Author: Old Ways Witchery

The Witch’s Circle

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The concept of the Witch’s Circle is not a modern invention, and is not solely a Wiccan practice. It is used by ceremonial magicians, traditional witches, and even some druid groups. Many medieval woodcuts depict witches standing in or casting a circle of protection. Famous works of art, such as the 1886 oil painting The Magic Circle by John William Waterhouse (below), depict a witch casting a circle using a sword.

What is the Witch’s Circle?

As witches are weavers of energy, they utilize it in many forms. The celestial energies of the stars and planets, the natural energies of stones, plants and trees, as well as the elemental energies of earth, air, fire and water all work together with the witch as companions in magic. Casting the circle creates an energetic boundary of protection around the witch, keeping in only those energies that are needed for magical workings and keeping out anything that may be harmful. The circle typically involves the use of intention, visualization and incantation. A proper circle requires strong focus and concentration, and should not be attempted in a casual or haphazard manner. Take your time and don’t rush it. It is not uncommon to sense a change in temperature or a difference in atmosphere when the circle has been cast successfully. It has been noted that often the person casting the circle will not feel any changes, but others present in the circle will notice a marked change. When casting the magic circle, some traditions begin in the north, others in the south. Practitioners may use a wand, an athame, a sword, or just the hand. Some will cast a circle with specially selected herbs or with salt. When the circle has been completed, it is not merely a circle but a sphere. The circle caster may either stand in the center and turn, or walk the perimeter of the circle. Either method will depend on available space, the location of the altar, how many people are present, or whether the ceremony is indoors or outdoors. For outdoor and public circles, I place the altar in the center and walk the perimeter of the circle. My indoor altar sits against an east facing wall, only because of space limitations. I stand in the center of the room and cast my circle to the walls. An outdoor circle can also be traced on the ground with a stang (a forked wooden staff).

The circle is cast by walking (or turning) three circles in a clockwise direction. Various traditions have their own circle-casting incantations, but they typically go something like this:

(Circle One) I cast this circle to protect me (us) from all harmful energies.

(Circle Two) I cast this circle to allow only the most perfect energies for this work, and block out all other energies.

(Circle Three) I cast this circle to be a sacred space and a world between worlds, where the highest will is sovereign.

(This particular circle call is inspired by author/teacher Christopher Penczak, and I use it in my own circles. I have found it very effective).

It is important to speak loudly and with authority. This isn’t a game and you’re not just saying words. We are working with energy here, bending and shaping it with our will, intent and visualization. As we walk the circle, we see it in our mind’s eye as a blue light emanating from the wand, athame or coming out of the hand. When your ceremony or ritual is complete, then you will release the circle. Some traditions use the terms “opening and closing”, but I prefer “casting and releasing”, which makes more sense to me. To release the circle, simply walk the circle in only one counter-clockwise direction and say something like “I release this circle out into the universe”. Again, various traditions will have their own incantations for circle casting and releasing, but you can certainly write your own. The main purposes for the circle are to be a boundary of protection, a container of energy, and to be a sacred space. The circle should be cast before doing any magic, rituals or ceremonies. I use the circle for any magical workings I do at the altar, including divination.

There are many other nuances to casting the circle, indeed entire books have been written about it, but in this article I wanted to share some important considerations. This article did not address the calling of the elements, deities or directions. I wanted to focus primarily on the actual casting and releasing of the circle. For a more detailed description of circle-casting and ritual ceremony, I recommend the wonderful book, “The Outer Temple of Witchcraft: Circles, Spells and Rituals”, by Christopher Penczak.

Medieval woodcut of witches in a circle.

The Elemental Year

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In magical terms, the year can be divided into four segments, each corresponding to a different element. As we examine these different times of the year, we can see how the energies present during seasonal shifts can be associated with the elements of Earth, Fire, Air and Water.

EARTH: March/April/May

It is during this time that the earth is beginning to awaken. Flowers are blooming, leaves are forming on the trees, and the creatures of the earth are arising from their slumber. Winter is but a memory, and the Earth is coming alive once again. In March, we celebrate the Spring Equinox with symbols of fertility and the newness of life. It is a time to start fresh and welcome new beginnings. Many magical traditions begin training new students at this time. In May, we celebrate Beltane, a joining together of energies to create something new, whether that be a creative project, a new relationship or the manifestation of a spell. The seeds have been planted, literally and figuratively, and now is the time to watch them grow. Beltane also brings with it the intensity and passion that carries over into the next few months.

FIRE: June/July/August

The Summer brings heat and warmth, and a powerful time of creative energy. The Summer Solstice is a recognition of that powerful force, but also a reminder that the days will soon grow shorter. Although Summer has just begun, the growing cornfields remind us it will soon pass. We spend these days enjoying the company of friends and loved ones, with lively cookouts and trips to the beach. It is a time to revel in the sunlight and enjoy all that life has to offer. Magically it is a time of fruition, of watching the plans we set in motion months ago finally coming to pass. Embrace the fire within, embrace your desires and passions, and visualize them manifesting in your life. On August 1st, we celebrate Lughnasadh, the First Harvest. Summer is nearly over, the corn has grown tall in the fields. Now is the time to begin preparing, for darker days are soon to come. Examine what has been harvested in your own life, and gather those things that will help you remain strong as the colder months arrive.

AIR: September/October/November

As Fall approaches, the winds begin to blow, reminding us again of the darkness ahead. In September, we celebrate the Autumn Equinox. The day and night are of equal length, but now the days will grow shorter. It is a time to give thanks for the abundance in our lives, for the food on our tables and the many good things that have come to us in the past year. As the mythical figure Mabon was rescued from darkness into light, we now transition from light into darkness. During these three months, many sense an increase in their intuitive and psychic abilities. As the wind blows, it seems to awaken the senses. Magic can be felt and sensed everywhere. This is the power of Air: enlightening, awakening, inspiring. In October, we celebrate Samhain as we remember our beloved dead. They draw near and whisper to us. As we enter the dark half of the year, we examine our own dark nature. We learn to embrace both the Dark and the Light. We recognize that both are necessary to us to be balanced and whole.

WATER: December/January/February

As the colder months arrive, they bring snow and sleet and freezing rain. Although the glistening white snow can be beautiful, this is still the darkest time of the year. The earth goes to sleep, and many of it’s creatures go into hibernation. The leaves have all fallen from the trees, leaving bare branches that sway in the winter rains. On the Winter Solstice, we acknowledge the darkness on the longest night of the year, but this brings with it the promise that light will soon return. The days will soon begin to grow longer. In February, we celebrate Imbolc in honor of the Celtic Goddess/Saint Brigid.

We light candles to her as a symbolic gesture that gently awakens her from her slumber. She is a goddess of smithcraft, poetry and healing. Her creative force will soon coax the snowdrops out of the ground and into the sunlight. As each snowfall melts into the ground, it waters the seeds that will soon sprout in the coming Spring.

When Lines Have To Be Drawn

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A long time ago,I had a different blog with thousands of followers. It was a witchcraft blog, much like this one. I wrote about the usual things: plants, crystals, spells, magic and enchantment. People loved it. Then I wrote a few posts about the political climate at the time, and how witches are also called to be activists and to speak out against fascism and government oppression. For reasons that I still find baffling, this offended people. “You’re getting political”, they said, “I’m not following you anymore”. They loved reading about the magic and the spells, but when they were challenged to take an active stand for something, that was a problem. I lost some followers, but here’s the thing: I didn’t care then and I don’t care now. Being a witch is more than just burning incense and wearing pretty crystals. Being a witch is also political. If you’re American or British, it is because of politics that you can still openly practice witchcraft. If you call yourself a witch, it is your duty to be a voice for the oppressed, to stand against authoritarianism and fascism. You are called to be an activist. That doesn’t mean you have stand on a street corner with a sign (although that helps), but you have a duty to speak out.

The American government is currently in the hands of some of the most vile people on the planet. They seek to impose their fascist rule on the entire nation, if not the world. We are now living in a time when lines have to be drawn, and when being silent makes you complicit. It also means removing some people from our lives. I have read the mutterings of some idealistic witches who speak about “kindness” and not “causing division”. Is it “kindness” to kidnap people off the streets because of their skin color and ship them to another country without due process? Some of whom are actually full-fledged Americans? Is it not causing division by removing all mention of Native Americans, women and immigrants from our history? Someone made the ridiculous comment “Hating the haters makes you just as bad”. Really? Would you say that to holocaust victims? You know, it isn’t racism to call someone a racist. It isn’t bigotry to call someone a bigot. In the White House and among the MAGA cult, bigotry and racism are running rampant. And they’re proud of it. I hesitate to use the word “president”, because real presidents do not behave the way this one does. All of the things that make him so vile are the things his supporters love about him. They love that he’s a felon, because if you look at recent headlines, many of them are felons too. They love that he’s a bigot and a racist, because they are openly bigoted and racist too. They love that he brags about grabbing women by their vaginas, because they like to think they could do that too. They see all these things and they see themselves. They identify with it. They view him as some sort of outlaw rebel. They don’t care that he has 91 criminal convictions and that 26 women have accused him of sexual assault. He should never have been allowed to run again in the first place. What we are seeing is not normal.

You cannot call yourself a real witch and be okay with any of this.

I will take it a step further: if you support this man, you are not a real witch. “MAGA Witches” are not real witches. Real witches do not support these atrocities. And now he’s accusing Obama of treason. Total utter nonsense. Our Departments of Defense, Education, Health and Aviation are being run by people who have no real qualifications to do so. All policies that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion are being scrapped. You cannot call yourself a real Witch and be against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. These are all things that witches defend and support. As a witch, you shouldn’t need reminding that the White House now has a “Faith Office”, led by lunatic evangelist Paula White, an office that promotes Christian Nationalism, which seeks to force Christianity on everyone in America and make it illegal to practice any other religion or spiritual path. If they have their way, witches may soon have to go back into hiding. Is this what you voted for? If you are not speaking out against what is happening, then you are supporting it. I continue to block and delete all Trump supporters from my social media accounts. I do this with no regrets and no remorse. If someone tells me they support Trump, then that tells me everything about them. It tells me about their character and ethics, and the fact that they have none. It tells me these are people I do not want around me. If you support Donald Trump, then I do not want you as followers. Don’t buy my books, don’t follow this blog and don’t come to my events. You are not welcome. I reject you.

To those real witches who stand with me against an authoritarian regime and a fascist dictatorship, I appreciate you, and I will see you at the next protest.

RESIST!

The Witch at the Edge of the Forest

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It is my belief that witches were never meant to be celebrities, “influencers”, or have thousands of “followers”. I find it disheartening to see so many people actively seeking a certain level of fame and status in the wider pagan world. This should not be the goal. Just like the historical witch at the edge of the forest, we were meant primarily to be of service to those in our local communities. That is our first priority. It all begins from there. This being said, there is good work being done by some very high-profile witches, but they did not set out to become famous. Their reputations preceded them as their work was shared by those who benefited from it. These witches remain humble and do not seek the limelight. I can count on one hand those that I would seriously recommend.

There are several others, however, who have become popular for the wrong reasons. I will not name names, but there are some well-known witches that I have chosen not to follow. Some have made broad, sweeping statements that I simply cannot support. Some seem to direct their energies toward certain demographics and the trendy ideas they cling to. They love attention and are fixated on clicks, likes and reviews. They take notice when they are muted or unfollowed. Does it really matter? Be wary of pagans and witches who are always talking about themselves and rarely about the work of others.

Just because someone is popular and has a best-selling book does not mean they are a worthwhile teacher. Even books can be popular for the wrong reasons.

There is an old saying, “Bloom where you are planted”, and there is a lot of wisdom in this. Let us offer our magical skills and gifts to our local communities, unconcerned with followers and popularity. May we be more like the witch at the edge of the forest, detached from mainstream society and yet still accessible to those who need our services.

Blood, Saliva and Semen: Using Bodily Fluids in Witchcraft

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It has been said that if today’s so-called “modern” witches knew how witchcraft was practiced in the old days, they would probably be shocked. Many witches today would never consider using bodily fluids as a component in their magical workings. They likely view such practices as “dark” or “baneful” magic, which, of course they can be. One might even say there are times when such magic would be necessary, but that is a different article altogether.

When used in an ethical and responsible manner, introducing body fluids into your spellwork adds a massive boost of power to your magic. It is nothing to be fearful of as long as your intentions are benevolent ones. Bodily fluids have been used in witchcraft for centuries. It is not a new concept, but it is not widely embraced in the modern pagan and witch communities. In this article, we will look at the three primary fluids: blood, saliva and semen.

Blood

Blood is believed to carry our life force. Blood can be used to consecrate ritual tools or magical objects. It can be used to forge a magical bond between people, or between people and familiar spirits. In our tradition of Old Ways Witchery, three drops of blood are placed into the wooden wands we make for ourselves every Spring. I know of another tradition in which a few drops of blood are mixed with chlorophyll, and then poured around the base of a plant. This forges a connection between the witch and the plant. Chlorophyll (not to be confused with chloroform) is basically “plant blood” and is widely available. Blood is symbolic of life and the connection to one’s ancestors, and to humanity. Using blood in a magical working calls upon these symbolic meanings. Blood can be used to evoke the spirits of the departed dead, to seek their wisdom, guidance and presence. Presenting a few drops of your blood as an offering to deity is viewed as a form of sacrifice, and a way to gain favor and protection.

Saliva

Saliva is used in some forms of protection magic, as well as for healing and cleansing. Like blood, it is believed to carry your personal essence or energy. It can be used to establish authority and to magically “mark one’s territory”. Saliva can be used to seal your energy into divination tools such as tarot cards, runes or ogham staves. It is viewed as the “lubricant of life”, and can be used when making sacred agreements, or when acknowledging rites of passage. Saliva is also often used in spells to invoke love or lust, as well as in some forms of candle magic. It is a powerful ingredient in healing spells, particularly those involving the use of poppets. When constructing a healing poppet, simply include some of your saliva along with other healing ingredients on the inside of the poppet before it is sealed shut.

Semen

Semen is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various forms of magic. Energetically it can be used as part of a binding spell to influence someone’s actions or emotions. It is often used in sex magic, to enhance sexual attraction. Mixing semen with blood is a powerful blend that helps to “seal” a spell and sort of expedite the results more quickly. As with saliva, ritual candles can be dressed with semen to increase their power and effectiveness. Semen can be placed in magical talismans, particularly those made with clay, which will increase their potency. For those who make their own candles, semen can be added to the wax before it is poured, which will make them much more powerful. Semen is viewed as a creative force, which makes it’s use in spells and magical workings undeniably strong. Gay men in particular will find the use of semen to greatly enhance their spells and rituals.

Using bodily fluids in witchcraft is not a universally accepted practice in all magical traditions. It involves ethical considerations related to consent and manipulation. Each witch must decide for him or herself how they will use these ingredients. Additionally, each witch must be willing to take responsibility according to his or her own personal ethics and moral standards.

The Old Ways Witch

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There are many different types of witches in today’s modern world, from traditional to eclectic, to hedge and Wiccan witches. None of these are better or worse than another, just different. We don’t all do things the same way, but there are some common practices and beliefs held by all. The practice of witchcraft has always been referred to as “The Old Ways” and even as “The Old Religion”, although many have an aversion to that word due to it’s Christian associations. Be that as it may, witchcraft often does have a religious aspect, such as with the veneration of deity figures and the devotion that is given to them. Still, not all witches connect with deity figures, gods or goddesses. Today, witchcraft has become trendy, with everyone and their uncle claiming to be a witch (and who is to say they’re not), but the fact remains that witchcraft is not merely a hobby or something fun to do on the weekend. Add to this the fact that many are trying to oversimplify witchcraft and calling some things “witchcraft” that really are not. It is a noble idea to try and make witchcraft more appealing to modern people, but I am not convinced that it should be. Historically, witches were always on the fringe, on the outside. They weren’t celebrities or “influencers”. They kept to themselves and were both respected and feared in equal measure. I believe it is important that we return to this ideal. In today’s social media world, you do kind of have to put yourself out there, otherwise how will people know about you and the services you offer, but I try to do this in a minimal way. I have a Facebook, an Instagram and this website. I am a witch of the Old Ways, meaning that I hold to beliefs and practices that pre-date modern Wicca and other modern magical systems. Some people scoff at the expression “Old Ways”, particularly the younger witches who feel that older beliefs are irrelevant and outdated. The wisdom of the craft elders is pushed aside in favor of new and so-called “modern” ideas. While the Old Ways are not linked to any particular cultural or religious aspect, my own practice does incorporate some religious and cultural overtones. Aside from these, there are things that identify the Old Ways Witch.

  • The Plant Realm: Old Ways witches work closely with flowers, herbs and plants, forging a bond with the spirits of the plant realm. A relationship is developed between plant and witch, where the communication of magical wisdom is shared. The plants lend their energies to the witch’s spells and enchantments, and in return the witch maintains a connection with the spirit of the plant.
  • The Night: The Old Ways witch is intimately attuned to the powers of the night. All ceremonies and rituals are conducted during the night-time hours, long after the sun has set and the moon takes rulership of the sky.
  • The Moon: The Old Ways witch works predominantly with the phases of the moon rather than the sun, to attract and draw in, or to banish and repel. The hours between 3am-5am are the most auspicious times for spells and magical workings.
  • The Forest: The Old Ways witch has a strong connection to the forest and the spirits who dwell there. This includes the trees, plants and animals who inhabit the forest.
  • Sovereignty: The Old Ways witch is sovereign, meaning that he or she is not bound by the rules and laws of others, but practices by his or her own personal ethics and moral standards. Old Ways witches do not adhere to such ideas as the Wiccan Rede or the Threefold Law.
  • Magic: The Old Ways witch is a practitioner of magic, with the use of spells and enchantments, within the boundary of the magic circle. This often includes practices of folk magic that have been passed down through the ages, as well as magical systems that existed long before Wicca, such as the use of sigils and planetary forces.
  • Ancient Lore: The Old Ways witch preserves the wisdom contained within the old stories. Some Old Ways witches may be devoted to a particular deity.
  • Familiars: The Old Ways witch works closely with the spirits of animals, stones and plants.
  • Divination: The Old Ways witch is skilled in various forms of divination, which may include tarot, runes, pendulum, ogham or crystal ball. These skills are offered to those who seek guidance, or when the witch seeks insight into current events.
  • Healing: The Old Ways witch is skilled in various forms of alternative healing, which may include Reiki, crystal therapy, herbal applications or certain unconventional forms of energy healing.
  • Nature: The practices of the Old Ways witch are rooted in the mysticism of nature, the wind in the trees, the light of the moon, the majestic stag, the jumping salmon and the hoot of the owl. Nature is alive and sentient, sharing it’s wisdom only with those who have the ears to hear.
  • Spirits: The Old Ways witch communicates not only with the spirits of nature, plants, animals and stone, but also with the departed dead. Ancestors (both spiritual and familial) play a large role in the life of the Old Ways witch, sharing their wisdom and assisting with magical workings.

These are some of the things that differentiate an Old Ways witch from other types of witches. This is my practice, though I have not shared everything here. I do not suggest that Old Ways witches are “better” than other witches, but I do maintain that older practices are still just as relevant in today’s world.

The Three Realms

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Unlike many witchcraft traditions that call the Four Directions (North, East, South, West) when casting the circle, in our practice of Old Ways Witchery, it is the Three Realms (Land, Sea and Sky) that are called forth. Each of the three realms are associated with an animal that lends it’s energy to that realm for the duration of the circle. Land is associated with the Stag, Sea is linked to the Salmon, and Sky is associated with the Owl. The realms of land, sea and sky, along with these animals, are frequently represented throughout Celtic lore. In this article, we will explore each of these and why they are important to our practice.

Land and the Stag

The realm of land is the realm of the material world. It is the realm of living and working. It is the realm of finances and food, of existing on the earthly plane. It is the realm of flowers and plants, of trees, mountains and forests. The land is represented by the stag. When we cast the circle, we stand facing the north and say, “We call upon the Spirit of the Great Stag who dwells in the forest, and we ask for the blessing of the Land”. The Great Stag is the guardian of the forest and all that dwell within it. Associated with the Celtic antlered god Cernunnos, he is pictured as a man with large antlers on his head as he roams among the trees. The antlers of the stag are compared to tree branches. When the moon is viewed between the antlers of a stag, it is a blending of active and receptive energies. Celtic lore tells us that the stag is a creature that walks between the worlds.

Sea and the Salmon

The realm of sea is the realm of emotion. It is the realm of adaptability and change. It can be calm one moment and rough the next. It can be boiling hot or freezing cold. It can both sustain life, or drown it. It is a powerful force, difficult to control. The sea is represented by the salmon. When we cast the circle, we stand facing the west and say, “We call upon the Salmon of Wisdom who dwells in the sacred waters, and we ask for the blessing of the Sea”. Salmon live in both freshwater and saltwater. They swim upstream, following a familiar scent that leads them back to the location of their birth, where they reproduce. For this reason, they are associated with persistence, strength and determination.In an ancient Welsh tale, the salmon assists Arthur in finding the lost child Mabon and returning him to his mother.

Sky and the Owl

The realm of sky is the realm of thought. It is the realm of intuition and psychic ability. It is the realm of creativity and wisdom. The sky is represented by the owl. The owl has long been associated with witches and witchcraft. Because it is a nocturnal animal with keen eyesight, magical lore tell us it has the ability to “see the unseen”. It can observe without being observed and it’s flight is completely silent. The owl is primarily a creature of the night, and can be called upon to reveal that which is hidden or kept secret. There are over 200 species of owls, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. A Gaelic name for owl is “Cailleach-oidhche”, meaning “crone of the night”. When we cast the circle, we stand facing the east and say, “We call upon the Spirit of the Owl who dwells in the hidden realms and sees the unseen, and we ask for the blessing of the Sky”.

In our practice of Old Ways Witchery, the Stag, the Salmon and the Owl are called upon at the beginning and end of every ritual, to evoke and give thanks for the blessings of the Land, the Sea and the Sky. These are perfectly illustrated in the Celtic triskele symbol.

Some may notice the absence of fire in these evocations, and there is a reason. We carry the fire within us. We bring our own passion, our own life force, our own inner flame to the ritual. There is an old Welsh word, NWYFRE, that means “Life Force Energy”, and this energy is represented by the Dragon. This ‘dragon energy’ exists within all of us.

The Void-Of-Course Moon

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It is well known that witches work with the phases of the moon when doing magic and spellwork, to attract beneficial things or to drive away what is harmful. There are books (and phone apps) that can tell us the current and future moon phases, and when the moon will inhabit a particular sign.

But what about those times when the moon doesn’t inhabit any sign?

This is when the moon is considered “void-of-course”. During these times, which can last for a few hours up to a large portion of the day, the moon is shifting between signs and is not firmly placed in any sign at that time. During void-of-course, the moon is not making any aspects with other planets or signs, and is not actively influencing events. I would be interested to know if there are any commonalities among those who were born when the moon was void-of-course. Ephemerides (charts which show the positions of celestial bodies) do not always display void-of-course times, so it would be beneficial for the witch to find one that does.

In regards to magical workings, spells that are cast during these times may lack the needed energy, may be delayed or have an unexpected outcome. Any spells that are high priority should be delayed until the moon is firmly fixed in a specific sign.

Below I have included ephemerides for the void-of-course moon from April thru December 2025.

Plan your spells accordingly.

What Pagans Will Not Do

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Pagans will not show up at your door unannounced, with pamphlets about paganism for you to read. Pagans do not proselytize. They will not coerce, intimidate or threaten you with eternal torment if you choose not to become pagan. However, if you try to force your own beliefs on a pagan, that conversation will likely not end well for you.

True pagans will not reject you because of your race, sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity. You are welcomed as part of the community. Paganism embraces all those of like mind. Some fringe groups exist who engage in discriminatory practices, but these are frowned upon by the wider pagan community. Bigotry, homophobia, transphobia and racism are not welcome in our midst. Those who are found to engage in such practices are exposed and rooted out.

Pagans will not sit quietly by while corrupt leaders take away civil rights and environmental protections. Many pagans are also activists, speaking out against injustice and inequality. It is our duty to defend those whose rights are being stripped away, and to be a voice for the earth, for nature, and for endangered species. Many pagans actively engage in protest and resistance against dictators, unethical organizations and oligarchs, who seek to control and dominate others in order to benefit themselves.

Pagans will not demand that you believe in the same things they do, because they support the freedom of choice. The choice to believe what you want, practice the religion you want, live your life the way you want. However, if your beliefs, your religion, or the way you live your life is actively causing harm to other people, then you will be treated accordingly.

Growing, Changing, Evolving

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We are meant to grow and evolve, and as our practice deepens, it often brings change. When my spiritual practice became a formalized magical tradition, I struggled to find a name for it. For a few years it was the House of Blackthorn, which morphed into Blackthorn Druid Witchcraft, and then the Blackthorn Druid Order. As my practice deepened further, this still did not seem to accurately describe my path. We were not just druids, we were witches as well, and it was important for that aspect to also be reflected in our name. I didn’t want people to assume that it was all just about druidry. Our symbol up to this point had been a crudely designed triquetra in the colors of green, black and silver. Green represented our connection to nature, black for our dedication to occult wisdom, and silver for our devotion to healing and service. Over time, this symbol began to lose some of it’s meaning, at least for me. Celtic paganism is a huge part of my practice, but I felt the need to revisit it’s name and symbol. After some meditation and reflection, I felt guided to bring the focus back to the pentacle. I still love the triquetra, but it is a symbol that even non-pagans use, and I wanted something that was decidedly pagan and Celtic at the same time. Our new symbol became what it is today, a red pentacle on a black background, surrounded by a white Celtic knot circle. As attached as I was to the Green/Black/Silver combination, my studies in Old Ways Witchery led me to a different color scheme, one that was more rooted in witchcraft tradition: red, white and black. These colors are represented in many traditions of witchcraft, particularly in their ritual robes and cords. Red represents Blood, our connection to witches throughout history, our magical DNA. White represents Bone, our connection to ancestors and each other. Black represents Shadow, the memory of the earth and hidden knowledge. Old Ways Witchery is a path of blood, bone and shadow, and still retains it’s connection to nature, wisdom and service. The Celtic knot circle around the pentacle emphasizes that this path also embraces Celtic lore and mythology, including the acknowledgement of several Celtic deities. This path of Old Ways Witchery blends Druidry and Witchcraft into one cohesive tradition. It is my hope that you may one day decide to learn this rewarding path with me in person, or take my home study course.