BOS
The Charge of the Goddess
The Charge of The Goddess Listen to the words of the Great Mother, who of old was called Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Ceridwen, Diana, Arionrhod, Brigid, and by many other names: "Whenever you have need of anything, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, you shall assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Me who is Queen of all the Wise. You shall be free from slavery, and as a sign that you be free you shall be naked in your rites. Sing, feast, dance, make music and love, all in My presence, for Mine is the ectasy of the spirit, and Mine also is joy on earth. For My law is love unto all beings. Mine is the secret that opens the door of youth, and Mine is the cup of wine of life that is the Cauldron of Ceridwen that is the holy grail of immortality. I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal and beyond death I give peace and freedom and reunion with those that have gone before. Nor do I demand aught of sacrifice, for behold, I am the mother of all things, and My love is poured upon the earth." Hear the words of the Star Goddess, the dust whose feet are the host of heaven, whose body encircles the universe:
"I who am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars and the mysteries of the waters, I call upon your soul to arise and come unto me. For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return. Let My worship be in the heart tha rejoices, for behold -- all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And you who seek to know Me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without. For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire." - by Starhawk, from the original by Doreen Valiente
)0(
Termonology
AKASHA- the spiritual ether (or Aether); the omnipresent fifth occult element which embraces the other four- earth, air, fire, and water; and from which they stem. This is the realm of "pattern" or causality, from which the realm the normally thought of "five senses manifests. Some define it is the "other" of the "two worlds" that the witch or magician walks between.
ARADIA- Daughter of the Goddess Diana, and a name for the Goddess used by Italian Witches or Strega, commonly used in many Wiccan traditions today. ASPECTING- Any advanced magickal activity in which a practitioner manifests a particular aspect of the Goddess or God, in thought, feelings, behavior, appearance, etc.; Often as a direct result of a "Drawing Down". Often a minor variation of this phenomena occurs with the selection of a "Magical Name", of Craft Name. ASPECTS- Forms, facets, or personas of Deity: for example, Brighid, Iseult,Eos, and Kore are all aspects of the Maiden, and the Maiden is an aspect of the Goddess. ATHAME- black handled, double edged dagger. Principally used to cast and dissolve the circle, for which purposes it is interchangeable with the magic sword. A tool of the "Element" of Fire in the Georgian Tradition and some others. BELTANE- May Eve festival. One of the Ancient Celtic "Fire Festivals." on this night, the cattle were driven between two bonfires to protect them from disease. Couples wishing for fertility would " jump the fires" on Beltane night. Also the traditional Sabbath where the rule of the "Wheel of the Year" is returned to the Goddess. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Maiden to Mother. BOOK OF SHADOWS- Traditionally hand copied book of rituals, recipes, training techniques, guidelines, and other materials deemed important to a Witch or a coven. Each tradition has it's own standard version of the Book and each Witch's book will be different as he or she adds to it with time from many different sources. Only another Witch can see your book of shadows. Also, traditionally, it may never leave your hands or possession until death, when it should be destroyed, or (in some traditions) returned to the coven to be disposed of. BURNING TIMES- a term used by some Witches for the period of persecution in the Middle Ages and later. It is in fact a misnomer in some places, as Witches were only burned in Scotland, and on the continent of Europe. In England and the U.S., they were hanged. CANDLEMAS- Festival held on Feb. 1. One of the 4 Celtic "Fire Festivals. Commemorates the changing of the Goddess from the Crone to the Maiden. Celebrates the first signs of Spring. Also called "Imbolc" (the old Celtic name). This is the seasonal change where the first signs of spring and the return of the sun are noted, i.e. the first sprouting of leaves, the sprouting of the Crocus flowers etc. In other words, it is the festival commemorating the successful passing of winter and the beginning of the agricultural year.This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Crone to Maiden. CARDINAL POINTS- North, South, East, and West, marked in the Georgian Tradition by candles of green, red, yellow, and blue, respectively. The Circle is drawn to connect these four points. CHALICE- one of the tools of the Witch. Placed on the altar to represent the element of Water. CHARGE OF THE GODDESS- The Traditional words of the Goddess to her followers, or "hidden children". Normally declaimed by the HPS at every coven Circle. CIRCLE- the area in which the magickal worship and spells takes place. Can also be used to designate a particular group of Witches or Pagans such as "Silver Acorn Circle". CONE OF POWER- power raised in the circle by the Witches assembled, and sent out into the world to work magick, is usually visualized as being retained and built in the form of a "cone" prior to release. COVEN- an organized group of Witches, led by a High priestess and/or a High Priest who meet regularly for worship and fellowship. The traditional membership is 13, but in fact most covens number considerably less. 3 is the minimum in the Georgian Tradition. In Middle English, "Covin" a group of confederates; In Old French "Covine" a band or group with a single purpose; Latin "Com"-together, "Venire"-to come or move. COVENSTEAD- regular meeting place for a coven. Usually the home of the High Priestess or High Priest. COWAN- a non-Witch. Formerly used in a very derogatory manner. Still used in Masonic Ritual to indicate the non initiate and/or pretender to "real craft". Not often used today among most Witches. COYOTE ENERGY- trickster energies. Named for the American Indian Trickster, Coyote, who tricks man into learning what he needs to learn. Applies to one who constantly jokes and clowns. Also applies to the concept of "Holy Fool" in many traditions. CROSS QUARTER DAYS- The modern name for the Celtic Fire Festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas. DEOSIL- clockwise, or sunwise. Traditional direction for working "building" magick. DRAWING DOWN THE MOON- Ritual invocation of the spirit of the Goddess into the body of the High Priestess by the High Priest. DIVINATION- magical method of exploration or inquiry into a situation via such methods as Tarot cards, runestones, I- Ching, etc. ELEMENTS- Earth, air, fire, and water, plus spirit, which includes them all. These are regarded as realms or categories of nature (both material and non-material) and are not to be confused with the physicists table of elements, which the modern witch, of course, accepts. ESBAT- weekly or biweekly meeting of a coven. Traditionally held either on the full moon or the new moon. FAMILIARS- Either a Witch's pet animal which has been trained to be a magickal helper, or an artificially created "elemental" which performs the same functions as the animal friend. FIVEFOLD KISS, FIVEFOLD SALUTE- The Witches' ritual salute, with kisses; (1) on each foot, (2) on each knee, (3) above the pubic hair, (4) on each breast, and (5) on the lips- really 8 kisses in all. It is only used within the Circle, but the words that go with it are the origin of "Blessed Be." GARDNERIANS- Tradition of Witchcraft descended from the teachings of Gerald Gardner. GNOMES- an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane of Earth or is associated with the EARTH Element. GREAT RITE- The rite which is the main feature of the third degree initiation, and which is also laid down for certain festivals. It is sexual in nature, but may be `actual' (and private to the couples concerned) or symbolic, as the participants wish. HALLOWS- name used by some traditions for Samhain, or Halloween. HANDFASTING- Wiccan equivalent of a wedding. It can be made legal if the Priestess and/or Priest are registered as clergy with the local authorities, or it may only be considered binding within the coven. HIGH PRIEST/ESS- Technically speaking, a Witch who has received the 3rd. degree initiation. More usually, the male and female leaders of a coven. IMBOLC- Celtic name for Candlemas. INVOCATION- The ritual "calling-in" of an entity (or energies) higher than human, either for communication with the caller through a medium or by visible manifestation or else to enter into a human body as in the Drawing Down the Moon. In some traditions, a Prayer. LAMMAS- August 1st. Witch Festival. The Old Celtic name for this festival is Lughnassadh. It is the Festival of the First Fruits, and is the first of the 3 harvests. This festival also marks the change of the Threefold Goddess energies from that of Mother to Crone. MAIDEN- An appointment held by one of the women of the coven. She is virtually the assistant High Priestess. This term is also the descriptive term used to describe the first of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess Energies (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). It is traditionally associated with the Waxing Moon, and the period from Imbolc (Candlemas) to Beltane (May eve) where the energies are those of initiating, beginning, and creation. OLD RELIGION- another name for the Craft. PAGANING- Presentation of an infant to the Circle and to the Gods. PENTACLE- a disc shaped talisman; in particular, the metal disc which represents the earth element among the witch's working tools. PENTAGRAM- The five-pointed star. With a single point uppermost, it represents the human being. Inverted, with two points uppermost, it can have Satanist associations; but not necessarily. Some traditions of Wicca use the inverted pentagram to signify an initiate of the second degree. QUARTERS- The North, East, South, and West parts of a magickal circle or other ritual area. (See also "Watchtowers") REDE- rule or law. SABBAT- one of the Eight festivals or high holy days of Wicca. SALAMANDER- an entity that dwells in the realm of Fire. SAMHAIN- The festival of remembrance for the dead, held on the eve of Nov. 1st. It is the last of the three harvests. This festival also marks the transition of rulership of the "Wheel of the Year from that of the Goddess to that of the God. SCRYING- divination, usually using such methods as crystal gazing, or divination via incense smoke, or water as opposed to tarot or other manipulative means. SPELL- a prayer, or verbal direction of magickal energies toward the accomplishment of some goal. SUMMONER- The male officer of the coven who corresponds to the Maiden. He is the assistant High Priest. SYLPH- an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane of Air or is associated with the AIR Element. TRADITIONS- any of the various "sects" of Wicca such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Georgian, Seax, etc. UNDINE- an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane of Water or is associated with the WATER Element. WAND- A rod or staff that is prepared so that it may be used for magickal or psychic purposes, usually to project some form of power. WARLOCK- a term coined in the Burning Times . It was used to denote a traitor to the Craft, or one who had betrayed the followers of the Old Religion. It's origin is Scottish. Because of the negative connotations, it is not used by most Wiccans today. WATCH TOWERS- Originally from the Enochian branch of Ceremonial Magick, now incorporated into many "Traditions" of Wicca, these are the four elemental "directions" or "quarters" (corresponding to the appropriate points on the compass) called to protect the Circle during its establishment. Each of them have a correspondence between the compass point, an element, and (varying amongst different traditions) color associated with them. WICCA- the name most modern day Witches use for the Craft. It comes from the Anglo-Saxon word Wicce, meaning to bend or to shape. This is the root word from which we get wicker. WIDDERSHINS- counter clock wise. Used for "tearing down" OR BANISHING magick. WHITE HANDLED KNIFE- the working knife of a Witch. It is used to carve candles, and for fashioning the other tools. Traditionally, it can only be used in a Circle
Resource My own BOS from my old coven now dissolved
)0(
ARADIA- Daughter of the Goddess Diana, and a name for the Goddess used by Italian Witches or Strega, commonly used in many Wiccan traditions today. ASPECTING- Any advanced magickal activity in which a practitioner manifests a particular aspect of the Goddess or God, in thought, feelings, behavior, appearance, etc.; Often as a direct result of a "Drawing Down". Often a minor variation of this phenomena occurs with the selection of a "Magical Name", of Craft Name. ASPECTS- Forms, facets, or personas of Deity: for example, Brighid, Iseult,Eos, and Kore are all aspects of the Maiden, and the Maiden is an aspect of the Goddess. ATHAME- black handled, double edged dagger. Principally used to cast and dissolve the circle, for which purposes it is interchangeable with the magic sword. A tool of the "Element" of Fire in the Georgian Tradition and some others. BELTANE- May Eve festival. One of the Ancient Celtic "Fire Festivals." on this night, the cattle were driven between two bonfires to protect them from disease. Couples wishing for fertility would " jump the fires" on Beltane night. Also the traditional Sabbath where the rule of the "Wheel of the Year" is returned to the Goddess. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Maiden to Mother. BOOK OF SHADOWS- Traditionally hand copied book of rituals, recipes, training techniques, guidelines, and other materials deemed important to a Witch or a coven. Each tradition has it's own standard version of the Book and each Witch's book will be different as he or she adds to it with time from many different sources. Only another Witch can see your book of shadows. Also, traditionally, it may never leave your hands or possession until death, when it should be destroyed, or (in some traditions) returned to the coven to be disposed of. BURNING TIMES- a term used by some Witches for the period of persecution in the Middle Ages and later. It is in fact a misnomer in some places, as Witches were only burned in Scotland, and on the continent of Europe. In England and the U.S., they were hanged. CANDLEMAS- Festival held on Feb. 1. One of the 4 Celtic "Fire Festivals. Commemorates the changing of the Goddess from the Crone to the Maiden. Celebrates the first signs of Spring. Also called "Imbolc" (the old Celtic name). This is the seasonal change where the first signs of spring and the return of the sun are noted, i.e. the first sprouting of leaves, the sprouting of the Crocus flowers etc. In other words, it is the festival commemorating the successful passing of winter and the beginning of the agricultural year.This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Crone to Maiden. CARDINAL POINTS- North, South, East, and West, marked in the Georgian Tradition by candles of green, red, yellow, and blue, respectively. The Circle is drawn to connect these four points. CHALICE- one of the tools of the Witch. Placed on the altar to represent the element of Water. CHARGE OF THE GODDESS- The Traditional words of the Goddess to her followers, or "hidden children". Normally declaimed by the HPS at every coven Circle. CIRCLE- the area in which the magickal worship and spells takes place. Can also be used to designate a particular group of Witches or Pagans such as "Silver Acorn Circle". CONE OF POWER- power raised in the circle by the Witches assembled, and sent out into the world to work magick, is usually visualized as being retained and built in the form of a "cone" prior to release. COVEN- an organized group of Witches, led by a High priestess and/or a High Priest who meet regularly for worship and fellowship. The traditional membership is 13, but in fact most covens number considerably less. 3 is the minimum in the Georgian Tradition. In Middle English, "Covin" a group of confederates; In Old French "Covine" a band or group with a single purpose; Latin "Com"-together, "Venire"-to come or move. COVENSTEAD- regular meeting place for a coven. Usually the home of the High Priestess or High Priest. COWAN- a non-Witch. Formerly used in a very derogatory manner. Still used in Masonic Ritual to indicate the non initiate and/or pretender to "real craft". Not often used today among most Witches. COYOTE ENERGY- trickster energies. Named for the American Indian Trickster, Coyote, who tricks man into learning what he needs to learn. Applies to one who constantly jokes and clowns. Also applies to the concept of "Holy Fool" in many traditions. CROSS QUARTER DAYS- The modern name for the Celtic Fire Festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas. DEOSIL- clockwise, or sunwise. Traditional direction for working "building" magick. DRAWING DOWN THE MOON- Ritual invocation of the spirit of the Goddess into the body of the High Priestess by the High Priest. DIVINATION- magical method of exploration or inquiry into a situation via such methods as Tarot cards, runestones, I- Ching, etc. ELEMENTS- Earth, air, fire, and water, plus spirit, which includes them all. These are regarded as realms or categories of nature (both material and non-material) and are not to be confused with the physicists table of elements, which the modern witch, of course, accepts. ESBAT- weekly or biweekly meeting of a coven. Traditionally held either on the full moon or the new moon. FAMILIARS- Either a Witch's pet animal which has been trained to be a magickal helper, or an artificially created "elemental" which performs the same functions as the animal friend. FIVEFOLD KISS, FIVEFOLD SALUTE- The Witches' ritual salute, with kisses; (1) on each foot, (2) on each knee, (3) above the pubic hair, (4) on each breast, and (5) on the lips- really 8 kisses in all. It is only used within the Circle, but the words that go with it are the origin of "Blessed Be." GARDNERIANS- Tradition of Witchcraft descended from the teachings of Gerald Gardner. GNOMES- an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane of Earth or is associated with the EARTH Element. GREAT RITE- The rite which is the main feature of the third degree initiation, and which is also laid down for certain festivals. It is sexual in nature, but may be `actual' (and private to the couples concerned) or symbolic, as the participants wish. HALLOWS- name used by some traditions for Samhain, or Halloween. HANDFASTING- Wiccan equivalent of a wedding. It can be made legal if the Priestess and/or Priest are registered as clergy with the local authorities, or it may only be considered binding within the coven. HIGH PRIEST/ESS- Technically speaking, a Witch who has received the 3rd. degree initiation. More usually, the male and female leaders of a coven. IMBOLC- Celtic name for Candlemas. INVOCATION- The ritual "calling-in" of an entity (or energies) higher than human, either for communication with the caller through a medium or by visible manifestation or else to enter into a human body as in the Drawing Down the Moon. In some traditions, a Prayer. LAMMAS- August 1st. Witch Festival. The Old Celtic name for this festival is Lughnassadh. It is the Festival of the First Fruits, and is the first of the 3 harvests. This festival also marks the change of the Threefold Goddess energies from that of Mother to Crone. MAIDEN- An appointment held by one of the women of the coven. She is virtually the assistant High Priestess. This term is also the descriptive term used to describe the first of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess Energies (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). It is traditionally associated with the Waxing Moon, and the period from Imbolc (Candlemas) to Beltane (May eve) where the energies are those of initiating, beginning, and creation. OLD RELIGION- another name for the Craft. PAGANING- Presentation of an infant to the Circle and to the Gods. PENTACLE- a disc shaped talisman; in particular, the metal disc which represents the earth element among the witch's working tools. PENTAGRAM- The five-pointed star. With a single point uppermost, it represents the human being. Inverted, with two points uppermost, it can have Satanist associations; but not necessarily. Some traditions of Wicca use the inverted pentagram to signify an initiate of the second degree. QUARTERS- The North, East, South, and West parts of a magickal circle or other ritual area. (See also "Watchtowers") REDE- rule or law. SABBAT- one of the Eight festivals or high holy days of Wicca. SALAMANDER- an entity that dwells in the realm of Fire. SAMHAIN- The festival of remembrance for the dead, held on the eve of Nov. 1st. It is the last of the three harvests. This festival also marks the transition of rulership of the "Wheel of the Year from that of the Goddess to that of the God. SCRYING- divination, usually using such methods as crystal gazing, or divination via incense smoke, or water as opposed to tarot or other manipulative means. SPELL- a prayer, or verbal direction of magickal energies toward the accomplishment of some goal. SUMMONER- The male officer of the coven who corresponds to the Maiden. He is the assistant High Priest. SYLPH- an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane of Air or is associated with the AIR Element. TRADITIONS- any of the various "sects" of Wicca such as Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Georgian, Seax, etc. UNDINE- an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane of Water or is associated with the WATER Element. WAND- A rod or staff that is prepared so that it may be used for magickal or psychic purposes, usually to project some form of power. WARLOCK- a term coined in the Burning Times . It was used to denote a traitor to the Craft, or one who had betrayed the followers of the Old Religion. It's origin is Scottish. Because of the negative connotations, it is not used by most Wiccans today. WATCH TOWERS- Originally from the Enochian branch of Ceremonial Magick, now incorporated into many "Traditions" of Wicca, these are the four elemental "directions" or "quarters" (corresponding to the appropriate points on the compass) called to protect the Circle during its establishment. Each of them have a correspondence between the compass point, an element, and (varying amongst different traditions) color associated with them. WICCA- the name most modern day Witches use for the Craft. It comes from the Anglo-Saxon word Wicce, meaning to bend or to shape. This is the root word from which we get wicker. WIDDERSHINS- counter clock wise. Used for "tearing down" OR BANISHING magick. WHITE HANDLED KNIFE- the working knife of a Witch. It is used to carve candles, and for fashioning the other tools. Traditionally, it can only be used in a Circle
Resource My own BOS from my old coven now dissolved
)0(
Magickal Theory Excercize
.Magical Theory: Pentacle Exercise (Weeks One and Two) Exercise One: Symbol Formation Gather together a candle, your cup, and your athame, then place the working pentacle, black side out, against the wall at eye level. Light the candle and turn off the lights. Visualize the cup being filled with a pure white fluid light, then dip the point of the athame into the liquid. Using the athame as a writing tool, draw a pentagram on the pentacle. See the glowing lines of the shape. As the lines dim, dip the athame back into the cup and paint the shape again. The goal is to have the shape remain without need of repainting. When you are done, erase the shield by passing your hand over the pentacle. Repeat this exercise nightly for two weeks and record your progress. Magical Theory: Pentacle Exercise (Weeks Three and Four) Exercise Two: Word Formation Repeat Exercise One, but instead of using the athame to draw a pentagram, use it to write words. Start with only one word. When it remains on the pentacle without having to repaint, add another word. Continue to add words until a complete sentence remains. Erase with your hand when finished. Repeat this exercise nightly for two weeks and record your progress. Magical Theory: Pentacle Exercise (Weeks Five and Six) Exercise Three: Picture Formation Repeat Exercise Two, but instead of using the athame to write sentences, draw a simple picture scene. Don't worry if you're not artistic. Simple stick figures will do. Repaint as necessary. The goal is to have the scene remain on the pentacle without adding more paint. Erase with your hand when finished. Repeat this exercise nightly for two weeks and record your progress. Magical Theory: Pentacle Exercise (Week Seven) Exercise Four: White Shield Work Repeat Exercises One through Three, but this time work with the white side of the pentacle and visualize the liquid in the cup as being black ink. Erase with your hand when finished. Work with these exercises nightly for two weeks and record your progress. Magical Theory: Pentacle Exercise (Weeks Eight and Nine) Exercise Five: Scene Projection With the room darkened and a lit candle placed behind you, sit within reading distance from the black side of
the pentacle. Visualize a beam of light streaming from the spot between your eyebrows and onto the pentacle
surface. See that light projecting full color images on the surface. Start with simple stationary objects
like a bird or a stop sign, for example, and work up to moving scenes with three-dimensional objects and people. Erase with your athame. Repeat this exercise nightly for two weeks and record your progress. Magical Theory: Pentacle Exercise (Weeks Ten and Eleven) Exercise Six: Scrying and Divination Repeat Exercise Five, but instead of projecting chosen images, allow the images to come of their own accord.
Don't worry if the pentacle fills with mist, then darkens and brightens before anything else happens. This is normal. Try to remember the images so you can record them in your progress notes. Repeat this exercise nightly for two weeks and record your progress. Making the Working Pentacle Although this pentacle may be constructed of wood, I find it easier - and much less expensive -
to make it from poster board. It should be at least twelve inches in diameter for easy use.
Use the following instructions, and you'll have a good, serviceable pentacle that works well for the exercises
that follow. Materials Length of string or twine a couple of inches longer than the diameter of desired pentacle size Pencil 1 large sheet white poster board 1 large sheet black poster board Scissors White glue Tie one end of the string around the pencil, then tie a loop in the other end.
With your finger in the loop, move the pencil away from you until the string is taught.
Positioning your finger in the center of one piece of poster board, use the pencil to draw a circle.
Repeat the process for the other piece of poster board, then cut out both circles. Glue the circles together
back to back so one side is white and the other is black. Consecrate the pentacle ung the Tool Consecration
the pentacle. Visualize a beam of light streaming from the spot between your eyebrows and onto the pentacle
surface. See that light projecting full color images on the surface. Start with simple stationary objects
like a bird or a stop sign, for example, and work up to moving scenes with three-dimensional objects and people. Erase with your athame. Repeat this exercise nightly for two weeks and record your progress. Magical Theory: Pentacle Exercise (Weeks Ten and Eleven) Exercise Six: Scrying and Divination Repeat Exercise Five, but instead of projecting chosen images, allow the images to come of their own accord.
Don't worry if the pentacle fills with mist, then darkens and brightens before anything else happens. This is normal. Try to remember the images so you can record them in your progress notes. Repeat this exercise nightly for two weeks and record your progress. Making the Working Pentacle Although this pentacle may be constructed of wood, I find it easier - and much less expensive -
to make it from poster board. It should be at least twelve inches in diameter for easy use.
Use the following instructions, and you'll have a good, serviceable pentacle that works well for the exercises
that follow. Materials Length of string or twine a couple of inches longer than the diameter of desired pentacle size Pencil 1 large sheet white poster board 1 large sheet black poster board Scissors White glue Tie one end of the string around the pencil, then tie a loop in the other end.
With your finger in the loop, move the pencil away from you until the string is taught.
Positioning your finger in the center of one piece of poster board, use the pencil to draw a circle.
Repeat the process for the other piece of poster board, then cut out both circles. Glue the circles together
back to back so one side is white and the other is black. Consecrate the pentacle ung the Tool Consecration
Basic Tools of a Witch
There are many tools a witch will use and this is just the basics and a few. The Greatest tool a Witch has is their will and themselves.
1) The Athame - Very useful tool. The blade is traditionally double edge. There two sides to everything including magick. One of the main functions of the Athame is to draw invoking, and banishing pentagrams.
2) The Pentacle - It's Element is Earth. The basic function of the Pentacle is to shield and protect. It is also a device of manifestation as well. It grounds all energies we invite, and wraps them up and keeps them from scattering.
3) Wond- The purpose of the Wond is to move and direct energy. The best kind is given by nature like a willow wand, or Alder.
4) Chalice, or Cauldron-It is symbolic of the Goddess associated with the womb. You however can burn incense, or a candle or herbs in it. You can also use it for water as well.
8) The Besom
The old picture of the witch riding around on the broom's stick casting magick spells is believed to have come from a agricultural fertility rite, where the women rode around the fields(like on a hobby horse), with the broom between their legs, hoping to bring the farmers a good harvest. This was done on the nights of the full moon usually.
In many Wicca handfasting(marriage) rituals, couples often jump over the broom if they want children.
Historically, brooms made great gifts for weddings or handfastings. Just add a little ribbon, some flowers, and your are good to go. No wrapping needed. Every new home needs a new broom!
Witches use brooms in magick and ritual. The pagan broom or "besom" is used in ritual for cleansing the general circle or ritual area. The besom is sweeping away the psychic dirt, getting the area purified for the ritual at hand.
A Witch may begin a ritual by sweeping the area with the magick broom, visualising the psychic dirt being swept out of the ritual area. The sweeping also helps to get the mind ready for the ritual, quieting the mind and narrowing the focus for the witch. The besom is a purifier and is related to the element of Water.
7) The Altar
This is a traditional Wiccan altar set up very simple
The altar ...you have a working candle that can be anywhere. It is to light other things, including other candles and incense. There are 2 other candles on the altar; a power candle and protection candle on the side away from the priest/priestess and on either side of the altar.
The Goddess candles silver for the Goddess on your left and the God - gold on your right
The left side of the altar is symbols honoring the Goddess while the right side is for the God.
Your altar can be very simple or more elaborate depending also on space
Usually at least I still do this for the elemental candles I use colored ones
Red for fire , green earth, yellow Air, blue water.
if they are not available you may use white
Ref Morrighan's Magickal Real
Colors
White Cleanses, purifies, raises vibrations to a higher frequency, appeals to spiritual plane,heals, prophecy,clairvoyance.
Red South, strength, courage, sex, magnatism, passion, use to initiate change.
Orange attracts success, encouragement, friendship, assits with creativity on all levels, brightens the atmosphere.
Yellow East, dispels grief, sadness and depression, repels negativity, confidence, unity, attracts platonic relationships.
Green North, draws prosperity and abundance, heals on the physical level, fertility. luck.
Blue West, sooths anger, gives peace and serenity, good color for meditation and relaxation and for issues involving loyalty and dedication, fidelity, deep emotion. For a good nights sleep, place something blue in your bedroom (I have blue curtains!).
Dark Blue occult power and protection.
Purple discourages envy and jealousy, generates power for ritual work, energizes the atmosphere, psychic ability.
Brown earthiness, concentration, overcoming hesitation.
Pink bolsters self-esteem, helps emotional healing, spritiual awakening.
Black absorbs and dispells negativity, counteracts spaciness, use for protection and grounding.
Silver Removes negative forces, opens astral gates, the color of the Goddess.
Gold attracts higher influences and energy, the color of the God.
White Cleanses, purifies, raises vibrations to a higher frequency, appeals to spiritual plane,heals, prophecy,clairvoyance.
Red South, strength, courage, sex, magnatism, passion, use to initiate change.
Orange attracts success, encouragement, friendship, assits with creativity on all levels, brightens the atmosphere.
Yellow East, dispels grief, sadness and depression, repels negativity, confidence, unity, attracts platonic relationships.
Green North, draws prosperity and abundance, heals on the physical level, fertility. luck.
Blue West, sooths anger, gives peace and serenity, good color for meditation and relaxation and for issues involving loyalty and dedication, fidelity, deep emotion. For a good nights sleep, place something blue in your bedroom (I have blue curtains!).
Dark Blue occult power and protection.
Purple discourages envy and jealousy, generates power for ritual work, energizes the atmosphere, psychic ability.
Brown earthiness, concentration, overcoming hesitation.
Pink bolsters self-esteem, helps emotional healing, spritiual awakening.
Black absorbs and dispells negativity, counteracts spaciness, use for protection and grounding.
Silver Removes negative forces, opens astral gates, the color of the Goddess.
Gold attracts higher influences and energy, the color of the God.
Candle Magick and some spells also based on Raymondbucklands
books
Practical Candleburning rituals
Candle Color Meanings Red - energy, strength, passion Blue - wisdom, protection, creativity, communication, water, healing Purple - spiritual power, psychic ability and energy, hidden knowledge Silver - dreams, the goddess, intuition, telepathy, feminine power Pink - love, peace, romantic, emotions, Gold - wealth, god, happiness Black - binding, protection, banishing negativity Copper - money, growth Yellow - sun, intelligence, memory Green - fertility, money, tree magick, growth, Brown - friendships, favors White - the goddess, purity, spiritualism, peace Dressing Your Candles and Oils to Use Dressing the candle means anointing it with an essential oil. You dress your candle by rubbing your chosen oil on it from the top of the candle to the center. Then you rub the bottom of the candle to the center. Below is a list of Oil used for anointing candles. Patchouli - for money or sexual desires Rose - love, peace, sexual desire, enhance beauty Geranium - protection Myrrh - healing, meditation, enhance spirituality Basil - happiness, peace, money, stimulating the conscious mind Juniper - healing, protection, purification Clove - courage, protection Jasmine- the moon, love, psychic awareness, peace, spirituality, sexuality
Spell for money/Prosperity: A green candle Runes- Money sign For your part of the world, One for weallt, Good fortune. Perhaps one for a gift(Unexpected) Oils: Patchouli and/or lavender Herbs: Oregano or lavender Follow steps 1-3 in the techniques section. Take a coin or Bill of small denomination and place it on your altar or where ever you are going to burn the candle. Or if it's to pay bills, Take a photo copy of that bill and just before the candle burns completely out. Lite the copy of the bill. Or burn it in your censor. Don't forget to contribute some small amount of the money gained to a charity or someone less fortunate. Spell For Fertility. A green candle Runes: Gender rune, Fertility rune Oils: Vanilla Herbs: Lavender. (Or your mates favorite flower or scent. Same for the oil used) Follow steps 1-3 on the techniques page. Visualize the outcome you want. Remember that fertility can apply to mental status as well. Burn the candle along with some appropriate incense in your censer or burner. Spell to Bring on a late Menstrual Cycle IMPORTANT NOTE ON THIS SPELL: DON'T cast this spell unless you are SURE you are NOT PREGNANT. Magick is very powerful and can cause you to miscarry if you cast this spell without precautions! One RED Candle Runes: woman, Orderliness, Blood drops Oils: Patchouli, Lavender or your favorite scent Herbs: Lavender, Mugwort Follow steps 1-3. Take a sanitary napkin or tampax and place it on your altar or where ever is safe and you are going to do the candle spell. Visualize starting your cycle. Light the candle and let it burn.
books
Practical Candleburning rituals
Candle Color Meanings Red - energy, strength, passion Blue - wisdom, protection, creativity, communication, water, healing Purple - spiritual power, psychic ability and energy, hidden knowledge Silver - dreams, the goddess, intuition, telepathy, feminine power Pink - love, peace, romantic, emotions, Gold - wealth, god, happiness Black - binding, protection, banishing negativity Copper - money, growth Yellow - sun, intelligence, memory Green - fertility, money, tree magick, growth, Brown - friendships, favors White - the goddess, purity, spiritualism, peace Dressing Your Candles and Oils to Use Dressing the candle means anointing it with an essential oil. You dress your candle by rubbing your chosen oil on it from the top of the candle to the center. Then you rub the bottom of the candle to the center. Below is a list of Oil used for anointing candles. Patchouli - for money or sexual desires Rose - love, peace, sexual desire, enhance beauty Geranium - protection Myrrh - healing, meditation, enhance spirituality Basil - happiness, peace, money, stimulating the conscious mind Juniper - healing, protection, purification Clove - courage, protection Jasmine- the moon, love, psychic awareness, peace, spirituality, sexuality
Spell for money/Prosperity: A green candle Runes- Money sign For your part of the world, One for weallt, Good fortune. Perhaps one for a gift(Unexpected) Oils: Patchouli and/or lavender Herbs: Oregano or lavender Follow steps 1-3 in the techniques section. Take a coin or Bill of small denomination and place it on your altar or where ever you are going to burn the candle. Or if it's to pay bills, Take a photo copy of that bill and just before the candle burns completely out. Lite the copy of the bill. Or burn it in your censor. Don't forget to contribute some small amount of the money gained to a charity or someone less fortunate. Spell For Fertility. A green candle Runes: Gender rune, Fertility rune Oils: Vanilla Herbs: Lavender. (Or your mates favorite flower or scent. Same for the oil used) Follow steps 1-3 on the techniques page. Visualize the outcome you want. Remember that fertility can apply to mental status as well. Burn the candle along with some appropriate incense in your censer or burner. Spell to Bring on a late Menstrual Cycle IMPORTANT NOTE ON THIS SPELL: DON'T cast this spell unless you are SURE you are NOT PREGNANT. Magick is very powerful and can cause you to miscarry if you cast this spell without precautions! One RED Candle Runes: woman, Orderliness, Blood drops Oils: Patchouli, Lavender or your favorite scent Herbs: Lavender, Mugwort Follow steps 1-3. Take a sanitary napkin or tampax and place it on your altar or where ever is safe and you are going to do the candle spell. Visualize starting your cycle. Light the candle and let it burn.
Amulets and Talismans
An amulet (from Latin amuletum; earliest use in Natural History [Pliny], meaning "an object that protects a person from trouble") or a talisman (from Arabic tilasm, ultimately from Greek telesma or from the Greek word "talein" which means "to initiate into the mysteries.") consists of any object intended to bring good luck and/or protection to its owner. Potential amulets include: gems or simple stones, statues, coins, drawings, pendants, rings, plants, animals, etc.; even words said in certain occasion. The word talisman also describes a number of consecrated magical objects used in Hermeticism.Instuctions for how to create a talisman can be commonly found in Grimoires. These talismans, sometimes called pentacles, were usually either made to protect the wearer from various influences of disease and other forms of danger or to protect the wearer from demons and to seal a certain demon under the users control. Amulets vary considerably according to their time and place of origin. Nevertheless, religious objects commonly serve as amulets in different societies, be these the figure of a god or simply some symbol representing the deity (such as the cross for Christians or the "eye of Horus" for the ancient Egyptians). In Thailand one can commonly see people with more than one Buddha hanging from their necks; in Bolivia and some places in Argentina the god Ekeko furnishes a standard amulet, to whom one should offer at least one banknote to obtain fortune and welfare. Every zodiacal sign has its corresponding gem that acts as an amulet, but these stones vary according to different traditions. An ancient tradition in China involves capturing a cricket alive and keeping it in an osier box to attract good luck (this tradition extended to the Philippines). Chinese may also spread coins on the floor to attract money; rice also has a reputation as a carrier of good fortune. Turtles and cactus can cause controversy, for while some people consider them beneficial, others think they delay everything in the house. Since the Middle Ages in Western culture pentagrams have had a reputation as amulets to attract money, love, etc; and to protect against envy, misfortune, and other disgraces. Other symbols, such as magic squares, angelic signatures and qabalistic signs have been employed to a variety of ends, both benign and malicious. In Afro-Caribbean syncretic religions like Voodoo, Umbanda, Quimbanda and Santería, drawings are also used as amulets, such as with the veves of Voodoo; these religions also take into account the colour of the candles they light, because each colour features a different effect of attraction or repulsion. Perfumes and essences (like incense, myrrh, etc.) also serve the purposes of attraction or repulsion. Popular legends often attributed magical powers to certain unusual objects, such as a baby's caul or a rabbit's foot; possession of these items allegedly endowed their magical abilities upon their owners. In Central Europe, people believed garlic kept vampires away, and so did a crucifix. The ancient Egyptians had many amulets for different occasions and needs, often with the figure of a god or the "ankh" (the key of eternal life); the figure of the scarab god Khepri became a common amulet too and has now gained renewed fame around the Western world. For the ancient Scandinavians, Anglo-Saxons and Germans and currently for some Neopagan believers the rune Eoh (yew) protects against evil and witchcraft; a non-alphabetical rune representing Thor's hammer still offers protection against thieves in some places. Deriving from the ancient Celts, the clover, if it has four leaves, symbolises good luck (not the Irish shamrock, which symbolises the Christian Trinity). Corals, horseshoes and lucky bamboo also allegedly make good amulets. Figures of elephants allegedly attract good luck and money if one offers banknotes to them. In Arab countries a hand with an eye amid the palm and two thumbs serves as protection against evil. Compare hand of Fatima.Small bells in India and Tyrol make demons escape when they sound in the wind or when a door or window opens. Another aspect of amulets connects with demonology and demonolatry; these systems consider an inverted cross (not an upward cross, which drives demons away) or pentagram in downward position as favourable to communicate with demons and to show friendship towards them. The Christian Copts used tattoos as protective amulets, and the Tuareg still use them, as do the Haida Canadian aborigines, who wear the totem of their clan tattooed. Museums display many curious amulets, but one need not go far to see one, because they have never lost their influence on people of every nation and social status. We can see amulets in jewellery, fairs of artisans, shops, and, if we look carefully, even in our own homes, maybe on ourselves. The need for amulets arose with the human race and the need of people for help and protection not only against supernatural/preternatural powers but also against other persons. War and other dangerous activities make the participants try to get the most luck they can. Carlist soldiers wore a medal of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the inscription 'Detente bala!' ("Stop, bullet!"). Followers of the Native American cult of the dance of the spirits believed that blessed shirts would protect them from enemy bullets as well. Unfortunately, this belief regarding the blessed shirts was shown to be disastrously incorrect when the group was massacred by the U.S. Army at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. History has shown several times that amulets which are meant to protect against bullets should be regarded with a healthy dose of skepticism.
An amulet (from Latin amuletum; earliest use in Natural History [Pliny], meaning "an object that protects a person from trouble") or a talisman (from Arabic tilasm, ultimately from Greek telesma or from the Greek word "talein" which means "to initiate into the mysteries.") consists of any object intended to bring good luck and/or protection to its owner. Potential amulets include: gems or simple stones, statues, coins, drawings, pendants, rings, plants, animals, etc.; even words said in certain occasion. The word talisman also describes a number of consecrated magical objects used in Hermeticism.Instuctions for how to create a talisman can be commonly found in Grimoires. These talismans, sometimes called pentacles, were usually either made to protect the wearer from various influences of disease and other forms of danger or to protect the wearer from demons and to seal a certain demon under the users control. Amulets vary considerably according to their time and place of origin. Nevertheless, religious objects commonly serve as amulets in different societies, be these the figure of a god or simply some symbol representing the deity (such as the cross for Christians or the "eye of Horus" for the ancient Egyptians). In Thailand one can commonly see people with more than one Buddha hanging from their necks; in Bolivia and some places in Argentina the god Ekeko furnishes a standard amulet, to whom one should offer at least one banknote to obtain fortune and welfare. Every zodiacal sign has its corresponding gem that acts as an amulet, but these stones vary according to different traditions. An ancient tradition in China involves capturing a cricket alive and keeping it in an osier box to attract good luck (this tradition extended to the Philippines). Chinese may also spread coins on the floor to attract money; rice also has a reputation as a carrier of good fortune. Turtles and cactus can cause controversy, for while some people consider them beneficial, others think they delay everything in the house. Since the Middle Ages in Western culture pentagrams have had a reputation as amulets to attract money, love, etc; and to protect against envy, misfortune, and other disgraces. Other symbols, such as magic squares, angelic signatures and qabalistic signs have been employed to a variety of ends, both benign and malicious. In Afro-Caribbean syncretic religions like Voodoo, Umbanda, Quimbanda and Santería, drawings are also used as amulets, such as with the veves of Voodoo; these religions also take into account the colour of the candles they light, because each colour features a different effect of attraction or repulsion. Perfumes and essences (like incense, myrrh, etc.) also serve the purposes of attraction or repulsion. Popular legends often attributed magical powers to certain unusual objects, such as a baby's caul or a rabbit's foot; possession of these items allegedly endowed their magical abilities upon their owners. In Central Europe, people believed garlic kept vampires away, and so did a crucifix. The ancient Egyptians had many amulets for different occasions and needs, often with the figure of a god or the "ankh" (the key of eternal life); the figure of the scarab god Khepri became a common amulet too and has now gained renewed fame around the Western world. For the ancient Scandinavians, Anglo-Saxons and Germans and currently for some Neopagan believers the rune Eoh (yew) protects against evil and witchcraft; a non-alphabetical rune representing Thor's hammer still offers protection against thieves in some places. Deriving from the ancient Celts, the clover, if it has four leaves, symbolises good luck (not the Irish shamrock, which symbolises the Christian Trinity). Corals, horseshoes and lucky bamboo also allegedly make good amulets. Figures of elephants allegedly attract good luck and money if one offers banknotes to them. In Arab countries a hand with an eye amid the palm and two thumbs serves as protection against evil. Compare hand of Fatima.Small bells in India and Tyrol make demons escape when they sound in the wind or when a door or window opens. Another aspect of amulets connects with demonology and demonolatry; these systems consider an inverted cross (not an upward cross, which drives demons away) or pentagram in downward position as favourable to communicate with demons and to show friendship towards them. The Christian Copts used tattoos as protective amulets, and the Tuareg still use them, as do the Haida Canadian aborigines, who wear the totem of their clan tattooed. Museums display many curious amulets, but one need not go far to see one, because they have never lost their influence on people of every nation and social status. We can see amulets in jewellery, fairs of artisans, shops, and, if we look carefully, even in our own homes, maybe on ourselves. The need for amulets arose with the human race and the need of people for help and protection not only against supernatural/preternatural powers but also against other persons. War and other dangerous activities make the participants try to get the most luck they can. Carlist soldiers wore a medal of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the inscription 'Detente bala!' ("Stop, bullet!"). Followers of the Native American cult of the dance of the spirits believed that blessed shirts would protect them from enemy bullets as well. Unfortunately, this belief regarding the blessed shirts was shown to be disastrously incorrect when the group was massacred by the U.S. Army at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. History has shown several times that amulets which are meant to protect against bullets should be regarded with a healthy dose of skepticism.
