Friday Form A Circle - The Omen Quest Divination Ritual

The Omen Quest
Divination Ritual
Source Unknown

The Omen Quest is based on the folk traditions of Scotland and other Celtic countries and is described and detailed in some of Tom Cowan's books on shamanism and Celtic shamanism. To the Celts, the places that were betwixt and between were doorways into the unseen world and the careful observer could tap into the magic of such places and receive information. Omens are observations of the everyday world around you. The positioning of a tree branch or the reflection of the sun on a puddle, suddenly take on new significance.

To do the omen quest, form a question that you would like answered. This is not the time for yes or no questions, something more complicated. The Summer Solstice is the time when our planting and planning of Imbolc, Ostara, and Beltane should becoming manifest. Once you have your question, go outside. Being in a natural place is always better, but there's no reason not to do it in a city. Spirit is everywhere. When your outside, find a betwixt and between place. Betwixt and Between is a border where you are neither in one place or another. Here are some examples:

• The Solstice - We are on the border of the growing light and the growing dark time of the year.
• Dawn/Dusk - The border of day and night - more importantly, not day or night.
• In A Doorway - neither in the house nor out of the house
• With Clothes On But No Shoes - neither dressed nor undressed
• In A Gate - neither in nor out
• On The Curb - neither in the street nor on the sidewalk
• In The Shadow Of A Tree - not beneath the tree but under the tree
• Shadows Of Any Kind - in the sun, not in the sun
• Edge Of The Water/In The Surf - neither on land nor in the water

Find your betwixt and between place. The more betwixt and between, the better. Take some deep breaths and ground and center. The reports in folklore ask you to "say your prayers and charms." So call on the help of the powers that are important to you, spirit guides, guardian angels, Gods, Goddesses, ancestors etc...

Think of your question. With that in mind turn to the East, close your eyes and ask - Where am I? Wait with your eyes closed until you feel a signal or an urge to open them. What is the first thing you see/experience? This is your omen. Now, the omens are simple every day things like:

• oak tree
• bird flying
• bird flying south
• sound of a hammer banging
• golden glow on the horizon
• woman in red dress approaching

Write down your first impressions with appropriate adjectives:

• dying oak tree
• knobby oak tree
• young oak tree
• oak tree with two trunks

If you write down an omen that sounds like: yellow 1954 Volkswagen beetle with flat tire. Crying woman with bleached blond hair sitting inside. Child on skateboard passing car on sidewalk heading S-SW on boulevard as hot dog man shouts, "Get 'em while their hot!" You missed it. Probably only one of those things is the first thing you saw. So keep that in mind. Write it down and move into the other three directions doing the same.

Turn to the South, close your eyes and ask - What is my strength?

Turn to the West, close your eyes and ask - Where am I going?

Turn to the North, close your eyes and ask - What is my power?

These are questions about your main question, what is my power in this situation/problem/change of life? Thank the powers and guardians you asked to help you.

Now is the time to interpret your omens. Some will be obvious to you. Remember, these were given to you and were chosen, because you would be able to know what they mean. So if you see lavender waving in the breeze, don't grab every herb lore book to find out what lavender means, what does it mean to you? Some will not be so obvious. I was once given an omen of a young oak waving in the breeze for my strength. To interpret it, I did a meditation and saw myself becoming the young oak. By shape-shifting into the oak, I saw the world through its eyes and its relationship to the rest of the forest. I realized that the message it was trying to give me was about living in community. My strength was community. Some other things may be confusing because you can't tell what you're seeing. I spotted a rock at the base of a tree as an omen. I went closer to the rock and it had painted on it "Believe". So, I think the omen in this case was not the rock, but the message "believe". Tom Cowan gives the example of the "golden glow." On further investigation, it turned out to be the sun reflecting on a yellow pool cover. Based on the person he was questing for and their discussions, they decided the omen had to do with the golden glow and not a pool cover. So, think on your omens. Journal and meditate on them. In the end, they will give you answers.

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Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Friday Form A Circle – Beltane Ritual

Beltane Ritual
Adapted from a Ritual found at
Lady Bridgte’s Wiccan Ways 
Original written by Lady Bridget and Lady Therese 1997

Cleanse area with besom.
Cast the circle in your usual manner.
Cleanse and bless the participants in your usual manner.

(Please note – I have set up the circle with the associations I use. If you feel differently, if you follow generally accepted principles, you would then want to rearrange the directional/elemental associations to suit your belief system). Also, it seems a good place to note that I work with dragons whenever possible, and when I perform ritual, I call dragons for protection. Again, if this is not your path, and you aren’t familiar with dragon, you should probably replace the invocation of the dragons with whatever protective beings you work with regularly.

Invoke Dragons

East - Earth

All Hail to thee, Dragons of the East, keepers of the powers of earth. Guarding the womb of the Earth Mother, dark protectors of the new seed. The shelter of the stag and the new born fawn. Carpet of fallen leaves be our bed. The soil that is the flesh, the mountain that is the breast, and the earth that is the bone of the world. We call you now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

South - Fire

All Hail to thee, Dragons of the South, the powers of fire. Keepers of the spark of lust which leads to all Creation, the Sacred Fire of Life. Guarding the Flame of power, burning bright, giving guidance in the night. Love is the inner spark, the light that burns without flicker, the amber glow within. We call you now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

West - Water

All Hail to thee, Dragons of the West, Keepers of the powers of water. The tides of the ocean, where all life began, the rivers and streams that feed and nourish the earth. When we thirst, let your tears fall upon us as gentle rain. Thou art guardian to the dark sea from which all life comes, and unto which all life returns. We call you now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

North - Air

All Hail to thee, Dragons of the North, Keepers of the powers of air. Guardians of the gentle breezes that soften winter's chill and the cleansing force of the gale winds. Oh, ye of the South Wind, place of storms and breath of life. In the coolness of the breeze we hear your sighs, and in the rushing of the wind. We call you now to aid us in our rites. So Mote It Be.

(At this time the dragons have been called in and we now prepare to call upon the Gods and Goddesses. We have called upon a Goddess and God from each direction for this ritual.)

IInvoking the Goddesses and Gods

(face east)

Oh Father Gods of death and hunting, Cernunnos, Ra, and Herne. Even as you dwell within the temple of death, so you dwell within the Secret Seed, seed of the grain, seed of the flesh, hidden of the earth. For you are He who is the gatekeeper at the end of time, we hear the thunder of your hooves upon the shore. You are He whom all must face at the appointed hour, yet you are not to be feared, for you are father, brother, lover and son. We ask that you join us if for but a moment to witness our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(face south)

Oh Warrior Gods of protection and virility, Osiris, Llew, Pan. Oh laughing God of the greenwood, with your pipes and cloven hooves, shepherd of creatures free and wild. Beyond the doorway of time and out into the night, in search of mystery and the wonder of light. Crackling with energy under our skin, red lion roaring, pulses racing, we are open - Come in! Join us, if for but a moment, to witness our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(face west)

Oh, Goddesses of all beginnings, Cybele, Astarte, Yameya, Isis, be among us now in your aspect as Maiden of the Forest and Sea. The fair one who brings joy and new life to break the winter's stillness and silence. Oh virgin child of sunrise, wild mistress of the hunt, Artemis of the mountains, and Aphrodite of the oceans, we ask that you join us if for but a moment to witness our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(face north)

Oh Goddesses of nurturing and fulfillment, Bridget, Demeter, Cerridwen, Diana. In full knowledge of the seed that you bear, we await your life, your freedom, and your light, as part of all light that flows eternally. You, the mirror of the whole kindred, of star, of stone, and of greenwood tree. Turn life's great wheel and make us ever better from life to life to life. We ask that you join us if for but a moment to witness our rites and bless your hidden children. Blessed Be.

(At this time it is appropriate if you wish to do a maypole dance to go ahead to this section on erecting the pole and doing the dance. If the dance is to be done at another time, then go straight on to the lighting of the Bel fires.)

High Priestess - Before we begin this glorious age old dance of the maypole, it is customary to bless and consecrate both the pole, which is the representation of the God's regenerative life force, the phallus, and the earth, which represents the fertility of the Goddess, the vagina.

Consecrating the Earth

(dig the hole now if it is not already there.)
(pour a libation of oil or wine into the hole)

High Priestess: Earth Mother, may this offering prepare you to receive this symbol of your consort, our Lord.

Consecrating the Pole

(the men bring the pole in, marching in a rhythmic manner, two steps forward, and rock one step back, as is usual in a courtship! It is also appropriate for them to grunt. They turn the pole over to the High Priest)

High Priest: Blessed be this tree, vehicle of our Lord, which shall soon enter our Mother the Earth.

(at this time all ladies come forward and rub the oil all over the pole, chanting is appropriate, as are other more suggestive sounds! Each person then comes forward and ties a ribbon to the end of the pole, the color of the ribbon should have significance to the person. The pole is then erected into the earth, with as much flourish and noises as is deemed appropriate to those present.)

High Priestess: This is a time for joy and a time for sharing. The richness of the soil accepts the seed, and now is the time that seeds should be spilled. Togetherness brings joy and abundance fills the Earth. Let us celebrate the planting of abundance. All of you friends look upon the pole, seeing in your mind's eye the pure life force rising through it from the earth, blossoming overhead, and cascading down through us...flowing out from us to the Lady's world beyond...Look...and see Life!

(start the music, and dance the maypole! For directions, see the intro file)

(can now light the Bel fires)

High Priest- Now, as in ages past, it is the pleasure of the Lord who longs for the touch of His Lady, to light the Bel fire, as a signal to all, that this is the season of Beltane! Tis spring now, and the time for all of field and forest to be fertile!

(he lights the fire, and the High Priestess comes up to him holding a long green scarf)

High Priestess - Now, as in ages past, it is the pleasure of the Lady to arouse the passions of the Lord, to cause the sap in the trees to rise, to cause the very breath of the earth to sigh in anticipation!
(she teases him with the scarf)
Come, my Lord, and let us be together once again!

(she drops the scarf at his feet and quickly walks or runs away, not too fast. The HP picks up the scarf and follows her, she does not allow him to catch her too quickly, and if possible, other young ladies block his way. Finally after traversing the circle at least 3 times, he catches her and they kiss.)

(the HPS then hands the scarf to another young lady, who goes around the circle till she sees a man she likes, and drops the scarf at his feet, he then chases her in the same manner. This can go on as long as wanted.)

(Can do the Great Rite now, or after jumping the fire.)

High Priest - The Bel fires are a symbol also of purifying energy, and also the energy of the fertility of this season.

"Nine woods in the Bel fire go
Burn them fast and burn them slow"
Oak for the God
Birch for the Goddess
Fir for birth
Willow for death
Rowan for magic
Apple for love
Grapevine for joy
Hazel for wisdom
And Hawthorne for purity and for the May.

(at this time dance the spiral dance, chant, sing, and jump the fire.)

(can do the Great Rite now, if not done after the scarf chase.)

Thank The Gods & Goddesses

(face east)

Great Gods of Death and Hunting, Cernunnos, Ra, and Herne. Grant us the promise of renewal, that through death we are reborn. You reign supreme within your lands. Give us fair woodlands and green fields, blossoming orchards and ripening fruits. Your seed that is sown in spring will become the flower of the harvest. As Nature flourishes, so also do we. All upon the Earth is at one with the Divine Union, the fruit of magic. As you leave, fill our hearts with light and love. Blessed Be.

 

(face south)

Great Gods of protection and virility, Osiris, Llew, Pan. Grant us your determination and bravery. Prince of twilight, pearl grey warrior, with a silver foot, go silently as long as the moon shall rise and the star shall turn. For we are ever a star, to us is given the secret of the Winged Flame. Oh, keeper of the Sacred Forest, as you leave, fill our hearts with light and love. Blessed Be.

 

(face west)

Great Goddesses of all beginnings, Cybele, Astarte, Yameya, Isis. Grant that our beginnings be fertile and fruitful. The beauteous Sacred Queen in the full knowledge that times of joy shall return always, as lusty as before. Virgin Queen of the Sea, and of the desert, and rain, and of the deepest untouched forest. As you leave, fill our hearts with your light and love. Blessed Be.

(face north)

Great Goddesses of nurturing and fulfillment, Bridget, Demeter, Cerridwen, Diana. Grant us your patience and guiding wisdom. Both within and without, fill our souls with rebirth, that we may walk a little further, reach a little higher, that we may strive for the far horizon. Thou art the the cauldron of inspiration and the womb of the immortal mother, and as you leave, fill our hearts with light and love. Blessed Be.

(We have a simple prayer at this point which states that we have honored the Great Ones, your group can do something similar here, or skip right to dismissing the quarters.)

Dismissing The Dragons

East - Earth

Hail to thee, Dragons of the North, Keepers of the powers of earth. We thank thee for the stability in our lives which grounds us and gives us strength. Rock of life, salt and granite, ever-living, blessed planet, green grass, and leafy tree, vines as trailing hair, may you bring peace back in to the world. We bid thee Hail and Farewell, as you depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

South - Fire

Hail to thee, Dragons of the South, Keepers of the powers of fire. We thank thee for the flame of passion, and the cleansing Balefire. Blessed warmth give comfort and brightness and strength. Though these flames of the material world be darkened, they shall ever burn in the worlds beyond. We bid thee Hail and Farewell, as ye depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

West - Water

Hail to thee Dragons of the West, Keepers of the powers of water. We thank thee for the life- giving nourishment you have given to Mother Earth and the crops. Soft is the rain that gently falls upon the fields beneath, it patters down so gently that it hardly bends a leaf. We bid thee Hail and Farewell, as you depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

North - Air

Hail to thee, Dragons of the North, Keepers of the powers of air. We thank thee for life-giving breath, and the wings of our thoughts, wishes, and dreams. As you blow the staleness of winter away, help us fill our lungs with the freshness of clear skies and clear minds. We bid thee hail and Farewell, as ye depart to your mighty realms, and harm ye none on your way. So Mote It Be.

Open the circle.

Group Hugs!!

Bibliography

"A Witches Bible Compleat" by Janet and Stewart Farrar
"Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham
"Magickal Rites from the Crystal Well" by Ed Fitch

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader’s personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Sunday Surprise - Hestia's Cleansing Meditation

Hestia's Cleansing Meditation
By Hestia

This is a mediation I wrote a number of years ago for an Imbolc ritual. I suggest taping it or finding someone to lead you through it. It doesn't take you down so you will have to use your own method for finding alpha. Let me know what you think.
Hestia

Take a candle and place on your right, close to hand

Earth.

You see a large depression about the size of a large hot tub, of soft, wet earth that reminds you of the mud puddles you may have played in when you were younger, or perhaps you still do. Sit and kinda roll in it. Feel it squish up between your fingers and toes. Feel it softly scrubbing away all worries about finances, work, responsibilities, commitments that you no longer seem to have the energy to face. Quiet your inner thoughts and listen carefully to the heartbeat of the mother. Let the sound help you renew your sense of foundation. Feel yourself become even more centered, your sense of balance greatly improved. Do you hear other sounds? Perhaps the sounds of things stirring in the veins of the mother? Sap running? Seeds sprouting? The much needed rest of the winter is loosening her grip. You must avoid becoming stagnant.

Air

Feel a gentle breeze blowing through your hair, tugging at any clothing you may be wearing, pulling gently at it, becoming stronger until it is a whirlwind tearing at your flesh. The dirt that was still clinging to you is "blown" off. The wind slowly rids you of all your negative thought patterns that you've been carrying with you this year. It also cleans your system of the impurities that cause sickness, giving your body the much needed health and vitality to enter this fast paced time. Your mind is clear, no longer held back with old "proven" ideals. You see things as they really are, not as you have been led to believe. New creative ideas are given the space needed to flourish with a greater capacity to remember, but also you must remember that others may not have the capacity to do as you do. Learn to communicate without demeaning others.

Fire

You see a great tower of fire, that, while you can feel heat, does not burn. Somehow you know it will not hurt you as you step into it. At first things feel uncomfortable, your blood has been very sluggish with the cold of winter, but as your blood moves faster it no longer bothers you. In fact it invigorates you. Your energy level knows no bounds. You begin to see the underlying reason, motivation of the things you are doing as well as the motivations of those around you. You no longer want to sit and think. You want to do! And then something else occurs to you, fire is hard to control. You must use this energy wisely.

Water

A large, deep lake stands before you. The water looks cool and inviting after the heat of fire, so you slowly wade in, relaxing your emotional muscles. You begin to swim around. Noticing how clean the water tastes, you cup your hands and drink your fill. Your connection with the Lady is now complete. Your psychic eye is open. You are open. You see the flow of energy around you, connecting everything together as if a giant spider had caught the world in its web. You see the relationships between you and your loved ones and notice the emotions that flow back and forth along those lines. The water your skin is drinking in feeds your creativity, giving support and encouragement to your ideas. Allowing your dreams to be fulfilled. Before you leave the water, visualize your shields. Remember that your subconscious mind needs those shields to protect itself outside of your sacred place.

Center

Move back towards the center of your sacred place. Remember the candle that was beside you and to your right as you entered this state. Pull all the sensations, thoughts, energy and feelings you experienced together into yourself and send it into the candle. When you have finished, remember to ground any excess energy and recenter yourself. When you are ready, return to the circle. Take the candle with you and use it anytime you feel that you need to reconnect with this state of mind. Also use it to clean your crystals, tarot cards, home, anything that may need extra special attention.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions / recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog

Friday Form A Circle - Seed Blessing and Indoor Planting Ritual

Unfortunately for me, this is a ritual I, personally would never attempt. Not only do I not have a green thumb, I have a decidedly black thumb. Yeah, some witch I am! I kill mint! You know, mint…most people drop a small clipping in their yard, on the way into the house and two weeks later have a yard overrun with mint. Not me! I try to grow it & it dies. Every plant I even so much as touch dies! Well, that’s not entirely true…if I want it to go away, like the wild onions which essentially made up the front yard at our old house, they will reproduce and spread rapidly. Yes, it sounds an exaggeration, but really, it’s not. Even my co-workers who sit near me have learned to keep their plants from dangling over the top of their cubicles into mine, as the part that finds itself on my side of the wall soon starts to turn brown & wither….oh well, such is life :) I am relegated to buying what herbs & plants I need, or convincing Hunny to grow them – he has a very green thumb, but very little free time to take advantage…Anyways just because I can’t do it, doesn’t mean you can’t, so here goes :)

bb

,  

(Get your very own sig tags that you, too, can customize! I found this one at Eye4Expression)

* Seed Blessing and Indoor Planting Ritual *
adapted from rituals in Silver RavenWolf's To Light a Sacred  Flame &
Pauline Campanelli's Wheel of the Year
from RainForest – (unfortunately this link is dead, but I did find it also posted at Earth Witchery which seems to be just chock-full of good information :)

Seeds that were gathered at Mabon or that you have purchased in packets can be blessed and started indoors at Ostara. This ritual should be conducted in the dark, as we are asking the Mother to bring the seed's light from the darkness of the warming earth.

You will need:

• Seeds
• Flower pots
• Soil
• A green marker
• Popsicle sticks (optional)
• Four candles, one for each of the four quarters
• Priapic Wand (an oak wand with an acorn or pine cone tip)

Place your supplies on the altar. Cast a circle by walking clockwise, with index finger pointing down, saying:

"Creation flows from the arms of our Mother Goddess.
Creation flows from the strength and light of our God.
Creation is the mission of the human spirit.
From my lips the oath was sworn,
From my hand the circle is born
The earth, the air, the fire, the water
Return, return, return.
And the gifts of the land return.
Behold the circle is cast."

Ask special blessings from each Quarter as you call them. Lighting candle at North, say: ***

"Elements of the North;
Rich earth, comforting soil
Bless this ritual with your gifts."

Lighting candle at East, say:

"Elements of the East;
Sweet breath, carrier of gentle spring rain,
Bless this ritual with your gifts."

Lighting candle at South, say:

"Elements of the South;
Caressing sun, warming creation,
Bless this ritual with your gifts."

Lighting candle at West, say:

"Elements of the West;
Pure water, transformation energy
Bless this ritual with your gifts."

Using the priapic wand, tap each seed packet three times, saying:

"Now is the dark half of the year passing
Now do the days grow light, and the Earth grow warm
I summon the spirit of these seeds
Which have slept in darkness
Awaken, stir, and swell
As you are planted in the Earth
To grow and bring forth new fruit.
Blessed be!"

As each seed is blessed, visualize that particular plant in full bloom or full fruit. At this point, you may charge the seeds with blessings you hope to "sow" in the year ahead -- things like wisdom, prosperity, understanding, or certain magical skills. Next, draw the Birkana rune

(a B with points instead of curves),

the rune of new beginnings, on the Popsicle sticks or on the flower pots. Add soil. Plant the seeds and water. Thank the Goddess and God. Dismiss the Quarters and close the circle. Tend your seeds carefully in the coming weeks. If desired, plant the seedlings outdoors when the danger of frost has past.

***As I’ve said before, these are not the directional associations I use. If you choose to follow it as written, and it works for you, that’s fine :) If I were to do this ritual as laid out, it would be ineffective, because I don’t believe the direction/element associations are correct, and Magic is funny that way. Your beliefs influence the outcome of everything you do, very strongly. Therefore, you must do what works for you to be effectual. This is one of the reasons any good mentor or teacher will make very clear that using a pre-written spell or ritual isn’t the way it’s done. Don’t get me wrong, it may very well work, but not necessarily as you want it to, and rarely as well as it would if you “tailor” it and add your own touches…

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions / recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog

Wednesday Whatever Is Herbal Today! Herbal Magical Associations

This was recently posted to one of the groups I am on, and very timely too, if I do say so myself!  But…somehow the poster’s information didn’t save, and I can’t find the original post  : ( So…if you find yourself reading this and saying “Hey! I just put that up on (Group Name Here), please email me so I can credit you!

bb

Kitchen Witch Herbal

The herbs listed below should be easily obtained at any grocery store, and should not get a second glance from even the most rabid anti-magical person Some ways to include herbs in your spells are to simmer them on the stove in a pot of water, to include them in ritual foods or drinks, to burn them in a fire, or to place them in a bag, doll, or pillow. You can also scatter them on your working altar.

 

*Anise*
Element: Air
Contacting other planes, divination, love, passion, preventing nightmares, protection, psychic development, psychic protection, purification, clairvoyance, cleansing, consecration, fertility, gain, good luck, happiness,  money, weddings

*Basil*
Element: Fire
Consecration, divination (esp. about love), exorcism, fertility, fidelity, good luck, happiness, harmony, love, money, passion, peace, prosperity, protection, psychic development, psychic protection, purification, strength, success, tranquility

*Bay*
Element: Fire
Consecration, divination, dreams, healing, love, passion, protection, purification, wisdom, wishes

*Caraway*
Element: Air
Fidelity, love, memory, passion, preventing theft, protection, retention,sensuality, consecration, fertility, gain, honesty, keeping, secrets, peace of mind, weddings

*Celery seed*
Element: Earth
Psychic development, Beauty, divination, fertility, love, passion

*Cinnamon*
Element: Air/Fire
Clairvoyance, consecration, divination, energy, good luck, love, money, passion, peace, prosperity, protection, success, communication, happiness, harmony, healing, inspiration, knowledge, meditation, purification, spirituality, tranquility, wisdom

*Cloves*
Element: Fire
clairvoyance, divination, exorcism, keeps away negative, forces, love, memory, money, passion, peace of mind, protection, purification, stopping gossip, cleansing, friendship, psychic development, release, spell-breaking

*Coriander* (also called Cilantro)
Element: Fire
Love, clairvoyance, divination, fertility, gain, health, keeping secrets, passion, peace, protection, retention, weddings

*Dill*
Element: Earth/Fire
love, protection, psychic protection, blessings, confidence, determination, dreams, fertility, gain, harmony, keeping secrets, money, passion, peace,  prevents theft, retention, rest, sleep, tranquility

*Fennel*
Element: Air/Fire
Confidence, courage, fertility, longevity, love, Midsummer, protection, psychic protection, purification, strength, commanding, consecration, divination, energy, gain, meditation, Summer rituals, virility

*Garlic*
Element: Fire
Magic, passion, protection, spell-breaking, strength, clairvoyance, commanding, confidence, consecration, courage, divination, healing, longevity, money, overcoming opposition, prevents nightmares, purification, stopping gossip, success, weather (fair)

*Ginger*
Element: Fire
love, passion, psychic protection, cursing, health, psychic development, sensuality, success

*Lavender*
Element: Air
Clairvoyance, cleansing, consecration, happiness, healing, love, Midsummer, money, passion, peace, peace of mind, protection, psychic protection, purification, tranquility, blessings, chastity, divination, dreams, energy, gentleness, good luck, grieving, harmony, keeping secrets, magic, meditation  memory, retention, ritual, sleep, stability, virility, weddings

*Lovage*
Element: Earth/Water
Love, beauty, cleansing, consecration, money, passion, protection, psychic protection, purification

*Mace*
Element: Air
Clairvoyance, fertility, gain, good luck, love, protection

*Marjoram*
Element: Air
grieving, happiness, love, money, protection, psychic development, psychic protection, tranquility, weddings, animals, cleansing, courage, dreams (of love), harmony, peace, rituals for the dead, success

*Mustard seed*
Element: Fire
fertility, health, love, passion, protection commanding, cursing, exorcism, gain, good luck, sensuality, spell-breaking, strength, success, virility

*Nutmeg*
Element: Fire/Air
clairvoyance, divination, money, dreams, fertility, gain, love, meditation, passion, prosperity, protection, psychic development, rest, sleep

*Onion*
Element: Fire
exorcism, protection, clairvoyance, cleansing, contacting other planes, divination, healing, lunar rites, magic, purification, spell-breaking

*Oregano*
Element: Air
happiness, tranquility, animals, grieving, harmony, love, peace, protection, psychic development, weddings

*Parsley*
Element: Earth
divination, happiness, passion, protection, psychic, development, purification, clairvoyance, cleansing, consecration, fertility, good luck, invocation, meditation, rituals for the dead, speed

*Pepper*
Element: Fire
cursing, exorcism, passion, protection, commanding, sensuality, spell-breaking, stops envy

*Peppermint*
Element: Air
cleansing, consecration, dreams, happiness, healing, love, money, passion, prosperity, protection, psychic development, purification, release, renewal, rest, sleep, animals, divination, endings, energy, exorcism, good luck, grieving, spirit offering, success, transformation

*Poppy Seed*
Element: Water
Dreams, Binding, clairvoyance, consecration, cursing, fertility, prosperity

*Rosemary*
Element: Fire
cleansing, confidence, consecration, courage, exorcism, good luck, grieving, happiness, healing, knowledge, love, memory, passion, peace of mind, prevents theft, protection, psychic development, purification, release, ritual, rituals for the dead, water rites/sea rituals, weddings, blessings, dreams, endings, energy, elves, fidelity, honesty, inspiration, invocation, longevity, meditation, new moon, prevents nightmares, sleep, strength,
transformation, wisdom, Yule

*Saffron*
Element: Fire
Clairvoyance, divination, cleansing, commanding, consecration, exorcism,  healing, magic, psychic development, purification, spell-breaking, weather (raises wind)

*Sage*
Element: Earth
cleansing, healing, longevity, money, passion, prosperity, psychic development, psychic protection, purification, wisdom, business, clairvoyance, consecration, divination, domestic harmony, energy, happiness, inspiration, keeping secrets, knowledge, love, Mabon, meditation, peace, retention, Samhain, tranquility, weddings, Yule

*Savory*
Element: Air
Passion, animals, attracts males, happiness, love, satyrs, sensuality, virility

*Spearmint*
Element: Air
consecration, happiness, love, money, passion, prosperity, protection, psychic development, animals, dreams, endings, exorcism, healing, good luck, release, renewal, rest, sleep, spirit offering, success, transformation

*Star Anise*
Element: Air/Water
clairvoyance, good luck, protection, psychic development, consecration, divination, exorcism, fertility, gain, invocation, justice, love, money, passion, preventing nightmares, psychic protection, spiritual places

*Tarragon*
Element: Fire
commanding, confidence, courage, passion, protection, strength, animals, calming, keeping secrets, love, peace, prevents theft, retention, sensuality, virility

*Thyme*
Element: Air
clairvoyance, cleansing, consecration, courage, divination, dreams, exorcism, faeries, happiness, healing, love, money, prevents nightmares, protection, psychic development, purification, compassion, confidence, contacting other planes, grieving, magic, meditation, Midsummer, passion, release, renewal, rituals for the dead, Summer rituals, wishing

*Turmeric*
Element: Fire
Passion, commanding, confidence, courage, exorcism, magic, sensuality, spell-breaking, strength

*Vanilla*
Element: Fire
love, passion, energy, new moon

*Wintergreen*
Element: Earth
Animals, contacting other planes, good luck, money

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Thursday This Is Your Spell - Spell For Depression

Spell For Depression
found at khakani’s mystical world

Needs:

• 3 black candles
• 3 white candles
• cedar chips
• rose petals
• catnip
• cinnamon

Go outside, somewhere where you can feel the air, and open a circle. Kneel in the middle of the circle facing east. Place the candles in a semi-circle in front of you, and light each one. On a fire proof plate, start a small fire of cedar chops. Sprinkle the rose petals, catnip and cinnamon in the fire while saying:

Earth and Fire, Water and Air
Hear my prayer, Hear my prayer
Take this depression, Take it away
Give me the strength To face a new day.

When the fire dies down, splash a little blessed water on the fire. Take the wet ashes and throw them as far from you as you can and say:

With these ashes go my pain,
From the healing fires,
New strength regained.

Thank the elements for hearing you, and close the circle.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions / recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Thursday This Is Your Spell – Candle Magic for Candlemas

* Candle Magic for Candlemas *
Talisman Winterhawk L.C.W. U.L.C. PhD.;
New Moon Pagan Wicca Witchcraft Occult Shop

As in ancient times before civilization, fire has always been used to promote a feeling of safety and warmth. When our forebears found that sticks in the fire would burn longer and brighter with the fat from a kill on it the first candles were born. Fire has always held a sacred position in the hearts of human kind. The use of candles whether from animal fat or bees wax was common by the 5th Century A.D.

In the Middle Ages they found that bark from trees, berries, and other dyes could be added to the fat or wax for coloration. Michelangelo used ores to give candles a blue color. The Catholic Church found that using red candles brought a higher level of energy to their High Mass. Our Wicca mothers used to add hemp or aloe to green candles for financial gain. With the advent of color psychology we now know why yellow would be a good color to stimulate the intellect. The full list of candle colors and their associations are as follows**:

White

• Day – Monday
• Planet – Moon
• Purity, Truth, Sincerity, High Spiritual Ideals.

Gold

• Day – Sunday
• Planet - The Sun
• Attraction, Persuasion, Charm, Confidence
• Zodiac sign - Leo

Yellow

• Day – Wednesday
• Planet – Mercury
• Stimulates the intellect. Anything to do with the mind or the brain
• Business
• Zodiac sign - Gemini

Green

• Day – Friday
• Planet – Venus
• Vitality, Money, Balance,
• Zodiac sign - Virgo and sometimes Taurus

Blue

• Day – Thursday
• Planet – Jupiter
• Lighter... Tranquility, Understanding, Patience, Health
• Darker... Impulsiveness, Depression, Changeability
• Zodiac sign - Sagittarius The more teal or blue green belongs to Aquarius

Red

• Day – Tuesday
• Planet - Mars.
• Lighter... Honor, Love, Morality
• Mid rage... High levels of energy. Sexual energy.
• Darker... Martial pursuits, hate, vengeance
• Zodiac sign - Aries, darker red - Scorpio

Orange

• Encouragement, Adaptability, Stimulation, Attraction.
• Zodiac sign - Taurus

Purple

• Day – Saturday
• Planet – Saturn
• Ambition, Power, Royalty
• Darker... Restriction
• Zodiac sign - Capricorn and Pisces. The more lavender belongs to Libra

Brown

• Planet – Earth
• Keeps thing as they are. The darker the color the more stagnant things become.

Black

• Reversing, absorbing.

Silver / Gray

• Cancellation, Neutrality,
• More Silver... True Moon Psychic Powers.
• Zodiac sign - Cancer

Why does Candle Magic Work?

As a candle burns it releases not only it's wax but it's color into the atmosphere. Whatever has been connected with the candle- as in the form of embedded energy - or written on the candle will transmigrate to a plane where it can do what you have intended and focused on it to do. A candle, like everything else used for a magical purpose, has to be consecrated. Use a general consecration for candles. They are creatures of Fire or of Art.

After consecration a candle must be dressed. This consists of anointing the candle with a special oil you have chosen for the purpose in mind. If you are drawing money to you I would suggest "Money Draw Oil". If you are healing a friend I would use "Health Oil”. The recipes for these and other oils and incense are in Herman Slater's  "Magickal Formulary"  or Scott Cunning ham's The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews . Both are excellent.

To dress a candle correctly, liberally dab some oil on your finger. Touching the top of the candle say, "As Above". Touch the bottom and say, "So Below". Starting at the center touch the candle with more oil and move your finger to the top. Lift you finger off and place it again in the center and stroke the candle to the bottom. Do not move your finger in an up and down motion. This confuses the energies. Do this until the candle is coated. There are many other things you can do to embed a candle to your purpose. You can etch runes in it; a name on it; a purpose for it to perform.. Really the list is endless.

If you are doing a Solar spell consult the table for the proper hour, i.e., Sunday on a Sun hour. Consult the celestial guide to see if Mars and Saturn are not square, in opposition or conjunct to your purpose (unless you are trying to wreck havoc... watch that Karma) and that the Moon is not V/C. (void of course). For a spell that is to bring things to you the Moon needs to be "waxing" . For a repelling or banishing spell the Moon needs to be "waning".

Simple Spells, Mixed Spells, and Complex Spells

All the formulas given here have the same basic concepts. They are timing, intent and focus. For timing one would go to an astrological table (celestial guide), days and hours table. For focus refer to an herbal listing magical properties of each, (and possibly a gem or stone guide too), and last but not least an oil and/or incense formularies. (Not easy being a Witch is it?). Next decided whether the spell is going to need a Deity push (invoking the God and Goddess of your choice) or maybe just an elemental. Decided how much power this spell will need. (You wouldn't use a nuclear weapon to blow out a match but you do want to make sure that the spell will work.)

Simple Candle Spell

A simple candle spell consists of usually one candle of the necessary color, the special purpose oil and the matching incense. The spell will be performed on the correct time with all necessary symbols engraved on the candle. The candle is lit and allowed to burn all the way down at one time.

Mixed Candle Spells

This gets a little more complicated. There are 1 day spells as the one above, 3 day spells, 7 day spells, 14 and 21 day spells. I have yet to see a 28 day spell work. (Something about the Moon going full circle nullifying the spell...try it if you don't believe me..). 3day,7day,14day,and 21 day spells all have the same thing in common. They are started on the appropriate hour and last only one hour per day, that is to say... If we are doing a Solar spell we would start on a Sunday in the first hour (Sun hour for that day) and let the candle burn for only one hour. The next day we would light the candle in the first hour which would be a Moon hour on a Moon day. Lastly we would light the candle again on the first hour of the last day and that would be a Mars hour on a Mars day letting the candle burn all the way down on the third day.

A note here about putting out candles. do not blow out a candle***. Snuff it. Blowing out a candle finalizes the energy not to mention pissing off the Fire elemental. The only time you would blow out a magical candle is when you need and emergency STOP. There will be a backlash so be prepared. Regardless,  if the Moon is Void of Course on any of the other days you would still follow through just as long as when you started the spell the Moon was in a positive aspect to your intent.

Adding power is really a simple process. Before starting the spell write a chant that you will do upon lighting the candle each day. Once the process of the spell is underway (the candle is lit) one could write a petition to a Deity or an elemental using Dragon’s Blood Ink on parchment and burn it with the incense in the thurible. Further, one could use a sigil or seal and do the same thing. A sigil or seal can be placed under the candle and burned later after the spell is complete. The combinations are endless. Specific gems and stones can be placed around or near the candle to give it more power. Herbs can be embedded or sprinkled around the alter area for more potential too.

Complex Candle Spells

Complex candle spells require some space. The idea behind them is that you are building a world with candles and influencing that world by moving the candles around as you would have events move in the physical plane. When candles move toward something then that "thing" is getting closer to the person the spell is for. As the candles move away from a person then that "thing" is moving away in turn. In a complex spell there are many factors to contemplate. What color candles do I use for what? What different incenses and oils for what candle, and how many different sigils or seals are necessary? Before attempting the complex variety I would suggest reading all the information there is. These are the hardest to reverse. In general a candle spell looks like this:

• Gather materials i.e.., what color candle, type oil and incense
• Will I need inks?
• Will I need to write on the candle?
• Do I need to invoke the God and Goddess?
• What is the Timing?
• Cast a circle (not absolutely necessary but I do it).
• Consecrate candle.
• Write on candle (if desired).
• Dress Candle
• Write petition (if using one)
• Add incense to thurible
• Light Candle and meditate on intent
• Burn petition in thurible ( if using one)
• When the spell is complete if you are trying to invoke something cast the ashes to the wind and bury the excess wax in a secret place. If you are banishing something, throw the remains in the garbage.

To reverse a candle spell (this works for most other spells too)

• Gather all melted wax, burned incense
• recopy all sigils, seals and even the chant used in the spell you want to reverse or stop.  (Sometimes it isn't available due to throwing things to the wind or putting things in the garbage... get what you can!)
• Gather up a gray candle.
• You will need reversing oil and incense.

On a waning Moon duly cast a circle. Place the candle in the middle of the alter. Place all the items from the spell you want reverse or stop around the gray candle. Using your athame point at the gray candle and say:

"These things have I enmagicked
be will now cease to exist,
Go back the way you have begun,
cease now and desist.
With harm to none and no alarm
the energies dissipate,
Return all things now as they were,
I relinquish them to fate.
Nema, Nema, Nema."

(make banishing Earth Pentagram and light candle) (let burn all the way)

**I am including these colors as this is how the article was written, however, these associations may not be accurate for you. I truly believe much of the most effective magic is instinctual. For me the color associations are different, i.e. orange is for calm & peacefulness…Do what works for you and you will find it does – work for you that is *grin*

***additional note from dawtch – I disagree with this theory – that blowing out a candle “scatters” the spell intent, so they should be snuffed. I guess I am just too logical – in my brain, “snuffing” a candle will also “snuff” the energy and force it back into the candle rather than releasing it to the Universe. Conversely, when you “blow out” a candle, rather than “scattering” the energy as many claim, it seems to me, you are sending it on it’s way. This is something that I believe is “to each their own” much like the elemental/directional associations. I have always followed what I believe to be correct, and have not noticed any  diminishment of the effectiveness of my spells :)

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.

Friday Form A Circle - Solitary Imbolc Ritual

* Solitary Imbolc Ritual *
by De-Anna Alba link no longer viable :(

A Great White Hope

By now I'm sure you've realized that I like at least part of each Sabbat ritual to take place outside. I feel that, because we are members of a religion that finds the divine in Nature, it is an important part of any Sabbat celebration to spend some time outside in Nature witnessing its cyclical, living divinity. And yes, I even do this in the Winter. If you are not inclined to get bundled up and go tromping through the Winter woods and fields at this time of year, simply skip that part of the ritual day given below and pursue some, or all, of the other things suggested. Or, do the Winter walk as a form of guided visualization.

In Wisconsin we usually have a thaw for a week or so around the time of Imbolc (February 2nd --aka Candlemas). This comes in handy. It takes the snow depth down considerably, making a walk in the woods/fields a pleasant prospect rather than a Herculean effort to be endured. It's also warmer. Usually frostbite is not a worry, but getting wet feet is a probability unless you dress properly. If, on the other hand, the thaw came early or has not yet arrived, I may confine my outdoor activities to my yard. If you don't have a yard, opt for a nearby park.

Before leaving I load my pockets (or backpack) with food offerings for the wildlife. The pickin's can get mighty slim for the animals in Winter, and I like to do what I can to help. Besides that, it's a great way to invoke the spirits of the four directions during my ramblings. I take a pocket full of bird seed to leave for the creatures of the East/Air--the birds. I take a sack full of dried corn for the animals of the South/Fire--the deer. I take a small box of my son's fish food and chip a hole in the ice and dump it in if I'm going to be near a river or stream for the creatures of the West/Water--the fish. Or, failing access to streams, I take a small bottle of pure water and offer it to the West, all the while visualizing clean waterways and aquifers. And I take a few nuts in the shell saved from the Fall to leave in the North--either as food for the critters, or hopefully to work their way into the ground and become the seeds of new trees.

Since I know I'll be cold and hungry when I return, I prepare my food and drink ahead of time as much as possible. Because this is the seed time of the year (when seeds begin to germinate in the ground, etc.) and because it is so snowy white, I try to eat mostly foods made with eggs, grains, nuts and seeds. I drink milk, hot chocolate (brown for the Earth) with lots of marshmallows and/or cream (white), or a favorite tea to which I add milk. (Milk is an important component of my Imbolc meals because not only is it white, it is the first food of the new baby lambs born at this time of year, and as such, it represents life itself. If you are lactose intolerant try drinking Lact-aid milk or, better yet, drink goat's milk. They also are born early in the year.)

Imbolc also represents the season of hope to me. I know that when Imbolc arrives the back of Winter has been broken and Spring will soon come. It's not just a matter of faith. I know it, and my Imbolc walk verifies that for me. Hope is something we often lose sight of, yet it is a very important part of our psychological health and our Magical personas. For this reason, I suggest the indoor part of your ritual be centered around hope. Think about the different things you hope for in your life, the life of your family, the community in which you live, and the Earth Herself. Make yourself a list of these things. Then buy (or make) one white candle for each hope. Have a holder for each. You'll also need a knife, traditionally a white-handled one, some matches, and an incense of your own choosing in your ritual space. I like to have flowers on my altar to remind me of the coming Spring. I choose white flowers. You choose whatever you like. As usual, arrange for your own comfort in your ritual space.

Now get ready for your walk (if indeed you're going on one). Don't forget your offerings, and don't forget to dress for the weather. Now get to where you're going. Once you've arrived begin your walk where you will. There's no heavy duty/serious intent to this walk. Its sole point is to convince you that Winter is nearly over, and Spring is indeed coming, and in fact has begun underground and in "interior" ways. Look with intent for these signs, and let your mind casually range over the whole subject of cycles and transitions, endings and beginnings, frost and foreshadowing. Look closely at the branches of trees and notice the size of the buds. They're huge—much bigger than you might think at this cold time of the year. Look on the ground for animal tracks.

Along with the usual deer and rabbit tracks, you might be surprised to find skunk tracks, and the tracks of other hibernating animals. Warmth is returning within the Earth, the days are getting warmer and longer, and Mother Nature has begun Her season of growth and activity within the Earth. This change has temporarily awakened some of the hibernating animals. They sleepily leave their dens and burrows and stumble around in the warm light of the sun for a while before returning to their beds to sleep it off until Spring fully arrives. You may also see bits of fur and bone surrounded by the beautiful imprints of wing edges in the snow. They've left by an owl or a hawk who has recently fed on one of the creatures scurrying across the snow. Such things are grim reminders that we are still in the season of the hunter and not the farmer.

If the Winter has been a particularly bad one, you may come across the frozen carcasses of those animals who have died of starvation. Another reminder that Nature is not always kind and gentle, warm and fuzzy. This would be a good time to begin leaving your food offerings to the animal spirits of the four directions if you haven't done so already. If you are lucky enough to be near a stream or a river, be sure to dig around a little bit at the edge of the stream/river. If you can get down deep enough you will probably be surprised to see green and growing things beneath the snow and ice at the water's edge. Once you've left your offerings, invoke the Goddess of green and growing things in your mind. Thank Her for the life that has already begun within the Earth and send Her some energy to enhance Her emergence into Spring.

Return home now, continuing to notice the Mysteries of Life and of Nature hidden in plain sight right before your eyes. Upon arriving home have something hot to drink and something warm to eat. That should take the chill off your body and insides. Relax for a few minutes and then prepare yourself for ritual in your usual manner. Then adjourn to your sacred space. Light your altar candles (white, if you ask me) and your incense. Ground and center for a few minutes. Now, with your list of hopes at land, pick up your knife and one of your white candles. Inscribe that hope on your candle. (Actually cut the word or words into the wax of the candle.) Meditate on that hope becoming fulfilled as you do so. See it working in your mind's eye. Place that candle in its holder and light it, continuing to meditate upon that hope until you feel done with it. Move on to your next hope and repeat the process with it. Continue in this manner until all your candles have been inscribed and lit.

Now sit and enjoy the beauty of the scene before you. All those beautiful white candles glowing in the dark. In aggregate they represent the increased light of the sun; the white of the Winter snows and the white of new beginnings for your hopes; and the increasing warmth at the interior of the Earth which causes the germination of the seed ideas of your hopes. What you do next is up to you. It would be my preference to let the candles burn down until they go out, the going out of the candle symbolizing the final release of your Magic/hopes into the world. (Actually the release has been happening little by little as the words inscribed on the candles begin to burn away.) It would also be my preference that, while the candles continue to burn, you go to bed, still visualizing your wishes coming to pass as you go to sleep. Your sleeping body beneath its blankets then becomes a living representation of the germination of your hopes/ideas in the ground, beneath the blankets of snow. However, there are safety issues involved here. You may prefer instead to blow out the candles before going to bed. (You can still go to sleep visualizing the things you want to come to pass.) If this is your choice, you can then re-light the candles and let them burn down at a time (or times) when you will be around to keep track of them.

Whichever way you decide to do it, enjoy your Imbolc and may you have pleasant dreams.

Disclaimer: No one involved in this blog or its contents may be held responsible for any adverse reactions arising from following any of the instructions/recipes on this list. It is the reader's personal responsibility to exercise all precautions and use his or her own discretion if following any instructions or advice from this blog.