Lady Kurapika's Book of Shadows

Top 10 Witchy comebacks for any Religious Activist Enocunters

2008-03-04T23:15:24Z

Top 10 Witchy comebacks for any Religious Activist Enocunters

10. Sorry i really don't have time... I have to catch a different Plane (think about it if you don't get it right away)
9. Oh the circle on the floor... I play marbles alot.
8. (why are you wearing black?) I'm really a vampire but i use good sunblock.
7. All the herbs? I'm big on health food.
6. Oh i'm sorry, was i chanting you say? NO no, i was talking to my cat, i keep him in my purse..
5. Is that a lizard tail growing, or are you just happy to see me? (ladies only LOL)
4. You know, I'd love to eat.. err uhh.. i mean MEET your children. *smile*
3. I hear you know of a sale on red and white striped socks?
2. what's the matter? you act like you've never seen a Pentagram on a Witch before.
1. OH oh... are you handing out those firestarter booklets again? can i have one? i ran out and my house is really cold

Ostara Home Blessing

2008-03-04T23:13:14Z

Ostara Home Blessing

• 4 eggs (or more), raw
Bring harmony and love to your home by planting an uncooked egg at each corner of your property. As you plant each egg say something like this:

Bring thee seeds, of new life
Ease all pain, and end all strife,
Ancient symbol of fertility
bring to us great harmony
Love for all upon these grounds
For here is where the light abounds

Growing Your Love Spell

2008-03-04T23:11:53Z

Growing Your Love Spell

In order to bring an increasing flow of love your way, obtain seeds (or purchase seedlings) for any plant you wish to grow, along with a small flowerpot and some potting soil. Plant the seeds, or seedlings, and bless them. Imagine that as they grow, so will the love in your life. Visualize yourself giving and receiving love. Nurture the plants by ensuring they have enough water and sunlight, and look upon them each day asa symbol of increasing love in your life. Use words such as this for
your visualization:

Great spirit,
Bless these gentle plants.
Allow them to grow in love.
And as they do, let my loving nature increase.
Help my relationships to grow and flourish,
Seed to flower,
Minute to hour –
Bring love into my life.

http://www.llewellyn.com/free/spell.php?spellid=1414

Strengthen psychic shield

2008-02-21T21:07:12Z

To Strengthen Your Psychic Shield

The night before the Full Moon, find a place where your altar will not be disturbed for 24 hours. Put the cauldron in the center with a red candle on the right side, black candle of the left side, and white candle in the back; but do not light them yet. Sprinkle a mixture of equal parts of elder blossoms, marjoram, mint and rue in an unbroken circle around the cauldron.

Into a tiny vial, measure equal drops of clove, frankincense, jasmine, and lavender. Set the sealed bottle in the cauldron and leave until the night of the Full Moon. On Full Moon night, take a cleansing bathe and robe yourself in white.

Carry a good protective or purification incense through every room in the house. Make certain that the smoke drifts into closets. Return to the altar and light the candles. Take up the dagger or sword. Face the East and raise the sword in salute. To salute in this manner, simply hold the sword point upward in front of you. Say:

By the power of the rising sun, all evil in my life is done.
Turn to the South, salute, say:
By the power of darkening night, my shield is strong, my armor tight.
Turn to the North, salute, say:
By Full Moon in blackening sky, I am not alone. My help is nigh.
The Goddess's hands around me stay, To keep me safe by night and day.
Begone, foul spirits, unbidden here. I send you back, I do not fear.
For I have won. I am set free. You have no further power o'er me.

Face the altar and take up the vial of oil. Put a drop of oil on your finger and anoint your forehead, heart, solarplexes, wrists and ankles. As you do this, visualize a shining blue suit of armor slowly descending over your body until you are entirely protected. Cap the bottle and store in a safe place. Thank the Powers for their help and extinguish the candles. Apply the oil and repeat the chants whenever you feel the armor is slipping
-D.J. Conway

Perfect Soulmate

2008-02-21T21:05:20Z

PERFECT SOUL MATE

Take a shower or bath, put on some white clothing, take a stick (or your wand) and some glitter outside where you can see the stars (the best time is a new moon).

Clear your mind. Pick up the stick, dip one end into the glitter then raise the stick towards your chosen star and say:

"With these magic words I begin my spell. Hear me now, O mystic star, Hear me well - Let your magic light Send me the love of my life. The spell has been cast - So be it."

Your glitter is now magically energized, and you should sprinkle some near your front door. You can even take some glitter out with you and sprinkle it here and there.

Your perfect mate should be brought to you.

To attract Love

2008-02-21T20:08:33Z

TO ATTRACT TRUE LOVE

You will need:
-Pink candle
-Jasmine incense
-Rosemary

Light the jasmine incense. As you do so imagine the kind of person that you want to spend the rest of your life with. Note: this should not be a specific person but the things that you want in a person. Say the qualities that you want in true love out loud as you light your pink candle. Then say this as you sprinkle rosemary over the flame:

These are the things I want in you
A man/woman who's loving, loyal and true
I ask of the spirits of all those above
To send me my one and only true love.

Say this as many times as needed and then extinguish the candle.

TO BRING TRUTH TO ANY MATTER

2008-02-14T05:59:16Z

TO BRING TRUTH TO ANY MATTER

"Deep within me
A path will grow
To see a light
And help it glow
I cast this now
To bring true light
To the matter at hand
Help gain the right."

You need a candle of appropriate color, and a quartz crystal. Scratch the Matter into the candle with the terminated quartz, and set the quartz down Next to the candle. Let the candle and crystal do their work

APACHE WEDDING PRAYER

2008-02-14T05:56:45Z

APACHE WEDDING PRAYER

Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness for you;
now there is no more loneliness.
Now you are two bodies,
but there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place,
to enter into your days together.
And may your days be good
and long on the earth.

ESSENTIAL OILS

2008-02-08T05:16:07Z

ESSENTIAL OILS
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_oil

An essential oil is any concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants, which are called aromatic herbs or aromatic plants. They are also known as volatile or ethereal oils, or simply as the "oil of" the plant material from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove. The term essential indicates that the oil carries distinctive scent (essence) of the plant, not that it is an especially important or fundamental substance. Essential oils do not as a group need to have any specific chemical properties in common, beyond conveying characteristic fragrances. They are not to be confused with essential fatty acids.

Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation. Other processes include expression, or solvent extraction. They are used in perfumes and cosmetics, for flavoring food and drink, and for scenting incense and household cleaning products.

Various essential oils have been used medicinally at different periods in history. Medical applications proposed by those who sell medicinal oils range from skin treatments to remedies for cancer, and are often based on historical use of these oils for these purposes. Such claims are now subject to regulation in most countries, and have grown correspondingly more vague, to stay within these regulations.

Interest in essential oils has revived in recent decades, with the popularity of aromatherapy, a branch of alternative medicine which claims that the specific aromas carried by essential oils have curative effects. Oils are volatilized or diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, or burned as incense, for example.

A

ALLSPICE BERRY
Excellent for baking. It's fragrance provides a spicy scent in potpourris. The oil is also used to flavor beverages, candy, condiments and baked goods.
Aromatherapy: warming, cheering, sense-enhancing
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.

ALMOND, BITTER
The source of natural cherry and amaretto flavors. Almond Bitter is the most potent of all flavors; use one drop per pint.
Aromatherapy: strengthening, sense-enhancing
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid use in sun.

ANGELICA ROOT
A warm, musky, earthy aroma with excellent staying power. Only small quantities are needed to create an effect in a perfume. The flavor is bitter and reminiscent of a blend of parsley and celery. Aromatherapy: anchoring, restorative, strengthening
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.

ANISE
Gives licorice candy and chewing gum their distinct flavor. Anise is also added to perfumes for a rich, sweet fragrance.
Aromatherapy: cheering, sense-enhancing, mildly euphoric

B

BALSAM PERU
May be used to soothe chafed skin and impart a rich, earthy scent to perfumery.
Aromatherapy: exotic, anchoring, strengthening

BASIL
Wide range of culinary uses. Basil's floral, spicy odor is also excellent for use in perfumes.
Aromatherapy: clarifying, uplifting, energizing, strengthening, refreshing
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. Avoid use in sun.

BAY
Often used in hair treatments to stimulate the scalp. It has a powerful, spicy, sweet aroma and is used to produce bay rum fragrance.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, warming

BERGAMOT, BERGAPTENE FREE
From an uncommon citrus fruit. Its fruity, floral scent is excellent when used as a room spray.
Aromatherapy: uplifting, normalizing, confidence-building
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.

BLACK PEPPER
One of the oldest known spices, primarily used in flavoring. Particularly interesting effects are obtained when it is used sparingly
in perfume blends, especially with rose.
Aromatherapy: warming, vitalizing, invigorating.

C

CAMPHOR, WHITE
Commonly used in scenting detergents, soaps, disinfectants, deodorants, room sprays and other household products.
Aromatherapy: clarifying, energizing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.

CARDAMOM SEED
Appropriate (in very small quantities) for a wide variety of culinary uses. The oil has a spicy aroma with floral undertones and can be
used in masculine and floral perfumes.
Aromatherapy: sense enhancing, warming, exotic

CARROT SEED
Used to provide a spicy-sweet aroma for exotic and natural-type perfumes. In skin care, carrot seed oil is used to tone and stimulate elasticity and for cleansing purposes (should be diluted 1 part carrot seed to 10 parts carrier oil).
Aromatherapy: replenishing, nourishing, restoring

CASSIA (Cinnamon)
The distinct spicy flavor of cinnamon bark. It is used to flavor every kind of food as well as toothpaste, mouthwash and chewing gum.
Aromatherapy: euphoric, energizing, warming.
Usage Warning: Cinnamon is very irritating to the skin and can cause an an allergic reaction with repeated use.

CEDARWOOD
A woody balsamic aroma. It is used in perfumery to add body and a warm note to any blend. Cedarwood can also be applied to the inside of a wood chest for a cedarwood scent.
Aromatherapy: harmonizing, relaxing, anxiety-reducing

CELERY SEED
A spicy, warm flavor used to enhance flavor in soups, sauces, vegetable juices, meats and pickles. This oil can also be used in minute quantities in perfumery.
Aromatherapy: nourishing, warming

CHAMOMILE, GERMAN
Oil of German chamomile (also known as blue chamomile). The blue color comes from the component azulene which is formed during the distillation of the oil. The odor is sweet and apple-like and adds a warm, long-lasting undertone in elegant perfumes. Chamomile is used in massage oils and other herbal preparations. Aromatherapy: relaxing, soothing, nourishing

CHAMOMILE, ROMAN
Often used in perfumery. It blends well with bergamot, jasmine, neroli, and clary sage, lending a warm, fresh note when added in small quantities.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, replenishing

CHAMOMILE, WILD - See ORMENIS.

CINNAMON LEAF
Used to flavor spiced fruits, baked goods, pickles and candy. The flavor and aroma are more reminiscent of cloves than cinnamon. It provides a hot, spicy and somewhat bitter flavor.
Aromatherapy: refreshing, vitalizing

CITRONELLA
Lemony, grassy aroma. It is used for scenting room and outdoor sprays, as well as household products.
Aromatherapy: purifying, vitalizing

CLARY SAGE
Blends well with a wide variety of essential oils for perfumery with a sweet, spicy scent. Aromatherapy: centering, euphoric, visualizing
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.

CLOVE BUD
Used in mouthwash, toothpaste, chewing gum and dental preparations. It is useful in the kitchen for both sweet and savory dishes. The oil has a powerful, spicy-fruity aroma.
Aromatherapy: warming, sense-enhancing
Usage Warning: Clove oil is highly irritating, avoid contact with skin. Avoid if pregnant.

CORIANDER SEED
Wonderfully mild, sweet taste. It can be combined with bergamot for a popular candy flavor. The fragrance of the oil is spicy, aromatic and pleasantly sweet.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, gently clarifying

CYPRESS
Has a refreshing, spicy and pine needle-like aroma often used as a modifier in pine fragrances.
Aromatherapy: purifying, balancing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.

E

EUCALYPTUS
Commonly used to scent topical preparations such as liniments and salves. It also serves as a flavoring in cold and cough products such as inhalants, cough drops and syrups.
Aromatherapy: purifying, invigorating, cooling
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.

F

FENNEL, SWEET
Sweet, warm-spicy, aromatic oil for both flavoring and fragrance. Fennel is used extensively in imitation maple extracts, candy, anisette liqueur, baked goods and desserts.
Aromatherapy: restorative, warming, invigorating
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid if pregnant. Avoid use in sun.

FIR NEEDLE
Fresh spicy scent. A few drops on a light bulb, in the carpet, or through a diffuser will evoke the thick fir forests of the high country. During the holidays, this oil will fill a room with the festive aroma of a freshly cut Christmas tree.
Aromatherapy: centering, refreshing, harmonizing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption. Dilute well, skin irritant.

FRANKINCENSE
Sweet-woody, peppery fragrance. Frankincense is used extensively for incense and fine perfumery.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, restorative, gently clarifying, visualizing, meditative
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.

G
GERANIUM
Delightfully sweet scent. An important ingredient in all types of fragrances, it has a powerful, leafy-rose aroma with minty undertones. It is also used in skin care products for both its fragrance and astringent cleansing properties.
Aromatherapy: balancing, normalizing

GINGER
China, Jamaica
An important culinary oil with a spicy-woody flavor. It is used to flavor fruit dishes, cookies, cakes, condiments, meats, liqueurs and soft drinks -- especially ginger ale.
Aromatherapy: warming, strengthening, anchoring

GRAPEFRUIT
Citrus aroma and flavor. It can be used as a flavoring in candy, frozen desserts, baked goods and carbonated beverages.
Aromatherapy: balancing, refreshing, cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.

H

HYSSOP
A spicy, camphor-like strong scent. Hyssop blends well with clove, lavender, rosemary, sage, clary sage and other citrus oils.
Aromatherapy: refreshing, cleansing
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. People with high blood presure should avoid. People with epilepsy should avoid.

J

JASMINE ABSOLUTE
A very powerful fragrance with a full, rich, honey-like sweetness. The fragrance of jasmine is a component in so many perfumes that there is an old saying "No perfume without jasmine." A tiny amount will go a long way.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, sensual, exotic, romantic

JUNIPER BERRY
A balsamic, woody, pine-needle scent. It is used with citrus oils in room sprays, and in masculine perfumes, aftershaves and spicy colognes. Juniper is also used as an ingredient in gin, and for flavoring bitters, liqueurs, meats and baked goods.
Aromatherapy: strengthening, refreshing, restoring
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.

L

LAVENDER
A classic scent for perfume and a wide array of skin and hair products. It has a sweet, balsamic, floral aroma. It is occasionally used as a flavoring in chewing gum, fruit flavors, candy and beverages.
Aromatherapy: balancing, soothing, gently clarifying, normalizing

LEMON
Widely used in beauty care. This oil is cold pressed from the rind; three dozen lemons are used to produce each 1/2 ounce.
Aromatherapy: energizing, uplifting, refreshing, cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun. Dilute well, skin irritant.

LEMONGRASS
A cleanser for oily skin and used in shampoo to add luster to the hair. It has a powerful, citrus aroma and is a preferred fragrance in room and outdoor sprays, soaps and detergents. Lemongrass is widely used in perfumes and in the production of vitamin A.
Aromatherapy: vitalizing, cleansing
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant.

LIME
Dozens of limes are needed to produce 1/2 oz. of oil. Uses of the oil include beverages, sherbet and hard candy.
Aromatherapy: equalizing, refreshing, cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.

M

MARJORAM, WILD
Useful in massage oil for sensitive skin. (Marjoram hortensis, called sweet marjoram, is the commonly used cooking spice -- wild marjoram is used in aromatherapy and body care.)
Aromatherapy: purifying, clearing, strengthening
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption. Avoid use if pregnant.

MELISSA
Produced from the herb lemon balm. It takes up to 600 pounds of fresh lemon balm plants to yield one ounce of oil. The oil has a lemony aroma and sharp, floral-lemon flavor.
Aromatherapy: relaxing
Usage Warning: dilute well, skin irritant.

MYRRH
One of the oldest-known perfume materials. Mentioned 3,700 years ago, myrrh has a long history of use as incense, especially with frankincense, during the Christmas season.
Aromatherapy: centering, visualizing, meditative
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption. Avoid use if pregnant.

N

NEROLI
Distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. Neroli has a refreshing, spicy, aroma. It is one of the most widely used floral oils in perfumery. Neroli is also used in preparations such as a massage oils, skin creams, and bath oils.
Aromatherapy: centering, relaxing, soothing, exotic, sensual

NUTMEG
Contains the characteristic flavor and fragrance of nutmeg spice. It is used in cooking as a replacement for the spice. One or two drops are sufficient in most recipes. It is also used in men's fragrances and spicy perfumes.
Aromatherapy: rejuvenating, uplifting, energizing

O

ORANGE, SWEET
One of the most popular flavors in the world. Orange is widely used in foods of all types. In perfumery sweet orange is often used as the heart of floral blend.
Aromatherapy: cheering, refreshing, uplifting
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.

ORMENIS
Used diluted in vegetable oil to condition and bring out highlights in blond hair. In perfumes it provides a long-lasting sweet undertone.
Aromatherapy: soothing, nurturing, relaxing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.

P

PATCHOULI
A widely used fixative in perfumes. The very intense aroma is described as earthy, rich, sweet, balsamic, woody and spicy.
Aromatherapy: romantic, soothing, exotic, sensual
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.

PEPPERMINT
A strong, cool, minty flavor. Peppermint oil is refreshing in both taste and aroma. A popular flavor in breath lozenges, toothpaste and mouthwash.
Aromatherapy: vitalizing, refreshing, cooling
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid use if pregnant.

PETITGRAIN
Made from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree. This oil has a fresh and sweet fragrance with a woody undertone. It is added to massage and bath oils and hair care products.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, soothing, stabilizing

R

ROSE, ABSOLUTE
A sweet, deep, long-lasting aroma. Rose absolute is an economical alternative fragrance to rose otto essential oil. It is used extensively in medium and high-priced perfumes of all types for its aroma and fixative qualities.
Aromatherapy: romantic, creative, gently uplifting
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.

ROSE OTTO
A warm, intense, immensely rich fragrance. Rose oil is one of the oldest and best known of all essential oils. It is used in all types of perfumes to lend beauty and depth to the aroma. A drop or two in a massage, facial, or bath oil creates a luxurious, soothing experience. The oil is also used in skin creams, powders, and lotions.
Aromatherapy: romantic, creative, gently cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.

ROSEMARY
Used in hair care, fragrance, cooking and cosmetics. Brush on or wash into dark hair to condition and bring out color highlights. Aromatherapy: clarifying, warming, invigorating
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. People with high blood pressure or epilepsy should avoid.

ROSEWOOD
Also known as Bois De Rose. Rosewood is a spicy oil used to enliven the scent of dried flowers, soaps, lotions, and massage oils.
Aromatherapy: gently strengthening, relaxing
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.

S

SAGE
Used in cooking and scented products. There are many types of this common garden herb, all closely related. Spanish sage grows wild throughout Spain.
Aromatherapy: warm, soothing, cheering
Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. People with high blood pressure or epilepsy should avoid.

SANDALWOOD
Rare perfume used in ancient rituals as a spiritually purifying ointment. Sandalwood is a valuable fixative which blends well with other oils. It is a very mild oil suitable for dry skin.
Aromatherapy: relaxing, centering, exotic, sensual

SPEARMINT
Energizing to the mind and body. Use in bath water for its refreshing effect. Make a facial steam of spearmint oil in a pot of boiling water to help cleanse and refine pores.
Aromatherapy: refreshing, cooling, gently vitalizing

T

TANGERINE
Great astringent (must be properly diluted) for oily skin. Tangerine is also a tasty addition to beverages and desserts.
Aromatherapy: cheering, uplifting
Usage Warning: Avoid use in sun.

TEA TREE
Delivers a warm, spicy, medicinal aroma. It is used in colognes and aftershaves and as a scent in room sprays, antiseptics, gargles, shampoo, acne creams, soaps and other skin care products.
Aromatherapy: cleansing, purifying, uplifting
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption. Dilute well, skin irritant.

THYME, RED
An intense, herbaceous aroma and flavor. Thyme is used to scent soaps, colognes and aftershaves and for cooking meats, vegetables and soups.
Aromatherapy: cleansing, purifying.
Usage Warning: Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid if pregnant. People with high blood pressure should avoid.

V

VETIVER
A rich, woody scent. It is used as a perfume fixative, like sandalwood.
Aromatherapy: soothing, relaxing, anchoring
Usage Warning: Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption.

W

WINTERGREEN
Fresh, cleansing mint flavor.
Aromatherapy: refreshing, bracing,invigorating.
Usage Warning: Harmful or fatal if taken internally. As little as one teaspoon can be fatal if ingested by a child. Not approved by the FDA for internal consumption. Dilute well, skin irritant. Avoid if pregnant.

Y

YLANG YLANG III
Means "flower of flowers." Ylang Ylang is a richly fragrant oil, best used for body perfume and massage oil.
Aromatherapy: sensual, euphoric

YLANG YLANG EXTRA
Distilled from the early-morning-picked flowers of the cananga tree. The first oil drawn off is the highest quality and is graded "Extra." Ylang Ylang Extra has an intense, floral, jasmine-like aroma. It is used in exotic and floral perfumes.
Aromatherapy: romantic, alluring, exotic.

OIL, CANDLE AND HERB CORESPONDENCES

2008-02-08T05:14:41Z

Change Your Luck
Oil: lotus
Herb: basil
Incense: lotus or frankincense
Gemstones: carnelian or quartz crystal
Candle Colors: green or orange

Attract Money
Oil: bergamot or cinnamon
Herb: nutmeg
Incense: cinnamon or honeysuckle
Stone: agate or garnet
Candle Colors: brown, green or gold

Gain Prosperity
Oil: bayberry or bergamot
Herb: Vervain
Incense: bayberry or jasmine
Stone: bloodstone or malachite
Candle Color: green

To Influence Someone to Repay a Debt
Oil: jasmine
Herb: clove
Incense: ginger, jasmine, allspice
Stone: hematite, tiger's eye
Candle: yellow

Increase Personal Power
Oil: carnation
Herb: sandalwood or rue
Incense: carnation, frankincense or pine
Stone: agate, jasper, and black obsidian
Candle: purple or red

Conquer Fear
Oil: musk
Herbs: sage
Incense: allspice, dragon’s blood, and musk
Stones: amber, black obsidian
Candle: red or brown

Find A New Job
Oil: pine or peppermint
Herb: Dragon’s blood or ginger
Incense: jasmine, peppermint, and pines
Stones: carnelian, lapis
Candle: green or copper

Attain Success
Oil: peppermint
Herb: ginger or Vervain
Incense: ginger or rosemary
Stones: sard, black obsidian
Candle: brow, gold or orange

Inspire Creativity
Oil: lilac or rose
Herb: rose petals
Incense: lilac, lotus or rose
Stone: amethyst, chrysocolla, black onyx, and turquoise
Candle: violet or yellow

Overcome Bad Habits
Oil: cedar or peppermint
Herbs: basil, bay laurel
Incense: Dragon’s blood, cedar, peppermint
Stones: jet, rhodonite, and topaz
Candles: purple or violet

Stop Arguments
Oil: patchouli
Herb: patchouli
Incense: allspice, cedar, and patchouli
Stones: bloodstone, black obsidian, and black onyx
Candle: pink, light blue

Settle Disturbed Conditions in the Home
Oil: patchouli
Herb: frankincense and myrrh
Incense: patchouli or frankincense
Stones: hematite, agate
Candle: black, purple

Learn the Truth About a Situation or Person
Oil: carnation
Herb: sage or yellow sandalwood
Incense: clove, cypress, and sage
Stone: Chrysoprase, geode, tigers eye
Candle: purple, dark brown

Release Situations or People from Your Life
Oil: lilac and patchouli
Herb: lemon verbena
Incense: patchouli or cedar
Stones: aventurine, jade, petrified wood, clear quartz
Candle: black

Accept a Situation
Oil: gardenia
Herb: frankincense
Incense: rose, orange, and musk
Stones: sard and amazonite
Candle: brown

Find Happiness
Oil: lily of the valley
Herb: St. Johns Wort
Incense: jasmine or rose
Stones: moss agate, amethyst
Candle: gold, lt. blue

Consecrate a Talisman
Oil: frankincense or lotus
Herb: frankincense or yellow sandalwood
Incense: lotus or sandalwood
Stones: Bloodstone, black onyx, black obsidian
Candle: white or purple

To Reach a Decision
Oil: lotus
Herb: rue
Incense: sage, acacia or lotus
Stone: agate or clear quartz crystal
Candle: yellow

Start a New Venture
Oil: cinnamon
Herb: nutmeg
Incense: cinnamon, rosemary or clove
Stone: agate, emerald
Color: green

Celebrate a Birth
Oil: rose
Herb: rose petals
Incense: frankincense or myrrh
Stone: lapis lazuli, rose quartz
Candle: pink or blue

Celebrate a Wedding Anniversary
Oil: rose
Herb: rose petals
Incense: frankincense or myrrh
Stones: aquamarine, sard
Candle: pink

In Memory of a Deceased Loved One
Oil: patchouli
Herb: patchouli
Incense: patchouli or lotus
Stones: four pieces of clear quartz crystal
Candle: lavender

Giving Thanks
Oil: lotus or frankincense
Herb: sage
Incense: frankincense, myrrh
Stones: amethyst, clear quartz crystal, iolite
Candle: white

General Healing #1
Oil: carnation, myrrh, and lavender
Herb: frankincense
Incense: lotus or lavender
Stone: amber, turquoise
Candle: green, gold, and lt. blue

General Healing#2
Oil: clove or gardenia
Herb: myrrh
Incense: jasmine, myrrh
Stones: beryl, fluorite
Candle: gold, green, and lt. blue

General Healing#3
Oil: gardenia
Herb: rue
Incense: sandalwood, gardenia
Stones: lapis, tourmaline
Candle: gold, lt. blue, green

Regain Health
Oil: carnation
Herbs: red sandalwood
Incense: carnation or rose
Stones: bloodstone, boil stones
Candle: green

Recovery from Surgery
Oil: lilac
Herb: pine needle
Incense: cedar, sandalwood
Stone: carnelian, boil stones
Candle: light blue

Purification
Oil: pine
Herb: rosemary
Incense: pine, frankincense, and rosemary
Stone: aquamarine, tourmaline
Candle: white

Banish Serious or Terminal Illness
Oil: myrrh, patchouli
Herb: rue
Incense: frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli, Vervain
Stone: black obsidian, black onyx
Candle: purple

Stop Interference in Your Love or Marriage
Oil: frangipani
Herb: bay leaf
Incense: frangipani or pine
Stone: moonstone, chrysocolla, and pyrite
Candle: indigo

Heal an Unhappy marriage or Relationship
Oil: rose
Herb: rose petals, yarrow
Incense: apple blossom, allspice, and sandalwood
Stone: agate, amethyst, lapis
Candle: pink

Win the Love of a Man
Oil: vanilla
Herb: catnip or ginger
Incense: vanilla or Ylang-Ylang
Stone: lodestone, aventurine, malachite
Candle: pink

Win the Love of a Woman
Oil: rose
Herb: rose petals
Incense: frangipani or rose
Stone: coral, lodestone, and rose quartz
Candle: pink

Find Perfect Mate
Oil: musk
Herb: rue
Incense: musk, patchouli
Stone: moss agate, clear quartz crystal, lapis, and rose quartz
Candle: green, pink

Release an Unwanted Person or Admirer
Oil: patchouli
Herb: lemon verbena
Incense: patchouli or rue
Stone: spectrolite, jade, clear quartz, agate, and malachite
Candle: black

Stop Slander and Gossip
Oil: juniper or lilac
Herb: clove or marjoram
Incense: cypress or pine
Stone: aquamarine, hematite, and agate
Candle: indigo

Rid Yourself of Negatives
Oil: pine
Herb: basil
Incense: cedar or Vervain
Stone: 2 pieces. Hematite or smoky quartz
Candle: purple, black, and silver

Binding Troublesome People
Oil: patchouli
Herb: patchouli
Incense: cypress or pine
Stone: jade, lapis, 2 pieces, black onyx
Candle: black

Release One from Enthrallment
Oil: cedar or dragons blood
Herb: Dragon’s blood
Incense: patchouli or myrrh
Stone: chalcedony, tourmaline, and malachite
Candle: black

Release from Psychic Attack or Ill-Wishing
Oil: patchouli, frankincense
Herb: patchouli
Incense: cedar or myrrh
Stone: smoky quartz, turquoise, black obsidian
Candle: black, silver

Remove Negative Vibrations or Spirits from a Home
Oil: vetivert or yarrow
Herb: Vervain, patchouli
Incense: frankincense, myrrh or patchouli
Stone: agate, clear quartz crystal, and bloodstone
Candle: black, silver

Remove Negative Vibrations or Spirits from a Person
Oil: vetivert or patchouli
Herb: vetiver or patchouli
Incense: frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli
Stone: agate, clear quartz crystal, black onyx, and black obsidian
Candle: black, silver

Bring Pressure on an Enemy
Oil: pine
Herb: bay laurel, clove
Incense: Dragon’s blood, pine, patchouli
Stone: aquamarine
Candle: orange, indigo

Uncross a Person
Oil: cedar or patchouli
Herb: Dragon’s blood or wormwood
Incense: cedar, myrrh, and patchouli
Stone: honey stone, mica, clear quartz crystal, black obsidian, black onyx,
Sard
Candle: purple, black

Protect Someone from Abuse
Oil: frankincense
Herb: bay laurel, frankincense
Incense: Dragon’s blood, frankincense, patchouli
Stone: jasper, lapis, smoky quartz, and black obsidian
Candle: black

Communicate with Spirits
Oil: yarrow, frankincense and myrrh
Herb: lavender
Incense: frankincense or lotus
Stone: amethyst, emerald, labradorite, moonstone, and sugalite
Candle: indigo, purple

Meet Your Spirit Guide
Oil: honeysuckle
Herb: mugwort
Incense: sandalwood, lotus
Stone: moss agate, lapis, moonstone, sugalite, and tourmaline
Candle: indigo, purple

Enhance Spiritual Growth
Oil: lotus
Herb: frankincense
Incense: lotus or sandalwood
Stone: amber, citrine, and lapis, ruby, sapphire
Candle: lavender, purple

Gain Spiritual Blessings
Oil: frankincense
Herb: frankincense
Incense: frankincense or lotus
Stone: amethyst, lapis, moldavite, and black tourmaline
Candle: blue, lavender

Strengthen Psychic Abilities
Oil: jasmine
Herb: wormwood or jasmine flowers
Incense: honeysuckle, mimosa or lotus
Stone: moss agate, moonstone, jet, blue topaz, purple tourmaline
Candle: silver, lavender, purple

Preparation for Divination
Oil: honeysuckle or myrrh
Herb: Orris
Incense: wisteria or lavender
Stone: amethyst, fluorite, moonstone, and clear quartz crystal
Candle: lavender, gold

Enhance Dreams/Find Spiritual Guide
Oil: jasmine or sage
Herb: marigold
Incense: frankincense or jasmine
Stone: agate, amethyst, jade, clear quartz crystal
Candle: dark blue

Strengthen Psychic Shield
Oil: yarrow, sage or lotus
Herb: peppermint
Incense: lotus, patchouli, and sandalwood
Stone: Tourmaline
Candle: silver

PREPARING FOR MAGICK

2008-02-08T05:12:41Z

PREPARING FOR MAGICK

* Gather everything you will need for your magick and bless and consecrate any items you will be using. Place these near your working area.

* Also make sure that you have a copy of your ritual outline ready also, unless you have memorized it or chose to create it spontaneously.

* Prepare your circle, i.e. make the boundaries, cleanse the area and generally make it neat and tidy. Don't cast the circle yet.

* Take a bath or shower. Lather yourself up and visualize yourself being cleansed as the water washes over your body.

* Unless you choose to perform your magick 'sky clad', get dressed in something loose and comfortable. Special clothing may be kept specifically for this purpose.

* Head back to your circle, cast it, and begin.

SPELLCRAFT ETHICS

2008-02-08T05:11:56Z

SPELLCRAFT ETHICS

1) As a general rule, don't cast spells on people without their knowledge. I realize that sometimes this may be necessary but generally you would get their permission first.

2) Never cast a spell intending to cause harm to another person. This
includes binding spells. These are used to bind another from hurting you, or others, but are not designed to cause direct harm.

3) Love spells are largely frowned upon. Forcing another to love you is considered very wrong.

4) Manipulation in general is considered morally wrong (this also covers #3). If you don't understand this completely, imagine how you would feel if suddenly someone was controlling your life...

5) Steer clear of greed when casting spells. Be especially careful when casting spells for money, that others aren't disadvantaged.

6) Always take spell work seriously, don't dabble just for the fun of it.

7) Make sure you are very specific when casting a spell. Know exactly what you are doing and what you want to achieve and there's less chance of things going wrong.

8) Always bear The Wiccan Rede in mind.

Why dont these spells work?!

2008-02-08T05:09:10Z

Why do spells work and sometimes they don't work? There are many things that contribute to a spell or ritual work properly and not one thing alone. All of the following combined together is what will make a Spell, Hex or Curse work and work well.

1. The Moon phase
2. The proper materials and supplies
3. The mental condition of the Practitioner
4. The will of the Universe
5. The experience of the practitioner
6. The Magical Energy built up by the Practitioner
7. Your belief in the magic you are working
8. The proper Spell

1. The Moon phase...
The proper Moon phase is one of the keys to success in
Spell casting. There are many Spells that I do on the night of the Full Moon for maximum effect and potency just as farmers may plant their seedlings during the Full Moon. The Moon effects everything and can effect our moods and actions. Ever notice that people seem to be more wound up and crazy during the Full Moon? I see it all the time. There are four phases of the Moon... New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon and the Waning Moon.

Each of these phases has a 7-day period for doing your Magical workings. If you add these phases up, you come up with the 28-day lunar month. The time period for each phase is... 3 days before to 3 days after. This gives you plenty of time to plan and do you Spell casting. Not everyone can plan on doing Magic on one certain day, so this opens the window of opportunity for those of you who have a busy schedule. Here is what the different phases are normally used for in Magic.

New Moon - This phase is very similar to the Waning Moon and used to rid ones self of things.

Waxing Moon - This phase is for doing Spells that might increase your gain such as money, power or other material things.

Full Moon - This the phase where I do my most important spells. For my beliefs are that my Magic is much more powerful during this phase. Most people like my friends only consider the Full Moon the actual day that it is the fullest and marked on the calendar. They do not know that the Moon has the same influence for a seven day period. Once again I personally prefer to work on the night of the Full Moon, at its fullest.

Waning Moon - This phase is normally for Spells that do away with things or make things go away. Such as making an enemy go away or a bad spirit or slander along with many other things.

2. The proper materials and supplies...
These are so very important, for one must have all the proper things needed for a spell. You may possibly need herbs, colored candles, Voodoo Dolls, oils and of coarse the proper spell. The herbs, colored candles and oils are specific ones that are associated with that type of spell. In other words they have a vibration that is related to the what you are trying to accomplish. For instance if you are doing a love spell you would not want to use green candles... you would want to use red candles and if you were doing a money spell you would not want to use red candles... you would use green. For Candles you can go to my Candle Magic page to see what color corresponds to what need. For oils and herbs there are many other sites out there and books that will tell you what corresponds to what. For Voodoo Dolls you can make you own out of wax or cloth material. It doesn't have to look like the victim because you are going to visualize it as being the victim. There may be a need for a Dagger to trace magical symbols in the air. Daggers can be purchased online quite easily.

3. The mental condition of the Practitioner... This is also very important. You must be in the right state of mind. If you are trying to do a love spell, you must have the emotion of love for that person to project out into the universe in order for it to manifest. In other words you cannot be angry or depressed when doing the love spell. The same goes for Black Magic Hexes and so forth... you must be worked up into rage or a very hate filled mood to project hate at the Victim. You cannot expect a Hex to work on someone if you are in a Jolly mood when performing the spell. Your mind must be in sync with the type of Spell you are doing. Plus you must believe in your work and not have doubts. How can you expect a spell to work if you don't believe in them but you want to try them just to see if they do work? You will get nothing from that.

4. The will of the Universe...
Many of you ask ... well how long will it take to work? That is up to the Universe as to when it will manifest. It could be a couple days or it could take weeks or a couple months. There have been many times I have done spells and had no quick results and then POOF! Two months later it happens! I had almost forgot about it. So be patient and have faith in your workings. Positive thinking = positive outcome.

5. The experience of the Practitioner...
The person casting the spells should have some experience or at least some good study and practice. Many of you out there, especially the younger ones expect that you can do a spell for the first time with no knowledge of how they work or why and have studied the Occult none whatsoever. I strongly advise you to study all aspects of the Occult and practice, practice, practice. Dabblers will get nowhere except hurt. Remember the more you practice Magic and do certain Rituals the more you will build up your powers and therefore be more potent in your spells.

6. The Magical Energy built up by the Practitioner...
This is one way to add potency to your Spells and Hexes. I am a Sorcerer and not a Witch so I will tell you what I do. I use the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram and the Middle Pillar Ritual. They serve to protect me and they build up my Aura and my Psychic and Magical powers. This covers all my grounds when doing Spells and makes me glow with power! I know
there are many different Rituals out there according to what you believe in so find the ones that suite your beliefs and get to work on them everyday of your life and you will see a difference in the quality of your life and the potency of your Magical doings.

7. Your belief in the magic you are working...
You must believe in your magical workings. If you don't, how can you expect them to work? You must have faith, be patient and you must believe! So many of you want to try some spells first to see if they work and then you'll decide to believe. That's not the way to do it! If you do not believe in the Occult and Magic, then I suggest you stay away from it. Word to the wise... Magic is not a game or something to just Dabble in or to be played with. Magic is a way of life.

8. The proper Spell...
Let's face it... you must have a good spell. Some of the spells out there are pure crap and some are really good. Some spells may work better for you than others, so experiment and keep a journal of your workings so that you will know which ones work best for you and which ones don't. Also just because a spell doesn't work for you doesn't mean that it is no good... you may have not been the right state of mind or maybe you didn't have the proper materials. All the above things on this page come into play. So like I said... keep a journal and find the Spells that work for you!

Superstitions, beliefs, omens and folklore

2008-02-08T05:07:28Z

Superstitions, beliefs, omens and folklore

"Things happen in threes" THEY REALLY DO!

Handed down through the ages of time are many different superstitions. It may be about a certain Charm or Amulet that you wear to protect, ward off, or attract certain things. Or it may be about every day things like a black cat crossing your path, or walking under a ladder. All these things I will try to show you, as I know them. Some of them may sound stupid, and some may sound more realistic. You make the ultimate decision on what to believe and what not to. You make your own truth!

ALL BELIEFS ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY:

ARROW - Symbol of desire and virility.
ARROW HEADS - Worn as an amulet to ward off evil.
BEES - Bearers of goodwill. It is a symbol of virginity.
BELLS - Symbolizes peace and non-violence. Used to ward off evil influences. Legend has it that demons cannot stand the sound of bells.
BALANCE - Symbolizes justice.
BORE - Symbolizes evil according to ancient Thebes.
BROOM - If a broom falls in your home... unwelcome company will come to visit you.
CATS - Cats worn on a broach or amulet bring good luck. A black cat crossing your path is considered bad luck.
CRACKS - Step on a crack, break your mothers back.
CRANE – a symbolic bird of the sun.
CROSSROADS - Considered to be the ultimate place to do black magic.
DOG - A dog following you home is a good omen.
DOG HOWLING - A dog howling foretells the death of someone nearby.
DOVE - The emblem of purity. A descending dove represents the Holy Spirit.
DRUMS - Symbols of fertility and sexuality.
EAGLE - Warn as an amulet it wards off harm.
EAGLE FEATHERS - Worn to bring prosperity.
EYE - symbolically represents intelligence and spirituality.
FIND MONEY ON THE GROUND - Good luck.
FIND A PIN ON THE GROUND - Good luck.
FORK - If a fork falls in your home...welcome company will call.
GARLIC - Worn around the neck wards off vampires.
GOAT - In some cultures it symbolizes the devil.
HAND - Worn as an amulet it protects against evil.
HORSE SHOE - Brings good luck when displayed.
MOON - It is considered bad luck to point at the moon anytime.
MOON ECLIPSE - A bad omen of a foreshadowed evil force prevailing.
METEORITES - Falling to the earth is a good omen. The black stone held sacred by Moslems is thought to be from a meteorite.
MIRRORS - To break a mirror is seven years bad luck.
OWL - A symbol of wisdom.
PALM - Symbolizes victory.
PIG - Good luck talisman for some, others consider it to be bad luck or taboo.
PINE CONE - A powerful protection amulet against evil forces.
PHOENIX - A legendary bird that represents resurrection.
RAINBOW - To see a rainbow is good luck. Legend has it that there is a pot of
Gold at the end of a rainbow.
RABBITS FOOT - Prosperity and the ultimate good luck.
SALT - Carried to ward off evil.
SHOOTING STAR - When seeing a shooting star if you make a wish it will come true!
SKULL - Used as a warning sign and represents our mortality.
SPIDER - If a spider lands on your clothes it is considered good luck.
THREE'S - Things happen in three's. And they do!
TIKI - A Tiki is a good luck charm when worn.
TOAD - An amulet to protect you from the evil eye.
TRIANGLE - Symbol of life and the Holy Trinity.

Wiccan, Witchcraft & Pagan Definitions

2008-02-08T05:05:57Z

Wiccan, Witchcraft & Pagan Definitions
Glossary

Aboriginal: Pagan tradition of the native Australian people.

Adept: An individual who, through serious study and accomplishments is considered highly proficient in a particular magickal system.

Akasha Spirit: The fifth element, the omnipresent spiritual power that permeates the universe.

Alchemy: A branch of High Magick developed in the middle Ages, which sought to magically and/or chemically turn base metals into gold.

Altar: A special, flat surface set aside exclusively for magickal workings or religious acknowledgment.

Amulet: A magically charged object, which deflects specific, usually negative energies. A protective object.

Ankh: An Egyptian hieroglyphic widely used as a symbol of life, love, and reincarnation. It is a cross with a looped top.

Arcana: The two halves of a tarot deck. The Major Arcana consists of 22 trumps; the Minor Arcana consists of 56 suit cards (sometimes called the lesser or lower Arcana).

Aspect: The particular principle or part of the Creative Life Force being worked with or acknowledged at any one time.

Asperger: A bundle of fresh herbs or a perforated object used to sprinkle water during or preceding ritual, for purification purposes.

Astral Plane: A place, which is generally conceptualized as an invisible parallel world, which remains unseen from our own solid world of form.

Astral Travel/Projection: The process of separating your astral body from your physical one to accomplish travel in the astral plane or dream time.

Astrology: The study of and belief in the effects the movements and placements of planets and other heavenly bodies have on the lives and behavior of human beings.

Athame: A cleansed and consecrated ritual blade. Usually double edged, and black handled. It is never used to cut anything on the physical plane. Pronounced several ways: Ah-THAM-ee ATH-ah-may ah-THAW-may.

Aura: The life-energy field, which surrounds all living things.

Automatic Writing: Form of divination where the channeler uses a pen, paper and an altered state of consciousness to receive messages.

Balefire: A fire lit for magickal purposes, usually outdoors. They are traditional on Yule, Beltane, and Midsummer.

Bane: That which destroys life, which is poisonous, destructive, dangerous.

Banish: To magically end something or exorcise unwanted entities. To rid the presence of evil spirits.

B.C.E.: Before Common Era. Synonymous with B.C. without religious bias.

Bells: Often used as ritual tools. They can be used to invoke directional energies, to ring in the sunrise on a Sabbat, or to frighten away faeries and baneful spirits.

Besom: A witch's broom.

Bi-Location: A type of astral projection during which you maintain awareness of your present surroundings.

Bind: To magickally restrain something or someone.

Blood of the Moon: A woman's menstrual cycle. Should this cycle occur over a Full Moon or New Moon, she is far more powerful than during any other time of the month, as long as she acknowledges this strength within herself.

Book of Shadows: A witch's book of spells, rituals, magickal lore. Much akin to a magickal cookbook. Also known as a BOS.

Boline: A white-handled knife, used in magick and ritual for purposes such as cutting herbs or piercing a pomegranate.

Burning Times: Reference to a historical time from around 1000 C.E. through the 17th century when it is said that up to nine million people were tortured and burned by church and public officials on the assumption that they were the Christian version of Witches. This turned into an extremely profitable venture, as all land and property was seized from the accused individual and portions given to the accuser (in reward fashion) and the remainder seized by the church officials. Historians indicate that the majority of people tortured and murdered were woman and children.

Call: Invoking Divine forces.

Cauldron: Linked to witchcraft in the popular mind, this symbolizes the Goddess, the waters of rebirth.

C.E.: Common Era. Synonymous with A.D. but without religious bias.

Celtic Knot: The drawings and carvings of the Celts often resulted in elaborate intertwined lines known popularly as Celtic knots, which were said to be inspired by sacred black snakes.

Celtic Tree Calendar: Druidic system of reckoning the thirteen lunar months of the year by assigning each a sacred tree which represents the character of the month.

Censer: A heatproof container in which incense is burned. It is associated with the element air.

Ceremonial Magick: A highly codified magickal tradition based upon Kabala, the Jewish-Gnostic mystical teachings.

Chakras: Seven major energy vortexes found in the human body. Each is usually
Associated with a color. They are: crown - white; third-eye - purple; throat - blue; chest - pink or green; navel - yellow; abdomen - orange; groin - red. Smaller vortexes are located in the hands and feet as well.

Chalice: A ritual tool. It represents the female principals of creation.

Charging: The act of empowering herbs, stones, or other magickal objects with one's own energies directed towards a magickal goal. Charging is synonymous with enchanting.

Channeling: A New Age practice wherein you allow a discarnate entity to "borrow" your body to speak to others either through automatic writing or verbally.

Chaplet: A crown for the head usually made of flowers and worn at Beltane.

Charge: The Originally written in modern form by Doreen Valiente, it is a story of the message from Goddess to Her children.

Charging: To infuse an object with personal power.

Charms: Either an amulet or talisman that has been charmed by saying an incantation over it and instilling it with energy for a specific task.

Circle: Sacred space wherein all magick is to be worked and all ritual contained. It both holds ritual energy until the witch is ready to release it, and provides protection for the witch.

Cleansing: Removing negative energies from an object or space.

Collective Unconsciousness: Term used to describe the sentient connection of all living things, past and present. See also Akasha Records.

Coming of Age Ritual: At age 13 for boys, and at the time of a girl's first menses, Pagan children are seen as spiritual adults. The ritual celebrates their new maturity. Generally this is the age when they are permitted membership in covens.

Cone of Power: Psychic energy raised and focused by either an individual or group mind (coven) to achieve a definite purpose.

Conscious Mind: The analytical, materially based, rational half of our consciousness. The part of our mind that is at work while we balance our checkbooks, theorize, communicate, and perform other acts related to the physical world.

Consecration: The act of blessing an object or place by instilling it with positive energy.

Coven: A group of thirteen or fewer witches that work together in an organized fashion for positive magickal endeavors or to perform religious ceremonies.

Coven stead: It is the meeting place of witches, often a fixed building or place where the witch can feel safe and at home.

Craft: Witchcraft

Crone: Aspect of the Goddess represented by the old woman. Symbolized by the
Waning moon, the carrion crow, the cauldron, and the color black. Her Sabbats are Mabon and Samhain.

Cross-Quarter Days: Refers to Sabbats not falling on the solstices or equinoxes.
Days of Power: See Sabbat. They can also be days triggered by astrological occurrences - your birthday, a woman's menstrual cycle, your dedication/initiation anniversary.

Dedication: The process where an individual accepts the Craft as their path and vows to study and learn all that is necessary to reach adept ship. It is a conscious preparation to accept something new into your life and stick with it, regardless of the highs and lows that may follow.

Deosil: Clockwise, the direction in which the shadow on a sundial moves as the Sun "moves" across the sky. Deosil is symbolic of life, positive magick, and positive energies.

Dirk: Ritual knife of the Scottish tradition.

Divination: The magickal art of using tools and symbols to gather information from the Collective Unconsciousness. This can be on people, places, things and events past, present, and future.

Divine Power: The unmanifested, pure energy that exists within the Goddess and God. The life force, the ultimate source of all things.

Dowsing: The divinatory art of using a pendulum or stick to find the actual location of a person, place, thing, or element.

Drawing Down the Moon: A ritual performed during the Full Moon by witches to empower themselves, and unite their essence with a particular deity, usually the Goddess.

Druids: Much speculation still continues on the role of Druids in Ireland. They were the priestly class of Irish society, and magicians, writers and poets, and royal advisors. Their power flourished from the second century B.C.E. to the second century C.E.

Dryads: Female Druids, the priestly class of Ireland. Scholars are divided on their role and function. This is also a term for tree dwelling spirits, which the Druids believed, inhabited the sacred trees.

Drawing Down the Sun: Lesser-known and lesser-used companion ritual to Drawing Down the Moon in which the essence of the Sun God is drawn into the body of a male witch.

Duality: The opposite of polarity. When used as a religious term, it separates two opposites such as good and evil and places those characteristics into two completely separate God-forms.

Earth Magick: The energy that exists within stones, herbs, flames, wind, and other natural objects. It is manifested divine power and can be utilized during magick to create needed change.

Earth Plane: Metaphor for your normal waking consciousness, or for the everyday, solid world we live in.

Elements: Usually: Earth, air, fire, and water. The building blocks of the universe. Everything that exists contains one or more of these energies. Some include a fifth element- spirit or Akasha.

Elementals: Archetypical spirit beings associated with one of the four elements. Elementals are sometimes called Faeries. Eleven Secretive traditions of the craft, which works closely with elemental beings.

Enchantment: A magickal object that must be kept absolutely secret and hidden from all human eyes and affects a hidden aura. They must be charmed first. Gems and magickal writing are good items to use.

Eostre's Eggs: Colored, decorated eggs of Ostara; named for the Teutonic Goddess Eostre.

Esbat: A ritual usually occurring on the Full Moon and dedicated to the Goddess in her lunar aspect.

Evocation: To call something out from within

Faerie: See Elemental

Faerie Burgh: Mound of earth, which covers a faerie colony's underground home.

Familiar: An animal that has a spiritual bone with a witch; many times a family witch. Familiars can also be entities that dwell on the astral plane.

Fascination: A mental effort to control another animal or person's mind. Also known as "mind-bending". Often considered unethical.

Folklore: Traditional sayings, cures, faerie tales, and folk wisdom of a particular locale which is separate from their mythology.

Folk Magick: The Practice of projecting personal power, as well as the energies within natural objects such as herbs, and crystals, to bring about needed changes.

Gaea/Gaia: Mother Earth.

Geimhreadh: "G'yim-ray-ah" winter, one of the two recognized Irish Pagan seasons. It begins at Samhain.

God: Masculine aspect of deity.

Goddess: Feminine aspect of deity.

Grain Dolly: Figure usually woven at Imbolc from dried sheaves of grain collected at the previous harvest. The dolly is traditionally burned at Yule and a new one made the following Imbolc.

Great Rite: Symbolic sexual union (also sacred marriage) of the Goddess and God that is enacted at Beltane in many traditions, and other Sabbats in other traditions. It symbolizes the primal act of creation from which all life comes.

Green Man: Another name for the God

Grimoire: A magickal workbook containing ritual information, formulae, magickal properties of natural objects and preparation of ritual equipment. Often used interchangeably with Book of Shadows.

Grounding: To disperse excess energy generated during magickal work by sending it into the earth. It also means the process of centering one's self in the physical world both before and after any ritual or astral experience.

Grove: Synonymous with coven.

Guardians: Ceremonial magicians use the Guardians of the Watchtowers or Four Quarters. Some witches use them, too.

Hand Fasting: A Pagan wedding. Traditionally contracted for a nine-year period, then renewed if agreed upon by both parties.

Herbalism: Art of using herbs to facilitate human needs both magickally and medicinally.

Higher Self: That part of us which connects our corporeal minds to the Collective Unconscious and with the divine knowledge of the universe.

Hiving Off: This term is used for a small coven, which splits off from a larger one. Sometimes this is done to keep the gatherings of a manageable size, other times covens split over philosophical differences.

Horned God: One of the most prevalent God-images in Paganism. NOT Satan or the Devil!!!

Imbolc: A Wiccan festival celebrated on February 2nd, also known as Candlemas, Feast of Pan and many other names. Imbolc celebrates the first stirrings of spring and recovery of the Goddess from giving birth to the Sun (the God) at Yule.

Initiation: A process whereby an individual is introduced or admitted into a coven. Usually a ritual occasion. Not to be confused with dedication.

Incense: Ritual burning of herbs, oils, or other aromatic items to scent the air during acts of magick and ritual, and to better help the witch attune to the goal of the working.

Invocation: To bring something in from without.

Jew-itch: Name coined by some Pagans of Jewish origin who are actively seeking out the pagan roots of their birth religion.

Kabbala: Mystical teaching from the Jewish-Gnostic tradition. Ceremonial Magick and the Alexandrian traditions are based in these teachings. Also, Qabala.

Kahuna: A practitioner of the old Hawaiian philosophical, scientific and magickal system.

Karma: The belief that one's thoughts and deeds can either be counted against them or added to their spiritual path across several life times.

Labrys: A double-headed ax, which symbolizes the Goddess in Her Lunar aspect. Has a root in ancient Crete.

Left-Hand Path: Refers to the practice of using magick to control others, to change the will of others, for personal gain. Generally frowned upon by true Wiccans and Witch's. Dark Magick.

Lia Fail: "Lee-ah Fawl" The Stone of Destiny, which was used in the crowning of the high kings of Ireland. Many regard it as the Irish equivalent of Excalibur in the Arthurian myths.

Libation: Ritually given portion of food or drink to a deity, nature spirit, or ghost.

Lughnasadh: "Loo-nas-sah" A Wiccan festival celebrated on August 1st, also known as August Eve, Lammas. Lughnasadh marks the first harvest, when the fruits of the Earth are cut and stored for the dark winter months, when the God also mysteriously weakens, as the days grow shorter.

Mabon: On or around September 21st, the autumn equinox, Wiccans celebrate the second harvest. Nature is preparing for winter. Mabon is a vestige of ancient harvest festivals, which, in some form or another, were once nearly universal among peoples of the Earth.

Macrocosm: The world around us.

Magick: The projection of natural energies (such as personal power) to being about needed change. Energy exists in all things: plants, stones, colors, sounds, movements, words, and us. Magick is the process of raising this energy, giving it purpose, and releasing it. Magick is a natural, not supernatural, practice, but is little understood. Magick is neither black nor white. It simply is. What the magician decides to do with the magick is another matter...

Magick Circle: A sphere constructed of personal power in which rituals are usually performed. Within it the witch is protected from outside forces. The sphere extends both above and below the surface of the ground.

Magickal System: The basic set of guidelines relating to the worship of specific Gods and Goddesses or cultural traditions.

Male Mysteries: Pagan study which attempts to reclaim the power and mystery of the old Gods for today's Pagan males.

Matrifocal: Term used to denote pre-patriarchal life when family clans centered around and lived near or on clan matriarch.

May Pole: Sexual symbol of Beltane representing the phallus.

Meditation: Reflection, contemplation- turning inward toward the self, or outward toward Deity or nature. Quiet times in which the practitioner may either dwell upon particular thoughts or symbols, or allow them to come unbidden.

Megalith: A huge stone monument or structure. Stonehenge is the best-known example of a megalith.

Menhir: A huge stone probably erected by early peoples for religious, spiritual, or magickal reasons.

Microcosm: The world within us.

Midsummer: The summer solstice, usually on or near June 21st, one of the Wiccan festivals and an excellent night for magick. Midsummer marks the point of the year when the Sun is symbolically at the height of its powers, and so too the God. The longest day of the year.

Mighty Ones, The: Being, deities or presences often invoked during Wiccan ceremony to witness or guard the rituals. The Mighty Ones are thought to be either spiritually evolved beings, once human, or spiritual entities created by or charged by the Goddess and God to protect the Earth and to watch over the four directions. They are sometimes linked with the Elements.

Monotheism: Belief in one supreme deity who has no other forms and/of displays no other aspects.

Mother: The aspect of the Goddess representing motherhood, mid-life, and fertility. She is represented by the full moon, the egg, the colors red and green. Her Sabbats are Midsummer and Lughnasadh.

Myth: Cycles Body of lore about any land or people that makes up their mythology.

Neo-Pagan: Literally, new Pagan. A member, follower or sympathizer of one of the newly formed Pagan religions now spreading throughout the world. All Wiccans are Pagan, but not all Pagans are Wiccan.

New Age: The mixing of metaphysical practices with a structured religion.

New Religion: Pagan term used in reference to Christianity.

Nursery Rhyme: Cute doggerel or poems supposedly written for the amusement of children. Much Pagan lore was hidden in these ditties during the years of witch persecutions.

Occult: Literal meaning is "hidden" and is broadly applied to a wide range of
Metaphysical topics, which lie outside the accepted realm of mainstream
Theologies.

Occultist: One who practices and or studies a variety of occult subjects.

Ogham: Celtic equivalent of the Teutonic runes. The ancient alphabet of the Celtic people.

Old Ones: The A term which refers to all aspects of the Goddess and God.

Old Religion: A name for Paganism as it pre-dates Christianity by at least 20,000 years.

Ostara: "O-star-ah" Occurring at the spring equinox, around March 21st, Ostara marks the beginning of true, astronomical spring, when snow and ice make way for green. As such, it is a fire and fertility festival, celebrating the return of the Sun, and God and the fertility of the Earth (the Goddess).

Pagan/Neo-Pagan: General term for followers of Wicca and other magickal, Shamanistic, and polytheistic Earth-based religions. Also used to refer to pre-Christian religious and magickal systems.

Paganing: When a baby is presented in circle to the Goddess and God, and given a craft name, which s/he will keep until, about 13 and can choose their own at their Coming of Age celebration.

Pantheon: A collection or group of Gods and Goddesses in a particular religious or mythical structure.

Pantheism: Belief in many deities who are really one because they are all merely aspects of the single creative life source. Paganism is pantheistic.

Passing Over Ritual: Ritual observed when a loved one has dies. This ceremony includes candle lighting, and then feasting and revelry.

PAST-LIFE REGRESSION: Act of using meditation or guided meditation to pass through the veil of linear time and perceive experiences encountered in a previous existence.

Path Working: Using astral projection, bi-location, or dreamtime to accomplish a specific goal. Also called vision questing.

Patriarchal: Term used to apply to the world since the Matrifocal clans that worshipped Goddesses were supplanted by codified religions that honor all-male deity(s).

Pendulum: A divinatory device consisting of a string attached to a heavy object, such as a quartz crystal, root, or ring. The free end of the string is held in the hand, the elbows steadied against a flat surface, and a question is asked. The movement of the heavy object's swings determines the answer. It is a tool which contacts the psychic mind.

Pentacle: A circle surrounding a five-pointed, upright star (pentagram). Worn as a symbol of a witch's beliefs. Many witches consider wearing it inverted to be blasphemy of their faith and is commonly associated with Satanism.

Pentagram: The basic interlaces five-pointed star, visualized with one point up. It represents the five elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. It is a symbol of power and protection.

Personal Power: The energy which sustains our bodies. It originates within the Goddess and God. We first absorb it from our biological mother within the womb, and later from food, water, the Moon and Sun, and other natural objects.

Polarity: The concept of equal, opposite energies. The Eastern Yin Yang is a perfect example. Yin is cold; yang is hot. Other examples: Goddess/God, night/day, Moon/Sun, birth/death, dark/light, psychic mind/unconscious mind. Universal balance.

Polytheism: Belief in the existence of many unrelated deities each with their own dominion and interests who have no spiritual or familial relationships to
one another.

Poppets: Anthropomorphic dolls used to represent certain human beings in magick spells.

Projective Hand: The hand thought to be the point through which personal power is sent from the body. Normally the hand used for manual activities such as writing, dialing the phone, etc. It is also the hand in which tools such as the athame and wands are held.

Psychic Mind: The subconscious, or unconscious mind, in which we receive psychic impressions. It is at work when we sleep, dream, and meditate. It is our direct link with the Divine, and with the larger, nonphysical world around us.

Psychism: The act of being consciously psychic, in which the psychic mind and
Conscious mind are linked and working in harmony. Also known as psychic
Awareness.

Qabala: see Kabbala

Receptive Hand: The hand through which energy is received into the body. The left hand in right-handed persons, the reverse for left-handed persons.

Rede: The Basic tenet of witchcraft. "An it harm none, do what thou will.

Reincarnation: The process of repeated incarnations in human form to allow evolution of the sexless, ageless soul.

Ritual Ceremony: A specific form of movement, a manipulation of objects or inner processes designed to produce desired effects. In religion ritual is geared toward union with the Divine. In magickal works it produces a specific state of consciousness that allows the magician to move energy toward needed goals.

Ritual Consciousness: A specific, alternate state of awareness necessary to the successful practice of magick. This state is achieved through the use of visualization and ritual. The conscious mind becomes attuned with the psychic mind, a state in which the magician senses energies, gives them purpose, and releases them toward a specific goal. It is a heightening of senses, an expanded awareness of the nonphysical world, a linking with nature and with Deity.

Ritual Tools: General name for magickal tools used by a witch or magician. They vary by tradition and usually represent one of the elements.

Runes: A set of symbols used both in divination and magickal work. There are several types will different origins- Scandinavian, Norse, Germanic.

Sabbat: A witch's festival.

Samhain: "Sow-een" A Wiccan festival celebrated on October 31st, also known as November Eve, Hallowmas, Halloween, Feast of Souls. Samhain marks the symbolic death of the Sun God and His passing into the "land of the young," where Heawaits rebirth of the Mother Goddess at Yule. This Celtic word is pronounced by Wiccan as: SOW-wen; SEW-wen; SAHM-hain; SAHM-ain; SAV-een and other ways. The first seems to be the one preferred among most Wiccans.

Scourge: Small device made from leather or hemp, which resembles a whip and is used in flagellation rites within some traditions.

Scrying: A method of divination. To gaze at or into an object (a quartz crystal sphere, a pool of water, reflections, a candle flame) to still the conscious mind in order to contact the psychic mind. Scrying allows the scryer to become aware of events prior to their actual occurrence, as well as to perceive past or present events through other than the five senses.

Shaman: A man or woman who has obtained knowledge of the subtler dimensions of the Earth, usually through periods of alternate states of consciousness. Various types of ritual allow the shaman to pierce the veil of the physical world and to experience the realm of energies. This knowledge lends the shaman the power to change his or her world through magick.

Shamanism: The practice of shamans, usually ritualistic or magickal in nature, sometimes religious.

Shamrock: Seamrog in Irish. A green, trifoliate clover, which has long been one of the principal symbols of Ireland. It has been associated with the Triple Goddess. In its rare form with four leaves it represents the four elements, and is
considered extremely lucky.

Shillelagh: Magickal tool corresponding to the staff in other traditions. Usually made from blackthorn wood.

Sigil: Magically oriented seal, sign, glyph, or other device used in a magickal
Working. Ones you create yourself are the most effective. Sigils can be used on letters, packages, clothing, etc.

Simple Feast: A ritual meal shared with the Goddess and God.

Sky Father: Shamanistic in origin. It assigns deification to the sky as a male entity.

Skyclad: The act of celebrating or performing magickal works in the nude. Considered deeply spiritual, NOT sexual.

Solitary: Pagan who works and worships alone.

Spell: A magickal ritual, usually non-religious in nature and often accompanied by spoken words. It should be clear, concise, focused and emotional. Need must be present.

Spiral: Symbol of coming into being.

Spirits of the Stones, The: The elemental emergies naturally inherent at the four directions of the magick circle, personified within the standing stones tradition as the "Spirits of the Stones." They are linked with the Elements

Staff: Ritual tool which corresponds to the wand or athame.

Stang: Ritual tool from Pagan Rome which resembles a two-pronged trident. Often used in place of the wand or circle.

Subconscious Mind: Part of the mind which functions below the levers we are able to access in the course of a normal working day. This area stores symbolic knowledge, dreams, the most minute details of every experience ever had by a person.

Summerland: The Pagan Land of the Dead.

Sympathetic Magick: Concept of likes attracts. Most common way spells are worked.

Talisman: An object charged with personal power to attract a specific force or energy to its bearer.

Tara: The palace oand hill in County Meath which was the home of the high kings of Ireland. A gathering place for Druids. A spiritual center and the seat of old
Irish law.

Tarot Cards: Set of 78 cards which feature pictures and symbols used to connect the diviner with the collective unconscious.

Tarologist: One adept at the art and science of handling the Tarot.

Threefold Law: Karmic principle that energy that is released is returned three times over.

Tirn Aill: "Teern Eel" Literally "Other Land." Another name for Tir-na-nog.

Tir-na-nog: "Teer-nah-nohk" "Land of the Forever Young." This is an Irish version of heaven. Tir-na-nog is presided over by the crone and her cauldron to which all life returns to await rebirth. In the Celtic traditions of Wales and Cornwall this is roughly the equivalent of the Arthurian Avalon.

Tradition: Branch of paganism followed by any individual Pagan or coven.

Trilithon: A stone arch made from two upright slabs with one lying atop these. They are featured in Stonehenge.

Triple Goddess: One Goddess in all of her three aspects: Maiden, Mother, Crone.

Tuatha De Danann: "Too-ah day Dawn-nann" Literally, the "People of the Goddess Dana." A semi-human race of people who are now some of Ireland's faery folk. They were one of the groups of invaders of Ireland in the Irish myth cycles. The Cauldron of Abundance which hold the secrets of life and death was one of their treasures.

Virgin: Youngest aspect of the Triple Goddess. Also know as the Maiden. Represented by the waxing moon, colors white and blue. Her Sabbats are
Imbolc and Ostara.

Vision Quest: Using astral projection, bi-location, or dream time to accomplish a specific goal. Also called path working.

Visualization: The process of forming mental images. Magickal visualization consists of forming images of needed goals during ritual. It is also used to direct personal power and natural energies for various purposes during magick, including charging and forming of the magick circle.

Wand: Ritual tool brought to the craft from ritual magick.

Warlock: Antiquated term misused in reference to a male Witch. It means oath-breaker or Liar. Most Pagans, Witch's find the term offensive.

Web Weaving: Networking with other magickal people via conversation, writing, e-mail, to gather information, which will mutually assist each party.

Wheel of the Year: One full cycle of the seasonal year.

White-Handled Knife: A normal cutting knife, with a sharp blade and white handle. It is used within Wicca to cut herbs and fruits, to slice bread during the simple feast and for other functions. Sometimes called the Boline.

Wicca: A modern Pagan religion with spiritual roots in the earliest expressions of reverence for nature. Some major identifying motifs are: reverence for both the Goddess and God; acceptance of reincarnation and magick; ritual observance of astronomical and agricultural phenomena; and the use of magickal circles for ritual purposes.

Wiccan Rede: This is the basic tenet of Witchcraft. "As ye harm none, do what thou will." The rede prohibits Witches from harming any other living thing, or from violating the free will of any living thing.

Wicce: Synonymous with Wicca. In some circles, Wicce is used for women and Wicca is used for men.

Widdershins: Counter-clockwise motion, usually used for negative magickal purposes, or for dispersing negative energies or conditions such as disease.

Wita: The Witchcraft tradition of Scotland which shares much of its lore, language, and customs with Irish Witta. Witans are also known as Witches.

Witch: A practitioner of folk magick, particularly that kind relating to herbs, stones, colors, wells, rivers, etc. It is used by some Wiccans to describe themselves. This term has nothing to do with Satanism.

Witchcraft: The craft of the witch- magick, especially magick utilizing personal power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colors, and other
natural objects. This belief system also has nothing to do with Satanism.

Witta: The modern Witchcraft tradition of Ireland. Wittans are also known as Witches.

Yggdrasil: One of the best known Tree of Life symbols. It unites all existence from the Underworld, to the Physical world.

Yule: A Wiccan festival celebrated on or about December 21st, marking the rebirth of the Sun God from the Earth Goddess. A time of joy and celebration during the miseries of winter. Yule occurs on the winter solstice. Most of its traditions come from the Pagan holiday, Saturnalia.

Celtic knowledge

2008-02-08T05:04:30Z

Celtic magic

Celtic Sacred Trees and Woods

To the Celts and many other peoples of the old world, certain trees hold special significance as a fuel for heat, cooking, building materials and weaponry. In addition to this however, many woods also provided a powerful spiritual presence. The specific trees varied between different cultures and geographic locations, but those believed to be "sacred" shared certain traits. Unusual size, beauty, the wide range of materials they provided, unique physical characteristics, or simply the power of the tree's spirit could grant it a central place in the folklore and mythology of a culture. Even our modern culture finds that certain trees capture our imagination. The mighty oak, the mystical yew and so many others are reminders of the power that trees have on our lives. Trees are living things, filled with the essence and energy and the Elementals and Mother Earth with an aura of power, which is visible to those who are in total balance and harmony. The lore, which surrounds a particular tree, reflects the power the old ones sensed and drew from their presence.

ALDER
This tree was sacred to the Druids. The pith is easily pushed out of green shoots to make whistles. Several shoots bound together by cordage, can be trimmed to the desired length for producing the note you want and used to entice Air elementals. The old superstition of "whistling up the wind" began with this custom.

APPLE (Domestic)
It is said that you may cut an apple into three pieces, then rub the cut side on warts, saying: "Out warts, into apple." Then bury the pieces and as the apple decays, the warts will disappear. Use apple cider in any old spells calling for blood or wine. Apple indicates choice, and is useful for love and healing magic. The apple is a sacred tree to the Druids.

ASH
Druid wands were often made of ash because of its straight grain. Ash wands are good for healing, general and solar magic. Put fresh ash leaves under your pillow to stimulate psychic dreams.

BIRCH
Known as Lady of the Woods, Paper Birch and White Birch. Carefully gather strips of the bark at the New Moon. With red ink, write on a birch strip: "Bring me true love." Burn this along with a love incense, saying "Goddess of love, God of desire, Bring to me sweet passion's fire." The specific name of a god/goddess may be added.

Or cast the bark into a stream or other flowing water, saying:

"Message of love, I set you free, to capture a love and return to me."

***Remember*** It is unwise to use this incantation and ritual directed toward a specific person as that would violate the rule. If a love is to come to you, it must be of that person’s free will to do so.

BLACKTHORN
Blackthorn is a winter tree. Its white flowers are seen even before the leaves in the spring. It is black barked with vicious thorns and grows in dense thickets. The wood is used in the cudgel shillelagh and Blasting Stick. Its thorns are used to pierce waxen images. Blackthorn indicates strong action of fate or outside influences that must be obeyed.

BROOM
Also known as Scotch Broom or Irish Broom. It can be substituted for furze (gorse) at the Spring Equinox. The Irish called it the "Physician's power" because of its diuretic shoots. Sweep your outside ritual areas with it to purify and protect. Burning the blooms and shoots calms the wind. Be cautious if you plant Broom however, it will quickly multiply....

CEDAR
Also known as the Tree of Life, Arbor Vitae, and Yellow Cedar. Ancient Celts on the mainland used cedar oil to preserve the heads of enemies taken in battle. To draw Earth energy and ground yourself, place the palms of your hands against the ends of the leaves.

ELDER
Also known as Ellhorn, Elderberry, and Lady Elder. Sacred to the White Lady and Midsummer Solstice. The Druids used it to both bless and curse. Standing under an elder tree at Midsummer, like standing in a Fairy Ring of mushrooms, will help you see the "little people." Elder wands can be used to drive out evil spirits or thought forms. Music on panpipes or flutes of elder have the same power as the wand. Remember the words of the Rede. Elder is the Lady's Tree, burn it not or cursed ye be!

ELM
Elm is a slightly fibrous, tan-coloured wood with a slight sheen. It is often associated with Mother and Earth Goddesses, and was said to be the abode of faeries, explaining Kipling's injunction; "Ailim be the lady's tree; burn it not or cursed ye will be". Elm wood is valued for it's resistance to splitting, and the inner bark was used for cordage and chair caning. Elm adds stability and grounding to a spell.

FIR
Fir is a very tall slender tree that grows in mountainous regions on the upper slopes. Fir cones respond to rain by closing and the sun by opening. Fir can see over great distance to the far horizon beyond and below. Fir indicates high views and long sights with clear vision of what is beyond and yet to come.

FIR (SILVER)
Also known as the Birth Tree. The needles are burned at childbirth to bless and protect the mother and baby.

FURZE
Also known as Gorse, Whin. Its golden flowers are associated with the Spring Equinox. Wood and blooms are burned for protection and preparation for conflict of any sort.

HAWTHORN
Also known as May Tree and White Thorn. Wands made of this wood are of great power. The blossoms are highly erotic to men. Hawthorn can be used for protection, love and marriage spells.

HAZEL
Wands made of this wood symbolize white magick and healing. Forked sticks are used to find water or buried treasure. If outside and in need of maigckal protection quickly draw a circle around yourself with a hazel branch. To enlist the aid of plant fairies, string hazelnuts on a cord and hang up in your house or ritual room. Magically, hazel wood is used to gain knowledge, wisdom and poetic inspiration.

HOLLY
A beautiful white wood with an almost invisible grain; looks very much like ivory. Holly is associated with the death and rebirth symbolism of winter in both Pagan and Christian lore and is important to the Winter Solstice. In Arthurian legend, Gawain (representing the Oak King of summer) fought the Green Knight, who was armed with a holly club to represent winter. It is one of the three timbers used in the construction of chariot wheel shafts. It was used in spear shafts also. The qualities of a spear shaft are balance and directness, as the spear must be hefted to be thrown, the holly indicates directed balance and vigor to fight if the cause is just. Holly may be used in spells having to do with sleep or rest, and to ease the passage of death. A bag of leaves and berries carried by a man is said to increase his ability to attract women.

JUNIPER
Its berries were used with thyme in Druid and Grove incenses for visions. Juniper grown by the door discourages thieves. The mature berries can be strung and hung in the house to attract love.

MISTLETOE
Also known as Birdlime, All Heal and Golden Bough. It was the most sacred tree of the Druids, and ruled the Winter Solstice. The berries are poisonous! Bunches of mistletoe can be hung as an all-purpose protective herb. The berries are used in love incenses.

OAK
Oak has been considered sacred by just about every culture that has encountered the tree, but it was held in particular esteem by the Celts because of its size, longevity, and nutritious acorns. The oak was the "King of Trees" in a grove. Magick wands were made of its wood. Oak galls, known as Serpent Eggs, were used in magickal charms. Acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers. The Druids and Priestesses listened to the rustling oak leaves and the wrens in the trees for divinatory messages. Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere. It can be used in spells for protection, strength, success and stability; the different varieties will lend their own special 'flavor' to the magic.

PINE
The Pine tree is an evergreen; its old title was "the sweetest of woods." To the Druids it was known as one of the seven chieftain trees of the Irish. Mix the dried needles with equal parts of juniper and cedar and burn to purify the home and ritual area. The cones and nuts can be carried as a fertility charm. Placing pine needles in a loose-woven bag makes a good magickal cleansing and stimulating bath and running bath water over it. To purify and sanctify an outdoor ritual area, brush the ground with a pine branch.

ROWAN
Also known as Mountain Ash, Witch wood and sore Apple has long known as an aid and protection against enchantment. Sticks of the Rowan were used to carve Runes on. Rowan spays and crosses were placed over cattle in pens and over homes for protection. Its lovely red berries feed the birds in winter. The berries have a tiny pentagram on them and are especially poisonous. The pentagram is the ancient symbol of protection. The Rowan tree indicates protection and control of the senses from enchantment and beguiling. The Rowan was sacred to the Druids and the Goddess Brigit. It is a very magical tree used for wands, rods, amulets and spells. A forked Rowan branch can help find water. Wands are for knowledge, locating metal and general divination.

WILLOW
Also known as White Willow, Tree of Enchantment and Witches' Aspirin. One of the seven sacred trees of the Irish, the willow is a Moon tree sacred to the White Lady, Its groves were considered so magickal that priests, priestesses and all types of artisans sat among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills and prophecies. For a wish to be granted, ask permission of the willow, explaining your desire. Select a pliable shoot and tie a loose knot in it while expressing what you want. When the wish is fulfilled. Return and untie the knot. Remember to thank the willow and leave a gift.

YEW
Also known as English Yew and European Yew. It is another important tree to the Winter Solstice, and the deities of death and rebirth. It is a beautifully smooth, gold-colored wood with a wavy grain. The Irish used it to make dagger handles, bows and wine barrels. The wood or leaves were laid on graves as a reminder to the departed spirit that death was only a pause in life before rebirth. All parts of the tree are poisonous except the fleshy covering of the berry, and its medicinal uses include a recently discovered treatment for cancer. The yew may be the oldest-lived tree in the world. Ancient yews can be found in churchyards all over Britain, where they often pre-date even the oldest churches. There are some convincing arguments for it being the original 'World-tree' of Scandinavian mythology. The Yew may be used to enhance magical and psychic abilities, and to induce visions.

FLOWERS AND TREES

Acorn - Achievement, Effort
Almond - Prosperity
Apple - Love, Increasing Magick, Beauty, Harmony
Ash - Healing, Protection
Bamboo - Spiritual
Birch - Fertility, Purification, Rebirth
Chestnut - Prosperity
Elder - Healing
Eucalyptus - Healing
Hazel - Fertility, Increasing Magick
Holly - Protection, Banishing Conflict
Lime - Restore Health
Mulberry - Protection
Oak - Protection, Fertility, Strength, Courage, Truth
Pine - Spiritual, Fertility
Rowan - Protection
Willow - Purification, Love, Increasing Magick, Wishes

The Celtic Tree Calendar

Beth (Birch) December 24 to January 20
Luis (Rowan) January 21 to February 17
Nion (Ash) February 18 to March 17
Fearn (Alder) March 18 to April 14
Saille (Willow) April 15 to May 12
Uath (Hawthorn) May 13 to June 9
Duir (Oak) June 10 to July 7
Tinne (Holly) July 8 to August 4
Coll (Hazel) August 5 to September 1
Muin (Vine) September 2 to September 29
Gort (Ivy) September 30 to October 27
Ngetal (Reed) October 28 to November 24
Ruis (Elder) November 25 to December 22

December 23 is not ruled by any tree for it is the traditional day of the proverbial "Year and a Day" in the earliest courts of law.

Woods
Types and Uses

The ancient Celtic tree alphabet was used by the followers of the Old Religion to construct a language of the trees that could be used in conjunction with the occult symbolism of each of the trees. When translated from the ancient tongue we find the following trees referenced often: Elm, Birch, Hazel, Oak, Aspen, Alder, Ivy, Yew, Rowan, Ash, Pine, Willow, Elder, and Spindle. These trees, along with others, will be covered. From early times, there have been the sacred groves and the sacred tree. Individual trees of particular species have been revered, the kind varying with the divine force represented. Oak and Cedar are obvious examples of father emblems as Willow and Hazel are mother emblems. The androgynous Pine and the world bearing Ash also have their place in our folklore. The symbolisms of the woods are very important in the construction of any magical tool. A complete description of the various woods and their uses is impossible in a limited space but we will cover as much as possible.

OAK
The oak tree is the tree of Zeus, Jupiter, Hercules, The Dagda (The Chief of the Elder Irish gods), Thor and all other Thunder Gods. The royalty of the Oak needs no enlarging upon. The Oak is the tree of endurance and triumph, and like the Ash, is said to count the lightings' flash. The Oak is a male wood, which is ideal for the construction of any tool that needs the male influence such as Athames, certain wands and staffs. The midsummer fire is always Oak and the need fire is always kindled in an Oak log.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Endurance, triumph, strength, power, dominion, prosperity, sacrifice, guardian, liberator.

BIRCH
With the exception of the mysterious elder, the Birch is the earliest of the forest trees. The Birch is used extensively in cleansing rituals. Throughout Europe, Birch twigs are used to expel evil spirits. Birch rods are also used in rustic rituals to drive out the spirits of the old year.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Controlled by the lunar influences. Birth, healing, Lunar workings, and protection.

HAZEL
The Hazel is a tree of wisdom. In England, all the knowledge of the arts and sciences were bound to the eating of Hazel nuts. Until the seventeenth century, a forked Hazel stick was used to divine the guilt of persons in cases of murder and theft. We have retained the practice of divining for water and buried treasure.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Wisdom, intelligence, inspiration, wrath.

ALDER
The Alder is the tree of fire. In the battle of the trees, the Alder fought in the very front line. It is described as the very "battle witch" of all woods, the tree that is hottest in the fight. From the alder, you can make three different dyes, red from its bark, green from its flowers, and brown from its twigs; this symbolizes the elements of fire, water and earth. The Alder wood is the wood of the witches. Whistles may be made of this wood to summon and control the four winds. It is also the ideal wood for making the magical pipes and flutes. To prepare the wood for use, beat the bark away with a willow stick while projecting your wishes into it. The Alder is a token of resurrection.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Controlling the four winds, banishing and controlling Elementals and resurrection. Making magical dyes.

IVY / VINE
The Ivy was sacred to Osiris as well as to Dionysus. Vine and Ivy come next to each other at the turn of the year, and are jointly dictated to resurrection. Presumably, this is because they are the only two trees that grow spirally. The Vine also symbolizes resurrection because its strength is preserved in the wine.
OCCULT ASPECTS: (VINE): Faerie work, Joy, Exhilaration, Wrath, Rebirth. (IVY): Fidelity, Constancy, Love, and Intoxication.

YEW
The Yew is known as the death tree in all European countries. Sacred to Hecate in Greece and Italy. Yew wood makes excellent bows, as the Romans learned from the Greeks. This strengthened the belief that Yew was connected with death. Its use in England is recalled in Macbeth where Hecate's cauldron contained:"... Slips of Yew, slivered in the moon eclipse." The Silver Fir of birth and the Yew of death are sisters. They stand next to each other in the circle of the year and their foliage is almost identical.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Destructive workings concerning death. Not recommended for magical tools. "...For I am the tomb to every hope.

ROWAN
The Rowan is seen as the tree of life. It is also known as Mountain Ash, Quick beam, The Witch or Witch Wand. In the British Isles, Rowan is used as a protection against lightning and magical charms of all sorts. In ancient Ireland, the Druids of opposing forces would kindle a fire of Rowan and say an incantation over it to summon spirits to take part in the battle. The Rowan is also used for many healing purposes. The "Quick beam" is the tree of quickening. Another use was in metal divining. In Ireland, a Rowan stake was hammered through a corpse to immobilize the spirit.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Divination, healing, astral work, protection.

ASH
The Ash is sacred to Poseidon and Woden. The Ash is considered to be the father of trees. The Ash is the tree of sea power, or of the power resident in water. Special guardian spirits reside in the Ash; this makes it excellent for absorbing sickness. The spirally carved druidical wand was made of Ash for this purpose.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Sea power, karmic laws, magical potency, healing, protection from drowning.

PINE
External symbol of life and immortality. It is one of the few trees that are androgynous. The ancients also worshiped it as a symbol of fire because of its resemblance to a spiral of flame. It is regarded as a very soothing tree to be near. OCCULT ASPECTS: Strength, life and immortality, rejuvenation

WILLOW
The Willow was sacred to Hecate, Circe, Hera, and Persephone, all death aspects of the Triple Moon Goddess, and was often used by the Witches in Greece. The moon owns it. Female symbol. It is the tree that loves water most and is sacred to the Moon Goddess who is the giver of dew and moisture, generally. The Willow is the tree of enchantment. Can be made into a tool to make wishes come true.
OCCULT PURPOSES: Moon magic, psychic energy, healing, inspiration, fertility

ELDER
A waterside tree, the Elder has white flowers that bloom to their peak in midsummer (as is also true for the Rowan) thus making the Elder another aspect of the White Goddess. The Elder is also said to be the crucifixion tree. The inner bark and the flowers have long been famous for their therapeutic qualities.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Witchcraft, banishment, magical art, waters of life.

HAWTHORN
The Whitethorn or Hawthorn or May Witch takes its name from the May. It is a generally unlucky tree and its name, translated from the Irish Brehon Laws, had the meaning "harm". The Goddess, under the name Cardea, cast spells with the Hawthorn. In many cultures, the month of the Hawthorn (May) is a month of bad luck for marriages. The Hawthorn blossom, for many men, has the strong scent of female sexuality and was used by the Turks as an erotic symbol. The monks of Glastonbury perpetuated it and sanctified it with an approving tale that the staff of Joseph and the Crown of thorns was made of Hawthorn.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Purification, enforced chastity, male potency, cleansing.

HOLLY
Holly means "holy". The identification of the pacific Christ with the Holly is poetically inept a it is the Oak king, not the Holly king that is crucified on a T shaped cross. The Holly has many uses form making a dye from its berries to being used as an aphrodisiac.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Holiness, consecration, material gain, physical revenge, beauty

WHITE POPLAR
The tree of the Autumn Equinox and of old age is the shifting leaved White Poplar, or Aspen, The shield maker’s tree. Heracles bound his head in triumph with popular after killing the giant Cacus (the evil one). The Black poplar was a funeral tree sacred to the Mother Earth. Plato makes a reference to the use of Black poplar and Silver Fir as an aid in divination. The Silver Fir standing for hope assured and the Black Poplar for loss of hope. In ancient Ireland, the coffin makers measuring rod was made of Aspen, apparently to remind the dead that this was not the end.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Hope, rebirth, divinations.

This concludes trees referenced to be in use in Europe. However, I thought there might be interest in a few local trees.

ALMOND
Almond has a very sweet natural being. Aids in self-protection.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Fruitfulness, virginity

APPLE
It is an old English custom to drink to the health of the Apple tree with a good glass of cider all in hopes of encouraging the tree to produce a good crop next year.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Fertility

COCONUT
The Coconut is feminine and very fertile. The shell represents the womb, and the milk, fertility.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Protection from negative psychic forces.

FIG
The Fig is androgynous. The fruit representing the feminine and the triple lobed leaves suggest the masculine force.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Balance

MISTLETOE
The mistletoe was sacred to the Druids and to the Norse. It was considered to be the great healer and has both male and female qualities. It was so well regarded by the Norse (because it was sacred to Freya) that they refused to fight in the vicinity of Mistletoe. The custom of hanging Mistletoe in the house to promote peace comes from this. Generally regarded today as a symbol of love and purity.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Love, fertility, sexual potency.

PALM
Is regarded as particularly powerful because of its incredible durability and because it is self-renewing, never changing its leaves. Aids in rejuvenation.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Resurrection, and the cycle and matrix of life

PEACH
The Peach is an emblem of marriage.
OCCULT ASPECTS: Abundance, fruitfulness, happiness.

This concludes this short treatise on the various woods, their types and uses. This information was passed to me through various sources, and no claim is made as to its accuracy.

Moon Cookies

2008-02-02T10:02:39Z

I thought today I’d share with you the “Easy Esbit Moon Cakes Recipe”. A favorite in my community it’s expected that I bring them to all gathering, also my mead. These make great ‘Cakes’ for the Cakes and Ale in ritual. They also work well for general cookies shared at festivals.

¼ Cup Shortening

¼ cup butter

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup milk

½ Tsp Almond Extract

½ Tsp Vanilla

2 cups flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

Cream first 3 ingredients. Add remaining ingredients, mixing with wooden spoon. Add more milk or flower if needed. Roll dough into 1/8-1/4 inch thickness on flour surface and cut out shapes. I use a glass to make full moons and a cookie cutter for crescents, sometimes stars for Solstices. Bake at 350 F for 8-9 minutes on cookie sheet. Remove from sheet once cooled.