#occult

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scoff at the expression “Old Ways”, particularly the younger witches who feel that older beliefs are irrelevant and outdated.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.

The Ancient Art of Reading Candle Wax

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Reading the shapes in melted candle wax, also called Ceromancy, is a very old art, with connections going back to the ancient Celts and Romans. As with many forms of divination, this practice relies heavily on intuition and symbolism. As I have shared in other articles, the word Divination is derived from divine, suggesting that the wisdom obtained through these methods originates from a divine source.

One simple method is to place a pillar candle on a white heat-safe plate. A dinner plate is fine, although it should be plain white with no designs, as a plate with different colors and designs could make symbols harder to read. The candle itself can be any color and should be placed directly on the center of the plate, and not in a holder. As the candle wax melts, it can drip down the sides and run along the surface of the plate, forming shapes. As your candle melts, it may take on a different shape. You can read the shapes and symbols as they are formed, or wait until the candle has completely burned down and then do the reading. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Mountains: These represent obstacles and challenges.
  • Hooks: Achieving a goal after a period of struggle. It is a call to “hold on” and be patient.
  • Swirly patterns: A spiritual awakening or realization.
  • Bubbles: These can represent suppressed anger, anxiety or other hidden emotions.
  • Waterfalls: These can have many meanings, so intuition is key here. Waterfalls are symbols of cleansing, or a need for cleansing and removing all that is harmful, but also of prosperity and material gain.
  • Tears: Sadness, sorrow or pain.
  • Crown or cylinder: This occurs when the wax melts directly down the center of the candle and leaves only the outer edges. This is symbolic of protection and success. On the flip side, it can also represent a person or situation being not as it appears.

When doing a candle wax reading, it is important to notice letters and numbers formed in the wax, as these often represent people and situations one will soon encounter. Animal shapes may also be formed, so a study of the spiritual meanings of various animals can be helpful. Birds are usually good signs, while snakes typically represent malevolent energies at work. Keeping in mind, however, that animal spirituality can be subjective, since some find snakes and spiders to be positive symbols while others do not. What do the animal shapes you see mean to you?

Another method of reading candle wax is to drip the wax into a clear glass bowl. For this method, you will use a taper candle and hold it above the bowl, carefully allowing the wax to drip into the bowl. Be careful not to move the bowl or disturb the water. Allow the dripping wax to fall into the bowl and harden. Set a time limit for dripping the wax (three minutes is good). The symbols as described above will mean the same, however, there are additional things to look for.

  • Observe how the wax moves through the water. Clockwise movements indicate good and beneficial things, counter-clockwise indicates harm and conflict.
  • Look for recognizable shapes, letters or numbers.
  • Wax that gathers close to the center of the bowl refers to things that have already happened but are affecting your life now.
  • Wax that gathers around the edges of the bowl refers to situations that will soon be happening.

Before doing a candle wax reading, it is important to decide what kind of answers you are looking for. Perhaps you need a solution to a problem you are having, or you need insight into an important decision you have to make, or maybe you just want a glimpse into your future.

There are some who will move the taper candle slowly in a clockwise circular motion over the bowl as the wax drips. Others will hold the candle still and steady over the bowl. Choose what works best for you.

Candle wax reading will take some practice, but with time and patience you can become proficient at it.

Good luck!

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.

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.

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.