Are You A Dabbler?

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I recently read a post in one of the Facebook witchcraft groups I belong to, in which the admin of the group asked the members about their practices and how they identify. The majority of them identified as “Eclectic”, while others were more nebulous with their answers.

“I follow my own path”.

“I do my own thing”.

“I don’t want to be labeled”.

“Whatever I’m called to do at any given time”.

“A little of this, a little of that”.

“Whatever feels right”.

“Everything”.

All of this translates as “I have no clue what I’m doing”. It was interesting to see how few of the members had any real structure or discipline to their practice. Most of them were just winging it, without any rhyme or reason for what they were doing. I also noticed that many had a strong aversion to any kind of formal training. It was simply “whatever I feel like today”. I would hesitate to call this a meaningful or even a real practice. I would go even further to say that most of them were not even witches at all. I am not an eclectic witch, but I imagine it is much easier to call yourself one than it is to actually be one. Many will use the word ‘eclectic’ because for them it represents a kind of freedom. The expression “fly by the seat of your pants” comes to mind. I know very few self-described eclectic witches who have an established meaningful practice.

I have said this many times before, but witchcraft is not “whatever you want it to be”. There are things that it is and things that it is not. There are lots of people who are attracted to the idea of witches and witchcraft, and the aesthetics that along with it, so they like to think of themselves as witches. It has become trendy and popular. They read the books, wear the crystals, light the candles and burn the incense, but they are not really witches. They are merely dabblers.

What is a dabbler? A dabbler is someone who participates in an activity only as a hobby or pastime. They may have a casual interest in the subject or only try the activity for a short time. Dabblers may pretend to have knowledge of the subject, but they don’t attain proficiency or professional status. There are many people who call themselves witches, who are really only dabblers. They see witchcraft as something fun to do every now and then, and have no real practice to speak of.

So, what makes a witch?

First off, you do not have to be initiated by another witch in order to be one. You do not have to be a woman, and you do not have to belong to a specific tradition in order to be a witch. These are all myths. In our quest to discover what makes a real witch, let us look at the writings of two well-respected witches and teachers in the magical community. The first comes from the late Raven Grimassi, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person and taking classes with before he passed. In his book, Old World Witchcraft: Ancient Ways For Modern Days, he states a number of things that make someone a witch.

  • A “mystical alignment” and “enchanted worldview”, believing in “a consciousness that inhabits all things”.
  • A “rapport with spirits and other non-material beings”.
  • “The art of magic” which is “lunar in nature and is associated with the night”.
  • A connection to “the forest or woodlands”, which are the “primordial home of the witch”.

For a second look at what makes a witch, we delve into the works of Christopher Penczak, author of “The Inner Temple of Witchcraft: Magic, Meditation and Psychic Development”. In this definitive work, he gives us more insight into who witches are.

  • A witch is one who “lives the art, science and religion of witchcraft”.
  • Witchcraft as an Art:“Even though two witches can say the same exact words of a spell, each does it differently, each brings his or her own personal nuances, intentions and inflections”.
  • Witchcraft as a Science: Understanding “the theories behind spells and psychic powers”, “quantum physics” and the “corollaries between ancient philosophies and modern, cutting-edge science”.
  • Witchcraft as a Religion and Spirituality. “It is a nature-based spiritual practice…Divinity in all things is recognized…Witches are polytheistic”, communing with gods, goddesses, the forces of nature and the universe.
  • Healer: Witches are “involved in the healing arts, traditional or otherwise”.
  • A witch is a “walker between the worlds”, believing in “the physical and a multitude of spiritual dimensions”, and traversing among them.

What separates the serious practitioners from the dabblers? A structured and disciplined practice. Such a practice would include consistent ritual and spellcraft, divination, healing and spirit communication….at the very least. Real witches live as witches twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They are witches at the job, at home, at the supermarket and in the community. It is not a hobby or pastime. For the witch, it is their life and identity.

Here are a several ways to begin adding some structure and discipline to your practice:

  • As each Full Moon approaches, do a simple ritual to bring or attract something you desire into your life.
  • As each Dark Moon approaches, do a ritual to banish and remove something that is causing you harm.
  • Do rituals or have celebrations to honor the changing seasons, particularly the magical holidays of Samhain, Winter Solstice, Imbolc, Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice, Lughnasadh and the Autumn Equinox.
  • Do weekly tarot readings for yourself to get insight for the coming days.
  • Meditate for fifteen minutes, three days a week.
  • Grow your own herbs and plants to use in spells.
  • Learn an alternative healing modality and use it regularly on yourself and others.
  • Learn and practice the art of spellcasting. The book, The Casting of Spells, by Christopher Penczak is a good place to start.
  • If you feel connected to certain gods, goddesses or spirit guides, make it a regular practice of honoring them with rituals and devotions at least once a week.
  • Read, study and put what you learn into practice.

A structured and disciplined practice is what separates serious witches from those who only dabble in witchcraft. The more you practice, the stronger you become and the more developed your skills will be. Consistency is paramount. If you take your practice seriously, then the natural and the spirit worlds will as well.

The Witch as Activist

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The witch has many roles in modern society. As healing facilitators, we work with herbs and plants, and many other alternative therapies to help bring healing to those who come to us. As educators, we show others the truths of witchcraft and paganism, and work to dispel stereotypes and falsehoods about who we are. As seers, we give people encouragement and insight into their lives with the use of tarot cards and other divinatory methods. There is another role of the witch that is equally important: the role of Activist. As witches, it is our duty to be an advocate for others. We have the responsibility to speak for those whose voices are being silenced. Witches are called to speak out against bigotry, racial injustice and inequality. We are called to speak out against gun violence and fascism. We are called to speak out against homophobia and discrimination. As a minority, the pagan community needs to be more understanding of the struggles that other minority groups face. Unfortunately, many witches shy away from activism. When gross injustices occur, such as we have seen on the news in recent months, many remain oddly silent. The illegitimate Supreme Court has outlawed abortion, taking away a woman’s right to have autonomy over her own body. They have already stated that they also want to reverse gay marriage, and criminalize contraception and gay relationships. America is careening towards a Christian Nationalist, authoritarian rule. Plans are in place that will result in environmental harm and endanger the safety of Americans. Extremist Christians want to force their religion on everyone and legislate their beliefs into law. We cannot afford to be silent or stick our heads in the sand. Activism is becoming more important with each passing day.

We are not on this path only for ourselves, but also to be of service to others. While we’re casting spells and enchantments to meet our own needs, it is important that we are also doing magic to help make the world a better place. Some seem to think being a witch is all about wands and spells. The truth is that witchcraft will often take us out of our comfort zone. It is not always comfortable. Another unfortunate truth is that there are bigots and racists even in the pagan community. Some witches refuse to get political because they’re afraid they’ll lose business. They don’t want to offend any of their followers who might be bigots or racists, so they say nothing on these issues. After all, these followers might stop buying their books or coming to them for readings. For these unethical witches, money and popularity are more important than the people they serve.

I once had another blog with over a thousand followers. I wrote about many subjects related to witchcraft and magic. The blog won two awards and was moderately popular. When I wrote some posts about social issues and speaking out, a few people got upset. “Why are you getting political?”, they asked. “I’m not following you anymore”. They loved reading about the spells, the herbs and crystals, but when I spoke out against government corruption, discrimination against the LGBT community and racial injustice, that was a problem. I was “getting political”. I lost some followers, but I didn’t care. I still don’t. There are far too many witches and pagans who are content to live in their little New Age bubbles. Candles and incense won’t make it all go away. Witches are peacemakers, yes, but maintaining peace sometimes means being a voice and speaking out. There are many people who are not interested in peace. A ‘rainbows and unicorns’ approach will not solve the problem. It’s going to take much more than just “let’s be kind to one another”. Being passive only results in more atrocities inflicted upon us. Now that America has re-elected the rapist and Nazi-sympathizer Donald Trump, activism and resistance has become more important than ever.

Activism does not mean you have to stand on the corner with a megaphone. There are many things you can do, and there are different kinds of activism. Join environmental groups like Friends of the Earth or Greenpeace. Support equal rights for the LGBTQ community by getting involved with the Human Rights Campaign or the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Work with racial equality groups like NAACP and Black Lives Matter. Make a donation to Planned Parenthood and be vocally supportive about a woman’s right to choose. Get involved with animal rights groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the World Wildlife Fund. Use social media to raise awareness, and expose bigotry and discrimination wherever you see it.

Something else to consider are the circles and groups that we are part of. When witches and pagans gather together in the circle, they are meant to be of one mind and one accord. They are meant to be in unity. If the group is not in unity, the purpose of the circle is for naught and any magic performed will be pointless. The circle has become desecrated. In other words, the sanctity of the circle has been violated. There can be no “sacred space” when you’re expected to share it with those who knowingly voted for your marriage to be dissolved, for your Social Security and Medicare to be gutted, for the rights of your loved ones to be taken away, and for the women in your family to be treated as property. There can be no unity in such a circle. We need to start being very selective of the public circles and ceremonies we participate in. As disgraceful as it is, there are some witches and pagans who actually voted for him. We cannot with clear conscience join hands with these folks and pretend that everything is fine, because it isn’t. There is no “putting aside of differences” when the wheels of your downfall have already been set in motion. We must draw a line in the sand. Don’t just be an armchair activist. Go to rallies, participate in protest marches, boycott companies who support Trump and his Republican thugs. For the record, I may as well say it now. If you voted for Donald Trump, then do not follow this blog. It is not for you. However, if you support a woman’s right to choose, equal rights for the LGBTQ community, and the protection of the environment, then you are welcome. It is time that we as witches embrace our role as activist. It is our sacred duty to be advocates for the oppressed. Trump has stated that he wants to terminate the constitution and rule as a dictator “from day one”. You cannot call yourself a witch and support such a person. We must resist authoritarian rule and a fascist society. It may not make us popular, but is that really the point?

Samhain Ancestor Bottle

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Every year in our tradition of Old Ways Witchery, we create a Samhain Ancestor Bottle. This bottle is created as a symbolic invitation to departed loved ones, that they may be present and commune with us. Ancestor Bottles are made shortly before Samhain and are then placed on the Samhain altar. The bottle is to be skull shaped, made of clear glass, and filled with the following:

  • Black Sand
  • Dried Wormwood.
  • Black Obsidian and Clear Quartz stones.
  • Handwritten names and/or photos of departed loved ones.
  • Other objects may be added, such as your own hair, nails, teeth and blood. These items form a physical link between you and those departed ones you wish to invite.
  • The bottle can then be further decorated any way you choose.
  • Seal the bottle and contents with industrial strength glue.
  • Alternatively, you may choose to place a black candle into the opening of the bottle, and light it during your Samhain ritual.

The process of making the bottle infuses your energy into it. When it is complete, hold the bottle in both hands, close your eyes and take several deep breaths until you reach a meditative state. Mentally place your intention within the bottle to invite your departed loved ones, and say..

“With this bottle, I invite (state names) to be present and communicate with me”.

Then place the bottle on your Samhain altar. Cast the Ancestor Summoning Spell provided below. During your ceremony, keep a journal or notepad near your altar to write down any information, impressions or images you receive. Talk to your ancestors as though they were standing right next to you. Ask questions, ask for advice, tell them how you feel. The veil is thin and they are listening. Ask them to communicate with you.

On November 2nd, break open the bottle and retrieve any photos or items you wish to keep. Dispose of the rest of the contents along with the bottle. Make a new bottle every Samhain. Skull bottles are available online, or at craft stores especially near the end of September and during the month of October. They must have some sort of seal: cork, glass stopper, lid, etc, so that the contents can be tightly sealed inside.

Ancestor Summoning Spell

For this spell you will need the following:

  • 1 small beeswax candle
  • Sandalwood or Dragon’s Blood incense
  • 1 six-inch round mirror

Cast your circle as usual. Place the mirror in a holder so that it is standing upright and turned slightly so that your face is not reflected in it. Light incense and place near the mirror. Carve a five pointed star on the side of your candle and light it. Place candle near the mirror so that it is not reflected. Turn off all lights except for candle flame and natural lighting. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths until you reach a meditative state. As clearly as you can in your mind’s eye, visualize the departed loved one(s) you wish to communicate with. It is best to call on them one at a time. Speak into the mirror, saying the following:

“Through Mist and Shadow, Smoke and Flame

In this portal of glass I speak your name

I call upon (speak departed loved one’s name) to communicate with me

By the powers of the Land, the Sky and the Sea”

Gaze into the mirror for a few moments and be open to any impressions, feelings, scents or images you receive. Ask questions and quietly listen. Close your eyes for a few minutes at a time to “tune in” to the unseen realms and then return your gaze to the mirror. Keep a notepad handy to write anything down.

This spell is best performed on Samhain night, when the moon is high in the sky. Communication and spirit presence continues for as long as the candle flame burns. You may allow the candle to burn down completely or snuff it out when you have ended your ritual. Dispose of any un-used portion of the candle.

Weekly Update: Healing, a Wedding, and the Autumn Equinox

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The past couple of months have been a bit stressful for us here at the cottage, although things are finally starting to look brighter. My husband took some antibiotics that really messed up his stomach, and he contracted a nasty bacterial infection. He was in constant pain and spent a lot of time in the bathroom. The doctors did tests and at first, they couldn’t find anything. They gave him steroids, which only made his blood sugar high and caused him to become extremely fatigued. He got a medical release to work from home until November. We were very worried it might be something quite serious. Only recently more tests were done, and the culprit was found to be C. Diff, a bacteria that attacks the stomach and intestines. He was given a different medication, and is now feeling almost 100% better. No more pain and no frequent bathroom visits. He even felt well enough to go out yesterday for lunch and do a bit of shopping. I hated seeing him in pain, and used every alternative healing therapy at my disposal to help him. Reiki, crystals, energy healing, spells, oils…believe me, I threw everything I had at him so he could get better. Holistic therapies are not intended to replace traditional medical care, but they can relieve symptoms, and sometimes do the job better. Thankfully, he is feeling almost back to normal now. I know a lot of people try to avoid doctors and hospitals, and look solely to holistic therapies when they’re ill, but we also should remember that many of our medicines are made with plants.

When using holistic therapies, I think it is important to keep visualizing complete healing, even when it doesn’t look like it, even when what you see is showing the opposite. Some may not think so, but holistic therapies are a form of magic. Holistic therapies work with unseen energies to bring about change, and this is essentially what magic is. Alternative healing practitioners are workers of magic, utilizing their skills in the movement of energy to bring healing to others.

The Autumn Equinox has now come and gone, and I did a private ceremony at home. The weather is getting slightly cooler here in the mountains, the acorns are dropping, and the leaves are falling from the trees. As much as I love this season, I am slightly apprehensive. At the beginning of every year, I do a tarot reading to get insight into my life for the next twelve months. The reading indicated that during the Autumn season, I would experience some kind of material loss. Right on cue, we were going to use my husband’s car the other day, and his parking brake was stuck. (He hadn’t driven it for a few weeks due to his illness). So, we are down one car at the moment. Hopefully this is the only ‘material loss’ I have to deal with. Autumn has only just begun, so I am sort of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I recently attended a wedding that was 1960’s hippie/flower child themed, and it was quite fun. The bride is a former student of mine, who has since become a High Priestess and powerful witch in her own right. I had a lovely time.

I will spend the rest of today preparing for the Festival of The Witch, an event next weekend where I am doing tarot readings and selling my hand-made magical items. It’s only for five hours (12pm-5pm), but I was extremely busy last year with back to back readings. It was a bit exhausting, but I did very well. I have some witch bottles to finish, and other items to label, and I’ve ordered some of my books to sell there as well.

Oddly enough, I am not reading anything at the moment, but I have been listening to lots of music. Thom Yorke of Radiohead has a new band called The Smile, and I am loving their music.

Make your day magical,

Rick

Celebrating The Autumn Equinox

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The modern pagan holiday of Mabon is celebrated on the Autumn Equinox, which takes place between September 21st and 23rd. It is the second harvest festival of the year, between Lughnasadh and Samhain. The name Mabon for this holiday was first assigned by Aiden Kelly, an influential Wiccan in the 1970’s. Mabon is the name of a figure from The Mabinogion, a collection an ancient Welsh tales. His story is many-layered and filled with hidden meaning. It must be understood that there is no historical evidence that Mabon was celebrated by ancient Celts. However, if we read between the lines, we can find some connections. In the story, we see how Arthur and his men traveled through the realms of Land, Sea and Sky to find and rescue Mabon. Each of the animals they encounter share their own unique wisdom. The Blackbird speaks of the Smith’s Anvil. The Great Stag speaks of the Oak Tree. The Owl speaks of the Ancient Forest. The Eagle speaks of the Standing Stone. The Salmon speaks of the Ocean and the Castle of Light. We see how the Castle of Light is also a place of Darkness. We see how Arthur brings Mabon out of the darkness and into the Light. This is one of those tales that are infused with hidden meaning. Re-visit this story in meditation and explore what each of these symbols may mean for you personally. Consider the following:

• The Smith’s Anvil represents our skills and talents, and how we survive in the material world.

• The Oak Tree indicates our spiritual selves and experiences with the Otherworld.

• The Standing Stone remind us of mystical lore, storytelling and tradition.

• The Salmon points us to the search for truth and wisdom.

What lessons do you see in this story?

In modern Druidry, the Autumn Equinox is named Alban Elfed, or “Light of the Water”, marking the balance of day and night before the darkness overtakes the light. We now enter the dark half of the year. While there is nothing in the story of Mabon that directly connects him to the Autumn Equinox, we can still look to his story for inspiration. One lesson from the story is the importance of having gratitude and appreciation for the wisdom we have gained from life experiences. We learn the importance of embracing both the dark and light aspects of ourselves. Indeed, at the Autumn Equinox, the day and night are of equal length. It is called by some, “The Witch’s Thanksgiving”, a time to give thanks to our deities and guides for the harvest in our lives. What have you accomplished and achieved in the past year? What have you harvested in your own life?

Our personal harvests are not only material things we can see, but also can apply to new knowledge and wisdom, lessons learned or a new determination to make our lives better. At the Autumn Equinox, we celebrate the harvest, both on the table and in our personal lives. Decorate your Mabon altar with fruits, nuts and vegetables, pumpkins, acorns, tree leaves and bark. Use colors such as brown, tan and orange. Corn dishes, breads, apple cider and pumpkin pie are popular foods at this time. Set a new personal harvest for the coming year, and carve the word Mabon on the side of a beeswax candle. Visualize your goal manifesting into reality.

Working with Dragon Energy

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Dragons have existed in all times and cultures, and can be viewed as winged serpents. In occult lore,the serpent guards the secrets of the Underworld. Dragons, likewise, have been associated with the guardianship of certain treasures. In this regard, these “treasures” can be viewed as magical secrets and hidden knowledge. The Dragon represents that which is unknown and hidden. The word dragon comes from the Greek verb derkein which means “to see”. Working with the dragon in our magical rituals helps to reveal hidden wisdom and give us a clearer understanding of subtle forces at work around us. It helps us to see our own hidden potential. The dragon is an obvious symbol of the element of Fire. As such, it represents magical power. If we work with dragons as intelligent beings and otherworld entities, our magic can be greatly enhanced. The dragon embodies all that is related to Fire: the will, authority, courage and bravery. Dragon energy exists in all realms of the land, sea and sky, and wherever fire, flame or smoke are present. In some witchcraft traditions, the ruler of Fire is the Salamander, a creature that is said to exist in every flame. The dragon features prominently in Arthurian lore and Celtic fairy tales. Nwyfre, the life force energy in the Druid tradition, is also associated with the dragon. To work with dragon energy, you can do the following:

• Place a dragon statue or figurine on your altar or magical working area.

• Light a red or orange candle to represent the Spirit of the Dragon.

• Visualize a dragon spirit in your magic circle.

• Invite the dragon to assist with your magical workings.

The Witch and The Night (excerpt from ‘ReAwakening The Witch’)

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“Witches are deeply connected to the powers of the night. When the moon rises, and many begin preparing for sleep, this is when the abilities of the witch are strongest. It is during the night-time hours, particularly between 3am-5am, when astral interference is at it’s lowest ebb. The chaotic energies generated by social interactions, cellphones, traffic and other anxieties of the day have ceased, if only for a short time. During this time the spells cast by a witch can flow unhindered through the ether. The powers of psychic suggestion and magical intention reach their destinations with less impedance. One does not have to wait until 3am, of course, but it is prudent for the witch to wait until night has arrived and the moon is high in the sky. The night has a special kinship with the word occult, which simply means hidden. In the same way that the night hides and obscures, occult wisdom is hidden from those without the awareness to comprehend it. Witches are the hidden ones. They do not fear the night, for they wear it as a cloak. Witches have long been associated with the night, as they themselves are creatures of the night. The night is a conscious force with it’s own tangible energy. The darkness of Night is the realm of potentiality, the nothingness from which all things emerge. All things are birthed out of darkness, from the plants that rise from beneath the earth to the child that emerges from the darkness of the womb. Psychic information flows more freely when it comes from the potentiality of the darkness of the night. Divination tools such as the tarot and the crystal ball seem to be particularly enhanced in the night-time hours. Witches are among those who identify as the ‘Nightkind’ or the ‘Otherkin’, sharing space with beings of faery, spirit and even vampire. This includes dark neo-pagans and other magical practitioners who have a preference for the dark and gothic. This is not evil or malevolent, but simply a matter of personal taste. As witches, we are meant to embrace both the Darkness and the Light. Both are necessary if we are to be balanced magical practitioners”.

My new book, “ReAwakening The Witch: Practical Exercises to ReAwaken Your Magical Self” will soon be available on the Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.

The Magic of Mind, Body and Spirit

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Many have attempted to define what magic is, but those definitions are superficial at best, for how does one define something that is simple yet complex, tangible yet intangible, seen yet unseen? It exists all around us and within us. It’s laws and rules often seem contradictory, a paradox. We do not often see the magic while it’s working, yet it’s subtle energies are constantly around us. Some have described magic as the art of partnering with the forces of Nature and the Universe, along with one’s own inherent mystical gifts and abilities, to bring about desired change and transformation. This is a correct description, but it only scratches the surface. It is not merely something we do, but something we are. Some have only a romantic notion of magic, speaking of it in terms of “the magic of friendship and imagination”. Those things are magical, yes, but it is so much more than that. Magic has the power to transform, to enlighten, to awaken. Magic has the ability to make the impossible possible.

When we hear someone speak of magic, it is not always clear what they mean exactly, so it would seem some further explanations are in order. A popular definition of magic is “the art of causing change to occur in conformity with will”. It is not as simple as it sounds. Where one desires this change to occur will determine the kind of magic one will use to bring about such change. There are times when the change is inward rather than outward.

We could say that magic exists in three distinct forms that often overlap. These can be called Practical, Natural and Spiritual. They represent the Mind, Body and Spirit. These three forms can be broken down even further into more specific types of magic. All magic ultimately involves the manipulation of unseen forces to create change. The ways of magic are available to all who wish to learn them, but unless one has the proper mindset to comprehend the underlying principles and how to set them in motion, the magic will lack power and effectiveness. One of the mysteries of magic is the precept that certain actions in the visible world can influence the invisible. Before something can come to manifest on a physical level it must first be created on an astral level.

Practical Magic is directed toward a specific goal or intention, with the use of spells and incantations, along with various tools and correspondences that have a direct link to the desired goal. It is used primarily to bring visible changes in one’s day-to-day life, such as health, prosperity or protection. Finding a job, paying the bills, overcoming an illness, these are all examples of practical magic. It is magic for everyday practical needs, to bring something beneficial or remove something harmful. Practical magic is somewhat of an art and a science. The formula for a spell may look simple at first glance, but certain components must be in place before it will work. It is not a matter of simply lighting a candle and burning a few herbs. With practical magic, there are a few things that must always be included in your spellwork if you want to achieve a successful manifestation. First, you will need some way to alter your consciousness. This can be achieved with meditation, controlled-breathing, chanting or drumming. By reaching a deeper level of consciousness, you become more attuned to the astral realms and will be better able to effect change within them. Meditation is a regular practice for those who wish to live a magical life. Next, you must have a clear intention. Know exactly what it is you want, and focus all of your energy and visualization toward it’s manifestation. If you are unsure about what you want, or you do not truly desire it, it will not happen. Thirdly, you will need an effective way to raise and direct energy. This can be done a myriad of ways, including chants, drumming, dancing, singing or burning written incantations ( a spell that is first spoken). Once you have cast your spell, you will begin to see what appear to be seemingly un-related coincidences take place, and your goal will soon manifest into physical reality. Spells used for practical magic can be individualized, and this is recommended, as it is very true that a spell you write yourself will carry much more power than one you find in a spell book. Practical magic need not have a religious or spiritual aspect, as not all magical people acknowledge deity, but if you have a particular Goddess, God or Spirit Guide on your side, your magic will be stronger and more powerful. Practical magic is deceptively simple and yet remains decidedly complex. This is the Mind of Magic.

Natural Magic is the mystical force that exists in the realms of Nature and the Universe. It is the divine, living essence that dwells in trees, flowers, plants and crystals. It is in the stars and planets, the Sun and the Moon. It is in the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water. This is “the magic that is all around us”, as some casually say. It is not enough to simply have these things within your view. Their energies must be tapped into and called forth. Every plant, every tree, every flower, stone and crystal contains it’s own unique powers, it’s own spirit and personality, waiting to be awakened and put to use. Likewise, the planets in our solar system all have their own unique energies. Nature desires to communicate, teach and interact with us. Our partners in Nature have the ability to heal and protect, calm and soothe, or assist with such practices as Divination and Astral Projection. Those who live magically are at one with the forces of Nature and the Universe. These gifts of Nature can be seen all around and above us, yet their subtle energies remain unseen. This is the Body of Magic.

Spiritual Magic is that inner spark that draws us to the deeper mysteries. It is the constant tug at our souls to reach for deeper wisdom and a closer connection with our divine guides. Rituals that honor Goddesses and Gods, Spirit and Animal Guides, or Ancestors could be called spiritual magic, including any rituals with the purpose of forging a deeper bond with those guides. Rituals and practices that promote inner growth and personal development, the strengthening of intuitive and psychic abilities, Chakra healing, reiki, divination, meditative journey work and some forms of shamanism fall under the category of spiritual magic. Spiritual magic helps us tap into our personal power. Through this kind of magic, we come to recognize our own divine nature, and we receive divine wisdom from those spiritual beings who guide and protect us. This is the Spirit of Magic that lives within, tangible yet intangible.

Some live by faith, but witches live by magic. Multitudes of books have been written about how to do magic, yet very few have addressed the importance of living magically, and how to allow oneself to be completely infused with magical energy. How does one ignite the flames of the cauldron within? Those who walk in true magical power are those who have learned how to stay connected to the elements and to their own personal power. They have forged a strong, abiding relationship with their deities and spirit guides. They have cultivated a mindset to believe that literally anything is possible, recognizing that things once thought to be fantasy may be real after all. Magic is not dark or light, black or white. Magic is neutral, and the practitioner takes responsibility for the way he or she chooses to use it. When the Mind, Body and Spirit of magic are in unity, one is truly walking the path of the wise.

Witchcraft as a Mystical Path

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There are a number of practices used by witches that tap into the mystical and the unseen. Not everyone who engages in these practices is necessarily a witch, but these are practices commonly used by witches. We will examine each one, and then look at other mystical ideas connected to the witch.

The first of these is meditation. Through visualization and controlled-breathing techniques, the witch learns how to clearly visualize a goal and enter a brain wave state known as Alpha. This is a state in which the mind is relaxed yet still aware, in a sort of daydream state. The witch then turns this passive daydream state into an active energy, picturing a goal in the mind’s eye as though it has already happened. Another benefit of a regular meditation practice is the quick development of extra-sensory perception. Meditation helps us become more sensitive to the unseen realms, alerting us to the activity and beings who dwell in these realms. This type of sensitivity will only come from a disciplined meditation practice. Through meditative techniques, the witch walks ‘between the worlds’, staying connected to the realms of the seen and the unseen. Meditation is the key that will unlock many doors of mystical practice.

Divination is the practice of obtaining information through various magical tools, such as tarot cards, runes, ogham staves or the crystal ball. There are many forms of divination, including the interpretation of the wind as it blows through the trees, candle wax drippings and the flight of birds. The word ‘divination’ suggests that this information comes from a divine source. Divination is a mystical practice that takes time to develop. Some find they are more receptive to one kind of divination, others will work with several different forms. Divination is best performed while in the Alpha state.

Gnosis, a Greek word meaning ‘awareness’, occurs when we are granted certain information from a divine, otherwordly source. It may come from a deity we that have a relationship with. Gnosis may come from the spirits of plants, stones or trees. Gnosis may come from nature itself. Often the information we receive through personal gnosis is not meant to be shared with others. It is knowledge that usually comes unbidden, a sudden “knowing”. There is much debate on the topic of personal gnosis, as there are many who will demand to know the author, chapter, page and book where such information was obtained. The reality is that information gained through personal gnosis may not necessarily have been published in a book somewhere. The universe in it’s vast wisdom is not limited to sharing only information that is found in published works. If a person feels they have received wisdom through personal gnosis, then it would best to write it down, ponder it and keep it to oneself until such time arrives that it is meant to be shared with others, if at all.

Psychic abilities are mystical gifts that many witches possess, and could also be considered forms of gnosis. Many of these gifts were developed since childhood, when many first discover their unique abilities. Clairvoyance is the ability to know or see events happening at a long distance. This also includes the ability to see or sense things in one’s present environment that others do not. Clairaudience is the ability to hear things that others cannot, such as music, conversations or sounds. Clairsentience would be almost the same as personal gnosis, a sudden awareness of information about a person, place or situation. Other psychic abilities include the awareness of events to happen in the near future, smelling or tasting things that others cannot, or receiving information through dreams.

There are many witches who seem to have heightened senses during a particular season of the year and on certain days and times. Many have strong mystical connections to specific environments and places. When such instances occur, we must pay attention to these impressions and look within to discover what they mean for us.

All of this brings us back to meditation. I will repeat what I said earlier: Meditation is the key that will unlock many doors of mystical practice. If you learned nothing else from this post, just remember that a consistent and disciplined meditation practice will take you very far on your path as a witch.

Celebrating Beltane

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Beltane or Beltaine is the anglicised spelling of Old Irish Beltain, and Scottish Gaelic Bealltainn, the Gaelic name for either the month of May or the festival that takes place on May 1st. Some wait until astrological Beltane, at the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. In 2024, this happens to be on May 4th. In Irish Gaelic, the month of May is known as Mí Bhealtaine or Bealtaine, and the festival as Lá Bealtaine. In Gaelic folkore, the village’s cattle were driven between two fires to purify them and bring luck (Eadar dà theine Bhealltainn in Scottish Gaelic, ‘Between two fires of Beltane’). In Scotland, boughs of Juniper were sometimes thrown on the fires to add an additional element of purification and blessing to the smoke. People would also pass between the two fires to purify themselves. In Wiccan traditions, Beltane is the celebration of the courtship of the Goddess and the God. The Earth is beginning to flourish. The trees are growing greener, and life has returned. It is a very sensual holiday, a time of joining together, as the Goddess and God consummate their love for one another. The dance around the Maypole is symbolic of this union. The Maypole (a phallic symbol) is erected with colorful ribbons attached. As each person dances around the Maypole holding the end of a ribbon, the last couple to reach the end is crowned the May Queen and May King. It is a dance that symbolizes the weaving of human life with the life of Nature. The Maypole is also a symbol of vegetation returning to the land as Summer approaches. It is a perfect time for spellwork that involves bringing a project to completion. Beltane is a highly creative and erotic holiday. It is a time to create something new, form new unions, and put away the past. The lighting of bonfires is a traditional practice on Beltane, to ensure the fertility of our households and in our own lives. It was common on Beltane for couples to run off into the woods to do what comes naturally. This is also a time when the veil between the worlds is thin again(the other time is at Samhain), and communication with loved ones who have passed on is possible. The doors to the Faery Realm have opened, and they frolic among us. Beltane is one of the four Celtic festivals. The others are Samhain, Imbolc and Lughnasadh.

The Old Ways are Alive.