Career Care Spell

The native people of California revered the oak as their "world tree," the acorn
symbolizing the cosmic egg, from which all life came, and the tree itself
symbolizing the cosmic axis, sacred to Earth Mother. The acorn represents
achievement and great effort; the oak tree represents durability, resolution,
and truth. A Thursday with a waxing moon is ideal for starting this spell.

You will need:
A green candle
A piece of green paper
2 acorns
A silver coin

On a Thursday morning, light the green candle. Close your eyes and imagine the
candle's light holding you in a safe cocoon. Write your name on a piece of
paper; followed by any ambitions you have for your career. Extinguish the
candle, and keep it to use later. For the whole of the day, keep the acorns,
silver coin, and paper in a pocket or pouch close to you. On returning home from
work, light the candle again, and pass the acorns and silver swiftly through its
flame. Wrap the acorns and silver coin in the paper and bury them in your
garden, or another favorite spot. Repeat this spell at yearly intervals for
continuing career success.

Recommended books (free to download):

Emmanuel Swedenborg - Heaven And Hell
Leo Ruickbie - Halloween Spells

Tags: aleister wicked  physician restoration england  echoes hymn robe  liber cross frog  life after death  group protestant  

Weight Loss Magick Program Spell

What good would magic be, if it could not provide for one of women's basic needs, that of losing weight? In fact it is a simple deed to perform, if a bit lengthy - but what are a few days of magic, when sometimes years of efforts, strenuous gymnastics, and suicidal diets have failed!

It might even sound too good to be true, yet true it is. And this you have to believe, as it is the only pre-requisite for this magic to work: that unconditionally you believe in it. If you are halfhearted about it, you might as well give up and take up weight-lifting instead.

For this magic you need two things: jasmine essence, and a quartz crystal.

Jasmine is the flower of femininity. (I am supposing this magic to be directed to a woman - of course men do want to lose weight too. If this is the case determine from a flower section or herb section, which plant would suit you best for this magic). Jasmine is the flower of senses, of pleasure, of physical attraction. The best suited therefore to bring you back in touch with the pleasure of being in your skin, of looking and feeling attractive, the feeling that exudes naturally from a healthy and balanced body. In fact all the responsibility for weight problems resides somewhere in the body's loss of its ability to stay balanced. Deficiencies on the emotional or mental plane are interfering with the body's natural wisdom. When its balance is impaired its happiness is lost.

Through jasmine you may magically evoke that lost sensuous joyfulness. With the crystal quartz you focus your energies on the issue at hand, and give staying power to the healing forces. Begin the process during the day, when the moon is full. Cleanse and dress yourself and sit in your magic place. Place the jasmine flowers or essence and also the quartz crystal in front of you Together With the symbols of the elements (air, fire, water and earth).

As you call the powers a different element will present itself to you, according to where the imbalance is in you. That will of course change the shape of the incantation. In this example I will use the element air - on the basis of this example you can work out the different variations.

So air is in this case the element which speaks, the power which will help you with this magic. Words belong to air magic. Now inhale the scent of the jasmine and relax deeply to ask your subconscious to give you a word - the key word for this magic. For a few minutes you are sitting with your eyes closed, thinking of nothing. When you sense your mind beginning to wander astray, touch the quartz - its magical powers will help immediately to focus your attention again.

Soon the key word will form itself in your conscious mind: in this example it is "independence". It does not matter that you Understand why this particular word should be your key word. Certainly a reason is there, your unconscious has its own deep wisdom - but it is not important that you should be consciously aware of its motives.

Every night, from the full moon to the black moon, you will rub a few drops of jasmine oil on your naked body. While doing this, let the key word "independence" stay in your mind.

As you revel in the fragrance of the jasmine, relaxing, images will come to your mind, suggestions as to how to expand on the Independence in your life. Maybe you will have a vision of yourself learning a foreign language. Following these suggestions is an essential part of this magic; if you want it to work you will have to find a way.

The quartz crystal will help you with that. If you find yourself saying, "I have too much to do, I cannot possibly fit this in, I never was good at languages anyway," etc., touch the crystal and feel its energy for a few seconds. It will immediately give you clarity and firmness of purpose, and you will be able to see what you need to do, and have the determination to do it.

Every night, before going to sleep, rub the essence on your body, and experiment with your key word. Keep the crystal with you at all times for this period - to touch it whenever you feel that you need to do so.

Thanks to the magic of the flower, of the crystal, and of the key word given to you by the power air, a deep change will start in this period. A change which will enable you to regain your natural balance, and the grace and beauty that go with it.

You also may enjoy this free books:

Ot Oss - Psilocybin Magic Mushroom Growers Guide
Solomonic Grimoires - The Magic Of Armadel
Joseph Ennemoser - The History Of Magic Vol 2
Anonymous - White Magic Spells

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

Stead Hallowing Spell Norse Tradition

This is a stead hallowing Spell in the Norse tradition.

.....
When Mostr's hairy Hrolf was led,
By mighty Thor, his Friend, Godspeed,
'Cross churning white-capped Ocean wide,
To Stafa's banks to Thorsa's side.
...
VingThor shewed Mostrarskegg the way,
Who Hymir's monstrous brood did slay,
Great Thor Who drove from Oeger's stead,
The Blasphemer Who fearful fled.
.....
T'was Thor by Grace and magic spell,
Led Hrolf to Holy Helgafell.
The godhi marked with burning brand,
The borders of his Godgiftland.
....
By Goddess-power and God's own might,
He hallowed thus the holy site,
That nought profane might e'er pollute,
Nor leet nor thing nor sacred Blot.
......
In manner like by Eordhe's Grace,
And Thor's hot power, I mark this place,
And in Thor's name, all bane and doubt,
By Magic Rune, I banish out.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Tarostar - The Witchs Spellcraft Revised
John Dee - Enochian Magic Spanish Translation
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
Ross Arthur - English Old Norse Dictionary
The Troth - Welcome To The Troth Honoring The Northern Tradition

Some Thoughts On Ceremony And Ritual Magic

There is much confusion and substantial posturing on the subject of ritual magic. Sadly, there is also considerable ignorance and prejudice…not only from opponents such as fundamental religionists, by from proponents who have a personal vested interest, an axe to grind, a dogma, a favourite writer or teacher to praise. So into this tangled and heated maze, I intend to briefly venture. When I do so, I will try to avoid some of the standard explanations and dogmatic statements about “what magic is”, as you can find them repeated, often thoughtlessly copied from one another, in many books.

The simplest way to begin is to consider not what ritual and ceremony are today, but what they were in the ancestral cultures. Why so? Because much of our attitude toward magic, friendly or hostile, is conditioned by our living in a post-Christian modernist culture. If we can step aside, so to speak, and look for a moment at a collective consciousness untrammelled uninhibited and unconditioned by Christianity, we might gain some insights. The 19th century occultists, from whom 90% of contemporary literature on magic is derived, had difficulty making this step. They were either reverent towards the conditioned Judeo-Christian worldview despite their occultism, or they were in extreme (even childish) reaction against it. Today, in the 21st century, and as a result of their pioneering work, their suffering and genius in some cases, we are now less conditioned, and, hopefully, more aware that the world is very different to that of either religious or modernist propaganda.

Ceremony and Ritual in the past

Magical ceremonies were conducted in ancestral cultures for two primary purposes: to commune with and draw upon spiritual powers and presences, and to mediate and present such spiritual powers and presences to the community. The first purpose was, and still is, jealously absorbed by political religions. The second purpose is the historical origin of all theatre (including the modern film and television industry), but at a deeper level is the ultimate aim of true magical ritual.

Ideas such as “self-development”, “control of supernatural forces” and so-forth are materialistic and modern. All ancestral magic, be it formal and complex such as the ancient Mysteries of the classical or Egyptian civilisations, or the relatively simple folkloric magic of the ordinary people, was deeply involved in ideas such as participation, relationship, transformation through interaction, and, especially, with the resonance of spiritual forces out to the greater world. The now popular concepts of the isolated would-be-superman, who changes things according to his will, or the elite occult group that influences politics and money, came into shape in the 19th century, and have continued in various forms to this day. Most of these are either a) fiction, or b) egocentric wishful thinking.

What is a ritual?

A ritual is a pattern, comprising words, movement, sounds, and intentional content such as clothing, implements, and a wide range other factors. The two key concepts are pattern and intentional content. The most important consideration, however, is that this ritual pattern is shared between humans and other beings…humans and spiritual beings. You cannot have magic without the harmonious exchange between humanity and other orders of life. A ritual, a ceremony, is a special pattern that enables this exchange.

There are of course, two modes of magic, co-operative and coercive. In this article, we are discussing co-operative magic. Similar principles apply to both modes. However, I have never grasped the sense of a type of magic in which humans attempt to force powerful spiritual beings (more powerful than the human ritualists) to do their will. Does this not seem to be absurd…not to mention childish and illogical?

When is a ceremony not a ritual?

In some sense we could define any intentional gathering as a ritual or ceremony. But what distinguishes a magical ritual is that the intention always involves spiritual beings. They may be ancestors, faery races, gods or goddesses, trans-human beings compassionate to humanity, the spirits of the living creatures in nature (often rather loosely called totem animals), or conscious entities from remote metaphysical dimensions. If they, whoever they may be, are not part of our ritual, it is not magic. It is merely an empty ceremony.

A ritual and a ceremony are essentially the same thing. The ceremony is the outer form, while the ritual is the magical pattern-making. Hence the popular modern definition that “ceremonial magic” is the complex stuff with fat scripts, many implements and much arm-waving, while other forms of ritual are somehow more direct or simple. This is not true, of course, but is widely published. A very simple ceremony lasting a minute or two, such as placing an offering of wine upon a dedicated stone, can be a powerful and complex ritual involving humans, spirit beings, forces of nature, ancestral consciousness, stellar awareness! Do not be fooled by props…or propped by fools.

Magic for the future

Some years ago, during a famous interview, the late Robert Graves was challenged by a religious presenter, regarding Graves’ interpretation of myth and history. Graves responded that there are three ages or eras: first that of matriarchy, or of the collective past, then that of patriarchy or of the collective present, and, next, the age of magic. For Graves, the age of Magic was that which is about to come into being, as humanity evolves from the polarisations of female and male, and becomes androgyne. But he was also referring, more immediately, to contemporary liberation from religious stereotypes, and the increased opening of spiritual imagination and awareness. Being both a poet and a satirist, Graves then floored the smug presenter by saying (something like) “But you sir do not know the difference between magic and necromancy, so there is nothing further we can talk about”.

I doubt if anyone can improve upon Graves’ definition that Magic is always of the future. Through ritual and ceremony we create new interactions between the metaphysical and physical realms: this is how the future is generated. It is not a simplistic linear future, but a future of many potentials. Some of those potentials do not manifest, others do, though often in a surprising manner. Ritual Magic is very close, in practice, to the theories of quantum physics, in which consciousness affects outcome of any event or series of events.

And a last word of warning

Am I going to warn you about demonic influences or drugs and magic or moral issues of sexual spells? No…that is all puerile nonsense. But I would urge you to heed this warning: we are privileged. We are privileged to be able to practice magic, in any form. I am privileged to be able to write this article, you to read it. In most parts of the world, right now, this would be illegal. It may become illegal here. Therefore, and thus far, we enact our magic, our ceremonies, and our rituals not merely for ourselves, but from a place of privilege whereupon we stand, on behalf of others. For those others who cannot, who are not, allowed to do so. Do not let your privilege and freedom be eroded. Work magic for the sake of liberation through magic.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Aleister Crowley - The Initiated Interpretation Of Ceremonial Magic
Scott Cunningham - Cunninghams Encyclopedia Of Crystal Gem And Metal Magic
Walter Scott - Letters On Demonology And Witchcraft
Arthur Edward Waite - The Book Of Ceremonial Magic

Paganism And Magical Traditions

One of the most fascinating discoveries of my life has been that most of what we are accustomed to call spirituality would have been meaningless to our ancestors. By spirituality I mean the entire range, orthodox religion, New Age alternatives, and revival paganism and magical arts. This conclusion did not come easily, nor was it a sudden revelation: it crept up on me over the years, as a result of research, study, and inner experience. Many of my suspicions have been confirmed through long talks with elders from tribal cultures around the world, with whom it was possible to compare contemporary ethnic practices and shamanism to the modern artificial substitutes so widely sold . In Ireland, it seems clear that the traditional wisdom of the elders, handed down by word of mouth, through songs and stories, is often radically different to “Celtic revival” modern spirituality.

Most recently I have been impressed (though not always convinced) by the writing of Ronald Hutton, a British academic who has explored many aspects of both historical and revival paganism. Hutton challenges some of the basic modern assumptions about ancient paganism and old religions in a thought provoking manner. Thus he also challenges many of the foundations of revival paganism (His books include: The pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles : Their Nature and Legacy and The Triumph of the Moon : A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft).

In some my own books over the last 20 years or so, I have explored the practical, transformative, magical effect of working with the UnderWorld, the older spiritual traditions of the sacred Earth, and how to make such traditions vivid and contemporary for us today (These include:The UnderWorld Initiation; Earth Light; Power Within the Land; The Living World of Faery). In many ways I consider historic accuracy to be essential, but it need not be the ultimate goal. Historical accuracy in restoring old spiritual traditions is less important than effective inner transformation: if it works, well and good; if it don’t work, don’t do it.

Remember that some of the material in older traditions is totally unworkable and inappropriate; we do not have mate with a mare (as reported in the 12th century by Giraldus Cambrensis) to tap into an ancient Irish tradition of sacred kingship and fertility. We do not need to sacrifice a bull and wrap ourselves in the skin in order to gain prophetic visions (another ritual reported in the Middle Ages) . These old practices are historically significant, but invalid or inappropriate for 21st century people. I merely cite these dramatic examples as obvious methods that are historically reported, but not necessary today. Many other lesser examples could be discussed, but we do not have the space in a short article of this sort.

Yet we do need a consistent accuracy in our understanding of ancestral history, mythology, legends. If we do not do our homework, we can easily become lost in a morass of trivia and wishful thinking. What has happened, of course, is a series of fakes, fads, and fashions, from the 18th century to the present day. Today there is so much fantasy, falsehood, and fakery in publication on ancestral magic and pagan practices that we need rigorous application and research more than ever.

In my lifetime, and during my own career working and recording with Irish musicians, Celtic tradition and music has become ruthlessly emasculated and utterly pulverized by commercial interests. Finding accurate information is not an easy task, but the solid basics are defined in a small number of trustworthy reference sources…the rest is down to common sense and inspiration (in that order).

I should add one mildly uncomfortable fact about Celtic tradition (as the examples I quoted above come from Ireland and Scotland): there are many hundreds of ancient manuscripts, especially in Ireland, that have not been translated. There are far more medieval Irish and Latin Texts unassessed untranslated and unpublished than there are in print. A strong voice on this subject is the Irish writer John Minahane (The Christian Druids, on the filid or philosopher- poets of Ireland ), who, like Ronald Hutton, takes a fresh look at old material, and scoffs at many of the assumptions that we have inherited. Like most modern writers, I have used the trusted translations and sources, with a lot of individual research, retranslation, and so forth. But on dark storm tossed nights, I awaken suddenly and scream “ What if…what if…all those other Irish, Welsh, and European source materials, actually tell us something different ? What if they all say that the UnderWorld was the propaganda of only a few druids in a remote part of Kerry ?” I suppose we can always assert that these new translations are forgeries, or suppress them somehow. That’s the usual method.

Some of my own inspirations and insights have come through visions while living on a powerful sacred site: others came through my early teachers at a time when esoteric training was still hidden and secretive in Britain. And, as must always be the case, I have developed my understanding through long study, research, consideration and comparison. But ultimately, in spiritual arts or disciplines, it is only the doing that counts, not the reading about, writing about, or thinking about.

We do not have to accept everything in a religion or in an old tradition to respect its inner truths.

Like many other people in Western culture, I absorbed certain typical ideas in childhood: mostly of the kind that tell us that spirit is elevated, up there, in the light. Later I found that these ideas, so ingrained in our culture, were the decadent end of a propaganda program, started by political religions, by the various branches of Christianity, but also found in Judaism, and in Islam.

Now I am not going to waste your precious reading time bashing these religions, as many people have done this, often with justification. I think that there are truths and insights in all orthodox religions, Western or Eastern, and that these truths are good, valid, and trustworthy. But… and this is the big one, we do not have to accept everything in a religion in order to respect its deep inner truths. Indeed the deep truths are often in conflict with the politicized dogma, for the deep truths are eternal, unbound by time and history, and have no connection to human power plays or politics.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Konstantinos - Summoning Spirits The Art Of Magical Evocation
Malcolm Mcgrath - Practical Magickal Evocation
Jeffrey Spier - Medieval Byzantine Magical Amulets And Their Tradition
Marcus Bottomley - Nine Proven Magical Rites
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition

Celtic Tradition Gives Us A Model Of Underworld Religion And Magic

Celtic tradition gives us a fine model of UnderWorld sacro-magical understanding and practices . It is not a coherent model or a “complete system”, as this notion of completeness is entirely modern; instead it is diffuse, organic, prolific, protean. The Celtic model serves as an example to demonstrate traditions which are found world wide; all spiritual and magical traditions begin with the UnderWorld. All entrances to, and passages within, the earth were sacred: caves, wells, springs, gorges, chasms, volcanic craters. Each had its story, myth, or spiritual presence. (Classic reference sources are Dr Ann Ross: pagan Celtic Britain ; Alwyn and Brinley Ress: Celtic Heritage) We find such traditions worldwide, at the root of every religion, dating from older times before that religion was founded and formalized. Often they are disguised, as in the typical examples of local saints at ancient sacred sites, who were once gods and goddesses of the shrines. Ireland, most of all, still lives and breathes her own version of this ancient wisdom.

The legends that have been handed down in ancient texts, and in oral traditions, all relate to themes of transformation and growth through the powers of the UnderWorld, and not through the influence of the sun and sky. Sometimes such themes are on a large scale, the appearances of races, orders of life, mountains, rivers, oceans and so forth. Sometimes they are embodied in the life story of one individual…or of a group of people on a journey. After certain mythic characters have traveled through the UnderWorld, they often find a resting place among the stars: but the UnderWorld of Earth comes first. (Many examples are found in Robert Graves, Greek Myths)

The Cauldron of Regeneration, so central to Irish and Celtic legends is nothing less than the regenerative power of the Land, of the Planet Earth herself. Nothing could be more important for us today than a sense that the Earth is sacred, and a source of spiritual power. Indeed, we must return to this: it is our greatest and most redemptive truth. The time for either materialist indifference or ethereal escapism is over and the time for realization is upon us. Kill the earth, and we kill ourselves.

So what about the Light ? In the pagan myths and legends, and in folk tales that persisted well into historical times, the UnderWorld which includes but is not limited to the Faery Realm, is a Place of Light. To reach this Light, we pass first through essential nourishing darkness, sacred to the Dark Goddess who is known by many names. As the Qabalistic writer Dion Fortune said : we can only come to the White Isis by way of the Black Isis.

This process of finding light within the Earth, after passing through darkness, is also one of inner regeneration for the individual. When the spiritual consciousness is told that divinity, that the Source, is “up there” and a long way away, we become closed to the nearest source of light, grace, healing, regeneration, which is just beneath our feet. This source of Earth light rises through the body, and energizes our inner meditations, our vitality, our own individual UnderWorld of consciousness, imagination, spirit. If only we pay attention to it.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Robert Ellwood - The Encyclopedia Of World Religions
Eliphas Levi - The Ritual Of Transcendental Magic
Parker Torrence - The Craft Grimoire Of Eclectic Magic

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

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

Intellectual Exploration In Magic

I am motivated by a quest for knowledge, that is, by curiosity. I'm an intellectual type and I like to be able to formulate clear ideas about things. My spiritual experiences are very hard for me to understand. I don't even have a good concept of the scope of the subject. What is the spiritual? Is it a group of psychological faculties? Or an arbitrary semantic convention that conflates dissimilar phenomena? Is it a value judgment masquerading as an observational category? Or does it indicate some underlying psychological or metaphysical reality around which we revolve, whether we know it or not?

I can't answer these questions. They may not ultimately be answerable, because spirituality seems to take us outside the realm of reason. However, by doing ritual and meditation by myself and with others, and observing in a phenomenological mode - that is, accepting mental phenomena as real without regard to their accuracy or defensibility - I feel that I am getting closer to understanding parts of the continuum of spirituality. At least I am asking better questions than I used to. My curiosity about the spiritual has become a goal in its own right, whether or not this curiosity furthers my own spiritual development; the spirit has become a subject for psychology.

Largely as a result of my interest in spiritual experience, I have become interested in related subjects, such as the history of Occultism and the social dynamics of spiritual groups. I find that spiritual practice and group membership provide useful resources and observational opportunities to further these studies.

This is all very interesting, at least to me, but by itself it is only "the dogs of reason." There is more.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Phil Hine - Aspects Of Evocation
Phil Legard - An Approach To The Operation Of The Arbatel Of Magic
Melita Denning - The Foundations Of High Magick
Eliphas Levi - The Ritual Of Transcendental Magic
John Coughlin - Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick

Black And White Magick

Witcraft magick is sometimes categorized as "white," "gray" or "black." Many of us believe magick is not black, white or gray. It is in the heart of the witch; meaning magick is magick and you send out whatever energies and intent that you choose. Negative energy attracts negative energy and the same goes with positive. That is for any soul, witch or not.

One of the most important reasons untrained/uninformed people should use EXTREME caution when performing a spell is due to interference. Reminds you of football, right? Well, it is actually the same concept. One must take the time to realize every single situation or person that may cause interference to your intent. Such an event can cause negative or even tragic results. Here is an example to clarify this. Say you do a spell to attract money into your life. Unless you specify in detail HOW you wish to obtain money, you may send out energies into the universe that may result in you receiving money due to an inheritance or insurance policy. Get it? Maybe your house will burn down or you wind up in a car accident. Also, regarding money spells, never ask for more than what you really need. Never be greedy. Don't do a spell to win the $20 million lottery. Besides, you are highly unlikely to be successful. Be realistic and fair. Always give something back to the universe when asking for something. Plant a tree, make a charitable donation or even simply be kinder to others in the world. We should all do things like that whether asking for anything.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Aleister Crowley - White Stains
Amber K - The Basics Of Magick
Anonymous - White Magic Spells

If You Think You Are Ready To Be Wiccan

you can "dedicate" yourself to Wicca in a simple, private Wiccan Circle. By tradition, you can then call yourself a Dedicant. You won't be an Initiate yet; that comes after you've reached a certain level of knowledge and maturity. Don't worry about when; it'll happen when it's time.

Gather about you symbols for Air, Fire, Water and Earth, to represent the balance of nature. Since the elements are already all around us, you can use whatever is handy, such as incense or a feather for air, a candle or an electric light for fire, a water dish or a picture of the ocean for water, salt or some backyard soil for earth. (If safety is an issue, you don't need to use real fire to represent fire.)

Traditionally we place Air in the east, Fire in the south, Water in the west and Earth in the north. You can, however, put them where you want to, so long as it feels balanced. You can also add statues, pictures, flowers, poems or just about anything else that has spiritual meaning for you.

Then either walk or swing your arm around in a deosil (clockwise) circle three times and say or think "thrice I cast this circle 'round, sacred is this holy ground." This is how you close a circle, creating a magical working area, which we call A World Between Worlds. It puts you in a separate place from your surroundings, yet also recognizes that all "places" on Mother Earth are sacred.

Then ask the Gods to listen to your dedication (don't worry, they'll hear you.) Read out a statement in your own words that you wish to study Wicca, why you wish to do so, and that you promise to follow the Rede. When you're finished, thank the Gods for their presence. Then open the circle by going three times widdershins (counterclockwise). This returns both you and your working area back to the "mundane" world.

Now you're a formal student of Wicca, learning in your own way, at your own pace. Some people study Wicca by reading and practicing alone, some by working with teachers, some by having experienced friends and some by combinations of the above. Do what's best for you.

If you have an interest in other religions, you can still attend Christian or other services, explore different faiths or even join other churches and still be a Wiccan. You can also stop studying Wicca anytime you wish. You're always the master of your own soul.

Some teachers have been known to charge a fee for formal classes in Wicca, and I won't pre-judge them, but some of us old-timers believe that the wisdom of the Gods should be shared freely, and that the honor of passing the flame to another seeker is the greatest reward that any Wiccan can receive.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Anonymous - Reaching Out To Wiccans
Everfool - You Know You Are A Chaote When

Family And Friends Of Young Wiccan

may be experiencing some problems accepting your new-found faith. After all, it isn't every day you tell your loved ones that you want to practice Witchcraft. But your situation isn't unique. Most of us have felt the sense of spiritual isolation that you're going through, so know that even when you feel like nobody understands you, you're never really alone. It's tough being a kid when your heart hears a different song, but remember that even if they don't understand you, they still love and care for you. So keep the lines of communication open; someday you may all be surprised at how close you really are.

My name is Bragi, I've been a Wiccan for over two decades, and believe me, my teen years had some pretty surprising moments of their own. I suddenly left Christianity behind me at the age of 13, in quiet and non-hostile way; every soul has its own path to follow, and I just didn't believe in Jesus anymore. At 18 my mother tossed me out of the house, not because of Wicca or Paganism (I was an agnostic at that time), but because her boyfriend and I didn't get along.

A year later I happened to run across a book about Wicca, and so discovered that there really were people in the Western world who still practiced the Paganism of our ancestors. It felt so right that I immediately "came home" to the Old Gods of nature and magic, and thereafter called myself a Pagan. Another year later I finally met up with some kindred spirits with whom I could study Wicca and worship. The rest, as they say, is history.

Five years later I returned home to see my mother again. You can imagine the mutual surprise when, in the same conversation, I came out to her as a Witch and she came out to me as Gay! Well, we knew that we both loved each other very much, so we chose to accept each other as we were and had a good laugh over it. After that we got along pretty well.

If your parents are reading this...

they may raise an eyebrow over words like "Witchcraft", "Golden-Horned" and "Gay". Like everybody else, we Pagans have families of our own, and share many of the same hopes and fears that your family does. The above story, for instance, is meant to illustrate how family members should accept each another despite their differences. Among us you will find almost as wide a range of opinions concerning relationship issues as among non-Pagans, but mostly we believe that people should act towards one another responsibly and with respect.

Also, Wicca neither believes in nor worships a "devil"; the Golden Horned God of the Hunt symbolizes life and the glory of nature. His worship comes from the rituals of stone age priests, who wore horned headresses during prayers and ceremonies to improve their tribe's luck in the hunt (by the way, some Wiccans are vegetarians.) This misconception comes from the Middle Ages, when the early Christian fathers sought to portray Paganism in a negative way by describing our Gods as demons, in order to frighten people into joining the Church.

Do other people call us Witches? Yes, and we make no apologies for it; to us it's an honorable word. Do we call ourselves Witches? Yes and no. Some call themselves both Wiccan and Witch, while some prefer to call themselves only Wiccan. There are also Witches who aren't part of Wicca, and their beliefs, traditions and practices are sometimes very different from ours.

The word "Witchcraft" was originally the Middle English pronunciation of the Old English word "Wiccacraft". "Wicca" in Old English literally means "to bend or twist". The early Wiccans were basically old Wise Women and Wise Men, schooled in herbal medicine and folk psychology, familiar with the ways of the local Gods and spirits, and skilled in the arts of spell-casting. You might say that they bent the forces of nature to their will.

Today our Craft is subtle and intuitive, found in forest groves and cyberspace, and guided by new visions and ancient wisdom. Our women and girls live confident and magical lives, for in the Goddess they now have a God made in their image, too. Our men and boys live by the twin horns of brave spirit and gentle heart; from such are born the heroes of legend.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Anonymous - Reaching Out To Wiccans
Keith Thomas - Civility And The Decline Of Magic

What Is Metal Magick

Metal magick is based on the innate power of metals and on the symbolism derived from astrology. Metals also have healing properties, especially in their homeopathic form. As you will see the metals are connected with a planet, one or more astrological signs, and most of them are associated with a day of the week. It is best to work for instance Sun-gold-related magick on Sunday, or start it on a Sunday when it has to be performed on successive days. For magick all metals can be replaced by silver or gold.


Books You Might Enjoy:

Aristotle - Metaphysics
Melita Denning - Mysteria Magica Book V
Amber K - The Basics Of Magick
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Aleister Crowley - Magick

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

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

Moon Phase Magic

Each phase of the moon has its own special correspondences. From the Cold Moon of January through the warmth of summer's Blessing Moon, to the final Long Nights Moon in December, each month has distinct characteristics -- herbs, elements, gemstones and even trees associated with each phase of the moon.

Every full moon is surrounded by legends and lore of its own. Learn about the monthly full moons that emerge each year, and the magical correspondences for each.

Moon Phase Names in the Southern Hemisphere

If you live in the southern hemisphere, your moon phases will be different from the ones on traditional neo-Pagan calendars. Here's how you can calculate the name of the moon cycle if you live south of the Equator.

Cold Moon

The chill of January brings us the Cold Moon, which reminds us that winter still has a few more months to go. Also called the Wolf Moon, this is a time when our bodies are a bit sluggish, and we need to put some effort into magical workings.

Quickening Moon

February's Quickening Moon brings us a time reflection and quiet, and we can use this phase to make plans for our future, knowing that spring will soon be coming.

Storm Moon

March rolls in like a lion, and brings with it the Storm Moon. Despite the chill in the air, by the end of the month, the signs of spring and new life are on their way.
Wind Moon -- April's Magical Seed Moon
April starts off wild and wet, and by the time it's over, the air has been reduced to gentle breezes that carry seeds around the earth. Learn about April's Wind Moon, and the magic that goes along with it.

Flower Moon

In the merry month of May, the soil warms up enough that we can begin planting. In addition to our garden, we can work on nourishing our souls and hearts. Learn about May's Flower Moon and its fiery magical associations.

Strong Sun Moon

Summer is when we see the longest days of the year, so it's no surprise that June's lunar phase is called the Strong Sun Moon. Learn about the earthy magical connections of this moon cycle.

Blessing Moon

July's full moon is known as the blessing moon, and is associated with certain herbs, trees, and deities.

Corn Moon

August's Corn Moon brings about a time of harvesting and preparation for the coming winter.

Harvest Moon

In September, we celebrate the Harvest Moon. It's a time of hearth and home, as we prepare for the coming cold months of winter.

Blood Moon

October's Blood Moon brings with it cool, clear nights and the knowledge that winter is around the corner. It's also a time for spiritual growth, because it's when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest.

Mourning Moon

In November, the Mourning Moon is upon us, and we can use the energy of this moon phase to shed last year's baggage and celebrate new beginnings.

Long Nights Moon

December's cold brings us the Long Nights Moon, which is a good time to evaluate the ordeals and trials in our lives. If you're already made it through the darkness, share your good fortune with others.

For many Pagans and Wiccans, the cycles of the moon are important to magical workings. It's believed in some traditions that the waxing moon, the full moon, the waning moon and the new moon all have their own special magical properties, and so workings should be planned accordingly. If your tradition follows these guidelines -- or if you think you'd like to time your magic based upon the phase of the moon -- here are some tips on what sort of magic to perform during the various lunar stages:

The Waxing Moon

The waxing moon is the period during which the moon grows from dark to full. It takes approximately fourteen days for this to happen. In many magical traditions, people use this time of the moon to perform "positive" magic -- in other words, magic that draws things to you, or increases things. Some examples would include:

* A money spell
* A working to get a new job or home
* Bringing love into one's life
* Any magic related to increasing material items

The Full Moon

The full moon is the point at which we can see an entire side of the moon. For magical purposes, most wiccans and Pagans consider the full moon to include the day before and the day after a full moon, for a total of three days. If your tradition requires you to follow the phases of the moon for your magical workings, this is a good time to do rituals focused on personal growth and spiritual development. Some examples would include:

* Spells related to increasing your intuitive awareness
* Healing magic
* Rituals that connect you closely with deity, such as Drawing Down the Moon
* Any magic related to developing your magical skills

For many Wiccans and Pagans, this is also a time to celebrate with an Esbat ritual.

The New Moon

The new moon is sometimes tricky to work with because you can't always see it during this phase - it will appear as a very faint crescent of silver low on the horizon, if you can see it at all. For approximately three days during each lunar cycle, after the moon has waned, it goes dark before waxing again. In many magical traditions, this is considered a fallow time, in which one rests and rejuvenates before beginning more intense magical workings again. In other traditions, it's a time to do magic related to wish fulfillment. Some examples might include:

* Cleansing and purifying of the body and mind
* Rituals that designate sacred space
* Any magic related to inner harmony and peace

The Waning Moon

The waning moon is the period during which the moon goes from full to dark once again. Like the waxing moon phase, it lasts approximately two weeks. In many traditions of wicca and Paganism, this time of the month is used to do "baneful" magic -- that which sends away, gets rid of or destroys things you no longer wish to be burdened by. Some examples would include:

* Magic to eliminate negative or toxic people from your life
* Workings to smoothly end a relationship or job
* Rituals that banish bad habits
* Any magic related to reducing things, such as debt, illness, etc.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Marcus Bottomley - Nine Proven Magical Rites
Julian Wilde - Grimoire Of Chaos Magick

Magic Spell For Weight Loss

Whatever you might have ever thought about you not wanting to be happy and healthy in every way, dancing with life, know it isn't true.
It just seems that way sometimes.
This is a very powerful evocation of one of the greatest powers in the universe.
It WILL HELP YOU to find the strength within you need to stand up and cast off all that heaviness and sadness, anger and loneliness, shame and misery.
And it gets easier once you get the ball rolling, you know that's true.
Light a white candle in a totally dark room and speak the following invocation (you need to learn this by heart before you start but you can do that, right).

Weight Loss Spell - Venus Evocation

Venus,
Goddess of Beauty,
Goddess of women,
Goddess of love,
I evoke your power
to aid me,
to make me strong,
to fill me with your power
to help me in my purpose
to be the best
that I can be.

Venus,
Goddess of Beauty,
Goddess of women,
Godess of love,
I evoke your power
to heal me,
to cleanse me,
to charge me
with life
and love of life.

Venus,
Goddess of Beauty
Goddess of Women,
Goddess of Love,
I call you
into my life
to stand beside me
to protect me
to guide me
towards beauty,
and love.

SFX 2006

Look into the candle flame and see yourself in the future, of the right age, BEING HAPPY and ALIVE (which is MUCH more important than "being thin"!).
When you are ready, blow out the candle.
Here comes the real magic.
Anytime before you eat (and where you can), light a candle to Venus before you start.
A lot of people eat a lot of stuff and they don't get fat - it's a mystery, really.
Let the power of Venus transform your whole eating experience.
When you're done, leave a small morsel as a token offering and blow out the candle.
When you are in a place where you cannot light a candle, imagine one so strongly in your mind that you can nearly see it right there on the table in front of you and act just the same, quietly inside.
Should you feel it wearing off after a week or so, do the ORIGINAL full on evocation with the prayer above again to strengthen it even more.

This is very powerful, it really does work and YOU deserve to be happy, and alive ABSOLUTELY.

Blessed be,

StarFields

A Further Note: Weightloss is also about changing the way you eat and what you eat, AND what attitude you have when you're eating.
That's the practical side of weightloss, and this is a place where this spell and the Goddess Venus can come to the rescue.
For example, if you are getting those feelings inside that tell you that you need to eat to relieve them, what really helps is to say:

Venus, Goddess of Beauty,
Goddess of Love,
Goddess of Women, Goddess of Power, STAND BY ME!
Help me, change me,
make me right, make me bright!
Transform me in your image
This is my will.


... or words to that effect, so that the *energy* of the Goddess Venus can flow through you and really, truly, CHANGE you, help you change what needs to be changed so you can be healthy, flowing, beautiful in the truest sense of the word.
Do this all the time, like a mantra, it makes A LOT of difference, you'll see!

* A further update:
I have had *a lot* of feedback from people saying they LOVE this and how much it has helped them, especially in dark nights when you are all alone and feel you need to comfort eat, but also when you are out and about and get the sense that others are judging you.
One young lady from the US told me that it had really helped her with GUILT over having eaten at all! This can only be for the best, that's for sure.
This invocation and the idea to call on Venus particularly for help with weightloss/being more beautiful and more healthy was delivered to me in the old fashioned shamanic "flash of an insight" in response to the original request. I don't know if this works for men, I suspect it is very specific for women of all ages, for the essence of Venus is - WOMAN. I'll see if I can find something similar for men, and I guarantee it won't be Mars, either ...

Books You Might Enjoy:

Aleister Crowley - Eight Lectures On Yoga
Aleister Crowley - Rights Of Man
Aj Drew - Wicca Spellcraft For Men

How To Make A Magic Staff

Making a staff can be very rewarding and can be used to mark either progression or initiation along a pagan/wiccan path

Things You'll Need

* Knife or a similar carving utensils
* Long stick (Bamboo would be best)
* Magical decorations
* Adhesive material for attaching decorations

Steps

1. Get a stick. Make sure it is long. It does not have to be straight, but it should be at the minimum as tall as you, or taller.Do not choose just any stick. Have a good look around. Pick up more than one. Balance it in your hand. Feel its energy. You will know which one is for you when it feels right.

2. Give it a special name. It is your magical staff and it belongs to you , its name can be its magical bond with you or just any old.But don't ask me because its your choice.

3. Get a carving knife or a similar item to shape the staff if you decide it needs shaping. You may just wish to simply strip the bark off it or to keep the knotty wooden look. The style is totally up to you.

4. Decorate it. Any decoration is up to you. You can have many decorations or no decorations. The choice is yours and yours only.

5. When you are done making your staff it is wise to let it gain power for three days under a full moon. Let its energy grow. Let it bond with you. Remember, a Staff is an extension of you and your life. Make sure that it is well taken care of, or it will unwind its magical bond with you and your magic staff will be magic no more.

Tips

* Magical decorations can include:
o Feathers
o Glitter
o Nail polish marks (the glowing/luminescent sorts are great for this)
o Sequins or craft jewels
o Tie string on the top and attach lucky beads or something special to you
o If you feel called to do so, go ahead and use a strong glue to glue a hawk feather or crystal to the top. Remember, this is your staff so it should reflect who you are. Add what you wish to add.
* A good Choice Of Wood Is something such as Apple, or Cherry you can try hardwoods for a more ornate look

Warnings

* Make sure you don't hit anyone when waving your staff about!
* Do NOT rip a stick off a live tree. This is cruelty to nature and it is wrong. This tree is divine and a living creature. Imagine if someone came and ripped off your arm to use as a sword!
* Be careful when you are carving, a stick can be replaced but an arm can't.


Books You Might Enjoy:

Kenneth Grant - Magical Revival
George Robert Stowe Mead - A Mithraic Ritual
Robert Wang - The Qabalistic Tarot
Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love

Witch Warlock And Magician Historical Sketches Of Magic And Witchcraft

Book: Witch Warlock And Magician Historical Sketches Of Magic And Witchcraft by William Henry Davenport Adams

The following pages may be regarded as a contribution towards that 'History of Human Error' which was undertaken by Mr. Augustine Caxton. I fear that many minds will have to devote all their energies to the work, if it is ever to be brought to completion and, indeed, it may plausibly be argued that its completion would be an impossibility, since every generation adds something to the melancholy record "pulveris exigui parva munera". However this may be, little more remains to be said on the subjects which I have here considered from the standpoint of a sympathetic though incredulous observer. Alchemy, Magic, Witchcraft — how exhaustively they have been investigated will appear from the list of authorities which I have drawn up for the reader's convenience.

They have been studied by adepts and by critics, as realities and as delusions ; and almost the last word would seem to have been said by Science — though not on the side of the adepts, who still continue to dream of the Hermetic philosophy, to lose themselves in fanciful pictures, theurgic and occult, and to write about the mysteries of magic with a aimplicitj of faith which we may wonder at, but bound to respect.

It has not been my purpose, in the present volume, to attempt a General History of magic and alchemy, or ii scientific inquiry into their psychological aspects. I have confined myself to a sketch of their progress in I England, and to a narrative of the lives of our principal magicians. This occupies the first part. The second is devoted to an historical review of witchcraft in Great Britain, and an Examination into the most remarkable Witch-Trials, in which I have endeavoured to bring out their peculiar features, presenting much of the evidence adduced, and in some cases the socalled Confessions of the victims, in the original language. I believe that the details, notwithstanding the reticence imposed upon me by considerations of delicacy and decorum, will surprise the reader, and that he will readily admit the profound interest attaching to them, morally and intellectually. I have added a chapter on the 'Literature of Witchcraft', which, I hope, is tolerably exhaustive, and now offer the whole as an effort to present, in a popular and readable form, the result of careful and conscientious study extending over many years. (W. H. D. A.)

Download William Henry Davenport Adams's eBook: Witch Warlock And Magician Historical Sketches Of Magic And Witchcraft

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

George Lincoln Burr - New England Place In The History Of Witchcraft
Charles Webber - Old Naumkeag An Historical Sketch Of The City Of Salem
William Henry Davenport Adams - Witch Warlock And Magician Historical Sketches Of Magic And Witchcraft Ocr Version
William Henry Davenport Adams - Witch Warlock And Magician Historical Sketches Of Magic And Witchcraft