Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Rede
Bide the Wiccan Law ye must,
In perfect love and perfect trust
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:
An' ye harm none, do what ye will
What ye send forth comes back to thee
So ever mind the rule of three
Follow this with mind and heart
Merry ye meet, and merry ye part
In perfect love and perfect trust
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:
An' ye harm none, do what ye will
What ye send forth comes back to thee
So ever mind the rule of three
Follow this with mind and heart
Merry ye meet, and merry ye part
Recommended Reading
There's a wealth of pagan reading out there- believe me, I have quite a library myself!
But how do you now what's accurate, what's worthwhile, what's not some Charmed or Harry Potter b.s. with no actual pagan significance?
Let me help!
Here's a list of some of my favorites:
WITCH: A MAGICKAL JOURNEY by Fiona Horne
LA WITCH by Fiona Horne
SEXY WITCH by LaSara Firefox
GREEN MAGIC by Ann Moura
THE WITCHS COVEN by Edain McCoy
THE CRONE'S BOOK OF WORDS by Valerie Worth
GOTH CRAFT by Raven Digitalis
THE WITCH'S GUIDE TO LIFE by Kala Trobe
WICCA by Scott Cunningham
EARTH, AIR, FIRE & WATER by Scott Cunningham
SOLITARY WITCH by Silver RavenWolf
THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF 5000 SPELLS by Judika Illes
DANCING THE GODDESS INCARNATE by Dorothy Morrison and Kristin Madden
WITCH CHILD by Celia Rees*
SORCERESS by Celia Rees*
**Both of these are fiction novels, but they are both great reads as well as fairly accurate!**
But how do you now what's accurate, what's worthwhile, what's not some Charmed or Harry Potter b.s. with no actual pagan significance?
Let me help!
Here's a list of some of my favorites:
WITCH: A MAGICKAL JOURNEY by Fiona Horne
LA WITCH by Fiona Horne
SEXY WITCH by LaSara Firefox
GREEN MAGIC by Ann Moura
THE WITCHS COVEN by Edain McCoy
THE CRONE'S BOOK OF WORDS by Valerie Worth
GOTH CRAFT by Raven Digitalis
THE WITCH'S GUIDE TO LIFE by Kala Trobe
WICCA by Scott Cunningham
EARTH, AIR, FIRE & WATER by Scott Cunningham
SOLITARY WITCH by Silver RavenWolf
THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF 5000 SPELLS by Judika Illes
DANCING THE GODDESS INCARNATE by Dorothy Morrison and Kristin Madden
WITCH CHILD by Celia Rees*
SORCERESS by Celia Rees*
**Both of these are fiction novels, but they are both great reads as well as fairly accurate!**
Skyclad, Costumed, Or Clothed: What Makes You Feel Witchy?
When you hear the word "witch," what image jumps to your mind?
The girls from Charmed, dressed in their street-clothes?
A woman running around in medieval garb and a cloak, with talismans and bells dangling everywhere?
Or a coven of nudists, dancing in a circle around a bonfire?
Truth is, while all of these are exaggerations and stereotypes, they are also all completely acceptable!
One of the beautiful things about the pagan belief structure is the distinct lack of rules and regulations. You see, followers of paganism aren't like most religious people- they aren't required to wear elaborate robes or funny hats, or even wear a dress and stockings to church. They can wear jeans and a tee-shirt to a ritual, if that's what makes their little hearts happy.
So the all-important question- "whatever shall I wear?!" has now become a much simpler inquiry- "what makes ME feel magickal?"
First, to clear up some terminology- YES, skyclad does mean nude, nekkid, otherwise in a state of undress. It means one is clad by nothing but the sky. (Makes sense now, doesn't it?)
Many witches feel this is definitely the way to be during a ritual or spell. Some feel closer to nature free from both man-made materials and society's restrictions on nudity. Practicing magick skyclad can be quite liberating- many witches feel it frees them from the mundane world and brings them back to their essential beginnings. We come into the world skyclad and pure; performing rituals nude helps some witches bring these traits to their faith. It is a common belief in many pagan traditions that the nude human form is not only natural, but sacred.
A secondary reason for practicing magick without your clothes- when one is nude, your senses are heightened. Every breeze, the touch of every blade of grass, is stronger and more defined than it is when your body is shielded from the elements.
Practicing skyclad makes you vulnerable, not only physically, but emotionally. You become open to the universe, unprotected, unmasked. It may become symbolic of allowing the Divine and the World to see you as you really are. Living with nothing to hide often makes a witch stronger and more confident, both in their magick and their everyday life.
Some misconceptions about practicing skyclad- there is not necessarily any sex angle to performing rituals nude. Although most pagan traditions are not anti-sex (and in fact celebrate sexuality), and though some pagan traditions do involve sex (always encouraged to be safe, sane, consensual, and legal), the simple act of being naked is not necessarily a sexual thing. There have been many misrepresentations of pagans as sexual deviants, perverts, and promiscuous individuals, which is a problematic stereotype. Every group has flawed individuals, and paganism is no different- but to categorize all witches as devil-worshipping sluts is not only incorrect, but insulting.
Again, let me clarify- I define 'costumed' as clothed, but not in normal attire one would wear out on the street. Common examples are medieval attire, gothic attire, or wardrobe significant to a certain culture, such as the Greeks, Celts, Norse, etc.
Some witches dress themselves in attire that is "witchy" according to pop-culture, such as flowing robes and pointy hats. (Hey, whatever floats your boat, folks.) Often this is because they have associated these garments with magick their entire lives- it's what society as taught them makes a witch. And while I think these people could benefit from exploring the possibility of other things and not limiting themselves to these popular representations, if that's what makes them comfortable while practicing, more power to them!
Costumes and wardrobe are also frequently defined by the tradition a witch (or a whole coven) associates themselves with. Gothic witchcraft (generally, an exploration of the darker aspects of magick) has become increasingly common of late. And while it isn't necessary to dress "goth" to follow this path, many witches find it helps put them in the correct mindset. (And please, when I say goth, don't assume I mean the Hot Topic type nu-goth, or that I mean the dark-Victorian fashion, or any other particular scene. It is simply an expression of a dark, alternative style.)
Also, witches who follow Old Traditions, such as the Celtic Old Ways, often lean toward dressing in a period-appropriate costume for their rituals. For example, Norse pagans following a tradition that worships Odin might wear tunics and chainmail, or perhaps furs and leather in their ceremonies, while someone practicing Egyptian magick might dress in flowing white fabrics with gold jewelry and elaborate headdresses.
Many pagans incorporate charms and talismans into their ritual-wear. (I knew a girl who wouldn't even cast circle without her favorite quartz-crystal!) Some of the most popular themes I've come across are strength, wisdom, protection, and arcane power. This is cool. I like this. Especially when either the witch has made the charm themselves, or it has been given to them by someone important to them. The only issue I have with this tradition is that often, the charms and talismans become more of a superstition or lucky-charm than an actual magickal tool. One can become reliant on the physical representation of, say, a protection spell, rather than the concept itself. Some may even feel unsafe practicing without it. While this is clearly not always the case, it can be a problem and witches should be aware of it.
Dressing up for a ceremony or spell can become a part of the ritual itself. Taking time to prepare yourself, focus your thoughts and energies, clear your mind from the day... It can be quite beneficial to your magick and/or worship. I would highly recommend trying it to those who have trouble focusing.
On the downside, coming up with a witch's wardrobe could be quite expensive. (I know corsets are quite popular, and they run you a pretty penny...) If you have limited income, maybe try making your own cloak or tunic! You can learn simple sewing through classes, friends, books, or the internet, and nine times out of ten, it will save you a lot of money. One can find patterns online or in craft-stores, especially around Halloween!
When I use the term 'clothed,' I am referring to street-clothes, something one would wear out and about on a daily basis. (For example- jeans, teeshirts, sneakers, work clothes, whatever.)
I have come to find that practicing magick in "normal" clothes is particularly common among more experienced witches. When one has been a practicing pagan for quite some time, magick often becomes a part of every-day life. In some cases, this allows a witch to let go of a desire for ceremony, and the need to separate their pagan world from their mundane world. "Full-time" witches can worship their gods and goddesses on any street corner, cast a spell in the middle of their work day, and feel witchy in whatever they're wearing!
Practicing clothed is also quite practical and affordable, so for witches with limited income, this makes life easier! No need to spend money on robes or talismans- just wear something you find comfortable.
Also, like any other human group, there are some witches who are not 100% comfortable with their bodies, and prefer not to be nude. While I encourage them to explore that and work to accept themselves as the beautiful children of the universe that they are, if one is distracted by insecurity and discomfort, it is probably not going to make performing rituals any easier. Whatever makes you feel good, go with it!
In short, my only advice is this- go with your gut. Don't force anything that doesn't feel natural or right to you. If you want to practice GothCraft, but you're too busy fiddling with your steel-boned vinyl corset to remember to call the elements, perhaps that's not for you. What puts you in a magickal mood? Remember- that's what is important.
The girls from Charmed, dressed in their street-clothes?
A woman running around in medieval garb and a cloak, with talismans and bells dangling everywhere?
Or a coven of nudists, dancing in a circle around a bonfire?
Truth is, while all of these are exaggerations and stereotypes, they are also all completely acceptable!
One of the beautiful things about the pagan belief structure is the distinct lack of rules and regulations. You see, followers of paganism aren't like most religious people- they aren't required to wear elaborate robes or funny hats, or even wear a dress and stockings to church. They can wear jeans and a tee-shirt to a ritual, if that's what makes their little hearts happy.
So the all-important question- "whatever shall I wear?!" has now become a much simpler inquiry- "what makes ME feel magickal?"
SKYCLAD
First, to clear up some terminology- YES, skyclad does mean nude, nekkid, otherwise in a state of undress. It means one is clad by nothing but the sky. (Makes sense now, doesn't it?)
Many witches feel this is definitely the way to be during a ritual or spell. Some feel closer to nature free from both man-made materials and society's restrictions on nudity. Practicing magick skyclad can be quite liberating- many witches feel it frees them from the mundane world and brings them back to their essential beginnings. We come into the world skyclad and pure; performing rituals nude helps some witches bring these traits to their faith. It is a common belief in many pagan traditions that the nude human form is not only natural, but sacred.
A secondary reason for practicing magick without your clothes- when one is nude, your senses are heightened. Every breeze, the touch of every blade of grass, is stronger and more defined than it is when your body is shielded from the elements.
Practicing skyclad makes you vulnerable, not only physically, but emotionally. You become open to the universe, unprotected, unmasked. It may become symbolic of allowing the Divine and the World to see you as you really are. Living with nothing to hide often makes a witch stronger and more confident, both in their magick and their everyday life.
Some misconceptions about practicing skyclad- there is not necessarily any sex angle to performing rituals nude. Although most pagan traditions are not anti-sex (and in fact celebrate sexuality), and though some pagan traditions do involve sex (always encouraged to be safe, sane, consensual, and legal), the simple act of being naked is not necessarily a sexual thing. There have been many misrepresentations of pagans as sexual deviants, perverts, and promiscuous individuals, which is a problematic stereotype. Every group has flawed individuals, and paganism is no different- but to categorize all witches as devil-worshipping sluts is not only incorrect, but insulting.
COSTUMED
Again, let me clarify- I define 'costumed' as clothed, but not in normal attire one would wear out on the street. Common examples are medieval attire, gothic attire, or wardrobe significant to a certain culture, such as the Greeks, Celts, Norse, etc.
Some witches dress themselves in attire that is "witchy" according to pop-culture, such as flowing robes and pointy hats. (Hey, whatever floats your boat, folks.) Often this is because they have associated these garments with magick their entire lives- it's what society as taught them makes a witch. And while I think these people could benefit from exploring the possibility of other things and not limiting themselves to these popular representations, if that's what makes them comfortable while practicing, more power to them!
Costumes and wardrobe are also frequently defined by the tradition a witch (or a whole coven) associates themselves with. Gothic witchcraft (generally, an exploration of the darker aspects of magick) has become increasingly common of late. And while it isn't necessary to dress "goth" to follow this path, many witches find it helps put them in the correct mindset. (And please, when I say goth, don't assume I mean the Hot Topic type nu-goth, or that I mean the dark-Victorian fashion, or any other particular scene. It is simply an expression of a dark, alternative style.)
Also, witches who follow Old Traditions, such as the Celtic Old Ways, often lean toward dressing in a period-appropriate costume for their rituals. For example, Norse pagans following a tradition that worships Odin might wear tunics and chainmail, or perhaps furs and leather in their ceremonies, while someone practicing Egyptian magick might dress in flowing white fabrics with gold jewelry and elaborate headdresses.
Many pagans incorporate charms and talismans into their ritual-wear. (I knew a girl who wouldn't even cast circle without her favorite quartz-crystal!) Some of the most popular themes I've come across are strength, wisdom, protection, and arcane power. This is cool. I like this. Especially when either the witch has made the charm themselves, or it has been given to them by someone important to them. The only issue I have with this tradition is that often, the charms and talismans become more of a superstition or lucky-charm than an actual magickal tool. One can become reliant on the physical representation of, say, a protection spell, rather than the concept itself. Some may even feel unsafe practicing without it. While this is clearly not always the case, it can be a problem and witches should be aware of it.
Dressing up for a ceremony or spell can become a part of the ritual itself. Taking time to prepare yourself, focus your thoughts and energies, clear your mind from the day... It can be quite beneficial to your magick and/or worship. I would highly recommend trying it to those who have trouble focusing.
On the downside, coming up with a witch's wardrobe could be quite expensive. (I know corsets are quite popular, and they run you a pretty penny...) If you have limited income, maybe try making your own cloak or tunic! You can learn simple sewing through classes, friends, books, or the internet, and nine times out of ten, it will save you a lot of money. One can find patterns online or in craft-stores, especially around Halloween!
CLOTHED
When I use the term 'clothed,' I am referring to street-clothes, something one would wear out and about on a daily basis. (For example- jeans, teeshirts, sneakers, work clothes, whatever.)
I have come to find that practicing magick in "normal" clothes is particularly common among more experienced witches. When one has been a practicing pagan for quite some time, magick often becomes a part of every-day life. In some cases, this allows a witch to let go of a desire for ceremony, and the need to separate their pagan world from their mundane world. "Full-time" witches can worship their gods and goddesses on any street corner, cast a spell in the middle of their work day, and feel witchy in whatever they're wearing!
Practicing clothed is also quite practical and affordable, so for witches with limited income, this makes life easier! No need to spend money on robes or talismans- just wear something you find comfortable.
Also, like any other human group, there are some witches who are not 100% comfortable with their bodies, and prefer not to be nude. While I encourage them to explore that and work to accept themselves as the beautiful children of the universe that they are, if one is distracted by insecurity and discomfort, it is probably not going to make performing rituals any easier. Whatever makes you feel good, go with it!
IN CONCLUSION
In short, my only advice is this- go with your gut. Don't force anything that doesn't feel natural or right to you. If you want to practice GothCraft, but you're too busy fiddling with your steel-boned vinyl corset to remember to call the elements, perhaps that's not for you. What puts you in a magickal mood? Remember- that's what is important.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Blessing For A Tarot Deck
preferably, you will have a sage-wand to use, but if you don't, a burnt offering of tobacco will work- yeah, i've used a cigarette before in a pinch.
hold your deck in your hands. shuffle them. play with them. feel their energy, and let them feel yours. spend some time with them. look at the pictures, think about the words. these are YOUR cards. you need to be familiar with them.
light your sage-wand (or cigarette). hold your deck in your dominant hand. with your other hand, circle the deck in the smoke. on both the front and back of your deck, trace a pentagram with your finger. say a little prayer. often, i will kiss the deck before beginning a reading.
now go for it! and be sure to thank your cards after every use! :-)
hold your deck in your hands. shuffle them. play with them. feel their energy, and let them feel yours. spend some time with them. look at the pictures, think about the words. these are YOUR cards. you need to be familiar with them.
light your sage-wand (or cigarette). hold your deck in your dominant hand. with your other hand, circle the deck in the smoke. on both the front and back of your deck, trace a pentagram with your finger. say a little prayer. often, i will kiss the deck before beginning a reading.
now go for it! and be sure to thank your cards after every use! :-)
A Simple Cakes & Wine Ritual
Usually performed during a ritual, particularly Sabbats and Esbats, before opening the Circle.
YOU WILL NEED:
some kind of bread or cake
some kind of wine or juice
"The Lord and Lady have blessed their children with the fruits of this Earth. Through them, the Divine nourish us and sustain our lives. We enjoy this bread- the wheat of the field- and give Them thanks."
Eat some bread.
"We enjoy this wine- fruit of the trees- and give Them thanks."
Drink some wine. Leave a sip of wine and a bit of bread.
"We offer this bread and this wine to the Divine and the Elements. What comes from the Earth shall return to it."
After the ritual is over, take the bread and wine outside and put it somewhere that feels right- perhaps in the middle of a field, under a tree, or in your garden's flower-bed.
YOU WILL NEED:
some kind of bread or cake
some kind of wine or juice
"The Lord and Lady have blessed their children with the fruits of this Earth. Through them, the Divine nourish us and sustain our lives. We enjoy this bread- the wheat of the field- and give Them thanks."
Eat some bread.
"We enjoy this wine- fruit of the trees- and give Them thanks."
Drink some wine. Leave a sip of wine and a bit of bread.
"We offer this bread and this wine to the Divine and the Elements. What comes from the Earth shall return to it."
After the ritual is over, take the bread and wine outside and put it somewhere that feels right- perhaps in the middle of a field, under a tree, or in your garden's flower-bed.
A Simple Circle-Opening
"Farewell to the West, the powers of Water. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
"Farewell to the South, the powers of Fire. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
"Farewell to the East, the powers of Air. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
"Farewell to the North, the powers of Earth. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
Blow Out 4 of the 5 Candles
"Farewell to the Lady Queen. I thank you for your blessings. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
"Farewell to the Lord King. I thank you for your blessings. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
Blow Out the Last Candle
"May the circle be open yet unbroken. I take it's power and protection into myself. Blessed Be."
"Farewell to the South, the powers of Fire. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
"Farewell to the East, the powers of Air. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
"Farewell to the North, the powers of Earth. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
Blow Out 4 of the 5 Candles
"Farewell to the Lady Queen. I thank you for your blessings. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
"Farewell to the Lord King. I thank you for your blessings. Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again."
Blow Out the Last Candle
"May the circle be open yet unbroken. I take it's power and protection into myself. Blessed Be."
A Simple Circle-Casting
YOU WILL NEED:
5 candles, for the 5 points of a pentagram- 4 for the Elements, and 1 for the Divine
matches or a lighter
Light Candles as you Call the Corners, Greet the Lord and Lady, and Cast Circle
"I call the North, the powers of Earth, to strengthen this circle and attend this rite. So May It Be."
"I call the East, the powers of Air, to enliven this circle and attend this rite. So May It Be."
"I call the South, the powers of Fire, to illuminate this circle and attend this rite. So May It Be."
"I call the West, the powers of Water, to cleanse this circle and attend this rite. So May It Be."
"I call the Lady- maiden, mother, and crone- to protect this circle and attend this rite, to bless your daughter and guide her. So May It Be."
"I call the Lord, in all his forms, to protect this circle and attend this rite, to bless your daughter and guide her. So May It Be."
"This is the circle I cast- no harm may befall me here. Love is the Law and Love is the Bond- nothing but Love may enter or leave. So May It Be."
5 candles, for the 5 points of a pentagram- 4 for the Elements, and 1 for the Divine
matches or a lighter
Light Candles as you Call the Corners, Greet the Lord and Lady, and Cast Circle
"I call the North, the powers of Earth, to strengthen this circle and attend this rite. So May It Be."
"I call the East, the powers of Air, to enliven this circle and attend this rite. So May It Be."
"I call the South, the powers of Fire, to illuminate this circle and attend this rite. So May It Be."
"I call the West, the powers of Water, to cleanse this circle and attend this rite. So May It Be."
"I call the Lady- maiden, mother, and crone- to protect this circle and attend this rite, to bless your daughter and guide her. So May It Be."
"I call the Lord, in all his forms, to protect this circle and attend this rite, to bless your daughter and guide her. So May It Be."
"This is the circle I cast- no harm may befall me here. Love is the Law and Love is the Bond- nothing but Love may enter or leave. So May It Be."
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