#healing

New Book Release: Old Ways Witchery

/ Old Ways Witchery / Leave a comment

My latest book, “Old Ways Witchery: Nature, Magic and Service” contains the twelve monthly lessons that I have shared with private students for over a decade. Each lesson focuses on specific plants, stones and deity figures from the Irish, Scottish and Welsh pantheons. Also in each lesson you will find information on European folk magic, divination, spellcasting, druid philosophy and many other topics. The entire book contains wisdom I have gained from my own studies and meditations, and from teachers that I have had the privilege of meeting and studying with personally. Each lesson takes one month to complete, and includes homework and practical application. This book contains my own practice, and is presented exactly the way I practice it. I call it a “tradition”, as it is something I have passed on to my own students, but anyone can incorporate these lessons into their own practice. Each lesson is devoted to one month, beginning with March. My private lessons usually begin at this time, but those who have the book can begin at any time. It did take me quite awhile to format all of my lessons into one book. Time was scarce, as I still work a full-time job in the city and commute every day to the mountains where I live. Weekends are my writing times, since during the week I’m much too exhausted.

My definition of Old Ways includes beliefs and practices that pre-date modern magical systems such as Wicca. I present a blend of Witchcraft, Celtic Paganism, Druid Philosophy, Folk Magic, Occult Wisdom and other esoteric knowledge that has been passed down through the centuries. This may differ from other Old Ways traditions that have their own practices and rituals. Although the Old Ways themselves are not rooted in any one culture, they can have cultural elements. For instance, there are Italian Old Ways, Greek Old Ways and Celtic Old Ways. All of these pre-date modern magical practices. My practice happens to focus on the Celtic pantheon, with it’s associated imagery and lore.

Old Ways Witchery: Nature, Magic and Service is presented as a structured, monthly practice in twelve lessons. Get your copy now at this link.

Snowflake Obsidian

/ Old Ways Witchery / Leave a comment

An aptly named stone to wear during the winter months, Snowflake Obsidian brings balance to the body, mind and spirit. It helps to keep us centered and focused in chaotic situations. Obsidian is often used for healing and releasing energy blockages, and works quickly to move truths to the surface so they can be resolved. This stone is associated with detoxification or purification. Detoxification refers to the removal of toxic substances from both body and spirit. Alternative healing practitioners have used snowflake obsidian to purify the body by eliminating certain viral and bacterial infections. It is also being used to address complications related to blood circulation. It is believed that wearing jewelry with snowflake obsidian will help diminish muscle pains and cramps. It eases pain in the digestive system, and helps to reveal unhealthy patterns of behavior. Owners of snowflake obsidian have claimed that it lends a calming effect in the midst of turbulent circumstances. It helps one generate stability in times of uncertainty. Tension caused by stress is curbed by positioning the Snowflake Obsidian stone between the thumb and index finger. It strikes a balance in one’s body and mind, thereby easing confusion and bringing focus. During the month of December, wear snowflake obsidian jewelry or carry the stone with you. When meditating, lie down and place the stone on your heart area. Place your hands over the stone and say, “I charge this stone to bring healing and restoration”. Close your eyes, bring yourself into a meditative state, then allow the stone do it’s healing work. Take note of any personal issues that come to your mind as you meditate with the stone. Use in spells for balance, healing, and the revealing of truth.

The Magic of Singing Bowls

/ Old Ways Witchery / Leave a comment

While my magical and spiritual practice is primarily Celtic in nature, in my meditations I do like to incorporate practices from other cultures in my meditative exercises. Many years ago, meditation was what helped awaken my psychic and intuitive abilities, which ultimately led me to the realization that I am a witch. My earliest meditative practices included Buddhist chants, creative visualization and controlled-breathing exercises. I had used singing bowls from time to time, but only recently have I made it a regular practice. You do not have to a Buddhist or Tibetan monk to work with a singing bowl. Ignore the gatekeepers who say otherwise. It is problematic for Western people to pick and choose the elements of Eastern culture that may appeal to them, while often continuing to act from a place of prejudice and internalized racism toward those same cultures. However, if you truly appreciate the people and cultures that singing bowls come from, and have an understanding of how they work, then you can use them with a clear conscience.

Singing bowls are examples of Idiophones. These are musical instruments that produce sounds through vibration, when they are struck, shaken, or scraped. The singing bowl is made of metal, or a combination of metals, and is most often used used in spiritual settings. When struck with a mallet, it produces sounds that aid in meditation. Singing bowls are often used in Sound Therapy to induce healing and treat various illnesses. The sounds of the bowl create energy waves that help to realign the aura and the Chakras. It is believed that the tones from the singing bowl cause the left and right sides of the brain to synchronize together, and bring the brain into a relaxed, Alpha state. Taking deep breaths while using the bowl and concentrating on the tone helps this process. There are some studies that suggest how using a singing bowl interacts with the water in our bodies. The singing bowl is linked to the elements of Air and Water. Air, because of the sound it produces reaching the ear, and Water, because of the bowl being a sort of container, not only of water but of energy that affects the water in our bodies.

Singing bowls originated in Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago, and made their way to the regions of Tibet, Nepal and India which all have singing bowls in their history and culture dating back some 2,000 years. Today, singing bowls are still produced in these areas of the world, and both the craftsmanship and the spiritual components are closely tied to culture and tradition. Originally made of pure copper, they are now made mostly of bronze (a combination of copper, tin and zinc) or a seven-metal medley of copper, tin, zinc, iron, lead, gold and silver—seven earth metals for the seven Chakras.

To use a singing bowl, hold it gently in the open palm of your hand. Do not place your fingers around the sides of the bowl or it will affect the sounds created. Some bowls come with a small “pillow” to place the bowl on. Use the mallet to strike the bowl on the outside, and/or to gently trace the outer edge of the bowl, which will create a singing-like effect. It will take a little practice, but with a few tries it becomes easier. An important aspect of this practice is the mindset of the practitioner. While using the bowl, it is advisable to take several deep breaths and allow the sounds of the bowl to take you into a deeper meditative state.

This is my own singing bowl, one of my favorite magical tools.

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

/ Old Ways Witchery / 1 Comment

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

Dian Cecht, Airmid and Miach: Celtic Family of Healers

/ Old Ways Witchery / Leave a comment

There are very few mentions of the herbalist goddess Airmed in Celtic lore. We know from the stories that she is a healer from the Tuatha de Danann, one of the groups of Gods and Goddesses of Pagan Ireland. She comes from a family of healers. Together with her father Dian Cecht (a god of medicine) and her brother Miach ( a god of surgery), she tended a sacred spring that brought the dead back to life. A 15th century Celtic manuscript (Dindsenchas) tell us:

“The slain and mortally wounded were cast into a healing well over which Dian Cecht, his son Miach and his daughter Airmed sang incantations, and all were restored to full vigor.”

Dian Cécht was the healer for the Tuatha De Danann. He made King Nuada a silver arm which could move and function as a normal arm. Later, Dian Cecht’s son, Miach, replaced the silver arm with an arm of flesh and blood, and Dian Cecht killed him out of envy. Miach’s sister, Airmed, mourned over her brother’s grave. As her tears fell, all the healing herbs of the world grew from the grave. Airmed arranged and catalogued them, but then Dian Cécht again reacted with anger and jealousy and scattered the herbs, destroying his daughter’s work as well as his son’s. For this reason, it is said that no human knows the healing properties of all the herbs. Airmid still remembers the powers of the herbs, and can teach us their secrets.

Through her, we may learn to use and appreciate the sacred power of plants. Her medicinal herbs were powerful, offering cures for every part of the body. Airmid’s herbs continue to have power, whether in seed and root, bud and stem, or flower and leaf. Fresh or dried, the herbs still have effect. She works through nature’s cycles, and through the energy that connects the body’s joints and sinews. Through our work in ritual with Airmid, we can learn to harness the healing powers of herbs and plants, to bring healing to ourselves and those around us.

Looking Deeper with Dian Cecht and Airmid

AIRMID:

  • What is your current relationship with the plant world? Do you have a garden? What are your favorite plants? Prepare a space where you can begin planting the herbs and plants that we work with in Old Ways Witchery. Some of them, such as Blackthorn and Mandrake, may need to be obtained online. Call upon Airmid for guidance with planting and tending.
  • Begin a study of the medicinal qualities of various herbs and plants. Include in your studies the uses of herbal teas and flower essences.
  • Airmid is a compassionate healer. She encourages us to bring healing to others from a place of compassion and knowledge, rather than boastfulness or pride.

DIAN CECHT:

  • Lore surrounding Dian Cecht tells us that his symbol are two crossed branches of oak and mistletoe. These are items that can be used to evoke his presence.
  • His actions remind us not to compare our gifts with those of others. Let us put aside envy and jealousy, and seek to learn from those who have excelled in their craft.
  • Seek his strength after times of trial and struggle. He is a healer of those in battle.

Another interesting thing often mentioned in the old Celtic legends is the working of magic through singing. Various tales have mentioned how healing, joy and rest were bestowed upon others through song or the playing of an instrument. This type of singing seems to be intuitive and inspired, rather than a specific song with words. In the story of Dian Cecht, Airmid and Miach, we see how they incorporated the singing of incantations. It is a powerful thing to experience, intuitively singing while doing healing work. It doesn’t have to be lyrical, just sing as you feel guided, and sense the healing energies flowing from you to the recipient. If you have written a healing chant, practice setting it to music and singing it aloud when doing healing work for others. This is another magical skill that cannot be learned from a book or a physical teacher, one that must be developed and brought out from within, with the help of our spiritual guides and gods.

The Old Ways Are Alive,

Rick

The Magic Within

/ Old Ways Witchery / Leave a comment

Everyone has magical potential. Some are aware of their own magic, and have a natural predisposition for it, while others have simply not yet awakened to their inherent magical selves. Many have untapped divination skills or psychic abilities. Everyone has at least one kind of healing ability. One of the roles of the witch is to bring healing and restoration, and witches have a duty to be channels for healing. Many become skilled in alternative healing therapies such as Reiki, Aromatherapy, Herbology or Meditation. There are others who have unconventional methods of healing that they did not learn from a teacher or a book. It is not always necessary to have degrees or certificates to be a channel for healing. Spend some time in meditation and explore what your personal healing gifts may be. Sometimes you may discover them unexpectedly.

It is important to recognize that as witches, we ourselves are not healers. We are merely healing facilitators, allowing the divine to channel healing energy through us. It is not always obvious what is happening. When we embrace our friends and loved ones, we share healing energy with one another. This healing energy comes from a divine source, the divine that exists within us all.

The first step along the path of witchcraft is to develop a regular meditation practice. This is the art of using consciousness-altering methods to awaken the senses and develop inner growth. Eastern forms often involve chanting, drumming, controlled-breathing techniques, chakra healing, self-awareness, clearing the mind and becoming one with the moment. Western forms are more goal-oriented, and include visualization and affirmations.

It is vital to examine both the light and dark aspects of your personality, and integrate a healthy balance of both. Meditation has benefits that are not always immediately apparent. A regular meditation practice increases your intuitive and psychic skills, and helps you become more sensitive to the subtle energies around you. As you spend more time in meditation, your magical awareness will greatly increase, and you may begin to sense things about the people around you. You may even begin to have an awareness of unseen entities or spirit beings. While meditating it is helpful to light a candle and some incense, as this lowers the brain waves into a meditative state known as Alpha. The Alpha brain wave state is a daydream-like state of awareness, where one is relaxed, yet still aware. It has been proven in studies that the Alpha state enhances creativity and learning abilities, and it is believed to make one more open to receive psychic information. One can achieve the Alpha state through simple breathing exercises.

Creative Visualization is the practice of using your imagination, will and emotions to manifest change in your life, and is a very important component in practical magic. If you can visualize your desired goal as though it has already happened, your spells will manifest much faster.

Another benefit of a regular meditation practice is the development of psychic gifts. When we say someone is psychic, what does that really mean? A person who is psychic has the ability to receive knowledge about people or events without the use of the regular five senses (taste, touch, smell, sight, hearing). This is why we say they have a “sixth sense”. Some psychics seem able to turn on their gifts at will, but for many, psychic information usually comes unbidden. It is a sudden knowing, a sudden awareness of information that has arrived in your consciousness. There are a number of psychic gifts, and each of them mimic the five senses in some way. I prefer to call them “gifts” rather than “abilities”, as the word ’ability’ implies that it can be activated at will, and this is not always the case. A person who is psychic may be gifted in one or more of the following:

Clairsentience: A sudden awareness of information about a person or event without the use of the five senses.

Clairvoyance: Seeing a person, or an event taking place, when this person or event is not in your general vicinity. This may occur in the mind’s eye of the psychic, or may manifest as a full vision.

Clairaudience: A person who is clairaudient can hear things, (such as voices, music, footsteps or other sounds), that others around them do not hear. The origin of the sound could be in the astral realm, or it could be a great distance away.

Clairolfactance: This occurs when someone becomes aware of an odor or aroma that has no obvious source. The scent usually has some connection to a past or future event, a specific place or person. The scent may be from a location one has visited in the past, and possibly a sign that you will visit that place again very soon. This is a rather curious gift, as it activates the mind’s ability to associate specific scents with places and people.

Clairgustance: A sudden taste or flavor in the mouth that does not come from a physical source. This is usually a sign of a future event or may be linked to an event taking place a distance away.

As you develop your intuitive skills, it is a good idea to start experimenting with several forms of divination, until you find the ones that are right for you. Divination is the art of obtaining information through the use of various tools, such as tarot cards, runes or scrying mirrors. There are several kinds of divination, and many people find they are more adept at some forms than others. The word Divination comes from the word Divine, meaning that the information we receive through these practices is imparted to us as we connect to the divine source within. Some of the more common divination practices are:

Tarot: A standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, which is divided into two sections, the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. (The word Arcana is the plural of Arcanum, which means “profound secret”). The 22 cards of the Major Arcana are the heart of the deck, as each one symbolizes some universal aspect of human experience. Each card in the Major Arcana has a name and number, along with associated imagery. Some names convey a card’s meaning directly, such as Strength and Justice. Other cards portray individuals who personify a particular approach to life, such as the Hierophant and the Empress. The names of these individuals vary depending on the deck you use. There are other cards with astrological names, such as the Star and the Moon. They represent the esoteric forces linked to these planetary bodies. The 56 cards of the Minor Arcana are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. Each of these suits stands for a particular approach to life. Each tarot card is filled with symbolism and imagery that can help the reader awaken his/her intuition and decipher its meaning in relation to other cards in the reading. Readings from tarot decks can address any area of life, from health and relationships to career and romance. There are many tarot decks available on the market, the most popular being the Rider-Waite deck.

Oracle: Oracle decks can contain any number of cards, and tend to focus primarily on spiritual growth and inner development, though they can, at times, address issues of everyday life. They are not as difficult to learn as tarot, which is why some people prefer them. Each oracle deck usually has a specific theme that sets the overall tone of the entire deck. Oracle decks call on the energies of herbs, crystals, animals and similar metaphysical themes.

Runes: The origin of the Runes is shrouded in mystery, although we do know they are powerfully connected to the ancient Norse people. According to Norse legend, the god Odin was a god of wisdom, cunning, sorcery and death. To impart to his children the gift of writing, he hung himself upside-down on the World Tree, sacrificing himself for his people on the giant ash Yggdrasil. After nine days of fasting, he fell from the tree and was granted with the knowledge of the secrets of the Runes. It is believed that they began as an alphabetic system, but have become much more than that. Each Rune symbol contains within it a specific energy that can be used in divination, spellcraft or other magical workings. While there are a few different types of Runes, such as the Witch’s Runes and Anglo-Saxon Runes, the most prominent (and most ancient) Runes are the Elder Futhark Runes. The Elder Futhark contains 24 different runes, and were originally carved onto small bits of wood. Today you can find runes that are carved into various crystals, wood, resin or bone. Many folks like to make their own, by cutting a tree branch into small pieces and using a wood-burning tool to carve in the symbols. Making them yourself is preferable, but is not a requirement for them to work. In the magical community, there are many Runecasters, (those who specialize in Rune Divination), and offer Rune readings to the public. Most Metaphysical/New Age/Wicca shops carry runes in many varieties. Keep your Runes together in a drawstring pouch made of a natural fiber, such as cotton, wool or silk. There are special rune pouches available online, and even rune cloths with special markings to assist in your readings, but these are not necessary.

Scrying: This is the art of obtaining information, wisdom or guidance by gazing into a crystal ball, a bowl of water, or a mirror. Many witches own at least one scrying mirror and a crystal ball. Some may see actual images form on the surface of the object used for scrying, while others receive impressions within their consciousness. The best times to practice scrying seem to be during “between-times”, such as a Full Moon, New Moon, a Lunar/Solar Eclipse, Dawn/Dusk, or during Beltane (May 1st) or Samhain (October 31st).

There are many other forms of divination. It is a fascinating study and practice. It should be understood that while many of our magickal gifts come from a divine source, we also have an energy system that runs through our bodies. This system moves along various ‘energy centers’ known as Chakras. There are many chakras points in the body, even in the hands and feet, but the seven primary chakras are located along the spine. When the chakras are open, we are able to conduct our lives in a healthy and spiritually balanced manner. If one of more of the chakras are closed, or “blocked”, this often results in physical problems, emotional issues or hindrances to inner growth. The word “Chakra” is a Sanskrit word that means “spinning wheel” or “vortex of energy”. Each of the chakras are linked to a color, and to specific issues concerning life, health and spirituality. Let’s examine the seven primary chakras:

Root Chakra (Red): Located at the base of the spine, the Root Chakra is associated with life on the material plane. Things such as finances, money, survival, job security, and home are all related to this chakra. It represents foundation and groundedness.

Sacral Chakra (Orange): Located just below the navel, the Sacral Chakra is associated with sexuality, the sense of well-being and interactions with others. It represents our connection to the people around us and our ability to adapt to new experiences.

Solar Plexus (Yellow): Located in the belly area, the Solar Plexus is associated with self-esteem, personal identity, confidence, and ego. This chakra seems to be where we sense the most powerful flow of energy. It represents our ability to be confident and in control of our lives.

Heart Chakra (Green): Located in the center of the chest, the Heart chakra is associated with love, friendship, romance, close relationships, family, joy and kinship with those around us. It represents our ability to give and receive love.

Throat Chakra (Blue): Located at the throat, the Throat Chakra is associated with communication, self-expression, will and truth. It represents our ability to communicate.

Third Eye Chakra (Indigo): Located at the center of the forehead, the Third Eye Chakra is associated with intuitive and psychic abilities, imagination, decision-making, divination, shamanism, and the Sowilo rune. It represents seeing the unseen, walking between the worlds, and your magical identity.

Crown Chakra (Violet or White): Located just above the top of the head, the Crown chakra is associated with spirituality and one’s connection to the divine. It represents the mind of Spirit and deity, as it is revealed through us and within us.

Each of us are born with inherent magical gifts and skills that are just waiting to be coaxed out and developed. We all have the ability to connect with the forces of Nature and the Universe to bring about change and transformation. Magic is not necessarily supernatural. It is a natural part of who we are, yet there are many who have not become aware of this truth. Meditation is the first key to opening the doors of magic in your life. Through meditation, introspection and self-awareness, along with the development of your magical skills, you become more attuned to the divine within, and your magical identity will begin to shine through.

Natural Healing Ability

/ Old Ways Witchery / Leave a comment

Everyone has within them some form of natural healing ability. Some have known of their healing abilities since their younger years, while others later discovered their own healing abilities quite by accident. “Natural” in this context refers to unconventional gifts of healing that one did not learn in a class or from a book. A few examples include:

  • intuitively guided chanting and singing
  • the touch of a specific hand or both hands
  • symbols drawn in the air or on the body
  • the playing of musical instruments such as a flute, harp or guitar for the purpose of healing

There are no certifications or degrees for these kinds of healing abilities. On many occasions, these gifts have been inherited and passed down through the family line. Once they have been discovered, it takes time to develop and hone them. Members of the Order are encouraged to seek out their own inherent healing abilities, and practice on friends and family until they are comfortable sharing their gifts with the wider community. There may be occasions, as we look back through the past, that there were surprising interactions with others that resulted in their healing or relief from discomfort. It was during these times that one’s healing abilities began to surface.

Traditional healing modalities that require certification, such as reiki and aromatherapy, are quite effective and encouraged for any healing practitioner. However, these are not required for us to act as channels of healing for others. Our first task is to discover what natural healing abilities may lie within us, bring them out and develop them to be used in service to our communities. Many people have healing abilities that are quite odd and unusual, but they still work nonetheless. The more we learn about magic and the flow of energy, especially in regards to healing, we learn that it is not always necessary to stay within rigid parameters, and that truly anything can be possible.