're experienced in witchcraft, re-learning visualization every once in a while can be an eye-opener, and give your spells fresh energy.
Until next time...Blessed be!
When creating a spell, one uses visualization to put energy into it. The more detailed the visual picture, the better the energy can direct the spell to your desire. Do you want a certain kind of cat for a pet? Draw the kind of cat you would like, and picture it in your mind's eye. Describe everything you would want in a cat. Playful? Good with children? Put as many details as you can into your visualization. Call upon the Goddess and the God, or whichever pantheon you choose, build up energy, and then release that energy. Even if you're experienced in witchcraft, re-learning visualization every once in a while can be an eye-opener, and give your spells fresh energy.
Until next time...Blessed be!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Merry meet!
Wow, today is a long day! I'm learning how to blog professionally, and tweet professionally. Blogging is fine, but tweeting is sooo difficult! This writing internship will definitely teach me a lot!! So basically, I have two jobs, a writing internship, and a receptionist position at a CPA firm. My supervisor, a wonderful woman in her late 20s is teaching me the ropes. I'm actually job sharing with my mother (long story), spoke with my mother today, asking if she was too bossy the other day when training! I've never had that happen before. I need to keep this job!!!! For some reason, I have been at odds with jobs, unless I have a connection with the institution or my bosses. I know I'm smart, I know I'm productive, but I'm also finnicky, and have some OCD issues. This job, on the other hand, is such a well-oiled machine where the entire day is mapped out. So long as you follow the directions, I won't be stressed!
About a year ago, I made a spell so that I would ALWAYS have the cash flow for my bills, when I noticed the economy going a bit rocky. So far, so good!! I highly recommend creating a spell like that if your industry is in flux. Then, even if you have five jobs in one year, your bills will never go by the wayside. Also, befriend some faeries, as they can become quite handy. Respect them, and you cannot go wrong with these little creatures!
Another daunting task that I brought upon myself this year...become more organized!! That means creating a to-do list and actually checking them off. I've been following this motivational speaker's videos this month, and they've actually helped. I'm a professional procrastinator, and this has been helping getting things under control.
Some videos I'm in love with:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My0HQ0QkGLQ (Rammstein video, Du Hast)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV6gTZf-BL4 (Phil Defranco, E News)
Okay, this is a long blog, so I will bid thee good night!!!...Blessed Be!
About a year ago, I made a spell so that I would ALWAYS have the cash flow for my bills, when I noticed the economy going a bit rocky. So far, so good!! I highly recommend creating a spell like that if your industry is in flux. Then, even if you have five jobs in one year, your bills will never go by the wayside. Also, befriend some faeries, as they can become quite handy. Respect them, and you cannot go wrong with these little creatures!
Another daunting task that I brought upon myself this year...become more organized!! That means creating a to-do list and actually checking them off. I've been following this motivational speaker's videos this month, and they've actually helped. I'm a professional procrastinator, and this has been helping getting things under control.
Some videos I'm in love with:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My0HQ0QkGLQ (Rammstein video, Du Hast)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV6gTZf-BL4 (Phil Defranco, E News)
Okay, this is a long blog, so I will bid thee good night!!!...Blessed Be!
Meditation
Meditation is a must for any Wiccan. Try this page for some simple exercises to begin with, http://bit.ly/dC4LCG They aren't Wiccan meditations, but some basic meditation exercises to build your foundation. Meditation is where you can know yourself on a different level. Shadow work can be done during meditation, as well as the beginnings of astral projection, or meeting your guides.
There are different benefits to regular meditation. Stress management and lowering blood pressure are a couple of them. Start with a daily practice of 2-5 minutes of meditation. Turn off your phone, sit in a quiet place, and just be yourself for a couple of minutes. Try some of the exercises from the website. Learn about how meditation affects the brain here, http://bit.ly/bImqSd Once you master meditation and are able to meditate for 5-10 minutes at a time, you will be able to begin basic energy work.
As always, blessed be!
There are different benefits to regular meditation. Stress management and lowering blood pressure are a couple of them. Start with a daily practice of 2-5 minutes of meditation. Turn off your phone, sit in a quiet place, and just be yourself for a couple of minutes. Try some of the exercises from the website. Learn about how meditation affects the brain here, http://bit.ly/bImqSd Once you master meditation and are able to meditate for 5-10 minutes at a time, you will be able to begin basic energy work.
As always, blessed be!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Basic Astronomy
Every Wiccan should know some astronomy. Why, you ask? Understanding the science behind the universe and everything in it, is another way of connecting yourself to the Goddess and the God. I'm not saying becoming an astronomy nerd. You can start by learning the cycle of the moon and the different names of the different parts of that cycle. Learn the Big Bang theory. Memorize the planets and their moons; know as much as you can about our sun and moon. Here is an article on astronomy, http://bit.ly/fgc5C3
Not only memorize and read about astronomy, or the galaxies around us. But try to connect with the earth, as well. Take walks at different times of the day, and try to feel what it means to be that time of day. Where is the sun at that time? Take walks at night. Where is the moon in the sky, can you guess what type of moon is in the sky, is it a gibbous moon? Have you ever seen the sunrise, or a sunset? The ancient peoples learned through observation. Take walks to an area of nature, a park, river, or the ocean if you can. Observe the animals and what they do, meditate. Connect with the world around you.
Not only memorize and read about astronomy, or the galaxies around us. But try to connect with the earth, as well. Take walks at different times of the day, and try to feel what it means to be that time of day. Where is the sun at that time? Take walks at night. Where is the moon in the sky, can you guess what type of moon is in the sky, is it a gibbous moon? Have you ever seen the sunrise, or a sunset? The ancient peoples learned through observation. Take walks to an area of nature, a park, river, or the ocean if you can. Observe the animals and what they do, meditate. Connect with the world around you.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Daily Prayer
Daily prayer is an important part of the Wiccan faith. Prayer can be done in multiple ways, whatever feels right for you. It could be how you were taught in a coven, or whatever Year and a Day program taught you. Sometimes I light a candle and say a prayer I wrote. Scott Cunningham, in his book Living Wicca, describes daily effective prayer. One needs to be in the right state of mind for prayer to be effective.
Meditation, or grounding are both good ways to get into a prayerful state of mind. You can begin prayer like you would any ritual; don ritual clothing or jewelry, light some incense, or put on some world music to listen to. Cunningham describes prayer as "...the process of attuning and communicating with the Goddess and God." (Living Wicca, by Scott Cunningham) Here is a page full of Wiccan prayers, http://bit.ly/dYDWEW Remember, almost anything can be found online. You do not need to buy a book of prayers. Create your own, or do an Internet search for daily prayers.
Once you have adapted a daily prayer ritual, which is essential to any new Wiccan's connection to the Goddess and the God, record your feelings in your Book of Shadows or journal. Before you do any rituals of any sort, if you are new to Wicca, daily prayer is an important first step. Pray daily in whatever way feels comfortable to you, and soon you will feel the magical source within yourself. If you wish, post in the comments below a prayer that you would like to share, or else a meaningful experience connecting yourself to the Goddess and God.
Meditation, or grounding are both good ways to get into a prayerful state of mind. You can begin prayer like you would any ritual; don ritual clothing or jewelry, light some incense, or put on some world music to listen to. Cunningham describes prayer as "...the process of attuning and communicating with the Goddess and God." (Living Wicca, by Scott Cunningham) Here is a page full of Wiccan prayers, http://bit.ly/dYDWEW Remember, almost anything can be found online. You do not need to buy a book of prayers. Create your own, or do an Internet search for daily prayers.
Once you have adapted a daily prayer ritual, which is essential to any new Wiccan's connection to the Goddess and the God, record your feelings in your Book of Shadows or journal. Before you do any rituals of any sort, if you are new to Wicca, daily prayer is an important first step. Pray daily in whatever way feels comfortable to you, and soon you will feel the magical source within yourself. If you wish, post in the comments below a prayer that you would like to share, or else a meaningful experience connecting yourself to the Goddess and God.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
I am she...a poem
I am she who rustles the wind
Who gives the clear water
And the rainbow reflected
She who gives silvered kisses
Who makes sure of laughter
Of water trickling down hills
Who salutes the black skies
Welcomes the dawn
Who gives thanks to all creatures
Walking and crawling
I am One.
Friday, January 21, 2011
It's Friday!
Wow, this week went by fast. Next week will be even worse, when I'm doing both my writing internship at home, and working full-time as a receptionist. Yowza! I have a blogging internship, and will start a temp-to-hire receptionist position, starting next Monday.
Tonight will be difficult. My aunt passed away recently, and tonight the entire family will be going to the community theater where my cousin directs, and see Of Mice and Men. I never read the book, so this should be interesting. It will also be dedicated to my aunt, who was a main patron of the theater. Should be an emotional night. Also, I was a temp a couple months ago for a nursing school working admin. My aunt was hospitalized right next door at the hospital. Needless to say, my last week working there was incredibly stressful. But, I felt proud to be helping the next generation of nurses to be working at that hospital. In some small way, I felt like I was helping. May the God and the Goddess bless all the nurses of this country, for you are the most undervalued, yet most appreciated!!
Anyway, a cool thing to note; I am starting a push-up and crunches regimen. I'm starting slowly, but I'm already seeing results! I can now hold perfect plank for 30 seconds. I'm trying to get it up to a minute, hopefully within two weeks!! And, I babysat a 4 year old this week after five years of not babysitting. Can I just say, whoa. I spent a half an hour chasing her around the house, playing with her Buzz light year, and throwing toys around the room. So much fun! Until bedtime...
Well tomorrow comes 6 hours of blogging, and tweeting. Thank goodness it's a paid internship!
As always, ... Blessed Be! Have a great weekend, see you on Monday!
Tonight will be difficult. My aunt passed away recently, and tonight the entire family will be going to the community theater where my cousin directs, and see Of Mice and Men. I never read the book, so this should be interesting. It will also be dedicated to my aunt, who was a main patron of the theater. Should be an emotional night. Also, I was a temp a couple months ago for a nursing school working admin. My aunt was hospitalized right next door at the hospital. Needless to say, my last week working there was incredibly stressful. But, I felt proud to be helping the next generation of nurses to be working at that hospital. In some small way, I felt like I was helping. May the God and the Goddess bless all the nurses of this country, for you are the most undervalued, yet most appreciated!!
Anyway, a cool thing to note; I am starting a push-up and crunches regimen. I'm starting slowly, but I'm already seeing results! I can now hold perfect plank for 30 seconds. I'm trying to get it up to a minute, hopefully within two weeks!! And, I babysat a 4 year old this week after five years of not babysitting. Can I just say, whoa. I spent a half an hour chasing her around the house, playing with her Buzz light year, and throwing toys around the room. So much fun! Until bedtime...
Well tomorrow comes 6 hours of blogging, and tweeting. Thank goodness it's a paid internship!
As always, ... Blessed Be! Have a great weekend, see you on Monday!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wiccan Ethics
Just like with organized religion, Wicca has its own set of guidelines. Many Wiccans follow the Rede as their own Law, "An it harm none, do what ye will." That is such a loaded phrase, that there are as many interpretations as there are Wiccans. My interpretation is that it bids us to create our own set of ethics, and to learn responsibility for our actions, for what we do with our spells affects others. Think twice before performing any spell, or any action in life. The Rede goes beyond spells, for it is a motto for life. We need to be conscious of everything that we do. If we have to question ourselves, "Is this the right thing?" then it probably isn't. But, if you go ahead and do it anyway, understand that there will be consequences to your actions, and if you can live with them, then so be it.
Once, I was having roommate troubles in college. I performed a spell to make sure whatever actions she did bounced right back to her, sort of like a mirror. But, it also bounced back on me as well. The spell forced me to move out of that dorm, and then I never saw her again, thank goodness. So sometimes spells don't work out exactly the way you think they will.
What is your interpretation of the Wiccan Rede? Post in the comments below!
As always, Blessed Be!
Once, I was having roommate troubles in college. I performed a spell to make sure whatever actions she did bounced right back to her, sort of like a mirror. But, it also bounced back on me as well. The spell forced me to move out of that dorm, and then I never saw her again, thank goodness. So sometimes spells don't work out exactly the way you think they will.
What is your interpretation of the Wiccan Rede? Post in the comments below!
As always, Blessed Be!
The Wiccan Rede
Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"
The Wiccan God
The Wiccan God is the consort of the Goddess. He is the protector, the one who provides heat and warmth, and also the teacher. The God can be seen as the Green Man, or the Horned God, as well as the Oak King and the Holly King, depending upon the tradition. While the Goddess's color is silver, the God's is gold.
Prayer to the God is just as important as prayer to the Goddess, for there cannot be one without the other. Many Wiccans also choose a specific pantheon to focus their worship. To me, a pantheon is only a specific aspect of the Goddess and God. Where truly, they are too complex for our brains to comprehend, so we need to give them personalities, in order to comprehend one pebble in the river that is the God/dess. Go to http://www.pantheon.org/ in order to research various pantheons. In fact, every Wiccan should understand these ancient polytheistic religions, in order to more understand current Wicca.
Comment below if you follow a certain pantheon, or if you have not found your pantheon. Also, if you choose not to, explain why.
Prayer to the God is just as important as prayer to the Goddess, for there cannot be one without the other. Many Wiccans also choose a specific pantheon to focus their worship. To me, a pantheon is only a specific aspect of the Goddess and God. Where truly, they are too complex for our brains to comprehend, so we need to give them personalities, in order to comprehend one pebble in the river that is the God/dess. Go to http://www.pantheon.org/ in order to research various pantheons. In fact, every Wiccan should understand these ancient polytheistic religions, in order to more understand current Wicca.
Comment below if you follow a certain pantheon, or if you have not found your pantheon. Also, if you choose not to, explain why.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Goddess - Maiden, Mother, and Crone
The Goddess and the God are One. A popular aspect of the Goddess is the Triple Goddess, the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. She is the consort of the God. She is the embodiment of a woman's lifetime. The Maiden, represented by the spring in the Wheel of the Year, is a young and innocent Goddess, looking at the world in wonder. Then, she chooses the Horn God for her consort, and becomes the Maiden in the summer, where everything is blossoming and growing. In winter, she is represented as the Crone, the time in life where things must end, but there is a promise of renewal. Check out this page for more information, http://bit.ly/gnXPKN.
Maiden Goddesses:
Artemis
Persephone
Rhiannon
Mother Goddesses:
Gaia
Isis
Freya
Crone Goddesses:
Hel
Morrigan
Tiamat
As always, Blessed Be!
Maiden Goddesses:
Artemis
Persephone
Rhiannon
Mother Goddesses:
Gaia
Isis
Freya
Crone Goddesses:
Hel
Morrigan
Tiamat
As always, Blessed Be!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Spellcraft
Merry meet!
Everyone has their own way of doing spells, that works for them. Some websites will give you cut and dry information on how to perform them, but that's the way that the author was taught. After I tried a couple of these website spells, they did not work for me. But, I began to see results when I tweeked them just a little bit, and made them my own.
Say there's a phrase or a poem online that you like for a spell that fits your needs, but you either don't have the materials needed, or the time to perform the whole spell for 7-9 days, but you do have 20 minutes. Take the poem or phrase, then add what you would like, if you have crystals on hand, or candles, or even a piece of paper would do. Gather your materials, put your goal in mind, meditate, raise energy, and state the spell out loud, then release the energy. That's really all there is to it! Then, record it in your own witch's journal or Book of Shadows, and wait for the results.
Also, different types of spells work differently for different people. For a while, I could NOT have a successful candle spell to save my life, until I incorporated the element, Fire, into my life, for I am an earth/water person, with a little bit of air thrown in, and hardly any Fire. But, I can pick up practically any stone, activate it with my intent, and throw it into the Air for fabulous results. So, for the past year or so, I've been working on my candle spells, and now they work! I had to fine tune my candle ritual for ME, and not anyone else. Some things worked, and some things didn't. Sometimes, I will get inspiration to do something completely different than the original plan, and it works beautifully. I make sure to record it in my journal, which I keep as a word doc on my computer.
Post what type of spells work for you, and what you need to work on, say spells involving Air are difficult, but you can perform candle/Fire spells quite easily. Research different techniques, and what meditative practices you can incorporate into your daily life to help bring in a balance to your elements.
As always, Blessed be!
A year and a day to a new me
How do I improve my life situation? How do I become a better witch? Those are my goals for this new year. I want to be 50 pounds thinner, I want to move into a condo with my boyfriend and add two furry kitties to the mix, I want a pool and a gym, I want a car. I want my magic to move seamlessly, and to not miss any Esbats or Sabbats. Here are the 13 goals of a witch...http://bit.ly/fgefgC. I don't have to be superwoman to be successful, do I?
I want you to join me on my journey. I am successful, beautiful, and confident. I cannot be afraid of success any longer.
Post what makes YOU successful. Is it your habits, your children, your friends? Share one person who you think is a hero/ine, and why. They can be anyone you can think of, that you admire, for whatever reason.
For now and always, Blessed Be!
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