A DRAGON BLADE RITUAL

The purpose of this ritual is to charge a ritual blade with the elemental forces of nature via the assistance of draconic elemental mages.
As with human magic workers, different dragons can have an affinity with different elemental energies. Just as you don’t have ‘elemental humans’, you don’t have ‘elemental dragons’:You simply have those who prefer to work with the energies of one element in particular over another. Sometimes, you will find a dragon who works equally well with all elemental energies and other times those who couldn’t tell a salamander from an undine.

The common metaphysical representations of each element are:

Fire – the Salamander

Water – the Undine

Air – the Zephyer

Earth – the Gnome

Also while this ritual should be performed during a thunderstorm, and for best results, as close to the full moon as possible, it is not necessary (nor especially advisable) to place the blade you are charging directly out in the storm as this can ruin it. Placing the blade out on a sheltered, open aired porch, garage, gazebo, etc is sufficient. I also strongly recommend that the blade be coated with a good quality metal oil or silicon (spray or cloth such as can be found in the gun section of a sporting goods store), or coat it with a substance called “Renaissance Wax” which can be purchased on line at ‘Museum Replicas’. Just do a site search of “Renaissance Wax” and you’ll find it.

Needed items:

Normal altar equipment

Blade to be charged

Step 1: take the blade to be charged to a location where it will not be disturbed. If you trust the blade will come to no harm, sink it 3-6 inches into the ground (if you don’t have an area of ground you can safely use, the blade can be placed in a large pot of soil) and pour a circle of salt around it approximately 12 inches in diameter and say: In the name(s) of (personal deity), I ask the dragons of the elements to touch this blade and infuse it with elemental power! May all the forces of power and justice, as unstoppable as this storm, be drawn into this blade.

Step 2 : Call upon the guardian dragons of each gate to individually touch the blade with elemental force. If you have regular gate guardians and you know their names (or the names they use when working with you) then call their names at the beginning of each invocation.

“Great Dragon of the East, and all the Dragons of Air, riders of the storm winds, weavers of Wisdom, make this blade straight and true for the honor and glory of my Gods, my Dragon friends and my Clan! Great Dragon of the South, and all the Dragons of Fire, whose power is manifested by the lightening bolt, hold fast the power of transformation within this blade that it may better aid me in my service to my Gods, my Dragon friends, and my Clan!”

“Great Dragon of the West, and all the Dragons of Water, you who swim the ocean currents and bring the cleansing rains, rinse away all doubt and uncertainty of purpose from this steel and s/he who wields it that both may be as unstoppable as the raging flood in defense of justice and the innocent, for my Gods, my dragon friends, and my Clan!”

“Great Dragon of the North, and all the Dragons of Earth, shakers and shapers of the World, keepers of mystery and secrets, keep strong this blade and s/he who wields it that I may be able to see into the heart of mystery and with it’s aid discern the truth in any situation for the glory of my Gods, my Dragon friends and my Clan! “

Step 3: Ask for the blessings of the Gods by saying: (Name(s) of deity) , I ask that you pour forth your blessings upon this blade, and that you touch it with Your powers, that it may be a worthy magical weapon, aiding me as I work in your service.

Step 4: Go back indoors if you wish, or remain outside, until the storm has passed. Meditate on the desired effects of the ritual for at least 10-15 minutes. When the storm is over give thanks to the Gods and the Dragons for their assistance. Take up the Blade and immediately give it a thorough cleaning and oiling.

Daily Pagan Rituals: List of 30+ SIMPLE Everyday Traditions

When we embark on a spiritual path, sometimes the path gets twisted and we feel we lose our connection to the Divine. Sometimes we’re too busy with the physical to cater to our spiritual needs. But there’s ways to include simple daily pagan rituals into your routine without a fuss. You don’t have to do every single one every day, pick and choose a few that will fit into your schedule. The key is to create a habit of your daily pagan rituals so that you don’t forget.

1. Light a candle
Many of us pyromaniacs already love burning candles in our homes, so why not make it a part of your daily pagan rituals? Light a candle and say a quick prayer of gratitude to your god or goddess or ancestors. Or leave an LCD candle burning (I believe the energy from batteries lends energy to our gods and ancestors, too!) Then go about your day.

2. Offerings for the Gods
Offerings are simple. They can be anything your god or goddess would enjoy: food, beverage, water, incense, herbal blends, art, crystals, candle flame, dance and poetry. Some gods enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. Some enjoy a portion of your dinner at night. While others prefer the scent of patchouli incense. Incorporate offerings into your daily routine and watch the blessings roll in!

3. Offerings for the Ancestors
Same as above – make offerings to your ancestors one of your daily pagan rituals. Did your granny like to steal sweet n’ lows? Add a couple to your ancestor altar for her. Did your Uncle enjoy bonfires? Light a candle for him in the evening. A refreshing cup of water, a shotglass of liquor, a bowl of tobacco.

4. Rise to Greet the Sun
If you’re an early riser, this should be a simple one – rising to greet the sun. Sit outside with your coffee and watch the sun rise. Bask in the glory of the star that gives life to this planet. Bonus: getting out into the sunlight within one hour of waking aids in regulating our circadian rhythms. Which means, you’ll sleep better at night!

5. Runic Stadhas or Yoga
Edred Thorsson talks about runic stadhas in his book on the Elder Futhark. Stadhas are similar to yoga positions. So whether you enjoy yoga or feel a connection to the runes, try physical positions like the runic stadhas or yoga on a daily basis. Even if you only do one or two in the morning to get your day started or in the evening to relax and connect.

6. Go for a Walk
Simply going for a walk outside is enough to relax you and re-connect with Mother Earth. Don’t have a lot of time to fit in a walk? Instead of sitting at your desk for lunch break, take your lunch outside and go for a walk afterward. Even if it’s only a ten minute walk. I also enjoy walking through ny garden in the evenings. Go barefoot and ground yourself naturally.

7. Dream Journaling
Keep a dream journal at your bedside. Before you even set foot on the floor in the morning, record your dreams. This is a simple, yet effective way to tune into your higher self and gods – through dreams. The more you journal your dreams, the more dreams you will recall. And the closer you’ll become to your spirit guides and gods.

8. Meditate
You don’t have to meditate for an hour or even a half an hour. Pop in a set of earbuds and listen to a ten minute relaxing guided meditation for free on YouTube.

9. Nature Signs and Omens
Throughout your day, pay attention to any nature signs or omens. This could be anything – a praying mantis on the windshielf, a blue jay that seems to repetitively visit you, a cloud in the shape of a heart, a snail that’s entered the house, etc. The gods and ancestors often use nature to communicate with us. This is one of the most enriching daily pagan rituals in my practice.

10. Light Incense
Just as you light a candle for your gods or simply to re-connect, light incense on a daily basis. Something about the scent of incense in the air puts me into an otherworldly state of mind. It is relaxing and grounding, too.

11. Read a Spiritual Book
Take fifteen minutes out of your day to read a spiritual book. Whatever topic you’re studying in the realm of paganism, set aside a little time daily to read and absorb what you are reading. If you don’t have time to read a book, listen to an audiobook while commuting to or from work.

12. Love Your Pets
Whether you have a dog, horse, or a hamster, set aside some time every day to love on your pets. This doesn’t seem like a pagan ritual, but anything done with intention and in a routine can be a ritual. And what’s more pagan than loving on animals?

13. Light a Red Candle in the Kitchen
Keep a red candle in your kitchen. Light it in honor of the ancestors who came before you, who cooked hearthside to feed and nourish their families just as you do today!

14. Smoke-Cleanse Yourself
One of those self-love daily pagan rituals is smoke-cleansing yourself. You don’t have to do this daily, but I promise if you do take up the practice, you won’t regret it. This practice removes the negative debris stuck in your aura, helps to relax you, and to ground you after a long day of work.

15. Love Your Family
One of the most pagan things to do is to honor and love your family. Think back hundreds of years ago – what did your ancestors value back then? Life, love, and family. They focused on survival and did what they had to do to feed and care for their families. And it’s a good thing too, because you’re here because of them! Honor your ancestors by loving your family every day. Spend quality time with your family as a daily pagan ritual. Othala.

16. Write in Journal / BOS
Keep a record of your spiritual journey, traditions, and thoughts by writing them down in a spiritual journal or Book of Shadows. Take five minutes a day to write something down – even if its just your emotions or your thoughts in that moment.

17. Wear a Stone
Choose a stone to wear on a daily basis. This is a simple, small daily pagan ritual to do in the morning. If you can’t wear it, then put it in your pocket. Choose stones for protection, grounding, energy, etc.

18. Pray to the Gods
Take time in the morning while you’re getting ready for the day or take time just before falling asleep to say a simple prayer to the gods. Prayers of gratitude are best. The more grateful we are for the gods’ presence in our lives, the more blessings roll in.

19. Visit the Garden
Whether you keep an elaborate garden or just have a few plants and trees in your yard, take some time in the early morning or the evening to pay the garden a visit. You never know what wisdom the plants, trees, and wildlife have to share with you. I find garden visits comforting, peaceful, and enlightening.

20. Exercise
How is exercise a daily pagan ritual? In this modern day and age, everyone is so busy and sedentary. We don’t have the time to work out. But here’s the thing – we were gifted with these bodies by the gods/universe/ancestors and so we should be grateful for them and care for them just as we care for our spirits. Even if you just go for a run in the morning, do something to get your heart pumping every day. Make the gods proud. Prepare to go to Valhalla.

21. Brew a Cup of Tea
Make brewing tea a daily ritual. Enjoy choosing your own loose leaf herbs, hearing the tea kettle whistle on the stove, and then pouring the hot water over the herbs. Sit down, be quiet, and sip your tea while waiting for the Divine to speak to you.

22. Smoke-Cleanse Your House
Along the same lines of smoke-cleansing yourself, cleanse your house to rid it of any negative vibes or spirits. A quick session does the trick, even if its only ten minutes. Don’t forget to open the windows, or else you’ll piss those demons right off.

23. Rune or Card of the Day
Something I enjoy doing in the morning, draw one rune or one tarot/oracle card for the day. It might give you a sneak peek of what’s to come or just provide some sage advice. Either way – drawing one rune or card of the day is one of the easiest and enlightening daily pagan rituals.

24. Use Herbs in Cooking
Have a garden with herbs or vegetables? Use them in your cooking on a daily basis. If you don’t have a garden, choose spices from your kitchen cabinet for specific purposes. For example – cinnamon for money. Sugar to sweeten up situations and people. Rosemary for love. Etc.

25. Pray to the Ancestors
Just as you pray to the gods, pray to your ancestors as well. They enjoy hearing from you too. It doesn’t have to be a complicated prayer. Talk to them as if they’re right there with you.

26. Freshen Up Your Altar
Clean up your altar on a daily basis. This means dump those ashes off your incense burner. Dust off any dirt or debris. Refresh your offerings. Make your altar a place worthy of the gods and ancestors.

27. Gaze at the Moon
On nights when the clouds are clear, go outside and gaze at the moon. Feel the lunar rays on your skin.

28. Plan the Next Sabbat
Take time to plan the next sabbat. Write down ideas on traditions, rituals, food, etc. This is a fun daily pagan ritual to do with the whole family (if they are pagan, as well).

29. Call a Pagan Friend
On days you feel you need an extra boost of comfort or confidence, call a pagan friend. There’s nothing like talking to someone of like-mind and kindred spirit.

30. Ground and Center
With how crazy life can get, making grounding and centering a part of your daily pagan rituals can really do wonders for your health and wellbeing. Even if you touch a tree before going inside or walk around outside with barefeet, both of these rituals help.

31. Plan the Next Esbat
Just as planning the next Sabbat can be fun, so can planning your next Esbat. Plan an aura-cleansing bath on the New Moon – what herbs will you use? Will you use sea salt or epsom salt? Plan to do a releasing ritual on the next Waning Moon. What will you do next full moon? Write down your thoughts and ideas.

32. Research Your God/Goddess
In addition to reading a spiritual book once a day, spend a few minutes doing further research on your god or goddess. This can be online or in books. Read your god or goddess’ mythology, folklore, and history. This gives honor to your god or goddess and enriches your relationship with them.

33. Listen to Music
Music is important to us all. Depending on your mood, it can relax or energize you. As a daily pagan ritual, play some pagan or witchy music instead of the typical pop or rock you might listen to. If you’re into a Norse or Germanic path, I recommend listening to Heilung, Danheim, Eivor, and Wardruna. There’s also a ton of Celtic music on Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, etc. Try music that makes you feel connected to the old ways. 

What To Do With The Offerings After The Ritual Is Done….

One of the more common questions I see come up from Pagans, especially those with Hellenic leanings or a devotion to a Hellenic deity, is what to do after the ritual is done. Most specifically, what to do with the food offerings made during the ritual.

In traditional Hellenism, which most of us Hellenes follow, even Revivalists like myself, there really shouldn’t be an offering left after the ritual. Offerings to the Ouranic (sky/heavenly) deities are meant to be burned while offerings to the Chthonic (earthly and underworld) deities should be buried or burned or both.

If you bury an offering, no aftercare to worry about. If you burn it, then you do have to deal with the ashes and whatever didn’t burn – simple to do actually, put it away in a container to leave for Hekate at the crossroads during the Deipnon.

The Modern Problem
Of course today we have a few problems that the ancients may not have had. Indoors, if you happen to live in an apartment building, a shared home or some other place with restrictions, then you may not be able to have open fires inside the home, or you may not be allowed to have anything that smokes (which really sucks, no incense either).

And of course many people do not have any yard to speak of, so burning or burying outside is out of the question. For those who do have a yard, burying may still be problematic if you rent or share, and if it is fire season and open fire restrictions are in play (as happens December through April where I am) no outdoor fires either.

What To Do Then?

Obviously this all means that burning or burying are simply not viable options for many people. There is nothing that can be done about it. You need to find a way to deal with whole foods that is respectful to the Gods you have offered to. Remembering that the offering now belongs to the Gods, you can’t take it back and reclaim it for yourself and you need to treat it with respect because it simply isn’t yours any more.

There are options, suggestions, but in truth none of them are perfect and in the end it is up to the individual as to what they are able to do and are comfortable with. I will present some of them, and some of my thoughts on them.

Eat it yourself. Don’t. If you are offering to a Hellenic deity, They own the offering you give Them. Do. Not. Eat. It.

Throw it in the bin. Please don’t, it’s just so disrespectful.

Leave it on the altar. Well, I mean if you want. But yuck!

Leave it until later. Some people leave it until they can burn it, bury it or get someone else to do so for them. A viable option, unless it takes too long and it gets all yucky.

Compost it. If you have compost, then this could be an option. I guess I see no real problem with this one, but I am sure some would – so it is very much an individual choice here.

Leave it in nature. This is a favourite option, to leave the offering somewhere in nature. Some people even have a specific place for this in their yard, a square or something with plants where they leave offerings and make libations. Alternatively, some wild area would work if you have no yard. Both nice ideas. But be careful, not all deities may be okay with sharing Their foods with the animals. Also on a more practical note, be careful the offering isn’t poisonous to any wildlife and won’t attract the wrong type of wildlife.

Throw it in a blender. Throw the offering in a blender, mix with some water and turn it into a smoothie type thing. Pour that in nature (or on a pot plant), where there is little risk to animals, or to offending the Gods by sharing it with animals but it will also feed the plants. It is also less messy than having, say, whole loaves of bread sitting all around the place. This was an idea I thought of the other day, in truth I do not know how I feel about this idea, if it’s good or not – but I should present it as an option anyway.

Those are your options for what to do with the offering after the ritual, not a lot of great options, a few restrictions that I know many people ignore – I think unwittingly, as they know it is okay in other traditions and so don’t realise it isn’t okay in Hellenism.

I should note too, not all Hellenic deities are completely Hellenic, so, it is possible that some of Them, individually mind you, are okay if you eat the offering or throw it in the bin. But please, Ask First! Don’t just do it and hope the deity will be okay with it and will accept your apology – ask first so you don’t make mistakes and piss off a powerful being. Divination is your friend.

What to do after the ritual is finished
I used to wonder this myself, what do you do after a ritual? I mean, do you just do the ritual and then be all, “Bye! Have a nice day Gods, see you next time”? I never really felt okay with that sort of ending to a ritual, even if of course it would likely be a bit more formal than that. It just felt so, wrong, uncomfortable, yucky to be honest. None of my general Pagan books ever really touched on this sort of thing, nor even my witchy books. Do the thing and then, what? Nothing?

Be a Good Host. One of the best ways I have seen it explained, was in a Facebook group by, I think it was the Dionysian Artist but it may have been J Martinios. When you do a ritual to the Gods, make an offering to a deity you are inviting Them into your home, your personal space, offering Them a meal and praise. They are a guest in your home, and what do you do when you have a guest in your home?

Do you just praise them, give them some food and then kick them out? Or do you actually spend time with them, interact with them, speak with them or even just watch a movie with them? Though I can understand not wanting to actually spend time with some people you have invited into your home, I would hope this isn’t the case with the Gods you invite in – and if it is, why are you inviting those Gods in anyway?

Do Something to Continue it. Meditate. Contemplate. Do some divination. Write about the ritual in your journal, if you have one. Write some poetry, a story, a hymn about the deity or connected to the deity. Read some myths, poetry, stories or hymns about or connected to the deity.

Do Something Relevant. Do something mundane that is connected to the deity, like housework for Hestia, metalwork for Hephaistos, study for Athena, play poker for Hermes. Watch a movie or TV show that you think the deity may like or that reminds you of them, or play some music of the same sort. Dance, sing, play a game.

Whatever it is you choose to do, remember that someone is there with you. How long for? It depends on the God of course, but over time you will be able to tell you are alone again, just as you learn to tell when you aren’t alone during the ritual itself.

Energetic Cord Cutting: Colors & Textures of Cords and a Ritual

The spiritual community doesn’t put enough emphasis on energetic cords and cord cutting rituals. Which is sad, because Spirit says it’s so important for shadow work, healing, and our paths in life. If you have too many energetic cords attached to you, you might feel weighed down. Pulled in many different directions. If you don’t have any energetic cords, you might feel lonely and unfulfilled. In this article, we take an in-depth look at energetic cords: their colors, textures, how to identify them, and how to do an energetic cord cutting ritual. As well as how often.

What Is An Energetic Cord?
An energetic cord is exactly how it sounds: a spiritual “rope” that attaches your aura or lifeforce to another person’s aura or lifeforce. These energetic cords develop for many reasons. You’re born with some of these cords and attach others throughout your life. Some energetic cords are healthy for you and the person on the other end, while others are the exact opposite.

Why do energetic cords even exist? Because we are all connected through Source energy and typically you only develop cords with other souls of whom are a part of your soul group OR with whom you share a karmic contract. Energetic cords form between two beings: between lovers, family members, friends, co-workers and colleagues, pet-owners and their pets, teachers and students, etc. They can also form between enemies and rivals. Anytime there’s an emotional connection (be it negative or positive), the possibility of forming an energetic cord between those beings is there.

Types of Energetic Cords by Color and Texture
Before writing this, I did a little research online regarding energetic cord color and appearance. Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of info out there. Other sources liken the cord color to chakra color, but there’s much more to it than that. And the colors of your energetic cords will vary depending on what that color’s symbolism means to YOU. Here’s some of the colors and textures shown to me by Spirit.

Cord Colors & Textures That Are Mostly Negative
Bright Red, Full of Blood: this means there’s a passionate relationship between you and the person on the other end of this energetic cord. This could be sexual or otherwise. Be aware that the blood in this cord should flow both ways if it is indeed a give-and-take, healthy relationship. If you notice the blood is flowing one way – this is an UNHEALTHY, one-sided and potentially vampiric relationship. Sever this cord!
Dull, Dark-red to black, crusted and dry: an old, clinging energetic cord that was once a passionate relationship of some kind. You may notice a slow, sludge-like liquid inside flowing one way. Cut this unhealthy, dying cord. These types of old cords can cause health issues!
Gray, dull in appearance: an older, dull and lifeless cord that needs to be severed.

Cord Colors & Textures That Are Mostly Positive
Light to Royal Blue, Swirling and Watery: a beautiful, light to bright blue cord that looks like or feels like water flowing both ways inidicates a deep, healthy relationship. An emotional bond that feeds each person life-giving spiritual water. There can also be an unconscious link between you and the other person. And if you notice it originating from your naval, this is a big sign that the other soul is your twin flame.
Yellow and appears like fluorescent light or sunlight: a mental connection between people of like mind. Yellow is linked to the solar plexus, as well as communication and knowledge. You may share a yellow energetic cord with a co-worker, teammate, close friend, or colleague. Again, make sure the energy is flowing both ways and not blocked anywhere.
Orange and bright: a creative relationship between two souls. This can also be a colleague, co-worker, or creative partner of any kind

More Positive Colors & Textures:
Pink, shimmering, sparkling and/or flowing: a relationship between friends often with a feminine energy (but not always) but can also indicate an intimate or romantic relationship
White and brilliant: divine light that connects a person to another soul, guide, ancestor, etc. Also seen between a pet and pet owner with a particularly strong bond
Green, flowing, bright to forest green: this energetic cord indicates a strong heart-to-heart bond between close family members, soul mates, or souls that were born of the same soul group. Mothers will frequently have green cords to their children, life partners as well. This cord may connect between heart chakras
Purple, bright and flowing or sparkling: a metaphysical or magical relationship between two souls. A teacher-student relationship, specifically when it comes to the magical arts like Reiki master and student, witch and mentee, mage and apprentice.

How to Know When An Energetic Cord Cutting Ritual is Needed
There are times when an energetic cord between you and another being must be cut. How do you know when a cord cutting ritual is needed? Examine your energetic cords through meditation and/or dreamwork. Notice their color, texture, shape, and flow. Also notice what part of your aura or body these cords originate from or connect to. Can you follow those cords to their opposite end to see who or what is on the other side? Here are some general reasons for cutting energetic cords:

Black, gray and dark cords: this indicates a negative attachment between you and the other being
Large knots or blockages: depending on the other being and the situation, this cord may need to be cut OR the relationship between the two beings UN-blocked so that energy flows both ways
Cords connecting you to a negative relationship from the past (or a relationship from the past in which you feel needs to be released)
Crusted, deteriorating, or dying cords: these are old connections that must be severed. These can cause health problems, physical and mental.
Vampiric cords: red, blood cords that show blood or energy flowing one way – from YOU to the vampire on the other side and MUST be severed immediately
Multiple energetic cords that seem to “pull” you in many different directions: in this case, you need to decide which cords should be severed and released to allow you to live life to your fullest
Other Signs of Negative Energetic Cords
Even if you can’t spiritually “see” these cords, you may feel their effects in other ways including:

emotional or mental blockages
relationship problems
feeling “drained” of energy, particularly after being arund a certain person/being
feeling pulled in many different directions, feeling scattered and unsure of your life’s purpose
not being grounded in reality: head always in the clouds or an overload of anxiety
health problems with no explicable reason
chakra blockages
thinking of someone of whom you haven’t in a long time AND/OR having them appear in your dreams
How to Do An Energetic Cord Cutting Ritual
If you found yourself nodding your head to any of the above signs, it’s time to do an energetic cord cutting ritual. There’s different ways to do a cord cutting ritual, so if one way doesn’t work for you, try another. Mine are most effective when I’m between sleep and waking…in dream space. But others claim energetic cord cuttings are best via guided meditation or trance. Here’s a simple ritual for you to try:

Turn down the lights and turn off your electronics (if it’s more helpful for you to turn on relaxing music, go for it!)
Close your eyes.
Relax by focusing on your breathing. Focus on the breath coming into your lungs and releasing from your lungs. Continue this for at least 3 minutes.
Begin by visualizing your aura – the energetic body of light that surrounds your physical body. See it as a bubble of bright light that starts just above the top of your head and travels out and all around you, ending and joining below your feet.
Breathe for a few minutes and hold the image of your aura in your mind’s eye.
Now focus on the space around your aura and begin to notice if there are any strings or cords protruding from your aura or going into your aura and into your physical body. These will typically look like strings of light (or darkness) and are various colors.
You will likely see at least a couple of these cords but up to dozens all around you. Take your time and notice if there are any black, gray, lifeless cords attached to you.
Now visualize a pair of scissors, a knife, a boline, or a sword (whatever you feel comforable with) in your hand and “cut” or sever that cord from your aura. Notice if it dissipates or re-attaches. If it re-attaches, make a mental note to perform this ritual a few times.
Carefully take your time and encircle your entire aura visually, cutting energetic cords that seem murky, draining, or dull.
Then return to the physical realm by breathing, centering and slowly opening your eyes.

A Few Helpful Notes and Precautions
Perform the energetic cord cutting ritual more than once for stubborn cords. Especially if you noticed a particularly thick or clingy cord in your aura the first time around. Following a cord cutting, you might feel relieved. Happy. Healed. And you may notice you have more energy! Also keep in mind, cutting an energetic cord between you and a person that you’ll still regularly in contact with won’t work. Physically cut this person out of your life, THEN proceed with a cord cutting ritual. For example, If you do a cord cutting from your ex-lover Bob, but you have to talk to Bob every day at work, that cord will remain or reattach. 

SELF BLESSINGS

The purpose of the ritual is to bring the individual into closer contact with the Godhead/Spirit/God and Goddess. It can also be used as a minor dedication, when a person who desires dedication has no one who can dedicate him/her. This self blessing ritual may also be used as a minor exorcism, to banish any negative influences which may have formed around the person. It may be performed by any person upon himself, and at his desire.

Self-Blessing
This ritual should be performed during the New Moon (at least when the moon is waxing) , but it is not limited to that phase. Need, not season, determines the performance.

There is real power in the Self Blessing; it should not be used other than in time of need and should not be done promiscuously.

Perform this ritual in a quiet place, free from distraction, and nude. You will need the following:

1. Salt, about one quarter teaspon

2. Wine, about an ounce.

3. Water, abut one-half ounce.

4. Candle, votive or other.

The result of the ritual is a feeling of peace and calm. It is desirable that the participant bask in the afterglow so that he may meditate and understand that he has called the attention of the Godhead to himself, asking to grow closer to the Godhead in both goals and in wisdom.

When you are ready to begin, sprinkle the salt on the floor and stand on it, lighting the candle. Let the warmth of the candle be absorbed into the body. Mis the water into the wine, meditating upon your reasons for performing the self blessing.

Read the following aloud:

Bless me, mother, for I am your child.

Dip the fingers of the right hand into the mixed water and wine and annoint the eyes,

Blessed be my eyes, that I may see your path.

Annoint the nose,

Blessed be my nose, that I may breathe your essence.

Annoint the mouth,

Blessed be my mouth, that I may speak of you.

Annoint the breasts,

Blessed be my breast, that I may be faithful in my work.

Annoint the loins,

Blessed be my loins, which bring forth the life of men and women as you have brought forth all creation.

Annoint the feet,

Blessed be my feet, that I may walk in your ways.

Remain…and mediate for a while

Note: Although this is probably as basic as dedication can get, this nevertheless is very useful even if only used for banishment of negativity.

Binding Rituals: What Are They, When & How to Bind

Binding is one of those hot terms in the witch community. Some people do them, others proclaim against them. In this article, we’ll dive into the basics of binding and answer your questions: what are binding rituals? When should we cast a binding spell? And give you a few examples of how to bind a person, event, or thing.

What Are Binding Rituals?

First of all, let’s define the term binding in the magical sense. What you’re thinking when you hear the word binding is probably already correct. Binding means to tie or adhere two things together OR to bind something/someone to itself. Some people believe binding rituals get into gray magic and go against universal magical laws. Others claim binding rituals are effective and should be used when necessary. We’ll get into the ethics later on.

2 Kinds of Bindings

There are two kinds of binding rituals. The first is binding something or someone to itself. If you get the metaphorical image of a rope tied around someone or something to keep it in its place, then you’d be right. Magically speaking, witches and magicians use this form of binding ritual typically to prevent someone or something from causing harm to other people/things or to themselves.

The second kind of binding ritual binds two people or two things together. An example of a binding ritual of this kind is a pagan Handfasting ritual in which two people swear their love to one another for a year before deciding on marriage or not. This is a voluntary binding when both parties are willing. A more dangerous form of this is to bind a person to you without them knowing.

Ancient Binding Magic

There is evidence to suggest binding rituals are as old as time. While there are many ways to do a binding, originally it was done with knot work, ribbons, and ties. Hence the name binding. The ancient Egyptians used knot work in their rituals and magic, indicating they were engaging in some form of binding rituals.

Sailors across the world believed in the power of knot magic. They often employed witches and other magicians to “bind the wind” with knots in a magical rope. Then when the sailors were stuck at sea with no wind, they would un-tie the knot to summon the wind. This form of sea knot magic could also be used to summon a storm and overturn an enemy’s ship.

The Magic in Cloth and Linen-making

Think of how clothing and linens have been made over the centuries. Weaving, knitting, sewing, etc. are all forms of binding one material to another that then create something new from it. Many witches also knew how to weave or make clothing, and as they performed their craft they would imbue each stitch or braid with intention. Essentially binding their magical goals into the fabric itself. This is why witches in Medieval paintings and artwork are sometimes depicted riding a distaff instead of a broom. Braiding, knotting, sewing, etc are all powerful forms of binding rituals when done with intention.

Bonding and Binding One to Another

There are many other magical traditions that use different methods of binding rituals all over the world. Hoodoo, a form of American folk magic, uses binding often to bind one person to another. In ancient Ireland, a man would braid his hair into a bracelet and give it to his love. If she accepted, they were bound together by his gift. The binding of an object like bracelets, knot work, and more, gives way to the metaphorical bonding of one person to another. In modern times, we pledge ourselves to our partner and place a ring on our finger…this is a form of binding!

When Should Binding Rituals Be Done? Morals and Suggestions

The topic of magical morals always comes up with binding rituals. But why? When we look at why people bind other people or things, we see sometimes it’s for selfish gain. For instance, when someone binds another person to themselves in love without the other person knowing or consenting. We may pine for someone’s love, but if that person doesn’t love us in return, and we do a binding ritual to force them to…it always turns out bad. For both parties. What if that person turns out to be abusive and you’ve bound him to you for life? And what of the person’s free will?

When Binding May Be Necessary…

Next, if we choose to bind someone from hurting themselves or others. I always think of that scene in the movie The Craft when Sarah is “binding” Nancy from doing harm. She has a photo of Nancy, the target, and she’s wrapping a black ribbon around her while chanting, “I bind you Nancy from doing harm, harm against other people and harm against yourself.” In this case, Sarah is trying to defend herself, Nancy and other people from Nancy’s violence. Sometimes work like this is justified. But you have to be darn sure it’s justified in that there’s no other way to help the individual before performing a binding of this nature.

Binding Rituals for Illness and Bad Habits

What about binding things such as illness, bad habits, or even ourselves? You can absolutely bind an illness or a bad habit; however, keep in mind that you’re not necessarily getting rid of those things by binding them. In these cases, a banishing ritual followed by protection rituals are best. This way you’re exiling that habit or illness from being anywhere near you and then shielding yourself from its return. You might also choose to do a cord cutting ritual, to cut the ties between your soul and that bad habit or illness.

Binding Yourself: Not Advised

Someone once asked if they could bind themselves from doing a bad habit. While you can choose to do whatever you’d like to yourself, in my experience binding yourself magically is never a good idea! While you may bind yourself from doing said habit or thing, you might also bind yourself from having free will to do other things. Binding oneself just doesn’t sit right with me as there are too many things that could affect your life negatively with a self-binding ritual.

Last Stitch Effort

To sum it up, when to perform binding rituals is ultimately up to you. But for me, I only use binding as a last stitch effort (pun intended). And only for protection from someone or something or to help protect others from them. Voluntary bindings are okay, as well, but for me, I’m rather free-spirited so I don’t know if it’s a good idea to bind yourself to anyone magically for an eternity. A ring on my finger and love in my heart in this life is enough.

Things to Use in Binding Rituals

The kind of binding ritual you do will determine the ingredients and words you use. For instance, for love binding rituals, objects that represent love include: aphrodisiacs like berries, wine, apples, etc. Names and personal effects can be placed inside of fruits then bound together and buried. Amplify this type of ritual by sprinkling fidelity and passionate herbs over the names before binding inside.

For binding protection rituals, choose simple supplies like photos, personal effects, ribbon and small boxes. These can be used to symbolically bind the person from doing harm. You can also freeze a person’s name or an event by placing in a bag or jar of water and freezing it to stop their actions or prevent something bad from happening. Use your intuition and imagination!

A Binding Ritual for Protection

This binding ritual is to be cast when someone is causing harm to themselves or others. It will work to bind them but perhaps only for a short time span. Inspired by The Craft.

You’ll Need:

Photo of person or personal effects
Black ribbon or string
Small box (if it has a lock and key or latch, even better!)

How to Perform this Binding Ritual:

Gather your supplies, cleanse the space and supplies by your preferred method.
Hold the photo of the person or the personal effects and picture that person in your mind. See the harm they are causing vividly in your mind’s eye.
Next, take the ribbon and begin to encircle the photo, weaving it in an X type pattern and say, “with this ribbon I bind thee, from causing harm to others or yourself. Until you are right again, then you shall be free.”
Last, take the bound photo and place it in the box. When you close the box, envision the person being calm, sane, and their best self.
Keep the photo in the box until the threat has passed. Then you can decide whether to un-bind the person.

Consensual Tomato Binding Love Ritual

Tomatoes are easy to come by and in this ritual they represent love and passion between two willing partners. It will increase the love, understanding, and intimacy between two people.

What You’ll Need:

One large vine-ripe tomato (the plumper and bigger the better!)
One dried herb for fidelity (choose one: chickweed, clover, cumin, nutmeg)
A knife
A lock of hair from each partner
A piece of parchment paper and pen
Red ribbon or string

How to Do the Love Binding Ritual:

Gather all supplies and cleanse them by your preferred method.
Ideally your partner should do this ritual with you for maximum effect.
Cleanse one another of negative vibes.
Sign your name on the paper – one name upside down and the other right side up so that when you fold the paper the two names touch.
Now sprinkle your herb for fidelity in the middle of the paper (where the fold will be).
Add the two locks of hair to the middle of the paper, as well.
Next fold the paper in half so that the names are touching each other right-side up. As you do this, envision the two partners being in love and faithful for the intended period of time. Visualize joy, health, and intimacy between the two of you etc. The herb and hair should be in the fold of the paper.

Fold the paper towards you 3 or 5 times until it’s small enough to fit in the tomato.
Now cut the tomato in half.
Place the parchment paper in the middle of the tomato. Close the tomato back up and tie it together with the red string. Bind it at least 3 times but up to 9 times, saying “May we share love, joy and intimacy from now until we choose be free.”
Bury the tomato in the East where the sun rises, as the sun is rising on your love!

Samhain Ritual for the Beginner Witch

Samhain, the final harvest festival of the year, marks the Witches New Year. The veil between worlds is at its thinnest, making this a good time to contact passed loved ones and do some divination. Samhain is often celebrated by honoring ancestors and loved ones who have passed. It is common to light a candle and place it in a West facing window to guide the souls of loved ones back home and to set places at the table for passed loved ones for the Samhain feast, also known as a Dumb Supper.
The tradition of pumpkin carving began with carving sigils and protective symbols into pumpkins, or turnips if pumpkins were unavailable in the region, to ward off any evil spirits that may have been lurking in the shadows. It was also thought that by dressing up in costume and building a bonfire, one could scare away evil spirits. During Samhain, it was customary to hand out treats in exchange for prayers and blessings for loved ones who had passed.

Listed below are some correspondences for Samhain that you can use to decorate your altar.

Colors: Black, Orange, Red, Purple

Incense/Plants: Sandalwood, Sweetgrass, Wormwood, Patchouli, Mugwort, Sage, Myrrh

Elements: Water, Earth

Symbols/Decorations: Apples, autumn flowers, acorns, bat, black cat, bones, corn stalks, colored leaves (particularly oak), crows, crystal ball, ghosts, gourds, jack-o-lantern/pumpkins, nuts, pomegranates, scarecrows, scythes.
You can also place pictures of loved ones who have passed on your altar as this is a time to honor and remember them.

Samhain Ritual
There are a plethora of different ways to celebrate Samhain. Below is just one example of a ritual that you could perform to celebrate. Feel free to edit this ritual to better suit your needs.

Cleanse area of negative energies
Cast your Circle
Call the Quarters
Invite the God and Goddess (or Deity(ies) of your choosing)
Take as long as you want to remember the loved ones you have lost. Think of the good times you had together and how much you love them. If you are in a group, take turns sharing your stories and memories.
You can write a blessing for your loved ones. Here is one that I wrote for my loved ones who had recently passed.(Loved One’s Name), my dear friend,
Your time on this Earthly plane has come to an end.
Although I miss you and being with you is my greatest wish,
I know I must let you go; I mustn’t be selfish.
May you find peace in the Summerlands.
May all troubles be out of your hands.
May you always be safe, healthy and happy,
And know that you will always be with me.
Forever will you be in my heart,
Never will our souls truly part.
I love you, my dearest friend.
I cannot wait til we meet again.

Cakes and Ale
Thank the God and Goddess (Or Deity(ies) of your choosing)
Thank the Quarters
Release the Circle
Ground
You can finish off the night with a Dumb Supper. Set places at the table for all loved ones, here and gone. Many people will make their loved ones’ favorite dishes for their feast, so they can enjoy them once again on this special night.
I hope you enjoy this ritual. Have a blessed Samhain! 

Kitchen Witch Daily Rituals


Magical Things To Do at the Hearth

A tea kettle whistling on the stove.
The sun pouring through the kitchen window. A pie cooling on the sill. Magic fills the air in a home where a kitchen witch lives. Particularly in the kitchen itself. Many kitchen witches want to know what rituals they can do on a daily basis. How do we fit magick into our everyday mundane lives? Here we provide the Kitchen Witch with daily rituals to incorporate into their witchcraft practice. Use and/or adapt the ones you like.

But First, What is Kitchen Witchery?

There are many different types of witchcraft, one being kitchen witchery also sometimes called hearth or cottage witchcraft. This is a tradition in which the witch is primarily focused on weaving his/her magic into their daily domestic lives. The kitchen becomes the witch’s sanctuary. The counters are the kitchen witch’s altar. Wooden spoons become magical wands. The dutch oven? A cauldron. The stove and oven become the catalyst for spells and workings of all kinds.

Kitchen witches love to cook and bake, and they use these acts as actual spells and rituals. In addition to cooking and baking magically, kitchen witches might also enjoy brewing herbal teas, making candles, and infusing oils at the hearth. They may grow culinary herbs to use in their food and brews. And they might also honor their ancestors, kitchen gods, and household spirits at the hearth. The best thing about being a kitchen witch is that cooking, baking and cleaning, once mundane tasks, become magical rituals and powerful invocations.

Kitchen Witch Daily Rituals With Herbs

1. Daily Herb Studies
Since kitchen witches are all about the herbs and spices, an easy way to study herbalism is to choose one herb/spice a day to focus on. Choose one that’s in your herb cabinet. Pull it out of the cabinet and set it on the counter. Research it’s folklore, medicinal and magical uses. Then try to use it in a meal or herbal concoction, etc.

2. Brew Tea
What kitchen witch doesn’t love a hot cup of tea? Make your tea-brewing process a daily ritual. Put thought into the herbs you’re using, thank the water element while pouring the water, draw symbols over the tea kettle as it heats, etc. A small and simple daily ritual for the kitchen witch. You’ll need a kettle, herbs, a special teacup or mug, and either a tea diffuser OR your own fillable tea bags.

3. Cook With Herbs
This is an obvious but simple one – cook with herbs every day! This becomes a daily ritual in and of itself when the kitchen witch selects an herb or spice from the cabinet or a specific intention. For example, adding garlic to any dish has a purifying, healing effect on those who eat it. My herb cabinet has literally become one of my favorite corners in my house! I feel witchy just walking into it.

4. The Herb Garden in Daily Rituals
You don’t have to be a green witch with a green thumb to have an herb garden. The herb garden becomes part of the kitchen witch’s daily rituals when the witch visits it every day. She greets her plants, tends to her garden, and harvests herbs for magical, culinary, and medicinal purposes. Even if you can’t have a garden, a couple of pots with your favorite herbs will do. I recommend rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, oregano, mint, lavender, and parsley.

5. Tend To Your Kitchen Altar
If you haven’t yet, start a kitchen altar. It doesn’t have to be big and elaborate, it can be as small as a shelf with a candle and a few magical items. Tending the kitchen altar will become part of a kitchen witch’s daily rituals when offerings are given to ancestors, household spirits and kitchen gods.

6. Kitchen Witch Guardians
Every kitchen should have a guardian spirit. The kitchen witch can create a guardian by making a kitchen poppet. Or you can purchase a kitchen witch doll or statue. Once you have your kitchen guardian, you’ll need to infuse the guardian with your magical intentions/energy OR invite an ancestor’s spirit to take residence in the doll/statue. This kitchen witch guardian will then protect your kitchen and family. Caring for the kitchen guardian will become part of your daily rituals. Offerings and care are essential.

7. Candle Flame
One simple daily ritual I do every day in my kitchen is light a candle to honor the hearth-fire of my ancestors. The kitchen witch lights candles in the kitchen as a thankful gesture to the fire element (which gives us the ability to cook), as well as for the household spirits, kitchen guardians, and ancestors.

8. Keep a Kitchen Grimoire
The kitchen grimoire or Book of Shadows is important to a kitchen witch. It’s a book in which we keep our magical recipes, ancestors’ recipes, kitchen rituals and spells, herbal anecdotes, and more. Writing in your kitchen grimoire becomes a daily ritual for the kitchen witch.

9. Cleaning & Cleansing
Every day, the kitchen witch should make sure his or her kitchen is clean. There should be no dishes in the sink when you go to bed else you’ll have nightmares (or so the old wives tale goes). Keeping a clean kitchen is honorable to your household spirits and ancestors. In addition, cleansing the space of negative vibes is also a simple daily ritual. You can use sprays, smudge bundles, etc. The besom is used to sweep away negative energy (a quick cleanser).

10. Offerings as Daily Ritual
Giving offerings to your kitchen gods, spirits and ancestors is a daily ritual that is rewarding and easy. Leave a cup of water, coffee, wine, etc. on your altar for your gods/ancestors. Change it daily. If you’re in a place where you can’t leave offerings out, setting aside a bite or two on your own plate and mentally praying to your spirits is offering enough.

11. Charge Your Meals With Symbols
Another great daily ritual for kitchen witches is to charge your meals and beverages with sacred, magical symbols. This is as simple as drawing a symbol over the meal or drink in the air. OR using condiments, oils, herbs, etc. to draw symbols and sigils directly onto food. Many baking witches even enjoy sneaking magical sigils at the bottom of pie crusts!

12. COOK Like a Kitchen Witch
I think it’s funny that I wrote this blog post years ago, not realizing that I FORGOT to add the most important daily ritual for a kitchen witch – COOKING. LOL! We have to eat every day, don’t we? Which means many of us cook every day. So make your cooking process magical by choosing ingredients based on your intuition and based on their magical and medicinal properties.

When you have more time, get inspired and try cooking something NEW and exciting. Maybe something your ancestors once made or something that utilizes ingredients you’ve never used before. Try making your own homemade pasta. And then make your own pesto using homegrown basil and mix it into your homemade fettuccine!

13. BAKE Magical
Baking is a science in and of itself. It is truly an art form and sometimes takes kitchen witches longer to master than cooking. Case in point, I thought I was the cookie master until this Christmas when I started coming up with burnt and flat cookies! It takes extra effort and thought. So I’ll be going back to the drawing board and trying again! Start small with baking, like making banana bread from scratch. Then work your way up to making homemade bread wreaths, lattice pies, and elaborately decorated layered cakes. Always add your own touch to it with favorite herbs, symbols, edible flowers, etc.

14. Work with Kitchen and Hearth Deities
One of my key practices is spirit work…specifically developing connections with gods and goddesses. And if you happen to be in the kitchen for most of your witch-crafting, why not incorporate kitchen gods and hearth goddesses into your daily routines? Set up a small altar or space for a deity that watches over the hearth i.e. Hestia, Vesta, Bes, Frigg or Loki. Include them in your kitchen workings on a daily basis and watch your blessings flow in.

A Ritual to Conjure the Fairy Sibylia

The year is 1586, the night is dark and mysterious, only a sliver of the moon hangs in the sky. The autumn wind is chilly, and it blows the leaves from the trees. Two witches, one an old woman with grey hair, and another, a young man half her age, meet in an old country lane. They quietly exchange greetings and then hurry towards a nearby cemetery in an old, abandoned churchyard, looking around them for signs they are being watched. The wind blows, the night is quiet except for the distant hoot of an owl.

When they arrive at the cemetery each one draws a few items from their pockets. The man brings forth a book, The Discoverie of Witchcraft, and from his sleeve, a wand made of hazel wood. The woman produces a crystal stone, and a candle. Together, they approach a fresh grave at the far edge of the cemetery.

When they arrive at the grave, the woman lights the candle, holding the crystal in her other hand. The air is thick with spirits and both witches feel a certain apprehension, a knowing that what they are doing is spiritually dangerous and could also get them executed by the secular authorities. They are risking their lives to carry out this work of magic.

The man takes the wand and gently strikes the dirt of the grave. “Arise, Arise,” he begins to call the ghost. He addresses the ghost by name, telling it to come forth and enter the crystal stone. He promises the ghost that if he will help the witches, and obey them, that he will do a good deed in the ghost’s name, and thus help them get to heaven. He tells the ghost that the witches need its help to go and get a fairy that they wish to conjure, the Fairy
Sibylia.

Dozens of spirits swirl around the two witches now. Some of them are relatives of the witches. “Stop this heresy!” one demands. “To invoke the dead is a great sin,” another ghost says. “You are going to hell,” another ghost warns. The two witches ignore these voices and carry on their work.

Lights seem to play around the edges of the stone, it glows. Spirits swirl around it, almost swimming in the air. “Could this be a home for us?” one asks. The ghost of a little child peeks around a headstone. The ghost of a witch who is buried in the graveyard looks on approvingly. The crystal stone is the center of the motion, it seems to attract the spirits to it.

The younger man continues to say the words of
conjuration from the book, commanding the ghost to appear in the stone. Then, the old woman says, “I see him, I see the ghost, he has taken the form of himself when he was young, look inside.” The younger man looks and sees, the stone is glowing many colors, orange, red, green, and purple. He reaches his hand out and touches the stone, it feels warm. The book says this is a sign that things are going well.

Somewhere deep inside the stone he can see the form of the ghost he had conjured, the one who had killed himself, an old friend of his. Success! Suddenly there is a moment of sadness, the memories the ghost had in his life, and his sorrows. “I will pray for you,” the male witch murmurs quietly, “I will do good deeds in your name.” “Work with me my friend and help me to find the fairy Sibylia.” The ghost agrees to the deal.

The two witches then close the book and then enter the abandoned church next to the cemetery. Taking chalk from their pockets, they quickly draw an ornate magic circle on the ground. It is fortified with divine names, and a Bible verse. The design is taken from the book. By this time, it is midnight.
As a final protection, the witches draw small leather shields from their pockets and pin them to their chests. Upon the shield looking coverings are the words Sorthie, Sorthia, Sorthios. All around the circle, candles are lit. A smaller circle is drawn with the chalk, outside the larger one, for the Fairy Sibylia to appear in.

The Hazel wand and crystal stone are once again drawn forth, the moon shines in from part of the roof which has caved in. Frankincense is produced from the pocket of the female witch and the smell wafts through the old, abandoned church.

Once again, the male witch conjures the spirit of the ghost, which has now entered the stone. It appears once again; the witches ask the ghost to go and get the fairy. It disappears from the stone, the room grows quiet, there is a moment of silence…

Then she arrives, the fairy. She is standing within the smaller circle outside the larger circle which the witches have drawn. She is indescribably beautiful with curly blond hair, elvish looking ears, and blue green eyes. She wears a long white dress which sparkles and silver armlets and rings and a tiara around her head of silver. She has wings of a butterfly with purple hues.

Beams of light emanate from her, and she holds a magic wand made of hazel wood, with the tip glowing a brilliant white. Her splendor lights up the dark candle lit room as if it were suddenly illuminated by the brightest moonlight. In and through this light, hundreds of smaller fairies’ dart
and fly at high speeds all around the magic circle and the witches.

The male witch quickly addresses the fairy using the names and words given in the book, asking her not to harm a hair on their heads, and to be kind to them. His companion takes the Frankincense and waves it towards her, asking the fairy to accept the incense as a gift, and to work with them as a friend and ally in the spiritual plane.

She agrees and then begins to instruct the witches in various ways to cast spells and improve their magic. She gives a couple of the smaller fairies to them as familiar spirits and tells them to watch over the witches. Finally, the male witch reads another conjuration from the book, which tells her that she may come and go as she pleases, and she promises to see them again for more teaching, and that someday she will even give them the power to go invisible.

Then in a flash, she is gone, and takes all the light from the room with her, and the little fairies as well. The two witches hurriedly gather their magical tools and return to their homes in silence, vowing to keep the secrets of their work from the church.

Crafting Ritual/Ceremonial Candles

Crafting Ritual/Ceremonial Candles

Ritual Candles are a form of symbolism used within the circle while

summoning the elements and guardians therein. Each is created with the

symbols of a specific element in mind, and charged with the entities of

that element. It is important to remember that all of the elements are

of the Goddess and the God, as they are of everything, and before

charging each candle should be concentrated and dedicated to the Lord

and Lady.

While candles are used in virtually every tradition of Wicca, usually

they are not assigned to be such symbolic tools. However, a

ritual/ceremonial candle can be as powerful of a ritual tool as the

Athame, Pinnacle, and Cauldron if so desired.

A benefit of working so intently upon a ritual candle, is first and

foremost – The more time you spend working with a tool, the more

attuned it will be with you and your energies and vice versa. Secondly,

after crafting is completed, you can take some well-earned pride in the

magnificent tool you have crafted for the Lord and Lady.

As you are crafting your ritual candles take some time to look at

yourself, your life, and all the aspects of the two. Contemplate on the

will of the Universe and the God and Goddess. Search your heart for

guidance, and utilize the time for productive meditation.

Thin Paintbrush

Four (4) Small Black Plates/Saucers

Candles: Red, Blue, Yellow, Green and Black

Enamel Paints: Black, White, Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green (All Natural

Paints if possible) Optional Gemstones: Quartz Crystal, Topaz, Amethyst,

Rock Crystal, and Ruby or Jasper

Note: I suggest using a thick, broad based candle, one that usually

burns the inner part of the candle, leaving the outer shell in tact.

This way the symbolism of your crafted candle will be maintained while

the candle is in use. Also, a smooth texture will help with symbolism

to be painted on candles.

Using the Thin Paintbrush, paint the corresponding astrological symbols

repeatedly around the base of the candles and decorative spiritual and

lunar symbols upon the face of the candle:

Crafting the Candle of Earth:

Around the base of the Green Candle (using Black Enamel Paint) paint

the astrological symbols for Taurus(n), Virgo(r), and Capricorn(v) & on

the face of the candle paint the name Ghob, the silhouette of a gnome

or dwarf and the symbol of a waning moon(C). Also, if a Rock Crystal is

available, inset it below the symbol of the moon.

Charging the Candle of Earth:

Be sure to meditate and ground yourself and then consecrate and

dedicate the tool to the Goddess and the God before charging (an

example of a dedication ritual is included at the end of this document).

After crafting your Candle of Earth, it is time to charge it with the

element and the entities therein. Sit in a peaceful place where you

will not be disturbed. Using your sword or wand, starting at the east

draw circle around yourself three times in a counter-clockwise

direction and envision a trail of bluish-white light remaining where

you’ve traced the tip of your sword or wand, the trail becoming

brighter with each pass. Take a moment to realize that all negativity

has been banished and cannot exist within your circle, and that only

positive and creative energy remains. Turn your body so that you are

facing east and while holding the candle in both hands, raise it

skyward, and mote the following:

“Element of Earth, keeper of the East Wind

Ghob, ruler of those within, thy power send.”

Place the candle upon the plate along with a corresponding offering of

invitation (perhaps a palm of dirt from a place that holds significant

personal meaning to you) and light the candle before saying the

following:

“Wisdom of age and bearer of winter,

energies of abundance and prosperity,

welcomed into my circles – thee may enter,

as I offer this candle as an alter and thy key.”

This charging ritual invites the element of Earth, and all the positive

and creative entities and energies of the element into your circle, and

motes that those energies are welcomed into all of your circles when

you light the candle during ritual work.

After you invite and mote your intention to the element of Earth, thank

Ghob and the entities and energies within the element and mote that you

are ending this part of the ritual as you snuff the candles flame.

Crafting the Candle of Fire:

Around the base of the Red Candle (using Black Enamel Paint) paint the

astrological symbols for Leo(q), Sagittarius(u), and Aries(m) & on the

face of the candle paint the name Djin, the silhouette of a salamander

or small dragon and the symbol of a waxing moon (E). Also, if a Ruby or

Jasper is available, inset it below the symbol of the moon.

Charging the Candle of Fire:

Be sure to meditate and ground yourself and then consecrate and

dedicate the tool to the Goddess and the God before charging (an

example of a dedication ritual is included at the end of this document).

After crafting your Candle of Fire, it is time to charge it with the

element and the entities therein. Sit in a peaceful place where you

will not be disturbed. Using your sword or wand, starting at the east

draw circle around yourself three times in a counter-clockwise

direction and envision a trail of bluish-white light remaining where

you’ve traced the tip of your sword or wand, the trail becoming

brighter with each pass. Take a moment to realize that all negativity

has been banished and cannot exist within your circle, and that only

positive and creative energy remains. Turn your body so that you are

facing south and while holding the candle in both hands, raise it

skyward, and mote the following:

“Element of Fire, keeper of the South Wind

Djjin, ruler of those within, thy power send.”

Place the candle upon the plate along with a corresponding offering of

invitation (perhaps write a very personal experience that holds much

meaning for you and changed your life in a positive way on a small

piece of paper and burn it upon the plate) and light the candle before

saying the following:

“Curiosity of youth and bearer of the summer sun,

energies of passion and sexuality,

into my circles ye are welcomed, changing one,

as I offer this candle as an alter and thy key.”

This charging ritual invites the element of Fire, and all the positive

and creative entities and energies of the element into your circle, and

motes that those energies are welcomed into all of your circles when you

light the candle during ritual work.

After you invite and mote your intention to the element of Fire, thank

Djjin and the entities and energies within the element and mote that you

are ending this part of the ritual as you snuff the candles flame.

Crafting the Candle of Water: Receptive Feminine Energy (absorption and

germination)

Around the base of the Blue Candle (using Black Enamel Paint) paint the

astrological symbols for Scorpio(t), Pisces(x), and Cancer(p) & on the

face of the candle paint the name Niska and the silhouette of a nymph or

mermaid and the symbol of a full moon (A). Also, if an Amethyst is

available, inset it below the symbol of the moon.

Charging the Candle of Water:

Be sure to meditate and ground yourself and then consecrate and dedicate

the tool to the Goddess and the God before charging (an example of a

dedication ritual is included at the end of this document). After

crafting your Candle of Water, it is time to charge it with the element

and the entities therein. Sit in a peaceful place where you will not be

disturbed. Using your sword or wand, starting at the east draw circle

around yourself three times in a counter-clockwise direction and

envision a trail of bluish-white light remaining where you’ve traced the

tip of your sword or wand, the trail becoming brighter with each pass.

Take a moment to realize that all negativity has been banished and

cannot exist within your circle, and that only positive and creative

energy remains. Turn your body so that you are facing west and while

holding the candle in both hands, raise it skyward, and mote the

following:

“Element of Water, keeper of the West Wind

Niska, ruler of those within, thy power send.”

Place the candle upon the plate along with a corresponding offering of

invitation (perhaps a sprinkling of water from a bowl of water you have

sipped from while remembering something or someone that has great

meaning and makes you very happy) and light the candle before saying the

following:

“Knowledge of maturity and bearer of the autumn leaves

energies of absorption, germination and fertility,

within my circle ye are welcomed to be,

as I offer this candle as an alter and thy key.”

This charging ritual invites the element of Water, and all the positive

and creative entities and energies of the element into your circle, and

motes that those energies are welcomed into all of your circles when you

light the candle during ritual work.

After you invite and mote your intention to the element of Water, thank

Niska and the entities and energies within the element and mote that you

are ending this part of the ritual as you snuff the candles flame.

Crafting the Candle of Air: Projective Masculine (Instruction, Freedom,

and Obtaining Knowledge) Around the base of the Yellow Candle (using

Black Enamel Paint) paint the astrological symbols for Aquarius(w),

Libra(s), and Gemini(o) & on the face of the candle paint the name

Paralda, the silhouette of a fairy or sylph and the symbol of a new

moon(D). Also, if a Topaz is available, inset it below the symbol of the

moon.

Charging the Candle of Air:

Be sure to meditate and ground yourself and then consecrate and dedicate

the tool to the Goddess and the God before charging (an example of a

dedication ritual is included at the end of this document). After

crafting your Candle of Air, it is time to charge it with the element

and the entities therein. Sit in a peaceful place where you will not be

disturbed. Using your sword or wand, starting at the east draw circle

around yourself three times in a counter-clockwise direction and

envision a trail of bluish-white light remaining where you’ve traced the

tip of your sword or wand, the trail becoming brighter with each pass.

Take a moment to realize that all negativity has been banished and

cannot exist within your circle, and that only positive and creative

energy remains. Turn your body so that you are facing north and while

holding the candle in both hands, raise it skyward, and mote the

following:

“Element of Air, keeper of the North Wind

Paralda, ruler of those within, thy power send.”

Place the candle upon the plate along with a corresponding offering of

invitation (perhaps a palm of dirt from a place that holds significant

personal meaning to you) and light the candle before saying the

following:

“Beginning of all things new, bearer of spring time and life energies of

freedom, knowledge and purity, ye are welcomed into my circles without

strife, as I offer this candle as an alter and thy key.”

This charging ritual invites the element of Air, and all the positive

and creative entities and energies of the element into your circle, and

motes that those energies are welcomed into all of your circles when you

light the candle during ritual work.

After you invite and mote your intention to the element of Air, thank

Paralda and the entities and energies within the element and mote that

you are ending this part of the ritual as you snuff the candles flame.

Crafting the Candle of Spirit:

Around the base of the Black Candle paint the symbols for the four

phases of the moon (CEAD). Upon the face of the Black Candle (using

White Enamel Paint) paint a pentagram and the silhouette of a stag, and

if so desired, around the upper mid section or rim of the candle, paint

the Wiccan rede “An it harm none, do as ye will.”

The Candle of Spirit is not charged with an element, rather charged

during dedication for guidance and purity of heart. It is a constant

remainder in the circle of the wiccan rede and proclamation that the

intent of all actions within the circle is positive and within the law.

The black plates/saucers are to set the candles upon during ritual.

Also, they may be used to place offerings or items of power such as

herbs, gems, salts or incense to the corresponding element during

certain rituals. These can be left blank and placed under the candles at

the time of ceremony, or they can be decorated and symbolize each of the

elements – This can be done by using the White Enamel Paint and painting

the symbolism of the specific element onto the surface of the plate and

painting the rim of the plate the corresponding color for that element.

Note: The charging of candles may be done several in one ritual, or all

in one ritual should you create them all before charging. It is

suggested to charge them in order counter clockwise from the east. Also,

it is important to remember that after dedicated and charged that the

candles are no longer “yours” they are tools bestowed upon you by the

Lord and Lady, and a beacon and key into your circle for the element

they are charged with.

Using Ritual Candles In Your Circle:

During ritual work in your circles a compass is used to determine the

directions and then you set the candles upon small the black plates

accordingly as follows and in this order: Green(Earth)/East,

Red(Fire)/South, Blue(Water)/West, Yellow(Air)/North. As each candle is

set down and lit, summon the element into your circle with a mote (This

first mote of each charging ritual would be acceptable).

The Black(Spirit) Candle is symbolic of everything, and is not used in

the magickal work, but rather in invoking the Lord and Lady and will be

kept within the inner circle. Also the entire ritual/ceremony is of

spirit, and therefore it needs no plate for offerings or tools of power.

It is a constant remainder in the circle of the wiccan rede and

proclamation that the intent of all actions within the circle is

positive and within the law.

Consecrating & Dedicating Ceremony for Ritual Candles:

Be sure to meditate and ground yourself before performing the ceremony.

Sit in a peaceful place where you will not be disturbed. Place the

candle on a black cloth, and your other ceremony materials around the

cloth. In the air, just above the candle, trace a pentagram with your

index finger and envision the tip of your finger leaving a trail of

bluish-white light, as if actually drawing it in the air. When the

pentagram is finished mote the following:

“Maiden Goddess, energy of youth and curiosity

I ask that you concentrate this candle with your purity.

Mother Goddess, energy of maturity and protection,

I ask your watchful eye upon this tool to be.

Crone Goddess, energy of age and ancient wisdom,

I ask that you guide this tool so that I may see.

Horned God, energy of strength and will,

I ask that with this tool you guide the law through me.”

Place your hand over the candle and envision the purity, wisdom,

protection and strength of the lord and lady pouring from within you and

encompassing the candle and say the following while doing so:

“Oh, Goddess of the Moon and Magick,

And God of the Sun and Forest,

I dedicate this tool to your will and wisdom,

Let it be source of no curse, no harm and no hate

So moted, so shall it be!”

You have now dedicated the candle to the Lord and Lady, and consecrated

and purified it with their energies. The candle is no longer yours, but

rather theirs, and you are allowed to use it as a tool of ritual

workings as long as it is done without the intent of harm, negativity,

or hatred. As with all spell crafting rituals, if you are not completely

sure of your intent, meditate and ask for guidance from the goddess. If

you listen, she will answer.

Notes on Crafting Ritual/Ceremonial Candles: For clarification purposes,

these notes have been added. The shapes of the candles suggested are

wide, cylindrical and tall. The base of the candle, as stated in this

article, means the rim around the part of the candle that touches the

table, it does not mean the actual bottom of the candle. The face of the

candle, as stated in the article, means the side of a candle, more

specifically, the side of the candle that faces you when inside a

circle.

The Magick of Incense ~ Using Scents for Pagan Rituals

The various properties of incense and it’s importance in Pagan spiritual work.

Throughout the long history of Pagan spirituality, incense has been used as a valuable tool in ritual work. Incense is symbolic of the element Air and assists in opening the doorway to the spiritual realm. In times long ago people would burn sweet-smelling herbs and wood to purify and cleanse their homes or the areas where they performed ritual magick. The ancient Egyptians were known for their abilities to blend and produce high-quality incense used for rituals. A particular type of Egyptian incense known as Khyphi is still available today and requires the finest of ingredients to produce.

There are many forms of incense that are in use today such as granular, cone and joss-sticks. Joss-sticks are one of the most common forms of incense and originally came from India. They are the best form of incense to use for short rituals but for longer rituals it’s best to use granular or cone incense.

Granular incense is commonly burned on a charcoal disc which is lit and placed in an incense burner. The incense is then piled on top of the charcoal disc and begins to burn and release its fragrance.

Many people make their own incense with herbs and essential oils that correspond with whatever ritual work they may be doing. Thought and care should be used when doing this and the use of your intuition can also guide you in making an incense that is best for your ritual. Dedication of the incense is also helpful and can be done by simply saying, “I dedicate this incense for the use of” and then name the ritual in which it will be used.

The following is a list of incense fragrances and their properties that can be used in assistance of your magickal work.

Sandalwood

This is a very calming scent and can assist with the contact of divine spirits. It helps to strengthen conviction and to have a calm and focused center.

Lavender

Cleansing and protecting, lavender also helps to bring healing and symbolizes the protection of Mother Earth. It helps to clear and strengthen auras and releases negative emotions.

Frankincense

Cleanses negative influences and helps to bring wisdom. A very universal fragrance, it helps the spirit to adapt to different energies.

Cinnamon

Symbolizes love and fire. It has the power to bring happiness and banish negativity and sadness.

Jasmine

Brings greater understanding of spirit and helps us to find our true potential. Provides sanctuary and protection.

Rosemary

Opens the spirit and brings greater wisdom and understanding. Cleanses auras and helps to build greater confidence.

Ylang Ylang

Balances the spirit and helps to achieve more balanced manifestation. Sensual, invigorating and calming.

When storing incense, be sure to keep it in a cool place out of direct sunlight or bright lighting. By using incense in your spellwork, rituals or meditations, you can achieve a greater connection with deity and have a calmer and more awakened spirit.

Home Blessing Ritual

Supplies Needed As Follows:

1.Small piece of Rose Quartz.

2.Frankincense(Incense).

3.Small size bowl(Glass works best).

4.Sage(Smudge Stick).

5.Wand

6.White candle.

7.olive oil

8.Matches(Lighter).

9.Candle snuffer

10.Candle holder

11.Spring,river,creek,or rain water.(Living water always works best for me)!

12.Sea Salt

A.)Get all your supplies and take them to your Altar Area.

B.)Scratch A Pentagram in your white candle.

C.)Anoint your candle with Olive Oil.(Visualize A white light rubbing into the candle coming from within your Sacred Space)

D.)Place your Candle in the candle holder and light the candle.(Always Remember to use the proper protection needed with any magickal workings)

C.)Light your Frankincense,and go counterclockwise around the room until you complete A full circle.(This Cleanses your Sacred Space)!Place the incense on you altar.

D.)Now light the Sage bundle and go around the house clockwise stopping at every window/Door or the house drawing A pentagram in the Air.Visualize A white Blessing Energy taking the she of A pentagram as you draw it in the air covering the window/Or Door.

Complete the entire trip around the house until you get back where you started from.

E.)Once back at your Altar,pour the water you have collected in your bowl.

Place the rose Quartz in the bowl and sprinkle some sea salt on top.

D.)Now stick your right hand in the water and Stir while you visualize Sacred white,or pinkish energy forming in the bowl getting stronger with every stir.When you feel as if the energy can get no stronger,its charged.

You should feel A tingle in your hand at this point.

E.)Now you are ready to complete the home Blessing.Go Around the house and dip your hand in the water flicking the water everywhere as you Bless the house with your Magickally charged Rose quartz water.

(((Note))) it does not take much water for this purpose.Its like using Holy Water…

F.)You can stop at every entrance to the next room,Every door,And Window.Anoint them with A pentagram and move on.Concentrate on rooms with the most negative energy(Such as Places where people argue,or just has A negative vibe)

G.)Make it all the way around your house and back to your altar.At this point you may bottle any unused Rose Quartz Water to use for future Home Blessings,Or Blessing any items on your Altar.I like to keep things like this As A tool,and on my Altar.

H.)Keep the Rose Quartz as A (Talisman) Or your home Blessing.Keep it on your Altar beside your Rose Quartz Water.

I.)Snuff out your Candle,and light it every day until the candle burns all the way out.Its used like A daily Devotion to your Altar.You can also Add Another white candle and anoint it with the water you have made as A representation of your home blessing.(Giving thanks to Deity)!

*You can Always Invoke Any deity you like to assist you in any magickal workings.

*Also its best to write any Chants,or Incantations yourself.It adds intent and Personalization to any spell or Ritual!

A Formal Ritual To Restore Prosperity

Such a ritual could be used, for example, to boost employment in a town that has become an urban wasteland.

Set four floor candles in the elemental colours in the four main compass points of what will be the circle.

The altar is in the centre.

Place a single large beeswax candle in the centre of the altar.

Arrange your tools and the four elemental substances, also on the altar, to form a square around the central candle: salt in the North, frankincense, fern or cinnamon incense in the East, a gold candle in the South, for abundance, and a jug of water and two small dishes in the West.

Set the pentacle containing a honey cake in the North, and place the athame in the East, the wand in the South and the chalice of juice or wine in the West.

Place a ball of clay or dough within the elemental square, on a dish in front of the candle so that light shines on it.

Facing North, light the altar candle.

Take the salt from the North and stir it deosil with your athame, saying:
Power of new life, power of healing, power of regeneration, enter this salt, I ask, mother and father of
light and love.

You can substitute the names of gods and goddesses associated with success, prosperity, fertility and renewal into the ritual if you wish.

Take next the water from the West and pour some into one of the dishes.

Stir it deosil, saying:
Power of growth, power of fertility, power of prosperity, enter this water, I ask, mother and father of
abundance and increase.

Now take the salt to the water and tip a little in it, stirring it once more with the athame, saying:
Dissolve and disperse, flow far and free to attract rebirth to -[name the town] and its inhabitants.

Now cast the circle around the elemental candles, with your wand, starting from the North in a single unbroken movement, visualising as you do a stream of light emanating from it that encloses you above, around and beneath.

(If you are working with a group, they can stand or sit within a circle while you cast around them.

This is better than slowing the ceremony by having people entering the circle separately after it is cast and then having to close the circle after each one.) Say:
I cast this circle of light, of power and of protection. May the circle that is cast always be unbroken.

Bless my workings this night [or day], O mother and father of rebirth and renewal, unified and yet two, and all that is and has been and shall be, creative spirit of the universe, the cosmos and the smallest blade of grass.

Pick up the bowl of salt water and sprinkle a second circle deosil around the perimeter of the first, saying:
Salt and water, enclose, bless and protect you who have sustained life from the beginning and will so to the end.

If others are present, a second witch then sprinkles all present individually with the water, saying

‘Bless and protect’.

Light the incense in the East (or add to it if it was lit before the ritual).

Create a third circle around the perimeter, saying:

Breath of life, bring purity, clarity and focus, force of life itself that flows alike within plant, tree, bird, animal, human and stone.

Bless and protect.

You are now going to light the elemental candles, and as you do so invoke the Guardians.

Re-light the taper from the central candle as necessary.

Light a taper from the central candle and carry it to the North, saying:
Lord [or Lady] of the Northern Watchtower, I call upon your strength and persistence to restore the prosperity and stability to this town where new industry and investment are so badly needed.

Light the green candle of the North.
*Go to the East, saying:

Lord [or Lady] of the Eastern Watchtower, I call upon your swiftness and clarity of purpose, to bring technologies and opportunities into this town to attract new kinds of work, perhaps from overseas.

Light the yellow candle of the East.
Go next to the South and say:

Lord [or Lady] of the Southern Watchtower, I call upon your cleansing fire and spirit of inspiration to purge what is redundant and corrupt and to bring hope and energy to this town where decay and despair have taken root.

Light the red candle of the South.
Go finally to the West and say:

Lord [or Lady] of the Western Watchtower, I call upon your healing and restoration to heal bitterness and divisions between the people who have experienced such hard times and whose town has become ravaged and neglected.

Light the blue candle of the West.

Now you are going to empower the clay.

If working as a group, once the clay has been empowered with the ritual substances, you could pass it round for each person to fashion it and add their energies.

Take the salt and sprinkle a few grains on the clay, saying:

Make new buildings rise, new industries grow, new houses and parkland, schools and health centres be created, that this town may be a worthy home to those who work in it.

Take the incense and circle the clay nine times, saying:

Bring retraining, new investment, government grants, new technology and new equipment so that the town may become a hive of activity and generate ever more opportunities into the next century and beyond.

Light the gold candle in the South (in this case it will be different from the candle of the southern watchtower) and pass it over the clay so that single drop of gold wax falls on it, saying:

Bring gold of prosperity, gold of abundance, fire of inspiration and creativity so that this town maybe rich in opportunity, in the arts and in culture, as well as in material wealth.

Finally, sprinkle the clay with a single drop of water from the jug or a second dish, saying:

May the lifeblood of the town be restored and fertility course through the veins of the people that their children and grandchildren may know happiness and lives unclouded by sorrow and anxiety for their livelihood and their dwellings.

Taking the clay between your hands, begin to mould it, using a marking tool if you wish, to make a tool, such as a wheel, or a figure, a bridge, a loaf, a house or a flower, or any abstract symbol that represents the rebirth of the town through its people.

Endow it with your wishes, visualising the place growing and prospering, perhaps reciting:

Go forth, increase and multiply, or Rise again from the ashes, rise anew, rise glorious, rise, rise again.

Chant faster and faster until at last you toss the ball into the air and catch it, saying;

Go far, go free, bring life to thee.

In a group, you could pass the endowed clay around a second time, tossing it from person to person while chanting.

Return the clay to the altar and take your honey cake on its dish.

Hold it over the central candle, saying:
Bring abundance to those who need it, enough for their needs and a little more, joy and hope.

Bite into the cake and scatter a few crumbs on the clay, instead of in a libation dish.
Take the athame and plunge it into the chalice, saying:
God to goddess, join thus thy power and give power to thy people who are in need this hour.

Drink from the chalice and instead of dropping some wine in the libation dish or on the ground, let a drop fall on the clay, saying:Fruit of the vine, harvest gathered and transformed, transform likewise what is barren to what is fruitful and living.

If you are in a group, you can pass the cakes and wine around and each person can contribute a positive thought or perhaps voice any personal worries they may have about employment and ask for a blessing.

Sit in the candlelight, seeing the new town rising from the old, and if you have any special fear about your own job security or those of loved ones, let these to flow away as the released energies multiply.

Allow any excess energies to drain back into the Earth, by pressing with your hands, feet and body.

Beginning in the West, blow out the candle, saying:
Lord [or Lady] of the Western Watchtower, I thank you for your healing and your harmonising light.
Go now in peace.

Move next to the South. Blow out this candle, saying:
Lord [or Lady] of the Southern Watchtower, I thank you for your inspiration and your cleansing light.
Go now in peace.

Move next to the East. Blow out this candle and say:
Lord [or Lady] of the Eastern Watchtower, I thank you for your clarity and your life-restoring light.
Go now in peace.

Move finally to the North. Blow out this candle and say:
Lord [or Lady] of the Northern Watchtower, I thank you for your grounding power and your protecting
light. Go now in peace.

Take again your wand and, starting from the North and working widdershins, close the circle just
once, saying:
May the circle be uncast but remain unbroken, and may light and love and healing still remain and fall on whoever needs their blessing.

Leave the clay and allow the central and elemental Fire candle and the incense to burn away.

When they are burned through, clear them away and bury the clay beneath a living tree or in a large plant of lavender or basil.

There are many other things you can add to a formal ritual, for example, ringing the bell or drawing pentagrams.

In this ritual, you could also have passed the elemental tools over the clay to give it additional power.

Ceremonies are really a glorious mix and match and this is just a sample of how you can combine the tools and the forms to create the ceremony you want.

You may like to record in your Book of Shadows those rituals that work well and others that did not seem so potent, together with any reasons why you think this is so.

In time, you will develop perhaps three or four basic ritual ‘templates’ for group or personal work, and with practice, the preparations and stages will become almost automatic.

As your energies ever more creative and spontaneous, they will, within a formal framework, become incredibly potent.

Libation

Known most often by its Cornish name of “Houzle”, the coming together of white bread and red wine or dark ale is seen as honoring the blood and bone of the Ancestors.

This is a complex piece of symbolism, considering how simple the practical technique itself it.

The libator dips the bread in the wine or ale, and toasts the Ancestors, the Gods, old Hornie, and whoever else they need to honour.

In a group, the participants take turns.

It seems very simple, but the symbolism runs very deep, as in addition to the act of symbolic theophagy that can be seen in the Catholic Mass, there is also the nature of blood and bone to take into account.

Frequently the blood is seen as the lineage itself — the Witch-Blood — and the bone is the body of Lore that both sustains the blood and enables us to discover and connect with it.

Traditionally, the Houzle is performed with a horn cup, which — depending on the tradition — can be an actual cup made of horn or a stirrup cup (the cups designed originally for members of the fox hunt to drink their libation before the hunt.

They do not have a base, but rather are stored upside down, and are frequently made in the shape of animals, especially stags and foxes.)

Preparing For Ritual

Preparation for ritual is important.

It is suggested that  you should try to slow your activities down in the hours before a formal ceremony, eat only a light meal and turn off all phones, faxes and computers if you are working from home.

Make sure you have all the basic tools and ingredients for the ceremony and that the room is ready.

About an hour before the ritual, prepare yourself, by having a bath in which a sprinkling of sacred salt and a few drops of cleansing oils, such as pine or eucalyptus, have been added. Light purple or pink candles in the bathroom and allow all your daily concerns to flow out of your body into the water, to
be transformed by the candlelight.

When you are ready to get out of the water, swirl the reflected light three times widdershins and as you take out the plug, say:
Go in peace, flow in harmony to the sea of eternity.

Wear something light and loose for the ritual.

You may like to keep a special robe for your magical work, ready-washed and pressed.

Though some witches work skyclad, in groups this can result in self-consciousness and sometimes unnecessary emotional complications that can detract from the magick.

Also, in Northern climes it is usually too cold! But the choice, of course, is yours.

Next sweep out and cleanse the area you will be working in and set up the altar, either in the North or the centre of your circle.

Practitioners who work from the East of the circle may want their altar there.

The position of the altar really does not matter.

If the altar is placed centrally or in the North, you follow the tradition, as I do, of working from the North; this means that you cast the circle from the North and enter the circle from the South so you are facing the North.

If, however, you work with the altar in the East, you will cast from the East and enter from the West, facing the East.

A central altar will work for either direction and it also means a group can easily circle it.

After all, for most of us space is at a premium, and sometimes it is a question of marrying metaphysics with logistics

What is a handfasting

A handfasting is a wedding or betrothal ceremony, and to be handfasted is equivalent to being married or betrothed.

Before we get into the details, let’s back up a bit and have a quick history lesson.

In most of pre-Christain Europe, weddings were fairly straightforward affairs, and this was especially true for northern Europe and Celtic lands.

Two families came together and they worked out a deal on land ownership and any trading of goods.

Then, the couple would exchange gifts, clasp hands, and make oaths of loyalty to each other.

Afterward their families and the community they lived in would throw a party and have a feast.

Going to the trouble of a full religious ceremony officiated by a Druid (or someone similar) was typically reserved for people of very high social status.

For most people the transition from single to married was a do-it-yourself affair, with the couple’s community acting as witnesses.


As Christianity began to spread across Europe, the new Church lacked the resources to have a clergyman in every rural village and hamlet.

As such, the Church would send circuit priests to travel to out-of-the-way parishes during the warmer months.

Obviously, this presented a problem to families who needed to make an alliance with another family or clan.

It’s also difficult to ask young people in love to wait so long before they can make a home together.

Especially if the young woman was already pregnant! Governments had a similar problem:

it was too difficult to provide a judge or magistrate to every little village, let alone manage all the paperwork required for marriage licenses at a time when everything was handwritten on parchment.


So, the folk looked back to the traditions of their grandparents and found a compromise. T

he couple would self-marry in the old style when it was convenient for the community.

The union would later be formally blessed by the church when the circuit priest came to visit.

In the Middle Ages, handfasting-type rituals became popularly used as betrothal rituals.

In some parts of Europe, such as Scotland, the word “handfasting” was used to say that a couple was engaged.

It was more common to hear that a couple was “handfasted” than “betrothed.”

These types of self-uniting marriage traditions lasted well into the colonial era, when settlers in the New World faced difficulties due to long distances and lack of resources.

It was only a couple of hundred years ago that nations began to pass legislation requiring couples to be legally wed via a specific set of rules.

In fact, in some parts of the world, self-uniting ceremonies are still perfectly valid and legal.

As modern Paganism began to truly grow in the early-to-mid 20th century, Pagans sought marriage rituals that had historical significance without strong ties to other religions.

Two fit the bill: the tying of hands in the handfasting tradition, and the jumping of the broom.

A Sun Magick Ritual For Energy

Because it can be dangerous to look directly at the Sun, catch your sunlight close to noon in a large crystal or in water in a brass dish.

As before, ‘inhale’ the sunlight via the crystal or water with your eyes open.

Hold the Sun breath, counting ‘One and two and three’, then close your eyes and exhale the darkness of your doubt, anger or lack of confidence. With practice, this will become a single movement.

Continue until you are filled with light and energy, then exhale a Sun breath, directing it to someone who is exhausted, frightened or ill.

Inhale the Sun and again exhale it towards a person or people in need.

Rinse your face in the Sun water, then tip the rest into the ground to energize a plant.

Whenever you feel tired, recall the Sun and inhale its light in your mind’s vision.

Repeat both these intakes of power once every month. If you have a particularly stressful or challenging time, hold a moonstone for your Moon energies in your power hand.

Hold a sparkling crystal quartz for the Sun in the other (receptive) hand to boost the flow as you visualize the natural sources.

In this way, you can balance the energies in both spheres of the brain for integrated mind and soul flow.

A Ritual Using Light And Cosmic Power

The following ritual can be carried out anywhere at all, as direction is not important.

It is most powerful when performed standing beneath a tree that perhaps has stood for hundreds of years.

If sunlight is filtering through the leaves, so much the better.

You can work alone, with a group of friends, or in a more formal group.

You may want to decide in advance on a focus for the power, for example healing a particular place or a person you know.

Alternatively, you can let the energies find their own target as they cascade through the cosmos, increasing the positivity of the universe.

Stand with your feet apart and your arms outstretched above your head like the branches of a tree.

Through your feet, draw up rich, golden light from the Earth and let it flow upwards, becoming lighter and more golden as it rises to your fingertips.

Feel the light from above flowing downwards to merge with it.

If you are working alone, then, holding a long, silk scarf in either hand, move around the tree with your hands rising and falling in a spiral path to create swirls of energies, the most ancient of the Mother Goddess sacred geometric forms, while chanting and dancing.

If you are with friends, join hands around the tree and pass the light and energy between you from hand to hand, deosil, until you can feel the circle of light (you may even see luminous energy transferring from hand to hand).

Begin to circle the tree deosil, reciting faster and faster:

Tree power, Earth power, Sun shower and light, Encircle me, enfold me, Goddess radiance bright.

If you do not want to use the Goddess as a focus for your magick, you can substitute the word ‘god’ or say ‘golden radiance bright’.

You can also create your own chant, if you prefer, that may change from line to line, or use a simple mantra, such as:

Touch me,
enfold me,
enclose me.

When you feel the power reaching a climax, cast the scarves high into the air and hug the tree, pressing your feet down hard to ground your energy and receive healing light from the trunk.

If you are working alone, you may feel that in a sense you are not alone but are joining with the tree spirits and Devas, the higher forces of nature who will dance with you as you spiral.

You may even see their luminous outlines.
If you are working in a group, when you feel the power has reached a climax, unclasp your hands and with a final call, Above! raise them straight above your head and allow the energies to spiral through the cosmos.

Then sink down so that your hands and feet are pressing the ground and let any excess golden radiance and power return to the Earth. (If you do not do this, you will be buzzing all day and night as though you had been drinking too much coffee.)

A Moon Magick Ritual For Calm

Wait until the Moon is moving towards full, and is quite bright in the sky.

Find somewhere as dark as possible so the light is undiluted and slowly ‘inhale’ the light through your nose, looking at the Moon and drawing its light towards you.

Hold your Moon breath for a count of ‘One and two and three.

Remember to say the ‘ands’ to stop yourself rushing – this is relaxing, not a race.

Close your eyes and exhale the darkness of your panic, frustration or unhappiness.

Continue alternately inhaling with your eyes open and exhaling with your eyes closed until you feel that you are filled with silver light.

Now gently exhale a little of that light in a single breath, this time with your eyes open, directing it in your vision towards someone you know who is also feeling stressed or anxious.

Inhale more moonlight and continue to exhale, still with your eyes open, continuing to direct the healing light.

Let the Moon shine into a silver or crystal bowl of water.

Before bedtime, tip the water into your bath so you can absorb the Moon energies through your pores.

Whenever you feel stressed, visualize the Moon, close your eyes and gently inhale; peace will come to you because you gave it out to others.

Components of Ritual Magick

1. Choose the timing of a spell.

2. Outline the ritual and prepare your tools and materials.

3. Purifying yourself.

4. Purifying the working space.

5. Creating a sacred circle.

6. Have an invocation.

7. Performing the ritual observance.

8. Raise and direct energy.

9. Earth (ground) the residual power.

10. Take some refreshment.

11. Acknowledge the Lady and Lord or elementals, source above and earth below, ancient ones, etc.

12. Release (farewell) the elementals.

13. Open the circle.

These components of a ritual have been given previously, in circle casting, but not outlined quite so simply.

It does sound somewhat complicated but only reads that way.

Each step, over time, becomes simple as a morning routine or having a friend come to visit.

Prepare your spell in advance if possible, readying your candles if needed, and have your spellbook/wording/invocation at hand.

Bathe with an herbal pouch (rosemary, lavender, and thyme, or basil, fennel, and vervain, or as directed in previous classes) if desired.

The bathing is a time to wash off the cares of the mundane world and center one’s self.

Cleanse the ritual area of negativity and chaotic energies, with a besom, from the center of the circle to the outer edges, moving clockwise.

You may chant your intent as you work if you like. Light your main candle and incense, then you are ready to cast your circle.

The circle’s purpose is to create a space where you can build up energies without them dissipating, so you can direct it toward your magical working.

There is no need to delineate the circle except with what you envision, though you may mark each quarter as you see fit: candles, objects associated with elements, etc.

Many people insist a circle is necessary for protection, but the actual purpose is the gathering and focusing of power.

The protection idea comes from the ceremonial practice of summoning (demons or angels) and keeping them at bay.

In this case, the circle is the space into which you summon, though the author warns this type of summoning can be dangerous.

While a circle is not strictly necessary to hold a conversation with your deities, the elementals, or devas, it is still recommended by the author to do this until the experience is built up.

And as an added bonus, if you cast your circle in the same space each time, the room and home in which this is done begin to form a larger circle over your living space.

For candle magic, you may carve/inscribe the candle with a rune or symbol or write a word or name, as is appropriate for your working.

You may choose to anoint the candle with consecrated oil before lighting and take care to use a fireproof container for burning down in.

Even the candle holder itself will get very hot, and should not be touched while in use, so take care where it is placed.

As you perform your spell, envision the actions you take as they lead to the completed goal so that by the time you have said all the words and added herbs to the candle flame, the process is seen as accomplished, and your final words will show it as done.

You may raise the energy by chanting the spell, dance, etc, as you are drawn to do. When you feel the energy as it builds to its climax, send the energy to perform its task.

Then ground away from any residual energies by placing palms on the floor/ground and allow the leftovers run out.

Without grounding, you may feel nervous or agitated for several days, or you may feel suddenly dissipated and listless.

As you work your magic, take care to manage your personal needs and not drain away too much of your own vital energies.

As the candle burns down, take some refreshment (cakes & wine part of the ceremony).

This offers a way to come back to earth and settle yourself back to reality before opening the circle again.

The beverage and food are up to the witch in question, you don’t have to drink wine if you don’t want to, etc.

When your refreshments are finished, it is time to acknowledge the beings you work with, say goodbye to the elementals, and open the circle.

As you say goodbye to each elemental, thank them for their help, and offer your blessing to them.

And remember you are saying goodbye, not forcing them to leave.

As you open the circle, work in the opposite way from how you set it up.

So if you cast the circle clockwise, pull it down counter-clockwise (widdershins), or vice versa.

Draw down the energy from casting the circle, draw it into your body from whatever tool you used to put it up, and hold that energy within yourself.

Allow the candle to burn down for one hour, then use a snuffer to put it out.

Pinching out the flame may not be possible if it is very hot (when there are herbs in a candle or it has been burning a very long time), so investing in a snuffer is a good idea.

Looking at the melted wax or herb residue is a way to use divination to determine how the spellwork went.

Sometimes the way the candle burns tells what you need to know.

There are any number of possibilities, and as with other forms of divination, use your intuition to guide your way.