Samhai (Pronounced Sow-en)

October 31-November 1

Known as the Witches' New Year, Samhain is the night in which the veil between the Worlds is thinnest, or even lifted and normal laws are suspended. As the barrier between worlds fade, it is the perfect time to remember and praise your ancestors and departed loved ones, either through communication, ritual, or a simple prayer. It is a time to honor all those who have gone before us, a time for startling revelations and reflection within our own lives.

This magical Sabbat is also referred to as the Last or Final Harvest. An offering of food is often made to the spirits, during this time of plenty and abundance. Crops were often cleared, except for what was left as an offering to the Nature Spirits and livestock slaughtered stored for the coming winter. This is also the reason Samhain is referred to as the "Feast of the Dead".

Most people wear black on this Sabbat, in tribute to the Dark Mother and Father and the other Dark Mysteries. Some would also wear costumes or clothing of the opposite sex as a means of tricking the spirits as well. Many of Halloween's traditions stem from Samhain, even jack-o-lanterns. Turnips were hallowed and carved to scare the spirits away, while the candlelight was used to trick other spirits. The phrase "Trick or Treat" may come to mind.

Symbols of Samhain include black and orange candles, black stones such as obsidian and foods like apples, pomegranate, and of course, pumpkins. Surrounding yourself with these items for the Sabbat and filling the air with your own incense creation, with such aromas as sandalwood, rose, Vervain or nutmeg can be a magical step towards celebration.

Symbolism of Samhain:
Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death.

Symbols of Samhain:
Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms

Herbs of Samhain:
Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage

Foods of Samhain:
Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry

Incense of Samhain:
Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg

Colors of Samhain:
Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold

Stones of Samhain:
All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian

History of Halloween

Halloween...history has it that the modern holiday featuring ghouls and goblins going from door to door with an extortion scheme featuring "tricks or treats" is actually a merger of customs arising from both pagan and Christian traditions. According to most compilers of Halloween history, the holiday actually originated in the ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain that marked the completion of the final harvest.


The festival of Samhain dates back to the 5th century B.C. In Ireland, October 31 was the date that marked the official "end of summer" and the beginning of the new year based on the natural cycles of the earth. The folk belief was that this was the time of year when the "veil between the worlds" (the earth and the otherworld) was the thinnest and most easily penetrated. On Halloween, history has it that the laws of space and time were temporarily suspended, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living.

During Samhain, the pagan Druids created an enormous bonfire on a hill in central Ireland and all the Celtic tribes extinguished the fires in their own homes and travelled to it the flames to relight their fires from a common source, signifying their unity and to bring good fortune to their households. Not surprisingly, it was an occasion for a major festival, with spiritual ritual as well as celebration.

Understandably, given the "thinness of the veil" between the worlds of the living and the dead, it was a time that facilitated divination (seeing into the future, dreaming, prophecy, and the occurrence of visions) and stimulated phobias about the possibility of becoming possessed by one of the spirits of the dead who were wandering the earth searching for a body to occupy.

The word Halloween, history tells, actually came from the Roman Catholic Church as a contraction of the "All Hallows Eve". Occurring simultaneously with Samhain, the eve of "All Hallows Day, also known as "All Souls (or Saints) Day", was celebrated in remembrance of the Saints and other beloved departed on the first of November.

During the Roman occupation of the Celtic regions in the first century A.D., many of the ancient Samhain customs were adopted into the religious holiday (some scholars say "co-opted" to persuade the locals to accept the foreign religion).

One example of the merger of pagan and Christian practices was the practice of "trick or treating". In the Christian tradition, beggars were allowed to come to the doors and ask for "All-Souls Cakes" (currant-filled biscuits or scones). In return they promised to pay by saying prayers for the recently deceased of the household. If the household was stingy, vandalism was to be expected.
In the pagan tradition, gifts of food and drink were left on the doorstep to "feed" the wandering spirits and prevent their coming into the house looking for food.

Given this Halloween history and lore, the presence of ghosts, skeletons, and demons on our porches should hardly surprize us!

Why do we have witches on brooms, bats, and black cats as symbols of Halloween? History has it that, because of the church's disapproval of the pagan ways, including rituals involving live sacrifices, they exploited the common folks' fear of them.

After all, making contact between the living and the dead was thought to be the work of witches, cats were their familiars, and bats were creatures of the night. So it was logical they were incorporated into Halloween to stereotype or "make light of" these aspects of the ancient pagan religions.

Since the Greek goddess Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft, Halloween (actually Samhain) became an important festival day in the wiccan tradition as well.

And what do Jack-O-Lanterns have to do with Halloween? History tells us that the Irish farmers carved little lanterns out of turnips to carry their new flames lit from the Samhain bonfire back to their homes. Since it was thought that flames would flicker when spirits were present, this association of the spirits with the turnips may have led to the tradition of carving scary faces on them.

Brought to North America during the 1840's by Irish immigrating because of the potato famine in Ireland, the custom changed to carving pumpkins since they were more plentiful here, and easier to carve!

Orange and black, the traditional colors of Halloween, represent the orange of pumpkins and the black of darkness.

Halloween history and folklore reveal a fascinating blend of traditions.

The message of Halloween, history tells us, is that it is a time to reflect, to give thanks for the harvest and to honor "those who have gone on before us". . . a time to recognize the eternal cycle of life.

Buckeye Candy

In the midwest, the Buckeye tree, or aesculus glabra, flourishes. It's part of the horse chestnut family, and although the nuts are toxic to anyone who's not a squirrel, it's a very prolific and abundant species. The small brown nuts, which begin dropping in late August, have been used for many years in some traditions of folk magic. The Buckeye is associated with prosperity and abundance. Why not whip up a batch of Buckeye candies for your Mabon guests, and share your wishes for a bountiful harvest with your friends? This recipe has been popular in Ohio - the Buckeye state - since the 1920s.




Ingredients:

•1 16-oz jar of creamy peanut butter

•1 pound bag of confectioners sugar

•1 C stick butter, softened

•1 tsp vanilla

•1 12-oz bag of chocolate chips for dipping

Preparation:

Combine peanut butter, butter, and vanilla together and cream until smooth. Add the confectioners sugar a little bit at a time until you've gotten it all mixed in. It should produce a really heavy, thick dough. Roll this into small balls (one inch diameter or less) and place them on wax paper. Chill in refrigerator until firm.



Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler over low heat. Use a toothpick or bamboo skewer to dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate -- be sure to leave a bit of the peanut butter showing at the top, so you get the brown-and-black look of a real Buckeye! Return the balls to the wax paper and allow to cool. Keep in an airtight container until ready to serve.



The great thing about these candies is that because the Buckeye is associated with prosperity and abundance, you can use this for magical purposes. As you mix and blend the ingredients, focus your intent on abundance, so that you can share it with your friends and family at Mabon or other Sabbat celebrations.

Fun Ideas With Corn

- Put some popcorn kernels in a cheap sandwich baggie (not the good freezer kind. You want some air to get in) and add a handful of dirt and a little water. Then tape the baggie onto a window. In about a week or so you’ll see the corn start growing!


You can also have fun with Indian corn - the dried, multicolored type you that you see in stores now:


- Put an ear of Indian corn in a dish of water. Keep the water level up and, in time, you will see all these little sprouts come up along the ear.


- Put a whole cob of Indian Corn into a brown paper lunch bag and fold the end of the bag over to seal it. Put it in a microwave and, alongside, place a small dish of water. (this is so the bag doesn’t burn) Microwave it on high for 3 – 5 minutes and Guess What? You’ll have popcorn on the cob! Yum!

Leaf Print Tablecloth

Here is what you will need for your project:

Leaves - all sorts
Paints - different colors
Brushes
A white disposable paper tablecloth (You can find these at dollar stores, drug stores etc)


Take a leaf, paint one side of it with any color paint, or even paint a rainbow on it. Then turn the painted side over and press it carefully on to the tablecloth . Do this several times with different leaves until you have filled up your tablecloth with all sorts of lovely colors.

Apple Candle Holders for Mabon

Take two bright red apples that are the same size and will sit up nice and straight. Polish them with a soft cloth so they’re shiny. With an apple corer, hollow outa hole in the top of the apple (the stem end) about an inch deep and as wide as your candles. Then, into the hole, place a sprig of rosemary and two soft, grey leaves of Lambsear (a type of plant). Insert a candle that’s about 6 inches tall in each apple. (This will also help anchor the herbs in place) POOF! You’re done – and it should look like this:

Turkey Meatballs in Cranberry Sauce

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/4 cup instant rice or instant brown rice

1/4 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs

1 egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

1 (16ounce)can whole berry cranberry sauce

1/2 cup water



Mix all ingredients except cranberry sauce and water. Form into 45 meatballs. Spray large skillet with non-stick cooking spray.Cook meatballs, covered, for 8 - 10 minutes turning occasionally until meatballs are done and no longer pink in the middle. Add cranberry sauce and water to skillet.Cover and cook on medium-low for 3 to 4 minutes.

Mabon Apple Crisp

6 cups sliced and peeled apples

2/3 cup flour

1 1/3 cup Oatmeal

1 cup Brown Sugar

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

2/3 cup Melted Butter

½ cup of walnut (optional)



Spread apples evenly on the bottom of an oblong baking dish. In a bowl mix together remaining ingredients until everything is moistened. Spread evenly over top of apples. Bake in a 375 degree oven until apples are soft (about 30 minutes) and topping is crisp.



Serve warm or cold. I like warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream! YUM!!

Recipe by: Pauline Mansberger.

Hot Berry Cider

1 gallon apple cider
32 oz bottle cranberry juice cocktail
8 allspice berries
8 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks, halved

Combine all ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 mins. Strain to remove spices; serve.
Makes 20 servings.

What is Mabon

Mabon was the Welsh god of light, the son of Modron whose Greek equivalent is Matrona or “Mother.” Modron is an Earth goddess and corresponds to Demeter, mother of Persephone, in the more familiar Greek pantheon. According to mythology, the infant Mabon was abducted and taken to the Underworld when he was three days old. Eventually Mabon was liberated, and his return to the human world signals spring, the time when days begin to grow longer and warmer and the earth is again fruitful. Both Modron and Demeter mourn while their kidnapped children are absent, and their grief causes the earth to grow dark, cold, and barren.
The autumnal equinox marks that day in September when we experience an equal number of light and dark hours. Afterward, the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, as the mythological mothers grieve and wail for their children. In recent years, those who follow the path of Wicca have developed formal rituals for acknowledging the end of summer and the symbolic death of light. Some choose to call this sabbat “Mabon,” in honor of the Welsh god of light.
One need not identify with Wiccans or any other faith to feel the change that marks the turn of seasons. The outward symbols of Mabon are ubiquitous in Western society, even though relatively few people realize that their decorations and activities reflect the traditions of ancient peoples. The colors, the corn wreaths, and the hearty soups are such powerful symbols of the old, nature-based way of life that no one questions their appearance at this time of year; it simply feels right.

The meaning of the number 13

The meaning of the number 13

I thought this to be an interesting read.

Creating Sacred Space

Sacred space is the difference between somewhere that you could hold a ritual and somewhere that is worthy of your ritual.

The term "Sacred Space" can mean many things to may people and the methods for creating it can vary from tradition to tradition. Some religions will have temples or churches that are built and are sacred spaces unto themselves, and some Pagans will similarly have a temple set up in their house, if they are lucky. But for many Pagans the matter of creating Sacred Space involves doing so each time they hold a ritual.

Sacred Space is basically taking the area of your ritual and before you begin, marking it in some way in order to consecrate it to your purpose. This can be a simple symbolic act, perhaps involving a small dedication to the Gods, or it can be a significant part of the ritual itself, in which surrounding and personal energies are drawn together in order to align the space to your working.

The act of creating Sacred Space is common to a good majority of Pagan paths and they all have their own ways of doing it, which despite appearing different in their methods, remain extremely similar in their theory and intent. Here are a few examples:

Asatru: The most common method in Asatru for creating Sacred Space before a ritual is called "The Hammer Rite". This rite itself is a Neo-Pagan development, but believed by many to be based around the symbolism of Mjollnir, the hammer of Thor.

This rite usually involves a dual declaration, one towards the altar and one facing away from it (covering both directions of the ritual space), in which the person calls upon the hammer to sanctify the space. This is sometimes coupled with the striking of a hammer in each direction.

Kemeticism: In the Kemetic religion, the Sacred Space is created by purifying the Shrine (akin to the altar, here). This is done by physically cleaning the Shrine and the area around it and then touching each object on the Shrine with a mixture of water and Natron. Natron is a substance natural to Egypt, but can be made at home by combining baking soda and salt. As the objects are touched and cleansed, the Kemetic concentrates on making the area a place that is suitable for the Gods to visit.

Wicca: Ritual Sacred Space is created in Wicca through the casting of a Magic Circle. This is done by magically drawing in the energies that naturally surround the caster and projecting them into a protective circle. The area within this Circle will be the Sacred Space of the ritual. In addition to this, Wiccans call upon the services of supernatural beings of the Elements to act as guardians and observers at the four cardinal points of the Circle; North, East, South and West.

The building of the Circle is very much a ritual unto itself and as such forms a significant part of the greater ritual workings that will take place within it.

When we create Sacred Space we are seen to do so on multiple levels, cleansing the area on the physical plane and on the spiritual plane, while also clearing our own minds so that we may be better disposed towards what we are about to do. It is an act of purification and consecration, making the area worthy of our ritual and aligned towards it, while simultaneously doing the same to ourselves.

Preparing the Altar

The altar is the work-space of a ritual and the usually the central point of the ritual's Sacred Space. As the focal point of the ritual, the altar becomes the place the gives your ritual direction, as it is a place to keep your ritual tools, ingredients and any offering that you may be using.
Depending upon your tradition, the placement of your altar may be significant. It has become common custom in many groups to place the altar facing North, however some people may find more significance in having a South facing altar. Others may change the position of their altar depending on the rite that is being performed.

North: North is customary to some Traditions as it was seen as the home of the Gods and so any altar that is facing North is automatically aligned towards the Gods and ready to worship them.

East: The East is the point from which the Sun rises every day and so a lot of Traditions place their altar facing East and begin their rituals in that quarter, as the origin of light and revelation.

South: The South is the high-point of the sun, associated with passion and energy. Not many Traditions place their altar in the South, but some groups may choose this position for certain rituals.

West: Altars in the West are suited to workings of deep emotion and the subconscious. The sun sets in the West and as the place of darkness it is associated with the Mysteries.

When preparing your altar, make sure that you have placed upon it or around it, all items that you will need for your ritual, including any tools, effigies and seasonal adornments.

Before You Begin

Before you begin your ritual it is common to take time cleaning your tools, the ritual space and cleaning yourself. Much of the time this is a method for focusing your mind towards the work you are soon to engage in.

Cleaning Tools: Spending time in silence cleaning your tools is a way to focus your mind as a method of meditation. As you sit cleaning your ritual tools you rest your mind upon them, contemplating what they are and how they are about to be used. You will consider their symbolism and reaffirm your connection to these items, charging them with your own energies as you clean them.

Bathing: Ritual bathing can be a significant part of preparing for your ritual. It allows you to not only clean yourself but also to "cleanse" your mind of distractions. This is like a small purification ritual before moving into your larger working.

Cleaning the Ritual Space:  Sweeping, anointing and preparing the space for your ritual is in itself a significant act. It announces that something special is about to take place there and that the area is being made suitable for it. This cleansing is not just for brushing away dust and dirt, though, it is more about ridding the area of any energies that may be unwanted in the space of the ritual.

Step Four

What do I need?

Preparation really is the key to any successful ritual. Really, there is no worse situation to be in than to reach a crucial moment in a ritual only to discover you have left something important in your kitchen or forgotten to prepare appropriate words for that part.

Preparing a ritual is in itself a very significant part of the entire process, not only for the obvious need to know what you are going to do, but also because in the preparation of a ritual you are forced to give some thought into what each and every step in that ritual signifies and consider why you will be performing each bit.

For the solo practitioner this gives a situation where there shouldn't be anything in the ritual that doesn't hold some kind of personal significance, while for the group based ritual the members have the opportunity to attain an understanding of a ritual from many different perspectives and even learn about new things in context to the ritual.




What items you want to use in your Ritual are your personal choice I have done a post about Tools of the Trade this will introduce you to some of the basic tools that may be used. None have be used it its a personal choice as to weither you use them or not.

Blessed Be

Night and Day

To some, the different hours of the day hold different astrological connections. However, listing these out as well could take up a severe amount of space that just isn't constructive to this post, so instead we'll look at the basic principles of Night and Day.

Day time: As the Sun is in the sky, this is obviously the best time for any kind of working that relates to the Sun. But that doesn't mean that it is the only time when you can work with these energies. The daytime is light and exposed, so it is a good time for open celebrations, especially those that you don't mind being public. As a very male orientated time it is well disposed for celebrations of virility and athletic activities.

The Sun is also very significant for Solstice and Equinox rituals, in which the entire point is to use the passage of the Sun as the ritual focus, marking the shortest and longest days of the year, as the Sun enters its lowest and highest phases.

Night time: Night is for private functions and secret gatherings. As a time of darkness it is closely connected to the Mysteries, so it is well suited to these kinds of rituals. The Moon is the ruler of the night, serving as the light in the darkness. As mentioned, the moon is aligned to feminine energies and so the night is well disposed to working with feminine energies. But there is no reason you shouldn't work with these energies at other times, too.

The night also reveals to us the constellations of the stars and so it is a good time for considering other astrological works.

One may wish to take into account other aspects of timing, such as astrological alignments and mystical numerology. If these things interest you at all then I would recommend looking into books on these subjects or otherwise checking the internet. Various paths may place different significance to different numbers, times and heavenly events, so to make things easier, first look to see if your specific religion/path has any teachings regarding these things.

Days of the Week

The days of the week are seen as significant in many ways. Firstly, the days themselves are names after certain Gods and so if working with these Gods that might be a good time to petition them. Otherwise, the days also have other correspondences.
Monday: The day of the Moon. Thusly it is good for work that involves female issues, emotions and the Mysteries. Unsurprisingly, this day is ruled by the Moon.

Tuesday: Tyr's Day. Tyr was a Norse God, noted for his great valour in combat and his incredible honesty. He was willing to sacrifice his hand so that the Gods could bind the great wolf Fenrir. The Romans marked this day by the God Mars, who is still the planet associated with Tuesday. Workings for this day have definitely picked up the traits of Tyr and Mars, as today is regarded as a good time for works of discipline, courage, athletics and passion.

Wednesday: Odin's Day (Woden's Day). Odin was the All Father, chief among the Norse Gods. He was seen to be the wisest of the Gods and tore out his own eye so that he might obtain the secrets of the Runes, which were later gifted to mankind. Wednesday is ruled by the planet Mercury, who also shares some connection to the naming of the day from the Latin. This day has attained correspondences with both Odin and Mercury. It is seen as seen as a good day for workings regarding wisdom and artistic pursuits, but also communication and travel.

Thursday: Thor's Day. Thor was a God of Thunder and struck down his enemies using the magical hammer, Mjolnir. Thursday was attributed to Jupiter by the Romans. Jupiter, as an equivalent to Thor in the naming of the day, also wielded the power of the thunderbolt. The alignment of this day has kept more in connection to Jupiter (which is its ruling planet), than it has to Thor. Thusly this day is good for workings that focus on leadership, prosperity, wealth and health.

Friday: Frigg's Day. Frigg is the wife of Odin and a Goddess associated with love, marriage, fertility and motherhood. It is no surprise then that she should become the equivalent to Venus who marked this day for the Romans. Venus is still the ruling planet of this day, which is why this day is best used for workings of love, romance, friendship, sex and beauty.

Saturday: Saturn's Day. This is the only day that has retained a directly Roman name, in their God Saturn. Saturn was the God of the harvest and so this day can be seen to be a time to reap rewards of labour and to put an end to work for a time. Pretty appropriate for the start of the weekend, really. However, Saturn is comparable also to the Greek God Cronus, the ruler of the Golden Age of man. Cronus' mythology shows him as a conqueror who attempts to gain and maintain his power. This day mirrors that to a degree, as it is seen as good time for workings that involve removing obstacles and addressing problems.

Sunday: The Day of the Sun. Of course this day is rather unsurprisingly aligned with the Sun. As the Sun is the ruler of the sky, today is a day for authority, success and sovereignty. Preceding the feminine alignment of Monday, Sunday has masculine connections and so is a good time for performing workings that relate to men.

Moon Phases

New Moon Used for personal growth, healing and blessing of new projects or ventures. It's also a good time to cleanse and consecrate new tools and objects you wish to use during rituals, ceremonies for an upcoming festival.




Waxing Moon, This is a time when rituals and rites of attraction, or positive magic, are typically performed. In other words, it's a time when you can do workings to draw things to you. Rituals for love, prosperity, healing energy, or wisdom are all appropriate at this time.



Full Moon, this is known as an Esbat ceremony. The time of the full moon is when the lunar energy is at its most powerful. It's also known as a time of enhanced intuition and wisdom. Used to banishing unwanted influences in your life. Creating protection magik and performing divination. Setting up plans and releasing old patterns or issues are all. Full Moon magik can be conjured during the 3 days prior to the rise of the Full Moon, the night of the Full Moon and during the 3 days after.



Waning Moon, This is a time when rituals and rites of banishment are appropriate. Use this time to send things away from you -- eliminate a toxic relationship, send away your financial problems or cast off all the things in your life that are negative. Negative emotions, diseases, ailments, and bad habits can all be let go and special spells for clearing can be performed at this time.



Dark Moon, this period occurs 3 days prior to the New Moon. This is the time when you can't see the moon in any phase. Typically no magik is performed during this time. This is the time to give yourself a break, to turn to self and pamper or replenish your own energies. Vision quests and deep meditations are called for at this time to focus on personal matters, questions and answers.



Lunar eclipse, this occurs when the moon passes into the Earth's shadow. This type of eclipse does not occur every year. But when it does, it's a wonderful and magikal night. When it does occur it lasts for only a few hours, so you need to plan your rituals well in advance. This one night is perfect for all purposes. Simply plan your spells to coordinate with the passing shadow. When the moon is in full eclipse, treat those few moments as if the moon was in it's Dark phase. Some witches forego magik work all together and use this time to honor the Goddess in a special ritual.

Step Three

When should I perform it?
Rituals are generally held in order to mark an event of some sort, so of course it makes sense to perform your ritual to coincide with the event you are marking. Seasonal Rituals are perhaps the most obvious examples, held in order to mark the significance of the changing seasons or some other celestial event. For rituals with a little more flexibility, there are other aspects that you may want to consider when determining the timing of your ritual. Some examples may be the day of the week, the position of the Moon (or other planets) and the time of day or night. Considering these kinds of things can also be useful for magical works, so if you intend on working magic in your ritual, it may be a good idea to take timing into account for that reason.

Step Two

Where shall I hold my Ritual?

Among many Pagan traditions there is a practice in which the place that you hold a ritual should either have sacred significance, or otherwise be prepared as sacred space for the purpose of the ritual.

For our ancestors this may have involved worshipping in sacred groves or maybe amongst the standing stones across Europe. But these days such things aren't too easy to come by. While it is true that you can feel free to practice in a woodland clearing that provides you with a sense of spiritual significance, it is often far more practical to simply set aside some easily accessible space and sanctify it. In modern witchcraft, this practice is usually achieved through sweeping an area to rid it of negative energies and then casting a Magick Circle.

Ceremonial Magicians, on the other hand, tend to set aside some space in their home to use as a permanent temple or sacred space. For some of us this isn't a practical option and so a temporary temple can be made that may be quickly erected when needed.

We'll discuss how to create Sacred Space shortly.

Step One

What do I want to do?

This is the most obvious first consideration. There is no point in even considering a ritual if you haven't a clue of what it is that you are trying to achieve. Look into the beliefs of your religion and use the examples above as a way to steer you onto the kind of thing that you wish to do.

Remember, entering into a ritual practice is not just a dull repetition of words and actions that you have written down in advance, it is an expression of your inner self, as such, ritual is a way to adjust your mindset and use the practice to not only impact your own psychology, but also a way to leave a lasting mark on the spiritual environment around you.

If any ritual is done correctly, then the person or people doing it will be putting their energies, thoughts and feelings into the ritual, speaking from their heart and attempting to really make it mean something. Because of this, a successful ritual can't help but leave an impression upon the surrounding spiritual landscape, even if only for a short time.

So when asking yourself what you want to do in your ritual, remember to consider what that means. Once you understand that, you will have the groundwork for where the rest of your ritual is heading.

Creating a Ritual

This will be a series of post on Rituals. As I don't want to overwhelm anyone.

Ritual is belief in action. It is taking theory, idea and spiritual commitment, and moving them into the realm of being. Through Ritual we express our beliefs and give them life.

Rituals serve all manner of purposes, from the mundane to the magical, but ultimately they serve to express what is within us; to give us an outlet for our spirituality that reveals not only what we believe, but also what those beliefs mean in grand scope of the universe. So we will be focusing on rituals and magical workings in this regard, providing an insight into what they mean and how to construct your own.

I will only give you the information on things a Ritual is based around. It is up to the individual to what will work for them and what won't. Just go with what feels right for you. 

Lammas

Celebrated August 1st.

Lammas marks the middle of summer and beginning of the harvest season. Lammas is considered a time of thanksgiving and is the first of the three Pagan harvest festivals. The Sun's strength begins to wane and the plants of spring begin to wither and drop their fruits or seeds for our use as well as to ensure future crops. At this time, we become conscious of the sacrifice the Sun God is preparing to make. We experience a sense of abundance at the same time we begin to feel an urgency to prepare for the death of winter. First grains and fruits of the Earth are cut and stored for the dark winter months.

Lammas also represents the culmination of the marriage between the Goddess and the God that took place on Beltane. The God now becomes the product of that blessed union - the bountiful fruits and grains - and must be sacrificed. He is the personification of the crops that must be harvested for the survival of the people.

Underneath the symbolism of sacrifice is the theme of rebirth. The Corn God must die, and He has to do so in order to return. Without the sacrifice, the cycle stops. Although His strength is waning, His essence is still palpable as His energies begin to merge with the harvested crops. It is at this time that the Sun King has reached the autumn of His years, and His rival (or dark self) has just reached puberty. The Sun God has reigned supreme over the ripening grain during the hot summer months. His dedication, perseverance, and action in tending the seeds sown in spring brings a ripe and fruitful bounty.

Although Lammas is the first of the harvest festivals, fertility imagery may still be found, as there are still crops in the field continuing to grow and livestock and game that have yet to be killed. As the God is honored for His harvest, so the Goddess is honored for bringing forth the first fruits, much as a new mother is honored.

Lammas is also known as Lughnasadh, Lammastide, and First Harvest Festival.

Correspondences

Symbolism: First harvest festival; aging of the Deities, honoring of Sun Gods

Symbols: Corn dollies, cornucopia, grains, the Sun

Foods: Breads, grains, potatoes, summer squash, cider, blackberry pies and jellies, berries, apples, roasted lamb, elderberry wine, meadowsweet tea

Plants & herbs: Ash, camphor, caraway, fern, geranium, juniper, mandrake, marjoram, thyme, sunflowers, wheat

Incense and oils: Allspice, carnation, rosemary, vanilla, sandalwood, aloe, rose

Colors: Red, gold, yellow, orange

Stones: Aventurine, citrine, peridot, sardonyx

Animals and mythical beasts: Roosters, calves, the Phoenix, griffins, basilisk, centaurs

Some appropriate Goddesses: all grain, agriculture, and mother Goddesses; Alphito (Greek), Ashnan (Sumerian), Bast (Egyptian), Bau (Assyro-Babylonian), Ceres (Roman), Demeter (Greek), Gaia (Greek), Ishtar (Assyro-Babylonian), Isis (Egyptian), Libera (Roman), Persephone (Greek), Rhiannon (Welsh), Robigo (Roman), Tailtiu (Irish)

Some appropriate Gods: all grain, agriculture, Sun, and father Gods; Cernunnos (Celtic), Dagon (Babylonian), Lahar (Sumerian), Liber (Roman), Llew (Welsh), Lugh (Irish), Neper (Egyptian), Ningirsu/Ninurta (Assyro-Babylonian), Odin (Norse), Osiris (Egyptian)

Decorations: Corn, hay, gourds, corn dollies, shafts of grain, sun wheels

Activities: games, country fairs, making corn dollies, baking bread, gathering fruits, visits to fields, orchards, lakes and wells.

Spell/ritual work: Offering thanks, honoring fathers, prosperity, abundance, generosity, continued success, connectedness

Lammas: The First Harvest by Mike Nichols

It was upon a Lammas Night

When corn rigs are bonny,

Beneath the Moon's unclouded light,

I held awhile to Annie...

Although in the heat of a Mid-western summer it might be difficult to discern, the festival of Lammas (Aug 1st) marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. The days now grow visibly shorter and by the time we've reached autumn's end (Oct 31st), we will have run the gammut of temperature from the heat of August to the cold and (sometimes) snow of November. And in the midst of it, a perfect Mid-western autumn.

The history of Lammas is as convoluted as all the rest of the old folk holidays. It is of course a cross-quarter day, one of the four High Holidays or Greater Sabbats of Witchcraft, occurring 1/4 of a year after Beltane. It's true astrological point is 15 degrees Leo, but tradition has set August 1st as the day Lammas is typically celebrated. The celebration proper would begin on sundown of the previous evening, our July 31st, since the Celts reckon their days from sundown to sundown.

However, British Witches often refer to the astrological date of Aug 6th as Old Lammas, and folklorists call it Lammas O.S. ('Old Style'). This date has long been considered a 'power point' of the Zodiac, and is symbolized by the Lion, one of the 'tetramorph' figures found on the Tarot cards, the World and the Wheel of Fortune (the other three figures being the Bull, the Eagle, and the Spirit). Astrologers know these four figures as the symbols of the four 'fixed' signs of the Zodiac, and these naturally align with the four Great Sabbats of Witchcraft. Christians have adopted the same iconography to represent the four gospel-writers.

'Lammas' was the medieval Christian name for the holiday and it means 'loaf-mass', for this was the day on which loaves of bread were baked from the first grain harvest and laid on the church altars as offerings. It was a day representative of 'first fruits' and early harvest.

In Irish Gaelic, the feast was referred to as 'Lugnasadh', a feast to commemorate the funeral games of the Irish sun-god Lugh. However, there is some confusion on this point. Although at first glance, it may seem that we are celebrating the death of Lugh, the god of light does not really die (mythically) until the autumnal equinox. And indeed, if we read the Irish myths closer, we discover that it is not Lugh's death that is being celebrated, but the funeral games which Lugh hosted to commemorate the death of his foster-mother, Taillte. That is why the Lugnasadh celebrations in Ireland are often called the 'Tailltean Games'.

The time went by with careless heed

Between the late and early,

With small persuasion she agreed

To see me through the barley...

One common feature of the Games were the 'Tailltean marriages', a rather informal marriage that lasted for only 'a year and a day' or until next Lammas. At that time, the couple could decide to continue the arrangement if it pleased them, or to stand back to back and walk away from one another, thus bringing the Tailltean marriage to a formal close. Such trial marriages (obviously related to the Wiccan 'Handfasting') were quite common even into the 1500's, although it was something one 'didn't bother the parish priest about'. Indeed, such ceremonies were usually solemnized by a poet, bard, or shanachie (or, it may be guessed, by a priest or priestess of the Old Religion).

Lammastide was also the traditional time of year for craft festivals. The medieval guilds would create elaborate displays of their wares, decorating their shops and themselves in bright colors and ribbons, marching in parades, and performing strange, ceremonial plays and dances for the entranced onlookers. The atmosphere must have been quite similar to our modern-day Renaissance Festivals, such as the one celebrated in near-by Bonner Springs, Kansas, each fall.

A ceremonial highlight of such festivals was the 'Catherine wheel'. Although the Roman Church moved St. Catherine's feast day all around the calender with bewildering frequency, it's most popular date was Lammas. (They also kept trying to expel this much-loved saint from the ranks of the blessed because she was mythical rather than historical, and because her worship gave rise to the heretical sect known as the Cathari.) At any rate, a large wagon wheel was taken to the top of a near-by hill, covered with tar, set aflame, and ceremoniously rolled down the hill. Some mythologists see in this ritual the remnants of a Pagan rite symbolizing the end of summer, the flaming disk representing the sun-god in his decline. And just as the sun king has now reached the autumn of his years, his rival or dark self has just reached puberty.

Many commentators have bewailed the fact that traditional Gardnerian and Alexandrian Books of Shadows say very little about the holiday of Lammas, stating only that poles should be ridden and a circle dance performed. This seems strange, for Lammas is a holiday of rich mythic and cultural associations, providing endless resources for liturgical celebration.

Corn rigs and barley rigs,

Corn rigs are bonny!

I'll not forget that happy night

Among the rigs with Annie!

Hello Again

Sorry I have been away for awhile...things in this muggle life can get hetic at times. I plan on start posting again on a regular basis. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to read the blog. Many blessings to all.

How to Use Moon Phases

Whether doing a full moon esbat, a dark moon meditation, or a spell casting, one should know and understand the moon's influences in each of its particular phases. Working with the moon's energies instead of against them only helps to ensure the best results for your efforts.

However, emergencies often arise that can't be postponed until the proper moon cycle. The question then becomes how to work with the current moon's energy to bring about that which we need to have happen. The essence of the answer to this question lies in the basics of magick.

Essentially, all magick can be broken down into two types, drawing and banishing. During the waxing moon cycle, our work should be concentrated on drawing what we want towards us. During the waning moon, our work should be pivoted primarily towards banishing that which we want out of our lives.

Therefore, if a sudden illness strikes during the time of the waxing moon, work to draw health rather than banish illness. If an emergency situation calls for a heavy prosperity spell during the time of the waning moon, work towards banishing poverty and need. As you can see in these situations, the immediate need is accomplished by working with its opposite. In this way, you utilize the energies from the current moon cycle (either drawing or banishing) to ultimately realize your goal.

There are, of course, other lunar energies beyond simple waning and waxing moons. These include each of the phases of the moon within the cycle, as well as special moons, such as the Blue Moon or the Harvest Moon. It's also a good idea to craft your working towards the correct astrological placement of the moon.

None of this is absolutely necessary. By sheer will and personal energy alone, especially if you live in constant awareness of the sacred in everything, you can set events in motion. I liken it to going through a locked door, though. You can ram the door enough times with your body that eventually it will open. However, opening the door is much simpler (and less harmful to the body) if you have a key. The lunar energies we work with are simply keys that we can use to craft our workings for the best assurance of success.







New Moon Used for personal growth, healing and blessing of new projects or ventures. It's also a good time to cleanse and consecrate new tools and objects you wish to use during rituals, ceremonies for an upcoming festival.

Waxing Moon, This is a time when rituals and rites of attraction, or positive magic, are typically performed. In other words, it's a time when you can do workings to draw things to you. Rituals for love, prosperity, healing energy, or wisdom are all appropriate at this time.

Full Moon, this is known as an Esbat ceremony. The time of the full moon is when the lunar energy is at its most powerful. It's also known as a time of enhanced intuition and wisdom. Used to banishing unwanted influences in your life. Creating protection magik and performing divination. Setting up plans and releasing old patterns or issues are all. Full Moon magik can be conjured during the 3 days prior to the rise of the Full Moon, the night of the Full Moon and during the 3 days after.

Waning Moon, This is a time when rituals and rites of banishment are appropriate. Use this time to send things away from you -- eliminate a toxic relationship, send away your financial problems or cast off all the things in your life that are negative. Negative emotions, diseases, ailments, and bad habits can all be let go and special spells for clearing can be performed at this time.

Dark Moon, this period occurs 3 days prior to the New Moon. This is the time when you can't see the moon in any phase. Typically no magik is performed during this time. This is the time to give yourself a break, to turn to self and pamper or replenish your own energies. Vision quests and deep meditations are called for at this time to focus on personal matters, questions and answers.

Lunar eclipse, this occurs when the moon passes into the Earth's shadow. This type of eclipse does not occur every year. But when it does, it's a wonderful and magikal night. When it does occur it lasts for only a few hours, so you need to plan your rituals well in advance. This one night is perfect for all purposes. Simply plan your spells to coordinate with the passing shadow. When the moon is in full eclipse, treat those few moments as if the moon was in it's Dark phase. Some witches forego magik work all together and use this time to honor the Goddess in a special ritual.

When you're planning your magical workings, take the time to look at a moon phase calendar and plan accordingly. Whether you're working under a waxing, waning or full moon, take advantage of the magical lunar energy that is available to you.

Moon's Phases

Listed below are each of the moon phases, the "special moons," and the lunar/astrological correspondences. Use these to craft and time your workings for the best possible outcome.

Moon Cycles


New Moon
Sun and Moon are in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.

Waxing Crescent
Light crescent on right side of Moon.

First Quarter
The right half of the Moon is lit (ninety degrees from sun, end of first quarter, beginning of second quarter).

Waxing Gibbous
Three-fourths of the Moon is now lit.

Full Moon
Moon and Sun in Opposition. The entire Moon is lit.

Waning Gibbous

Three-fourths of the Moon is now dark.


Third Quarter

The right half of the Moon is now dark (ninety degrees from sun, end of third quarter, beginning of fourth quarter).


Waning Crescent
Dark crescent on right side of Moon.
New Moon
Sun and Moon in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.


Special Moons

The Full Moon
The Full Moon actually covers three days, including the night of the Full Moon, itself. This is a time for action, for harvesting the fruits of our labors, for realizing that which we began at the last cycle, and of giving thanks.

The Dark Moon
The Dark Moon is the three day period from the last sliver of moonlight to the first sliver of moon light. This is the time of introspection; of looking within and meditating on the shadow self.

Moon Void of Course
As the moon orbits the Earth, it passes in and out of the 12 signs of the zodiac. A void-of-course moon is the time period when the moon makes no major aspect with other planets before entering another sign. The duration of this period can be as little as a few seconds or it can be longer than a day. The Moon rules the emotions, so one can expect to experience feelings of "disconnectedness," as well as emotional upsets, turnarounds, and variability. Therefore, it's a good rule of thumb not to sign contracts, start rituals, cast spells, or begin anything that would require any degree of emotional commitment until the Moon is aspected once again.

Blue Moon
A Blue Moon is that wonderful occurence when the Full Moon shows us her face twice in one month. Also known as a Goal Moon, it's an excellent time to set new goals for yourself.

Eclipses
As Lunar Eclipses represent the perfect union of the Sun and Moon, any type of magick worked or energy sent out during this time will be amplified.

Moon Signs
The moon circles the Zodiac every 28 days, merging the influences of each of the astrological signs with its own lunar nature. It manifests those influences in subtle ways through an individual's emotional nature, and through the general vibratory level present in daily life. In order to assure the best chance of success, one should work with these vibratory influences when planning a ritual or a magickal working.

Pantheons & Concept of Deity

Over the centuries similar concepts of Deity have been identified and grouped together as sharing certain characteristics. Some of the more common of there are monotheism, polytheism, pantheism, and animism.

A monotheist believes there is only one Deity. This Deity may or may not be alone in the cosmos, and may have a variety of spirit helpers. A monotheistic Deity may express itself in only one form, or its essence may be split across several forms, which still reduce back to only one Deity. The Trinity within Christianity is an example of the latter.

A polytheist believes in more than one Deity; that is, divine power that is spread and shared among other Deities.

A pantheist believes that all the created world together equals Deity. There is a little bit of the Divine in your arm, some more in the grass, and so on, and when combined all together, it adds up to Deity. In these systems, Deity may or may not exist as a separate being or personality.

An animist believes that every part of creation - both animate and inanimate - is filled with the Divine or has a soul. Deity is equally present everywhere, but is usually not divided into parts as with pantheism. Depending on the tradition, Deity may or may not also exist as a separate being.

These are some of the terms you are likely to hear in a Pagan discussion about the Divine. These terms include mythology, deity, and pantheons.

A mythology is a collection of stories created by a culture to explain how and why things are as they are. A religion’s mythology tells the stories of the gods, deities, spirits, and important people that relate to that religion. Sometimes these stories are legend, and sometimes they are part history and part legend. From the Pagan perspective, the stories of the Greek gods on Mount Olympus are a religious mythology. From the Pagan perspective, the stories of Yahweh, Satan, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are a religious mythology.

Deity is another word for God or the Divine and describes any energy or being that is ascribed supernatural powers. Deity can be a catch-all word that includes gods, goddesses, angels, guardian angels, spirits, spirit guides, elves, fairies, elementals, higher selves, future or probable selves, and nature spirits, among others. Since the word “God” with a capital G is assumed by many non-Pagans to mean Yahweh, a specific Deity of the Judeo-Christian pantheon, Pagans tend to use the word Deity instead to avoid any confusion.”

“A pantheon is a collection of Deities connected by a common culture or mythology. You might on occasion hear Pagans refer to the “Roman pantheon,” the “Norse pantheon,” or the “Hindu pantheon.” Pagans often study pantheons in order to learn about a philosophy more completely. (1.)

“The Gods and Goddesses on the lower branches of the deity tree belong to a specific pantheon, therefore you would have a tree symbolizing each magickal system if you were to draw it on paper.

A pantheon is a set of human images designed to serve a specific culture of people. These images are sometimes called the Old Ones, or the Ancients. When choosing a pantheon for yourself, you must become your own detective. If your parents belong to a coven already, you will most likely have a pantheon that has been selected for the group mind. Likewise, if you work with a teacher or High Priestess, that individual will teach you what they know best and what images they are familiar with. There is nothing wrong with this as long as you keep in mind that if a particular set of images does not basically appeal to you, even though they are wellaccepted by someone else, it is more than acceptable to choose something different. The process of unification with the Divine is a very personal experience. There is not right or wrong set of images as long as those you choose reflect positive energy. As a solitary Witch, you have the privilege to design your own pantheon and determine how you will work with it. Some examples of pantheons are: Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, Nordic, Native American, Mayan, African - just to name a few. And don’t forget Fairy Tradition, either; that’s an interesting one as well.

What is important is that you pick a pantheon and stick with it while you are learning the Craft. Do not mix pantheons or interchange deities from different pantheons in the same ritual; you are likely to screw up your magickal satellite if you do. In the future, after you have thoroughly studied the different images it is possible to mix deities, but I would save that endeavor for later on. In time, you will learn who matches whom and which ones react like oil and water.

Visit your local library and the library in the biggest city near you. Hound the local Craft and metaphysical stores. Use your networking contacts to learn more about the deities you have chosen. Ask others how they celebrate holidays, what rituals they use and what personal experiences they have had with the deities you are interested in.

Visualizing and talking with the members of your chosen pantheon is the next step. Sit quietly where you know you will not be disturbed, for at least half an hour, and meet each image, one at each sitting. Carry on a mental (or verbal) conversation with them. Outline your reasoning for seeking them. Let them know exactly why you have thought of them above all the others. Do not force conversation; let it drift to you.” (2) Keep the research you accumulate from your search for your chosen pantheon. This information could be invaluable to you in the future as you begin to gain more knowledge and explore other paths.

Now let’s list a few pantheons and Gods and Goddess within those pantheons.

Greek Pantheon

Zeus: Divine god
Apollo: God of prophecy, archery, and music
Aphrodite: Goddess of love
Artemis: Goddess of hunt and protection
Athena: Goddess of war and wisdom
Eros: God of love

Roman Pantheon

Bacchus: God of liquid spirits, fruits, and parties
Cupid: God of love and passion
Diana: Goddess of the moon, hunting, children, and Witches
Mars: God of war and action
Venus: Goddess of love

Celtic Pantheon
Dagda: Father god
Brigid: Goddess of healing, fertility, poetry, and the forge (Irish)
Belenus: Sun God (Welsh/Irish)
Lugh: God of the sun (Irish)

The Morrigan: Goddess of war; original goddess of the earth and agriculture

Norse/Germanic Pantheon
Freyja: Goddess of fertility
Loki: God of fire
Norns: Goddess of fate - Urd (Past), Verdandi (Present), Skuld (Future)
Odin: Father of the gods; gifted in eloquence
Thor: God of Thunder

Egyptian Pantheon

Anubis: God of the dead and protection
Bastet: Goddess of cats, fertility, music, the moon and protection from evil
Horus: God of the sky, divine child
Isis: Goddess of all; Divine Mother
Osiris: God of vegetation and the dead.

As Good As Your Word (Promises)

Ever since human beings could speak to one another, they have been making promises and keeping them or not keeping them. Those who keep their promises are regarded as people of integrity, while those who don’t keep their promises are regarded as people who at best can’t be taken seriously and at worst can’t be trusted. Sometimes we forget how powerful our words are, and we use them haphazardly or unconsciously, creating expectations that are never fulfilled, leaving disappointment and distrust in our wake.

On an even deeper level, there are promises we may have made to ourselves that we don’t remember because they have slipped into our unconscious. An early heartache may have been followed by a promise never to trust love again. Without realizing it, we may be fulfilling that promise and wondering why our love life looks so grim. At an even deeper level, many people who recall past lives become aware that they made a promise lifetimes ago that they are still keeping. For example, a vow of poverty taken in a lifetime as a monk may be holding someone back from fulfilling his earning potential now. Upon realizing that we have made a promise we no longer wish to be beholden to, we can perform a ritual of requesting release from that bond. In doing so, we clear ourselves of outmoded connections and patterns, returning ourselves to a clean slate. Then we can resolve to remember that our word is sacred and to be very conscious of any promises we make to ourselves or to others.

We may ask to be released from any promises made to ourselves or others in our present, past, or future lives, consciously or unconsciously, that are holding us back from fulfilling our greatest good. We may ask that love, light, and healing be sent to any souls who have suffered from our inability to be true to our word, including ourselves. We can ask for the wisdom to do our best and from this point forward to be true to our word, promising only what we truly intend to deliver. The resulting clear conscience and liberated energy will illustrate this truth: We are only as good as our word.

Circle Casting

Circle casting is an important, and at times, difficult activity. It involves the use of many skills, and for the beginner it can seem like a pointless, if not impossible, routine. How do you do it properly? When should it be done? And perhaps most importantly: how do you know if you've done it?

What is a Circle?

A circle is a boundary of energy extending halfway above the ground and halfway below. It marks the boundary between the worlds: inside the circle is a cleansed space where the two worlds can interact. Outside is the mundane, 'regular' world. That's the basics; more on this later.

Why do you need a Circle?

A circle is cast to create a clean space in which to do ritual and magickal workings. It creates an area in which both worlds are present; in a very real sense, it is between the worlds. To invite a Deity, or an Elemental, etc. without a circle (into the mundane world) isn't always such a great idea. It's easier to interact inside a circle. It also acts to keep magickal energy inside until it is ready to be released, or to keep negative energy outside.

What do I need to know to cast a circle?

Well, you must have a lot of focus. You must be able to clearly visualize what you are doing, and how you are doing it. You should be able to feel the energy you are attempting to move, and have a clear idea of where you want to put it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. What is the purpose of your circle? To protect from outside negativity; to contain magickal energy; to create a space between the worlds; another purpose; a mixture? The nature of your circle will depend on the ritual you are planning on doing.

2. How big will your circle be? If you are casting the circle for practice, then all you need is a circle the size of your own body. For a larger group, no big surprise, a larger circle. In my personal opinion, it should be large enough that you don't keep wandering to the edges and sticking your head through it.

3. How will you visualize your circle? If you are just learning, it might be best to stick with simple colors. Later on, you can learn funky patterns and effects. Practice casting a circle in your mind during meditation. You must learn how to visualize things clearly, hold them in your mind, and focus while you rotate and move them. At the beginning, stick to the basics: there's no substitute for them.

4. Can you keep your focus for as long as it takes to set up the circle? If you are constantly second-guessing yourself, you can't maintain your concentration. Trust yourself.

5. Treat it with respect. Constantly walking in, through, and out of the circle without cutting a door, or otherwise ignoring its boundaries doesn't really help you much. You can't really expect to cast strong circles if you can't create and keep it in your mind first. The circle is real because you make it real. You make it real by believing in it and acting on it.
6. Finally, don't be disappointed if you don't get it the first time. Or the second. Or the 30th. It takes time; it takes self-trust; it takes PRACTICE.

When do I cast the circle?

I've found that the best time is right after you have cleansed the space (by blessing, sweeping, or making lots of noise), and before you invoke any elements or Deities. If you have others with you for the ritual, save up jokes, and try to make each other laugh really hard just before you create the circle. This further gets rid of any negativity that might be present, and provides enough positive energy to cast a good circle.

So, how do I cast a circle, exactly?

Well, there are many ways. If you're reading this for information, then you'll probably want a simple one. First, ground and center yourself. Stand with both feet firmly on the ground, and relax your arms at the sides of your body. Simply feel and visualize the energy of the Earth below you, and the Sky above you. Face one of the directions, and physically reach down with your arm and gather the energy of the Earth into your hand. Reach up to the Sky and gather the energy of the Sky into your other hand. Now scoot down near the ground and face your palms outward, sending that energy into a smooth wall of color that will spread itself into the shape of a circle. Rise up as you do this, shaping and smoothing the wall at this corner. Repeat this at the other three directions, constantly smoothing and shaping it with your hands. At each direction, the circle gets stronger and thicker; there are no gaps because the energy of the circle constantly swirls around evenly. See the energy as a thick, fluid stream of color. It also flows under the ground, to even itself out as a complete sphere. You can shape it underground by visualizing it through the floor. Solidify it by visualizing the energy of the circle as sticking together, like hot glue or warm honey. When you feel the circle is 'set', all you have to do now is keep it in mind, and perhaps make minor re-adjustments if you feel it is necessary. Take as much time as you need, and don't rush. No-one's holding a stopwatch. Don't be afraid to move around spontaneously; no-one's marking you on grace or coolness. And most importantly, don't be afraid to screw up; that's an important way to learn.

How do I know if I did it?

This is the fun part. Everybody has their own unique way of sensing circles. Some people can see the circle; as a band of color, or a thickening of the air. Some people can feel it as a spark of electricity, or again as a thickening of air. Some people can hear it as a low hum. Everybody is different. One thing is certain, however: circles get really hot. In a strong circle you can feel the cold air rushing in when you cut a door. When you take it down, you can practically feel a breeze. In the beginning, you may not be sure whether or not you've succeeded; don't let that bother you. When you really get the hang of it, you'll know for sure.

What's this about cutting a door?

Cutting a door basically means opening a hole in the circle so you can leave it. It's best to stay in the circle the whole time it's up, but there are times when you've forgotten something important in another room (like a lighter), or there's something you have to deal with. My personal favorite way of cutting a door is to hold your fingers and hand in a straight line, and move your hand around a rectangular outline large enough for you to walk through. Visualize the energy of the circle inside that rectangle being sucked into your forearm where you can store it until you get back. When closing the door, do this in reverse, and then smooth out the edges of where the door was. Visualize the energy of the circle swirling around until the location of the door is lost. Still, cutting too many doors in a circle can also weaken it eventually.

When and how do I take the circle down?

At the very end of ritual. After the Deities are gone, the Element/als have returned to their respective realms, etc. etc. etc. The only thing that generally follows taking down the circle is eating, drinking, and chatting. Take the circle down exactly the same way that you set it up, in reverse. Take as much time to take it down as you took to set it up. Send the energy back into the Earth, the Sky, or wherever you chose to get it from. If you used the energy from the Earth and Sky, then it's a good idea to change it into healing energy for our planet and our skies before you channel it back.

What's the best way to practice circle casting?

Actually: alone. If you can do it alone, then you can do it in a group; it doesn't always work in reverse. Working alone also lets you develop your own style, and you don't need to worry about people staring at you. You can work on your concentration more easily by yourself, and you don't feel like you're boring people if you take a while. Write your own visualizations and keep track of your results in a journal. But above all, learn to trust yourself and your instincts; it's one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself.

Storm Moon (March) 19th, 2011

Also known as: Seed Moon, Moon of Winds, Plow Moon, Worm Moon, Hrethmonath (Hertha's Month), Lentzinmanoth (Renewal Month), Lenting Moon, Sap Moon, Crow Moon, Moon of the Snowblind

Nature Spirits: Mer-people, Air and Water beings who are connected with spring rains and storms

Herbs: broom, High John root, yellow dock, wood betony, Irish moss

Colors: pale green, red-violet

Flowers: jonquil, daffodil, violet

Scents: honeysuckle, apple blossom

Stones: aquamarine, bloodstone

Trees: alder, dogwood

Animals: cougar, hedgehog, boar

Birds: sea crow, sea eagle

Deities: Black Isis, the Morrigan, Hecate, Cybele, Astarte, Athene, Minerva, Artemis, Luna

Power Flow: energy breaks into the open; growing, prospering, exploring. New beginnings; balance of Light and Dark. Breaking illusions. Seeing the truth in your life however much it may hurt.

Ritual Etiquette

Because there are no set of Pagan rules it does not mean there are not guidelines that should be followed any time you attend an Event, Sabbat, or Ritual. Rule of thumb, if you would not do it at any other religious ceremony, you probably wouldn’t want to do it at a Pagan or Wiccan one. Common sense is always a good guide and Respect is the Important key. Watch how others conduct themselves and align your behavior accordingly. Let’s break it down to some Do’s and Don’ts.

Do’s:

_ If you’re asked to do anything to help out, please do it.

_ Do compliment the Mistress/Master of Ceremony on the Ritual.

_ Bring your own supplies or a donation for supplies used.

_ Be respectful of presenters or those leading Ritual.

_ Make a donation. There’s usually a Coven Donation Basket sitting around.

_ Bring a covered dish if asked to do so.

_ Pay attention to the rules concerning “Sky Clad”. Wear clothes if asked to.

_ Be respectful of others beliefs, always.

_ If children are allowed and yours attend, attend to them. Babysitting not provided.

Don’ts:

_ Do not take pictures without getting permission. Respect others privacy.

_ Do not touch other peoples stuff. Tools, jewelry, anything...get permission.

_ Do not be late. Once Circle is Cast stand outside respectfully.

_ Do not criticize the performance of any at the Event. Mind your own manners.

_ Don’t throw anything into the ritual fire unless asked to.

_ Don’t drink or take drugs. Circle is for clear minds.

If you are feeling uncomfortable or ill during Circle and need to leave, do so quietly and respectfully and always move clockwise to the person assigned to Guard the Circle and cut a door for you. Please follow their instructions with as little disruption as possible.

Here are some of the people who make up the Structure of Ritual and Circle

“The entire act of designing, implementing and completing a ritual is actually a set of various procedures and thoughts, culminating in a single magical endeavor. From the point of determining the need to the receipt of the desired goal is ritual. On the surface a ritual is a tool that can be used to focus the mind and energies of the body. It can be a singular practice, or one done with several individuals. Flowing below, however, is the provision to merge your own energy with that of the Divine or Cosmic Consciousness.”


There are many reasons why we Ritual. Connection with Spirit/God and Goddess/The Universe would be one of those. Another would be specific need or intent that needs to be petitioned or worked for, to honor of a Sabbat or Esbat. or Coming of Age ceremonies such as Handfastings or Elevations. Sharing time and thoughts with people of a more open mindset is also a valid reason to Ritual. There are basic components to most all rituals. There are also key players in the Circle and how it flows and remains protected. Here are some of the people who make up the Structure of Ritual and Circle.

High Priestess: She is the embodiment of The Goddess once Deity is invoked. She is sometimes the leader of a Coven, but she can be Mistress of Ceremony for the Sabbat. She guides the group in ritual and monitors the energy flowing in Circle. If she leads a Coven she has responsibilities that include teaching and counseling.

High Priest: He is the embodiment of The God once Deity is invoked. He also guides the group during ritual and always provides support and guidance for the High Priestess. He helps in all phase of ritual and can be Master of Ceremonies for a Sabbat. He is the long arm of The God and protects his High Priestess and fellow coven mates with his trust and honor.

The Maiden: She is the Embodiment of The Goddess in her Maiden form. She is the right hand of the High Priestess and assists in ritual set-up, performance and completion. She is like a High Priestess in training and she learns as she performs her duties. She is sometimes in charge of monitoring the Coven supplies, if she is The Maiden for a Coven. She can step in to be High Priestess if the need should arise. The

Summoner: He is the right hand of the High Priest. In the case of a Coven Summoner, he is record keeper, messenger, and organizer. His duties mirror those of The Maiden. Within small groups he is sometimes The Waylander as well. The Waylander: They are the guardians of the energy inside and outside the Circle. They monitor the well-being of all in Circle and assist anyone leaving to do so safely and with as little disruption as possible. They monitor the energy in Circle and follow the lead of the High Priestess or High Priest in the flow and security of Circle.

The Watcher: This person is like the sheriff of a small town. They monitor the safety of all in Circle or at a Sabbat. They should be knowledgeable in how to interact in a legal manner with authorities or anyone not following the guidelines expected of them at a Ritual. They should be able to set wards and provide all levels of protection needed.

The Wayfarer: Most often this is a person who organizes travel and events for a Coven. They can also be responsible for making meal plans for big events.

Seeker or Dedicant: This is a person who is in early stages of studying a SpiritualPath. They are searching for their own path and direction. Elder: This usually is a person who has attained all three levels of initiation and is of the Wise Ones. They are to be respected and honored and one could learn much from these people.

Earth, Air, Fire and Water

Each of the elements is necessary for human life. All have positive and negative aspects, and each acts as a check for the other. The Earth without Water to moisten it, without Fire to warm it, and without Air to surround it would be a lifeless planet. The elements are present in physical form (such as a hand of soil) and in an un-manifested, non-physical form.

In modern day Wicca and Paganism, there is a good deal of focus on the four elements - Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Some traditions of Wicca also include a fifth element, which is Spirit or Self. Each of the elements is associated with traits and meanings, as well as with directions of the compass.

Earth

Earth is associated to North. Earth is considered the ultimate feminine element, and is our Mother. It is fertile and stable, associated with the Goddess. As the wheel turns we can watch all the aspects of life take place in the Earth: birth, life, death, and finally rebirth. “by the Earth which is Her body”

Color - Green
Gender - Female
Direction - North
Tarot Suit - Pentacles

Air

Air is the element of the East and is connected to the soul and breath of life. It is the power of movement, of freshening and of intelligence. Air is the power of the mind and the force of intellect. Air promotes gradual change. “by the air that is Her breath”

Color - Yellow
Gender - Male
Direction - East
Tarot Suit - Swords

Fire

Fire is the element of the South. It is a purifying, masculine energy connected to strong will and energy. Fire both creates and destroys and symbolizes the fertility of the God. It promotes swift and sometimes catastrophic change and should be treated with the utmost respect when utilizing it’s energy. “by the fire that is Her Spirit”

Color - Red
Gender - Male
Direction - South
Tarot Suit - Wands

Water

Water is the element of the West. Water is feminine energy and associated with aspects of the Goddess. Used for healing, cleansing, and purification. It is associated with passion and emotion. It is also associated with intuition and transformation. Water brings about change, but it is a slow process. “by the water that is Her blood.”

Color - Blue
Gender - Female
Direction - West
Tarot Suit - Cups

Esbats

Esbats are a little different from sabbats. Generally, not as much preparation and ritual goes into celebrating them. Some Wiccans, consider them to be the rituals held on the nights of the full moon throughout the year, for a total of 13 Esbats in all. Others believe them to be days or nights set aside for magickal workings. Here, any moon phase can be used for an Esbat, depending upon your need at the time. For those who hold to the full moon definition, included below are the names, months and correspondences of each full moon throughout the year. The first list of moons, which is found directly below, is from Silver Ravenwolf's book To Ride A Silver Broomstick, and consists simply of month and moon names.



Wolf Moon - January

Storm Moon - February

Chaste Moon - March

Seed Moon - April

Hare Moon - May

Dyad (pair) Moon - June

Mead Moon - July

Wyrt (green plant) Moon - August

Barley Moon - September

Blood Moon - October

Snow Moon - November

Oak Moon - December

Blue Moon - variable

The Wheel Of The Year *Sabbats*

The Wheel of the Year is the cycle of seasons continuously turning from birth to rebirth again and again. With our spiritual awakening and growth we learn about these cyclic paths start to see the patterns in life itself. Sabbats mark actual events in Nature which are associated with the changes of the seasons. These natural energies of the Earth help keep us in tune with those cyclic changes.


The Goddess and God travel the Wheel of the Year repeating the God’s cyclic story of His birth, life, and death. The following is a quick tour:

*Yule - The Goddess gives birth to the God and rests from Her labor

*Imbolc – The Goddess recovers from giving birth and the God is a small boy

*Ostara - The God is seen as a growing youth

*Beltainne - The God has reached manhood, falls in love with the Goddess, they unite helping the earth to burst forth with life and new growth producing Nature’s bounty. The Goddess is impregnated by the God

*Litha - Both the God and Goddess are at the peak of their strength and powers

*Lughnassadh - The first harvest and the God begins to weaken

*Mabon - The second harvest, and the God is coming to his end

*Samhain - The God dies, only to be reborn again at Yule There are Eight Sabbats in a year; each represented by their own meanings, associations, and celebrations. They are divided into two categories: The Minor or Lesser Sabbats and the Major or Greater Sabbats, with them alternating approximately 45 days apart from each other, making up the Wheel of the Year as you will see in the diagram on the next page.


Quartering the Year: The Greater & Lesser Sabbats

The Lesser or Minor Sabbats occur at the Quarters of the Year:

* Yule / Winter Solstice

* Ostara / Spring Equinox

* Litha / Summer Solstice

* Mabon / Autumn Equinox

The Greater or Major Sabbats - occur at the Cross Quarters of the Year, the midpoints between Solstice and Equinox. They mark the turning of seasons and are considered very powerful days in and of themselves. Midpoints are times of great power just as in Nature most creatures reach their peak of strength in the middle of their lives.

*Imbolc/Candlemas

*Beltainne

*Lughnassadh/Lammas

*Samhain

We will begin with Yule because it is the first seasonal holiday that falls after Samhain (the Witch’s New Year).

Yule [pronounced YOOL] or Winter Solstice (c. December 21)
Is a Lesser Sabbat and the shortest day of the year and celebrates the passing of the longest night and the return of the Sun’s Power. The Goddess gives birth to her Son, the God who is reborn once again and symbolizes the Sun. Wiccans light fires, candles, Yule logs to celebrate the return journey and welcoming the Sun’s returning light, warmth, and the life it will bring. Yule is a reminder that death is followed by rebirth.

Imbolc [pronounced IM-bolk] or Candlemas (February 2)
Is a Greater Sabbat and celebrates the early stirrings of Spring awakening the Goddess with the lengthening of daylight as the child-like God’s strength is increasing. The Sun’s warmth fertilizes the Earth (the Goddess) causing seeds to sprout. It is a time that welcomes the change from old to new, of purification, inspiration, and creativity. Wiccans traditionally used this time for initiations and dedications along with celebrating the festival of Brigid with bonfires, candles and blazing cauldrons.

Ostara [pronounced oh-STAR-ah] or Spring Equinox (c. March 21)
Is a Lesser Sabbat and marks the first day of Spring. It represents the warrior aspect of the god in the Caledonii Tradition. A festival of fertility and a celebration of the sacred balance between the day and night. Regaining her strength fully the Goddess envelops the Earth with fertility and the young God continues to mature with the daylight overtaking the nights darkness. Eggs are colored and placed on altars as magickal talismans. Ostara begins the journey of stored energy bursting into fruition with the focus of renewal, expansion, planting opportunities for the future, and the return of the Sun’s life-giving warmth.

Beltainne [pronounced BEL-tayne] or Mayday (May 1)
Is a Greater Sabbat and a time when the cares and fears of Winter are shed giving way to youthful lustiness, playfulness, and sexuality. It is the celebration of the Earth’s awakening as fires were lit on hilltops in order to bring the Sun’s light down to the Earth, the walking between two bonfires to ensure fertility. People dancing around maypoles which symbolically represents the union between the Goddess and the God creating a sacred circle of abundance. The young God is stirred by the exuberant energy and emerges into manhood. He desires the Goddess, they unite in a handfasting and once again in love the Goddess becomes pregnant ensuring life after the harvest.

Litha [pronounced LEE-tha] or Summer Solstice (c. June 21)
Is a Lesser Sabbat and marks the longest day of the year. The God and Goddess are at their peak of power, as is all of nature's bounty with all that is green and growing. The Earth is awash in the fertility of the Goddess and God. It is the high time of the Sun King in all his glory and is marked with festivals of fire. In the past, bonfires were leapt to encourage fertility, purification, health, and love. Litha is a classic time to perform love and healing magick..

Lughnassadh [pronounced LOO-nas-ah] or Lammas (August 1)
A Greater Sabbat which is the beginning of the first fall harvest, the day the first grains are cut. This Sabbat gets its name from the Celtic God Lugh, who is associated with the nighttime hours lengthen, the God begins to lose his strength and becomes the God of sacrifice. The Goddess watches with sorrow as he is dying but with joy knowing she has her child inside her, who will be reborn at Yule. Lughnassadh is a time of giving thanks for what we have and making offerings of gratitude.

Mabon [pronounced MAY-bon] or Autumn Equinox (c. September 21)
One of the Lesser Sabbats and where once again day and night are of equal duration. It is the second harvest festival and is associated with the taking of corn and other last fruits of the year. The God prepares to take His journey into the unseen, towards his death at Samhain, and the Goddess is beginning to mourn his loss. Yet She feels the presence of the God burning within her womb as she watches his weakening. This is the completion of the harvest begun at Lughnassadh, as the fields are cleared of their bounty and Nature draws back, readying for winter and its time of rest.

Samhain [pronounced SOW-wen or sah-VEEN] (October 31)
Is a Greater Sabbat and considered the Witches’ New Year, representing one full turn of the seasonal year. Samhain literally means “summer’s end” and is the last of the three harvest Sabbats. It marks the death of the God and the starting of a new year. This celebration honors those that have died and crossed over. A “dumb” supper is often celebrated to honor the dead in which a place at the table is set in honor for those who have passed over and the meal is eaten in total silence. The veil between the worlds of life and death is said to be thin on this night. It was believed the worlds of the living and the dead merged on this day and it was in order to maintain peace between the two worlds that most of our Halloween traditions evolved such as trick or treat. Samhain is a religious time of fasting, reflection, meditation and prayer, looking back over the last year, coming to terms with death, and honoring ancestors.

Persephone, Greek Goddess

of Innocence and Receptivity and Queen of the Underworld

Persephone, a Greek goddess known in her childhood by the name Kore (or Cora, meaning young maiden), was the only child of the union of Demeter (goddess of the bountiful harvest) and Zeus, the mighty king of the Olympians. The Greek goddess Persephone was born when Demeter was Zeus' consort, long before his marriage to the goddess Hera. By all accounts Persephone had an idyllic childhood, raised by her nurturing mother and played with her father's other daughters, the Greek goddesses Athena and Aphrodite. Always a cheerful and compliant child, the little goddess Persephone was a parent's dream.

According to Greek mythology Persephone's life was soon to change. As signs of womanly beauty began to shine along side her childlike innocence, the adolescent goddess Persephone unwittingly attracted the attention of the Greek god Hades, brother of Zeus and ruler of the underworld. One can hardly blame Hades because the underworld, in Greek mythology, was the realm of the sleeping and the dead. It probably needed some "brightening up", and the young goddess Persephone's radiance would assuredly liven up the place.

The god Hades, however, did not bother to woo the young Persephone, traditional goddess protocol notwithstanding. After asking for (and receiving) her father's approval for Persephone's hand in marriage, Hades simply abducted her one bright sunny day when she stooped to pluck a narcissus from a field of wildflowers near her home. The meadow was suddenly rent open, and Hades simply reached out and snatched Persephone away, taking her to his underworld kingdom and making her his queen. Although the young goddess Persephone grew to love Hades, she remained lonely for her mother and the life she'd known on earth.

Her mother, the goddess Demeter, had heard Persephone's screams when Hades grabbed her. She began an intensive search for Persephone. After learning how Zeus had betrayed their daughter, and consumed by grief and sorrow, Demeter demonstrated her outrage by withholding her blessing from the earth until Persephone was returned to her. Droughts ensued, and the earth lay barren. Mankind was facing a major famine. Zeus finally relented and sent the god Hermes to bring the young goddess Persephone back to her mother.

Part of Persephone missed her mother horribly, but another part had grown rather fond of the god Hades. And Persephone was rather enjoying her role as Queen, even if it was in the underworld. While preparing to return to the earth with Hermes, Persephone accepted a pomegranate offered to her by Hades. She knew full well that anyone who had eaten while in the underworld would not be allowed to return, even a goddess -- Persephone went ahead and ate seven of the seeds. Her choice prevented her from ever being fully restored to Demeter, but did open up the possibility of a compromise. Hermes was able to negotiate an agreement on her behalf between Hades, a god who was usually rather cold-natured and self-centered, and Demeter. Persephone would be allowed to stay with Hades in the underworld for four months each year (winter) and would return to the earth and her mother the remaining months. The goddess Persephone was soon reunited joyfully with her mother. Each year as Persephone left to join her husband in the underworld, Greek mythology tells us that the goddess Demeter would begin to grieve, bringing on the cold, barren winters. But a few months later Persephone, the goddess associated with awakening, would return to bring spring and its verdant growth in her wake . . . thus were the seasons established.

Not that the goddess Persephone sloughed off any of her responsibilities as the Queen of the Underworld . Apparently Persephone didn't spend all her time "going home to momma". Having made the decision to consume the seeds of the pomegranate while in the underworld, Persephone managed to somehow always be there when others came visiting, ready to receive them into the underworld and to serve as their hostess and guide.

The goddess Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, was willing to help Psyche pass Aphrodite's tests so that Psyche could be reunited with her beloved husband. Psyche had been assigned to go to the underworld and return with some of Persephone's famous youth serum/beauty ointment (actually it was a sleeping potion, but hey, we all know what a bad night's sleep can do to our appearance!) While Psyche was in the underworld, she found Persephone to be both a gracious and generous hostess.

The Greek goddess Persephone also helped Heracles (Hercules), loaning him Cerberus, the ferocious three-headed dog that guarded the entrance of the underworld, so that he could complete the Twelve Labors he'd been assigned to make retribution for the death of his wife. The goddess Persephone was also at home in the underworld when Odysseus (Ulysses) arrived. She rewarded him with a legendary tour of the souls of women of great renown.

In another intriguing story, the Greek goddess Persephone agreed to hide Adonis, a mortal youth who was Aphrodite's lover, from Aphrodite's suspicious husband. But upon seeing the beautiful Adonis, Persephone, receptive goddess that she was, also fell for his charms and refused to give him back to Aphrodite. (Remember, these Greek goddesses were the original "wild women", refusing to yield to convention!)

Eventually, Zeus had to step in to settle the argument. He ruled that Adonis should spend a third of the year with each of the goddesses, Persephone and Aphrodite, and be left to his own pursuits the remainder of the year. Unfortunately, Adonis chose to spend his free time hunting and was killed in a hunting accident a few years later.

The Greek goddess Persephone represents both the youthful, innocent, and joyous maiden aspect of a woman as well as the more womanly self who, innocence lost and family attachments loosened, can begin to consciously decide for herself.

In Greek mythology Persephone, goddess of the soul, is the possessor of its dark and frightening wisdom. But the goddess Persephone is also the harbinger of spring . . . and a reminder of all the growth and hope that it brings.

Meditations to Invoke the Goddess Persephone

• Persephone, help me give full attention to the moment I am in so that I do not miss valuable opportunities that come my way.

   Persephone, teach me to not be too critical of myself when I seem to lack initiative and discipline.

• Support me, Persephone, so that I can be more supportive, good-natured, and receptive to others.

• Great Goddess, remind me that my value does not depend solely on compromising just to please other people.

• Persephone, help me to accept others as they are.

• Goddess, let me be a loving and forgiving person.

• Today is my chance to be healthy and happy.

• Great Goddess, I give myself credit for knowing what is best for me.

• Persephone, lend me your ability to experience joy in life, greeting each day knowing that my life is full of amazingly wonderful surprises.

• I allow myself to march to the beat of a "different drummer", not always trying to remake myself into somebody that I think is what others expect and want of me.

• Persephone, teach me how to trust my intuitions and follow my own path.

• Help me remember that the times of greatest sorrow also lead to the moments of greatest growth.

• Persephone, lend me your ability to sense an invisible spirit present in the world, and allow me to stay connected to my past while my life undergoes changes and upheavals.