|
MENU
|
|
|
|
| |
Shamanism has been defined as the first religion. It existed prior to the earliest civilizations, before our ancestors took the first steps down the long journey to the present. Prior to this time shamans were medicine people, the power wielders, male and female. They wrought magic and spoke to the spirits of nature.
From these primitive beginnings arose all magic and religion including Wicca. Many of the techniques of Wicca are shamanic in origin. Therefore, Wicca can be described as a shamanic religion. As with shamanism, only a selected few feel compelled to enter its circle of light.
Wicca teaches that nature includes a broad spectrum of mental and spiritual states of which most of us are ignorant. Effective Wiccan ritual enables us to slip into such states, allowing communication and communion with the Goddess and God.
Unlike some religions, Wicca doesnt view Deity as distant. The Goddess and God are both within ourselves and manifest in all nature. This is the universality: there is nothing that isnt of the Gods. Wicca also teaches that the physical world is one of the many realities. The physical is not the absolute highest expression, nor is the spiritual purer than the base. The only difference between the physical and the spiritual is that the former is denser. Wicca doesnt teach that upon physical death our souls will reincarnate in anything other that a human body.
The Wiccan ideal of morality is simple: do what you want, as long as you harm none. This rule contains another unwritten condition: do nothing that will harm yourself. Thus, if you as a Wiccan abuse your body, deny it the necessities of life or otherwise harm yourself, youre in violation of this principle.
Wicca is a religion that utilizes magic. This is one of its most appealing and unique features. Prayer-a common tool in many religions-is simply a form of concentrations and communication with Deity. If the concentration is extended, energies are sent out with the thoughts which may in time the prayer come true.
Many people confuse Wicca and magic as if the two words were interchangeable. Wicca is a religion that embraces magic. If you seek to only practice magic, Wicca probably isnt the answer for you.
Another fundamental point: magic isnt a means of forcing nature to do your will. This is a completely erroneous idea, fostered by the belief that magic is somehow supernatural, as if anything that exists can be outside of nature. Magic is natural. It is a harmonious movement of energies to create needed change. If you wish to practice magic, all thoughts of it being paranormal or supernatural must be forgotten.
Most Wiccan doesnt believe in predestination. Although we honor and revere the Goddess and God, we know that we?re free souls with full control and responsibility of our lives. We cant point at an image of an evil god, such as Satan, and blame it for our faults and weaknesses. We cant blame fate. Every second of each day were creating our futures, shaping the course of our lives. Once a Wiccan takes full responsibility for all that she or he has done (in this life and past ones) and determines that future actions will be in accord with higher ideals and goals, magic will blossom and life will be a joy.
That perhaps is at the core of Wicca-it is a joyous union with nature. The Earth is a manifestation of divine energy. Wiccas temples are flower-splashed meadows, forests, beaches and deserts. When a Wicca is outdoors she or he is actually surrounded by sanctity, much as is a Christian when entering a church or cathedral.
Dont shut out the physical world in favor of the spiritual or magical realms, for only through nature can we experience these realities. We are here on the Earth for a reason. Do, however, use ritual to expand your awareness so that you are truly at one with all creation.
The way is open. The ancient Goddess and God await within and around you.
May they bless you with wisdom and power.
 
The Deities
All religions are structures built upon reverence of Deity. Wicca is no exception. In accordance with the principles of nature, the supreme power was personified into two basic beings: the Goddess and the God.
Wicca reveres these twin deities because of its links with nature. Since most (but certainly not all) nature is divided into gender, the deities embodying it are similarly conceived. In the past, when the Goddess and God were as real as the Moon and the Sun, rites of worship and adoration were unstructured-spontaneous, joyous union with the divine. Later, rituals followed the course of the Sun through its astronomical year as well as the monthly waxing and waning of the Moon.
Today similar rites are observed by the Wicca, and their regular performance creates a truly magical closeness with these deities and the powers behind them. But we neednt wait for ritual occasions to be reminded of the Gods presence. The sight of a perfect blossom in a field of bare earth can instill feelings rivaling those of the most powerful formal rite. Living in nature makes every moment a ritual. The Wiccans are comfortable in communicating with animals, plants and tree. They feel energies within stones and sand, and cause fossils to speak of their primeval beginnings. For some Wiccans, watching the Sun or Moon rise and set each day is a ritual unto itself, for these are the heavenly symbols of the God and Goddess.
When envisioning the Goddess and God, many of the Wicca see Them as well-know deities from ancient religions. Diana, Pan, Isis, Hermes, Hina, Tammuz, Hecate, Ishtar, Cerridwen, Thoth, Tara, Aradia, Artemis, Pele, Apollo, Kanaloa, Bridget, Helios, Bran, Lugh, Hera, Cybele, Inanna, Maui, Ea, Athena, Lono, Marduck-the list is virtually endless. Many of these deities, with their corresponding histories, rites and mythic information, furnish the concept of deity for Wiccans.
The Goddess and God are equal; neither is higher or more deserving of respect. Religion based entirely on feminine energy, however, is as unbalanced and unnatural as one totally masculine in focus. The ideal is a perfect balance of the two. The Goddess and God are equal, complementary.
The Goddess
The Goddess is the universal mother. She is the source of fertility, endless wisdom and loving caresses. She is often of three aspects: the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone, symbolized in the waxing, full and waning of the Moon. She is at once the unploughed field, the full harvest and the dormant, frost-covered Earth. She gives birth to abundance. But as life is Her gift, She lends it with the promise of death. Since the Goddess is nature, all nature, She is both the Temptress and the Crone; the tornado and the fresh spring rain; the cradle and the grave. But though She is possessed of both natures, the Wicca revere Her as the giver of fertility, love and abundance, though they acknowledge Her darker side as well. We see Her in the Moon, the soundless, ever-moving sea, and in the green growth of the first spring. She is the embodiment of fertility and love.
The Goddess has been known as the Queen of Heaven, Mother of the Gods that Made the Gods, the Divine Source, the Universal Matrix, the Great Mother, and by countless other titles.
Many symbols are used in Wicca to honor Her, such as the cauldron, cup, labrys, five-petalled flowers, the mirror, necklace, seashells, pearl, silver, emerald etc.
As She has dominion over the Earth, sea and Moon, Her creatures are varied and numerous. A few include the rabbit, the bear, the owl, the cat, dog, bat, goose, cow, dolphin, lion, horse, wren, scorpion, spider and bee. All are sacred to the Goddess.
The God
The God has been revered for eons. He is neither the stern, all powerful deity of Christianity and Judaism, nor is He simply the consort of the Goddess. God or Goddess, they are equal, one. We see the God in the Sun, brilliantly shining overhead during the day, rising and setting in the endless cycle which governs our lives. Without the Sun we could not exist; therefore it has been revered as the source of all life, the warmth that bursts the dormant seeds into life and hastens the greening of the Earth after the cold snows of winter.
The God is also tender of the wild animals. As the Horned God, He is sometimes seen wearing horns on His head, symbolizing His connection with these beasts. The Gods domain includes forests untouched by human hands, burning deserts and towering mountains. The stars, since they are but distant suns, are sometimes thought to be under His domain.
Symbols often used to depict or to worship the God include the sword, horns, spear, candle, gold, brass, diamond, the sickle, arrow, magical wand, trident, knife, and others. Creatures sacred to Him include the bull, dog, snake, fish, stag, dragon, wolf, boar, eagle, falcon, shark, lizard and many others.
Today the deities of Wicca are still firmly associated with fertility, but every aspect of human existence can be linked with the Goddess and god. They can be called upon to help us sort through the vicissitudes of our existences and bring joy into our often spiritually bereft lives.
This doesnt mean that when problems occur we should leave them in the hands of the Goddess. This is a stalling maneuver, an avoidance of dealing with the bumps on the reaod of life. However, as Wiccans we can call on the Goddess and God to clear our minds and to help us help ourselves. Magic is an excellent means of accomplishing this. After attuning with the Goddess and God, Wiccans ask Their assistance during the magical rite that usually follows.
Because the Deities are the creative forces of the universe we can call upon Then to empower our rites and to bless our magic. To develop a rapport with the Goddess and God, a necessity for those who desire to practice Wicca, you might wish to follow these simple rituals.
At night, stand or sit facing the Moon, if it is visible. If not, imagine the fullest Moon you?ve ever seen glowing silver-white in the inky blackness, directly above and before you. Feel the soft lunar light streaming onto your skin. Sense it touching and mixing with your own energies, commingling and forming new patterns. See The Goddess in any form that you will. Call to her, chanting old names if you wish: Diana, Lucina, Selena (pronouncing them as: Dee-AH-nah, Loo-CHEE-nah, Say-LEE-nah). Open your heart and mind to the aspect of Goddess-energy manifested in the Moons light.
Repeat this daily for one week, preferably at the same time each night. Concurrently with this exercise, attune with the God. Upon rising in the morning, no matter how late it is, stand before the Sun (through a window if necessary; outside if possible) and soak in its energies. Think about the God. Visualize Him as you wish. It might be as a mighty warrior rippling with muscles, a spear upraised in one hand, the other cradling a child or a bunch of dew-dripping grapes. You may want to chant God names, such as Kernunnos, Osiris, Apollo (Care-NOON-nos, Oh-SIGH-rus, Ah-PALL-low) as with the Goddess. Let no thoughts but those of the God disturb your revery. Reach out with your feelings; open your awareness of higher things. Call upon the God in any words. Express your desire to attune with Him. Practice these exercises daily for one week. If after seven days you feel the need (or desire), continue these exercises until you feel comfortable with the Goddess and God.
In your quest to know the Gods, take long walks beneath tress. Study flowers and plants. Visit wild, natural places and feel the energies of the Goddess and God directly-through the rush of a stream, the pulse of energy from an old oak?s trunk, the heat of a Sun-warmed rock.
Next, when you?ve achieved this state, you may wish to set up a temporary or permanent shrine or altar to the Goddess and God. This neednt be more than a small table, two candles, an incense burner and a plate or bowl to hold offerings of flowers, fruit, grain, seed, wine or milk.
Place the two candles in their holders to the rear of the shrine. The candle on the left represents the Goddess; that on the right the God. Colors are often used to distinguish between the two; a red candle for the God and a green one to honor the Goddess. This ties in with the nature-associations of Wicca, for green and red are ancient magical colors linked with life and death. Other colors can be used-yellow or gold to honor the God, and white or silver for the Goddess. Before and between these candles place the incense burner, and in front of this the plate or offering bowl. A vase of seasonal flowers can also be added, as can any personal power objects such as crystals, fossils and dried herbs.
To begin a simple ritual to the Gods at your shrine, stand before it with an offering of some kind in your hand. Light the candles and incense, place the offering in the bowl or plate, and say such words as these:
Lady of the Moon, of the restless sea and verdant Earth,
Lord of the Sun and of the wild creatures,
Accept this offering I place here in your honor.
Grant me the wisdom to see Your presence in all nature,
O Great Ones!
Afterward, sit or stand for a few minutes in contemplation of teh deities and of your growing relationship with the. Feel them inside and around you. Then quench the flames (use your fingers, a candle snuffer, or a knife blade. Blowing them out is an affront to the element of Fire). Allow the incense to burn itself out, and continue on with your day or night.
If you wish, go before the shrine once a day at a prescribed time. This may be upon rising, just before sleep, or after lunch. Light the candles, attune and commune with the Goddess and God. This isn't necessary, but the steadily rhythm set up by this cycle is beneficial and will improve your relationship with the deities. Return the offerings left on the shrine to the Earth at the end of each day, or when you bring more to leave.
|
| Wheel of the Year
|
 December 20-23: Yule, also called Winter Solstice, is the first day of winter, and its when we experience the longest night of the year. It is the celebration of the rebirth of the Sun, and it honors the Horned God. Its time to reflect on ones life and give thanks. The Goddess gives birth to a son, the God, at Yule. Wiccans sometimes celebrate Yule just before dawn, then watch the Sun rise as fitting finale to their efforts. Since the God is also the Sun, this marks the point of the year when the Sun is reborn as well. Thus, the Wicca light fires or candles to welcome the Suns returning light. The Goddess, slumbering through the winter of Her labor, rests after Her delivery. This holiday will fall somewhere between the dates above and varies from year to year depending on when the Sun reaches the southern most point in its yearly trek.
Herbs
Holly, Mistletoe, Rosemary, Oak, Pine Cones
Incence
Bayberry, Pine, Cedar, Rosemary, Juniper
Color
Red, Green, White, Silver, Gold
Decorations
Yule log (Oak or Pine), Mistletoe, Wreaths, Strings of dried flowers and cinnamon sticks, Apples, Oranges, Yule tree
Foods
Nuts, Apples, Oranges, Caraway rolls, Mulled wine, Roast turkey
 February 1: Imbolc (Imbolg), marks the recovery of the Goddess after giving birth to the God. The lengthening periods of light awaken Her. The God is a young, lusty boy, but His power is felt in the longer days. The warmth fertilizes the Earth (the Goddess), causes seeds to germinate and sprout. And so the earliest beginnings of spring occur. This is a Sabbat of purification after the shut-in life of winter, through the renewing power of the Sun.
Also known as Feast of Torches, Oimelc, Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Snowdrop Festival, Feast of the Waxing Light, Brigid's day and by many others. This is a time of new beginnings and growth. At this time, think of your goals and dreams for this year that you will plant, for just around the corner the Goddess will be giving birth to spring. This is one of the traditional times for initiations into covens, and so self-dedication rituals can be performed or renewed at this time.
Herbs
Snowdrop, Bay, Heather, First Flowers of the Year
Incence
Rosemary, Cinnamon, Westeria, Frankincense
Color
White, Orange, Red
Decorations
Lamps, Besom (Witch's Broom), Yellow Flowers
Foods
Dairy Products, Onions, Garlic, Spiced Wines, Seeds, Herbal Teas
 March 20-23: Ostara: the Spring Equinox, also known as Spring, Rites of Spring and Eostra Day, marks the first day of true spring. The energies of nature subtly shift from the sluggishness of winter to the exuberant expansion of spring. The Goddess blankets the Earth with fertility, bursting forth from Her sleep, as the God stretches and grows to maturity. He walks the greening fields and delights in the abundance of nature. On Ostara the hours of day and night are equal. Light is overtaking darkness; the Goddess and God impel the wild creatures of the Earth to reproduce. This is a time of beginnings, of action, of planting spells for future gains, and of tending ritual gardens.
Herbs
Honeysuckle, Iris, Peony, Violet and All Spring Flowers
Incence
Jasmine, Rose, Strawberry
Color
Green, Yellow
Decorations
Colored Eggs, Green and Yellow Jellybeans, Rabbit Decorations, Spring Flowers
Foods
Seeds, Leafy Green Vegetables, Spiced or Flower Cupcakes, Fruits, Hard-Boiled Eggs
 May 1: Beltane, marks the emergence of the young God into manhood. Stirred by the energies at work in nature, He desires the Goddess. They fall in love, lie among the grasses and blossoms, and unite. The Goddess becomes pregnant of the God. The Wiccans celebrate the symbol of Her fertility in ritual. Beltane (also known as May Day) has long been marked with feasts and rituals. May poles, supremely phallic symbols, were the focal point of old English village rituals. Many persons rose at dawn to gather flowers and green branches from the fields and gardens, using them to decorate the May pole, their homes and themselves. The flowers and greenery symbolize the Goddess; the May pole the God. Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passion and hopes consummated.
Herbs
Honeysuckle, St. John's Wort, Hawthorn, All Flowers
Incence
Frankincense, Lilac, Rose
Color
Green, Soft Pink, Blue, Yellow
Decorations
Maypole, Strings of Beads or Flowers, Ribbons, Spring Flowers
Foods
Dairy, Oatmeal cakes, Cherries, Strawberries, Wine Punches, Green Salads
 June 20-23: Litha, also called Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, arrives when the powers of nature reach their highest point. The Earth is awash in the fertility of the Goddess and God. In the past, bonfires were leapt to encourage fertility, purification, health and love,, The fire once again represents the Sun, feted on this time of the longest daylight hours. Midsummer is a classic time for magic of all kinds. This is also a major time for the Faery, and a festival called the Feast of the Faery is held. It is believed by some that the portals between worlds open, and the faery folk may pass into our world at twilight on this day. Introspectively, this is a time to look at the "seeds" you've planted in yourself. Are your goals at full bloom? It will fall somewhere between the dates above depending on when the Sun is at its northern most point.
Herbs
Lavender, Chamomile, Roses, Daisy, Lily
Incence
Frankincense, Lemon, Rose, Wisteria, Lavender
Color
Blue, Green, Yellow
Decorations
Dried Herbs, Potpourri, Seashells, Summer Flowers, Fruits
Foods
Summer Fruits, Ale, Mead, Fresh Vegetables
 August 1: Lughnasadh, is the time of the first harvest, when the plants of spring wither and drop their fruits or seeds for our use as well as to ensure future crops. Mystically, so too does the God lose His strength as the Sun rises farther in the South each day and the nights grow longer. The Goddess watches in sorrow and joy as She realizes that the God is dying, and yet lives on inside Her as Her child. Lughnasadh, also known as August Eve, Feast of Bread, Harvest Home and Lamma, wasn?t necessarily observed on this day. It originally coincided with the first reaping. As summer passes, Wiccans remember its warmth and bounty in the food we eat. Every meal is an act of attunement with nature, and we are reminded that nothing in the universe is constant.
Herbs
All grains, Grapes, Heather, Blackberries, Sunflowers
Incence
Sandalwood, Rose, Aloes
Color
Yellow, Orange, Green, Brown
Decorations
Corn Dollies, Any Wheat Weaving Crafts, Shafts of Grain
Foods
Breads, Cider, Blackberry Pies and Jellies, Rice, Meadowsweet Tea, Berries
 September 20-23: Mabon, or the Fall or Autumnal Equinox, is the celebration of the end of the harvests. Once again day and night are equal, poised as the God prepares to leave His physical body and begin the great adventure into the unseen, toward renewal and rebirth of the Goddess. Nature declines, draws back its bounty, readying for winter and its time of rest. The Goddess nods in the weakening Sun, though fire burns within Her womb. She feels the presence of the God even as He wanes.
Herbs
Hazel, Corn, Acorns, Oak, Wheat Stalks, Cypress Cones, Pine Cones
Incence
Myrrh, Sage, Pine
Color
Orange, Dark Red, Yellow, Brown
Decorations
Acorns, Pomegranates, Pine Cones, Baskets of Fallen Leaves
Foods
Breads, Corn, Cornbread, Beans, Squash, Apples, Roots (Carrots, Potatoes, Onions), Cider
 October 31: Samhain the Wicca say farewell to the God. This is a temporary farewell. He isn?t wrapped in eternal darkness, but readies to be reborn of the Goddess at Yule. Samhain, also known as November Eve, Feast of the Dead, Feast of Apples, Hallows and All Hallows Eve, once marked the time of sacrifice. In some places this was the time when animals were slaughtered to ensure food throughout the depths of winter. The God-identified with the animals-fell as well to ensure our continuing existence. Samhain is a time of reflection, of looking back over which we have no control-death. The Wicca feel that on this night the separation between the physical and spiritual realities is thin. Wiccans remember their ancestors and all those who have gone before.
Herbs
Pumpkin, Apple, Nuts, Thistle, Chysanthemum, Broom, Oak Leaves, Sage
Incence
Apple, Nutmeg, Sage, Mint
Color
Black and Orange
Decorations
Jack-o-Lantern, Photos of Deceased Loved Ones, Apples, Fall Leaves, Autumn Flowers, Squashes
Foods
Apples, Corn, Nuts, Cider, Mulled Wine, Pumpkin Dishes, Cranberry Muffins, Herbal Teas |
| Magic |
One of the simplest of magical arts which comes under the heading of natural magic is candle burning. It is simple because it employs little ritual and few ceremonial artifacts. The theatrical props of candle magic can be purchased at any department store and its rituals can be practiced in any sitting room or bedroom.
Most of us have performed our first act of candle magic by the time we are two years old. Blowing out the tiny candles on our first birthday cake and making a wish is pure magic. This childhood custom is based on the three magical principals of concentration, will power and visualization. In simple terms, the child who wants his wish to come true has to concentrate (blow out the candles), visualize the end result (make a wish) and hope that it will come true(will power).
The size and shape of the candles you use is unimportant, although highly decorative, extra large, or unusually shaped candles will not be suitable as these may create distractions when the magician wants to concentrate on the important work in hand. Most magicians prefer to use candles of standard or uniform size if possible. Those which are sold in different colors for domestic use are ideal.
The candles you use for any type of magical use should be virgin, that is unused. Under no circumstances use a candle which has already adorned a dinner table or been used as a bedroom candle or night-light. There is a very good occult reason for not using anything but virgin materials in magic. Vibrations picked up by secondhand materials or equipment may disturb your workings and negate their effectiveness.
Some people prefer to make their own candles for ritual and magical use. This is a very practical exercise because not only does it impregnate the candle with your own personal vibrations, but the mere act of making your own candle is magically potent. Specialist shops (and some hobbie shops) sell candle wax and molds together with wicks, perfumes, and other equipment.
The hot wax is heated until liquid and then poured into the mould through which a suitably sized wick has already been threaded. The wax is then left to cool and once is this has occurred the mould is removed,leaving a perfectly formed candle. Special oil-soluble dyes and perfumes can be added
to the wax before the cooling process is complete to provide suitable colors and scents for a particular magical ritual. Craft shops which sell candlemaking supplies can also provide do-it-yourself books explaining the technicalities of the art to the beginner.
Once you have purchased or made your ritual candle it has to be oiled or 'dressed' before burning. The purpose of dressing the candle is to establish a psychic link between it and the magician through a primal sensory experience. By physically touching the candle during the dressing procedure, you are charging it with our own personal vibrations and also concentrating the desire of your magical act into the wax. The candle is becoming an extension of the magicians mental power and life energy.
When you dress a candle for magical use, imagine that it is a psychic magnet with a North and a South pole. Rub the oil into the candle beginning at the top or North end and work downwards to the half-way point. Always brush in the same direction downwards. This process is then repeated by beginning at the bottom or south end and working up to the middle. The best type of oils to use for dressing candles are natural ones which can be obtained quite easily. Some occult suppliers will provide candle magic oils with exotic names. If the magician does not want to use these, he can select suitable oils or perfumes from his own sources. The oils soluble perfumes sold by craft shops for inclusion in candles can be recommended.
Colors and Their Healing Properties
(Important Note: If the ailment that needs to be treated does not appear on this list, or for any reason you are unsure of the proper healing color to use, allow your intuition and the Goddess within you to be your guide)
White-symbolizes innocence, purity and peace. It is an excellent color to use for astral travel, crystal gazing, inner peace, meditation and summoning spirit guides. The color white helps to prevent stroke, increases breast milk in nursing women, and is good for treating broken bones, calcium deficiency and toothachepains.
Red-is the color of energy and life. It is a fiery, invigorating color which is excellent for treating anemia, cancer, exhaustion, frostbite, leukemia, liver infections, neuralgia and paralysis.
Pink, Rose-is a positive color symbolic of love and harmony. It protects, rejuvenates and bring hope, restful sleep ailments of the heart, anxiety, constipation, depression, hearing loss and kidney problems.
Yellow-intellectualism, imagination, memory and creativity. Is stimulating and uplifting. It helps to dispel fears and is an excellent color to use for treating constipation, diabetes, heartburn, indigestion, menstrual cramps and most skin conditions.
Green-is the color of nature, fertility, abundance, good luck and harmony. It is a good color for treating boils, cancer, colds, headaches, high blood pressure, kidney ailments nervousness and ulcers.
Blue-inspiration, occult wisdom, protection and devotion. Is a cool color that soothes and relaxes. It is excellent for treating burns, diarrhea, fever, headaches, high blood pressure, insomia, mentrual cramps, rheumatism, skin rashes, sore throat, sunburn, ulcer and minor wounds.
Purple-is a vibrating color that is highly spiritual and inspirational. It aids in meditation, psychic development and creativity, and it is a good color for treating allergies, asthma, baldness, bold clots, colds, gout, mental disorders, sinus problems, sleep disorders, stress related diseases and tumors.
Silver-clairvoyance, inspiration, astral energy and intuition
Orange-ambition, career matters and the law. It is a stimulating and energizing color. It possesses many of the same properties as red and is very good for the treatment of arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, constipation, coughs, depression, epilepsy and exhaustion.
Aqua-is a soothing stress-reducing color that harmonizes and balances. It is good for treating burns, eye ailments, high blood pressure, hypersensitivity, infections, inflammations, nutritional disorders and skin problems.
Indigo-is a vitalizing color that cleanses the spirit, removes fear and counteracts all negative energy forces. it is good for treating asthma, deafness, dementia, depression, epilepsy, eye ailments, infections, mental and nerbous disorders, Parkinsons disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis and upset stomach.
The simples form of candle magic is to write the objective of your ritual on a virgin piece of paper. You can use color paper which matches the candle. Write your petition on the paper using a magical alphabet, such as theban, enochian, malachain,etc. As you write down what you want to accomplish through candle magic--a new job, healing for a friend, a change of residence, a new love affair, etc.-- visualize your dream coming true. Visualize the circumstances under which you might be offered a new job, imagine your employer telling you that your salary has been increased or conjure up a vision of your perfect love partner.
When you have completed writing down your petition, carefully fold up the paper in a deliberately slow fashion. Place the end of the folded paper in the candle flame and set light to it. As you do this concentrate once more on what
you want from life.
When you have completed your ritual, allow the candle to have completely burned away. You do not need to stay with the candle after the ritual, but make sure that is safe and that red-hot wax will not cause damage or fire. Never re-use a candle which has been lit in any magical ritual. IT should only be used in that ritual and then allowed to burn away or be disposed of afterwards.
If you are conducting a magical ritual which involves two people (e.g. an absent healing for a person some distance away) then the second person can be symbolically represented during the ritual by another candle. All you need to do is find out the subject's birth date and burn the appropriate candle for that zodiacal sign. These are as follows:
ARIES red
TAURUS green
GEMINI yellow
CANCER silver
LEO orange
VIRGO yellow
LIBRA pink
SCORPIO red
SAGITARIUS purple
CAPRICORN black
AQUARIUS all colors
PISCES mauve
|
| Moon Lore |
The Moon and each of its phases are the most essential parts of Wiccan magick, so it?s important that all the spells and rituals are done on the proper lunar phase.
All the spells and rituals that attract should be performed when the Moon is on the increase. All spells and rituals that banish should be performed when the Moon is on the decrease.
All spells and rituals that involve the element of fire should be performed when the Moon is positioned in one of the three astrological fire signs: Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.
All spells and rituals that involve the element of earth (such as Gaia-healing) should be performed when the Moon is positioned in one of the three astrological earth signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
All spells and rituals that involve the element of air should be performed when the Moon is positioned in one of the three astrological air signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.
All spells and rituals that involve the element of water should be performed when the Moon is positioned in one of the three astrological water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.
Moon Phases
Waxing Moon: The time from the New moon through the first quarter to the Full Moon is the proper time to perform healing rituals, positive magick and spells that increase love, good luck, growth of any kind, sexual desire and wealth.
Full Moon: The period of the Full Moon increases the powers of extrasensory perception, and is the proper time to perform lunar goddess invocations, fertility rituals, transformations, spirit conjurations, and spells that increase psychic abilities and prophetic dreams. According to ancient European folklore, the power of the Full Moon can also magickally transform man into beast, and beast into man.
Waning Moon: The time from the Full Moon through the last quarter to the New Moon is the proper time to perform destructive magick and spells that remove curses, hexes and jinxes, end bad relationships, reverse love spells and aphrodisiacs, break bad habits and unhealthy addictions, undo negative influences, and decrease fevers and pain.
Moon on Zodiacal Signs
Moon in Aries is the ideal time to cast spells that involve authority, leadership, willpower, warfare, and spiritual conversion or rebirth. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the face, head or brain. Traditional candle colors: red, crimson, scarlet, burgundy. Traditional metal: iron. Elemental spirits: salamanders.
Moon in Taurus is the ideal time to practice all forms of love magick, and to cast spells that involve real estate, material acquisitions, and money. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the throat, neck, or ears. Traditional candle colors: all shades of green, pink, turquoise. Traditional metal: copper. Elemental spirit: gnomes.
Moon in Gemini is the ideal time to cast spells that involve communication, change of residence, writing, public relations activities, and travel. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the shoulders, arms, hands or lungs. Traditional candle color: mauve. Traditional metal: mercury. Elemental spirits: sylphs.
Moon in Cancer is the ideal time to perform rituals honoring lunar deities, and to cast spells that involve the home and all aspects of domestic life. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the chest or stomach. Traditional candle colors: silver, gray, white. Traditional metal: silver. Elemental spirits: undines.
Moon in Leo is the ideal time to cast spells that involve authority, power over others, courage, fertility and childbirth. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the upper back, spine, or heart. Traditional candle colors: gold, yellow, orange. Traditional metal: gold. Elemental spirits: salamanders.
Moon in Virgo is the ideal time to cast spells that involve employment, intellectual matters, heath, and dietary concerns. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the intestines or nervous system. Traditional candle colors: navy, blue, rust-orange. Traditional metal: mercury. Elemental spirits: gnomes.
Moon in Libra is the ideal time to cast spells that involve artistic work, justice, court cases, partnerships and unions, mental stimulation, and karmic, spiritual, or emotional balance. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the lower back or kidneys. Traditional candle color: royal blue. Traditional metal: copper. Elemental spirits: sylphs.
Moon in Scorpio is the ideal time to cast spells that involve horses, travel, publications, legal matters, sports activities, and truth. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the reproductive organs. Traditional candle colors: red, black. Traditional metal: iron. Elemental spirits: undines.
Moon in Sagittarius is the ideal time to cast spells that involve horses, travel, publications, legal matters, sports activities, and truth. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the liver, thighs, or hips. Traditional candle colors: purple, dark blue. Traditional metal: tin. Elemental spirits: salamanders.
Moon in Capricorn is the ideal time to cast spells that involve organization, ambition, recognition, career, and political matters. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the knees, bones, teeth, or skin. Traditional metal: lead. Elemental spirits: gnomes.
Moon in Aquarius is the ideal time to cast spells that involve science, freedom, creative expression, problem solving, extrasensory abilities, friendship and the breaking of bad habits or unhealthy addictions. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the calves, ankles or blood. Traditional candle color: light blue. Traditional metal: uranium. Elemental spirits: sylphs.
Moon in Pisces is the ideal time to cast spells that involve dream work, clairvoyance, telepathy, music and the creative arts. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the feet or lymph glands. Traditional candle colors: aquamarine, lavender. Traditional metal: tin. Elemental spirits: undines.
|
|
|
; |
