wiccan Archives

How to Discover Your Inner Wiccan

August 12, 2021Spells

If you’re reading this article because you feel a connection to nature and are interested in learning more about Wicca, then you’ve come to the right place.

Modern Wicca is a religion that consists of witchcraft and the worship of nature. It was created by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s, and in recent years it has been able to thrive. Gardner’s main goal was to create a religion that would allow people to return to nature. It is a religion that is based on ancient pagan beliefs. It involves the belief in a divine force that is both male and female and focuses on the act of worshiping nature and living in harmony with its cycles.

Do you feel attracted to the Wiccan religion, but don’t know where to start?… In this post, we’ll show you how you can discover your true Wiccan self and become the empowered person you are meant to be.

Discover your power

Each person has his or her own unique powers and the only way to find them is by listening to what your inner self tells you. The power that is inside of everyone is impossible to measure, but the only way to make it stronger is to tap into it. A Wiccan can do this by focusing on finding their own power and using it to achieve their goals.

Wiccans believe that there are seven basic elements: earth, air, fire, water, ether, life, and death. Listen to your inner self, your intuition is the only way you can find out what you can do and how to do it.

By reading, learning, and applying your Wiccan knowledge, you’ll be able to “clear your mind” and discover magical affinities.

Find your spiritual identity

Many people are searching for a spiritual path that resonates with them. It may be that Wicca is your answer. Wicca is a nature-based religion that focuses on the ancient goddess and the god. Wiccans believe that all forms of worship should be personal and private, and they do not engage in public rituals or ceremonies. Wicca is a very simple religion with a sacred history that can be traced back to the early Celts.

You may find your spiritual path by looking into the Wiccan Rede, or the Law of Threefold Return. This is a great way to understand the relationship between yourself and your gods, and what you can do to build a strong relationship with them.

Wicca offers a wide variety of rituals, such as the Sacred Fires and Moon Spells. For example, you may find yourself in need of these rituals at different times in your life. Wicca rituals can be celebrated to increase energy or balance, depending on the needs of the practitioner.

By meditating and practicing the right rituals, you will get the needed guidance to find your spiritual journey. To be honest, there is no right or wrong path here, just “go with the flow” and let your spiritual path reveal itself. It may also help to learn some magick rituals and use witch tools (like tarot reads), e.g. like a moon ritual that you may practice on a full moon. This will help you get in the right state of mind to discover your spiritual identity.

Find your true self

Wicca will help you find your true self and your purpose in life. It is a way to help you find out who you are and what you want to do in life, by connecting with your true spirit and soul. Wicca will help you make the most of life. It is a way to make life meaningful and give it purpose.

Finding your true self is a process of self-discovery. It requires finding what you like and don’t like, what you are good at and not good at, what makes you happy, and what makes you sad. This is because each person has their own way of thinking and feeling, and without understanding who you are, it is hard to find what makes you happy.

Some people can find themselves quickly by looking at what they do for work, where they live, what their favorite color is, or what their favorite band is. But if you don’t know who you are, it is hard to make choices and decisions because you may find that you don’t have anything in common with the people around you.

You need to feed your brain, learn all you can about the Wiccan religion and make sure it is your right path, and then move accordingly.

Find a Wiccan Mentor

Although you may read and learn a lot on your own, nothing beats learning from a mentor. It is extremely helpful to have someone you trust along your enlightenment path, taking you by the hand and always available to assist you. So try to find witches that will help you discover magick.

We know it may be hard finding a Wiccan mentor when you’re just starting out. Luckily, the Wiccan community as a whole tends to be very helpful and willing to assist. Look for reputable Wiccan communities (either online or local) and start learning and meeting other fellow witches. Once you’ve found your Wiccan Mentor, you will both know it.

Just be careful of not-so-reputable communities that may just try to take advantage of you (unfortunately, there are some out there). But once again, you’ll probably notice it if this is the case.

Conclusion

Finding your Wiccan path is a very important process for many reasons. It can help you find the right “fit” for your religious beliefs. It can also help you find a community that shares your values. Lastly, it can help you find a new spiritual home. All of these are very important and can provide a lot of meaning to your life.

Bless be.

10 Strong Wiccan Protection Spells Against Negative Energy

February 3, 2020Spells

One of the most commonly used wiccan spells are protection spells. They’re also particularly good for beginners, since they tend to be simple and pretty harmless.

In this article, Emmie Collins from Panda Gossips shares 10 simple but powerful wiccan protection spells that could be cast by any witch.

Feel free to try any (or all) of them, and let us know your results in the comments section below.

Use these Wiccan spells to offer protection to your home, the ones you love, and yourself from any harm or negative energy in your life.

What are Wiccan Protection Spells?

The Wiccan religion is based on ancient pagan practices. Some of the beliefs and practices of Wiccan “witches” date back to pre-Christian times. Nature is important to the Wiccan practice and is the center of many spells that are performed. Those who practice the Wiccan religion are often referred to as “witches.” This term is far from the old, scary stories of women with black hats and broomsticks who bewitch with malice. In the Wiccan practice, one may do whatever they wish as long as they never intentionally cause harm.

The Wiccan religion is nature oriented. “Witches” choose to be grounded in the natural rhythms of the Earth.

This is why so many Wiccan spells promote health and protection. They are meant to bring prosperity and safety to their casters, not to harm anyone else around them. These protection spells can be powerful and beautiful ways to manipulate your environment naturally and peacefully.

How to Cast Powerful Wiccan Protection Spells

When casting protection spells, it is important to make sure that your intentions and attention are focused entirely on completing the spell. Make sure you are: Clear-headed Not going to be interrupted Prepared, having all of your materials ready This will enable you to cast very strong protection spells. If you are distracted or interrupted during the spell casting, your spells may not be nearly as strong. This is extremely important with protection spells, as you do not want to be unable to provide the protection you are intending because you are not paying enough attention.

Different herbs serve specific purposes based on their features. Some are good for protection, others promote health or clarity, etc. Having a stash of some of the most commonly used herbs will be helpful. This will also make it easier to be prepared to cast your protection spells when you need them!

Wiccan Home Protection Spells

Your home is a sacred, safe space and it should always feel that way! If you ever feel that negative energy or the influence of an enemy has entered your home, cast a protection spell to cleanse your space and return balance to your environment.

1. Wiccan Protection Chant

This is a simple Wiccan chant to protect your home. Perform this chant whenever you feel that your home needs protection or to promote safety in your space. What You Will Need: Nothing! How to Cast the Protection Spell: Chant this simple incantation: “Protect this home from all that is dark. Protect all who dwell here too. Protect this place where we reside. Protect with light that is true.”

2. Home Protection Spell

This protection spell is more complicated but is even more powerful. This spell will banish negative energy from your home and restore it as a space of love and positivity. It offers more protection than the simple incantation above. It is meant to be performed at sunrise. If you are unable to do it at that time, you can still cast the spell but it will be less powerful, giving you less protection. What you need: Four glass jars with lids Four handfuls of each: lavender, basil, sea salt, and white rice How to Cast the Protection Spell:

1. Clean and tidy your home the night before. This should be done so it is clean by the time the ritual is performed at sunrise.

2. In the morning, before sunrise, take one handful of lavender, basil, sea salt, and white rice. Place one handful of the ingredients into each of the four jars.

3. When the sun is just beginning to rise, go out into your garden or lawn and place each jar at the North, South, East, and West points. If you do not have an outdoor space, place the jars on windowsills that most closely match the cardinal directions.

4. While placing each of the jars, repeat this passage: “North, South, East, and West At these four corners, I protect my Home May the Goddess bless this space Negative energy be gone Make my home sacred and pure”

5. Once you have finished placing the jars, go into your home and do a peaceful activity that you love. This could be anything from reading or meditating, to playing gentle music and enjoying the space of your home. Try to connect with the positivity that you have grounded in that space and focus on the feeling of new beginnings.

Personal Protection Spells

3. The Goddess Protection Spell

The Goddess is one of the most powerful figures in Wiccan theology. This simple incantation is to be repeated while visualizing a glowing, blue aura around yourself. This spell creates temporary protection but will become ineffective as soon as you stop focusing on the incantation. What you will need: Nothing! How to Cast the Protection Spell: Repeat this incantation for as long as you want the spell to last. “Great Goddess of day and night, Protect me with all of your might.”

4. The Golden Mist Shield Spell

This spell can be used as protection for yourself from the negative energy of other people. This protection will cause you to feel entirely at ease when those around you may be infectiously negative. This protection will travel with you and will ward off emotional harm from an enemy or general negative energy. What You Will Need: Nothing! How to Cast the Protection Spell:

1. Envision you are surrounded by an aura of gold mist. All of the light around you gets caught in that mist and shines directly on you, warding away the darkness just outside of the aura.

2. Repeat this incantation: “The breath of life And the light of my mind Creates an enchantment Of protection and comfort As the air I breathe is purified I surround myself with an orb of gold This golden haze is constantly purified And separated from any negativity May my space be protected”

5. An Incantation to Guard the Mind

This incantation offers you protection for your thoughts. Anyone who attempts to influence your thoughts and actions will be kept at bay by this spell, as well as anyone who attempts to read you without your consent. What You Will Need: Nothing! How to Cast the Protection Spell: Repeat this incantation. “In this place and in this hour By the guardians of the secrets of the night Take the keys to my heart And close the doors of my mind”

6. The Moon Goddess Protection Spell

This spell will bring the protection of the Moon to your aid. Complete this protection spell when you feel you may be in any danger or harm’s way. What You Will Need: A white candle A small piece of paper A blue pen An astrology guide (or the Internet) How to Cast the Protection Spell:

1. Look up your zodiac sign and the planet that is associated with that sign. Look up the names of the moons of that planet.

2. Write your sign on one side of the paper.

3. Write the planet on the other side of the paper.

4. Light the candle.

5. Begin chanting the names of the moons of your planet followed by your middle name. Repeat these names.

6. While chanting, burn the slip of paper with the flame of the candle. Continue chanting until the paper has burned out.

7. After the paper has burned but before the candle is out, try to imagine the entire room filling with a comforting color. Focus on the warmth of the candle next to you. Try to become in tune with the color, warmth, and scent of the candle together.

7. The Bottle Protection Spell

This spell is meant to protect you from an enemy who means to pose any kind of threat to you, whether that be physical, emotional, or spiritual. What You Will Need: 4 drops frankincense or myrrh essential oil 4 tbsp black powdered iron (or another black pigment) 4 tbsp oak moss 4 tbsp sea salt 1 bottle with a cork or lid 1 white candle A small piece of paper A black pen A piece of black thread How to Cast the Protection Spell:

1. Make sure that the paper is cut to a size that will fit in the bottle.

2. Write on the paper: “I neutralize the power of (name of enemy) to do me any harm. I ask that this be correct and for the good of all. So mote it be!”

3. Roll the paper and tie it with the thread.

4. Put the tied paper into the bottle followed by the iron, oakmoss, sea salt, and essential oil. Place the lid on the bottle.

5. Light the white candle and drip the wax onto the lid of the bottle.

6. Finally, bury the bottle somewhere where it will not be disturbed. The power of the spell will last as long as the bottle is sealed and left alone.

Spells that Offer Protection to the Ones You Love

8. Simple Enchantment to Protect a Loved One

This simple spell will guard someone you love and wish to protect. What You Will Need: An item belonging to the person you want to protect or a photo of them How to Cast the Protection Spell:

1. Say this charm: “Protect my loved one from Evil. Protect my loved one from all harm. This is my will, let it be done.”

2. Repeat this as many times as feels right.

9. Spell to Protect a Partner

Use this spell to cast protection onto your spouse or partner. This strong spell will protect your partner as long as you continue to love them. What You Will Need: A handful of rose petals A glass of water A piece of paper A floral candle How to Cast the Protection Spell:

1. The night before the spell, put the rose petals into a small glass of water.

2. Write your partner’s name on the piece of paper and place it under the glass, face down.

3. Let it sit by your bedside until the following evening.

4. When the sun goes down the following evening, light the candle and burn the paper.

5. Once the paper has burned, wet the tips of your fingers in the rosewater and flick the water on and around a bed you both share.

10. Pet Protection Spell

You love your pets like family, so when you think of them, say this short incantation to provide them with protection. What You Will Need: Any pet How to Cast the Protection Spell:

1. Picture your pet with a white aura of light around them.

2. Repeat this 3 times: “My pet is protected right now and safe. No harm or sickness can come to my pet So mote it be.”

Tips and Tricks for Casting Wiccan Protection Spells

1. Whenever possible, follow instructions exactly. This will ensure maximum protection.

2. If an ingredient is unavailable to you, do not replace it unless you are familiar with the qualities of the missing ingredient and replacement.

3. Be sure to stay focused throughout the entire casting of the protection spell.

How to teach kids about Magick?

May 20, 2019Spells

Blessed be!

While I was reading this article from Wiccan Spells, I decided to share it with all of you but thinking in all the kids from my family and friends in mind. Specially Liah my niece, Ian my nephew and Naomi, a sister from other life’s daughter. Their mothers are doing a great job maintaining and nurturing their natural magick, i have noticed they do some of the tips from this article so I hope it works for everyone.

Introducing children to the practices of Wicca and Paganism can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure where to start. I know many people that were drawn to the faith due to their interest in living in harmony with nature, and having a religion that they can practice by themselves, or a religion that really focuses on the feminine side of life.

Let Them Participate in Rituals

While you’re doing magickal workings, either spells or rituals for different Sabbats, why not include your children in these practices? Kids LOVE to be involved in anything that adults are doing, and this is no different. Just like kids learn basic skills from their parents and other adults in their lives, magickal practice is no different. When you’re performing your next ritual, pull up a stool and let your child join in. Talk them through what you’re doing, answer their questions with patience and understanding, and if you feel it is safe enough, even let them join in by helping to light candles or place things around an altar!

They will love being involved, and you can explain to them step by step what you’re doing and why – all the while opening their eyes to the wonder that is Wicca!

Spells and Craftwork

Here’s where your children’s imagination can really shine. Why not allow your kids to join in with a few different spells and craftwork? Let them create their own wand! Go through the woods on a nature hike, and allow them to find a fallen branch that speaks to them. Grab some discarded stones, feathers, anything that your child is drawn to, and start walking them through how to craft their own supplies and tools.

This is also a great lesson in respecting nature and everything that the earth decides to give us. Once back at home from your hike, start crafting! Break out the glue, glitter, markers – anything your child would like to use – and let them go crazy crafting away! Explain to them the symbolism of having their own wand, and what a wand does in Wicca practices. Then you can even help your child perform a spell – and have them start watching for the effects! If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these simple spells for children.

Incorporate Your Deities

During bedtime make a teaching lesson as well! Instead of turning to the same fairytales (which are fantastic!), why not tell your children a few stories about the deities that you worship? Greek and Roman goddesses and gods have many myths written about them, and some are GREAT for children. You can even find books specifically geared to children in this genre. Then incorporate the deities in your rituals. You’d be surprised at how quickly your children start to pick up on which god/goddess to work with! The biggest thing to remember is simply to talk to your children about the religion as openly as possible. Children will pick up on your love for Wicca, and want to be as involved as you are!

What kind of witch are you?

May 1, 2019Spells

Interesting is that your interest may tell you a lot about the kind of witch you are. Yes, if you love cooking or probably love to be working with plants, herbs, or simple like to spend time in a beach (this remind me a friend that didn’t know yet she is a witch… other day we will talk about this :D!)

There are still many more types of witches – these are the most common presented by Aldora in her blog Kitchen Wiccan. In the last decade more people practicing have branched out as individuals and found certain strengths and attractions to become a force all their own. Go with how you as an individual feel, as you never have to “fit” into a category – these are just here to help you if you don’t quite know what type you are yet. You just may have a connection to one.

Traditional Witch

The witches who take the journey of traditional witchcraft, are interested in the old ways (pre-Christian), and are followers of history and the arts, building a foundation for their craft. Usually the craft is passed down generation after generation within family units. These witches are less inclined to participate in the worship of Goddess or Gods, preferring to work predominantly with the Spirit world and will often call on their ancestors or land spirits for strength. They work with moon cycles, planetary symbols and cycles, rune symbols, herbs and their chemical uses, the land and ancestors are very important to a Traditional witch.

Traditional witches are drawn towards both the dark and the light, performing banishing and repelling spells. They do not to follow the threefold law or the Wiccan Rede, (just to be clear traditional witchcraft is not Wicca) but careful consideration and responsibility is taken when performing any magic whether it’s healing, hex, curse or banishing spells. They perform Shamanic journeying by inducing trance that involves drumming, rattling, heavy dancing, rocking, entheogens, meditation, flying ointments, and more.

Hedge-riding is a practice that involves traveling to the spirit world through the use of trance work and other various techniques to alter the conscious mind (including entheogens, which are herbs and other substances used to induce trance) which allows the spirit to leave the body. Animism is a part of Traditional Witchcraft because they believe everything on this earth has a spirit or soul. They believe in an Upper World, Middle World and Under World. Under – those who’ve died, awaiting reincarnation or choosing not to pass on or can’t ascend. Middle – the here and now. Upper – spirits/souls who have ascended and no longer need a body as they can survive without the recharging of the spirit/soul that life is, or were never bond to a physical form/body to begin with.

Kitchen Witch: (aka – Cottage Witch & Hearth Witch)

This Witch carries practical sides of the Wiccan / Pagan religion, magic, gemstones, the elements and the earth. A Kitchen Witch is usually recognized as practicing Celtic Wicca: Goes by the elements, the Ancient Ones and nature. They are usually healers, respected highly and once they are past their 40’s tend to take on a “Wise Woman” role as they have an abundance of knowledge and are admired for it.

They work with plants, stones, flowers, trees, the elemental people, the gnomes and the fairies. But above all performs her magic in the Kitchen and has Goddess given talents for food crafting. Potions, herbal remedies, and natural instincts for over protection of hearth and home. Most often they make the best mates as they are very crafty in love and relationships – and it is said one who is a friend of a Kitchen Witch has many perks.

Green Witch:

Is the practice of nature-based and earth oriented witchcraft, drawing on the folklore, folk religion and folk magic of ancient cultures as they connected to the forest; such as the tree worship of Druids, the kitchen craft of Italian witches or the keeping of sacred groves as presented in Gallic paganism. Green witches usually practice a traditional form of witchcraft in which the earth, trees, herbs, plants and flowers are consulted for their medicinal and magical value.

They will grow their own herbs or Wildcraft them, and are very good at making herbal remedies. Belief in deities depends on the individual witch, though many Green witches acknowledge and earth mother or series of nature spirits as their deity. Usually, the spirits of nature, the dead (that of humans and animals) or the Fey have a large part in Green traditions. A form of green witchcraft which is better classified as Green Wicca was popularized by Ann Moura.

Hedge Witch:

Hedge craft is a path that is somewhat shamanic in nature, (sometimes referred to as wise man & wise woman) as they are practitioners of an Earth-based spirituality. These are the ones who engage in spirit flight and journey into the Other world. They can, in this capacity, be very powerful midwives and healers. A bird of one kind or another is usually associated with the Hedge Witch, most commonly the raven and the goose.

The term “hedge” signified the boundary of the village and represents the boundary that exists between this world and the spiritual realm. (they are said to be Night travelers or walkers on the wind). Their main function is mediator between the spirits and people. They may also work as a herbal healer or midwife. Some claim it to be the continuation of the practices of the cunning folk and wise-women, while others say that it is a modern tradition.

Eclectic Witch:

An individual approach that picks and chooses from many different traditions and creates a personalized form of witchcraft that meets their individual needs and abilities. They do not follow a particular religion or tradition, but study and learn from many different systems and use what works best for them. Many Eclectic Witches refer to themselves as Solitary Practitioners, Sorceresses, Hedge Witches, Green, White, and Grey Witches. Some consider themselves Wicca, as long as the Rede is adhered to, the Earth and the Universe revered. One main complaint made against the Eclectic Witch is that they are not true Wiccans because they build a taylor-made religion or tradition for themselves from the ground up rather than following an established or correct form of Wicca.

Their minds remain open and are receptive to knowledge, ideas, beliefs and methods that others practice. They adapt well to different situations and create their own paths by what they believe to be true and right at that time in their life (simply put – they don’t follow rules). They like to explore and make their own mistakes and take from experiences in turn creating their own rules and traditions. It’s why you can bring 2 Eclectic Witches into a room yet they are totally different in the way they practice, live, and believe as they are all different in some way.

Hereditary Witchcraft:

The term hereditary witchcraft, is given to the witch who has inherited the magic gifts through genealogy. (Keep in mind just because your Grandparents or Parents were/are witches does not necessarily mean you are too. Sometimes this can skip generations.) These witches are born, usually to a magical family and begin their journey very early in their life, using the gifts handed down through the generations.

Born into a tradition of esoteric origin (the conviction that nature is a living entity owing to a divine presence or life-force). These traditions are often not recorded, except in Grimoires which are also passed down but very highly protected, but rely primarily on oral and physical tradition. Each family has it’s own unique traditions. Most will stick together as family units rather than covens.

Sea Witch: (water witch)

As the name implies, sea witches are believed to be able to control many aspects of nature relating to water, most commonly an ocean or sea. They specialize in water based magic and worship Sea Gods & Goddesses. However, in more modern times, sea witches can also practice witchcraft on or near any source of water: lakes, rivers, bathtubs, or even simply a bowl of salt water. Sea witches use witchcraft related to the moon, tides, and the weather, and are believed to have complete control over the seas.

In some folklore, sea witches are described as phantoms or ghosts who have the power to control the fates of ships their passengers. Sea witches often improvise on what they have, rather than making purchases from a store or from another person. Common tools include clam, scallop, or oyster shells in place of bowls or cauldrons. They are beachcombers and collect items including seaweed, fishing net, shells, sea grass, driftwood, pieces of sea glass, and even sand. Driftwood was used as walking sticks and charged as wands. Sea Witch works with what is termed ‘grey magic’ to maintain a balance of light and dark – most are solitary.

Secret witch: Are you in the broom closet?

April 10, 2019Spells

I loved so much this article by Donyae Coles in the Spriral Nature Magazine as explain many of us experience. As the writer, I am open about my practice, but I don’t go to the streets with a sign saying “I am a witch”. If you ask me, I wont deny, just that. But this isn’t the case for everyone. For a variety of reasons, may people are “stuck in the broom closet” and have to keep their practice secret. This need for secrecy can be very hard to practice under, not only emotionally but also from a practical standpoint.

There are many valid reasons not to share your practice and they should be respected, it is not for us to judge anyone else’s journey. We do not live their lives, we do not follow their paths.

Here are some tips to help people practice in secret.

1. Getting an education as a secret witch

Many new practitioners who aren’t sure where to start (but must stay secret) often are at a loss as to how to learn more about the work without exposing themselves. One of the simplest things to do is to read, but keeping an occult library would probably blow your cover.

The good news is that there are tonnes of resources available online. Not just blogs and websites (like the one you’re reading now!), but also a huge selection of books! Another option is to purchase ebooks for things that you are interested in learning about. Many of the larger publishers in the metaphysical realm offer their titles in ebook form that can easily be purchased from sites like Amazon of Google Books.

Finally, don’t discount online groups and forums. These places usually have files that they share and people are always willing to help those who are looking for information. Not all groups are meant for everyone though, so try a bunch and see what fits!

2. Altar spaces and sacred spaces

One of the biggest issues for people who are practicing in secret is the altar. Regardless of which practices you follow, many of them call for the use of an altar and even if ultimately the practitioner moves away from such practices, many people just starting out wish to have one.

Simple altars generally include representations of the four elements, icons or representations of deities or our ancestors and at least a small space for offerings. These are just some basic staples. Representations can be pictures or even small jars filled with the elements along with candles or incense. Read my post: Altar Set-Up for Beginners and Witches on a Budget to have more ideas :D!

There are many options for building one for more discreet practice. One basic suggestion is to place the altar in a closet, if you at least have your own room, that way it will not be on display. Another option for a larger altar is to build it inside of a box or suitcase that can be hidden under the bed when not in use. This solution works very well for those who at least have their own bedroom to function in.

For people who do not have their own room, it is still possible to have an altar! Small altars made from small boxes, even mint tins, are very popular. By using smaller vials or relying on just pictures and drawings, you can make a simple, functional altar.

A final solution for those who absolutely cannot have a physical altar is to create a virtual one. Either by using elements you found on the web to create a photo collage, or setting up a temporary altar and snapping a photo. This isn’t the greatest option as altars should ideally be “living” spaces where you move, add, and change things as part of your practice, but for people in a tight spot, it is a solid choice

3. Making offerings in secret

If you do have to rely on a digital altar space or one that cannot be out in the open, making offerings can be a bit tricky. After all, you can’t just set a plate in front of your nana’s photo and call it a day! But don’t worry, there are many other ways to send your offerings.

The first is simple, although food and drink are some of the most basic offerings we make, you can also offer your prayers, the lighting of a candle or your own meditation as a form of vernation. This option works for honouring both gods and ancestors. They will understand your constraints as long as you are diligent in your work and honest with what you can give.

Another solution is to make your offerings at a place that is associated with them. For ancestors, a trip to their graves (if possible) is something that would not raise suspicion in most communities. Taking flowers once a week to a cemetery is a very commonplace activity and people wouldn’t bat an eye.

If you’re dealing with deities or other natural spirits, then you can simply go to places that are associated with them. This means, for example, that if you want to make an offering to Oshun (a very popular Orisha), you could go to a river and leave her offering for her. Or, if you were hoping to commune with Dionysus, hit up a wine bar. The key is to find the things which is associated with them, where their energy would gather and go there.

Get to know who you are worshipping and get creative! There are a million and one places where a deity’s energy might be felt outside of the obvious ones, like parks and streams. Think about what your chosen deity likes and go where you can find that thing!

In some locations, it is much easier to leave offerings than others. Obviously in a park or by a river, for example, it would be very easy to leave something (just make sure that whatever you are leaving will not harm the environment!), but in a shop or public place, it might be a bit harder to do so discreetly. In public places, you may only be able to offer a prayer or devotion to your deity but that is better than nothing at all. Take advantage of this post regarding celebrations: Hold an Imbolc Candle Ritual for Solitaries, Yule Rituals [that Anyone can Perform] & What do Wiccans believe? A beginner’s guide to Wicca.

4. Doing the work as a secret witch

Other hurdle for people who must keep their practice secret is actually doing the work of the craft. For people who practice forms of chaos magick or just general worship, they may not need to engage in any actual rituals or spells. For other paths, actually completing rituals and casting are important parts of their practice and many people who must do so in secret feel as if they aren’t really following their paths because they cannot do so.

Although very blatant things like sigils scrawled on your walls, talismans around your neck, and iron cauldrons boiling over the fire may tip people off to what you’re doing, it is very possible to do work in secret. The first step is throwing out any preconceived notions of what the craft looks like. Forget about dancing naked in the moonlight, wearing pentagram everything, or swapping out your deodorant for a permeant aura of Nag Champa incense. None of those stereotypical things are needed to practice and you are more than welcome to do them later when you can be more open. For now, let’s concentrate on what you can do.

5. Low key divination

Finally, there’s the act of divination (check my store for ideas). Many people who embrace this lifestyle practice some form of divination as a way to help guide them, commune with the higher and lower planes, practice meditation, or even see how spell work will go for them. The problem with most divination is that you need tools and these leave the secret witch open for discovery.

The easiest-to-hide form of divinatory tools is perhaps the pendulum. The types you can purchase from shops made from crystals, stones, and fine metals are lovely but you don’t need these to practice this art. You can make a pendulum from just about anything and a piece of string. A ring, a key, a nail, tied to a string and there you go! It’s also very easy to make a pendulum board or mat. Check this: Pendulum Witchcraft: How to Make and Use a Pendulum

Scyring can also be done with limited tools, however, it does take some alone time so this is only an option for people who are able to be alone and meditate comfortably. It can be done outside or even by staring at a screen, but if anyone will wonder why you’re staring at a screen for so long, it may not be the best option.

Tarot cards are the most popular option for divination but keeping a deck can be hard for people living in secret. There are online tarot decks available that can be used through apps, such as the Golden Thread Tarot7 (which is free), but this may not give people the full feeling. Learning about cartomancy, reading with standard playing cards — you can learn the techniques from Fortune-Telling by Cards by P.R.S. Foli,8 a book available online for free. Suggested to read: Introduction to Tarot Reading: Suits and Cards

Standing in your power, even in secret

As I mentioned earlier, secret witches and people trapped in the broom closet get a lot of guff from those who have the privilege to be open about their practices. It’s hard when you feel like you can’t really be who you are and do the things that would fulfil you as a person.

These tips and tricks are meant to help you find ways to practice while keeping your mental and physical health safe from bullying and harm. Not everyone understands this lifestyle and some still outright fear it due to ignorance, however, don’t let that stop you from exploring, even if you have to do so in secret.

An Introduction to Candle Magic

February 10, 2019Spells

Candle magic is one of the simplest forms of spell casting. Considered sympathetic magic, it’s a method which doesn’t require a lot of fancy ritual or expensive ceremonial artifacts. In other words, anyone with a candle can cast a spell. After all, remember when you were a child and you made a wish before you blew out the candles on your birthday cake?

In this article, Patti Wiginton, explains, as birthday candles, here is the same theory, only now instead of just hoping, you’re declaring your intent (and by now you’ve probably stopped hoping for a pony). If you think about it, the birthday-candle ritual is based on three key magical principles:

Decide on a goal
Visualize the end result
Focus your intent, or will, to manifest that result

What Sort of Candle Should I Use?

Most practitioners of magical systems will tell you that, much like a few other aspects of life, size really isn’t important. In fact, really big candles may be counterproductive. Look at it this way–a candle that takes three days to burn down can be highly distracting to someone working a spell that instructs you to wait until the candle burns out on its own. Typically, a short taper candle or a votive candle will work the best. In some cases, a spell might call for a specific type of candle, such as a seven-day candle or a figure candle, which may represent a particular person.

One of the most popular candles, believe it or not, is in fact the little menorah candles which are sold by the box in the kosher section of the grocery store. They’re about 4″ long, white, unscented, and thin. Because of this, they’re perfect for spell work.

You should always use a brand new candle for spell work–in other words, use virgin materials. Don’t use the candles that you burned at the dinner table or in the bathroom yesterday for spell work. In some magical traditions, once a candle is burned it picks up vibrations from things around it. If a used candle is already tainted by vibrations, some people believe it will lead to a negative or ineffective magical outcome.

When it comes to colors, you may wish to have a variety on hand for different magical purposes. Typically, Color correspondences for candle magic are as follows:

Red: Courage and health, sexual love, and lust.
Pink: Friendship and sweet love.
Orange: Attraction and encouragement.
Gold: Financial gain, business endeavors, and solar connections.
Yellow: Persuasion and protection.
Green: Financial gain, abundance, and fertility.
Light Blue: Health, patience, and understanding.
Dark Blue: Depression and vulnerability.
Purple: Ambition and power.
Brown: Earth-related or animal-related workings.
Black: Negativity and banishment.
White: Purity and truth*.
Silver: Reflection, intuition, and lunar connections.

* Note that in many Pagan traditions, it is acceptable to use a white candle in place of any other color.

Using Your Candle in Ritual

After you’ve selected a candle, you’ll want to oil it or dress it before burning. This is a method by which you’ll establish a psychic link between you and the candle itself. In other words, you’re charging the candle with your own energy and personal vibrations, and projecting your intent into the wax before you burn it. To dress a candle, you’ll need a natural oil; many practitioners like to use grapeseed because it has no smell. Another option is to use special candle magic oils from one of the metaphysical supply stores.

Begin at the top of the candle, and rub the oil downward to the middle. Then, begin at the base of the candle and rub the oil up towards the middle, ending where the first coating of oil left off. In some traditions, the anointing is done just the opposite way; start in the middle and work your way towards the two ends.

If your working calls for herbs to be used as well, roll the oiled candle in the powdered herbs until it is coated all the way around.

Brujo Negro of BrujoNegroBrujeria says,

“Is a candle magical in and of itself? No, it is the flame of the candle which is what we are making the magic; the candle and its wax are the fuel for the fire. In essence the candle is a vehicle for the creation of the magic contained in the flame, it is a tool if you will and yes it is a magical tool so you should treat your candles as magical tools. You should give your chosen candle a basic cleansing, before dedicating it to the use of a magical spell.”

The most basic form of candle magic uses a piece of colored paper that matches the intent of your candle. Decide what your goal is, and write it on the piece of paper. Just for an example, let’s say we’re going to do a money working. Write down your intent, something like I will become financially prosperous. In some traditions, you would write your intent in a magical alphabet, such as Theban or Enochian. Because this is a money-oriented working, we would select either a gold or green piece of paper, and a candle of the same color.

As you write down your goal, visualize yourself achieving that goal. Think about the different ways in which your goal might manifest. Could you be getting a raise at work? Perhaps someone who owed you money will arrive out of the blue to repay their debt. Maybe you’ll find out you overpaid that cable bill from last year, and you will get a surprise refund check!

Once you’ve written down your goal, fold the paper, concentrating on your intent the whole time. Some people like to say a small incantation as they do this. If you’re one of those people, this is a good place to do it. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. You can use something as simple as:

Extra money come my way,
I could use a little cash today.
Extra money come to me,
As I will, so it shall be.

Place one corned of the folded paper into the candle’s flame and allow it to catch fire. Hold the paper as long as possible (without burning your fingers) and then place it in a fire-safe bowl or cauldron to burn the rest of the way on its own. Allow the candle to burn out completely. When the candle has burned out completely, dispose of it, rather than saving it to use again for another working. Usually there’s not much left of a candle except a stub of wax, and you can either bury it outdoors or dispose of it in whatever manner you choose.

Candle Magic for Divination

In some magical traditions, candles are used for divinatory purposes. The two most commonly used methods of candle divination are by reading the wax, and reading the manner in which the candle actually burns. To read the wax, the typical practice is to drop the liquefied wax into a bowl of cold water. The wax will harden almost immediately, and form shapes. Use these shapes to get the answers to your questions, much as you would if you were reading tea leaves.

To divine by the way the candle burns is a bit more complex, and Cat Yronwoode of LuckyMojo has a great essay on ceromancy in Hoodoo candle magic.

Wiccan Symbols and Their Meanings

February 5, 2019Spells

Wiccan-Symbols-And-Meanings-Wiccan-Pentagram-Pentacle

There are a lot of pagan symbols that have been used for centuries, and each symbol have a specific meaning and purpose. Many of these have been incorporated to modern wiccan religion, as well as other new age pagan groups.

In this article from mythologian.net they describe some of the most important pagan symbols and their meanings. Note that they omitted some of the most common symbols (like the “Triple Moon”, which was just slightly mentioned), and they included some that I would call “tools of the craft” other than symbols (like the Athame and Cauldron). But it is a very good list with lots of useful information.

Do you know any other wiccan/pagan symbols? Let us know in the comments section below!

We have shed light on a great deal of ancient symbols here in this section of Mythologian. Now it is time for the next part of that journey to begin. Here is our detailed post about Wiccan symbols and their meanings.

Hollywood is responsible for a great many misconceptions, and their skewed misrepresentation of Wicca and Wiccans is perhaps one of the most egregious of them all. Beliefs that predate most ‘modern’ religions have been vilified to the point that positive, empowering symbols are looked upon with fear and suspicion.

Here are some of the most powerful Wiccan symbols, some common, others not so. The odds are that you have seen some of them many times before, but have never been given the opportunity to understand their true meanings.

Wiccan Pentagram and Pentacle

We begin with the pentagram and pentacle because they are by far the most easily-recognizable Wiccan symbol, and one most commonly associated with the practice of the religion. It can be said that the pentagram and pentacle are equivalent to the Cross and the Star of David in Christianity and Judaism respectively.

The pentagram is a five-pointed star and the pentacle is the pentagram depicted within a circle with the five points touching its circumference. Both shapes are usually drawn with a regular pentagram, meaning that each of the star’s five arms is at the same angle from its immediate neighbors. However, irregular pentagrams are not uncommon either.

The most common – and perhaps the most obvious – variation we see with pentacles and pentagrams is whether the star is shown with a single point at the top or flipped vertically to have that point on the bottom.

In true Wicca, the five points represent the five elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit. The upward-pointing star is a representation of the triumph of the spirit over matter and earthly desires. The transposed star symbolizes personal gratification over spiritual ones.

It is arguably the Church of Satan’s use of the latter version, with a goat’s head overlaid on the original shape that has fueled so much misunderstanding. They have also copyrighted that image.

Hecate’s Wheel (Strophalos of Hekate)

Hecate (hek-a-tee) was the Greek goddess of magic, witchcraft, necromancy, ghosts, crossroads and entrance ways. She is often depicted as a woman with three aspects wearing a crown with long, protruding spikes (similar to that of the Statue of Liberty).

Hecate’s Wheel has at its center a 6-sided spiral within a circle.

Surrounding the circle is a larger circle whose circumference branches of into three spokes. Each of those spokes then branch off into arcs that ring the central design but do not touch each other.

The Strophalos is a symbol of identification but its true meanings remain clouded in mystery. According to the Chaldean Oracles, a two-millennia-old Alexandrian text, the three-spoked shape surrounding the spiral symbolizes a labyrinthine serpent. The serpent was a representation of rebirth.

The spiral in the center is an ‘Iynx’ (plural Iynges), a picturisation of the force that is said to bind Man to the Father (God). Iynges are said to be the channels on which the celestial world communicates with the material one, or act as couriers between gods and men.

Hecate is sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of Witches’ for her role as patron of magical craft and control of the unseen world. The Wheel is an homage to her, but also references the male personification of God at its center for an enigmatic coming together of both aspects of the divine.

Triquetra (Trinity Knot)

Triquetra is a Latin word that means three-cornered. The first triquetras that we know of were those found on ancient Indian sites dating back over five millennia. However, they have also been found as far away as the Scandinavian countries.

Today, the design is most commonly associated with the Celts, where it first emerged in their art approximately 1,400 years ago.

The fact that the Trinity Knot has a place in such a diverse range of cultures almost necessarily hints at the fact that it means many things to many people. In Wiccan tradition, it has come to symbolize the three roles that the Goddess takes in our lives, as mother, maiden and crone.

The mother is symbol of nurturing love, of creation and the cycle of Life. The maiden represents beauty and fertility, and also innocence. The trait of wisdom is personified by the crone. It is believed that the interlocking design is a testament of how each role merges into the other and ties to the eternal nature of Life and the soul.

Others see the three points as depictions of the three essential elements of nature as envisioned by ancient pagans – earth, water and fire. The Celts’ interpretation of the triplicate design was as the three domains: land, sea and sky.

Athame (Dagger)

An athame (er-thay-may) is a ceremonial dagger, usually with a black handle. Blades are a common feature in many Wiccan rituals and ceremonies and the athame is used primarily as a metaphorical symbol of killing the old and the unwanted (referring mainly to emotions and unpleasant memories) or as a cleaving of what is to be left behind.

The athame is usually represented with its blade pointing upwards and is thus associated with the elements of air and fire, whose representations are upward-facing triangles.

Athames used for rituals have to be consecrated before they can be used in Wiccan rituals. In earlier times, they were single-edged because practitioners of the craft used them for associated activities like the shaping of candles. Today, since most objects for ritual use like candles are readily available, athames may also be double-edged. However, Wiccans may still blunt the edges and the point as a precautionary measure.

It is a common mistake to confuse the athame with the ‘boline’. A boline is used for actual cutting of ingredients and twine and rope to be used for rituals; inscriptions are usually carved with bolines and they usually come with a white handle.
The ‘Casting of the Circle’, the ritual drawing of the boundary of a magic circle (usually 9 feet in diameter), may be done using an athame.

Witch’s Knot (Witch’s Charm)

The Witch’s Knot is another common Wiccan symbol, and as is often the case with the most common symbols, the interpretation of its meanings have diverged significantly from its original purpose.

The oldest explanations of its use describe The Witch’s Charm as a symbol of protection against malevolent witchcraft. A key aspect to its power was the unending design that revealed no beginning or end. The four loops were designed to point in all four cardinal directions so that they protected the occupants from evil intent from every point of approach. Hence the reason why The Witch’s Knot is considered as one of the prominent Wiccan protection symbols.

When created, it is recommended that a Witch’s Knot is drawn in a single, continuous process without breaks (a unicursal). This enhances the efficacy of the intention behind its existence and the power of the magic.

The Witch’s Knot was often inscribed above doorways of homes and stables. The four pisces are often said to represent the female ‘yoni’ but the number ‘three’ is more closely associated with the divine feminine (as we see with the Triquetra) while four is more closely aligned with the male force.
The circle in the center is meant to denote eternity and the circle of Life itself.

Hexagram (Unicursal)

In symbology, the hexagram is most commonly represented as two interlocking triangles as in the Star of David in Jewish tradition. The unicursal (can be drawn in a single line) hexagram is a more complicated figure, and is the six-sided shape more common to Wiccan tradition.

There are two main vertices, one pointing above and the other below, and four secondary vertices, two on either side.

The topmost vertex is said to be representative of the Divine or the divine plane, while the downward-pointing vertex is commonly believed to symbolize Man or the earthly realm.

The unicursal hexagram is basically two letter ‘Z’s, one drawn normally and the other as a mirror reflection superimposed so their two edges touch. There is very little material available that actually explains how the shape was designed apart from that it was used by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

The Rose Cross of the Golden Dawn organization exhibits the same mysterious four triangles emerging from its center like the unicursal hexagram.

Crescent Moon

For Wiccans, the Moon is not just a symbol; she is a Goddess in her own right. The moon probably came to be so closely associated with the divine feminine because of the periodicity it shared with the female menstrual cycle.
Most crescent moon symbols show the waxing moon, a representation of new beginnings, growth and creativity. In Wiccan female symbolism, the life of a woman is associated with three stages, that of the mother, maiden and crone. All three stages are depicted in another popular Wiccan symbol, the Triple Moon.

The waxing crescent moon aligns with the maiden at the peak of her existence on earth, fertile and innocent, with her life before her brimming with infinite possibilities.

Very often, we associate femininity with weakness and a need for protection. That was not the case when these symbols gained their power. It was at a time when women were hardy and strong, running their households as wives and mothers, holding the fort alone when menfolk went off to work the fields or were engaged in warfare.

The true spirit of the crescent moon alludes to the powerful feminine, and that is the reason it is popularly adopted by so many practitioners of Wicca today.

Horned God

Where the Triple Moon represents the entirety of female earthly life, the Horned God is the symbol of the male aspect of the Divine. Together, they form the dual aspect of the Wiccan pantheon.
The Horned God is the symbol of virility (how we get our word ‘horny’), strength and the Hunt.

While the original view of Wicca tradition was that the male and female were opposite but equal, the modern interpretation of Wicca places considerably less emphasis on the male facet. In Wicca, adherents believe that while the Goddess is eternal (through the three-stage cycle of mother, maiden and crone) while the Horned God is born in winter, impregnates the Goddess, then passes on during the autumn months. He is reborn in the coming winter and the cycle repeats itself.

This conforms to a parallel system of belief that ascribes the role of a ‘lesser god’ or an ‘under-god’ to the Horned one. It is said that he is a mediator between the earthly plane and the true God which we are unable and incapable of perceiving or knowing.

Wiccans also see this entity as the Lord of Death. In this capacity, he comforts and consoles those whose life on earth has ended while they wait for the cycle of rebirth to transport them back to the earthly plane.

Cauldron

Besides the witch’s hat, the cauldron is probably the most cartoonishly-depicted of all things Wicca by Hollywood. In true Wicca lore, it is the vessel in which all life floats until it returned to the cycle of rebirth, and is symbolic of the womb of the Goddess.
The use of a vessel to hold something of spiritual or magical value is not limited to Wicca. It is an important aspect of Christian belief in its use as a chalice used in Catholic rituals or with the Holy Grail itself.

The Wiccan cauldron was a symbol of healing and knowledge for its origins at a time when a medicine woman or shaman would prepare a poultice or a healing concoction within it. For simple folk in ancient times who had no access nor knowledge of medicine, it would have represented a vessel full of eternal promise, an object through which the gods would bless them with the benevolence of good health or extended life.

In practice today, the cauldron is used to burn items during a ritual, or as a container for brewing spells and potions. It may also be used or scrying, either from the images in seen in the contents of the cauldron or from the steam rising from it.

7 Things ALL Witches Do

January 26, 2019Spells

And yes, there are some things that all witches do. Probably in different levels, but I think all we do.

When I read this article from The Alchemist published in The Witchcraft, I realized, many of my “things” are witch related and not just me as a maniatic. For example I like to sleep 8 hours as least. Many of my friends make jokes about this, and sometimes is difficult to do it while traveling for business, but for me is sacred and is part of “have time for me and quality time”.

Please read all this 7 “things” and let me know if you do more or less. Let’s see what we have in common between us!

1. Feel and Move like Witches

Some may call this Vanity but it’s actually self-confidence. Knowing that you are Witch gives you power. And this power is noticed by others. As we’ve already seen above, witches usually lead normal lives. They work – and work hard – they make families (this is why all these hereditary Witches are born) and in general live like all the others. In fact, many of the current or ancient leaders, politicians and famous people used to be witches!

It is not easy to tell who is a Witch because of the former (and unfortunately even present-day) Witch-huntings. However, a Witch always knows who s/he is. They realise their power even if they are occupied by mundane activities. Deep inside they still feel connected with the Spirits and always keep an eye on synchronicities and omens.

2. They Never Ignore an Omen

Witches don’t actually believe in ‘random events’. They know that the World is built on patterns of cosmic Wisdom. Anything can be traced back to numbers and energy. Hence, they never ignore an Omen.

However, they usually don’t get crazy trying to find out the meaning of it. They know how to keep calm and they try to decipher it. Omens is the Language of Spirits. This is how they try to communicate with us.

3. Witches Always Write Down their Progress and Experiences

This is how the ‘Book of Shadows‘ started. Although many believe its an anthology of spells and incantations, the real ‘Books of Shadows’ are actually journals of solitary Witches of Covens.

Some witches may have been born with some knowledge or awareness of Magic due to their past incarnations, yet all Witches are here to learn more. This is why ‘Books of Shadows’ exist. To keep track of what they’ve learned and what they did. It’s actually a way to check their progress.

This World has a weird way of holding us down, making us forget our true nature. This is why Books of Shadows help us remember who we truly are and what we’ve succeeded so far.

4. Witches Keep in touch with their Roots & Nature

Witches know that this is not their only life. They have awareness that Soul is immortal transcending planes of existence. Although many witches may not be able to recall their past lives in this or other worlds, they most certainly know that during Sabbats and powerful days, they can actually get a glimpse or magical feedback of their past incarnations and probably their powers.

Another very important thing for Witches is Mother Nature. They usually take some time to enjoy the Sunlight or the Moon beams and the stars. Playing with animals or keeping some close to them. Witches do love to be accompanied by animals while nurturing and protecting them like their children. As Judika Illes said in The Big Book of Practical Spells: Everyday Magic That Works, “The bottom line is that magic is communication: communication between yourself, Earth and all the other life forms with whom we share our Earth Mother.“

5. Dreams and Premonitions are taken seriously

Witches know that Dreams have powers. Energy doesn’t lie. This is why they keep track of their dream via a Dream Journal. Know that magic is sometimes presented via dreams. Spirits can also communicate via dreams and premonitions. This is why Witches know the power of their dreams and take them seriously. Witches listen to their guts.

6. Quality time is frequently needed

Witches may indeed lead normal lives but there is a time they know they have to withdraw from the madness and noise of the Material World. Although they are not irresponsible, they just need some time for themselves. Witches are wise and know that money is the way this World works. However, there should be some quality time for themselves and their Craft.

Even if this is just a day off or some hours prior sleep, they need this isolation in order to attune with the Spirit World and their magic. Although, there are some witches who live like hermits, completely withdrawn from the Material World, most Witches just ask for a couple of Hours or in some cases a day (especially in Sabbats) in order to recharge their magic and cast their spells.

7. Witches Know when to let go

They previous points were things about witches do regularly. This final one is about what witches don’t do. Witches know when it’s time to let go. They try not be attached with material belongings. Although they sometimes may even lose themselves, they attune back to the Source of Magic and become brave enough to let things go.

Witches know that loss is part of the Material World. However, they also know that what is lost may again be found, in this or another life. Witches know that there is no such thing as a real end. Sometimes this relieving wisdom, brings them back on track. In other words, they know when it’s time to Let Go.