Rayneschild December, 2011

The children of the Craft of the Wise

Look greatly forward to this day

When the time is nigh for this beloved Sabbat

We know the light is on it’s way

Through this longest night we celebrate

Knowing now the light will grow

And the joy that every spirit feels

Proves that the heart does also know

As the sun goes down

And the Yule logs burn

Our loved ones gathered round

And even Earth’s creatures participate

As they do not make a sound

When the fires cold and the night grows short

This sacred time comes to a close

And the flames, and joy that come at Yule

In each person’s heart now glows.

Since the Sun is also considered helpful in workings of prosperity, during the burning of the log provides an opportunity to work some prosperity magic as well.  One way of doing this is to take a square of cloth or paper and lay it out flat.  Add one or more herb’s for prosperity such as cinquefoil, clove, or patchouli.  You can add a written request before drawing up the corners and tying it into a bundle to be burned in the fire, or you can speak your desire as the bundle burns, but either way I have found this to be a successful added bonus to the Yule fire.  I hope all of you have a Blessed Yule and a Merry Christmas!

Tags: magic, magick, poem, Poetry, prosperity, Spell

• Articles , Spells & Rituals

Morika Bernhard December, 2011

“Spell for Peaceful Separation & Protection!^©”

The holidays are upon us!  We see pictures of postcards and greeting cards that show the Currier & Ives^© pictures of how families are supposed to be—how we’re all smiling, sitting at a family dinner, sharing funny stories and laughing heartily as the fire blazes in the background and the cat is curled up on the mat in front of the fire.  Snow is falling and there are no troubles in the world.  Just joy.  Yes, that would be wonderful, but for many, this is not the picture of their holidays with their families.  First, we are assuming everyone has family to spend the holidays with.  This again, is not always the case.  Actually, and unfortunately so, the holidays can be a very difficult time for a lot of people.  There are a LOT of stressors during this time from Thanksgiving through New Years.  A lot of depression flocks many people and for some, they just want the holidays to be over.

Many feel obliged to attend the annual family dinner or gathering when, if given the choice, they would not want to spend their precious free time with these people.  That may sound harsh, but it IS how many feel.  Unfortunately their family of origin may not be all that ideal and family dysfunctional dynamics may run rampant.  Who would want to look forward to that?  You, dear reader, may be one of these people.  Well, you’re not alone.

So, summing this up, you may HAVE to go to that family gathering and just do the best you can.  You know, showing up, putting the fake smile on and not reacting to that uncle who drinks too much; or trying not to fly off the handle when Aunt Millie critiques your hair for the third time in a half and hour or respond when your mother comments on your weight for the umpteenth time.   Yes, sometimes we simply NEED to do some things and there’s no getting out of it.

So, in times like that, there are things you CAN DO that can help you feel empowered and more relaxed in such settings.  This spell just may help put the Jolly back in your Holidays!

I hope this helps and I hope and pray more than anything, you’re your holidays are Blessed beyond measure and that you laugh heartily, eat well, and enjoy the company of those that adore you!

Peaceful Separation & Protection Spell

There are times when we must emotionally separate from people and/or situations for our well being and theirs.  It can be difficult with emotions highly charged.  When faced with this situation or situation(s), getting all the help we can is vital.  With INTENT being the first and foremost important player in a peaceful emotional separation, other “physical” adjuncts are not necessarily a bad idea.  That’s where this spell comes in…just in the nick of time.  Using this spell along with your intent and focus, will help swiftly bring about the peacefulness you need along with needed protection for your physical well being and heart and mind and spirit.

In addition to the above, this spell can also help with “cooling” volatile situations down by putting “them” on ice.  Change it up as you ‘feel led to’ as that is what magick is all about.  The possibilities of this are endless.  Remember…Keep your goal and intent pure.

Moon Phase: Any time (if waning, use this spell in “banishing/freezing/stopping/deterring danger/harm” form; if the moon is in a waxing phase, use this spell in a “bring about peace, cooperativeness, protection, drawing those things to you form, etc)

Day: Any day (Sat is good for protection; Wed for communication; Monday for family and home; Tues for courage; Thurs and Sun are good for money, business matters and success)

Planet: Saturn or Pluto

Supplies:

• A piece of paper
• A all-around protection oil;
• a pen;
• a bag(plastic);
• your freezer and
• some water.

Now…here comes the part you need to be willing to do.  Don’t rush this.  Sit down; get a cup of relaxing tea; Take a few deep breaths and PRIOR to doing the actual spell, clear your head and write the name of the person(s) and/or situation(s) that are involved—detailing the situation completely.  TAKE YOUR TIME!  When did the challenge/problem arise?  What is happening now with it?  What is your desire regarding the situation/him/her?  Why are you performing a spell such as this to begin with?(you should know this answer or you should not do the spell,)  Remember, this spell is actually a physical act that helps manifest the intent.

Write everything you can think of.  It’s okay if it’s 3 pages long or if it’s just one paragraph…as long as you have covered it completely.  Put a vertical line on the paper (this is the rune Isa).  Put this Rune picture at the bottom of what you have written.

Once you have done this, you need to prepare for the spell work.  Do this when you won’t be interrupted.  You may choose to take a Ritual Bath which is nothing more than soaking in appropriate salts with herbs/oils (lavender works wonders for protection, in addition to be wonderful for your skin and mood) for the given spell and focusing your intent while you soak and envisioning the outcome desired.

Purify your space (smudge, light incense, sprinkle salt/water…)

Everyone has a different method for preparing for their ritual.  Whatever is your method, make sure you are in, what feels to you as Sacred Space and have the protection you need (i.e., casting a circle – which you can do by simply visualizing a blue flame of light encircling you; calling the Quarters or Elements which can be done in any form of your choosing or not at all…it is basically just recognizing the Guardians of North, South, East and West and asking for their protection and inviting them in your presence. You can also have those elements symbolized to represent Earth, Air, Fire and Water and this can also be done to your liking.  If you need further assistance with this area of the ritual, please email Under The New Moon at underthenewmoon@gmail.com ),

Anoint yourself with the Oil (however you feel comfortable and internally led to…this may change each time you do the ritual.)

Fold the paper(s) into a small square;

Anoint the paper(s) with the Oil

and put the paper(s) in the baggie. (if the problem is really difficult, add water to cover the paper and make sure the bag is sealed well; if it’s minor, just add the paper to the bag with no water) Seal the bag.

Hold the bag in your dominant hand and visualize your situation (basically visualize everything you wrote down on the paper AND ENVISION THE DESIRED OUTCOME), then say the following OR change to make it more natural for you (remember, your magick lies within you!):

Bring Peaceful Separation NOW~

Bring Peace & Calm & This is How~

Restore Harmony, Joy & Delight~

Make Amicable and Protect, This is my Right~

Personal Advocacy, Guarding of My Heart I Seek~

With Peace & Love That Does Flow Free.

It shall not Release, Until It shall Unfreeze.

And when I unfreeze this(these) Written Page(s) of Life,

All will be well, with no strife.

‘An Harm It None, This Spell Is Done.

Always works; always a blessing.

Now while still in your spell and magickal ‘framework of mind,’ place the baggie in the very back of the freezer behind whatever, where you are sure it won’t be disturbed.

Leave the baggie in there as long as you want/feel necessary.  Remembering that when you do unfreeze it and release the spell, you are confident that the situation has resolved and knowing that your initial spellwork still protects you after it is completed (unfreezes), you need not worry. However, you can feel free to leave it in the freezer indefinitely – as no harm will come to anyone.

This spell never hurts anyone (as long as intent is pure.)  As with all spells, your INTENT is EVERYTHING ~~ Be positive, even in a ‘conflict type setting’ – Remember Karma… J Now, go~~relax~~enjoy the holidays!  Anticipate a stress-free environment.

http://www.underthenewmoon.com

Tags: magick, peaceful separation, protection, Spell

• Spells & Rituals

Morika Bernhard September, 2011

Back to School!

Here we are again!  The wheels on the bus do go ‘round and ‘round, as does the Wheel of the Year.  As we are heading into September, our thoughts are pulled in a million directions – kids’ going back to school and all that implies (i.e., shopping for school clothes, schedules, chauffeuring the kids, etc.) and our own work schedules/home schedules and getting everything to coincide and work together in some smooth synergy.

We want our kids to do well; AND, if we are also going back to school as adults taking advance courses, trade courses, or just a yoga class or craft class, we all need help with the “focus factor and some extra self-motivation.”

With that in mind, this spell is to help you with focusing your attention on what matters most and to help you (or your child(ren)) overcome apathy and ambivalence as the days grow shorter and the nights longer and temperatures cooler.  Use all that you can in your resource arsenal to assist you through the changing of the Wheel of the Year.

This is simple and can be done/said while driving the car if you wish.  (You can say the spell below easily enchanting your child by saying it out loud ‘over them’ as they are getting dressed, or you’re fixing their breakfast… etc. – Feel free to say it over an object you know they will use all day, such as a pencil or pen that they love.) We have to squeeze in some simple spells occasionally as not everything we do can take formal time.  On days you are going to need extra focus, use Rosemary essential oil and/or inhale a bit of Eucalyptus or Lemongrass.  You can dab a dot or two of any of those essential oils you may have on hand on your neck under each ear and on your wrist pulse points.  Inhale a couple of deep breaths before you take off for the day.  Say this spell when you have a second and repeat until you feel it has ‘taken’ — I say this often when I write my spell articles, that you will know when you are finished with an incantation.  You will feel comfortable with stopping and it’s then that you need to.

Spell/Enchantment to help you Focus and to Gain Motivation:

With this spell comes motivation,

To overcome hurdles in focus & education,

Let me embrace this higher place,

To do all work required with utmost grace.

‘An harm it none, this spell is done.

May you continue to learn, grow and enjoy the start of the Witches’ Season of the Year!

Blessings till next month,

Morika

Tags: focus, magic, magick, Spell

• Spells & Rituals

Morika Bernhard August, 2011

Stop Spell

It’s hot out there!  The nation is under a HUGE heat wave. You combine the heat with the humidity and you have a real mess that makes people grumpy, irritable and out-of-sorts.  This is a normal reaction to things we can’t control AND the effect those things can have on us (i.e., hot + sweaty + no relief + no control = Grumpy…. at the very least!)

Some people it can even bring out a nastier darker side when their environment seems to be in control and they are not liking it much.  In addition to the environment making some people and things difficult to deal with, there are a myriad of mediums that trigger a “not so nice” response from people.  Family situations, work situations, social gatherings, etc., can be a catalyst for a person to act out in a way that is less than admirable.

On that note, us witches have resources in our hat full of tricks to deter the effects that these people have on us.  Resources that will help us by keeping them at bay from bothering us, and us from responding to their issues and getting ensnared when we don’t want to.

Think of a work situation where “that” person is just bugging the living daylights out of you.  They just walk by and you want to leap on them and take ‘em out, let alone if they speak to you!  What about a boss that just can’t seem to be nice no matter what and is demanding of you, antagonizing, or passive-aggressive and it’s causing you real harm in the way of tense muscles, gnawing pit in your stomach, etc..  How can you stop these people from getting to you?

Glad you asked….Need to STOP something in its tracks?  Someone?  Some event?  Some situation?  Some gossip?

Evaluate carefully WHY you wish to stop the person, event or thing in your life from continuing on in the manner they/it are/is (this is important—don’t skip this step!)  Are your motives pure (c’mon…be honest!?)  Will this cause harm to another person?  To you?  If so, you should not continue with this STOP spell.  Ever mind the law of three.  Unless you want this same energy revisiting you, don’t send out anything negative.  Trust me…you WILL be sorry you did.

If something is happening (an event) that is causing you harm or distress and stopping it will be a GOOD thing for one and all, then by all means do this spell.  If you need to STOP someone from harming you (verbally, emotionally, or physically – you have every right to not be abused in any of these ways!), seek out appropriate rational measures to take care of your problem before choosing to do a spell such as this, then if all else fails, proceed carefully.

Wait until the dark moon (although do the bath and make up the oil ahead of time.)  This is a time of transformation, a time of new beginnings and growth.  A time to shed the old and start anew.

Take a ritual bath.  Draw warm bath water, add dead sea salts and 7 drops of a Lavender based oil (make your own with 2-4 drops of Lavender essential oil to a tbsp of carrier oil.  Or use a couple of tsp of fresh lavender tied off in a muslin bag and let the bag soak in the tub with you) Lavender is an excellent protection and calming herb and will allow you to both focus on the person/thing/situation you wish would stop bothering you and protect you in the process from outside energies while you focus on your spell.

As you soak, visualize your situation different—as you want it to be.   Stay focused on this outcome the entire time you are soaking.  Soak for at least 15 minutes, meditating on the desired outcome.   After your bath, sleep for a good 6-8 hours and put this out of your mind as much as possible.  The next day, make up your own Banishing Oil as follows or use one you already have that you have purchased.  This oil below is great because most items can be found in your kitchen already!

• Carrier oil – olive or canola is fine;
• A pinch of black pepper (right from your kitchen!) (banishing)
• A whole clove from your kitchen cabinet, or a pinch of powdered clove (for protection and for piercing illusions you may have)
• A couple of Caraway Seeds (protection from negativity)
• A pinch of garlic salt or better, a small slice of fresh garlic (very strong banishing properties)
• That’s it; but if you wish to make it extra strong, add a pinch of black salt and a tad of soil from your yard)
• Just use a small bottle that you have on hand for this oil.

Save your oil and let it brew/steep until the eve of the next New Moon preferably OUTSIDE (or inside where you WILL NOT be disturbed) set up a sacred space (however you are used to that is comfortable for you) – this does not need to be elaborate to be effective.  Dress in appropriate ritual attire and lend formality to this event as it is obviously serious in matter to you for you to go to this length to stop something; it warrants your respect in the way in which you present yourself. Cast your circle, call the quarters, and invoke your God and/or Goddess (that you are comfortable with.)

Again, heartfelt words are most important.  By all means use your own words if you prefer or feel free to use the words below.  Make sure you are well-grounded and centered and can remain focused.

If a candle is not already lit in your sacred space and/or altar, Anoint a black spell candle then light it.  After the candle is lit, drop 3 drops of the Banishing oil on top of the candle (not in the flame) in the wax pool.  Proceed with the following spell.  If this is in regards to a person who is bothering you and you happen to have a picture of them (i.e., a pic from an office party, or ??) put that on the altar and dab with a drop or two of the banishing oil.  Say these words over and over until YOU FEEL it is complete.  This will vary with each person.  When you SENSE it is done, it is done.

STOP SPELL

God and Goddess of darkest night,

Send ________________________ to flight

(put in the line whatever/whomever it is you are trying to “stop” or rid yourself of.)

Away from me, my home, I plea,

Keep trouble and ill-will away from me.

Burn these troubles in the sacred fires

And Replace them with my heart’s desires.

Bring Peace and Clarity, Strength of Will

Cut ties that bind that make me ill,

By power of Night, of Crone, of Moon,

So shall it be done~~quickly ‘an soon!

Bring Harm to None, this spell is done.

When you FEEL the spell is complete, proceed how you are comfortable doing in closing the circle, the quarters and releasing the Goddess.

Make sure to thank All Powers for their answers and then look up into the dark sky (if outside) or close your eyes and tilt your head upward and KNOW that this is done.  KNOW that this is over.  It is complete and will take hold.  Feel the energy through you and feel confident that what you have asked for is manifesting at that very moment.

As the candle is burning, carefully take it outside somewhere where you are able to bury it.  Do not blow it out.  Dig a small hole in DIRT (not grass or anything else).  Make sure the hole is large enough to hold the candle.

Now, take a handful of dirt and as you say, “So Mote It Be”, place the handful of dirt over the flame to extinguish.  Place the candle in the hole.  Cover the hole.  Stomp on the hole that is now covered 3 times.  Turn away and leave and don’t look back at the area that night.

Your spell is complete.

I hope you find this spell helpful and ‘till next month, may you be

spell-struck!  ~Morika

http://www.underthenewmoon.com

Tags: magic, magick, Spell

• Spells & Rituals

Heather Obrien July, 2011

Metaphors

Our lessons have been geared toward putting our thoughts into a poetry form. Most of the writing has been straight forward about the topic. This month will be more of a challenge; I would like for us to explore metaphors.

Quick review:
~Similies are comparisons of unlike concepts using like/as.
I was as hungry as a lion.
~Metaphors are comparisons of unlike concepts without using like/as.
I was a lion ripping through the kitchen hunting for something to eat.

Similes are ultimately easier than metaphors because the comparison is more direct; you are able to clearly state the two things you are comparing, and why you are comparing them, in the sentence and you use like/as to connect the two ideas. (I was as hungry as a lion).

Metaphors are more difficult because the comparison is indirect. You briefly state the main item and elaborate on the compared item. Why you are comparing the items is also vaguely stated. In my experience, it is easier to write a simile and change it into a metaphor than it is to just write a metaphor cold. However, once you have the basic comparison, you can extend your metaphor for pages and pages.

The full moon is like a white frisbee

Mother Earth hurls the disc in the sky,
Canis Major chases it down through the dark
With Canis Minor on his heels.
It soars higher and higher all night,
Passing The Hunter poised to strike.
The pups are later joined by Sirius
In their quest to catch their toy.
Soon the disc begins to descend,
Caught again by Mother Earth.
The pups have had their fun,
They now wait for night fall again to play.
The three cuddle together and doze away
With the dawn.

I would like you to try to write a metaphor for a spellcast. This will be in the style of free writing, in poetic stanzas or not.

Tags: magic, magick, metaphors, Spell, spellwork

• Classes

Morika Bernhard June, 2011

Peace for Family Spell

This spell is primarily when you are wanting to restore peace within your family (immediate and/or extended); however, you can alter the words to focus on friends, co-workers, etc. should you wish.

Items you will need:

* Family picture of all people included in the focus of your spell (if not all in one picture, separate pictures is fine.)

*4 White Candles

* 2 Blue Candles

* Altar or work space for setting up your spell

* Incense (use an incense that has properties relating to peace – (see attachment to this spell, 2^nd page, for list of scents that have peace inducing properties)

* Chamomile Tea or Relaxing Blend Tea of some sort

Altar Set Up:

• Put a picture of your family or whomever is involved in the focus of your spell IN THE CENTER of the altar.
• Put a blue candle in the UPPER LEFT corner as you’re facing your altar and a blue candle in the UPPER RIGHT corner.
• Put a white candle at the TOP, to the LEFT, to the RIGHT and at the BOTTOM of the altar (as you are facing it.)
• Place Incense to the FAR RIGHT or FAR LEFT of your altar as you choose

Steps:

1.    Set up your altar ahead of time.

2.    Make yourself a STRONG cup of your relaxing blend tea (whatever works best for you.)

3.    You may cast your circle if you wish, according to your path, and invoke your God/Goddess as you choose.

4.    Light all 4 candles starting with the candle at the East going clockwise around.  As you light each candle, think of the purest white and brightest white light permeating the candle and your space – think of each family member as you are lighting the candles.  NOTE: The purpose of the 4 candles is Not indicative of the elements per se, but primarily to infuse your space with white pure light – light that is healing and as pure as possible – basically – we wanted your family pics to be encircled by white light (physically and spiritually)!

5.    Light the Blue Candles – There are 2 blue candles for this purpose:  Blue is also a healing color.  Having a blue candle at the top left and the top right, both, enables you, the spell worker to visually be able to see it covering both sides of the family (both sides of the situation, both sides of the story, of the argument, etc. – this is a psychological method that bypasses our conscious minds and permeates our subconscious where magick is derived.)  As you light both blue candles, see a flame blue as blue can be infusing with white light into your space.

6.    Light your incense.  Sit and breathe deeply for a moment or two.

7.    Prepare yourself mentally for the work that is to be done, relax, ground, center, shield and enter a trance (as deep as you are able to do.)

8.    Hold your hands over the pictures.

9.    Gather energy from the ground and envision it surrounding the pictures of your family.  Pull energy through your Crown Chakra from the Universe and see the white light infusing with the healing energy from the ground, extending through your hands and into the pictures of your family members (focusing on this energy truly encompassing each family member.)  See this white, blue and grounding light forming a rope-like bond between you and each member of the family.  See each family member’s face relax and smile and be at ease.

10.                       Say this prayer 7 times or until you “feel” it is done.

“Great Goddess, Great God, I send you my plea to heal my family.  Please mend the bonds between us this day.  Bring back love, peace and joy for your children, I pray.” (when you are done saying this and the spell feels complete, end with ~~~ “An harm it none, this spell is done.”

Bring yourself out of the trance, ground yourself by whatever means you have become accustomed to, or you can simply focus on roots growing from your feet into the ground.  Touch the carpet, or grass, or ground beneath you and in your mind, describe the texture.  These are excellent grounding techniques.

You may leave the candles to burn (please do not leave unattended) and the spell will be complete.  Or, you can extinguish the candles when you are done with your spell, and then light each day until the candles burn down, at which time the spell will be complete.

Discard the candle remains off your property or you can bury in the ground on your property or off.

*Peace Inducing Incense that can be used:

* Acacia

* Althea

* Basil

* Bay

* Benzoin

* Calamus

* Catnip

* Chamomile

* Cherry Blossom

* Gardenia

* Lavender

* Lilac

* Marjoram

* Passion Flower

* Pennyroyal

* Poppy

* Rose

* Rose, Yellow

* Rosewood

* Sage

*Valerian

* Verbena

* Violet

* Ylang Ylang

*List of Scents taken from Magical Oils by Moonlight by Maya Heath, Page 193.

Tags: family, magic, magick, peace, Spell

• Spells & Rituals

Rose Embyrs November, 2010

“To Bind A Love” Spell

Many witches are in disagreement about the fairness of using a binding spell for love. Some feel this may take away your lover’s free will. I would caution that the love be mutual if you decide to proceed with this potent spell. You’ll need your partners strands of hair that you can get from a brush or their clothing. Do the same with your own hair. Cut two pieces of cotton string to approximately 12 inches or use centimeters…your choice. Now separate and tie each string around the hair or the hair around the strings to secure when working this magick.

What you need:

• Strands of hair, both party’s

• Cotton String, 12 inches long

• Favorite scented oils you’ve shared

• Red candle

Light the red candle. Anoint the string and hair with your scented oil. His aftershave on his, your perfume or massage oil will do on yours. With two strings, both anointed and hair attached, hold with one hand and repeat.

“I bind (their name) to me

In perfect love and perfect trust.

I bind myself to thee

In perfect love and perfect trust.

So mote it be.”

Tie the two ends together at the top and repeat.

“I bind our love with a sacred knot

That you know our love is true

You’ve found the lover you sought

You will love me as I love you.

So mote it be.”

Tie knots all the way to the bottom as you chant his name and yours. Think about each quality you admire and desire from your lover. When you finish with the last knot, pour the wax over both ends to seal them. Place your knotted braid in a plastic bag and keep in cool dry place until you wish to end the binding spell. If you need to reverse, burn the knotted braid in a safe area outside and bury repeating.

“I release you from the binding love

You are free to seek another

By the Goddess and God above

I burn and bury all claim to my lover

So mote it be.”

Bind Someone to Keep Them from Harm

When you’ve exhausted all your resources to prevent someone from harming themselves or another, a binding spell can be cast. Although this white magick is used as a last resort, the conjuring is tricky and permanent until you release the person. You must be sure and accurate with your desire–strong emotions will skew your results. Always remember, “First ye do no harm, do what ye will.”

What you will need:

1. A white candle

2. A small rag doll representing the person to be bound.

3. A nail clipping, hair from a brush, toothbrush or something that made contact with the receiver’s body.

4. Salt

5. A container that will seal filled with clean spring water.

6. A grey ribbon. (This neutral color is useful when pondering complex issues during meditation; in magic, this color can spark confusion; it can negate or neutralize a negative influence useful in binding spells.)

You must use a good representation of the individual you are binding. A photograph cut to show only the person to be bound is useful, or write the person’s name on white fabric and pin to the doll. The hair, nail clippings or other article of their person should be attached to the rag doll or whatever you have collected. Keep this all together with tape or glue.

Cast a circle and call the four elements of water, fire, earth and wind. You may also stand at your altar and pray that you wish no one to be harmed, then meditate to clear your mind. When you’re ready, light the white candle and offer your desire for the person’s recovery. “I shine my love and light on and around (person’s name) so they may find their true path.” Focus on why you found the binding necessary to do a lasting binding spell.

Wrap a gray ribbon around the doll or bundle you’ve created to represent the person you’re binding, nine times. Chant and focus on raising energy within yourself. You could say, “I bind you (person’s name) from harming yourself or others, so mote it be.” Repeat until you feel the energy drain into the grey ribbon that binds the person’s future actions. Now LOOSELY tie a knot three times.

Visualize in your mind the person with light, peace of mine and clarity, with white light. Drip the hot wax from the white candle onto the knot to seal it. Re-affirm your intentions with, “(person’s name), you are now bound by magic and will do no harm to yourself or anyone else.”

Sprinkle salt three times into the spring water of the seal-able container and place the bound objects of the person into the container, saying, “Be cleansed of negative thoughts and purpose, be safe from harm and from harming others. So mote it be.”

Seal the container and open your circle or end in prayer. Place the container in a freezer right away to finish the binding spell. If and when you release the person from the binding spell, thaw the ice, undo the knots of the ribbon and say, “I release you, (person’s name). So mote it be.”

Tags: binding, love, magic, magick, Spell

• Spells & Rituals

Boudicca Andarta April, 2010

A Pax on Both Their Houses

Pax is a Roman goddess whose name means “peace” or “Spirit of Peace”.  The Romans “adopted” her from the Greek pantheon where she was called Eireen (pronounced eye-REEN).  As the Goddess of Peace, she was born to the god Zeus and the goddess Themis and she was the sister to Dike (meaning “justice”), Eunomia (meaning “law” or “order”) as well as the Horae (meaning “season” or “hours”, where we get our modern word for “hour”).  As the Greek Eireen, she helps us replace worrisome thoughts with a sense of faith that “this too shall pass”.  When she is called upon, a sense of peacefulness is brought upon the person.  One of Eireen’s messages for us is to remember to retain our childlike wonder and zest for life.

After her  Roman “conversion”, she came to be called Pax-Romana and Pax-Augusta during the second century BC.  A shrine was built to her in the Field of Mars.  She was shown as a young woman holding a cornucopia, a sheaf of grain (both symbols of abundance) and an olive branch (a symbol of peace).  Perhaps together, the symbols could signify an abundance of peace.

I was inspired to write this spell because of something that happened in my own life.  After an issue that left sore feelings on both sides, I consulted my Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards for some advice.  Eireen’s card is the one out of the deck that I selected.  After reading the meaning of the card, I immediately shifted my though-processes; transforming a negative re-action to a plan of positive pro-action.  With this spell, I will take steps to bring harmony in the future.  I hope it does the same for you.

THE SPELL

Supplies: an offering of grain (can replica with birdseed) and a candle (color of your choice)

Call to the Goddess of Peace by saying:

“I call upon the Goddess of Peace,

Called both Eireen and Pax.

This negative situation I now cease,

So that all the parties relax.”

Make an offering of grain by placing it upon the altar and say:

“Spirit of Peace, I give to you this offering of grain.

In return I ask that you remove all our pain.”

Hold the candle in your hands and chant (as many times as you wish):

“On our friendship there is a strain,

All this fighting is an energy drain.

I remove this with a spiritual rain

All our adversities can now wane.”

Light the candle and chant (as many times as you wish):

“I remove this weight off our backs

In the names of Eireen and of Pax.

Our hurt feeling fall through the cracks

Healing energies now do wax.”

Meditate on what you can do to help heal the situation.  Ask Eireen and Pax for their wisdom and guidance.  Make sure to send loving energies to the other person(s) to help spread the healing process.

If possible, let the candle stand to burn out.  Make sure to place the grain outside for the animals.  Dispose of the candle remnants off your property.

NOTE: there is Free Will to keep in mind so this spell may only be a “temporary fix” and may seem to “fizzle” in one moon’s time.  If this is the case for you, this means that the other party truly does not wish to be on good terms with you and you may need to remove them from your life.  Consult with Eireen and Pax for further clarification and instruction.

SOURCES:

• Encyclopedia of the Gods by Michael Jordan
• Guidebook for the Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards by Doreen Virtue, PhD

Tags: magic, magick, Spell

• Spells & Rituals

Boudicca Andarta January, 2010

Removing Obstacles with Ganesha

Ganesha is an Indian God with the body of a man and the head of an elephant. The God of wisdom and prudence, he is sometimes called Ganapati, Ganesa or Gajani and he is known as the God of Scribes and Merchants as well as the Lord of Obstacles.

For the purposes of January, we will use Ganesha to help us make wise decisions for the coming year (it is the time to make New Year’s Resolutions after all!) as well as to help to clear the obstacles that lie in the way of getting our goals accomplished.  But before we get to work, let’s take a longer look at Ganesha.

Ganesha has an interesting “parentage”.  I say this because Shiva is his father, but it seems that Shiva had no part in his creation.  Ganesha’s mother is Parvati and there are two legends that explain how she brought him to life.  One is where she used flakes of her skin and the other is where she formed Ganesha form her sweat mixed with dust.  Although now he is depicted with an elephant’s head, this was not how Parvati originally created him.

Ganesha is the only Indian god with an elephant’s head and the story behind this is an interesting one.  Or should I say “three” as there are three legends as to how Ganesha’s head was replaced by that of an elephant’s.  Sometimes he is depicted as having up to five elephant heads, but this is usually not the case.  Ganesha rides a rat and he also has one trunk and four arms holding a shell, a mace, a discuss and a water-lily.  But back to how he got his head…

Both of these legends basically start out the same.  Parvati, Ganesha’s mother, appointed him to be the guardian of the gate to her abode, most notably when she was taking a bath.  Like a good son, Ganesha took his job very seriously and when Parvati said she wanted to see no one,  he turned everyone away, including his father Shiva.  As you can imagine, Shiva didn’t want to be told “no” by his son, but Ganesha flatly refused.  Now, here is where the story starts to waver.  Shiva either lost his temper and accidentally decapitated him, or, he lost his temper and he ordered the decapitation himself.  Regardless as to which version of the story you hear, Parvati was furious by what Shiva did to her son/servant.  In one story, Parvati told Shiva that she wanted nothing to do with him until the situation was rectified, and in the other version, she took actions into her own hands.  In the fist version, Shiva relented to his wife and he said that Ganesha could have the head of the first animal to pass by, which happened to be an elephant.  In the second version, Parvati was the one to secured the head form the first passing creature.  Either way, Ganesha ended up with an elephant’s head.  In the third account, after creating him, Parvati took Ganesha to the other gods to show him off.  Sani (Saturn), didn’t seem to be impressed and burned his head to ashes and it was the compassionate Vishnu that saved him by providing the elephant’s head.  Maybe this is how Ganesha came to be known as the god to call upon when needing to overcome obstacles.

Beloved by the Hindu people, Ganesha is the benign deity to invoke to overcome your difficulties, before going on a journey, moving into new house or starting a new business.  You can see how he can be a great ally when starting new beginnings, especially at the New-Year.  But don’t feel as though you can only call upon him at this time as Ganesha is also the god of wisdom, art, guarding households and fertility (he may have originated as the local forest deity which is a “yaksa”).  Representing both force and cunning; Ganesha rules over good luck, successful enterprises, worldly success and prosperity, writing, literature and books, beginnings and journeys, peace, building and taming dangerous forces.

In India, there are little statues of Ganesha everywhere as he remains one of the most popular Hindu deities.  You can see how popular he is due to his frequent appearances in other deity’s temples.  Sometimes his sculptures are painted red but his offerings are always flowers and dishes of rice.  When worshipped during his August festival, it is said that your wishes will come true.

You to can tap into his wisdom and compassion to set your New Year’s intentions off to the right start.  To get started, you can set up your altar with Sandalwood incense, a bouquet of fresh flowers, a red candle, a bowl of rice and a statue or picture of Ganesha (you can substitute a picture of an elephant if you are lacking a picture of Ganesha).  You will also need a pen and a piece of paper to make out your “wish list” for the coming year.  You can choose to either create Sacred Space or cast a Magick Circle in the manner or your tradition, whichever works better for you.

Place the statute/picture of Ganesha upon your altar and say:

“Ganesha, both man and elephant,

God of scribes and merchants;

Tonight I call upon your prudence

So I start my year with success.”

Now place the offerings of rice flowers before the picture/statue and say:

“Tonight I make a list of goals,

And I ask you to remove all obstacles;

Please grant me financial fertility,

So I know prosperity.”

Light the incense and the red candle and say:

“Lord of Obstacles, share your wisdom

So I can make wise decisions.

As my prayers rise, please light my way

As I step onto this journey.”

Now for the work on your part.  Get out the pen and paper and if you haven’t already prepared a list, brainstorm now as to what you want to bring into your life this coming year.  Also make sure to list what things are obstacles to reaching your goals, especially the things that you will do to sabotage your own success.  Ask yourself what needs to be guarded, where you need to apply force, which situations require cunning, where you can start new beginnings and what areas of your life need more peace.  Make a plan as to how to “stay on track” throughout the year to ensure your prosperity and happiness.

To close your spell, in your own words ask Ganesha to stay with you on your journey and then thank him for his help.  If possible, let the candle burn out and then bury the leaving on your property.  Dispose of the rice in the morning (after the essence has been removed).  Replace the flowers when needed and whenever you feel the need, light another stuck of incense and ask Ganesha for an extra “boost” of wisdom when things get “sticky”.

SOURCES:

• Encyclopedia of the Gods by Michael Jordan
• Moon Magick: Myth & Magic,

• Crafts

  • Thrifting the WitchyWay
&

• Recipes

  • Aramid’s Cauldron
, Rituals & Spells by D.J. Conway

Tags: ganesh, magic, magick, Spell

• Spells & Rituals

John Conlin January, 2010

Embracing the Wolf Moon

For me, every full Moon represents an opportunity to peer into an aspect of nature and try to find the spiritual relevance for the path I seek to walk.  There are many names given to the full Moons of each month and I believe that each of us must decide which best fits the place we live. In doing so, remember to acknowledge the memories of the past, while maintaining an awareness of the present and casting an eye toward the future. This month, January, I am going to share how I celebrate and understand the Wolf Moon, through my ritual.

I set my altar basically the same for each full moon. I use three candles to form a triangle. There is one to honor the Goddess, one for the God and the third candle to signify the energies joining to create a full moon. Along with the objects I’ve chosen to represent the elements, I will place a few items, small statues and photographs that visually remind the Circle of the wolf. In addition, I include an incense of pine or cedar, something that is able to conjure the deep dark of a forest, an anointing oil of similar design and an ambient music source that contains wolf sounds. If you are unable to find oil you like, try using a small branch from a conifer.  I find that when you include items that pull the senses more deeply into the ritual, the mind more easily follows and stands open within the sacred space. There are many gods and goddesses who are connected with wolves among the different pantheons, too many to mention here, so I suggest that each person does a little research to discover the deities who best relate to their own individual path.  The rituals I lead always begin with a breathing exercise with everyone standing around the altar. Once we have all relaxed and stepped away from the mundane, I start the circle cast. Most reading this probably have a circle cast, so I will not go into detail about the cast that I use. However if there is any interest in learning another one or any questions regarding casting circle, perhaps I can address this in a future column. This is a good place I think, for me to say how honored I feel to be asked to share how I experience this world and to share a little about myself. I am blessed to live in a place, with my wife and our two wolf dogs, where the Earth still sings loud and clear. Here in the forest, I am allowed to witness the cycles of nature. It is a place where salmon come to create anew and are granted release from their long promise. It is a place where a raging river reminds me that change is the only constant, while ancient trees stand patient and wise. Most important though, it is a place that whispers to the spirit, of the magick that exists in just a single breath of fresh air.

Once the Circle is cast, the space is cleansed, purified and sealed, the calls to the Watchers of the Quarters are made. The female and male leading the ritual then call to the Goddess and to the God and in turn light the appropriate candle. Together they hold a large wooden match, igniting it within the God’s flame while saying,” the God shines his light”. Then while moving the lit match into the Goddesses’ flame they say,” the Goddess captures and enchants the light”. Finally they light the full Moon candle saying,” and this night, bathes the world in her light and love”.  When this is completed and the altar is aglow it is time to speak of the meaning and the direction for the ritual. I feel it is important to give those in the Circle a basic framework so they can be at ease with me leading them into a meditative state. For this moon I let them know that we will be thinking about the significance the energies and spirit of the wolf may hold for each of us. Next I will light the incense and begin passing the wolf photographs around the Circle. As everyone is looking at the pictures and connecting in some way to the wolf, I make my way around the Circle to anoint their foreheads and say, ”I connect you to the Earth”. Once anointed each person takes a comfortable seat, within the Circle, closes their eyes and listens. The music begins, a lone wolf howls and I remember when,….

in the midst of a cold winter’s night we huddled together in fear of the wolf. He was a hunter, a walker of shadow, silent and ghostly he would come. Out of the darkness, from where the forest held its secrets and I dared not venture, the wolf crossed into my world.  I sat by the fire, fighting the sleep that called to me tirelessly and felt my heart beat ever faster as the howls grew closer.

Now I have taken much of the land for myself and seemingly conquered the night. I am safe, warm, dry and fed, yet I feel that there is something missing. It is not a thing I have forgotten to gather, but instead something I have lost. Perhaps my quest for dominance has quelled too much, the mysteries of life and I have allowed complacency to overshadow ancient fears that once raced my blood.

I have come full circle and now, as I peer into nature, I can realize what the wolf was always willing to teach me. To embrace the dark of night in the same way I do the light of day, to step away from the fire’s light and trust my eyes to see within the shadows and to remember that I am still a part of the wolf’s world. There is a haunting honesty I can hear in their calls, a cry out to remember that we feel something more, something that we need, to feed our spirit.

After I share these thoughts with out loud with the Circle, I tell everyone to continue with their own journey and I let the music finish. When it is done I give them a few minutes of quiet before gently bringing everyone back to the Circle. We share cakes and ale in some form, honor the Goddess and the God, release the Watchers, then begin to close our Circle. Once the Circle is been opened, we go outside to make an offering and give back some of our energies to the Earth.

Goddess of all that is, within and beyond all that I comprehend,

Maiden of magick, Mother and Crone of Earth and Moon,

I stand beneath you and I am complete,

a precious moment in between.

When I am more than just a man (or woman)

and nothing less than what I dream.

A glimpse of that which always holds true,

of the life that flows through me from you.

Tags: magic, magick, moon, rite, ritual, Spell

• Spells & Rituals