Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation

Blessings \ Whether you can believe you can do a thing or \ believe you can't—you are right. \ —Henry Ford \ Although today many of us don't think about \ the power of words, sound, or touch, those who \ have gone before us knew that all these things \ carried an energy of their own, and to give that \ positive energy to another was a gift more precious \ than gold.To bless is to remove any negative \ energy around a person, animal, place, or \ thing and instill them with positive energy. To \ bless another is to empower them. By sound, \ touch, and thought,we can help the sick, lighten \ the heart of the troubled, or open a pathway for \ a better life by removing negative blockages.The \ mere utterance of a blessing can change the \ course of a person's life. In our modern world, \ people often scoff at this idea, not believing that \ such power could be contained in anything so \ simple. Many of us are independent individuals, \ and to think that someone else (by mere word \ or physical proximity) could alter our pattern of \ living may seem unthinkable. \ But they can. \ In many cultures, past and present, it is customary \ to leave a blessing at an individual's \ home when saying farewell. It was believed that \ a magickal person could make words turn into \ f lesh, meaning by uttering words with one's \ magickal voice (SEE PART III, UNDER POW WOW) \ you could create a physical manifestation. To \ have your house blessed in such a way by a magickal/ \ religious person ensured health and prosperity \ for theoccupants for months to come. \ You too can give such a gift. Don't be shy about \ it. If you believe you can do it, so shall it be. \ Sometimes the mere presence of magickal individuals \ can change the course of one's fate. The \ more spiritual the person, the more pure the environment. \ I've also noticed that if a magickal \ person is involved in a particular type of study, \ that study can affect those around him or her. \ One Witch who steadfastly worked on building \ her prosperity realized after a few months that \ every time she walked into a store, especially a \ deserted one, her energy attracted paying customers \ off the street. Another Witch who \ worked on protection experienced the same \ phenomenon. He could walk into any establishment \ and if there were negative people around, \ they would quickly disperse. What you work on \ in the magickal world will affect the world \ around you. \ The mechanism of a blessing is very easy: \ • Think of a white light so powerful that it \ encompasses your mind, body, and spirit. \ • Move the white light into a mental picture \ of the person, place, or thing. \ • In your mind, allow the white light to burst \ through the object (no, this won't hurt \ anyone). \ • Intone words of blessing or touch the \ person, animal, or thing. \ • Seal the blessing with a hand motion of \ your choice while pronouncing aloud \ "It is done." \ The Thirteen Powers of the Witch \ When you truly take the power of Witch training \ into your being and strive to do the best that \ you can regardless of the situation, the thirteen \ powers of the universe are given to you. These \ are either transferred through a religious ceremony \ by those who have been gifted before \ you, or they can come about at their own pace \ as you grow and learn on your own. If a power \ is abused, it is thought that the gift is taken from \ you, either for a period of time or permanently. \ The powers speak of blessings that you can give \ to others or use for yourself to enhance your \ own life as well as the lives of those around you. \ PART I \ 3 \ Thirteen powers do the Witches claim \ their right of lineage by (say the name of \ your patron god or goddess here)'s name. \ Tie a knot and say the words \ or hand on head—the blessing conferred. \ A Witch can give success in love \ curse or bless through God/dess above. \ Speak to beasts and spirits alike \ command the weather; cast out a blight. \ Read the heavens and stars of the night \ divine the future and give good advice. \ Conjure treasure and bring fortune to bear \ heal the sick and kill despair. \ This poem can be said as a blessing when giving \ something to another, and can be included \ in any spell by adding: \ This is my birthright to have and to share \ blessings upon you, (the person's name), \ may the spirits be fair. \ This poem itself is very powerful and will create \ change. Just be careful what you wish for. \ Bedtime Blessing \ Close your eyes and breathe deeply three or four \ times until you feel relaxed and at peace. Imagine \ that your entire body is filled with brilliant, \ white light. If you like, hold your hands over \ your heart, and say: \ In the still of the night \ while the world around me sleeps \ may the angels smile upon me \ and the Lady bring me peace. \ Blessings upon (list those whom you would \ like to remember in your prayers). \ I know that You will care for them \ and bring them what they need. \ Instill in me great harmony \ in thought and word and deed. \ So mote it be. \ Gift Blessing \ Hold the object in your hands.Take several deep \ breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Visualize \ the object glowing with white light. Connect \ your mind to Spirit and try to think of nothing \ else. Imagine the gift capturing the pure perfection \ of the universe. Then say: \ Perfect love and perfect peace \ the world will dance as one. \ I dream the wish to make it real \ the magick now is done. \ Seal your work by drawing an equal-armed \ cross (+) in the air over the object.You can also \ empower birthday, get well, and sympathy cards \ in this same manner. \ Meal Blessing \ Hold your hands over the food, and say each line \ below three times. This can be worked into a \ fun blessing for the whole family if chanted in a \ round. \ The table round contains the Earth \ and thus becomes the Mother. \ We share her bounty in this hour \ and bless and love each other. \ So mote it be. \ Personal Journal/Book Blessing \ These words herein are mine alone \ fashioned deep inside my bones \ each picture, thought, and quote you see \ are all reflections of what is me. \ Beware the urge to take this book \ PART I \ 4 \ PART I \ 5 \ or read it in some private nook \ because its magick isn't blind \ and I will know you've touched what's mine. \ Charge of the Goddess \ The Charge of the Goddess is one of the most \ popular ritual invocations in modern Wicca. \ The foundation of the work comes from a book \ titled Aradia: Gospel of the Witches (Vangelo delle- \ Streghe), written by Charles Leland and published \ in 1899. Sometime after 1955, Doreen \ Valiente, one of the most gifted poets and \ priestesses of Wicca in our time, used the information \ in poetry while assisting Gerald Gardner \ in compiling the material later used for Gardnerian \ instruction.The version written here appeared \ in The Grimoire of Lady Sheba, first published \ in 1972. In later years, the Charge was \ broken into two parts, with the second section \ standing alone and titled "The Charge of the \ Star Goddess." \ Depending upon personal or coven choice, \ the Charge is read: \ • At the beginning of a ritual. Members of \ the coven may practice deep breathing, \ grounding and centering, or meditation. \ • Before communion. \ • At the end of a ritual, as a closure. \ • At some point during an initiation rite. \ • During daily devotions. \ • During personal spellworking. \ The Charge (Part I) \ Listen to the words of the Great Mother, who \ was of old, called amongst men, Artemis, Astarte, \ Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, \ Diana, Arionhod, Bride, and by many other \ names. \ At mine Altar, the youths of Lacedemon in \ Sparta made due sacrifice. Whenever ye have \ need of anything, once in the month and better \ it be when the Moon is Full, then shall ye assemble \ in some secret place and adore the Spirit \ of Me, who am Queen of all the Witcheries. \ There shall ye assemble, who are feign to learn \ all sorceries who have not as yet won my deepest \ secrets.To these will I teach that which is as \ yet unknown. And ye shall be free from all \ slavery and as a sign that ye be really free, ye \ shall sing, feast, and make music, all in my \ presence. For mine is the ecstasy of the Spirit \ and mine is also joy on earth. For my Law is \ love unto all beings. Keep pure your highest \ ideals, strive ever towards them. Let none stop \ you or turn you aside. For mine is the secret \ that opens upon the door of youth and mine is \ the Cup of the Wine of Life and the Cauldron \ of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of Immortality. \ I am the Gracious Goddess who gives \ the gift of joy unto the heart of man upon \ earth. I give the knowledge of the Spirit Eternal, \ and beyond death I give peace and freedom \ and reunion with those that have gone before. \ Nor do I demand aught or sacrifice, for behold I \ am the Mother of all things, and my love is \ poured out upon the earth. \ The Charge of the Star Goddess \ (Part II) \ Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess. She, in \ the dust of whose feet are the Hosts of Heaven, \ whose body encircleth the universe. \ I, who am the beauty of the Green Earth and \ the White Moon amongst the stars and the \ mystery of the Waters, and the desire of the \ PART I \ 6 \ heart of man; I call unto thy soul to arise and \ come unto me. For I am the Soul of Nature \ who giveth life to the universe; from me all \ things proceed an unto me all things must return. \ You, beloved of the Gods and men, whose \ innermost divine self shall be enfolded in the \ raptures of the Infinite, let my worship be in the \ heart. Rejoiceth, for behold, all acts of love and \ pleasure are my rituals; therefore, let there be \ beauty and strength—power and compassion— \ honor and humility, mirth and reverence— \ within you. And thou who thinkest to seek me, \ know that thy seeking and yearning avail thee \ not, unless thou knowest the mystery—that if \ that which thou seekest thou findeth not within \ thyself, thou wilt never find it without thee. For \ behold! I have been with the from the beginning, \ and I am that which is attained at the end \ of desire! \ Circlecasting \ Spirit is a circle whose center is everywhere \ and whose circumference is nowhere. \ —Hermes Trismegistus \ From cave paintings to crowns, halos, and Stonehenge, \ circles and spirals figure prominently in \ all walks of ancient life, spanning a multitude of \ cultures with religious and magickal significance. \ Magicians were casting magick circles in \ the Middle East during the Assyrian reign from \ 883–612 B.C.E., and a fellow by the name of \ Honi cast a circle and successfully called in rain \ during a drought to save the people around 65 \ B.C.E.,1 as noted in Jewish rabbinical literature. \ The story of Honi the Circle Maker is interesting \ because it gives us several clues to your heritage \ of ancient magick, and how it is still taught \ today. \ Honi and the Rain2 \ Since Honi's story occurred more than 2,000 \ years ago, there is debate on what he actually \ represented in his society.Was he just a plain old \ magician, or was he a part of the priesthood? \ Some feel that his miracle was remarkable \ enough to write down (which they did) but too \ dangerous to let the reader think he was operating \ outside of the current religious structure of \ the day, therefore Honi (in successive tellings of \ his story) became part of Jewish rabbinical society. \ Honi's story gives us important clues as to \ how magick works and why, 2,000 years later, \ we continue to use the magick circle. \ In the spring, the people desperately needed \ rain, but it did not come.They approached Honi \ the Circle Maker and said,"Pray so that the rains \ will fall." Honi told the people to find sufficient \ cover for the mud and clay Passover ovens because \ they would melt in the rain. In magick, \ this is the mental preparation needed to set the \ stage for the working. In making the people \ move the ovens, Honi was mentally encouraging \ them to believe in the magick. Once the ovens \ had been covered, Honi prayed, but it did not \ rain. He then realized that he had made an \ error: he forgot to cast the circle! No wonder \ the rains would not come—he had not created a \ stable platform for the work to manifest. Honi \ then cast a magick circle (possibly with a staff or \ rod in the dirt, though the text does not say), \ and stood within it. \ What is interesting about this story is that \ Honi then talked to God as if he were talking to \ anyone. He said, "Master of the universe, your \ children have turned their faces to me because I \ am like a son of the house before you. I swear by \ your great name that I am not moving from \ here until you have mercy on your children." In \ essence, he gets a bit feisty. \ So far, Honi has done four important things. \ He's moved the bake ovens to indicate his faith \ in his ability to make rain, a physical act which, \ by involving the people, makes them expectant \ of a miracle. He's cast a magick circle to purify \ the area because when he "just" prayed, nothing \ happened, therefore someone in the crowd \ probably wanted to see him fail, and (more than \ likely) he wasn't centered and cast the circle to \ put himself in the correct frame of mind. The \ next thing he does is connect with deity. Then \ he tells Spirit his magickal intent, and very \ firmly too. Is he threatening God with that last \ statement? Actually, no. Again, looking at this \ from a magickal point of view, he's telling himself \ that he's going to succeed, no matter what. He's \ putting his conviction into the magickal mix \ and giving himself a verbal booster at the same \ time. He's being firm, like a Victorian lady who \ won't take no for an answer, yet it is not God he \ is pressing, but himself. Honi has been trained \ that he must touch the unmanifest to manifest, \ which has nothing to do with threatening God \ and everything to do with believing in himself. \ Evidently, he needed the extra verbal push that \ day. And with that push, the rains began to drip. \ As dripping was not what he had in mind, \ Honi says,"I did not ask for this, but for rains of \ sufficient amount to fill cisterns, ditches, and \ caves." Honi has just added visualization to the \ proceedings. Those who are unmagickal think \ that Honi is continuing to talk to God, but he \ isn't. His dialog is meant for himself. He's matching \ the word to the visualization. \ The rains fell with a vehemence. Oops, too \ much visualization! Honi isn't at all happy. It's \ raining too hard, so he says, "I did not ask for \ this, but for rains of benevolence, blessing, and \ graciousness!"—fine-tuning that visualization \ and adding the proper wording. \ The rain fell precisely as he ordered it. \ Finally, Honi says, "I know you will do this \ for me," which magickally turns out to be the \ most important statement he can make. He is affirming \ his belief with utter conviction, removing \ all doubt from his mind with the force of \ the statement. \ Did Honi order God to make it rain? No. In \ actuality, Honi was ordering rain from the collective \ unconscious like you order fries from \ McDonald's. He did, however, ask for God's involvement \ by stating the need and calling God \ by a title and thus touching upon what everyone \ inherently believes—the perfection and order of \ the universe. Therefore, divine energy was definitely \ in the mix because, to Honi, that divine \ energy was "all that is good" and the basis for \ successful manifestation.Was Honi acting like a \ spoiled child in circle? Some people may read it \ this way, but I think it shows us that even great \ magicians become irritated with themselves. \ They are human, after all. \ Honi's family, and his sons after him, were all \ rainmakers, which means that Honi's magick \ worked successfully on more than one occasion \ to become a family tradition. What is lost in this \ story, unfortunately, are any other incantations \ and specific motions he may have done, but what \ we do have works quite well. The story itself is \ enough to let us know that (a) real magickal \ people in history were not a figment of our \ imagination or characters in a fairy tale, they \ lived and breathed and practiced magick all the \ time; (b) they were not necessarily a part of any \ religious structure (though afterward they are \ sometimes claimed to be so, especially if, like \ Honi, they were at least sympathetic to the religious \ regime at the time); and (c) for Honi's \ magick to work that day, he had to have a magick \ circle. The story also shows that the universe \ has a sense of humor, and that when you ask for \ something, you better be specific and you darned \ well better not forget to cast that circle. \ Does Honi's method work? Absolutely! In \ the Honi tradition, add this to any spell: \ 1. Ground and center. \ 2. Cast the circle. \ 3. Pronounce the Honi conjuration \ (below). \ 4. Continue on with your working. \ 5. Release the circle. \ 6. Ground and center. \ Here's how the conjuration works. \ "Master/Mistress of the universe!"—you are \ calling on the perfection and order of the universe. \ "I am (state your name), your magickal \ son/daughter"—here, you are activating your \ pathway to deity, and you are melding your entire \ being with the perfection of the universe \ that you called in the first line above. If you are \ working for someone else, state his or her name \ as well, much like Honi did, "like a son of the \ house before you." State your request and add \ "for all that is good." Finish with "I know you will \ do this for me"—the affirmation of faith. \ Walking the Circle \ Walking the circle occurs often in European \ folktales and religious ceremonies to break evil \ spells, to transform oneself or the area into something \ sacred, and to acquire power. This walking \ the circle was called circumambulation, which \ means to walk around an object, person, or place \ with the right hand toward the subject either in \ religious ceremony, in an act of reverence, or in \ magickal practice.3 One walks sunwise (clockwise) \ to bring good luck, destroy evil, cure disease, \ and in some cultures to ensure that the sun \ will rise the following day. These circumambulations \ were especially used in ceremonies of birth, \ marriage, and death, whether we are talking \ about Tibet, Europe, South America, or the Inuit \ culture. Knowing this, we understand that the \ magick circle does not belong solely to Witches, \ but is another ancient practice that has touched \ all cultures and all faiths, and is still practiced by \ many of them today. As with many other antiquated \ practices, it is the modern Witch that \ gives Western civilization a taste of our ancient, \ magickal birthright by remembering and practicing \ such things as the circlecasting in daily life \ and reminding our brothers and sisters of other \ faiths where many of these applications actually \ came from. To deny one's history is to deny \ knowledge. \ This clockwise, sunwise movement in the \ Craft is called deosil (pronounced jess-el). The \ original spelling, deiseal, is of Irish descent, and \ it's also called "the holy round." Dances, processions, \ and parades—even riding around the battlefield \ one turn for good luck before the clash \ of axes and swords—are embedded in our history. \ When someone says,"Gee, I hope this goes \ right," they are actually invoking the ancient \ power of the magick circle. \ Although there are numerous ways in the \ Craft to cast a magick circle, most of them involve \ walking the circle one to three times with \ the finger of the right hand (or the chosen tool) \ held out from the body and pointing down \ while reciting a verbal invocation.4 Some individuals \ draw the circle on the ground with chalk \ or use corn meal that can be easily swept away; \ however, the drawing does not take the place of \ raising the circle unless you are experienced and \ can conjure while you are making the symbol. \ Two additional popular symbols are the Spirit \ circle and the pentacle. \ The circlecasting is recommended for most \ magickal activities, rites, and rituals in the Craft. \ Yes, I've heard that a few individuals don't cast \ circles for folk magick applications, but it's sort \ of like gas. If you want the magickal engine to \ PART I \ 8 \ PART I \ 9 \ run pure, then cast a circle. If you think that \ dirty gas is an okay thing, so be it—however, \ you may not achieve your intended goal. \ Granted, the longer you work in the Craft (usually \ years) and have practiced meditation and \ other sacred practices faithfully, you won't always \ need the magick circle for every little thing, but \ until you reach this point in your spiritual training, \ I always suggest casting the magick circle for \ all Craft- and spiritual-related activities. Just remember \ Honi. \ Once the circle has been cast, most Witches \ seal it by saying:"As above, so below—this circle \ is sealed. So mote it be!" (SEE SECTION AS ABOVE, \ SO BELOW IN PART IV.) At this point, the practitioner \ usually stomps their foot on the f loor (or \ ground) to indicate the seal has been activated. \ In your visualization of a circle, think of a \ bubble, rather than a f lat circle. As the words indicate, \ "as above, so below"—the circle is all \ around you, over your head, and under your \ feet. While in circle, one never, ever walks widdershins \ (counterclockwise) unless you are releasing \ the circle at the end of the ritual, and if \ you break this rule in traditional Witch training, \ you are certainly told about it—pronto! This \ goes back to the ancient belief that to walk \ counterclockwise in circle brings bad luck and \ breaks the power of the magick. Whether this is \ true or not, the clockwise movement in the circle \ is one of the standard Wiccan policies, and \ there are some Wiccan groups that will not even \ take up the circle by moving widdershins \ (which is a common practice) at the end of a \ ritual. These groups, usually with strong Celtic \ associations, dismiss the circle by moving clockwise. \ However, if you participate in a spiral \ dance (which is truly a fun thing to do), the entire \ group dances clockwise to the center, but as \ they return they move counterclockwise—moving \ in to build the magick, spiraling out to release \ the magick. Therefore, there are exceptions \ to the rule. \ Once the spell, magick, or ritual is over, the \ circle is released. If you leave a magick circle in \ place and allow the energy to hang there, it has a \ habit of causing chaos as it breaks down on its \ own, and if you have forgotten to release the \ Some magickal individuals paint the Spirit circle (left) on a large terra-cotta plate and use the dish for a mini altar. \ The same procedure can be done with the pentacle (right). This is a safe way to burn candles and incense (in their \ appropriate holders) and it protects expensive altar cloths. \ PART I \ 10 \ quarters, the energies there aren't too happy \ about that, either. Most Wiccans move widdershins \ to release the circle (one pass around), and \ usually draw the energy into a tool or into their \ hands. A few transfer the energy of the circle to \ the sacred altar. Once the movement is complete, \ they may say, "The circle is open, but \ never broken. Merry meet and merry part until \ we merry meet again. So mote it be!"5 and then \ stomp their foot one time to indicate that the \ circle is now open. \ The magick circle has two main functions: to \ provide you with a sacred area in which to raise \ energy until you are ready to release it, and to \ give you protection from things seen and unseen \ while you work your magick. Granted, \ years ago, individuals at the quarters also helped \ to guard those within the circle, and often an \ elder or the "man in black" kept an eye on what \ was going on outside of the circle area while the \ high priest, high priestess, and other coven \ members concentrated on the work going on \ inside. The man in black was the high priestess' \ right-hand man, and had numerous responsibilities \ within the coven hierarchy. \ Magick containing circular symbols is also \ prominent in modern Craft practice. For example, \ you might lay a small circle of stones, gems, \ or crystals around the picture of a loved one, \ asking for protection. A small circle of salt \ around a photograph also works in the same \ way.To remove the threat of unwanted spirits or \ thoughtforms, use crushed eggshells around a \ white candle placed on top of a person's picture. \ Words written on paper in a circular pattern to \ gain success is another easy yet powerful spell. \ Most ceremonial magick involving talismans \ and amulets are prepared in circular form, either \ on paper or fashioned in metal. A circle inside a \ square represents the divine spark from which \ material can manifest from the realm of Spirit \ into the daily workaday world.6 \ How the Circle Works \ Real science (case in point: new physics) can tell \ us a lot about how and why magick and related \ concepts, such as the magick circle, work. Once \ you realize that the universe is made up of \ processes, not things, you are really on a roll, for \ what makes life truly interesting are the connections \ between events. The sum total of our lives \ is the change from one connection to another, \ which becomes a process. Therefore, when \ magickal people stress the importance of change \ in their teachings, debates, and studies, they are \ scientifically discussing the process of moving \ from one connection to another that will eventually \ create their desired goal, whatever it may \ be. Life is change because nothing really is, except \ in a very temporary sense, because everything \ changes. Our chant, "She changes everything \ She touches, and everything She touches \ changes," often done in a round in magickal \ workings, expresses this thought on a very basic \ level and uses words to create the circle. Therefore, \ casting a magick circle allows us to control \ the process of change and modify what we \ want, the way we want it. \ In the Craft you are taught that every cause \ has an effect, and that every event can provide a \ variety of choices in which we can orchestrate \ the change we desire. In new physics, this is \ called the relational universe—where all energies \ are connected and related to each other. \ As you can see, the "we are one" statement \ expounded in Hermeticism (SEE PART IV, ALCHEMY) \ and many Craft teachings falls right in \ line with modern science. The energy of one \ event will travel and affect the energy of a future \ event. This process is called the future light \ cone7 and explains why we need the magick \ circle and the Cone of Power (SEE PAGE ..) in \ our magickal workings.To understand this concept \ better, I've created the drawing on the next \ page for you. \ Let's say you want to cast a spell to bring \ more money into the home. By casting a circle \ when working your magick, you will be removing \ random events that could affect your working \ and destroy your goal. \ Now, this means that the operation of the circle \ and the cone of power, or controlled future \ light cone, keep on working even though you \ will conclude your ritual and release your circle. \ You have already set the process of change in \ motion and chosen which causal events you \ want to keep and which you want to remove. If, \ however, you doubt yourself or your desire, the \ risk of "dematerializing" your outcome can be \ very real. Visually this diagram shows you why \ the magick circle is so necessary in spellwork, \ ritual, and even meditation. \ Cutting the Door \ Every now and then you will need to "cut a \ door" in an erected circle. This may occur because \ you forgot something and it's sitting there \ outside of the circle, taunting you to come get \ it, and you can't go on with the ritual or spell \ without it. In group format, a circle might be \ cast by what I call the "bone people" (high \ priestess, high priest, and representatives of the \ four quarters), who in turn cut the door so that \ others outside of the circle may enter. Those inside \ the circle concentrate on keeping the circle \ up because every moment the door is open \ weakens the circle (especially if you are just \ learning—SEE PART III, DOWSING, for tips on \ how to check the strength and breadth of your \ circle). By looking at the circle diagram again, \ * This symbol represents events and energies that would disrupt your working, if you had not cast a circle. \ YOUR MANIFESTED DESIRE \ YOU \ MAGICK CIRCLE \ FUTURE \ LIGHT \ CONE—CONE \ OF \ POWER \ PURIFIED \ CIRCLE \ AREA \ ELIMINATES \ UNWANTED \ EVENTS, \ CHANGES, \ AND \ NEGATIVE \ THOUGHTS \ * next-door \ neighbor runs \ over your garbage \ cans, forcing you \ to buy new ones \ * someone steals \ your wallet at a \ football game and \ you lose all the \ money you saved \ this week \ * your brother defaults \ on his loan \ and since your \ mother was the \ cosigner, she now \ has to pay the \ bill—another expense! \ * your father \ misses an opportunity \ for a raise or a \ new client because \ he oversleeps and \ is late for work \ * Aunt Jane is so \ jealous that she \ would rather see \ your family in the \ poorhouse than be \ happy and successful \ * your pet rat gets \ sick and the vet \ bill is over $100 \ * the new puppy \ eats your thesis, \ chews three chairs, \ and swallows your \ wallet. Expense toll: \ unbearable! \ * the yearbook committee \ picks the \ most expensive photographer \ for your \ senior pictures because \ he is a friend \ of the editor \ you can see how random events and energies can \ enter the circle if it is broken, which will in turn \ affect your working. Keeping the circle strong is \ very important; therefore, if you are working \ solitary and are new at this, you may want to \ forgo whatever you forgot until you are more \ confident about holding the circle in place. \ Should you feel ready to cut a door, you can \ use the athame or your hands to create the \ opening. The athame gives a smoother line, \ where your hands move as if you are parting a \ curtain.Take your time making the shape of the \ door or portal that you will walk through. As \ soon as you step over that boundary, turn and \ close the opening either with your hands or by \ reversing the action you used with the athame. \ Retrieve the object, then cut the door again, \ turn, and close the door.Take your time. In a ritual \ with several people, crossed brooms at the \ door are ritually opened to allow individuals to \ enter and then crossed to signify the portal has \ been closed after all are inside. This visual representation \ allows all circle members to participate \ in sealing the portal. \ Those individuals who have done a great deal \ of energy work, including circlecastings, can \ meld with the circle and therefore move freely in \ and out of the circle environment without damaging \ the energy. However, just because this feat \ can be accomplished doesn't mean that you \ should utilize the practice all the time, for several \ reasons. First, you must be able to do this on a \ repetitive basis, which can be checked by using \ the previously mentioned dowsing rods. Secondly, \ if you are training students, barging in and \ out of the circle encourages them to disregard \ their own training. Finally, every circle is based \ on process—meaning each is different, depending \ on the person who cast the circle, the location, \ the weather, your emotions, and a variety of \ other factors. My personal advice (take it or leave \ it) is to practice melding so that you can use it in \ case of severe emergency, but not to do it in public \ or in training circles on a regular basis. Melding, \ like other forms of transformation, takes time \ and practice and is not a common phenomenon \ among current Craft practitioners. \ Triple Circle Magick \ In antiquity, the idea of using three circles in \ magick invoked the three Fates, or Goddesses of \ Life, Growth, and Death. In the Nordic pantheon, \ these triple goddesses were Skuld, Verdandi, \ and Urd, who wove the tapestry of your \ destiny. The Roman Fates were Fortunae, and \ the Greeks called them the Moerae. Symbolic \ offerings to the three Fates, such as bread and \ milk,were said to guarantee prosperity and long \ life, and could even bring one's future husband \ knocking at the door (or at least a dream or vision \ of him). From the Greek triad of body, \ mind, and shadow came the primitive Christian \ corpus, anima, and spiritus (body, mind, and \ spirit), which was based on oriental and Hebrew \ foundations known as the magick of the triple \ circle.8 As I mentioned earlier, many Wiccan traditions \ cast a triple circle in their spellworking \ and rituals to magnify the power of the body, \ mind, and spirit. \ Here is an example of the conjuration for a \ triple circlecasting.You will find additional circlecasting \ instructions in my books To Stir a \ Magick Cauldron and To Light a Sacred Flame. \ Triple Circlecasting \ by Lady MorningStar9 \ (Recite as you walk the first \ time around the circle) \ In this place, this circle round \ I consecrate the sacred ground \ with golden light this space surround \ all power here contained and bound. \ (Second pass around the circle) \ From earth, the things that manifest \ from air, the things of mind \ from fire, the things that motivate \ from water, the souls refined. \ (Third pass around the circle) \ And yet no place or time there be \ between the worlds, my word and me \ welcome,Ancient Ones, and see \ this place is sealed, so mote it be! \ Witches know that their perception of the \ world is based on how each individual personally \ views and processes emotions and events. If \ you always see the negative side, then that's what \ you will become. If, on the other hand, you \ work to change your perceptions, and try to see \ all things with equal clarity, then harmony \ within your life has a chance to grow. Your \ emotions are based on your perceptions of what \ is happening to you. If you perceive something \ as frightening, then that's what it will be to you. \ If you perceive something as inspirational, then \ the fullness of life has a chance to expand.When \ we cast the ritual circle using the number three, \ we are linking into the triple aspect of the Goddess \ (Maiden, Mother, and Crone) and the God \ (Father, Son, and Sage) in an effort to bring purification \ and clarity into our lives. If you seek \ healing of body, mind, and soul for yourself or \ for another individual, carve the triple ring design \ on a candle or draw it on a piece of paper, \ then write the person's name over top. \ If you are seeking a boost in prosperity (let's \ say Mom has to pay a bill and she just doesn't \ know where the money is going to come from), \ try using the diamond or triceps variation, \ which also belongs to the Nordic pantheon. \ The triceps (earth diamonds) invokes the \ powers of Earth (earth, sky, and sea—often found \ in Druidic teachings as well) by using three diamonds. \ The four sides of the diamonds stand for \ earth, air,water, and fire.This symbol can be used \ for weather magick as well as prosperity work. \ These diamonds literally mean "the gifts of the \ Earth."Write the amount needed inside each diamond \ with the triple ring emblem on top.Keep \ until you have obtained the amount needed. \ Burn when the amount is received. \ Note: Although Witches a hundred years ago \ would have written directly on the dollar bill in \ the United States, defacing our currency with \ any wording or sigils is against the law in this \ country; therefore, place a drawing of the triple \ triceps over the currency rather than writing directly \ on the bill. It is also illegal to burn the \ currency, therefore burn only the drawing when \ the spell is completed. \ The triple ring design (top), and the triceps. \ Communion \ The idea of eating and drinking a sacred liquid \ in celebration of one's deity choice is another \ practice we find in antiquity and does not belong \ specifically to any particular religion. In the \ modern Craft there are two kinds of communion \ —that which we celebrate in circle with \ each other (meaning communion of fellowship) \ and that which is given to the gods in offering \ of thanksgiving. The act of communion (food \ and beverage offerings to the gods) can be done \ by the solitary Witch or can be celebrated by a \ group of Witches. Many traditions have special \ chalices and plates that are set aside only for the \ rite of communion. This rite is often called \ "cakes and ale." \ For ritual purposes, breads are made in the \ likeness of women, animals, f lowers, and birds; \ examples have been found as early as 5000 B.C. \ According to Marija Gimbutas, a prominent \ women's studies scholar, the bread oven itself \ was a prehistoric symbol for the incarnation of \ the grain mother.10 Today, sabbat cakes used in \ ritual communion may be in various shapes, the \ most prevalent being the crescent moon and \ stars, though there is no end to the imagination \ of the baker! Many groups no longer use wine \ or ale in respect for those who may be battling \ alcoholism or because the laws in the United \ States do not permit children to drink alcoholic \ beverages (if children are present in circle) and \ prefer fruit juices instead. If alcohol is used, as \ each member only takes a sip of the drink, the \ possibility of creating a bunch of drunk Witches \ over communion is highly unlikely. Everyone \ with half a brain knows you cannot do adequate \ magick if you are inebriated, as alcohol impairs \ your ability to mentally and physically function. \ You can't focus on a single candle f lame if you \ are seeing twenty of them spinning around your \ head. \ Solitary Communion— \ Cakes and Ale \ Originally called cakes and ale, the Wiccan communion \ rite is normally done after any operation \ of magick or ritual drama/celebration. It is \ the last major block of activity before the circle \ is closed. The tradition of the participants usually \ decides which item is blessed first, the cakes or \ the ale/juice. Depending on the tradition, the \ high priest may bless the cakes, and the high \ priestess the juice, or they may switch, or do the \ blessings together. The activity of blessing the \ food is meant to put you in sync with the divine. \ The tray containing the cakes and juice is usually \ set out of the way of the working altar until \ you are ready to perform this rite. Most Wiccans \ cover both the chalice and the cakes with a white \ cloth until they are ready to use them.When you \ are ready for the rite, set the tray on your altar \ and remove the cloth coverings. \ Hold your hands over the chalice (or cup), \ and say: \ From the sun to the vine \ from the vine to the berry \ from the berry to the wine \ this brew is blessed in the sacred names \ of our Lord and Lady. \ So mote it be. \ As this is said, the Witch visualizes the energy \ of the sun feeding into a vine, which grows into \ the berry, which in turn becomes the juice. \ In most traditions, the athame is now lowered \ into the chalice, and the Witch says: \ PART I \ 14 \ As the rod is to the God \ so the chalice is to the Goddess \ and together they are one!11 \ The Witch visualizes divine energy pulsating \ from the blade into the cup, and the entire cup \ filling with white light. \ When taking a drink from the chalice, visualize \ pure, divine energy entering your body, \ pushing out any negativity. When you are finished, \ say:"May you never thirst." If someone is \ in circle with you, repeat the statement as you \ pass the cup to them, and they are to answer \ with the same blessing—"May you never thirst." \ In this way, you are passing the positive energies \ of Spirit on to the next person. If you are alone, \ you are affirming that you have taken this blessing \ for your own. \ Next, hold your hands over the cake(s), and \ say: \ From the moon to the stalk \ from the stalk to the grain \ from the grain to the bread \ this bread is blessed in the sacred names \ of our Lord and Lady. \ So mote it be! \ Take a bite from the cake (or eat the entire \ cake). When you are finished, say: "May you \ never hunger." If someone is in the circle with \ you, say the blessing as you pass them the cakes, \ and then they are to repeat the same sentence \ back to you, acknowledging the blessing. \ In some groups everyone waits until all have \ the item in hand—for example, the cup of juice. \ When the high priestess raises her cup to drink, \ then everyone takes communion at the same \ time and says "May you never thirst" in unison. \ In other groups the high priest holds the cup for \ the high priestess while she takes a drink, and \ she does the same for him. Again, practices differ, \ so if you are visiting a group for the first \ time, don't assume anything.Watch. Listen. \ The next part of the ceremony is the Offering \ to Spirit. \ Giving the Offering \ There are several types of offerings, including \ that of the libation performed in the communion \ rite. If the ceremony is held outside, the libation \ is given to the gods near the end of the \ rite by pouring some of the juice and scattering a \ bit of cake on the ground. If you are indoors, the \ remainder of the cakes and juice are poured in a \ cleansed and consecrated libation bowl, then carried \ outside after the ritual is over and poured on \ the ground. You may speak your own words of \ thanksgiving, or you may use the following: \ I honor the spirits of the north. \ (hold the bowl to the north) \ I honor the spirits of the east. \ (hold the bowl to the east) \ I honor the spirits of the south. \ (hold the bowl to the south) \ I honor the spirits of the west. \ (hold the bowl to the west) \ I honor the spirits of my ancestors. \ (hold the bowl out in front of you) \ I honor the Lord and Lady. \ (hold the bowl slightly above your head) \ I honor the spark of all life. \ (hold the bowl out in front of you) \ From perfection to perfection \ this gift is given. \ So mote it be. \ Bring the bowl down to the ground and pour \ out the contents. \ PART I \ 15 \ Those Wiccans following a more shamanic \ path may give food offerings when petitioning \ the gods in spellworking.Write your request on \ a piece of paper and place it underneath the dish \ containing the food. Set a white household \ emergency candle firmly upright in the center \ of the food dish. If the candle burns clean with \ little mess, it is believed the offering has been accepted, \ and the food is then removed in twentyfour \ hours. If the candle does not burn well, \ then the food is immediately removed and \ something else is put in its place. Although the \ Santerían and Voudon belief systems have a list \ of what types of food their deities require that \ includes various taboos,Wicca has no such list \ and you are free to choose what you feel will \ meet the needs of the gods should you incorporate \ this practice into your work. \ Food offerings can also be given to the ancestral \ dead. In this case, the foods chosen would \ match what they enjoyed the most while living \ on the earth plane. \ Moon Cookies Recipe \ These may be used as cakes in communion. \ Bless all ingredients before using. Hold your \ hands over the ingredients while visualizing purifying \ white light, and say: \ Golden energy of sun-kissed grain \ precious drops of cleansing rain \ beams of moonlight from stem to bud \ bringing joy from up above. \ Blessings of the Mother \ strength of the Father \ unity of Love \ so mote it be. \ 1 cup shortening \ 2 cups sugar \ 2 eggs \ 1 cup oil \ 1/2 teaspoon salt \ 1 teaspoon vanilla \ 5 cups flour \ 2 teaspoons baking soda \ 2 teaspoons cream of tartar \ Powdered or colored sugar \ Cinnamon \ Cream shortening, sugar, eggs, oil, salt, and \ vanilla together. Mix flour, baking soda, and \ cream of tartar in a separate bowl. Add slowly to \ wet mixture until thoroughly mixed. Roll into \ one-inch balls, then shape into half-moons or \ stars. Flatten a bit with fork. Bake at 350 degrees \ for 10 minutes. After cookies have been baked, \ sprinkle with powdered or colored sugar, and \ top with cinnamon. Makes 8 dozen. \ Silver's Witch's Brew Recipe \ This may be used as ale in communion. \ 1 gallon apple cider (love) \ 1 orange (love) \ 1 apple (love) \ 3 cinnamon sticks (love, psychic powers) \ 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (fidelity) \ 1 handful rose petals (love) \ Pour apple cider into a large kettle. Peel orange, \ reserving the peel, and squeeze its juice into the \ cider, discarding the pulp. Tear the orange peel \ into one-inch strips and add to mixture. Core \ apple and cut into 1/4-inch slices. Add to mixture. \ Break the cinnamon sticks in half. Add to mixture \ with nutmeg.Warm over low heat for two \ hours. Do not bring to a boil. Sprinkle with rose \ petals before serving. \ PART I \ 16 \