In Wicca, we use many tools in our rituals and spell casting. They range from the very simple, to the more extravagant. Some Wiccans use all of these tools, and some use only a few. It's a personal choice. If the tool has no meaning to you, it will not do you any good to use it. And if you don't find meaning in it, neither will the Gods.
The altar, or working space, if the first thing that you will need for any magickal working you desire. It can be as simple as a coffee table, bedside table or a fancy table. The altar is a place to put your ritual tools and other materials. Some traditions state that you should face your altar in a certain direction, but it is really a personal decision. Place it wherever it feels right to you. The right side of the altar is usually dedicated to the God. Here you will place the tools that pertain to Him, which are a red, yellow or gold candle, a censor, wand, athame, boline and a bowl of salt. The left side of the altar is dedicated to the Goddess. Tools that are sacred to her are the chalice, pentacle, bell, crystal, cauldron and a bowl of water. You should also place a green, silver or white candle to represent Her.
The athame, or ritual knife, is one of the most important Wiccan tools. Your athame should have a black handle, and be sharp on both sides. You should purchase a new athame, as a used athame could possess negative vibrations. If you do purchase a used athame, be sure to consecrate it before using it in any rituals. An athame is not usually used to cut anything on the physical plane. It is mainly used to direct energy, cast circles, recalling circles and to cut energetic ties.
Bells are also used in Wiccan rituals. The bell represents the voice of the Goddess. When you ring a bell, it brings Her attention to you and your attention to Her. It is also used to invoke the Goddess during a ritual and to ward off evil spells and spirits, to halt storms, and to bring good energy. The bell can also be used to set the right mood for rituals or spell work, and can help you achieve the right vibrations. It only takes one or two bell rings-don't overdo it. When choosing your bell, don't just grab the first one that you find. Search for the one with the right tone. Preferably one that has a mellow or soothing sound to it.
The next tool is the besom, or broom. The besom is used to cleanse the ritual area. Some people believe that it must be made of broom, but this is not necessarily the case. A straw or grass broom will also work quite well. You can purchase one from a craft store, or make your own. In my own experience, I have found that anything you make yourself tends to have more power as it has your own personal energies in it.
The boline is the tool that is used for cutting physical things. It should be a simple, practical, cutting knife. Your boline usually has a white handle, and is used for cutting wands, inscribing candles, wood and clay, and cutting cords used in magick.
The Book of Shadows is by far one of the most important Wiccan tools. It is in the Book of Shadows that you record everything associated with your Wiccan journey. It can be a 3-ring binder with loose leaf paper, a fancy journal, a spiral notebook, or a computer file. You should include rituals, spells, correspondences (herbs, oils, incense, stones, moon cycles, etc.), and anything else you find important.
Candles can be used for several purposes. First, you have your direction candles. They are color coded for each direction. North: black, green or brown; East: yellow or white; South: red or orange; West: blue or aqua; Center: white, silver or gold. Direction candles are used to invoke and hold the power associated with each direction. Next, you have your God and Goddess candles. For the God and Goddess, large pillar candles are often used. However, you may choose to use three candles to represent the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The colors should be: white, red, and black. These candles invoke the power of the Divine. Candles are associated with fire and air and are used for lighting the altar and performing spells. You will need different colors depending on what purpose you need them for.
Another extremely important and essential tool is the cauldron. The cauldron represents the element of water. Black cast iron is the best material, although other materials can be employed here. It should have three legs and any size that you desire will be fine. You can find cauldrons in many sizes, from tiny to huge. Again, it's a personal choice. The cauldron is used for many purposes, such as scrying, burning papers or candles, and even as a crystal ball.
The chalice, which represents the element of water, can be any shape or size, although most Wiccans use a wine glass or goblet. It will be used to hold water or wine, but sometimes is used empty. A chalice is often placed on the altar as a representation of the element of water, and nothing more.
Herbs and oils are not Wiccan tools, per se, but they are commonly used in rituals and spell work. Essential oils can be used to anoint candles, tools, the altar and your body. Herbs can be used as offerings to the Goddess and God, or burned as an incense. If you are burning incense or herbs, you should also have a censor or incense burner. The censor can be a fancy one with legs under it, or you can use a cup or a bowl filled half-way with salt or sand. The censor represents the element of fire, and can be used in spells that require the burning of paper.
The pentacle, which is essential to Wicca, is by far the most controversial tool. Is is ususally a flat round object with a star inscribed in the middle of a circle. Many people who are not Wiccan associate the pentacle with Satinism. However, the meaning behind the pentacle is "universal wisdom". In Wicca, the pentacle is used as a power point for consecrating tools and is associated with element of earth. In ceremonial magick, it was used for protection and invoking spirits.
The wand is used to direct energy and to cast circles. It should not be any longer than your forearm, and is more powerful if you make it yourself. If you purchase one or have it made for you, make sure that you consecrate it before use. The wand is associated with the element of air. However, some traditions associate the wand with fire.
All of the tools that you employ should be consecrated before use. You may decide that you need some tools, but not others. That is fine. It all comes down to a personal choice. Remember to give each tool the proper treatment and respect that it deserves. It is also advised that you not let another person handle your sacred tools unless you are certain that they will not give it bad vibrations or negative energy.
Blessed Be!
Lady Ariel
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Samhain-The Witches New Year
Samhain, which is the Witches New Year, is celebrated on October 31st in most traditions, but some prefer to celebrate on November 1st. Traditionally Samhain is one of the High holidays, or Greater Sabbats, and has its roots in ancient Celtic Pagan culture, and is sometimes called "THE" Great Sabbat. Pagans consider Samhain to be the most magickal night of the year. Samhain is the most important and least understood of all Celtic festivals. In ancient Celtic times everyone was a Witch and everyone practiced Witchcraft.
Contrary to popular belief, Samhain has nothing to do with evil practices or black magick. Samhain is a time to reflect upon that which has passed and to prepare for the changes to come in the following year. It is also a time to honor loved ones who have passed away in the previous year, and a time when they will move on to the next spiritual plane. It is commonly believed that the "veil" between the two worlds will be lifted, allowing us the opportunity to communicate with our ancestors. During Samhain, the Crone and her Aged Consort are honored and this is a time for Dark Magick and to honor the Dark Mysteries. "Dark Magick" does not mean evil magick, just dark. Witches observe this day as a religious festival and consider it to be a memorial day for their dead friends and family.
On Samhain, Witches celebrate and perform rituals to keep anything negative from the past out of the future. We cast spells to contact our deceased friends and family, and retrieve ancient knowledge. Pagans dress for Samhain in costumes that reflect what we hope to achieve in the coming year; the costume can be construed as the Witch's New Year's Resolution. We also celebrate this Sabbat by decorating our altars with pine cones, pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaves that we have collected and pictures of deceased love ones. We also perform rituals of divination to predict the future, such as i-ching, tarot cards, runes, rods, etc.
Witches wear black robes for ritual on Samhain. The colors orange and gold are thought to attract sunlight to the Wheel of the Year, and costumes that signify this are also appropriate. Face painting can be practiced and glitter can be added to the paint.
Food is also very important for the Samhain celebration. Some of the more popular food choices are: apples, pumpkin pie, beets, turnips, hazelnuts, corn, gingerbread, pomegranates, cider, herbal teas and pork dishes. Some of the herbs associated with this sacred holiday are: allspice berries, broom, catnip, mountain ash berries, mugwort, mullein, oak leaves, acorns, rosemary, sage, pine cones, straw. Incense and oils used during Samhain are: frankincense, basil, yarrow, lilac, ylang-ylang, clove and camphor.
The Goddesses that are appropriate for Samhain are: Hecate, Carlin, Edda, Pamona, Crobh Dearg, Lilith, Psyche, and the Morrigan. Any other Crone Goddesses or Underworld Goddesses are also appropriate here. And the Gods are: Arawn, Dis, Kronos/Cronus, Xocatl, Woden, Pluto, Hades, and Nefertum. Any Death Gods, Aged Gods, and Underworld Gods are also appropriate. Animals and mystical creatures that can also be recognized during this holiday are: bats, cats, dogs, and goblins.
The Samhain altar will have colors of deep golds, scarlets, dark browns and bronze. The candles on the altar will be black (to absorb negative energy), orange (to represent the magick of fire), white (to send out energy), and silver and gold to represent the moon and the sun. Silver and gold candles on the altar also represent the Goddess and God. Your altar candles should always be lit with altar matches. The altar should also have a stone native to the region in which you live, should be placed on the altar. You should also place an animal horn, feather, or talon to represent the final harvest.
However you choose to celebrate Samhain is a personal decision and will vary depending on whether you are a solitary practitioner or a coven member. Whatever you choose, remember to be safe and enjoy the holiday.
Sources
Enchanted Works
Season of the Witch
Starfire's Samhain Page
Blessed Be!
Lady Ariel
Contrary to popular belief, Samhain has nothing to do with evil practices or black magick. Samhain is a time to reflect upon that which has passed and to prepare for the changes to come in the following year. It is also a time to honor loved ones who have passed away in the previous year, and a time when they will move on to the next spiritual plane. It is commonly believed that the "veil" between the two worlds will be lifted, allowing us the opportunity to communicate with our ancestors. During Samhain, the Crone and her Aged Consort are honored and this is a time for Dark Magick and to honor the Dark Mysteries. "Dark Magick" does not mean evil magick, just dark. Witches observe this day as a religious festival and consider it to be a memorial day for their dead friends and family.
On Samhain, Witches celebrate and perform rituals to keep anything negative from the past out of the future. We cast spells to contact our deceased friends and family, and retrieve ancient knowledge. Pagans dress for Samhain in costumes that reflect what we hope to achieve in the coming year; the costume can be construed as the Witch's New Year's Resolution. We also celebrate this Sabbat by decorating our altars with pine cones, pumpkins, gourds, autumn leaves that we have collected and pictures of deceased love ones. We also perform rituals of divination to predict the future, such as i-ching, tarot cards, runes, rods, etc.
Witches wear black robes for ritual on Samhain. The colors orange and gold are thought to attract sunlight to the Wheel of the Year, and costumes that signify this are also appropriate. Face painting can be practiced and glitter can be added to the paint.
Food is also very important for the Samhain celebration. Some of the more popular food choices are: apples, pumpkin pie, beets, turnips, hazelnuts, corn, gingerbread, pomegranates, cider, herbal teas and pork dishes. Some of the herbs associated with this sacred holiday are: allspice berries, broom, catnip, mountain ash berries, mugwort, mullein, oak leaves, acorns, rosemary, sage, pine cones, straw. Incense and oils used during Samhain are: frankincense, basil, yarrow, lilac, ylang-ylang, clove and camphor.
The Goddesses that are appropriate for Samhain are: Hecate, Carlin, Edda, Pamona, Crobh Dearg, Lilith, Psyche, and the Morrigan. Any other Crone Goddesses or Underworld Goddesses are also appropriate here. And the Gods are: Arawn, Dis, Kronos/Cronus, Xocatl, Woden, Pluto, Hades, and Nefertum. Any Death Gods, Aged Gods, and Underworld Gods are also appropriate. Animals and mystical creatures that can also be recognized during this holiday are: bats, cats, dogs, and goblins.
The Samhain altar will have colors of deep golds, scarlets, dark browns and bronze. The candles on the altar will be black (to absorb negative energy), orange (to represent the magick of fire), white (to send out energy), and silver and gold to represent the moon and the sun. Silver and gold candles on the altar also represent the Goddess and God. Your altar candles should always be lit with altar matches. The altar should also have a stone native to the region in which you live, should be placed on the altar. You should also place an animal horn, feather, or talon to represent the final harvest.
However you choose to celebrate Samhain is a personal decision and will vary depending on whether you are a solitary practitioner or a coven member. Whatever you choose, remember to be safe and enjoy the holiday.
Sources
Ask Witch Hazel
Enchanted Works
Season of the Witch
Starfire's Samhain Page
Blessed Be!
Lady Ariel
Monday, September 26, 2011
Wiccan Beliefs, Laws and Etiquette
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE WICCAN BELIEF
There is a very basic set of principles that Wiccans believe in. Of course, it is widely accepted and understood that every Wiccan will have his or her own set of beliefs and principles. In 1974, 73 Witches came together and formed the Council of American Witches, and in April of that year at the Spring Witchmeet in Minneapolis, MN, the Council adopted The Principles of the Wiccan Belief, which is a document that outlines the beliefs and practices of the religion, which are as follows:
1) Wiccans practice rituals to attune with the natural rhythm of nature
2) Wiccans recognize they have an obligation to the environment
3) Wiccand acknowledge a depth of power that is often called "supernatural"
4) Wiccans recognize that the Creative Power of the universe lies in everybody
5) Wiccan recognize both outer and inner worlds, and neglect neither for the other
6) Wiccans do not recognize any authority, bot honor those who teach and share their knowledge
7) Wiccans see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united-a world view, which they identify as "Witchcraft" or "the Wiccan Way"
8) Wiccans do not believe that calling oneself a Witch makes one a Witch
9) Wiccans believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution
10) Wiccans only animosity towards Christianity is that they claim to be the "only way"
11) Wiccans are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft
12) Wiccans do not accept the concept of absolute evil nor do they worship any entity known as "the Devil" 13) Wiccans believe that they should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
THE WICCAN THREE-FOLD LAW
The Three-Fold Law is one of the basics of Wiccan belief, but this law is not actually a Wiccan law, but a "universal spiritual principle." This law is "pagan Karma." Karma is simply an acknowledgment that every choice you make will have a consequence-good or bad. Karma is not a punishment, but rather the natural affect of your decisions. A variation of the Law of Karma is that any actions you make will come back to you three times the magnitude of what you did. And yet another variation states that the negative actions that you commit will come back to you ten times the magnitude. The Three-Fold law is there to remind us to choose our thoughts, words and actions carefully, for we know that all we do will come back to us. We are in control of our future, and it starts with the actions and decisions that we make today.
WICCAN ETIQUETTE
There are some basic ideas about Wiccan etiquette. Although most Wiccans do not feel the need to hide their religious choices and pracetices, there are many who still do, so for them we follow a basic rule. It is expected that you will never identify anyone as a Wiccan without their permission. It could possibly harm a person who wishes to keep their choices secret.
Another basic principle of Wiccan etiquette is to not proselytize, or attempt to convert anybody from their religion to Wicca. No religion ever truly benefits from having a religion "shoved down their throats." If a person asks, you can feel free to discuss it, but don't overdo it.
A Wiccan's sacred space is just that-sacred. You should never touch a Witch's sacred area or tools that are used in rituals. If they give you permission to do so, then it is alright. But, bare in mind that just because they say yes today, you do not necessarily have permission for tomorrow or any other time in the future. Also, do not allow anyone to touch your personal tools or sacred area, unless you believe that they have only positive energy.
Spell casting is a vital part of the Wiccan religion, so it stands to reason that there would also be etiquette guidelines that pertain to that. First of all, never perform magick that seeks to control anyone else, even if you think that it would be for their own good. You never want to take away a person's free will or you will have to face the Karmic repercussion for it. The exception to this rule is if a person asks you to perform a spell on them; or if you have spiritual authority over a child under 12 or an animal under your care.
The principle that I find most important is this: "'An it harm none, do as ye will." The phrase "harm none" has a few different meanings. Not only are you to refrain from physically harming another person, you are also to refrain from harming yourself, taking somebody's free will, mentally or spiritually harming another person, etc.
If you follow these basic rules of etiquette, you will turn out to be a Witch that many people would be happy to have in their presence. Just remember to use common sense and courtesy. Be the kind of Witch that you yourself would like to be around.
Blessed Be!
Lady Ariel
There is a very basic set of principles that Wiccans believe in. Of course, it is widely accepted and understood that every Wiccan will have his or her own set of beliefs and principles. In 1974, 73 Witches came together and formed the Council of American Witches, and in April of that year at the Spring Witchmeet in Minneapolis, MN, the Council adopted The Principles of the Wiccan Belief, which is a document that outlines the beliefs and practices of the religion, which are as follows:
1) Wiccans practice rituals to attune with the natural rhythm of nature
2) Wiccans recognize they have an obligation to the environment
3) Wiccand acknowledge a depth of power that is often called "supernatural"
4) Wiccans recognize that the Creative Power of the universe lies in everybody
5) Wiccan recognize both outer and inner worlds, and neglect neither for the other
6) Wiccans do not recognize any authority, bot honor those who teach and share their knowledge
7) Wiccans see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united-a world view, which they identify as "Witchcraft" or "the Wiccan Way"
8) Wiccans do not believe that calling oneself a Witch makes one a Witch
9) Wiccans believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution
10) Wiccans only animosity towards Christianity is that they claim to be the "only way"
11) Wiccans are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft
12) Wiccans do not accept the concept of absolute evil nor do they worship any entity known as "the Devil" 13) Wiccans believe that they should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
THE WICCAN THREE-FOLD LAW
The Three-Fold Law is one of the basics of Wiccan belief, but this law is not actually a Wiccan law, but a "universal spiritual principle." This law is "pagan Karma." Karma is simply an acknowledgment that every choice you make will have a consequence-good or bad. Karma is not a punishment, but rather the natural affect of your decisions. A variation of the Law of Karma is that any actions you make will come back to you three times the magnitude of what you did. And yet another variation states that the negative actions that you commit will come back to you ten times the magnitude. The Three-Fold law is there to remind us to choose our thoughts, words and actions carefully, for we know that all we do will come back to us. We are in control of our future, and it starts with the actions and decisions that we make today.
WICCAN ETIQUETTE
There are some basic ideas about Wiccan etiquette. Although most Wiccans do not feel the need to hide their religious choices and pracetices, there are many who still do, so for them we follow a basic rule. It is expected that you will never identify anyone as a Wiccan without their permission. It could possibly harm a person who wishes to keep their choices secret.
Another basic principle of Wiccan etiquette is to not proselytize, or attempt to convert anybody from their religion to Wicca. No religion ever truly benefits from having a religion "shoved down their throats." If a person asks, you can feel free to discuss it, but don't overdo it.
A Wiccan's sacred space is just that-sacred. You should never touch a Witch's sacred area or tools that are used in rituals. If they give you permission to do so, then it is alright. But, bare in mind that just because they say yes today, you do not necessarily have permission for tomorrow or any other time in the future. Also, do not allow anyone to touch your personal tools or sacred area, unless you believe that they have only positive energy.
Spell casting is a vital part of the Wiccan religion, so it stands to reason that there would also be etiquette guidelines that pertain to that. First of all, never perform magick that seeks to control anyone else, even if you think that it would be for their own good. You never want to take away a person's free will or you will have to face the Karmic repercussion for it. The exception to this rule is if a person asks you to perform a spell on them; or if you have spiritual authority over a child under 12 or an animal under your care.
The principle that I find most important is this: "'An it harm none, do as ye will." The phrase "harm none" has a few different meanings. Not only are you to refrain from physically harming another person, you are also to refrain from harming yourself, taking somebody's free will, mentally or spiritually harming another person, etc.
If you follow these basic rules of etiquette, you will turn out to be a Witch that many people would be happy to have in their presence. Just remember to use common sense and courtesy. Be the kind of Witch that you yourself would like to be around.
Blessed Be!
Lady Ariel
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