Herbal Magick A Witchs Guide To Herbal Enchantments Folklore And Divinations

Book: Herbal Magick A Witchs Guide To Herbal Enchantments Folklore And Divinations by Gerina Dunwich

Herbs can be used to cure or to curse, as well as to conjure or to banish Supernatural entities. They can enchant our gardens and our homes, and guide us on the path to Transformation and self-improvement. But, most importantly, Herbal Magick can open the door to spiritual realms and other worlds, and serve to connect a human being with Mother Nature and the Divine.

There probably exists no plant or tree that hasn’t at one time, in some part of the world, been used in a spell or potion, or utilized as an amulet. And it is said that all parts of a plant, whether they be roots, buds, flowers, stems, or bark, are magickally significant.

Herbs are Mother Nature’s gifts to all of humankind, regardless of spiritual beliefs, magickal tradition, or culture. And whether you pride yourself as a country Witch or an urban Pagan, herbs can reward you with a wealth of enchantment,
divination, and folklore. Blessed be!

Buy Gerina Dunwich's book: Herbal Magick A Witchs Guide To Herbal Enchantments Folklore And Divinations

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Richard Alan Miller - The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
William Eliot Woodward - Records Of Salem Witchcraft Copied From The Original Documents Vol 2
Harriet Beecher Stowe - The Salem Witchcraft The Planchette Mystery And Modern Spiritualism
Gerina Dunwich - Herbal Magick A Witchs Guide To Herbal Enchantments Folklore And Divinations

Finding Spell

When you have lost Something (this works great with keys, not so well with remote controls), first look everywhere you can think of, especially the last place you saw them (the Gods get pissed off if you use magic out of sheer laziness.) If you still can't find it, stand still, close your eyes and calm your mind. Breath slowly from deep in your stomach and with your mind, call to the thing your Looking for. Then open your eyes and begin to walk slowly around. The lost thing will call you to it. You must be aware and "feel" for it.

I once was looking for some seeds I wanted to plant and passed a shelf three times. I was sure I hadn't put them on the shelf but I kept coming back to the shelf and sure enough there they were Calling out to me. I've also used this to find car keys lost in a huge field. I walked right to them.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Kathryn Paulsen - Witches Potions And Spells
Leo Ruickbie - Halloween Spells
Anonymous - White Magic Spells
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Feeding The Flame

The Magic Ritual Of The Sanctum Regnum

Book: The Magic Ritual Of The Sanctum Regnum by Eliphas Levi

This Translation of a previously unpublished work by the late Alphonse Louis Constant, or, as he preferred to call himself, Eliphaz Levi, is published with the consent of its possessor, Mr. Edward Maitland, the eminent collaborateur of the late Dr. Anna Kingsford, to whom it was given by the Baron Spedalieri, so well known as the friend, disciple, and literary heir of Eliphaz Levi. The original MSS., which is in the handwriting of Levi himself, is written upon pages interleaved with the text of a printed copy of a work by Trithemius of Spanheim, entitled De Septem Secundeis: the edition was published at Cologne, and is dated 1567. This work of the Abbot Trithemius is a very curious and interesting dissertation upon the ruling of the world by the seven great Archangels, to each of whom in succession is alloted a period of 354 years and 4 months.

The ordinary reader who has made no special study of the magical writings of Eliphaz Levi, nor of the Kabalah, may consider that, however interesting the subject?matter of many of the following chapters, the Connection between the Tarot Trumps and the details given under each heading is but slight. It must be understood that there is in all cases a direct relation between the card and subject; but the keys which connect them are missing by intention of the author, and yet are obtainable by study of Levi other works.

"The Mysteries of Magic, a Digest of the Writings of Eliphaz Levi, by Mr. A. E. Waite, published by Mr. Redway in 1886, has had so large a circulation among English readers, that the editor anticipates a cordial Reception for this little volume. LONDON, February 1896.

Download Eliphas Levi's eBook: The Magic Ritual Of The Sanctum Regnum

You also may enjoy this free books:

Max Heindel - The Message Of The Stars
Aleister Crowley - The Heart Of The Master
Aleister Crowley - Liber 025 The Ritual Of The Star Ruby
Richard Alan Miller - The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs
Eliphas Levi - The Magic Ritual Of The Sanctum Regnum

Pagan Spells Mix Of Spells

Book: Pagan Spells Mix Of Spells by Al Selden Leif

Spells are simply Rituals used to perform magic. As discussed in Using Magic, the particular ritual is only part of what makes magic work. It can, however, be a very important part. rituals help to focus your mind on your goals. Certain items can help to focus the mind in particular directions. By combining particular Rituals with particular objects, you can virtually force your mind to focus in the direction you desire.

Buy Al Selden Leif's book: Pagan Spells Mix Of Spells

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Al Selden Leif - Pagan Spells Bath Spells
Al Selden Leif - Pagan Spells Life Spells
Al Selden Leif - Pagan Spells Mix Of Spells 2

Magical Theory And Tradition

Book: Magical Theory And Tradition by Marcus Cordey

The theories and principles of magic are as diverse as the theories and principles of science. Indeed, the two fields were once one and the same only to diverge into Natural Philosophy and Occult Philosophy in the later Middle Ages. But unlike science, there are no concrete laws of magic. After all, science deals with the known and tangible where magic deals with the unknown and intangible.

Herein is proposed one collection of such principles as they are believed to govern the nature of magic. These principles have been derived from those described by Isaac Bonewits in his book Real Magic, as well as The Golden Bough of the 19th century anthropologist Sir James George Frazer, but have been further simplified and organized to embody their meaning as clearly as possible. It should also be remembered that these rules are only meant to help guide and direct a
student of the Occult arts, and are most likely represent only the smallest fragment of the greater laws underlying the true nature of reality.

Download Marcus Cordey's eBook: Magical Theory And Tradition

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Anonymous - Magic And Wyrd
Robert Mathiesen - Magic In Slavia Orthodoxa The Written Tradition
Frater Fp - Sigils In Theory And Practice
Aleister Crowley - Magick In Theory And Practice
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition

Personal Development With Help Of Magic

"Spiritual progress" is an important concept to me but I find its meaning elusive.

I am not drawn to traditional ideas of initiation. In systematized magic or mysticism spiritual progress is divided into initiatic levels, or numbered stages of progress. I can't accept these scales of development, including the binary scale of enlightenment or non-enlightenment. People are not numbers and if you tell me "so-and-so is a third degree" you have told me exactly nothing about them. These systems and distinctions are too impersonal, and too many people seem to be hurt by them rather than helped. No one is more unenlightened than those who are convinced of their enlightenment.

A similar scale is that of salvation, where a person is saved (1) or unsaved (0). To me there is entirely too much emphasis on redemption in traditional scales of progress whether they use the words "redemption" and "salvation" or not. The "first matter" or non-initiate in traditional magic is held to be utterly worthless: blind, fettered, desperately in need of the system to show him or her the light. Obviously this is insulting and serves the purpose of maintaining hierarchical social structures. Just as obviously, though, there is some metaphorical truth to it. Relative to the later and developed state, the earlier and undeveloped person is burdened by blinders that look like glasses, and hobbled by chains that feel like shoes. More than how we look at others, this is how we look back at ourselves.

The problems for me in the black-and-white version of the metaphor are that this conflates different people's relative states, and requires self-loathing on the part of the initiatory candidate. If we had a way to measure someone's illumination - which we don't - I think we would find that many perfectly ordinary uninitiated people are less deluded than many seekers who have been strenuously applying themselves to the mystical path for years. A confident and healthy person would find little appeal in being superior to everyone else because of initiatory ceremonies, but among "initiates" one constantly encounters just this demeaning attitude. Similarly, a healthy person who found that a system demanded abject self-abasement to questionable "superiors" would probably select themselves out in short order. These hierarchical formulae appeal most strongly to people who - to be blunt - already hate themselves, find their negative self-image confirmed by being treated as the worthless "first matter" of the art, and achieve comfort in having the onus of their low self-esteem displaced onto "uninitiates."

I find better company in people who are not plagued with unreasonable self-doubt and who recognize and work with their strengths. I wish our spiritual systems selected for them instead of weeding them out. American hatha yoga instruction has gone in this direction, though once one moves on to more spiritual limbs of yoga the old demeaning hierarchies tend to reassert themselves. More needs to be done in reforming the teaching of meditative practices.

I am only describing a general trend and not tarring all initiates with this brush. I am an initiate myself, though once again it is not the axis of my life. I simply want to express that I would be more comfortable with spiritual systems that start with the basic strength and insight the person already has and develop that, rather than starting with the need for redemption. A better metaphor than removing a blindfold would be teaching the initiate how to make binoculars. I think groups starting without the "original sin" of the "first matter" would be less likely to attract neurotics and exagerrate their neuroses, and so less prone to the infighting that wracks magical groups.

So I will move on to my personal idea of my progress. Although it is tangible to me, I have a hard time saying exactly what it is. I know it has resulted from psychotherapy, from yoga, and from re-examining and redefining my assumptions, especially assumptions about relationships with others and with the external world in general. There is an aspect of self-knowledge and self-acceptance, a willingness to express myself spontaneously and embrace my feelings rather than trying to manipulate myself, an emergence of a mental quiet space, a recognition of personal patterns which previously were unconscious or denied, and a number of specific personal advances that result from being freed from unexamined patterns and from a distaste for myself. There's a long way to go and there may not be any end to the path, or it may be that the path is longer than I could walk in this one lifetime (so far as I know, the only one I have), but I know I am on this path and have come a certain way so far.

Magic in the sense of ritual has not been all that useful to me in this kind of progress and I have come to distrust it as affording a scope for acting out and for compensatory ego-inflation. That is, the intentional nature of ritual may unconsciously enact a neurotic pattern while rewarding limiting patterns I would do better to transcend. When I do ritual now, on the other hand, erosion of my mental blocks and acceptance of my aspirations have made ritual more effective in transforming my consciousness than it used to be. So Ritual Magic is related in some way to spiritual progress and may at some future time become more of a vehicle of my development than it is for me now.

I am attracted to an exercise model of development, in contrast with grandiose conceptions of redemption and ascension through spiritual degrees. Concentration, imagination, steadiness, even power are useful things to have. My analogy to physical exercise is deliberate: there is value to "spiritual bodybuilding" so long as it doesn't degenerate into vain self-admiration. Where a traditional conception would hold, for instance, that "by ascending the Ladder of Lights the devout seeker may be admitted into the innermost Mystery that maketh man God," under the exercise model one would say "by practicing mental disciplines one strengthens, balances and cleanses mental faculties." Yoga obviously fits this model, even in its highest limbs; classical yoga scripture depicts the ultimate goal pragmatically as the stilling of thought-waves. Psychotherapy is also a fairly good match, where the faculty exercised is spontaneous introspection. Ritual magic exercises the abilities of concentration and visualization, as well as the ability to transform perceptions of space, and a host of others. This too is a kind of progress.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Samuel Croxall - The Secret History Of Pythagoras
Robin Artisson - Reclaiming The Pagan Worldview The Heart Of Mysticism
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - Living With The Lama
Terry Findlay - Phronesis The Development Of Practical Wisdom
John Dee - The Calls Of Enoch

Three Levels Of The Creative In Magick

There are three levels in creating:

1. think about what you want
2. speak it out or write it down (not necessarily in the company of others, since they might diminish the belief in yourself by questioning your mental sanity)
3. act as if it is already existing, smell it, taste it, visualize it.

On the more levels you are creating, the greater the materializing force you set into motion.Usually we start the creating process at step 1, but it can also start at step 2 (remember the occasions where you heard yourself say something and realized later how much truth you spoke?) and the quickest way is to start at step 3: act in a new way and afterwards think about it.

What you think of you create, and what you create you experience, and your experience is the basis for what you will think of next.

Enjoy creating simply for the joy of creating and remain free from expectations. How others react on your creations is their responsibility, not yours. But if you try to create for the highest good of all, you can hardly go wrong. Dare to change your mind if necessary. Don't ask for guarantees. If life is created over and over again, changing from minute to minute, how can we guarantee anything except that life will be life? If you don't like a certain outcome, know that you are a magician and change it!


Books You Might Enjoy:

Israel Regardie - The Art And Meaning Of Magic
Eliphas Levi - The Ritual Of Transcendental Magic
Michael Sharp - The Great Awakening
William Godwin - The Lives Of The Necromancers

Candle Magic Rituals

Candle rituals have been around for centuries. You may remember your first candle ritual when you were 2 years old on your birthday. The candles were lit and you were told to close your eyes, make a wish and blow out the candles. Candle spells are pretty much the same principle. You light the candles, maybe close your eyes while repeating a spell or that which you wish for and visualizing it coming true. It is a combination of the need or desire, and the ability to visualize the outcome. Candle burning spells and rituals are very easy to do and to have success with if they are done correctly and you truly believe. The different colors of candles each have their own symbolism. Here is a table of the colors and their meanings...

White: truth, purity
Red: love, health, sex, strength
Green: money, luck, fertility
Black: discord, evil, negativity, confusion
Brown: neutrality, uncertainty, hesitation
Pink: love, morality, honour
Purple: power, business progress, ambition
Orange: attraction, stimulation
Greenish Yellow: jealousy, anger, discord
Gray: neutrality, stalemate, negativity
Light Blue: tranquility, patience, health
Dark Blue: depression, changeability

Candle spells can be very easy or complicated. It all depends on how much time you want to put into a ritual. It can be as simple as lighting a green candle and chanting... money money come to me.
It can also be very long and complicated lasting several days with the repositioning of the candles each day. The choice is always yours.

The first thing you want to do is get the appropriate color candles for your peticular desire. Then you need to annoint the candle with oil. Olive oil will do fine. You need to rub the candle with the oil from the middle outward to the ends. As you are doing this you need to be thinking of your desired goal. Then sit and meditate on your desire after lighting the candles, then read your spell or chant your appropriate mantra.You don't need some elaborate spell with a bunch of big words or words you don't even know how to pronounce. You can make your own spells or rituals. Think of your desire then make a simple little rhyme that tells about your desire in it. It doesn't even have to rhyme. This is all about will power, the power of positive thinking, and creative visualization.
If you can do these things then you will send those vibrations out into the universe and eventualy they will materialize.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Vovim Baghie - The Grand Satanic Ritual
George Robert Stowe Mead - A Mithraic Ritual
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love

Early Magick

One tradition holds that witchcraft began more than 35 thousand years ago, when the last great sheets ice began their journey across Europe. Legend holds that small groups of hunters followed the free-running game and bison across the tundra. Armed only with the most simple weapons, these tribes depended on the extraordinary gifts of their shamans. These shamans could attune themselves to the herds, the animal mind, the spirit of the herd. As they became an integral and interactive part of the energy all life forms share, they were able to call those of these herds who were willing, to pits, cliffs or traps that allowed the clans or tribes to be fed. This was an ongoing cycle of life, in which both the herd animals and the humans understood and regarded as a sacred gift the life of the food animals.

Other traditions hold that “25 thousand years ago in Paleolithic Wo/Man depended upon hunting to survive. Only by success in the hunt could there be food to eat, skins for warmth and shelter, bones to fashion into tools and weapons…. Nature was overwhelming. Out of awe and respect for the gusting wind, the violent lightning, the rushing stream, Wo/Man ascribed to each a spirit; made each a deity … a God. It was at this time that magick became mixed in with these first faltering steps of religion.” (Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, Raymond Buckland, p 2-3)

“Male shamans dressed in skins and horns in identification with the God and the herd; but female priestesses presided naked, embodying the fertility of the Goddess. Life and death were a continuous stream; the dead were buried as if sleeping in a womb, surrounded by their tools and ornaments, so that they might awaken to a new life.” (Spiral Dance, Starhawk p3). The power of Woman to bring forth life was one of the greatest mysteries, and women were revered. Through new life, came the survival of the clans, and provision for children and the elderly. When these were provided for, there was new strength and the wisdom of the elders which allowed all to thrive.

The first true example of what we consider sympathetic magick took place, when those early people put on the antlers and robe of their prey, invoked the power to draw that animal into the dance of life and death, and played out the hunt they sought to occur in future days. “The Penobscot Indians, for example, less than a hundred years ago, wore deer masks and horns when performing rituals for the same purpose.” .” (Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, Raymond Buckland, p 2-3) The rituals and processes we use for magick today appear to be similar or the same as those used by our ancestors. Models found of life-size prey were found, complete with spear marks in the clay.

Human psychology is blessed with the gift of imagination, of visualization. And there is little practical difference between creative visualization and spellwork. The same steps, procedures, preparations, focus and energy are present in both. Only the name and the respect given the process differs.

The primary difference between these early magickal practices and later, more formal, religious practices has to do with who performs the acts related to the desired outcome. In the tribal system, the entire clan performed the dances, the sacred plays of the hunt. Sometimes there was a leader considered a specialist, a shaman. Many times, the entire group was part of the process.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Aleister Crowley - Magick Without Tears
Aristotle - Metaphysics
Aleister Crowley - Intro Magick
Aleister Crowley - Magick

Difference Between Religion And Magick

The differentiating factor between religion and magick seems to be whether or not there was a specialist assigned the role as intercessor to the Gods or Elemental Energies. This is also one of the key issues in present day witchcraft - whether or not each person is a direct link to the energy and can meet their needs without assistance, or if we need those persons who have the time, talents, interest, etc. in being a full-time conduit between these energies and those who consider themselves as Pagans, Witches, Wiccans, etc.

While the jury is still out, the majority of Witches think it would be a travesty if we allowed any third party interpretation or mandatory access to that natural energy we are all heir to as humans and part of the interactive Sacred Play that is Gaia, our world and our spiritual world. Many early religions that began as a one-on-one link with the divine later came to a formal, procedurally bound, mockery of our Divine nature. The power in paganism is that we claim our power by right, and will never give or dilute it by channeling it through others. We are as much a mirror of the Gods, as they are a reflection of us.

The nature of deity is that we have created a personalized representation of those forces which are awe-inspiring and important to us, and given them characteristics and names so that we may refer to them amongst ourselves handily. Those outside this rich interactive style came to believe that these forces were indeed outside of us, and labeled them as transcendent, or other. As Luke was taught by Obi Wan and Yoda, there is a life-force which all beings naturally have. We are part of it, have need of it, and can learn to listen and use it. Only recently did we forget as a race, that it is our birthright and the nature of our being. Life, death, rebirth, creation, beauty - these are all a natural use of the energy so readily available.

Books You Might Enjoy:

William Butler Yeats - The Secret Rose And Rosa Alchemica
Henry Cornelius Agrippa - Occult Philosophy And Magick Book Iii
Peter De Abano - Heptameron Or Magical Elements
Parker Torrence - The Craft Grimoire Of Eclectic Magic

Voodoo Dolls In Magick And Ritual

Book: Voodoo Dolls In Magick And Ritual by Denise Alvarado

Denise Alvarado was born and raised in the Voodoo and hoodoo rich culture of New Orleans. She has studied mysticism and practiced Creole Voodoo and indigenous healing traditions for over three decades. She is a cultural anthropologist, psychologist, writer, artist, spiritual adviser, and cultural consultant.

Denise Alvarado writes plenty of books and her success is mostly due to the demand on Nawlins or Louisiana Voodoo heritage being way more than the books that are being written and distributed. The best publications on Voodoo aren't even published. The best history books on Louisiana aren't even published mostly due to a movement by the Government to hide Creole History From America, being that having a class of people of color, that lived on the same or almost the same status as whites during slavery takes away from the American Narrative.

Alvarado states that in 1804, Napoleon invaded Cuba, driving out Hispanics from Cuba into Nawlins and this is how Voodoo came about in the city. That's simply untrue. Creoles were always in Louisiana since the founding of the state and Africans were being imported up the Mississippi River from the Congo and Angola, so Africans were already there and being allowed to worship on Sundays in Nawlins Congo Square. Now, where Creole Voodoo came in, was during the Haitian Black Slave Revolt, which didn't just drive out the white French Creole but a huge population of mixed race or mulattoe Creoles, who fled into Nawlins, during the late 1700's to the mid 1800's. In the entire French Quarter of Nawlins, during the 1800's there was only one Cuban Creole businessman who owned a cigar shop. The mixed race Creoles of middle class status, who monopolized the commerce, publications and businesses were the keepers of Creole Voodoo and not the one of two that came from Cuba. So Creole Voodoo in Nawlins predates her 1804 starting point.

Spain and Spanish heritage is not a huge part of Nawlins except for some of the architecture but many Creoles of Color from Cajun Country or Lower South West La. State keep trying to make Louisiana some Spanish colony when it was dominated by the French (99.9%)-so saying that Cubans ushered in Creole Voodoo couldn't be further from the truth. And just to be real about it, Voodoo dolls aren't really a staple to La. Voodoo but more of a creation of whites and Hollywood. I know plenty of people who practice Voodoo, like almost all of my ancestors, and dolls are definitely over hyped up but she is selling a book even though many of her attempts to lay out the history of dolls in Voodoo are shaky and her history on the practice of Voodoo isn't well connected to any legit history.

You can use dolls but Voodoo stems from the practice of ancestor worship, which predates Ancient Egypt and goes back to Cush or Ethiopia, which had an empire that stretched into the Southern U.S.-which many Creoles are of Choctaw or Cherokee mixed, herbal remedies and conjuring of spirits that one can learn to control and even keep. Being from South of Nawlins, in a Parish that has been destroyed by Oil Companies (BP)-Bush/Obama and the U.S. Army Corp, all of the Creoles did Voodoo and I can even recall shape-shifting rituals but of course I didn't write any of this down-YET!

For the first time anywhere, explore the history, mystery, and magick of Voodoo Dolls in this fascinating new book. Tracing the Voodoo doll's roots back in history, author Denise Alvarado provides an intriguing account of the most provocative and mystifying icon of the African-derived healing tradition, dispelling stereotypes and myths, while at the same time showing how to make and use Voodoo dolls to enhance every day living. Learn how to make three kinds of Voodoo dolls, find over 30 spells and rituals to find love, attract wealth, offer protection, and promote healing and happiness. Denise Alvarado was born and raised in the Voodoo and hoodoo rich culture of New Orleans. She has studied mysticism and practiced Creole Voodoo and indigenous healing traditions for over three decades. She is a cultural anthropologist, psychologist, writer, artist, spiritual adviser, and cultural consultant.

I hope complete idiot's do not buy this book because then they will become very dangerous idiot's. Excellent book one of a kind, and on it's own is a Complete Occult system. Southern Voodoo Dolls remain a living art and powerful medium. You get all the 'bang for you buck' with this buy.

Buy Denise Alvarado's book: Voodoo Dolls In Magick And Ritual

You also may enjoy this free books:

Lynn Thorndike - A History Of Magic And Experimental Science
George Robert Stowe Mead - A Mithraic Ritual
George Moir - Magic And Witchcraft
Richard Alan Miller - The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs

Associative Magick

Associative magick is very similar to the sympathetic magick. Poppets for success and health are one of the most common forms of associative magick. What happens to this, will happen to that. So, I create a poppet by sewing together two parts of a simple doll-like figure (looks a lot like a ginger bread man). I make the poppet of green for healing, I sew up the edges visualizing each stitch as cementing the spell's success and holding in all the energy we have for our friend in this doll for that person's healing. Then, I stuff it full of herbs that should help with the healing. Sometimes, we write on the doll all that we hope will come to pass - sports, freedom from pain, whatever seems appropriate. If it is more than one person, then the entire group can then charge the doll by focusing their energies into the poppet. After that, the poppet can be given to the person it was intended to assist. As you can see there are many forms of magic involved in even the simplest working. Other forms of association, I keep coins or cash on my altar, to encourage its development. One might put something spelled and gold in a new wallet to encourage wealth. You might put a picture of the house you have always wanted in a box with other items that represent success, to encourage success in that endeavor.

Creative Visualization - most spells are a complex form of creative visualization. This process works not only for those who are involved in the magickal world, but is a profound force in the day-to-day world of many within our culture. The trick here is to bring into focus not just that you want this to happen, but that is has happened and all is now accomplished. Again and again the human psychology has shown that we work best when we can visualize the process and the outcome. Our minds tend to fill in the blanks of what needs to be done when we have established a definite goal and outcome.

Shamanic - entering that other world, that space and bringing back knowledge of personal interaction and sharing it with social group. Shamanic magick is not typically performed by individuals new to the practice. Some magick associated with Shamanic practices, such as performing meditation or vision quest for totem or spirit guides, is common. Within the shamanic belief system, they focus on the attributes and lessons that each animal has to teach. Looking for a focus animal can show what studies or personal development would be appropriate with a spiritual path.

Elemental - calling on the basic powers associated with the elements and blending their gifts in with your needs to provide a solution. This magick can work in more than one way. You can simply work a meditation on the element itself, Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit and explore the depths of what the meditation brings. Or, you can use an element as a focus through which you examine a particular situation in order to provide insight. Thus, you might look at your life through Earth, and examine it for evidence of grounding, sensual aspects, success and growth. If you looked at it through the lens of Water, you might examine your emotions, your development, transitions and transformative experiences. Etc. You may simply want to weave one or more of these elements into another spell or working. If you are working on a spell for a new job, then the Earth for abundance, the Fire for success, etc.

Colors - actually a form of elemental magick. This one is also woven tightly with the Creative Visualization within the process of acting in accordance with your stated goals. Again, using colors within your rituals and spells will assist in showing that inner symbolic mind consistent and meaningful messages related to your goal.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Jarl Fossum - Seth In The Magical Texts
Amber K - The Basics Of Magick
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Aristotle - Metaphysics
Aleister Crowley - Magick

Animal Magic

A Circle fills the room with its special glow. Fragrant herbs perfume the air; candles light the night. And two small eyes glow up at you, knowing that they too are part of the magic.

People and animals have worked magic together in many ways, some of which were a part of everyday life. In agricultural lands, animals worked the magic of providing our survival through the winter. They provided food and materials used in all facets of the community.

Imagine a time before cars, trains and planes. People were somewhat bound to their homeland since walking cross-country seemed an endless journey. But then, on horseback, people could easily explore. Some say that the use of horses led to the major shifts in political and spiritual history, as one tribe invaded another with mounted soldiers, forever society and religion. For better or worse, horses changed the course of history.

Even in industrial times, we've worked with animals. You've heard the expression "a canary in a coal mine." Miners used canaries to detect problems with the air quality, oxygen level, and presence of invisible poison gas. Canaries were more sensitive to these threats and could alert the workers.

Magical animals are not unfamiliar to the myths of Old. For example, Odin used two ravens to fly around the world and report back all that they saw. Could this symbolic tale be rooted in a form of divination used at the time? In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was a symbol of eternal life. This lore is based on the way beetles rolled a ball of dung in which to lay their eggs. The idea of life from dung must surely relate to the eternal cycles of nature. Even the Christians assimilated symbols like the dove and the lamb. Animals as mythic symbols cross a wide variety of cultures.

In understanding these mythic animals, we must know the context in which they were viewed. For example, thousands of years from now, historians might not understand the exact emotions we attach to symbols when we say someone is a deer, or a jackass. Remember that next time you read the myths of Bast, or Cerberus, or even the American Eagle.

Today, most magical people think of familiars as their household pets, the little ones who provide joy, insight and companionship -- not to mention shed all over black clothing and robes! Animals in general are closer to nature than we are. They remember their instinctual ways easier than we do. Why limit this to pets? The animals around us in the field can share our magical moments? Did we encounter a gentle and curious deer along our first walk in the woods? Did geese fly overhead and squawk their applause for our lovemaking? How do these animal events speak to you? You can merely visualize your magical animal, like a totem guide or imaginary friend. (And you'll never need to pay for a vet!)

Whether in myth or reality, an animal's unique traits can teach us specific lessons in nature. Can we learn by watching an animal hunt? Protect its young? Weave webs? Float from one flower to another, tasting a mix of sweet nectars? Or nest and lay the fragile egg of new beginnings?

Don't limit your familiars to just animals. Why not a plant? Plants teach us about laying roots, growing wild, turning to face the light. Plants show us new ways to branch out, bear fruit -- or wither, fall and provide a subtle new start for others. Are we any different?

Why not have an object as a familiar? Are not all things in nature alive? Can an old gray boulder show us anything about weathering the tests of time? Can Granny's old wristwatch teach us about cycles?

Perhaps the most familiar idea comes when you know that you already hold all these special qualities within yourself. We too have animal ways, branch out like plants, and live the lessons of solid tangible form no differently than Granny's watch. Familiar means family, being One with another. Knowing you are One with all things makes everything seem quite familiar. And everything will look to you, knowing that it too is part of the magic.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Ophiel - The Art Practice Of Caballa Magic
Pansophic Freemasons - Masonic Symbolism
Melita Denning - Mysteria Magica Book V
Aristotle - Metaphysics

The Four Directions Correspondences For Ritual And Magic

he Four Quarters in Circle Casting

It’s a common practice to call upon the energies of the four quarters in circle casting for ritual. Many of the modern aspects associated with each direction have been filtered through ceremonial magic. Other traditions borrow from native cultures and add a shamanic component with animal spirits as guardians of each quarter. The term Guardians of the Watchtowers is sometimes used to call the quarters and believed to be derived from the Enochian (Angelic) system of magic developed by John Dee in the 16th century.

orrespondence Systems

Various traditions and cultures have different correspondences for each direction that are to be used as a complete system. A person working with a group will undoubtedly be trained in that group’s style. But options aren’t limited for solitaries. Encyclopedic books of correspondences are helpful tools.

You can, however, develop your own system of correspondences that you relate strongly with as well as studying the systems of those who came before you. The purpose is to use these components in ritual to focus your mind on the working at hand.

What is presented here is a framework to build from based on systems that have worked for others over the centuries. Below are common correspondences related to each direction to help you connect with the energy you are calling on.
East - Direction of New Life

Season: Spring.

Element: Air.

Colors: Pastels, Yellow.

Tarot: Swords.

Other correspondences: Archangel Raphael, animals that herald in the spring such as the robin, waxing moon, creativity, inspiration, clarity of vision, youth. The eagle is a common totem for the east. Some traditions have the altar facing in this direction because it is the place of new beginnings and vision.

South - Direction of Passion

Season: Summer.

Element: Fire.

Colors: Reds and oranges.

Tarot: Wands.

Other correspondences: Archangel Michael, sun gods and love goddesses, fierce, fiery animals such as the lion, passion, sensuality, regeneration, the full moon, adults in their prime.
West - Direction of Intuition

Season: Autumn.

Element: Water.

Colors: Blues and purples.

Tarot: Cups.

Other correspondences: Archangel Gabriel, dark gods and goddesses, the otter or other watery creatures, dreams, intuition, emotions, the waning moon.

Pentacle in the North
Pentacle in the North
North - Direction of Mystery

Season: Winter.

Element: Earth.

Colors: Browns and black.

Tarot: Pentacles.

Other correspondences: Archangel Uriel, the bear, the ancestors and spirits, the dark moon, the divine mystery, stability, darkness, crones. Some traditions have their altar facing this direction because of its association with spirituality, and the occult.
Learn to Associate with Each Direction

Spend some meditation time with each direction getting to know what aspects are important to you in your area of the world. What plant life flourishes in the different seasons where you are? What animals seem more prevalent and what are their actions? What scents do you associate with each direction? For instance, I would place earthy musk scents in the north and flowery scents like lilac and lavender in the east.

You don't have to be in a rural environment to notice these things as the directions are based on spiritual concepts. Mythological creatures may come to your mind as guardians of each direction or to bring in energies you need to work with.

You may want to spend a period of time over days, weeks, or longer meditating on each direction before moving on to the next. However, in the process of casting a circle or in the middle of ritual, you very likely will be prompted by the spirit of the direction that needs your utmost attention.

Trust your intuition and write down or sketch everything that comes to you in these meditations even if it seems unimportant. This can prove invaluable to your personal practice and provide information in developing your own system of correspondences to use for years to come.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Aleister Crowley - The Initiated Interpretation Of Ceremonial Magic
Eliphas Levi - Transcendental Magic Part Ii The Ritual Of Transcendental Magic
Ophiel - The Art Practice Of Caballa Magic
Eliphas Levi - The Doctrine Of Transcendental Magic

Magic It Is All In Your Head

Whenever I'm asked if magic is real, I feel the need to determine what is meant by "magic." More often than not, those who ask are referring to the magic they've seen in Harry Potter or Charmed ... the type where magic words and a magic wand or amulet give a person the power to fly or transform someone into something outrageous. While words and objects can certainly have power, for the most part, it's the user giving these things their power, and not the other way around.


There is real magic in everything around you, and you already have within you the ability to create a magical life for yourself. Wands, amulets, and especially words, are simply used to help you focus your thoughts. One of the best definitions of magic I found, was in "The 21 Lessons of Merlyn" by Douglas Monroe. The training of the WILL seemed to be the very heart of Merlyn's teachings. He tells his young student "The true definition of Magic, little one, does not center around spells or incantations, or the mysterious waving of arms... no. As is recorded in the Blue Book of our forefathers, true Magic is 'The art and science of changing states of mind at will.' And as we have learned by experience, action follows thought."


The bottom line is that YOU make it happen. Use tools such as relaxing sounds and music, fragrance or aromatherapy, and candles, stones, pendants or even wands, to help you focus your thoughts. But always remember, these are ONLY tools, and not the true source of magic. Real magic is all in your head!

Books You Might Enjoy:

Solomonic Grimoires - The Emerald Tablets Of Hermes
Thomas Voxfire - What Was Aleister Crowley
Michael Prescott - Darklore
Marian Green - A Witch Alone

Is Your Magic Wand Broke

I recently watched a movie called Willow. The main character was a little man that lived in a beautiful forest and dreamed of one day becoming a great sorcerer. Early in the movie a fairy gave Willow a wand to aid him on his journey. He made several attempts to use the wand but the results were never what he hoped for. At the end, when he needed it the most, Willow realized he no longer had the wand and he was forced to rely on his own inner strength and resources to save the day. magic is like that. Willow's initial attempts to use the wand were not very successful because although he believed in magic, he was expecting the wand to do all the work. If the magic in your life is not what it should be, don't blame it on your wand. Wands, candles, oils and other tools can help you focus your thoughts and set the mood for magical activities. But as Willow learned, it is ultimately the power that resides within you that will determine your success.

You were meant to live a magical life. Although it's not as simple as waving a wand and saying a few special words, the process is not as complicated or mysterious as many people believe. Think of magic as the bloodstream of the universe. It flows through all things. We all have the ability to direct its flow through our lives. Getting the results we want is primarily a matter of training our mind.

However, it's essential that both our thoughts AND feelings reflect what we want. For example, we may send forth words or thoughts that we would like better health or more money, but if the universe picks up that what we are actually feeling is ill or broke, then by the Law of Attraction, more illness or financial challenges may be drawn into our lives.

We need to understand the universe does not communicate with us through mere words. To work properly, our words need to inspire intense feelings within us that send a clear message. We must imagine in our thoughts what it would actually FEEL like to have the things we desire. When the images in our mind are clear enough to generate the feeling of vibrant health or what it's like to drive a new car or have extra money to spend, we will begin to draw more of these things into our lives. The Law of Attraction is really a very simple law, but conditioning our mind to generate the proper signals can be challenging. If you're not getting the results you want, take a closer look at ALL your thoughts and feelings and work on sending out only those that you want multiplied in your life.
Finally, in the movie mentioned above, the town sorcerer gave Willow some great advice. He said, "Forget all you know or think you know. All that you require is your intuition". Above all else, trust your feelings! When you feel good inside about something, that's an indication you're doing the right thing. Let your true feelings or intuition lead you in the direction that's best for you and all things will begin to work the way they were meant to!


Books You Might Enjoy:

Miyamoto Musashi - A Book Of Five Rings
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition

Spring Flower Magic

As spring arrives, our gardens begin to bud and eventually bloom. For hundreds of years, the plants that we grow have been used in magic. Flowers in particular are often connected with a variety of magical uses. Now that spring is here, keep an eye out for some of these flowers around you, and consider the different magical applications they might have.

* Crocus: This flower is one of the first you'll see in the spring, and it's often associated with newly blooming love. The crocus is also known to enhance visions and bring about intuitive dreams.
* Daffodil: The bright petals of the daffodil are typically found in shades of white, yellow or even pale orange. This flower is associated with love and fertility -- place fresh ones in your home to bring about abundance. Wear this flower close to your heart to draw love and luck.
* Dandelion: The leaf of the dandelion is used for healing, purificaiton, and ritual cleansing. To bring positive change about, plant dandelions in the northwest corner of your property. The bright yellow flowers can be used in divination, or placed in a sachet to draw good energy your way.
* Echinacea: Also called purple coneflower, this garden mainstay adds a little bit of magical "oomph" to charmes and sachets. Use it for prosperity related workings. Burn the dried flowers in incense, and use on your altar during ritual as an offering to deities.
* Goldenseal: This sunny yellow flower is often found growing in the wild, alongside roads and in fields. Use it in money spells, or for business dealings. Work it into charms connected to matters of financial gain or legal issues.
* Hibiscus: This lusty flower incites passion -- use it to attract love or lust, or for prophetic dreams about your lover. Burn in incense, or carry in a sachet to bring love your way.
* Hyacinth: This flower was named for Hyakinthos, a Greek divine hero who was beloved by Apollo, so it's sometimes considered the patron herb of homosexual men. Hyacinth is also known to promote peaceful sleep, and guards against nightmares. Carry in an amulet to help heal a broken heart or to ease grief when a loved one dies.
* Lily: The Easter lily or Tiger lily is associated with all kinds of Spring connections -- fertility, rebirth, renewal and abundance.
* Narcissus: Named for another Greek figure, the Narcissus helps promote polarity and harmony. Its calming vibrations bring about tranquility and inner peace.
* Tulip: The tulip appears in many different colors and varieties, but is typically connected to prosperity. You can use the different colored variations in color magic -- use a dark strain such as Queen of the Night for full moon rituals, or bright red flowers for love magic.
* Violet: In Roman myth, the first violet sprung from the spilled blood of the god Attis, who killed himself for Cybele, the mother goddess. However, today the violet is associated with tranquility and peace. The leaf offers protection from evil, and can be sewn into a pillow or sachet for a new baby. Carry the petals with you to bring about luck and enhance nighttime magic.

Important: Remember that some plants can be toxic to pets. Before you plant or pick any of these, be sure to check to make sure it won't be harmful to your furry companions. A great resource to check is on the ASPCA website at Toxic & Non-Toxic Plants.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Nathaniel Harris - Liber Satangelica
Sepharial - Astrology And Marriage
Dion Fortune - Ceremonial Magic Unveiled
Aleister Crowley - Magick

Poppet Magic History

Ramses and the Poppets:

When most people think of a poppet, they automatically think of the Voodoo doll, thanks to this item's negative portrayal in movies and on television. However, the use of dolls in sympathetic magic goes back several millennia. Back in the days of ancient Egypt, the enemies of Ramses III (who were numerous, and included some of his harem women and at least one high-ranking official) used wax images of the Pharoah, to bring about his death.
Greek Kolossi:

It wasn't uncommon for the Greeks to use sympathetic magic in workings related to love or war. Christopher Faraone, Professor of Classical Languages and Literatures at the University of Chicago, is one of the foremost authorities on Greek magic today, and says that Greek poppets called Kolossoi were sometimes used to restrain a ghost or even a dangerous deity, or to bind two lovers together. In Idyll 2, The witch (Pharmakeutria), written about 200 b.c.e., the tragedian Theocritus refers to melting and burning wax dolls. He relates the tale of Simaetha, rejected by Delphis, attempts to get her lover back with magic.
The Princess Who Played with Dolls:

Wax dolls certainly weren't limited to the ancient classical world. The one-time Princess of Wales, Caroline of Brunswick, was married to the man who later became King George IV, and evidently couldn't stand him. She spent many hours forming wax dolls of her husband and jabbing them with pins. Although there's no concrete evidence as to what this may have done to George, when Caroline ran off to Italy with her young lover, George didn't object. The royal couple remained married but lived separately until Caroline’s death in 1821, according to witchcraft and Evidence in Early Modern England by Malcolm Gaskill.
West African Fetish Magic:

West African slaves brought with them a doll called a fetish when they were forced to leave their homes and come to the American colonies. In this case, the doll is not so much representative of an individual, but is in fact possessed by spirits connected to the doll’s owner. A fetish contains significant power and is typically worn or carried by its owner as a talisman. During America's Colonial period, slave owners were allowed to kill any slave found with a fetish in his possession.
American Hoodoo and Folk Magic:

In American Hoodoo and folk magic, the use of poppets as a magical tool became popular following the Civil War. There is some dispute as to whether the dolls are used at all in Haiti, which is the home of Vodoun religion, and a few sources disagree on whether the use of poppets is truly a Vodoun practice or not. However, the Voodoo Museum of New Orleans does stock a variety of dolls in their gift shop.

Regardless of how you make your poppet -- out of cloth, a chunk of meat, or a glob of wax, remember that poppets have a long tradition behind them, and that tradition is influences by the magical practices of a wide range of cultures. Treat your poppets well, and they will do the same for you.


Books You Might Enjoy:

Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Naomi Janowitz - Magic In The Roman World
Robert Wang - The Qabalistic Tarot
Giuseppe Bezza - The Astrological Metaphors
Robert Ambelain - Martinism History And Doctrine

Magic Spell To Change Your Lovers Mind

If your love has decided to leave you for some one else.
If you're your love wants some time to think if he or she wants to be with you or not.
If you are worried that your love may leave you at any point of your life then you may go for this very strong spell to change your lovers mind.

For this spell you will need:
1. Green goddess candle
2. Red god candle
3. A new unused pink taper candle
4. pink rose buds
5. red rose buds with petals
6. ground damiana herb
7. rose oil
8. lavender oil
Before you begin your circle mix the red and pink rose incense and the damiana together.To begin the spell cast your circle as you usually do. When invoking the god call in Cupid and then light the red candle. For invoking the goddess call in Venus and light the green candle. Next pick up the pink candle and the rose oil. As you anoint the candle with the rose oil speak the following words:"With the oil of rose I do anoint this candle. Now may this candle perform magick of love and friendship for those who use it."
After you have gone all around the candle rubbing the oil into it place it in a candle holder and speak the following words:
"Venus, Goddess of Love and Beauty, Cupid God of Love, I ask you to bring to me the one true male/female I am destined to spend my life with in love."
Light the candle and say: "As the flame is lit, so may it burn to you my request."
Next go to your cauldron. If you don't have a cauldron you will need something to burn incense in. Take a small pinch of the incense you mixed earlier and sprinkle it on the coal
or whatever you use to burn and speak the following words:
"I make to you Venus and to you Cupid this offering of incense to increase the strength of my magick."
Next take the rose oil again and say as you sprinkle one drop of oil on the coal:
"I add the essence of rose to this brew."
Pick up the lavender oil and again with a drop of lavender say:
"I add the essence of lavender to this brew."
Then take a moment sitting on the ground to look into the flame of the pink candle and visualize the outcome you seek. Once you have completed that release the Goddess and God and then undo your circle....your ritual is now complete.

By the throne on which Yao Sabaoth sits, any year, in any month on any day, unti he tramples them today, by the great power of the archangels Michael and Gabriel, who go to wherever N. daughter of N. is, who fill her jeart with every fiery desire, and every longing, and every passion, and every form of love, who seize her like a flame of fire, who bring her to N. son of N
Yea, yea I adjure you and your healing and your great powers and your names, until you disturb all the reason within the heart of N. daughter of N. that she may be unable to eat or drink, or remain in any place, untill she arises and goes on her feet, and comes to N. son of N. and he satisfies her desire at once!
Move her heart with a powerful desire as the fire moves to you. This is the very way that brought N. daughter of N. to N. son of N., without restraining her, yea, yea, at once, at
once!

Books You Might Enjoy:

Austin Osman Spare - The Focus Of Life
Swetha Lodha - Your Love Life And The Tarot Cards
Max Heindel - The Message Of The Stars
Roman Tertius Sibellius - De Vermis Mysteriis
Talismagick - Love Spells And Rituals For Love And Relationships

Magic Secrets

What is magic? It means that someone has a way to do something that seems impossible to do in the eyes of another one. magic users often believe that they have a way to control things or people.

A long time ago, the ones gifted with magical knowledge would use their skills for the following reasons: they would heal people, they could find a way to know what really happened when something someone was wrongfully accused, they could decide to go nasty and do bad magic and lastly, they could do magic to make a spirit go away.

Black & White Magic
If you decide to do magic, you have the choice of doing good magic (white) or bad magic (white).

When you see movies with battles undoubtedly the end is written in way that it's the good guy versus the bad guy and the good guy always wins. The same principle applies when you compare Black Magic and white magic.

White magic means good magic. You use this kind of magic to do some good in this society while using techniques that is harmless to either you or the others.

Because there is always two sides to a medal, you have black magic. When you think black magic, you think evil and doing bad things. When performing this magic, you need to conjure evil spirits.

'Sorcery & Witchcraft'
Black magic is known throughout the world as witchcraft, sorcery or any other terms associated with it. However today's society warlocks or witches don't really want to harm other people.

Today's Black Magic'
In the black magic world of today, these are the following things you might learn if you decide that you want to learn the black art.

1. Fortune telling will give you the ability to see the past and to predict the future.
2. The ancient art of divination will let you find other people's secrets.
3. Invoke a spirit to cast a spell on someone.
4. You can put a curse on someone you want to hurt
5. Evocation will give you the chance to conjure up a spirit.
6. There's a great chance that your concentration will benefit through various actions exercises.
7. Further to contrary beliefs, you can heal while you do black magic.
8. To thank or reward the spirit that helped you, you can do a ceremony

Unfortunately, in today's society people believe that black magic will be done to do bad things.

If you read about the history of black magic and you decide to compare the black magic from then and today's magic you will learn that it is not as bad as it may sound.

If you believe in magic, you will want to know more details about how today's black magic works. Furthermore, the more you read and the more you learn, you will find how black magic is not related at all to worshiping Satan.

What black magic teaches is to love yourself, love and respect nature and that everything complements themselves especially men and woman.

Finally, something will make you wonder about spells, special ceremonies and finally curses. All these elements lets you respect this noble art called magic.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Max Heindel - The Rosicrucian Mysteries
Aleister Crowley - Thumbs Up
Yogi Ramacharaka - Science Of Breath
Archmage Bob Andrews - Old Witchcraft Secrets
Aleister Crowley - His Secret Sin