51 Spiritual Spells from Practical Witches
51 Spiritual Spells from Practical Witches
Included in this list of 51 Spiritual Spells
- 7 Day Candle Love Spell
- Communication with your Spirit Guide
- Contact the Deceased
- 13 Goals of a Witch
- Basic Esbat Information
- Glossary Terms of the Craft
- Brief Herbal Lesson
- Ritual Work I
- Witches Rede of Chivalry
- Basic Sabbat Lore
#1 - 7 Day Candle Love Spell
A 7 day candle spell to attract a spouse or lover.
You may need:
1 Pink Taper Candle
Candle Holder
Pin or Needle
Rose Essential Oil
Sugar
Rose Petals
Matches or Lighter
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You may need:
1 Pink Taper Candle
Candle Holder
Pin or Needle
Rose Essential Oil
Sugar
Rose Petals
Matches or Lighter
Share
The Candle:
Taper candles typically burn for 1 hour per inch of candle wax. So, a normal taper candle (which is approximately 10 - 12 inches) should burn for about 10 - 12 hours. Temperatures, humidity, and elevation can cause the burn time of the candle(s) to vary, however.
For this spell, you will need to burn your candle for 7 days, with the 7th and final day being on the night of the full moon. The idea being that the energy put into the spell and the power of the power of the waxing moon work to strengthen the power of your spell.
Candle & Burn Time Per Day:
- Day 1 - Approximately 2 hours
- Day 2 - Approximately 2 hours
- Day 3 - Approximately 2 hours
- Day 4 - Approximately 2 hours
- Day 5 - Approximately 2 hours
- Day 6 - Approximately 1 hour
- Day 7 - Approximately 1 hour
Note: Be sure to keep an eye on your candle as it burns, both to avoid in fire danger and to make sure you have enough of the candle to burn for the full 7 day time period.
The Spell:
Start by dressing your candle with the rose oil. As you work the oil into the candle’s surface, focus on your intent of drawing a spouse or lover into your life. Visualize it as vividly as you can, but try not to focus on a specific individual.
When you’re ready, use a pin or needle to etch words or phrases associated with the qualities that you want your spouse or lover to have, into the candle’s wax. Try to be as specific as you can. Some possible words include:
- Loving
- Caring
- Gentle
- Kind
- Fun Loving
- Adventurous
- Loyal and Faithful
As you etch each on into the candle, focus on each one and try to visualize this in your mind. You can even chant the words or phrases as you etch them. This can help you build energy, as well as further focus on your intent.
When you’re done, place the candle in its holder and sprinkle the sugar and rose petals around the base. Light your candle and visualize the candle drawing your spouse or lover to you. As you do this, softly chant:
“True love is what I seek to find. I wish for a lover/spouse that is divine. I wish for romance; happiness in love and life. I seek a relationship free of strife.”
Meditate as you chant this, but again try not to focus on a specific individual.
On the 7th day, the night of the full moon, once you’ve done this, and your candle has burned out, bury the remainder of the wax, sugar, and rose petals at the base of a tree. Say a small thank you to the moon as you walk away, and be patient while you wait for your spell to work.
Note: Keep in mind, this will not drop a lover or spouse on your doorstep and it will take time to manifest. Get out. Meet new people. Have fun, and look for new opportunities that might take you to your lover or spouse.
Source for Candle Burn Time
http://www.shinodadesigncenter.net/2012/11/19/tip-of-the-day-how-long-will-a-taper-candle-burn-2/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Misanthropy
Misanthropy is a moderator / publisher, and top contributor of Spells Of Magic. She has been a member of the site for 9 years, since Apr 01, 2015
Added to
Spells Of Magic
on Jul 15, 2019
Last edited on Jan 22, 2020
Part of the Practical Witches Library.
Last edited on Jan 22, 2020
Part of the Practical Witches Library.
#2 - Communication with your Spirit Guide
This is a meditation/spell to use to communicate with your spirit guide.
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Once you're completely relaxed, visualize yourself walking down a street. The street splits off into two paths: one to the forest, and one to the city. Take the path to the forest.You enter it, and begin to notice the sensations of the forest. The liveliness, the flowers covering the grounds, the songs of the birds.
Start to notice a large body of water to your right, and turn to it. Before it, lays a circle of stones. Enter the circle. Once you have done this, you will feel peace. Bliss. You are happy. Close your eyes and bask in this warmth, and happiness.
After a few minutes, you notice a shadow hovering over you. Open your eyes. When you are ready to see, you will see your spirit guide. Connect to them, get to know them. At the end, thank your spirit guide for coming to visit you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
EyesofZeus
EyesofZeus has been a member of the site for 10 years, since Jul 09, 2014
Added to
Spells Of Magic
on Oct 28, 2014
Last edited on Jan 24, 2019
Part of the Practical Witches Library.
Last edited on Jan 24, 2019
Part of the Practical Witches Library.
#3 - Contact the Deceased
This is a simple way to contact someone who has passed.
You may need:
3 white candles
a pendulum (can be a homemade)
a picture of the one you have lost
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You may need:
3 white candles
a pendulum (can be a homemade)
a picture of the one you have lost
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Put the picture of the deceased on a table. Above it hold the pendulum. Around picture put the candles and light it.
Invite the deceased, you can say something like ''(Person's name) come at me,I want to speak with you''.
Use pendulum for speak with the deceased.
At the end thanks spirit for coming.
Credit goes to Wickedspell
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
EyesofZeus
EyesofZeus has been a member of the site for 10 years, since Jul 09, 2014
#4 - 13 Goals of a Witch
These are the thirteen laws a witch should strive to live by. These are from Scott Cunningham, but is used in many a coven.
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13 Goals of a Witch
1.Know Yourself
Take time to learn about yourself. Keep daily journals as well as sleep journals. Record your thoughts, experiences during meditation, your goals and anything else you think that is important. Use your dream journal to build a base line so that you can interpret your dreams because dreams are the way our shadow self talks to us. Endeavour to heal your shadow self. Use your daily journals to understand your thoughts and motivations. In other words, step back and examine yourself, your life, your goals and what you want and who you really are.
2.Know Your Craft
Study and practice the Craft. Through exploring the different aspects and theories of the Craft you will become more adept and begin to form your own theories and practices that work best for you. Take classes offered in your area such as tarot, meditation among other things that interest you. Attend public rituals to gain insight into how others practice. Talk to other Wiccans and exchange ideas and experiences.
3.Learn
The learning never ends when you are a witch. Read and study everything that you can and never dismiss any knowledge out of hand. You never know where a revelation may be hiding.
4.Apply Knowledge with Wisdom
Use the wisdom you have gained to temper your actions. Wisdom is a gift given to the wise and the wise use their wisdom to make the best decisions available. To apply knowledge without wisdom is reckless and can be dangerous in certain situations. The truly wise never claim to know everything or claim the status as an authority or guru, because no one knows everything. Do not abuse the knowledge you have acquired.
5.Achieve Balance
Wicca is a religion of balance. We embrace the light and dark, the God and Goddess; neither is more important than the other. Both have a purpose. We are to achieve balance in our lives. Such as balance in the self, home, personal relationships, what we take from the earth and what we give back and so on. A balanced life is a good life.
6.Keep Your Thoughts in Good Order
This goal goes hand in hand with Goal 7. As a witch, your thoughts manifest reality in accordance with your will. Once you have reached a level of magical development you can set events in motion without even realising it. A disciplined mind reduces those occurrences and aids in magical works. Your thoughts manifest before words are even formed.
7.Keep Your Words in Good Order
As thoughts manifest reality in conformity to your will, so do words. Words are the verbalisation of your thoughts and therefore carry power. To not mind your words is the same as spreading chaos magically. Discipline in minding your words adds meaning to what you speak and enhances their effectiveness in magical workings as well as the mundane world.
8.Celebrate Life
This one is somewhat self-explanatory. Live your life to the fullest and make every day a celebration of life. Life is a gift from the God and Goddess and they wish us to have a good time while here. Essentially, don?t be afraid to enjoy your life.
9.Attune with the Cycles of the Earth
This is one of the basic concepts of Wicca. Our holidays, Sabbats, are based upon the Wheel of the Year, with the Wheel of the Year being based on the cycles of the Earth. We are to experience nature and understand that we are part of it, it is part of us and how it affects us. It is another mystery of Wicca that one has to experience to truly understand.
10.Breathe and Eat Correctly
This one is self-explanatory as well. We are to eat the proper foods and practice our breathing. It doesn?t mean we can?t enjoy the food we eat or occasionally indulge. What it means is that we should eat a proper diet because it will help to make our bodies healthy. A healthy body not only makes us feel better and live longer; it aids us in our magical works and makes the mundane tasks easier.
Learning to breathe correctly aids in the raising of energy, focus, stress relief and meditation.
11.Exercise the Body
This is a difficult goal for many people but it is an important one. Our bodies are wondrous things that the God and Goddess have blessed us with. We should respect the bodies we have been given and keep them in shape. A healthy body feels better both physically and emotionally. We also live longer and are less encumbered during mundane activities and magical ones as well. To exercise the body is to honour the God and Goddess.
12.Meditate
Meditation is a key skill in the working of magic. It allows us to focus our thoughts thereby focusing our will. It also helps us in our mundane life as well. It reduces stress and helps us get through our mundane tasks by being able to focus and think clearly.
13.Honour the Goddess and the God
We should honour the God and Goddess in everything we do. They are a part of us as we are a part of them. We are all connected. By honouring them we honour ourselves and our fellow humans. We also honour our Gods through rituals and celebrations. We do this because we love them and we desire to not because we fear them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ShadoWalker
ShadoWalker has been a member of the site for 16 years, since Mar 04, 2009
#5 - Basic Esbat Information
Following the Sabbats and Esbats are a very important part of a witches life. According to Raven Grimassis book The Wiccan Mysteries and Wiccan Magic following both is key to learning how to hear the voice of the wind. Where Sabbats are to honor the turning of the seasons and the Gods where no magic is normally worked, Esbats are the celebrations of the Lady and giving her honor and also when magic is worked by the coven. There are many books on Esbats and Moon Magic that you can check out, but the following is the basics that most witches use. The following are the Full Moons and I will post the Dark Moons later.
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Wolf Moon - January
Storm Moon - February
Chaste Moon - March
Seed Moon - April
Hare Moon - May
Dyad (pair) Moon - June
Mead Moon - July
Wyrt (green plant) Moon - August
Barley Moon - September
Blood Moon - October
Snow Moon - November
Oak Moon - December
Blue Moon - variable
Wolf Moon (January)
Also known as: Quiet Moon, Snow Moon, Cold Moon, Chaste Moon, Disting Moon, Moon of Little Winter
Nature Spirits: gnomes, brownies
Herbs: marjoram, holy thistle, nuts, cones
Colors: brilliant white, blue-violet, black
Flowers: snowdrop, crocus
Scents: musk, mimosa
Stones: garnet, onyx, jet, chrysoprase
Trees: birch
Animals: fox, coyote
Birds: pheasant, blue jay
Deities: Freyja, Inanna, Sarasvati, Hera, Ch'ang-O, Sinn
Power Flow: sluggish, below the surface; beginning and conceiving. Protection, reversing spells. Conserving energy by working on personal problems that involve no one else. Getting your various bodies to work smoothly together for the same goals.
Ice Moon (February)
Also known as: Storm Moon, Horning Moon, Hunger Moon, Wild Moon, Red & Cleansing Moon, Quickening Moon, Solmonath (Sun Month), Big Winter Moon
Nature Spirits: house faeries, both of the home itself and of house plants
Herbs: balm of Gilead, hyssop, myrrh, sage, spikenard
Colors: light blue, violet
Flowers: primrose
Scents: wisteria, heliotrope
Stones: amethyst, jasper, rock crystal
Trees: rowan, laurel, cedar
Animals: otter, unicorn
Birds: eagle, chickadee
Deities: Brigit, Juno, Kuan Yin, Diana, Demeter, Persephone, Aphrodite
Power Flow: energy working toward the surface; purification, growth, healing. Loving the self. Accepting responsibility for past errors, forgiving yourself, and making future plans.
Storm Moon (March)
Also known as: Seed Moon, Moon of Winds, Plow Moon, Worm Moon, Hrethmonath (Hertha's Month), Lentzinmanoth (Renewal Month), Lenting Moon, Sap Moon, Crow Moon, Moon of the Snowblind
Nature Spirits: Mer-people, Air and Water beings who are connected with spring rains and storms
Herbs: broom, High John root, yellow dock, wood betony, Irish moss
Colors: pale green, red-violet
Flowers: jonquil, daffodil, violet
Scents: honeysuckle, apple blossom
Stones: aquamarine, bloodstone
Trees: alder, dogwood
Animals: cougar, hedgehog, boar
Birds: sea crow, sea eagle
Deities: Black Isis, the Morrigan, Hecate, Cybele, Astarte, Athene, Minerva, Artemis, Luna
Power Flow: energy breaks into the open; growing, prospering, exploring. New beginnings; balance of Light and Dark. Breaking illusions. Seeing the truth in your life however much it may hurt.
Growing Moon (April)
Also known as: Hare Moon, Seed or Planting Moon, Planter's Moon, Budding Trees Moon, Eastermonath (Eostre Month), Ostarmanoth, Pink Moon, Green Grass Moon
Nature Spirits: plant faeries
Herbs: basil, chives, dragon's blood, geranium, thistle
Colors: crimson red, gold
Flowers: daisy, sweetpea
Scents: pine, bay, bergamot, patchouli
Stones: ruby, garnet, sard
Trees: pine, bay, hazel
Animals: bear, wolf
Birds: hawk, magpie
Deities: Kali, Hathor, Anahita, Ceres, Ishtar, Venus, Bast
Power Flow: energy into creating and producing; return balance to the nerves. Change, self-confidence, self-reliance, take advantage of opportunities. Work on temper and emotional flare-ups and selfishness.
Hare Moon (May)
Also known as: Merry or Dyad Moon, Bright Moon, Flower Moon, Frogs Return Moon, Thrimilcmonath (Thrice-Milk Month), Sproutkale, Winnemanoth (Joy Month), Planting Moon, Moon When the Ponies Shed
Nature Spirits: faeries, elves
Herbs: dittany of Crete, elder, mint, rose, mugwort, thyme, yarrow
Colors: green, brown, pink
Flowers: lily of the valley, foxglove, rose, broom
Scents: rose, sandalwood
Stones: emerald, malachite, amber, carnelian
Trees: hawthorn
Animals: cats, lynx, leopard
Birds: swallow, dove, swan
Deities: Bast, Venus, Aphrodite, Maia, Diana, Artemis, Pan, Horned God
Power Flow: full creating energy; propagation. Intuition, contact with faeries and other supernatural beings. Strengthen connection with supernatural protectors and beings around you. Power flowing from the Greenwood Gods and trees.
Mead Moon (June)
Also known as: Moon of Horses, Lovers' Moon, Strong Sun Moon, Honey Moon, Aerra Litha (Before Lithia), Brachmanoth (Break Month), Strawberry Moon, Rose Moon, Moon of Making Fat
Nature Spirits: sylphs, zephyrs
Herbs: skullcap, meadowsweet, vervain, tansy, dog grass, parsley, mosses
Colors: orange, golden-green
Flowers: lavender, orchid, yarrow
Scents: lily of the valley, lavender
Stones: topaz, agate, alexandrite, fluorite
Trees: oak
Animals: monkey, butterfly, frog, toad
Birds: wren, peacock
Deities: Aine of Knockaine, Isis, Neith, Green Man, Cerridwen, Bendis, Ishtar
Power Flow: full but restful energy; protect, strengthen, and prevent. A time of Light; Earth tides are turning. Decision-making, taking responsibility for present happenings. Work on personal inconsistencies. Strengthen and reward yourself for your positive traits.
Hay Moon (July)
Also known as: Wort Moon, Moon of Claiming, Moon of Blood (because of mosquitoes), Blessing Moon, Maedmonat (Meadow Month), Hewimanoth (Hay Month), Fallow Moon, Buck Moon, Thunder Moon
Nature Spirits: hobgoblins (small, grotesque but friendly brownie-type creatures), faeries of harvested crops
Herbs: honeysuckle, agrimony, lemon balm, hyssop
Colors: silver, blue-gray
Flowers: lotus, water lily, jasmine
Scents: orris, frankincense
Stones: pearl, moonstone, white agate
Trees: oak, acacia, ash
Animals: crab, turtle, dolphin, whale
Birds: starling, ibis, swallow
Deities: Khepera, Athene, Juno, Hel, Holda, Cerridwen, Nephthys, Venus
Power Flow: relaxed energy; preparing; succeeding. Dream-work, divination, and meditation on goals and plans, especially spiritual ones.
Corn Moon (August)
Also known as: Barley Moon, Dispute Moon, Weodmonath (Vegetation Month), Harvest Moon, Moon When Cherries Turn Black
Nature Spirits: dryads
Herbs: chamomile, St. John's wort, bay, angelica, fennel, rue, orange
Colors: yellow, gold
Flowers: sunflower, marigold
Scents: frankincense, heliotrope
Stones: cat's eye, carnelian, jasper, fire agate
Trees: hazel, alder, cedar
Animals: lion, phoenix, sphinx, dragon
Birds: crane, falcon, eagle
Deities: Ganesha, Thoth, Hathor, Diana, Hecate, Nemesis
Power Flow: energy into harvesting; gathering, appreciating. Vitality, health. Friendships.
Harvest Moon (September)
Also known as: Wine Moon, Singing Moon, Sturgeon Moon, Haligmonath (Holy Month), Witumanoth (Wood Month), Moon When Deer Paw the Earth
Nature Spirits: trooping faeries
Herbs: copal, fennel, rye, wheat, valerian, skullcap
Colors: brown, yellow-green, yellow
Flowers: narcissus, lily
Scents: storax, mastic, gardenia, bergamont
Stones: peridot, olivine, chrysolite, citrine
Trees: hazel, larch, bay
Animals: snake, jackal
Birds: ibis, sparrow
Deities: Demeter, Ceres, Isis, Nephthys, Freyja, Ch'ang-O, Thoth
Power Flow: rest after labor; balance of Light and Dark. Organize. Clean and straighten up physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual clutter.
Blood Moon (October)
Also known as: Harvest Moon, Shedding Moon, Winterfelleth (Winter Coming), Windermanoth (Vintage Month), Falling Leaf Moon, Ten Colds Moon, Moon of the Changing Season
Nature Spirits: frost faeries, plant faeries
Herbs: pennyroyal, thyme, catnip, uva ursi, angelica, burdock
Colors: dark blue-green
Flowers: calendula, marigold, cosmos
Scents: strawberry, apple blossom, cherry
Stones: opal, tourmaline, beryl, turquoise
Trees: yew, cypress, acacia
Animals: stag, jackal, elephant, ram, scorpion
Birds: heron, crow, robin
Deities: Ishtar, Astarte, Demeter, Kore, Lakshmi, Horned God, Belili, Hathor
Power Flow: to let go; inner cleansing. Karma and reincarnation. Justice and balance. Inner harmony.
Blue Moon (October 27-November 1)
Also known as: Moon of the Dead, Hunting Moon, Ancestor Moon, Hunter's Moon
Nature Spirits: banshees and other beings who carry messages between worlds
Herbs: ginger, hops, wormwood, hyssop, patchouli, mugwort, nutmeg, star anise
Colors: black, white, purple
Flowers: white lily, dahlia, chrysanthemum
Scents: rosemary, dragon's blood, lilac, pine, wisteria
Stones: obsidian, onyx, Apache tear
Trees: pine, cypress, yew, elder
Animals: bat, wolf, sow, dog, snake
Birds: owls, raven, falcon
Deities: Cybele, Circe, Hel, Nephthys, Cerridwen, Horned God, Caillech, Freyja, Holda
Power Flow: release, remember; communion with the dead. Prophecy. Releasing old negative memories and emotions.
Snow Moon (November)
Also known as: Dark Moon, Fog Moon, Beaver Moon, Mourning Moon, Blotmonath (Sacrifice Month), Herbistmanoth (Harvest Month), Mad Moon, Moon of Storms, Moon When Deer Shed Antlers
Nature Spirits: subterranean faeries
Herbs: grains of paradise, verbena, betony, borage, cinquefoil, blessed thistle
Colors: gray, sea-green
Flowers: blooming cacti, chrysanthemum
Scents: cedar, cherry blossoms, hyacinth, narcissus, peppermint, lemon
Stones: topaz, hyacinth, lapis lazuli
Trees: alder, cypress
Animals: unicorn, scorpion, crocodile, jackal
Birds: owl, goose, sparrow
Deities: Kali, Black Isis, Nicnevin, Hecate, Bast, Osiris, Sarasvati, Lakshmi, Skadi, Mawu
Power Flow: take root, prepare. Transformation. Strengthen communication with the god or goddess who seems closest to you.
Cold Moon (December)
Also known as: Oak Moon, Wolf Moon, Moon of Long Nights, Long Night's Moon, Aerra Geola (Month Before Yule), Wintermonat (Winter Month), Heilagmanoth (Holy Month), Big Winter Moon, Moon of Popping Trees
Nature Spirits: snow faeries, storm faeries, winter tree faeries
Herbs: holly, English ivy, fir, mistletoe
Colors: blood red, white and black
Flowers: holly, poinsettia, Christmas cactus
Scents: violet, patchouli, rose geranium, frankincense, myrrh, lilac
Stones: serpentine, jacinth, peridot
Trees: pine, fir, holly
Animals: mouse, deer, horse, bear
Birds: rook, robin, snowy owl
Deities: Hathor, Hecate, Neith, Athene, Minerva, Ixchel, Osiris, Norns, Fates
Power Flow: to endure, die, be reborn; Earth tides turning. Darkness. Personal alchemy. Spiritual paths. Reach out to friends and family, the lonely and needy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ShadoWalker
ShadoWalker has been a member of the site for 16 years, since Mar 04, 2009
#6 - Glossary Terms of the Craft
These are basic terms used in the craft. They are Copyrighted by Rowan Moonstone and Durwydd MacTara and permission has been granted to copy the terms if being used to share as lessons.
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Copyright 1992 by Rowan Moonstone and Durwydd MacTara
AKASHA- the spiritual ether (or Aether); the omnipresent
fifth occult element which embraces the other four- earth, air, fire, and water; and from which they stem. This is the
realm of ''pattern'' or causality, from which the realm the
normally thought of ''five senses manifests. Some define it
is the ''other'' of the ''two worlds'' that the witch or
magician walks between.
ARADIA- Daughter of the Goddess Diana, and a name for the
Goddess used by Italian Witches or Strega, commonly used in
many Wiccan traditions today.
ASPECTING- Any advanced magickal activity in which a practitioner manifests a particular aspect of the Goddess or God, in thought,feelings, behavior, appearance, etc. Often as a direct result of a ''Drawing Down''. Often a minor variation of this phenomena occurs with the selection of a ''Magical Name'', of Craft Name.
ASPECTS- Forms, facets, or personas of Deity: for example, Brighid, Iseult, Eos, and Kore are all aspects of the Maiden, and the Maiden is an aspect of the Goddess.
ATHAME- black handled, double edged dagger. Principally used
to cast and dissolve the circle, for which purposes it is
interchangeable with the magic sword. A tool of the ''Element'' of Fire in the Georgian Tradition and some others.
BELTANE- May Eve festival. One of the Ancient Celtic ''Fire
Festivals.'' on this night, the cattle were driven between
two bonfires to protect them from disease. Couples wishing
for fertility would '' jump the fires'' on Beltane night. Also
the traditional Sabbath where the rule of the ''Wheel of the
Year'' is returned to the Goddess. This Festival also marks
the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from
those of Maiden to Mother.
BOOK OF SHADOWS- Traditionally hand copied book of rituals,
recipes, training techniques, guidelines, and other
materials deemed important to a Witch or a coven. Each
tradition has it's own standard version of the Book and each
Witch's book will be different as he or she adds to it with
time from many different sources. Only another Witch can see
your book of shadows. Also, traditionally, it may never
leave your hands or possession until death, when it should
be destroyed, or (in some traditions) returned to the coven
to be disposed of.
BURNING TIMES- a term used by some Witches for the period of
persecution in the Middle Ages and later. It is in fact a
misnomer in some places, as Witches were only burned in
Scotland, and on the continent of Europe. In England and the
U.S., they were hanged.
CANDLEMAS- Festival held on Feb. 1. One of the 4 Celtic ''Fire Festivals. Commemorates the changing of the Goddess from the Crone to the Maiden. Celebrates the first signs of Spring. Also called ''Imbolc'' (the old Celtic name). This is the seasonal change where the first signs of spring and the return of the sun are noted, i.e. the first sprouting of leaves, the sprouting of the Crocus flowers etc. In other words, it is the festival commemorating the successful passing of winter and the beginning of the agricultural year. This Festival also marks the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from those of Crone to Maiden.
CARDINAL POINTS- North, South, East, and West, marked in the
Georgian Tradition by candles of green, red, yellow, and
blue, respectively. The Circle is drawn to connect these
four points.
CHALICE- one of the tools of the Witch. Placed on the altar
to represent the element of Water.
CHARGE OF THE GODDESS- The Traditional words of the Goddess
to her followers, or ''hidden children''. Normally declaimed
by the HPS at every coven Circle.
CIRCLE- the area in which the magickal worship and spells
takes place. Can also be used to designate a particular
group of Witches or Pagans such as ''Silver Acorn Circle''.
CONE OF POWER- power raised in the circle by the Witches
assembled, and sent out into the world to work magick, is
usually visualized as being retained and built in the form
of a ''cone'' prior to release.
COVEN- an organized group of Witches, led by a High
priestess and/or a High Priest who meet regularly for
worship and fellowship. The traditional membership is 13,
but in fact most covens number considerably less. 3 is the
minimum in the Georgian Tradition. In Middle English,
''Covin'' a group of confederates; In Old French ''Covine'' a
band or group with a single purpose; Latin ''Com''-together,
''Venire''-to come or move.
COVENSTEAD- regular meeting place for a coven. Usually the
home of the High Priestess or High Priest.
COWAN- a non-Witch. Formerly used in a very derogatory
manner. Still used in Masonic Ritual to indicate the non
initiate and/or pretender to ''real craft''. Not often used
today among most Witches.
COYOTE ENERGY- trickster energies. Named for the American
Indian Trickster, Coyote, who tricks man into learning what
he needs to learn. Applies to one who constantly jokes and
clowns. Also applies to the concept of ''Holy Fool'' in many
traditions.
CROSS QUARTER DAYS- The modern name for the Celtic Fire
Festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas.
DEOSIL- clockwise, or sunwise. Traditional direction for
working ''building'' magick.
DRAWING DOWN THE MOON- Ritual invocation of the spirit of the Goddess into the body of the High Priestess by the High
Priest.
DIVINATION- magical method of exploration or inquiry into a
situation via such methods as Tarot cards, runestones, I-Ching, etc.
ELEMENTS- Earth, air, fire, and water, plus spirit, which
includes them all. These are regarded as realms or categories of nature (both material and non-material) and are not to be confused with the physicists table of elements, which the modern witch, of course, accepts.
ESBAT- weekly or biweekly meeting of a coven. Traditionally
held either on the full moon or the new moon.
FAMILIARS- Either a Witch's pet animal which has been
trained to be a magickal helper, or an artificially
created ''elemental'' which performs the same functions as
the animal friend.
FIVEFOLD KISS, FIVEFOLD SALUTE- The Witches' ritual salute,
with kisses; (1) on each foot, (2) on each knee, (3) above
the pubic hair, (4) on each breast, and (5) on the lips-
really 8 kisses in all. It is only used within the Circle,
but the words that go with it are the origin of ''Blessed
Be.''
GARDNERIANS- Tradition of Witchcraft descended from the
teachings of Gerald Gardner.
GNOMES- an ''entity'' or ''elemental'' that dwells in the plane
of Earth or is associated with the EARTH Element.
GREAT RITE- The rite which is the main feature of the third
degree initiation, and which is also laid down for certain
festivals. It is sexual in nature, but may be actual and private to the couples concerned or symbolic, as the
participants wish.
HALLOWS- name used by some traditions for Samhain, or
Halloween
HANDFASTING- Wiccan equivalent of a wedding. It can be made
legal if the Priestess and/or Priest are registered as clergy with the local authorities, or it may only be considered binding within the coven.
HIGH PRIEST/ESS- Technically speaking, a Witch who has
received the 3rd. degree initiation. More usually, the male
and female leaders of a coven.
IMBOLC- Celtic name for Candlemas.
INVOCATION- The ritual ''calling-in'' of an entity (or energies) higher than human, either for communication with the caller through a medium or by visible manifestation or else to enter into a human body as in the Drawing Down the Moon. In some traditions, a Prayer.
LAMMAS- August 1st. Witch Festival. The Old Celtic name for
this festival is Lughnassadh. It is the Festival of the
First Fruits, and is the first of the 3 harvests. This
festival also marks the change of the Threefold Goddess
energies from that of Mother to Crone.
MAIDEN- An appointment held by one of the women of the coven. She is virtually the assistant High Priestess. This term is also the descriptive term used to describe the first of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess Energies (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). It is traditionally associated with the Waxing Moon, and the period from Imbolc (Candlemas) to Beltane (May eve) where the energies are those of initiating, beginning, and creation.
OLD RELIGION- another name for the Craft.
PAGANING- Presentation of an infant to the Circle and to the
Gods.
PENTACLE- a disc shaped talisman; in particular, the metal
disc which represents the earth element among the witch's
working tools.
PENTAGRAM- The five-pointed star. With a single point
uppermost, it represents the human being. Inverted, with two
points uppermost, it can have Satanist associations; but not
necessarily. Some traditions of Wicca use the inverted
pentagram to signify an initiate of the second degree.
QUARTERS- The North, East, South, and West parts of a
magickal circle or other ritual area. (See also ''Watchtowers'')
REDE- rule or law.
SABBATS- the Eight festivals or high holy days of Wicca.
SALAMANDER- an entity that dwells in the realm of Fire.
SAMHAIN- The festival of remembrance for the dead, held on
the eve of Nov. 1st. It is the last of the three harvests.
This festival also marks the transition of rulership of the
''Wheel of the Year from that of the Goddess to that of the
God.
SCRYING- divination, usually using such methods as crystal
gazing, or divination via incense smoke, or water as opposed
to tarot or other manipulative means.
SPELL- a prayer, or verbal direction of magickal energies
toward the accomplishment of some goal.
SUMMONER- The male officer of the coven who corresponds to
the Maiden. He is the assistant High Priest.
SYLPH- an ''entity'' or ''elemental'' that dwells in the plane
of Air or is associated with the AIR Element.
TRADITIONS- any of the various ''sects'' of Wicca such as
Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Georgian, Seax, etc.
UNDINE- an ''entity'' or ''elemental'' that dwells in the plane
of Water or is associated with the WATER Element.
WAND- A rod or staff that is prepared so that it may be used
for magickal or psychic purposes, usually to project some
form of power.
WARLOCK- a term coined in the Burning Times . It was used to
denote a traitor to the Craft, or one who had betrayed the
followers of the Old Religion. It's origin is Scottish.
Because of the negative connotations, it is not used by most
Wiccans today.
WATCH TOWERS- Originally from the Enochian branch of
Ceremonial Magick, now incorporated into many ''Traditions''
of Wicca, these are the four elemental ''directions'' or
''quarters'' (corresponding to the appropriate points on the
compass) called to protect the Circle during its
establishment. Each of them have a correspondence between
the compass point, an element, and (varying amongst
different traditions) color associated with them.
WICCA- the name most modern day Witches use for the Craft.
It comes from the Anglo-Saxon word Wicce, meaning to bend or
to shape. This is the root word from which we get wicker.
WIDDERSHINS- counter clock wise. Used for ''tearing down''
OR BANISHING magick.
WHITE HANDLED KNIFE- the working knife of a Witch. It is
used to carve candles, and for fashioning the other tools.
Traditionally, it can only be used in a Circle.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ShadoWalker
ShadoWalker has been a member of the site for 16 years, since Mar 04, 2009
#7 - Brief Herbal Lesson
These are the basic usages of herbs as magical components.
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A
Acacia : Protection, Psychic Powers, Money and Love Spells
Adam & Eve Roots : Love, Happiness
Adders Tongue : Healing
African Violet : Spirituality, Protection
Agaric : Fertility
Agrimony : Protection, Sleep
Ague Root : Protection
Alfalfa : Prosperity, Anti-Hunger, Money
Alkanet : Purification, Prosperity
Allspice : Money, Luck, Healing
Almond : Money, Prosperity, Wisdom
Aloe : Protection, Luck
Aloes, Wood : Love, Spirituality
Althea : Protection, Psychic Powers
Alyssum : Protection, Moderating Anger
Amaranth : Healing Heartbreak, Protection, Invisibility,
Anemone : Health, Protection, Healing
Angelica : Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Visions
Anise : Protection, Purification, Youth
Apple : Love, Healing, Garden Magic, Immortality
Apricot : Love
Arabic Gum : Spirituality, Purify Negativity and Evil
Arbutus : Exorcism, Protection
Asafoetida : Exorcism, Purification, Protection
Ash : Protection, Prosperity, Sea Rituals, Health
Aspen : Eloquence, Anti-Theft
Aster : Love
Avens : Exorcism, Purification, Love
Avocado : Love, Lust, Beauty
B
Bachelor's Buttons : Love
Balm, Lemon : Love, Success, Healing
Balm of Gilead : Love, Manifestations, Protection, Healing
Bamboo : Protection, Luck, Hex-Breaking, Wishes
Banana : Fertility, Potency, Prosperity
Banyan : Luck. Happiness
Barley : Love, Healing, Protection
Basil : Love, Exorcism, Wealth, Flying, Protection
Bay : Protection, Psychic Powers, Healing, Purification, Strength
Bean : Protection, Exorcism, Wart Charming,
Reconciliation, Potency, Love
Bedstraw, Fragrant : Love
Beech : Wishes
Beet : love
Belladonna : Astral Projection, Visions **TOXIC**
Benzoin : Purification, Prosperity
Bergamot, Orange : Money, Success
Be-Still : Luck
Betony, Wood : Protection, Purification, Love
Birch : Protection, Exorcism, Purification and Cleansing
Bistort : Psychic Powers, Fertility
Bittersweet : Protection, Healing
Blackberry : Healing, Money, Protection
Bladderwrack : Protection, Sea Spells, Wind Spells,
Money, Psychic Powers
Bleeding Heart : Love
Bloodroot : Love, Protection, Purification
Bluebell : Luck, Truth
Blueberry : Protection
Blue Flag : Money
Bodhi : Fertility, Protection, Wisdom, Meditation
Boneset : Protection, Exorcism
Borage : Courage, Psychic Powers
Bracken : Healing, Rune Magic, Prophetic Dreams
Brazil Nut : Love
Briony : Image Magic, Money, Protection
Bromeliad : Protection, Money
Broom : Purification, Protection, Wind Spells, Divination
Buchu : Psychic Powers, Prophetic Dreams
Buckthorn : Protection, Exorcism, Wishes, Legal Matters
Buckwheat : Money, Protection
Burdock : Protection, Healing
C
Cabbage : Luck
Cactus : Protection, Chastity
Calamus : Luck, Healing, Money, Protection
Camellia -Riches
Camphor : Chastity, Health, Divination
Caper : Potency, Lust, Luck
Carawy : Protection, Lust, Health, Anti-Theft, Mental Powers
Cardamon : Lust, Love
Carnation : Protection, Strength, Healing
Carob : Protection, Health
Carrot : Fertility, Lust
Cascara Sagrada : Legal Matters, Money, Protection,
Cashew : Money
Castor : Protection
Catnip : Cat Magic, Love, Beauty, Happiness
Cat Tail : Lust
Cedar : Healing, Purification, Money, Protection
Celandine : Protection, Escape, Happiness, Legal Matters
Celery : Mental Powers, Lust, Psychic Powers
Centaury : Snake Removing
Chamomile : Money, Sleep, Love, Purification
Cherry : Love, Divination
Chestnut : Love
Chickweed : Fertility, Love
Chicory : Removing Obstacles, Invisibility, favors, Frigidity
Chili pepper : Fidelity, Hex Breaking, Love
China Berry : Luck, Change
Chrysanthemum : Protection
Cinchona : Luck, Protection
Cinnamon : Spirituality, Success, Healing, Power,
Psychic Powers, Lust, Protection, Love
Cinquefoil : Money, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Sleep
Citron : Psychic Powers, Healing
Cloth of Gold : Understand Animal Languages
Clove : Protection, Exorcism, Love, Money
Clover : Protection, Money, Love, Fidelity, Exorcism, Success, Luck
Club Moss : Protection, Power
Coconut : Purification, Protection, Chastity
Cohosh, Black : Love, Courage, Protection, Potency
Coltsfoot : Love, Visions
Columbine : Courage, Love
Comfrey : Safety During Travel, Money
Copal : Love, Purification
Coriander : Love, Health, Healing
Corn : Protection, Luck, Divination
Cornflower : psychism
Cotton : Luck, Healing, Protection, Rain, Fishing Magic
Cowslip : Healing, Youth, Treasure Finding
Crocus : Love, Visions
Cubeb : Love
Cuckoo-flower : Fertility, Lover
Cucumber : Chastity, Healing, Fertility
Cumin : Protection, Fidelity, Exorcism
Curry : Protection
Cyclamen : Fertility, Protection, Happiness, Lust
Cypress : Longevity, Healing, Comfort, Protection
D
Daffodil : Love, Fertility, Luck
Daisy : Lust, Luck
Damiana : Lust, Love, Visions
Dandelion : Divination, Wishes, Calling Spirits
Datura : Hex Breaking, Sleep, Protection
Deerstongue : Lust, Psychic Powers
Devils Bit : Exorcism, Love, Protection, Lust
Devils Shoestring : Protection, Gambling, Luck, Power, Employment
Dill : Protection, Money, Lust, Luck
Dittany of Crete : Manifestations, Astral Projection
Dock : Healing, Fertility, Money
Dodder : Love, Divination, Knot Magic
Dogbane : Love
Dogwood : Wishes, Protection
Dragons Blood : Love, Protection, Exorcism, Potency
Dulse : Lust, Harmony
Dutchmans Breeches : Love
E
Ebony : Protection, Power
Echinacea : Strengthening Spells
Edelweiss : Invisibility, Bullet-Proofing
Elder : Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Prosperity, Sleep
Elecampane : Love, Protection, Psychic Powers
Elm : Love
Endive : Lust, Love
Eryngo : Travelers Luck, Peace, Lust, Love
Eucalyptus : Healing, Protection
Euphorbia : Purification, Protection
Eyebright : Mental Powers, Psychic Power
F
Fennel : Protection, Healing, Purification
Fenugreek : Money
Fern : Rain Making, Protection, Luck, Riches,
Eternal Youth, Health, Exorcism
Feverfew : Protection
Fig : Divination, Fertility, Love
Figwort : Health, Protection
Flax : Money, Protection, Beauty, Psychic Powers, Healing
Fleabane : Exorcism, Protection, Chastity
Foxglove : Protection
Frankincense : Protection, Exorcism, Spirituality
Fumitory : Money, Exorcism
Fuzzy Weed : Love, Hunting
G
Galangal : Protection, Lust, Health, Money,
Psychic Powers, Hex-Breaking
Gardenia : Love, Peace, Healing, Spirituality
Garlic : Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Lust, Anti-Theft
Gentian : Love, Power
Geranium : Fertility, Health, Love, Protection
Ginger : Love, Money, Success, Power
Ginseng : Love, Wishes, Healing, Beauty, Protection, Lust
Goats Rue : Healing, Health
Goldenrod : Money, Divination
Golden Seal : Healing, Money
Gorse : Protection, Money
Gotu Kola : Meditation
Gourd : Protection
Grain : Protection
Grains of Paradise : Lust, Luck, Love, Money, Wishes
Grape : Fertility, Garden Magic, Mental Powers, Money
Grass : Psychic Powers, Protection
Ground Ivy : Divination
Groundsel : Health, Healing
H
Hawthorn : Fertility, Chastity, Fishing Magic, Happiness
Hazel : Luck, Fertility, Anti-Lightning, Protection, Wishes
Heather : Protection, Rain Making, Luck
Heliotrope : Exorcism, Prophetic Dreams, Healing,
Wealth, Invisibility
Hellebore, Black : Protection ****TOXIC***
Hemlock : Destroy Sexual Drive ***TOXIC***
Hemp : Healing, Love, Vision, Meditation
Henbane : Love Attraction ***TOXIC***
Henna : Healing
Hibiscus : Lust, Love, Divination
Hickory : Legal Matters
High John the Conqueror : Money, Love, Success, Happiness
Holly : Protection, Anti-Lightning, Luck, Dream Magic, Balance
Honesty : Money, Repelling Monsters
Honeysuckle : Money, Psychic Powers, Protection
Hops : Healing, Sleep
Horehound : Protection, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Healing
Horse Chestnut : Money, Healing
Horseradish : Purification, Exorcism
Horsetail : Snake Charming, Fertility
Houndstongue : Tying Dog's Tongues
Houseleek : Luck, Protection, Love
Huckleberry : Luck, Protection, Dream Magic, Hex Breaking
Hyacinth : Love, Protection, Happiness
Hydrangea : Hex Breaking
Hyssop : Purification, Protection
I
Indian Paint Brush : Love
Iris : Purification, Wisdom
Irish Moss : Money, Luck, Protection
Ivy : Protection, Healing
J
Jasmine : Love, Money, Prophetic Dreams
Jobs Tears : Healing, Wishes, Luck
Joe-Pye Weed : Love, Respect
Juniper : Protection, Anti-Theft, Love, Exorcism, Health
K
Kava-Kave : Visions, Protection, Luck
Knotweed : Binding, Health
L
Ladys mantle : Love
Ladys slipper : Protection
Larch : Protection, Anti-Theft
Larkspur : Health, Protection
Lavender : Love, Protection, Sleep, Chastity,
Longevity, Purification, Happiness, Peace
Leek : Love, Protection, Exorcism
Lemon : Longevity, Purification, Love, Friendship
Lemongrass : Repel snakes, Lust, Psychic Powers
Lemon Verbena : Purification, Love
Lettuce : Chastity, Protection, Love, Divination, Sleep
Licorice : Love, Lust, Fidelity
Life Everlasting : Longevity, Health, Healing
Lilac : Exorcism, Protection, Beauty
Lily : Protection, Breaking Love spells
Lily of the Valley : Mental Powers, Happiness
Lime : Healing, Love, Protection
Linden : Protection, Immortality, Luck, Love, Sleep
Liquidamber : Protection
Liverwort : Protection
Liverwort : Love
Looestrife : Peace, Protection
Lotus : Protection, Lock-Opening
Lovage : Love
Love Seed : Love, Friendship
Lucky Hand : Employment, Luck, Protection, Money, Travel
M
Mace : Psychic Powers, Mental Powers
Maguey : Lust
Magnolia : Fidelity
Mahogany, Mountain : Anti-Lightning
Maidenhair : Beauty, Love
Male Fern : Luck, Love
Mallow : Love, Protection, Exorcism
Mandrake : Protection, Love, Money, Fertility, Health
Maple : Love, Longevity, Money
Marigold : Protection, Prophetic Dreams,
Business and Legal Matters, Psychic Powers
Marjoram : Protection, Love, Happiness, Health, Money, Healing
Master Wort : Strength, Courage, Protection
Mastic : Psychic Powers, Manifestations, Lust
May Apple : Money
Meadow Rue : Divination
Meadowsweet : Love, Divination, Peace, Happiness
Mesquite : Healing
Mimosa : Protection, Love, Prophetic Dreams, Purification
Mint : Money, Love, Luck, Healing, Exorcism, Travel, Protection
Mistletoe : Protection, Love, Hunting, Fertility, Health, Exorcism
Molukka : Protection
Moonwort : Money, Love
Moss : Luck, Money
Mugwort : Strength, Psychic Powers, Protection,
Prophetic Dreams, Healing, Astral Projection
Mulberry : Protection, Strength
Mullein : Courage, Protection, Health, Love, Divination, Exorcism
Mustard : Fertility, Protection, Mental Powers
Myrrh : Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Spirituality
Myrtle : Love, Fertility, Youth, Peace, Money
N
Nettle : Exorcism, Protection, Healing, Lust
Norfolk Island Pine : Protection, anti hunger
Nuts : Fertility, Prosperity, Love, Luck
O
Oak : Protection, Health, Money, Healing, Potency, Fertility, Luck
Oats : Money
Olive : Healing, Peace, Fertility, Potency, Protection, Lust
Onion : Protection, Exorcism, Healing, Money,
Prophetic Dreams, Lust
Orange : Love, Divination, Luck, Money
Orchid : Love
Oregon Grape : Money, Prosperity
Orris Root : Love, Protection, Divination
P
Palm, Date : Fertility, Potency
Pansy : Love, Rain Magic, Love, Divination
Papaya : Love, Protection
Papyrus : Protection
Parosela : Hunting
Parsley : Love, Protection, Purification
Passion Flower : Peace, Sleep, Friendship
Patchouly : Money, Fertility, Lust
Pea : Money, Love
Peach : Love, Exorcism, Longevity, Fertility, Wishes
Pear : Lust, Love
Pecan : Money, Employment
Pennyroyal : Strength, Protection, Peace
Peony : Protection, Exorcism
Pepper : Protection, Exorcism
Peppermint : Purification, Sleep, Love, Healing, Psychic Powers
Pepper Tree : Purification, Healing, Protection
Periwinkle : Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Money, Protection
Persimmon : Changing Sex, Healing, Luck
Plot Weed : Protection
Pimento : Love
Pimpernel : Protection, Health
Pine : Healing, Fertility, Protection, Exorcism, Money
Pineapple : Luck, Money, Chastity
Pipsissewa : Money, Spirit Calling
Pistachio : Breaking Love Spells
Plantain : Healing, Protection, Strength, Snake Repelling
Plum : Healing
Plumeria : Love
Poke : Courage, Hex Breaking
Pomegranate : Divination, Luck, Wishes, Wealth, Fertility
Poplar : Money, Flying
Poppy : Fertility, Love, Sleep, Money, Luck, Invisibility
Potato : Image Magic, Healing
Prickly Ash : Love
Primrose : Protection, Love
Purslane : Sleep, Love, Luck, Protection, Happiness
Q
Quassia : Love
Quince : Protection, Love, Happiness
R
Radish : Protection, Lust
Ragweed : Courage
Ragwort : Protection
Raspberry : Protection, Love
Rattlesnake Root : Protection, Money
Rhubarb : Protection, Fidelity
Rice : Protection, Rain, Fertility, Money
Roots : Protection, Power, Divination
Rose : Love, Psychic Powers, Healing, Love, Divination, Luck, Protection
Rosemary : Protection, Love, Lust, Mental Powers,
Exorcism, Purification, Healing, Sleep, Youth
Rowan : Psychic Powers, Healing, Protection, Power, Success
Rue : Healing, Health, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Love
Rye : Love, Fidelity
S
Saffron : Love, Healing, Happiness, Wind Raising,
Lust, Strength, Psychic Powers.
Sage : Immortality, Longevity, Wisdom, Protection, Wishes
Sagebrush : Purification, Exorcism
St.Johns Wort : Health, Power, Protection, Strength,
Love, Divination, Happiness
Sandalwood : Protection, Healing, Exorcism, Spirituality
Sarsaparilla : Love, Money
Sassafras : Health, Money
Savory, Summer : Mental Powers
Scullcap : Love, Fidelity, Peace
Senna : Love
Sesame : Money. Lust
Shallot : Purification
Skunk Cabbage : Legal Matters
Slippery Elm : Halts Gossip
Sloe : Exorcism, Protection
Snakeroot : Luck Money
Snakeroot/black : Love, Lust, Money
Snapdragon : Protection
Solomons Seal : Protection, Exorcism
Sorrel Wood : Healing, Health
Southern Wood : Love, Lust, Protection
Spanish Moss : Protection
Spearmint : Healing, Love, Mental Powers
SpiderWort : Love
Spikenard : Love
Squill : Money, Protection, Hex Breaking
Star, Anise : Psychic Powers, Luck
Stillengia : Psychic Powers
Straw : Luck, Image Magic
Strawberry : Love, Luck
Sugar Cane : Love, Lust
Sumbul : Love, Luck, Health, Psychic Powers
Sunflower : Fertility, Wishes, Health, Wisdom
Sweetgrass : Calling Spirits
Sweetpea : Friendship, Chastity, Courage, Strength
T
Tamarind : Love
Tamarisk : Exorcism, Protection
Tansy : Health, Longevity
Tea : Riches, Courage, Strength
Thistle : Strength, Protection, Hex Breaking, Healing
Thistle, Holy : Purification, Hex Breaking
Thistle, Milk : Snake Enraging
Thyme : Health, Healing, Sleep, Psychic Powers,
Love, Purification, Courage
Ti : Protection, Healing
Toadflax : Protection, Hex Breaking
Toadstool : Rain Making
Tobacco : Healing, Purification
Turmeric : Purification
Turnip : Protection, Ending Relationships
U
Urva Ursa : Psychic Workings
V
Valerian : Love, Sleep, Purification, Protection
Vanilla : Love, Lust, Mental Powers
Venus Flytrap : Protection, Love
Vervain : Love, Protection, Purification, Peace,
Money, Youth, Chastity, Sleep, Healing
Vetch, Giant : Fidelity
Vetivert : Love, Hex Breaking, Luck, Money, Anti-Theft
Violet : Protection, Luck, Love, Lust, Wishes, Peace, Healing
W
Wahoo : Hex-breaking, Courage, Success
Walnut : Health, Mental Powers, Infertility, Wishes
Wax Plant : Protection
Wheat : Fertility, Money
Willow : Love, Divination, Protection, Healing
Wintergreen : Protection, Healing, Hex Breaking
Winters Bark : Success
Witch Grass : Happiness, Lust, love, Exorcism
Witch Hazel : Protection, Chastity
Wolfs Bane : Protection, Invisibility
Wood Rose : Luck
Woodruff : Victory, Protection, Money
Wormwood : Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Calling Spirits
XYZ
Yarrow : Courage, Love, Psychic Powers, Exorcism
Yellow Evening Primrose : Hunting
Yerba Mate : Fidelity, Love, Lust
Yerba Santa : Beauty, Healing, Psychic Powers, Protection
Yew : Raising the Dead
Yohimbe : Love, Lust
Yucca : Transmutation, Protection, Purification
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ShadoWalker
ShadoWalker has been a member of the site for 16 years, since Mar 04, 2009
#8 - Ritual Work I
This is a brief lesson on why we cast circles, what the Watchtowers are, and invoking Diety during ritual.
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The circle is cast to contain your energy untill you release that energy and it also serves as protection from outside forces. The circle usually is about 9 feet in circumference, but can be smaller if you are by yourself. It is important when casting a circle you follow proper protocall. When you cast a circle you usually start in the North or East depending on your personel preference and you cast it by walking Deosil or Clockwise. Then you bless the circle with earth and water then fire and air. Once as the circle is cast then you call in the Watchtowers.
The Watchtowers are known by many names. They are guardians of the gateways to the elemental kingdoms. They are the Old Ones, they are the Kings of their realms. They have many forms and many names. The following are some ways the guradians are seen and their names that are called upon. Their angelic names are Aral(South), Chassan(East), Taliahad(West), and Phorlakh(North). The Archangels are Micheal(South), Raphael(East), Gabriel(West) and Uriel(North). The sacred animals that are seen as guardians are the Red Lion of the South, the Yellow Eagle of the East, the Blue Sea Serpent of the West, and the Green Bull of the North. The Kings are Djin of the South, Paralda of the East, Necksa of the West, and Gobb of the North. These are but only a few of the guardian manifestations...lol.
We call on the Watchtowers as guardians of our circles and to bless and bring their energy to our circles also. You call the Watchtower Tower pretty much the same way you cast the circle. Start in the East or North and continue Deosil around the circle calling on each guardian at their appropriate quarter.
There are quite a few quarter calls out there that you can use. At th e end of this post there one is that you can use. Experiment and find the ones that you like. They can be very simple or very elaborate. Remember though when you call the quarters you must also relese them and send them back to their relams from whence they came at the end of your circle. You do this by starting with the last elemental you called into your circle and continue going Widdershins or Counter Clock Wise around your circle and releasing each quarter. You can say soemthing as simple as '' Powers of the North and Earth. Great Guardians! I give thee thanks for lending your power and protection at my circle on this night, but your prescence is no longer needed at this rite. Return to the realms frome wence you came in perfect love and perfect trust. Hail, Fairwell, and Blessed Be.''
It is important to remember when you are doing circle work you call the quarters BEFORE you invoke the Goddess and God in the beginning of your ritual. Once as the quarters are called than you can invoke the Lady and Lord. It has to be done in this order so that way the quarters or guardians are present in the circle to help protect the Lady and Lord when you call for them into your circle. When closing your circle or ending your ritual then you thank the Goddess and God first for their blessings at your circle by saying something like '' Hail to thee Lady/Lord. Great Mother/Father I thank thee for your blessings on this night and the magic you aided in my rites. Stay if you will, go if you must in perfect love and perfect trust. Hail and Blessed Be.'' We NEVER dismiss the Gods. We always welcome them to stay, but we let them know we understand if they leave. Then you can release the quarters with the words in the paragraph above.
As for the Deities you always want to call them. You might not have a patron Deity right now, but do you not believe in a Goddess or God? A divine mother or father? Usually all witches have a diety and a lot of them have a Patron Deity, but it can take time for them to find their Gods. If you don't have a patron deity you can call on them by addressing them as Lady and Lord. You can also call on a deity depending on what the ritual is about. If you are doing a ritual to gain love then you can call on Aphrodite and Eros. Some people work with Pantheons depending on what they are drawn to. I work with the Greek and Roman Pantheons. My Goddess is Hecate and my God is Helios. My God changes through the year though. During the winter months I was calling on Hades and now it's Helios.
You always want to call on the Gods and Guardians during rituals. Spell work not as much. You can cast a circle when you do spell work, but you always don't have to do a full out ritual for it. This is the Wiccan way.
Now since I am a Hoodoo worker also when I do spell work I don't cast a circle, I don't call on guardians, and I don't call on the Gods although I do say prayers as I do my spells. Witchcraft is my religon and Hoodood is my practice. I keep the two seperate and try not to blend the worlds together. During my rituals they are fully witchcraft. When I do my spell work they are fully Hoodoo. When I do ritual though I do cast my circle, cleanse it, call the Guardians, and invoke the Lady and Lord. I hope this helps....lol. It's a lot of information. Any other questions you know how to get a hold of me.
Elemental Quarter Calls
East:
Eastern Ones!
Lend me your presence and your power,
Give me clarity, vision and swift thought.
Wind and cloud, tall mountain's heights,
Blue horizon, morning's light.
Be with me now, Creatures of Air.
South:
Southern Ones!
Lend me your presence and your power,
Give me inspiration, energy and love.
Bonfire, beacon burning bright,
Embers rich, wild lightining's strike.
Be with me now, Creatures of Fire.
West:
Western Ones!
Lend me your presence and your power,
Give me intuition, wisdom, and empathy.
Green-hearted lake, a river wide,
Rainfall's jewels, ocean tide.
Be with me now, Creatures of Water.
North:
Northern Ones!
Lend me your presence and your power,
Give me protection, grounding and sense.
Hill and dale, deep cove, old bone,
Fertile field and soil and stone.
Be with me now, Creatures of Earth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ShadoWalker
ShadoWalker has been a member of the site for 16 years, since Mar 04, 2009
#9 - Witches Rede of Chivalry
A way of living for a witch
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Magical Rites from the Crystal Well, Ed Fitch and Janine Renee, 1987, Llewellyn Publications.
Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind. It behooves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves.
Therefore, be it noted that:
1. Chivalry is a high code of honor which is of most ancient Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the old ways.
2. It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond and return... bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for ''as
ye plant, so shall ye harvest.''
3. It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.
4. ''This above all... to thine own self be true...''
5. A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.
6. Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.
7. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods.
8. Be thou honest with others, and have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them.
9. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue.
10. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to do harm.
11. Diverse covens may well have diverse views of love between members and with others. When a coven, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby.
12. Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humor are much to be admired.
13. As a Witch, thou has power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore, exercise discretion in the use thereof.
14. Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.
15. Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.
16. Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or Coven. Others have labored long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures.
17. Though there may be differences among those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing, and must hear nothing.
18. Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world.
19. The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom.
20. Have pride in thyself and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady has said, ''How canst thou honor another unless thou give honor to thyself first?''
21. Those who seek the Mysteries should consider themselves the select of the Gods, for it is they would lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond the very stars.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ShadoWalker
ShadoWalker has been a member of the site for 16 years, since Mar 04, 2009
#10 - Basic Sabbat Lore
Information regarding the witches Sabbats.
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The names of the Sabbats can vary slightly from coven to coven and city to city, as they come from a time when spelling wasn't an issue. So, if you are a solitary witch at home, use the names that feel most comfortable to you.
Samhain 31st October/Halloween
Pronounced sow-ain, Samhain is the most important festival of the witch?s year, it is the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. At this time, the Goddess takes her role as crone or wise woman, and now we look to her for guidance. On this night, the wise woman bestows her wisdom in many forms - for example in divination methods such as tarot cards, runes, dark mirrors and other forms of scrying.
Samhain is the only one of the eight Sabbats that deals with death, and in history, this would have been a time for people to let their loved ones go, to finish jobs, pay debts and start to get everything ready for the winter months ahead. So now is a good time to put aside any differences you may have with someone, ready to move into the New Year.
We remember loved ones who have passed, and we place an extra setting at the dinner table to honour them. A time to remember, and also a time to look to the future. Known to the rest of the world as Halloween, or All Hallows Eve, this is a truly magical time. For those who work the land by growing their own crops and herbs all plants must be picked before this day. Anything left in the garden after Samhain is said to lose it's nutrition and belongs to the fae.
Yule 21st December/Winter Solstice
This is the winter solstice celebration of rebirth. Of the year, it is the shortest day and longest night, which brings an end to darkness as the days will now start to get longer. An excellent way to celebrate is to go out just before dawn to watch the sun rise and welcome the returning Sun King.
You can create your own Yule log in the same way that our ancestors did. Take a log with a flat bottom, as it needs to hold candles. Every person at your Yule celebration must place a candle onto the log and light it whilst making a wish. Keep this log safe for the rest of the year, and burn it in your fireplace on the following Yule.
Exchange hand made gifts of good will with your friends, and drink plenty of mead and warm mulled wine. This is a time to rejoice, and to look forward to lighter days.
Imbolic Feb 2nd/Candlemass
Pronounced im-bolk meaning ?in the Belly?, this is the time when the crone removes her winter cloak to become once again the maiden. The earth is ready to give birth to new things, and we see with the first arrival of lambs in the fields. Now is a time to kick bad habits and look to the up and coming year with fresh thoughts. Pay off any debts, or bring to an end anything that you feel will help you to make a better start to your year.
Spring clean this month, and get ready to receive all the things you have hoped for and thought about all winter. Clean out your wardrobes and give to charity all that you know you?ll never wear again. You can also ask your children to ?spring clean? their toys, as they will have received so many over the Christmas period and by now will know which ones they have outgrown.
We celebrate the goddess Bridget by making a basket bed with a corn dolly dressed as a bride to represent the maiden, and place this with a symbol of masculinity to ensure the fertility of the earth in the months ahead.
Ostara 21st March/Spring Equinox
This is pronounced o-star?-a and is a time to rejoice the spring and natures? beauty, to just get out and walk with the earth. We celebrate being alive at this time and that the days and nights are now equal, so this is an excellent time to balance out the things in your life that may not seem very even at this moment.
Ostara gets its name from the free spirited goddess Eostre and the story is that while entertaining some children, she turned a chicken into a rabbit and it preceded to lay coloured eggs, and so we get the basis for the Easter Bunny and its colourful eggs. This is also a time when the maiden truly embodies the spirit of spring, wraps herself in a cloak of new flowers, and sees the adolescent sun god in a very new light. A time to celebrate being alive and truly look forward to what the year has to offer you with an open mind.
Share with the earth what you have at the moment, bury one egg in each corner of your garden and your house will be fruitful all year round. If you don?t have a recycle bin or a compost heap, now is the time to get one. Witchcraft isn?t just about spells and magic, it?s also about the earth and how we can protect it.
Beltaine May 1st/May Day
Beltaine is the second most important celebration after Samhain. Bel is the name of the welsh sky God and Tan (means fire). Hence, this is known as the celebration of the fire in the sky.
Beltaine is a time for union between goddess and god, and many Wiccan couples will perform the ritual of hand fasting on this day. Hand fasting is the union, as equals, of a male and female witch and is presided over by a Wiccan priestess - though the couple write their own vows and make their promises directly to each other. They have three choices of duration: a year and a day, a life time, or for all time - which means they will meet in the next life time and so on. The couple?s hands are tied together with a small rope or ribbon, and at the end of the ceremony they leap over a broomstick or besom into their union. This is where the saying ?tying the knot? originates.
May is a good time for outdoor celebrations such as may pole dancing, so you could try to find a local fair or carnival to visit, then invite your friends home, and sit under the stars surrounded by the people you love.
Litha 21st June/Summer Solstice
This is the longest day and the shortest night of the year and from this point, the days will get shorter and the dark hours longer. The goddess is still in her robes of Mother but the ever changing God now takes his place as the Father Sun.
This is a time of reflection - so try to rise with the sun on this day and greet the dawn, spending a few moments in thought. Divide your celebrations for today the between light and dark hours. Take a walk in the park and look at the world before the night starts to draw in and spend time watching the sun go down.
This is a good time of year to have your altar outside for evening rituals, as the weather should still be warm in the evenings. On this day, have a picnic with your friends and try to help them in some way - whether it be going to see them more often or by performing a little magic with their consent.
Meditate on what your choices will be for the second half of the year and on projects that you may be presently undertaking, acknowledge whether or not they are working and decide on appropriate action. This is very much a time of light and dark, and as all witches know, this doesn't mean good or evil - it actually represents day and night. So, when someone tells you a witch works on the dark or light side maybe it?s just because she works more at night or during the day!
Lammas 1st August/Lughnasadh
This is the festival commemorating the death and resurrection of the Celtic sun god Lugh and is pronounced [loo-nass-uh or loo-nass-ar]. The goddess - still the mother - is sad, as the Sun God?s power is now waning, though he lives inside of her as her child, thus maintaining the cycle of life. In the past, some of the remains of the first harvest would be kept and made into small cakes, bread or biscuits in the shape of men, and this is the origin of the ginger bread man. They were then eaten in sacrifice to the land to repay it for what it had given.
Lammas is a time to count our blessings, and to give back to the earth to cover what we have received. We can do this by giving our own ginger bread men to family and friends to celebrate our own personal harvest. We must make some sacrifices now for the coming year, so decide one altruistic thing you would like to do in the next year, and commit yourself to this. The lesson for Lammas is to be patient in the face of uncertain outcomes.
Mabon 21st September/Autumn Equinox (Harvest Festival)
Mabon is pronounced ma?-bon meaning ?great sun?. By some it is called the ?Witches Thanksgiving?, the second harvest as the rest of the grain is stored for winter. Once again, a time of balance when days and nights are equal. As with the other equinoxes and solstices, the date may move slightly from year to year.
Mabon is the feast of the bringer of justice and the release of prisoners. In years gone by, most prisoners would be returned to their families at this time of year as people would be preparing for the winter months when food was scarce. They would know exactly how much food they had to last them for the winter and how many mouths they could feed. Any old or infirm live stock would be slaughtered so as not to waste food also.
Mabon is a good time then to let go of old arguments, pay debts before the snow comes and let go of any regrets - keeping then alive helps to feed no-one. The Autumn Equinox is also a great time of healing, so put mistakes behind you and move forward.
Here is a little more information on the Witches Sabbats:
Samhain 31st October, Imbolic 2nd February, Beltaine 1st May and Lammas 1st August are all major sabbats. Samhain is the most important with Beltane the second. These are all celebrations of fire, and can be celebrated by building a fire outside or by lighting candles indoors.
Yule 21st December and Litha 21st June are both solstices with the days being at their shortest and the nights at their longest. These are minor sabbats.
Ostara 21st March and Mabon 21st September are the equinoxes and at these times, the days and nights are equal. These are also minor sabbats.
As the solstice and equinox are never the same, we can celebrate anytime from the 20th to the 22nd of these months
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ShadoWalker
ShadoWalker has been a member of the site for 16 years, since Mar 04, 2009
51 Spiritual Spells from Practical Witches