Archangels and their Seven Days of the Week

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Michael

Michael is the archangel who rules the Sun.

Michael’s day is Sunday.

Michael, the Initiator, brings illumination and inspiration in many spheres of life, through the efforts of our individual creative spirit.

Michael is the guardian of all who stands alone with their unique vision for bettering the world and are not prepared to compromise their ideals for humanity, purely for money or fame.

This archangel can be invoked in ritual for all creative ventures, for original ideas and individuality, for contact with the Divinity and the Spirit Guides, for reviving barren land despoiled by industrialisation, and for cleansing air pollution.

Colour: Gold

Crystals: Citrine and pure crystal quartz

Incenses or oils:

Frankincense and orange

Gabriel

Gabriel is the archangel who rules the Moon.

Gabriel’s day is Monday.

Gabriel, the Integrator, brings increased spiritual awareness, mystical experiences, astral travel and significant dreams, as well as connection with the world soul and mind through the unconscious mind.

This is especially true in prayer and meditation and in beautiful, natural places close to water.

He brings deepening spirituality within the family and work environment.

He can be invoked for protection against inclement weather, for travel across water, for taking away sorrow and for diminishing self-destructive tendencies and replacing them with the gentle growth of new hope.

Gabriel also rules rituals to protect water creatures and to cleanse polluted seas, lakes and rivers.

Colour: Silver

Crystal: Moonstone and opal

Incenses or oils: Myrrh and jasmine

Samael

Samael is the archangel who rules the planet Mars.

Samael’s day is Tuesday.

He is sometimes called the Severity of God and as such is an angel of cleansing and of righteous anger.

One of the seven regents of the world and said to be served by two million angels, he is also called the Dark Angel who in the guise of the serpent tempted Eve.

This is a very ancient concept in which kings and rulers were constantly tested to prove worthy of their sacred trust and so he is not an angel to invoke lightly.

Samael is also the avenger who offers protection to the weak and vulnerable and cleanses doubts and weakness, replacing them with spiritual courage to stand against what is corrupt, especially those who abuse power.

He can be invoked for rituals to relieve those in war-torn lands, minorities who are being oppressed and endangered species.

Colour: Red

Crystals: Garnet and bloodstone

Incenses or oils: Allspice and dragon’s blood

Raphael

Raphael is the archangel of the planet Mercury.

Raphael’s day is Wednesday.

Raphael, the Harmoniser, offers healing of all kinds, protects children, bringing guidance and sustenance to all who are lost whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.

He can be invoked in all health matters, for spiritual knowledge and insight and for alleviating the worries of daily lives that keeps us bound to the Earth.

Most importantly he shows us how to teach others our spiritual insights.

He heals technological and chemical pollution and the adverse effects of modern living.

Colour: Yellow

Crystals: Citrine and yellow jasper

Incenses or oils: Lavender and clover

Sachiel

Sachiel is the archangel of the planet Jupiter.

Sachiel’s day is Thursday. Sachiel, the Divine Benefactor, is the angel of charity who says that only by giving freely to others will our own needs be met.

He works constantly to help others and to improve the lives of humankind.

He can therefore be invoked for all rituals to bring better harvests, both physical and emotional, and for increasing abundance and prosperity, not just for a minority but the good of all.

He restores rundown areas or cities where unemployment has been lost, blending new skills with traditional knowledge.

Colour: Blue

Crystals: Lapis lazuli and turquoise

Incenses or oils: Sandalwood and sage

Anael

Anael is the archangel who rules over Venus.

Anael’s day is Friday.

Anael, the Regenerator, is one of the seven angels of creation; he is Prince of Archangels and controls kings and kingdoms.

His is pure, altruistic love, love of one’s fellow beings and of all creatures in the universe.

He can be invoked for all matters of forgiveness, both towards ourselves for what is past and towards others that we may be free from their thrall.

Anael brings harmony to places and people.

He restores natural balance, healing rainforests, bringing wildlife habitats to the city and greenery everywhere.

For his fertility is that of the whole Earth, rich in fruit, flowers, people and creatures of all kinds, whether living in the wild or in sanctuaries.

Colour: Green

Crystals: Jade and rose quartz

Incenses or oils: Valerian and rose

Cassiel

Cassiel is the archangel of Saturn.

Cassiel’s day is Saturday.

Though Cassiel, the Conservator, is the angel of solitude and temperance, he was traditionally invoked for investment and speculation.

In a sense, this is not incompatible, for true speculation is based not on random selection, but on deliberation and an almost intuitive scanning of any situation.

He brings moderation in actions and dealings and development of inner stillness and contemplation.

Cassiel can form a focus for rituals for the reversal of bad fortune and for conserving resources and places in their natural state.

Invoke him for conserving history and tradition as a legacy for future generations.

Colour: Purple

Crystals: Obsidian and jet

Incenses or oils: Cypress and thyme

Angelic Correspondences

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You can, if you wish, use angelic rulers instead of planetary ones for the magical hours, or combine the energies of both.

In practice, if your magick has a spiritual focus or is concerned with healing or global or ecological matters, angels work better than planets.

If you have calculated your daily planetary hours, your angels will correspond exactly.

As with the planets, each archangel rules the first hour after sunrise of his own day.

Though many people do regard the Archangels as male, they are androgynous and so I have called them ‘he’ merely for convenience.

Many magicians from the Middle Ages onwards have used angels as part of formal rituals.

They have long been a potent form of psychic protection both for guarding the four corners of the ritual circle and as personal guides in less formal magick.

A Ritual to meet your Guardian Angel

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Spirit work in the hoodoo and conjure tradition often involves enlisting the psychic aid of discarnate entities in order to accomplish specific prayerful, spiritual, or spell-casting goals.

Spirit Work is also a term that covers a broad range of altar work and prayer as well as magical traditions of spell casting in which root doctors may contact or seek the aid of spirits, angels, and spirit guides.

Items Needed

Altar Candle

Day candle

Offertory Candles

3 Violet candles

3 White candles

Crystal ball or glass of water

Anise,

cardamom, or coriander incense

Jasmine,

lemon,

rose, or sandalwood oils

Cinnamon,

frankincense,

myrrh, or sandalwood bathing herbs

Preparation

Breathe deeply and build a ball of protective light around you.

While soaking in your ritual bath, meditate on the whole ritual:

the steps you will take and what you wish to say to your Guardian Angel when you make contact.

Ritual

Enter the circle and light the incense. With the oil, dress the altar candle and the day candle while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual.

Light the anointed candles and state your intent:

I am here to make contact with my Guardian Angel and to acknowledge him or her.

With a sharp instrument (perhaps an athame), inscribe the violet candle 1 with the word “Angel.”

Dress it with oil. Light it, direct your energies into it, and say:

Here do I light the first Lamp of my Guardian Angel. May its light reach out across the barriers from this world to the next.

May it make contact with that World of Angelic Realm into which we will eventually enter.

Take your censer or incense wand and swing it around censing the whole area around the altar, while rhythmically repeating the word “Merge” and building up energy to focus.

Replace the censer and pick up violet candle

2. Inscribe it again with the word “Angel” and dress it with the oil.

Put it back on the altar, light it, direct your energy into it and say:

Here do I light the second Lamp of my Angel.

May its light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next.

May it make contact with that World of the Angelic and help spread the light, illuminating the passageway between our worlds.

Again, take the censer or incense wand and cense the entire area around the altar while chanting the word “Merge” Build up your energy to focus.

Take violet candle 3, inscribe with the word “Angel,” dress with oil, charge with your energy, light it and say:

Here do I light the third Lamp of my Angel.

May its light also reach out across the barriers from this world to the next.

May the light from these three lamps blend and grow, dispelling all darkness and lighting the way that my Guardian Angel may come to me and speak with me here today.

Inscribe the 3 white candles with the word “Truth” and anoint each candle with oil.

Light the 3 white candles in order of 1, 2, 3, and say:

Here do I build Truth. As these candles burn throughout this ritual, their power generates nothing but the truth in all that transpires between this world and the next.

Through these candles there is truth in all communications that come to me.

Again, cense the entire altar area while chanting the word “Merge.”

Replace the censer and continue chanting.

Sit comfortably while chanting, and gaze into the crystal ball or the clear glass of water.

Continue chanting until you feel it is right to let the chant taper off.

Continue to quietly look into the crystal ball or glass, not trying to picture anything.

Keep your mind blank, so whatever comes will appear in its own free will.

Gaze into the center of the crystal.

There is no need to try not to blink.

Look into the crystal and blink naturally.

Try not to notice anything in your peripheral vision, just the center of the crystal.

Eventually, an angelic face or angelic figure will appear.

This may take a long time, or it may appear almost immediately.

If it doesn’t come at all within approximately 20 minutes, abandon this attempt, extinguish the candles in the order in which they were lit, leave the altar set up, and try this ritual again in three days.

You should have results within a month at most.

When a figure does appear, ask if he or she is your Guardian Angel.

You will hear an answer.

You may not hear it out loud, or even see the figure’s lips move, but you will be aware of the answer.

This is how most of your conversation will proceed.

You will ask your questions mentally (or out loud) and the answers will be clear inside your mind.

Ask if you have more than one guardian angel. If yes, ask the others to appear also.

You may ask anything you wish to know, but it is suggested to establish a connection first where your Angel may appear to you at any time, or at specific times so that you can converse with other spirits through him or her.

When you have finished speaking with your Guardian Angel, thank him or her, and then sit for a moment with your eyes closed, meditating on all that you have learned.

Extinguish the candles in reverse order to clear the circle.

Different classes of angels

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There are many different classes of angels, and they can vary from the merciful Healing Angels to the daunting Angels of Judgment, and the fierce Reapers.

An angel can be a pacifist or a bloodthirsty fighter, a musician or a mystic,

either and prognosis or leaning towards either male or female energy Angel of Announcement:

Who tells God’s and Heaven’s announcements to humankind?

Angel of Death:

Who can reap life, and detach the soul of a person from the dead body so he/she can continue his or her path?

Angel of Judgment:

Who judges those accused of sin presented to him or her.

Angels of Judgment have also the ability to transmute or consume the karma from a person’s Book of Life (or Book of Karma.)

Angel of Mercy:

Who brings the Mercy of God.

The Angels of Mercy are sent to Earth to deliver to the repentant the Mercy of God.

Angel of Music:

Who plays on the celestial choirs and composes celestial music.

Angel of Punishment:

Who punishes the iniquitous, blasphemous and wrongdoers.

High-level Angels of Punishment can also punish lands and entire nations.

The Angels of Punishment are sent to Earth to deliver to the iniquitous the Wrath of God.

Cleric Angel:

An ecclesiastic angel.

Fallen Angel:

An angel who fell and lost his/her light and wings (wings in this term is a matter of merit).

Half-Angel:

Offspring of an angel and an ascended human, a man or woman of light.

A great number of half-angels incarnate on Earth for special occasions, and they all are beings of great light.

Healing Angel:

Who can heal others.

Mastinim (Accusing Angel):

Who accuses sinners by pointing out their sins from the Book of Life (or Book of Karma.)

Nephilim:

Offspring of an angel with a mundane human.

The Nephilim are bonded to Earth and few are winged. The offspring of a Nephilim with an angel is also a Nephilim.

Overseer:

Who oversees and supervises a location.

Reaper:

Fierce angels who serve God to reap the life of the iniquitous and hunt evil.

Warrior Angel:

Who fights and engages in battle.

Planets and Angels

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Different days of the week and hours of the day and night are associated with specific energies and each particular time is ruled by a planet and an archangel.

Though these were primarily centred on ceremonial magick, they can also be used to give focus and potency to informal spells.

The planetary and angelic hours can also be applied to the everyday sphere.

For example by choosing the appropriate day and even hour for beginning a money-making scheme or a first meeting with a potential business partner or lover.

You can further amplify the salient qualities and strengths of these times by using oils, incenses, colored candles, and crystals linked with the specific planets and angels.

There are also strong connections between the planet and the angel of the day, though angelic magick tends to be used, not surprisingly, for rituals with a more spiritual and ecological or global focus.

As you discover particular combinations that work well, you can add them to your Book of Shadows.

Planetary Magical Days Of The Week

The planets have had a special place in both ritual magick and astrology.

Since the Ancient Babylonians and Chaldeans first observed them wandering across the sky

The word ‘planet’ derives from the Greek planets, meaning ‘wanderer’ against the fixed constellations of the zodiac.

The ancients knew of only five planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Uranus.

Neptune and Pluto were discovered only after the invention of the telescope and so have not assumed the importance in magick that they have in astrology.

What is more, the first astronomers also counted the Sun and the Moon as planets and credited them with certain qualities that have become woven into the Western astrological and magical traditions.

Astrologers believe that the positions of the planets in the zodiac at the time of an individual’s birth can influence and indicate that person’s fate.

In magick, the planetary strengths can be applied to any purpose under the As above, so below’ principle that stresses the interconnectedness of the whole universe.

You can create your own spells by using the associations, much as you create recipes by knowing the qualities and blending power of individual ingredients.

And just as in cookery, those spells or recipes where you break away from the set formula are often the most successful.

For example, if you wanted to do well in an interview for a job, you might burn a wish in a candle of the colour blue – for careers – on Thursday.

Thursday is the day of Jupiter, who is associated with employment and worldly success and all matters of increase.

For extra potency, the candle could be surrounded with small blue sodalite or lapis lazuli, Jupiter’s special crystals.

You could also burn cedar, one of Jupiter’s incense, or sandalwood oil.

If you need more general career success, you could make or buy an amulet of tin, the metal of Jupiter.

Perhaps this could be a coin from a museum shop that you charged with power every Thursday by sprinkling it with salt, passing it through cedar incense, a blue candle flame, and the fragrance of burning sandalwood oil.

If your projected job was to do with communication, technology or the media which are ruled by Mercury, you could carry out the spell on two consecutive days, beginning with the communicative power of Mercury on his hour, the third after sunset on a Wednesday.

You could light yellow candles and use a Mercurian crystal, such as yellow jasper or a yellow-banded agate, and burn dill incense and fennel essential oil.

On the second day of the spell, the Thursday, carry out the spell again at the third hour after sunset, which on this day is Jupiter’s evening hour, to add his authority and opportunities for expansion.

Cimaruta

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The cimaruta, or cima di ruta, is an unusual and beautiful amulet, pertaining to Italian witch lore.

A fine example of the cimaruta is reproduced as an illustration in this book.

The name of this amulet means ‘a sprig of rue’.

The herb rue (Rut a graveolens) is sometimes called Herb of Grace ; and rue and vervain are supposed to be the two plants most pleasing to the goddess Diana, the queen of Italian witches.

The cimaruta must be made of silver, because that is Diana’s metal.

As well as the representation of the sprig of rue, it also contains the five-petalled flower of vervain, the waning moon to banish evil, the key which is the attribute of Hecate, and a fish, which is a phallic symbol.

Fairly common in the nineteenth century, the cimaruta is not so well known in modern Italy.

At least, the writer has shown this example of it to Italians, and they did not know what it was ; though perhaps they did not care to identify it, on account of its association with witchcraft, ‘La Vecchio Religione’, or the ‘Old Religion’.

The purpose of the cimaruta is to show oneself a votary of the witch goddess, by wearing her favourite herbs; and in general, to bring good luck and ward off evil.

It also protects against the much-dreaded malocchio, or power of the Evil Eye, a matter which is seldom discussed, but still strongly believed in.

Crosses

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The Cross, is one of the oldest amulets in the world, predating Christianity by many centuries.

In the commonest form of a cross, all four arms are of equal length, rather than in a T-shape. Crosses have been associated with sun deities and the heavens.

In ancient times, crosses may have represented divine protection and prosperity.

Crosses also are represented by the Y-shaped Tree of Life, the world-axis placed in the center of the universe, the bridge between the earth and the cosmos, the physical and the spiritual.

In Christianity, the cross transcends the status of amulet to become symbolic of the religion, as well as the suffering of Christ’s crucifixion.

The Cross still retains aspects of an amulet, protecting against the forces of evil.

Even before the crucifixion of Christ, the cross was a weapon against the dark forces.

According to legend, when Lucifer declared war upon God in an attempt to usurp his power, his army scattered God’s angels twice.

God sent to his angels a Cross of Light on which were inscribed the names of the Trinity.

Upon seeing this cross, Lucifer’s forces lost strength and were driven into hell.

Early Christians made the sign of the cross for divine protection and as a means of identification to each other.

In the fourth century, Christ’s wooden cross was allegedly found in excavations in Jerusalem by Empress Helena, mother of Constantine One.

It is said that Helena found three buried crosses at the site of the crucifixion but did not know which belonged to Christ.

She tested all three with the corpse of a man.

Two crosses had no effect upon the body, but the third caused it to come to life.

Helena sent part of the cross to Constantine, who sent a portion to Rome, where it is still preserved in the Vatican.

The rest of the cross Helena reburied. Bits of the cross that were fashioned into amulets became highly prized.

As the Church grew in power, so did its symbol, the cross.

According to belief, nothing unholy can stand up to its presence.

The cross, and the sign of the cross, will help exorcise demons and devils , ward off incubi and succubi, prevent bewitchment of man and beast, protect crops from being blasted by witches, and force vampires to flee.

During the Inquisition, inquisitors wore crosses or made the sign of the cross while in the presence of accused witches, in order to ward off any evil spells they might cast.

People crossed themselves routinely, before the smallest task, just in case an evil presence was near.

Ankh

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The Egyptian symbol of life, regeneration, the universe and immortality, the ankh, which means “life” and “hand mirror,” is a tau, or looped cross.

Witches and Pagans wear it as an amulet against negativity and as a talisman for good fortune and benevolent forces.

It also represents the union of the male principle (the staff) and the female principle (the closed-loop).

Egyptian art shows the ankh being carried as a scepter in the right hand of deities and being applied to the nostrils of the dead in order to bring them back to life.

Ankh amulets were made of faience, semiprecious and precious stones, wax, metal, and wood.

Tutankhamen had a hand mirror in the shape of an ankh.

Egyptians who converted to Christianity from the first century on used both the ankh and the Christian cross as their signs.

The History of Amulets

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Amulets are Objects imbued with magical properties that protect against bad luck, illness and evil.

Amulets are universal and are answers to age old needs, such as, to be healthy, to be virile and fertile, to be powerful and successful, to have good fortune and so on.

To ancient humans, these needs were controlled by the invisible forces of good and evil, prayers, sacrifices and offerings induced the good spirits to grant blessings; amulets prevented the evil spirits from taking them away.

Early amulets were natural objects whose unusual shapes or colors attracted attention.

The magical properties of such objects were presumed to be inherent.

As civilization advanced, amulets became more diverse.

They were fashioned into animal shapes, symbols, rings, seals and plaques, and were imbued with magical power with inscriptions or spells.

The term amulet comes from either the Latin word amuletum or the Old Latin term amoletum, which stands for  “means of defense.”

The Roman naturalist, Pliny, defined three basic types of amulets.

These are, those offering protection against trouble and adversity, those providing a medical or prophylactic treatment, and substances used in medicine.

Within these three general categories are many subdivisions, for no one amulet is broadly multipurpose.

Amulets with inscriptions are also called charms.

An amulet typically is worn on the body—usually hung around the neck—but some amulets guard tombs, homes and buildings.

The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Arabs and Hebrews placed great importance in amulets.

The Egyptians used them everywhere.

The frog protected fertility, ankhs were linked to everlasting life and generation, the udjat, or eye of Horus, was for good health, comfort and protection against evil, the scarab beetle was for resurrection after death and protection against evil magic.

Some Egyptian amulets are huge.

A stone beetle mounted on a pedestal at Karnak (now at the British Museum) measures five feet long by three feet wide, and weighs more than two tons.

The Assyrians and Babylonians used cylinder seals that were embedded with semiprecious and precious stones, each stone having its own unique magical powers.

Various animal shapes served as amulets, for example, the ram for virility, and the bull for virility and strength.

The Arabs gathered dust from tombs and carried it in little sacks as protection against evil.

They also wore pieces of paper on which were written prayers, spells, magical names or the highly powerful attributes of God, such as “the compassionate” and “the forgiver.”

Hebrews wore crescent moons to ward off the evil eye and attached bells to their clothing to ward off evil spirits.

The natives of the west coast of Africa carry amulets which Western explorers named fetishes.

A fetish consists of a pouch or box of “medicine” such as plants, fruits or vegetables, animal hair, paws, dung or livers, snakeheads, spittle, and urine.

Natives believe that the fetish also contains a god or spirit who will help the wearer of the fetish obtain his or her desire.

Two amuletic symbols that are nearly universal throughout history are eyes and phallic symbols.

Eyes protect against evil spirits and are found on many tombs and walls, and on utensils and jewelry.

The phallic symbol, as represented by horns and hands, protects against the evil eye.

The names of God and gods, and magical words and numbers, have provided amuletic protection since antiquity.

These were particularly popular from the Renaissance to the early 19th century, when the grimoires, books of magical instruction, were written.

In magic, using the name of a deity tap into divine power.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrews gave the personal name of God as a four-letter word called the tetragrammaton, transliterated as yhwh and pronounced “Yahweh.”

This name appeared in different spellings on many amulets and talismans to help magicians conjure demons and protect them from attack by the spirits.

Some magical words and numbers are arranged in patterns of squares.

One of the best known of these is the “Sator Square”.

Although numerous attempts have been made to translate the Sator square into something that makes sense, it remains nonsensical.

It was inscribed on walls and vessels as early as ancient Rome and was considered an amulet against sorcery, poisonous air, colic and pestilence, and for protecting cow’s milk from witchcraft.

Holy books such as the Koran, Torah, and Bible are considered to have protective powers.

Bits of parchment with scripture quotes, carried in leather pouches or silver boxes, are amulets in various religions.

Ancient pagans wore figurines of their gods as amulets.

This custom was absorbed into the Catholic Church.

In Witchcraft, the most powerful amulet is the silver pentacle, the symbol of the Craft.

Silver has amuletic properties and is used in jewelry along with various crystals and gems.

The sign of the pentacle, called a pentagram, is traced in the air in rituals done to protect sacred sites, homes and other places.

Other amulets are made from herbs and various ingredients, which can be placed in a charm bag.

Amulet

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An amulet is an object that has been left in its virgin state and has been psychically charged with a specific purpose in mind.

Amulets are passive in their abilities to communicate energy patterns.

Only when their barriers have been crossed do they react or retaliate.

For example, the horseshoe that hangs over the door will only bring good luck to those who pass beneath it.

Almost any symbolic object—special stones, shells, wood carvings, statues—can be turned into an amulet.

To charge an object as an amulet, hold it in your hand, think about what the object represents, and visualize the object becoming a symbol of that concept as you force your intention into it.

Amulets Descriptions

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Ankh

The ankh symbol stands for, everlasting life and regeneration.

The ankh amulet works best when, made from wood, metal, or faience.

The ankh helps its wearer live life to the fullest degree and is sometimes used for success, as well as for protection.

Cross

The cross is the primordial sign for the union of opposites: spirit and matter, positive and negative, male and female, sacred and secular.

The cross is the conjunction of all planes in existence. It is worn for protection.

Eye or Udjat (the Eye of Horus)

Whether facing left or right, the eye is a form of protection and good health.

Because of its association with Ra (the high god of Egypt), the udjat was considered to be a potent amulet that would bring strength, vigor, and soundness to its wearer.

Feather

The feather is a symbol of truth, transcendent knowledge, and power.

It represents the wind, the heavens, and the soul’s journey to other realms.

The feather is considered to be a good omen and brings good fortune, and luck in games of skill.

Hecate Wheel

The symbol of the goddess of the crossroads, and emblem of the eternity of Witchcraft.

It can be used for protection or to help invoke the goddess herself.

The symbol is usually imprinted on a small round disk of silver, wood, or ceramic, and is worn on a cord around the neck or carried in a pouch.

Key

The key is considered to be a universal symbol of life, knowledge, initiation, wisdom, and freedom.

The key brings opportunity, offers choice, and signifies new beginnings.

A gold key brings good luck, prosperity, and opportunity, and is good for business.

The silver key helps one retain knowledge, imparts wisdom, and frees the spirit.

Pentacle

The symbol of the spirit in control of the forces of nature or the elements of ordinary life.

This is usually made of silver, gold, pewter or copper, and is worn around the neck for protection from negative vibrations.

(This can be consecrated into a talisman, or just worn as a protective amulet).

Scarab

This is a replica of the Egyptian dung beetle.

It is usually made from stone or clay.

The beetle (scarabaeus sacer) was the symbol of the sun god Khepera, a self-created and self-sustaining force.

The scarab represents life, regeneration, and renewal—divine providence.

To wear the scarab brings health and strength.

It also provides powerful protection against all harm.

Unicorn

The unicorn is a lunar emblem of chastity, purity, and divine justice.

To own or wear a Unicorn brings security and protection.

The root of the Unicorn is a symbol of love and used to bind the affections of another.

Yin-Yang

Chinese cosmic symbol.

The yin-yang symbol has become very popular with the New Age movement because it represents the universe and all its possibilities.

It is the embodiment and unification of all opposites—the feminine (yin) and masculine (yang) principles.

When worn as an amulet it serves as protection and a means to bring one into alignment with the cosmos.

All-Purpose Healing Amulet

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Items Needed.

Garlic. Eucalyptus. Cinnamon. Sage.

Method

Lay the pouch on a hard surface and smooth out all the wrinkles.

Using the red cloth paint or marker, draw the following “healing symbol” on the pouch.

When the paint is dry, fill the pouch with the herbs.

Hold the pouch and visualize good health.

Carry the pouch with you during the day, and at night place it under your pillow.

Use the pouch until the affliction goes away.

A Feather for Your Altar

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Some representation of air, commonly something scented like incense, essential oils, or smudges, or else a flying bird’s feather goes in the East, to represent Air.

Sacred scents are used to cleanse an area energetically, call in certain powers, or help witches shift consciousness.

Feathers can also be used to cleanse energy fields, and to fan incense or smudge smoke.

Like candles, incense can also serve many purposes.

Some people find it helps them meditate, some offer it up to the Gods, it can also be used in cleansing rituals and Banishings, plus some believe that certain aromas have mystical or medicinal properties.

Don’t forget an incense burner or censer, too.

The censer (and incense) are used to prepare the ritual space.

Ritual censing banishes evil, and makes the circle more inviting to spirits and deities of the desired kind.

Have you found a feather recently? Take a look below to find out what it could mean.

White.

This is the most common Angel feather, and is thought to be a sign of faith and protection. A white feather can also be your Angel telling you that any loved ones in heaven are safe and well.

Pink

A pink feather is a sign of love from your Angels. They are letting you know that their love is unconditional.

Purple

Purple is a colour that represents spirituality. Perhaps your Angels are prompting you to activate higher thought and connectivity.

Red

A red feather represents courage, strength, stability and good fortune. If you’ve been going through a difficult time of late, your Angels are sending comfort to let you know how strong you are.

Yellow

Should you find a yellow feather, your Angels may be nudging you to smile, have fun and enjoy life!

Green

Green feathers represent prosperity and growth. If you find a green feather, you’re in luck!

Blue

Blue represents communication, so a blue feather may well be your Angels telling you to listen! Blue is also a sign of peace and protection.

Grey

Grey feathers can symbolise peace, as well as neutrality. If you see a grey feather in your path, your Angels may be trying to tell you that the answer to a certain situation may not be as straightforward as a yes or no. Brown feathers symbolise home and grounding. Perhaps your home life will see positivity soon!

Black

A black feather is a sign of protection from your Angels. They are here to guard you and repel negative energy.

Orange

Orange feathers will bring you attraction and success! This is a sign that any new ideas or opportunities are approved by your Angels. No matter what the colour or meaning, finding feathers is a true blessing and a sign of love from your Angels.

Pagan Witches Altar

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

An Altar is an Elevated place where ceremonies are conducted and where offerings are made to a deity or deities.

The altar has ancient associations with the Goddess and Mother Earth, who rule the wheel of birth-death-rebirth.

In Witchcraft and Paganism, the altar is placed within a magic circle.

It usually faces either east or north, depending on the tradition and practices of the coven.

There are no set rules in the Craft for the construction of the altar.

If the ceremonies take place out of doors, rocks or tree stumps may be used.

Indoors, the altar may be a table, a wooden box or a board placed on boxes or bricks.

Whatever the form or materials, the altar should not contain conductive metals such as iron or steel, since they could interfere with the energy of the ritual tools made of iron or steel.

Since many covens meet in homes or apartments where space is at a premium, the altar may not be permanent but erected only during ceremonies.

The objects of ritual and worship placed on the altar vary, depending upon the practices of the coven and the rituals to be performed.

They may include an athame, a white-handled knife, a sword, a wand, candles, a cup or goblet of wine, anointing oils, dishes for Salt and water, a necklace without beginning or end, a censer, bells, scourges, dishes for offering food and drink to the deities and images of the deities, such as figurines, wax statues or drawings.

If a broom and cauldron are needed in rituals, they are placed on either side of the altar.

Ancestor Altars

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

The Samhain season is a wonderful time to create an ancestor altar in your home.

This can be a permanent dedicated space to honor your Beloved Dead year-round, or a temporary set-up for use during Samhain.

To create an ancestor altar you will need:

  • A skull (this can be a ceramic imitation skull, a candle in the shape of a skull, a drawing of a skull, or any other representation). Search the stores for Halloween decorations and you should find something suitable.
  • A covering for the skull. This can be a handkerchief, a hat, sunglasses, or any item that suits you.
  • Photos of deceased loved ones and ancestors.
  • Items you associate with your Beloved Dead. These may include antiques, gifts from your loved ones, or inherited items.
  • An offering area, such as a small plate on which to burn incense and spirit money, or to leave offerings of food, liquor, ghost water or other items.

During the Samhain season lay a compass and cast a calm with yourself and your ancestor skull within.

Ask you’re the Mighty Ones to send forth your Beloved Dead to inhabit your skull for the season of Samhain, that you may honor your ancestors and share in their wisdom.

After the rite is complete, take the skull to your ancestor’s altar and cover it.

When you wish to speak with your Beloved Dead remove the covering and make your offerings to the spirits.

Here is a recipe for Ghost Water, which is a traditional potent offering to the spirits of the dead.

At midnight on the night of the full moon (the full moon before Samhain is ideal) go to a graveyard with a glass container of spring water.  Leave the spring water on one of the graves in the cemetery, making sure that the light of the full moon falls on the spring water.  Remove the water after midnight but before daybreak.  Bottle and label the water, and use it as an offering on your ancestor altar.  Some witches like to add a splash of anisette liquor to the Ghost Water when making the offering.  Good anisette will produce a milky cloud in the water, like unto a spirit manifesting.

Graveyard dirt is another ideal offering to the dead.

Powdered mullein or patchouli are often labeled “graveyard dust”, and these too make a nice offering, either with or without actual graveyard dirt.

Other offerings to the dead include incense (a Samhain blend or an ancestor blend will work well) and spirit money.

Spirit money is imitation money, such as can be found in children’s playsets.

It is burned with prayers that the Beloved Dead have all they need in the world beyond this one.

Keep your ancestor altar clean and make offerings regularly, disposing of any old offerings in living water or at a crossroads.

Your ancestors deserve your respect and remembrance.

Samhain is the ideal time to create an ancestor altar for seasonal use, or as a permanent place in your home and in your life.

Magical Ways, The Altar

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

In basics, an altar is known as a  spell table or a magical work table.

A great deal of magic does not need the presence of an altar, however certain rites and rituals may be further empowered with the help of an altar.

If you perform magick in the comfort of your own home, an altar can be a worthy tool to cast spells.

An altar can also be used as a work table, where herbs are enchanted, sachets composed, and where, in general, all magical work is done.

An altar may be any flat surface on which you can place candles, an incense burner, herbs, and any other materials needed for a spell.

It can be the top of a coffee table or dresser or a section of the floor.

Wherever you can find a place is sufficient.

Some people, who wish to acknowledge their spiritual beliefs, place symbols of their beliefs on the altar.

Statues of their particular gods and goddesses may be common.

However, any objects with which you feel comfortable may be placed on the altar.

These can include lucky charms, fossils, rocks, shells, and so on. Such natural objects may actually empower your magic further.

Where possible it may be good to take your magickal practices into the great outdoors.

However Indoor spells will always work just as well as Outdoor spells A lot of people may have to substitute a living room or bedroom for a forest clearing or lonely beach.

Outdoor altars, may not always be necessary, to perform magick However when you feel an outdoor Altar is necessary, it can consist of something as simple as a cleared section of ground, a flat rock, or a tree stump.

Remember, ingenuity can aid the Magician here, and it is your choice alone, how you perform your magick Bear in mind, the altar is simply a place to perform magick and is limited only by your imagination.

Basic Tools for an Altar

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

First of all, it is important to remember that tools, herbs, candles, crystals and so on are not actually necessary to work magic.

Your own energy and the power of your mind, as well as the blessings of the deities and spirits, are the important things.

However, these extra ingredients may make it easier to work spells, as well as being nice to have at your disposal.

An Athame.

An athame is a ritual knife, used to direct magical energy,

An athame, is usually a handled two-edged knife, meaning the blade is sharp on both sides.

However, it may be dull rather than sharp, as an athame is not a cutting tool.

This knife may be made of wood, stone, horn, or metal.

An athame can also be a regular knife if visualized as the ritual tool.

An athame maybe a letter opener, pocketknife so long as it is seen as a ritual tool.

The handle color may also vary, but black is traditional.

A Bell.

An altar bell, maybe a tiny bell with a delicate chime, or a larger bell, used during rituals such as one to call upon the Faerie Folk.

An Altar bell may be made of brass, ceramic, crystal, or silver

A Boline.

A Boline is a cutting tool used in magical work to inscribe candles, cut herbs, cut thread, or any other such use.

Traditionally a two-edged blade, with a white handle, but any tool designated as the working tool may be used.

Bowls.

Altar bowls in general are used in the following way. one for salt, one for water, and one for the libation.

Broom or Besom.

A ritual broom or besom is not used for housework, but for clearing the ritual space during circle casting and for spell work.

Candle Holder.

Candleholders can be individual, candelabra, votive holders,  but in theory, there should be one for the Goddess and one for the God, as well as one for magical work.

Cauldron.

A Cauldron is a metal pot for magical work.

When burning a candle inside it, you might want to put a layer of clean sand on the bottom of the pot.

It is a good idea, for your cauldron to be large enough, to hold melted wax, and to burn twigs or incense inside, without creating a hazard.

A Lidded cauldron may be the best idea, but if not possible, get a separate lid for covering when ready to put out any fire within.

Censer.

A censer is a container for incense that can be carried around the Circle or set on the Altar.

The censer may be of brass, a shell, wood, or any other suitable material.

It may be a good idea that the container should be partially filled with clean sand to hold the incense and prevent burns.

Cingulum.

A Cingulum is a nine-foot-long cord of red silk, wool, or cotton that is knotted at Initiation and worn with the Robe, kept on the Altar, or wrapped around the top of a Staff.

Crystal Ball.

The Crystal Ball is a smooth sphere without facets, although it may contain bubbles and other markings within.

Clear Crystal balls and ones of natural quartz are very expensive.

However manufactured lead crystal also works.

Chalice.

A Chalice is used for the beverage of Cakes and wine, Esbats, Rituals .

May be of pottery, silver, brass, crystal,or wood.

Incense Burner.

Incense burners are used to hold incenses whilst being burnt.

The incense burner itself may be a stick holder, corn holder, or resin holder.

The incense burner may be made of wood, earthenware, ceramic, glass, brass, shell.

Pentacle.

A pentacle is a flat disk with a five-pointed star in a circle engraved or painted on it.

The altar pentacle could be made of wood, ceramic, clay, wax, brass, silver, gold, or simply drawn on a piece of paper.

Plate.

An altar plate is normally used to hold the bread or other such food blessed in the Cakes and Wine Ritual.

Robes.

You may choose a variety of colored robes, depending on the type of ritual or spell work involved, or a basic white or black robe.

The cingulum, cord, may be used with the robe to tie it around the waist

Staff.

A staff is used as a long wand, may be decorated, and carried as an indication of Craft association, or simply for walking in the woods.

Tarot Cards.

Choose a deck that draws you, and use for divination; you may acquire a variety of decks over time.

Wand.

Wands are normally the length of the forearm to the fingertip, about 12 to 16 inches.

The wand itself, maybe made of, oak, willow, hazel, apple, elder , and so on For the influence of those woods, it may be good to select one from nature.

Failing that, buy one, but choose one that appeals to you. After all the tool most associated with witchcraft is the wand

Basic Materials for an Altar

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Altar Cloths.

A variety of coverings, can be used for the Altar, depending upon the ritual and the season. Attractively patterned sarongs, are sometimes used for this purpose.

Beverages.

A variety of drinks; be they fruit juices, wines, or liqueurs, can be consumed during your rituals, rites, and spell workings.

Candles.

These candles can include, votives, tapers, jar, shaped, tea light candles in various colors.

Natural tallow, and beeswax candles, are always good at adding an extra dimension to your working.

Ultimately though, if you wish to keep things simple, all you need are some plain white candles.

You can always change the color, of a white candle, by using crayons.

Furthermore, you could tie a ribbon, of the color called for in the spell around the base of the candle. From that, it will take on that color’s energy of the candle.

Charcoal Disks.

Charcoal disks can be used for resin incense, such as copal,or dragons blood.

Cloths.

A variety of cotton cloths, of a solid colour, can be used in spell crafting.

These cloths can be used for, wrapping tarot cards, crystals, stones, holding herbs, making poppets, herbal dream pillows, and so on.

Cords.

The cord, designating the three styles of green practice ,wild witch, hedgewitch, green witch, kitchen witch, may be gold, for energy worker within a cultural tradition.

Red, can be used for working with the Powers of Nature.

Black, can be used for dedication, to the Goddess, and to the God.

As many styles as have been used, such colors may be combined or braided together.

The symbology is, gold for energy work, red for powers, and black for wisdom and union, with the Divine.

Glass Bottles.

Glass bottles. can be used. for herbs, oils, moon water, spell work, and storage of other items as needed.

An idea, maybe to, Rinse these bottles, with spring water, and sea salt, to cleanse before use.

Herbs.

A variety of herbs can be stocked in labeled containers.

Incenses.

Incenses, such as stick, cone, resins, in a variety of fragrances, will undoubtedly, add magick to your Altar.

Charcoal disks, made for incense, may be needed if using resins.

Light incense, look for glow, then wave to extinguish the flame so only smoke results.

Matches.

Matches may be regular, or of the long stick variety. Alternatively use a lighter.

Musical Instruments.

For musical instruments, you could use drums, bells, flutes, harps, sistrums, cymbals, gourd rattles, other rattles, to aid in meditation, spell casting, energy raising, etc.

Oils.

A variety of essential oils, including, rosemary, sandalwood, lavender, benzoin, rose geranium, frankincense, pine, Juniper, mint, can be used for anointings.

It may be a good idea, not to use cinnamon, as it will burn.

You may also need carrier oils, such as, olive, sunflower, almond, jojoba, coconut, and so on, for mixing own fragrance blends.

Often, the easiest thing to do, if you cannot find the required essential oil, is to go back to basics. Instead of dabbing with clove oil, push a clove into your clothes.

Instead of rubbing a candle with basil oil, rub a basil leaf on it.

Sometimes, oil is necessary though. Making your own essential oils is difficult, though not impossible.

If nothing else, you could make an infused oil.

Use a simple, plain carrier, such as almond or olive oil.

Put some in a small bottle, add your chosen herb, such as rosemary, and leave this to infuse for one lunar month.

Salt.

Sea salt, rock salt, can be used in rituals, spell work, and cleansings, as well as Circle Castings.

Spring Water.

Springwater can be collected in a natural spring and stored for use in spell work and ritual. Failing that, it can be bought pre-packaged.

Stones.

A variety of crystals, semi-precious stones, river and Earth stones for use in spells, healing, and aura work.

Threads.

Threads. or embroidery floss, of various colors, can be used for tying up magical works.

Tiles and Trivets.

Tiles or Trivets can be used under items that will burn hot, such as cauldrons, to avoid scorching a surface beneath.

Kitchen Altar

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

Kitchen witches spend much of their time in the kitchen, combining magic and cooking to create sacred food, spells and herbal remedies.

The kitchen is therefore an ideal place to set up an altar, both for kitchen magic and honoring the goddess of hearth and home.

Making a Kitchen Altar

Depending on the size of the kitchen, an altar can be anything from the corner of a shelf, to a dedicated table.

The ideal spot for a focal point also needs to be practical and safe.

A witch does not want an altar where spillages or accidents can occur, but at the same time needs it to be within easy reach and view.

The altar can either be a space already in existence, such as the shelf of a dresser or a small table, or a newly created shelf, cupboard or shrine.

Many kitchen witches are creative craftspeople, so might wish to carve something to house the altar items themselves.

Alternatively, it is possible to ask a friend to make one or buy one made from sustainable wood.

Even shop-bought shelves can be personalized and made special by decorating them.

The shelf can be painted a suitable color, perhaps one sacred to a particular hearth goddess, and also embellished with rhinestones, shells, ribbons, and other trinkets.

Honoring the Kitchen Goddess

Most kitchen witches will work with several goddesses, but also have a dedicated goddess of hearth and home.

Choosing a kitchen goddess to work with provides a mentor and protector when weaving magic in the kitchen, be it cooking up successful, healthy meals or brewing medicinal potions.

The kitchen altar should recognize the chosen goddess, perhaps with a figurine or picture, or with a selection of items that represent them, such as symbolic charms, certain foods, or candles and ribbons in associated colors. There are many sources offering statues and artwork to buy, but crafty witches might like to make their own representation of the goddess, by sculpting her from salt dough or polymer clay.   Once baked, the clay statue can be painted and embellished accordingly.

Tips on using your Altar

Posted on by A Solitary Pagan

To set up an altar, you will need some kind of large flat surface.

A table or a cupboard will do.

You can use the drawers for storage and cover it with a cloth.

It does not really matter what shape the surface is.

Circles and squares are both sacred shapes.

Any shape is easy to divide into quadrants, for the four elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water, that are central to traditional magic, and play a part even in informal rituals.

A round altar, the shape of the sacred circle, works especially well.

If you do not have a suitable piece of furniture, a piece of uncut stone or unpolished wood, such as hazel, ash, rowan or oak supported on stones or bricks will do.

Ensure that it is high enough so that you are not constantly stopping.

In good weather, if you have a sheltered private place in your garden or back yard, you can adopt a tree stump or tall, flat rock as your workspace.

But perhaps the best altars of all,are those impromptu ones you make.

These could be such as, the top of a standing stone ,with a circle of your favourite crystals.

Or on a rock on the beach, with a circle of seaweed, and shells to mark the directions.

The altar need not be large. but you will need to have room,to move all the way around it.

Many rituals demand that you move in a circle with the altar in the centre.

Although in some places, the altar will be placed the North of the circle, whilst you stand to the South, facing North.

At the end of the day though, how you have your altar is, your choice.

The central position of the altar or circle represents the realm of Spirit or Akasha.

Akasha is the name given to the fifth element, formed by the combination of the four ancient elements of Earth, Fire, Air and Water.

These four elements were considered, in classical times,to be the components of all life and matter.

In formal magic, artefacts, and lighted candles, are kept on an altar but this is not vital.

It is quite possible, even if you are using a communal room, in an apartment or house, to leave your altar partly prepared.

Although items such as, salt and water,are best added immediately before a ritual, so they will be fresh.

A garden altar can be set with an outdoor candle or torch and stone figurines, perhaps shaded by bushes.

It may be an idea to keep living plants, on your indoor altar, when it is not in use, so as to keep the energies fresh and moving.

If the plant feels stagnant, sprinkle an infusion of lemon or peppermint widdershins.

This may, in turn, remove the negativity, that has come in from the activities of the day, and then deosil, to charge it with power.

You can also cleanse it with incense, creating a protective circle of pine or myrrh, again widdershins and then deosil.

Each night, or whenever you have time, you can explore your inner psychic powers at your altar.

For example, you can gaze into a candle, or scry into a bowl of water ,on the surface of which you have dripped coloured inks.

Try holding the different crystals that you place on your altar, and allow impressions to pass through your fingertips, manifest as images, sounds or feelings.

This psychic art is called psychometry and is one that will emerge spontaneously.

You may, however, have a more specific aim in mind.

For example, to improve your finances, place a pot of basil herbs, surrounded by golden coloured coins ,and light a green or golden prosperity candle, while visualising golden coins showering upon you.

If you have a friend who is sick and wish to send healing thoughts to them, place a photograph of them on the altar, and surround it with pink flowers, pink rose quartz crystals and a circle of tiny pink candles.

Send your message of healing or visualised golden light, then blow out the candles deosil, sending the energies to where they are needed.

When you are not carrying out formal magick, keep on the altar any crystals that are of personal significance to you.

You might wish to have a clear crystal quartz for pure energy, a blue lapis lazuli flecked with gold for wisdom, purple amethyst and rose quartz for healing and harmony, or a gleaming, golden-brown tiger’s eye for grounding.

You can also keep different herbs there according to your current focus.