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The Magic Above

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It is scientific fact that our bodies contain the same elements found in the stars. The carbon, nitrogen and oxygen atoms in our bodies, as well as atoms of all other heavy elements, were created in previous generations of stars over 4.5 billion years ago. Humans, animals, as well as most of the matter on Earth contain these elements. We are literally made of stardust. This is another example of how all things are divinely inter-connected in the universal web of life. That which is above is a reflection of that which is below. Since we have this connection to the celestial bodies, we can draw on their influence and powers to aid in our witchcraft. Witches have learned how to tap into the energies of the planets, stars, the Sun and the Moon. Each have their own unique qualities. Much of this knowledge has been passed down thru the centuries, and witches are still using it today.

The planets in our solar system all contain their own unique energies that can be called upon in rituals and magical workings. Each planet, including the Sun and Moon, has a magical link to various plants, colors, metals, symbols, tarot cards and stones. The planets in our solar system: The Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Earth, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto* are used widely in witchcraft. Those who work with planetary forces discover that they are more than just ‘energies’, they are spiritual entities that have assisted witches for centuries.

*Pluto is still considered by many witches to be a planet, even though Pluto lost it’s “official” planet status in 2006. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) downgraded the status of Pluto to that of a “dwarf planet” because it did not meet the three criteria the IAU uses to define a full-sized planet. Essentially Pluto meets all the criteria except one- it “has not cleared its neighboring region of other objects.” Be that as it may, some practitioners still use the energies of Pluto with great success.

Let’s first examine each of the planets in our solar system and their magical qualities, and then we will move on to other celestial phenomenon. The correspondences listed below are by no means complete.

MOON: The Moon is considered a feminine energy, linked to the powers of divination, intuition, psychic ability and the Third Eye Chakra. Crystals and stones that draw upon Moon energy are Moonstone, Clear Quartz and Lapis Lazuli. Herbs and flowers linked to the Moon are Jasmine, Lily and Moonflower. The metal Silver and the colors White and Silver are associated with the Moon as is the day of Monday. In the Tarot, use The Moon, The Star or The High Priestess cards. The Moon is very important to witches, as each phase of the Moon has it’s own energies that can be used for various purposes. We will discuss this a bit later.

MERCURY: Mercury is linked to all forms of communication, self-expression and travel. Crystals and stones for Mercury are Citrine, Goldstone and Yellow Jasper. Plants linked to Mercury are Lemongrass, Peppermint and Clover. The color Orange and the day of Wednesday is linked to Mercury, and the Throat Chakra. From the Tarot, use The Chariot card. Mercury is also the metal for the planet, however, real Mercury is toxic and deadly, so many witches use only the Mercury symbol or less-toxic substitutes.

VENUS: Venus is associated with love, romance, relationships, friendships, family and other emotional attachments. It is also associated with Women’s Mysteries and Feminine Magic. Crystals and stones that draw upon Venus energy are Rose Quartz and Amethyst. Plants linked to Venus are Rose, Lavender and Elder. It’s day for magic is Friday and The Lovers card from the Tarot can be used. Venus colors are shades of Red, Pink and Blue. The metal of Venus is Copper, and it‘s Chakra is the Heart.

SUN: The Sun is associated with ambition, success, enlightenment and achieving one’s goals. It is linked to the Crown Chakra, and various shades of Gold and Yellow. The metal of the Sun is Gold and it‘s day for magic is Sunday. Crystals and stones for the Sun are Goldstone, Citrine and Golden Topaz. Plants linked to the Sun are Sunflower, Marigold and St. John’s Wort. Use The Sun card from the Tarot in your Sun rituals.

MARS: The energies of Mars are fiery and masculine, primal and aggressive. Mars is linked to assertiveness, force, masculinity, Men’s Mysteries, lust, passion, strength and power. It is very protective and militant. Plants linked to Mars are Red Clover, Cinnamon and Damiana. The color of Mars is Red and it’s day for magic is Tuesday. Crystals and stones linked to Mars are Red Jasper, Ruby and Amber. Mars is ruled by the Sacral Chakra. From the Tarot, use The High Priest or the King of Swords.

JUPITER: The energies of Jupiter are associated with prosperity, money, career, growth and expansion. It’s day for magic is Thursday, and it’s colors are Green and Purple. Plants for Jupiter are Cinquefoil, Bayberry and Sage. Crystals for Jupiter are Green Aventurine, Emerald or Tree Agate. From the Tarot, use the Wheel of Fortune card. Call on Jupiter energies when looking for a new job or any kind of advancement in your career or creative projects.

SATURN: The energies of Saturn are linked to boundaries, limitations, restrictions, obstacles, protection magic, banishing and binding. It’s day is Saturday and it’s color is Black. Crystals for Saturn are Black Obsidian, Black Onyx and Jet. Plants of Saturn are Mandrake, Belladonna and Henbane. (These are highly poisonous, so use caution! For a less toxic substitute, use Snapdragon or Slippery Elm). From the Tarot, use The World or The Tower cards.

EARTH: The energies of Earth represent grounding, stability, health, manifestation, and life on the physical plane. It is linked to the Root Chakra, and color shades of green and brown. All crystals and plants can represent Earth. Tree bark can also be used. In the Tarot use the King of Wands or Queen of Wands.

NEPTUNE: Neptune is associated with the element of Water, intuition, sensitivity, empathy, compassion, adaptability and imagination. It’s color is Grey. Plants associated with Neptune are Melon, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Water Lily and Lotus Flower. Neptune crystals are Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz and Pearl. Ocean sand, seashells and sea foam can also be used. In the Tarot, use the King of Cups.

URANUS: The energies of the planet Uranus are associated with individuality, non-traditionalism, revolution, invention and eccentricity. Plants linked to Uranus are those with sharp, irregular leaves, rare herbs and plants that shock or excite the nervous system, or plants that are purple or electric blue in color. Uranus colors are bright, neon or abstract designs. Rough, unpolished stones and crystals can be used to call upon Uranus planetary energies. In the Tarot, use The Fool or the Page of Wands.

PLUTO: The energies of Pluto are linked to rebirth, transformation, destiny and the subconscious. Herbs and flowers of Pluto are the passionflower, acacia, hollow larkspur, coneflower and the male fern. Colors for Pluto are White and Black. Crystals and stones are Snowflake Obsidian, White Howlite, Hypersthene and Black Tourmaline. In the Tarot use The Hanged Man or Death cards.

It should be noted that many witches use only the seven classical planets: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, as these were the only planets known in ancient times. Neptune, Uranus and Pluto were discovered later, and their magical correspondences are fairly new. Now that we know what each of the planets represent, and the energies they contain, how do we use them?

One way is through meditation and visualization. Each of the planets have a symbol (see the chart below). If you are doing magic to bring prosperity in your life, you can enter a meditative state, close your eyes and visualize the symbol for Jupiter with an intention for prosperity. Or, you may choose to draw the symbol on a piece of parchment paper and place it on your altar under a green candle. It is important to use as many correspondences of the same planet that you can. Carve the Jupiter symbol on the side of the candle, place Jupiter crystals and plants around the candle. Write your intention for prosperity on a piece of paper and light it with the candle, and drop it into a cauldron to burn.

There are many ways to work with the planets, including planetary sigils and kameas, (these are special symbols you create to manifest specific intentions). You can blend your own planetary oils, and there are even planetary hours of the day. It is also helpful to remember that each day of the week is associated with a specific planet. For example, Thursday is associated with Jupiter, the planet that rules matters related to job, career, finances, accomplishment and luck. Thursday is a great day to do magic for prosperity or job promotions. Wednesday is associated with the planet Mercury, which rules matters related to communication and travel. If you are giving a lecture or planning a trip, Wednesday is a good day to do magic so that things run smoothly.

It is important to understand that it is not necessary to wait for a specific day. While certain days are energetically better for some types of witchcraft, you can still do magic on any day of the week and call on the powers present for that day. Using the prosperity magic example, if you need to do money magic and you can’t wait until Thursday, cast your spell on a Tuesday and call on the determination and strength of Mars. Once you become familiar with the planetary influences, you will not have to go searching through books and grimoires to find what you need.

The Moon

For thousands of years, we have been mystified by the Moon. Songs and stories have been written about the Moon, and it has made it’s way into myths and legends that stretch back through the ancient past. To some, it is merely a rock in the sky. To others, it is divine and full of magical energy. It certainly produces energy, as it’s gravitational pull affects the tides of the ocean. Even we ourselves are affected by the Moon‘s phases, as our bodies are made of 80% water. In magical teachings, the Moon is regarded as feminine, while the Sun is masculine. Your lunar sign (the astrological position of the Moon at your time of birth) reveals information about your shadow self, the things you keep hidden from others, your inner life, insecurities, secrets, etc. It is a well-known fact that Witches conduct their lives by the Moon. Each phase of the Moon carries it’s own unique energies that be called upon for various purposes. Let’s examine each one.

New Moon/Dark Moon: Magic during a New Moon, sometimes called the Dark Moon, is typically for introspective work, the shadow self, personal issues and private matters, banishing and bindings, inner growth. It is also a time to examine your “dark” nature, finding ways to integrate it into your life in a healthy and balanced way. What are the things that hold you back from achieving your goals? Are there things in your personality or lifestyle that you have suppressed because of the opinions of others? The New Moon is a time to allow your dark side to come forth and be examined, releasing what is harmful while retaining those things that express your true self in a positive way. The second New Moon occurring in the same month is called a Black Moon, during which the Dark Moon’s powers are amplified.

Waxing Crescent to Full Moon: The waxing crescent occurs as the New Moon is no longer dark and begins to increase it’s light. This is a time for new beginnings, new projects, new endeavors. Starting a job, writing a book, brainstorming for ideas, or planning future events are all things that are aided by the energy of a waxing crescent moon. As the Moon increases to Full, energy begins to build up. Use magic during these phases to bring anything you need into your life. Physical health, job success or promotion, self-confidence, romance or anything that would be beneficial to your well-being.　

Full Moon: The Full Moon is the most powerful phase of the Moon for magic that involves some kind of outward manifestation. In fact, it is a good idea to time your manifestation spells as close to the Full Moon as possible. It is also a great time to gather plants for your spells and potions, cleanse and charge your crystals, divination tools and other ritual items. This is a perfect time to do rituals that honor your deities and spirit guides. The Full Moon is a time of completion, the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one. The second Full Moon occurring in the same month is called a Blue Moon.

Waning Crescent to New Moon: During these phases, the Moon’s energy aids us in removing things from our lives that are not for our highest good. It is a time to remove obstacles or anything that is blocking us from achieving our goals. It is also a time to examine our fears and insecurities, and find ways to overcome them. As the Moon begins to grow dark, we can also use this time to magically bind and banish those who seek to do us harm. It is a time of cloaking ourselves so that we are protected as we look within.

The Moon is Waxing (increasing) from New Moon to Full Moon.

It is Waning (decreasing) from Full Moon to New Moon.

What about Eclipses?

Eclipses represent balance, change and transformation. A Lunar Eclipse is a time of increased awareness and growth on an inner, spiritual level. During a Lunar Eclipse, the Moon is always in the opposite astrological sign that the Sun is in. Both signs and their inherent energies are brought into the picture.

A Solar Eclipse indicates a powerful potential for change on an outward, visible level. During a Solar Eclipse, the Sun and Moon are always together in the same astrological sign, and occupying the same house. The energy of the Solar Eclipse is concentrated with all of the action being focused into one area. Solar Eclipses only take place during the New Moon. Lunar Eclipses always occur during the Full Moon. While a New and Full Moon occur once (sometimes twice) a month, they are not always eclipses, because the orbit of the Moon does not always lie on the same path as Earth. The astrological sign during which the eclipse occurs is of great importance, because it indicates what kind of energies will be active during the eclipse period.

The moon, the planets, and even the stars can lend their energies for our magic and spellwork. We are made of the same substances found in the celestial bodies. The witch of the Old Ways recognizes this, and works with their energies whenever possible.

More Than a Dream

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I’ve had them since I was a child, these dreams that were more than just dreams. They were never like regular dreams, when the brain is just filtering out the sights and sounds of daily waking life. These dreams are different.

They feel like more than just dreams. They feel like actual events taking place on some other plane of existence. When I have dreams of this nature, they have a beginning, a middle, and an end, after which I abruptly wake up. I am usually given a task, sometimes with other people, and the story completely plays out until the end when the task is completed and I wake up. These are not just dreams. I wake up feeling as though I have been somewhere, and with a strong sense of accomplishment. I don’t have them frequently, maybe once every three months or longer. But I’ve always had them since I was young. I still remember most of them. One of them involved two children and an approaching storm. It showed me what would happen if I challenged the storm (rescue the children), and what would happen if I did not (destruction). The dream played twice with different results at the end. And then I woke up.

More recently, I had another of these unusual dreams. I was in a house with two other people. We were on an upper floor, and there was a coffin in the room. There was an old man in the coffin, presumably dead, and we had been tasked to awaken him. The other two people with me, a guy and girl, both seemed rather accustomed to this sort of thing, but looked to me for guidance. I don’t remember how we awakened him, (I vaguely remember someone mentioning a spell), but soon he was sitting up, eyes open. We helped him out of the coffin and into a chair. He was rather shaken by the fact that he was dead. He was more talkative and calm when we held his hand. Our touch seemed to give life to him. When we let go of his hand, his eyes would close and he would slump in his chair. There was a pen and notepad nearby, on which I wrote down everything he said. As I held his hand, he wept a few times and thanked us for what we were doing. He told me about his sister, Anna, who “loved lavender so”. He told me about his daughter, who prepared the flowers for his funeral. He told me about his son who makes “beautiful wood furniture”. There was a long wooden staff in his coffin, which had been laid next to him. He spoke only of his family and very little about himself, except that he had died suddenly, before he had time to realize what was happening. We knew it was important to keep holding his hand until he was finished. He looked at the three of us and said, “I have been awakened by Love”. He was referring to us. We all had strong feelings of compassion for the old man and he could sense it. He then looked up and made an appeal to the divine, “Give me strength. Give me courage. Give me life”. He then slumped in his chair. He had shared with us his love for his family and made peace with himself. We gently placed him back in his coffin.

After this, a few ‘maybe related’ things happened. I had a motorcycle, which for some reason was also on the second floor of the house with us. It was having some issues and I had planned to take it to a mechanic. I have never owned or driven a motorcycle and never wanted one. I never think about motorcycles, ever, so this was an odd part of the dream. Related somehow, perhaps. The two people with me were people I’ve never met in my waking life. It was clear, however, that they were not put off by waking up the dead. It seemed like a common occurrence for them. The male friend was about to leave when I asked him to help me bring the motorcycle down the stairs. He agreed, and then we were outside. He suggested that I walk the bike to the garage (there was one nearby) instead of having it towed, as that would save money. I agreed to this, my two friends went on their way, and I woke up.

I’m not sure what sort of dream this could be called. It wasn’t shamanic, at least not what people say shamanic dreams are supposed to be like. It wasn’t a prophetic dream, as it didn’t seem to be about the future or involve any kind of divination. We were just there to help an old man accept his physical death, and we accomplished that.

I’m sure there are others who have dreams of this nature, though I would highly doubt those who say they have them every night. Mine are very infrequent, with several months between them. And, they are always as real and vivid as this laptop I’m typing on.

Power of the Witch’s Circle

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Witches do much of their work in what is called the “magic circle” or “witch’s circle”. This is where spells are cast, rituals are performed, magical tools are consecrated, and meditation and other introspective techniques can all be practiced. By casting the circle, we are creating sacred space, a “world between worlds”. It is a space that not only contains and amplifies the energy we raise within it, it also serves as a barrier to deflect any energies that may be harmful. It is a place where the creative forces of the Universe gather with us to make magic. The circle is a microcosm of the Universe, and perfectly illustrates the concept “As Above, So Below”. Whatever is created in the circle (Below) will eventually manifest in the astral (Above). Circle-casting is not a product of modern Wicca, as some claim. The earliest known record of a witch’s circle comes from a woodcut illustration in 1608, depicting witches gathered in a circle traced upon the ground. Early Puritans demonized this concept by placing the Devil outside the circle, to imply that the witches had conjured it. There are also medieval woodcuts of witches dancing in a circle. The circle has been used by witches for centuries, long before Gerald Gardner (the “father” of modern Wicca) was born.

Casting the circle is not to be performed haphazardly or with a casual attitude. Do not just say the words and go through the motions. Do not rush the words, take your time and pay attention to what you are saying. Circle-casting is an art that requires strong focus, visualization and intent. When the circle is complete, it is no longer a circle, but a sphere. This is so that not only the circumference is protected, but also the areas above and below the sacred space you have created. Before casting the circle, however, it is important to be in a right state of mind. The circle intensifies whatever energy is brought into it. If you are angry or tense, you are going to bring that energy unless you do some centering and grounding exercises first. Before beginning any ritual, the first step is meditation. Simply close your eyes, take some deep breaths until you reach a meditative state. Prepare yourself spiritually and mentally for what you are about to do. Put away all worries and concerns of the day. Once you have reached this level of what we call “ritual consciousness”, then you may begin casting the circle. Many people skip this step, and it has detrimental effects on the energy of their circles. Another important thing to do before casting your circle is to cleanse the area. This can be done with incense, salt water, a lit candle, or through white light visualization.

The method below is not the only way to cast a circle, but it is a traditional method.

  • Cleanse the area with incense, salt water or visualization.
  • Close your eyes, put away all worries of the day, and take several deep breaths until you reach a meditative state of mind.
  • Stand up and face the North or the East (whichever direction feels right for you). Using both hands, grasp a sword, athame (a black-handled ritual blade) or wand, and point it upwards. Not vertically straight up, but in an upwards diagonal position. If you don’t have these tools, it is perfectly acceptable to use the forefinger of your dominant hand.
  • Begin walking clockwise in a circle, and visualize a blue flame coming out the end of your sword/athame/wand. You will walk this circle three times while making the following three statements, one statement for each circle. If your space is limited and you can’t walk around, you can stand in one spot and pivot as you cast your circle.

CIRCLE ONE: I cast this circle to protect me from all harmful energies.

CIRCLE TWO: I cast this circle to allow only the most perfect energies for this work.

CIRCLE THREE: I cast this circle to be a sacred space for the highest good, harming none.

  • Do not just say the words, but think about what you’re saying. “See” it and “feel” it happening. Once your circle is created, it is not uncommon to sense a difference in energy and temperature. As you walk the circle three times, visualize the blue flame forming a circle in the air around you. You can write your own words for circle-casting, and make them as creative and elaborate or as simple as you want, but they must include the intentions that your circle is for protection from harmful energies and is a sacred space.
  • Next, point your sword/athame/wand straight up and say “As Above”. Visualize the top half of the sphere being formed by the protective blue light. Then point your sword/athame/wand down so that the tip is touching the ground, and say “So Below”. Visualize the bottom half of the sphere being formed. You have now created not only a circle, but a sphere of protection.

It is important to visualize the entire process of circle-casting as clearly as you can in your mind’s eye, with strong focus and intention. You are not just saying words. You are creating an energetic sphere of protection and power.

At this point, many witches invite the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water into the circle by facing their associated directions. This is also done in a clockwise direction: North/Earth, East/Air, South/Fire, West/Water. You may also invite any deities or spirit guides to assist and lend their energies to the circle. Now you are ready to do magic or anything else you have cast your circle for.

Releasing the Circle

  • At the end of your ritual or magical working, if you have invited the elements, thank them for their assistance, and gently release each one in a counter-clockwise direction with a statement like “Stay if you will, but go if you must”. Remember to thank your deities and spirit guides for lending their energies to the circle.
  • Return to the same position where you began your circle (North or East), and point your sword/athame/wand upwards again. While walking a counter-clockwise circle only once, say “This circle is released”. As you walk the circle, visualize the blue flame of the circle/sphere dissolving into nothingness. When releasing the circle, it is only necessary to walk the circle one time.

You can cast the witch’s circle for any purpose you choose. Meditation, divination, communing with deities and spirit guides, spells, to celebrate the Sabbats or the Full Moon and New Moon. The circle creates an energetic boundary where the only forces programmed to be there are for your highest good.

Celebrating Lughnasadh

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Of all the Celtic Gods, Lugh was one of the most beloved. He was the “Shining One”, according to some versions, a son of Mannanan MacLir, and skilled in all the arts. He was called Lugh Lamfada (“of the long arm”) and Samildanach (meaning “skilled in all the arts”). He was a beautiful child with golden hair like the sun. He is portrayed as handsome and youthful. Tailtiu was the Goddess of Sovereignty, the queen of the Fir Bolg and his foster mother. She lived on the Hill of Tara, where she taught Lugh, helping him to learn about history, poetry, music and everything he would need to learn to be a well-rounded and powerful leader. When Lugh became an adult, he tried to enter the court of King Nuada (NOOa-ha). Just as everyone was sitting down to feast. The gatekeeper challenged Lugh to tell his name and of his skill. For no one without a special art or skill may enter Tara.
“I am a smith”, said Lugh.
“We already have a smith”, said the gatekeeper. “Why would we need another?”
“I am a warrior”, said Lugh.
“We have no need of one”, laughed the gatekeeper, “Ogma is our champion”.
“I am a harpist”, said Lugh.
“We have a harpist”, said the gatekeeper, “and quite a good one at that”.
“I am a hero” said Lugh, “renowned for skillfulness rather than mere strength”.
“All of the gods are heroes”, the porter shook his head at Lughs persistence.
“I am a poet and a tale-teller from the land of apples, rich in swans & yew trees” said Lugh.
“Taliesin is the greatest poet in Ireland”, said the gatekeeper, “Why would we need you?”
“I am a cup-bearer”, said Lugh. “We already have nine of them”, said the porter.
“I am a worker in bronze”, said Lugh.

“We have no need of you. We already have a worker in bronze”, said the gatekeeper.
“I am an historian, a doctor, and a magician”, Lugh told him.
The gatekeeper responded, “We already have men skilled in all these things. I dont see why we would need your services”.
“But do you have anyone who is master of all of these crafts at once?” Lugh asked.
The gatekeeper had to admit that they did not, and invited him in. Lugh entered and sat down upon a chair kept for the wisest man. The champion, Ogma was showing off his strength by pushing around a large flagstone. The stone, as huge as it was, was only a portion broken from a still greater rock. Lugh picked it up in his hands and put it back in its place. The king asked him to play the harp. Lugh played the sleep-tune and the king and all his court fell asleep until the same time the next day. Next Lugh played a lamenting tune and they all wept, and then he played a song which brought them joy. When the king saw all these talents he gave the throne to Lugh for thirteen days. Lugh became the leader of the Tuatha De Danann.
Lugh’s foster mother Tailtiu died of exhaustion after working hard to clear the lands of Ireland for farming. Lugh was so fond of her that he held a festival in her memory. People would gather around bonfires, sharing stories and food. They would compete in contests of skill and strength. Lugh invented ball games and horse races for all to play. It was said that as long as these traditions continued there would be corn and milk in every house, peace and fine weather for the feast. Tailtiu became the Goddess of the Harvest, like Ceres to the Romans, and Corn Mother to Native Americans. She looked on as her children played and feasted. The festival of Lughnasadh is still celebrated in memory of Lugh the Sun King, and his beloved Foster Mother and Teacher; Tailtiu.

Lughnasadh (Festival of Lugh) is the first of three harvest festivals, traditionally celebrated on August 1st. In Irish Gaelic, and a slightly different spelling, Lunasa is the word for August. In the Christianized version, it is called Lammas (meaning Loaf-Mass or the Feast of Bread, at which time the first loaves of the season were blessed by the church). The hot days of August are now upon us, much of the earth is dry and parched, but we still know that the bright reds and yellows of the harvest season are just around the corner. Apples are beginning to ripen in the trees, our summer vegetables have been picked, corn is tall and green, waiting for us to come gather the bounty of the crop fields. Now is the time to begin enjoying the fruits of our labors, both on the table and in our lives. We honor this holiday to celebrate the first harvest, and the Celtic God Lugh, the sacrificed King of the Grain. Grain has held a place of importance in civilization back nearly to the beginning of time. Grain became associated with the cycle of death and rebirth. In early Ireland, it was a bad idea to harvest your grain any time before Lughnasadh — it meant that the previous year’s harvest had run out early, and that was a serious failing in agricultural communities. However, on August 1, the first sheafs of grain were cut by the farmer, and by nightfall his wife had made the first loaves of bread of the season.

Lughnasadh is a day of honoring Lugh, the Celtic craftsman god. He is a god of many skills, and was honored in various aspects by societies both in the British Isles and in Europe. Lughnasadh is still celebrated in many parts of the world today, and his influence appears in the names of several European towns. In our modern world, it’s often easy to forget the trials and tribulations our ancestors had to endure. For us, if we need a loaf of bread, we simply drive over to the local grocery store and buy a few bags of prepackaged bread. If we run out, it’s no big deal, we just go and get more. When our ancestors lived, hundreds and thousands of years ago, the harvesting and processing of grain was crucial. We honor our ancestors and the hard work they had to do in order to survive. This is a good time to give thanks for the abundance we have in our lives, and to be grateful for the food on our tables. As we enjoy nature’s abundance, what can we give in return? Lughnasadh is a time of transformation, of rebirth and new beginnings. Because of its association with Lugh, The Many-Skilled One, Lughnasadh is also a time to celebrate talents, skills and craftsmanship. What are your talents and gifts? How can you share those talents and gifts with others? Now is the time of year to work on developing your own talents. Learn a new craft, or get better at an old one. Start a creative project, write a book, play a musical instrument, sing a song, dance, paint. Learn a new magical skill, such as the reading of runes or the making of candles. Whatever you choose to do, this is the right season for thankfulness and sharing.

Re-Awakening The Witch

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The practice of witchcraft has undergone many changes throughout the years. Some of these changes have been good and some of them not so good. Some changes are being touted as “modern ideas”, while older practices are regarded as “outdated” or “no longer relevant”. The ways of the Witch have become sanitized and diluted to make them more acceptable to the masses. Witches are not feared as they once were. The witch is more than just someone who wears pretty crystals and lights scented candles, while chanting healing words under a full moon, with New Age music playing in the background. There is a place for this, but we must not become too attached to a romanticized image. A witch can make someone’s life easier. A witch can also make someone’s life very unpleasant, and sometimes it is necessary. We are not docile and harmless. For the witch, Light and Dark are two sides of the same coin. In the old days, you wanted to be on the witch’s good side. To provoke a witch could be quite dangerous. For a very long time, witches were respected and feared in equal measure. Then along came the Wiccan Rede. The disclaimer “Do what you will and harm none” made it socially acceptable to be a witch, as in “I’m a witch but it’s okay because I follow the Rede”. This generated the false notion that “good” witches follow the Rede and “bad” ones do not. Before Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente, there was no Wiccan Rede, no Threefold Law. Witches were simply witches, living by their own ethical codes and moral standards. They were sovereign, each living according to their own rules. This is the way of the Old Ways Witch. It is not because of the Rede that the innocent are not harmed. The reason the innocent are not harmed is because they are innocent. The other side of this coin is that those who provoke a witch can no longer claim innocence. Back us into a corner and we come out fighting. If someone has a knife to your throat, throwing “love and light” at them isn’t going to save you. You will do what is necessary to protect yourself. There are times when banishings, bindings and curses are absolutely called for, such as when dealing with a stalker or someone seeking to harm your family. There are also times when they are definately NOT called for, such as when an insecure High Priestess chooses to banish from the community anyone who disagrees with her. I do not completely agree with the idea of doing something to make their lives better so they leave you alone. It’s a bit like that ridiculous Bible verse that says “bless those who persecute you”. Sure. Bless them so they can persecute others. Sorry, NO. The witch must remain someone who is both respected and feared.

The Witch and Sovereignty

As a witch, it is your right be sovereign. You develop your own practices, rituals and spells, using methods that work best for you. The way you practice witchcraft is not subject to anyone’s approval or permission. There are far too many people on social media trying to police how others practice. It is childish and ridiculous. I have seen both extremes. There are those who say you’re not “authorized” to engage in certain magical practices unless you belong to a particular culture or tradition. There are casual, lazy types who spout such nonsense as “you don’t need anything, you have all you need within you” and “the only important thing is intention”. They make witchcraft seem so simple, so easy, as if you could cast spells while you’re eating a cheeseburger or watching a movie and you don’t even have to get up from the couch. Witchcraft is not as simplified as people try to make it seem.

The Witch and The Night

The most powerful witches make a connection with the energies 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. 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. To tap into this force, simply wait until the midnight hour has passed and turn off all lights. The only light should come from natural sources, such as moonlight or candlelight. Open a window, close your eyes and take several deep breaths until you reach a meditative state. Isolate that sound of night-time stillness. This can be difficult to do if you live in a metropolitan area, with constant sirens, car horns and people shouting in the street. If this is the case, treat it as an exercise in concentration and focus. If you live in a rural or wooded area, it will be much easier. Tap into the indefinable energy of the night.

When we look up into the night sky and gaze upon the moon goddess in all of her fullness, we can feel a sense of nurturing and maternal love. Old witchcraft lore tells us that the moon has a strong link with the spirits of the dead. Communication with the spirit world can take place with much less restriction during the late night hours. Those who interact with spirit guides and the departed dead find that their communications are much clearer and easier to interpret during the dark of the night. Divination tools such as the tarot and the crystal ball seem to be particularly enhanced in the night-time hours.

The Witch and the Liminal

Many modern witches seem to have forgotten that we are meant to “walk between the worlds” of the seen and the unseen, the living and the dead, the magical and the mundane. A witch of the Old Ways communes with many spirits, not only of the departed dead, but also the spirits of plants, stones, trees, bodies of water, animals and planetary forces. Like the Long Man of Wilmington, we stand in the doorway that separates this world and the Otherworld.

Long Man of Wilmington, East Sussex, England

The Witch and Blood, Bone and Shadow

A truly powerful witch does not shy away from the use of blood (usually their own) in rituals and spells. Our blood contains the essence of our ancestors. Blackthorn Witches place three drops of their own blood into their wands. This infuses the wand with their life force and forges a stronger bond. Blood is a powerful addition to spells. There is nothing evil or malevolent about using blood in witchcraft. It produces quick results and connects us to those who came before us. Many witches also frequently use bones, particularly animal bones and skulls. This helps us connect with animal guides and partake of their wisdom. Many will also use artificial human skulls as a tool to contact the dead, as bones contain ancestral DNA. Working with ‘shadow’ in witchcraft not only refers to the Shadow Self, those things we keep hidden from others, but also to the retrieval of hidden wisdom. The late Raven Grimassi has written some very informative works on this topic. Blood, Bone and Shadow are also linked to three colors of traditional witchcraft: Red, White and Black. You may have seen traditional witches wearing cords made from these colors. Red is linked to Blood, White to Bone and Black to Shadow.

Re-Awakening The Witch

These concepts and ideas are not often seen in the lives of many so-called “modern” witches, those who view witchcraft as a hobby or something fun to do on the weekend. Witchcraft is not all love and light, incense and candles. Those who choose to call themselves “witch” must also embrace the necessary darkness that it holds. It is equally important that others see us not only as someone who can help them, but also someone who is not to be provoked without consequence. The time has come to re-awaken the witch and return to the Old Ways.

Elemental Protection Talismans For The Home

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Elemental protection talismans are fairly easy to make, and the entire creation process infuses your own energy into them. The talismans work through energy, intention and vibration by including time-honored magical correspondences. You will make your talismans during a waxing moon phase.

A simple way to make them is by using polymer (oven bake) clay. You will need four different colors of clay: Green, Yellow, Red and Blue. Each of these will represent one of the four directions and the element associated with them. Green represents the Earth and the direction of the North. Yellow represents Air and the direction of the East. Red represents Fire and the direction of the South. Blue represents Water and the direction of the West. You will make one talisman for each color, a total of four. Before working with your clay, begin gathering the dried herbs to be placed inside the talismans. Here are some suggestions:

Green/Earth: Patchouli, Oak Moss, Vervain.

Yellow/Air: Lavender, Lemongrass, Mistletoe.

Red/Fire: Cinnamon, Clove, Mandrake Root.

Blue/ Water: Chamomile, Datura, Valerian.

Note: Mistletoe, Mandrake and Datura are all poisonous, so handle with care. These are included for extra protection, but you may choose less toxic herbs, as long as they correspond to their elements.

Making Your Talismans:

  • As you make each talisman, work the clay with your fingers to soften it up a bit.
  • As you form your clay, place the herbs into each talisman according to their color and element. Continue forming your clay until the herbs are spread throughout.
  • Shape each one into a 3” x 3” disc, about a half an inch thick.
  • Carve any magical symbols you desire onto the surface of the clay. These may include pentacles, runes, ogham, elemental, planetary glyphs or simply the words “Protect This House”.
  • Next you will place them in the oven to bake on low heat, no more than three minutes. If you are fortunate enough to have a clay oven, this is ideal, but a standard oven will work.
  • Allow talismans to cool.
  • At this point,you may choose to cover each talisman with a glossy glaze and allow to dry. This will help seal everything inside and give them a shiny, translucent appearance.
  • Charge your talismans one at a time. Hold each one in both hands, close your eyes and take several deep breaths until you reach a meditative state. Say three times, “I charge this talisman to protect my home from all harmful energies”. In your mind’s eye, visualize bright light coming out of the talisman and forming a shield around your home. Visualize this shield in each elemental color as you charge your talismans.
  • For the final step, you will bury the talismans at the four sides of your home. Bury the green talisman at the north side, the yellow talisman at the east, the red talisman at the south and the blue talisman at the west. When they are all buried, they will form a protective ward around your home. Try to bury them at least three feet deep, or as close as you can get so that they won’t be dug up by pets or wild animals. Your elemental protection talismans should work for as long as your live in your home.
Elemental Protection Talismans

The Art of Spellcasting

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Spellcasting is an art and a science, as there are many factors that must be considered. The phase of the moon, magical correspondences, planetary influences, raising energy and even the time of day can all play a part in your spell. Although it may seem so, there is nothing supernatural about spellcasting. As witches, we work with the natural forces of the earth and the universe. Once our spell is cast successfully, it is a matter of time until circumstances line up and our goal begins to manifest.

We must first ask, what is a spell? Spellcasting is but one form of magic. It is a method of communicating our desires to the universe, so that the universe can respond and manifest our desires into physical reality. There is an old magical saying, “As above, so below”. This means that in order for something to manifest in the visible realm, it must first be present in the invisible realm. Your spell is what places it there. Another magical concept is “Like attracts like”. Using energies and objects that have a connection to your goal will help it to manifest faster.

There are six keys to effective spellcasting. The first one is Altered Consciousness. If you want your spell to work, you must first learn how to alter your consciousness. This can be achieved through controlled-breathing exercises, meditation, visualization, chanting or drumming. Incense smoke, candles and relaxing music can also help. Once we alter our brain waves to the Alpha state, we have reached the magickal mindset, the state of ritual consciousness. In Alpha we become more sensitive to the unseen realms, and we are more open to receive psychic information. Healing abilities are enhanced and we are better able to communicate with our dieties and spirit guides. Alpha has been called by some the “daydream” state, when we are relaxed yet still aware of our surroundings.

The next key for effective spellcasting is to have a Clear Intention. Know exactly what you want. If you are indecisive or unsure about what you want, it is unlikely to manifest. Your focus should be on exactly what you want, and not on what you need in order to have it. For example, if you have a bill that needs to be paid, focus on the bill getting paid and not on the money you need to pay it. You don’t want to limit how the universe manifests your goal. You might get a check in the mail from an unexpected source, or you might be contacted by the bill collector informing you there was a mistake and you don’t owe anything after all. Remember to focus on the outcome and not on how it manifests.

The third key for effective spellcasting is to have a Strong Will. It must be something you truly, earnestly desire and you are determined to see it happen. A determined mindset is key. The more emotionally involved you are, and the more of that energy you put into the spell, the more likely it will manifest.

The fourth key is to Raise Energy. You may choose to repeat a chant multiple times, first softly then increasing in volume, then returning to a soft tone. Some choose to write an incantation on a piece of parchment paper, and then burn the paper while reciting the incantation. Others may dance around in a circle, beat a drum or sing. You may raise energy any way you choose. Be creative. Use your intuition to determine when enough energy has been raised and when it is time to release it.

The fifth key to effective spellcasting is the Expectation of Results. Know that it is going to happen. If you begin to have doubts, or start thinking to yourself “It didn’t work”, then you have short-circuited your spell and it certainly will not happen. I have, however, known some folks who were skeptical of the magical process, and their spell manifested anyway. It is important to try your best and maintain a positive expectation of results. Visualize it as already happened and place yourself in the picture.

The sixth and final key of effective spellcasting is to Let It Go. Don’t obsess over it and do not talk about it. Keep it to yourself until it manifests. This is rather important. It is one thing to have a positive expectation, but if you are constantly thinking about it, then you are calling that energy back to you instead of letting it do it’s work. Cast your spell, maintain a positive attitude, and let it go.

Now we will examine the days of the week and the magic associated with each one. These are some of the traditional magical associations, but if you feel something different will work for you, then by all means use it. A wonderful thing about magic is that it can be individualized. Symbols, colors and scents can mean different things to different people. However, these correspondences have power because they have been used for centuries. It would not be wise to disregard them completely.

MONDAY

Name: Day of the Moon

Celestial Influence: The Moon

Colors: White, Silver, Purple

Crystals and Stones: Moonstone, Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Selenite, Amethyst, Pearl

Herbs and Plants: Moonflower, Lavender, Sage, Jasmine, Mugwort

Magical Workings: Goddess Worship, Divination, Spirit Communication, Meditation, Introspection

TUESDAY

Name: Day of Tyr (pronounced “teer”). Tyr is a Norse god of law and war.

Celestial Influence: Mars

Colors: Red, Black

Crystals and Stones: Red Jasper, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Carnelian

Herbs and Plants: Red Clover, Damiana, Cinnamon, Basil

Magical Workings: Resolving Conflict, Assertiveness, Courage, Force, Male Sexuality

WEDNESDAY

Name: Day of Woden. Woden, or Odin, is a Norse god, the mythological inventor of the runes.

Celestial Influence: Mercury

Colors: Yellow, Orange

Crystals and Stones: Citrine,Tiger’s Eye, Calcite, Yellow Jasper, Amber

Herbs and Plants: Mint, Daffodill, Calendula, Pumpkin, Saffron, Marigold

Magical Workings: Memory Retention, Safe Travel, Learning, Ritual Writing, Communication

THURSDAY

Name: Day of Thor. Thor is a Norse god of thunder.

Celestial Influence: Jupiter

Colors: Green, Brown

Crystals and Stones: Tree Agate, Aventurine, Emerald, Jade, Malachite

Herbs and Plants: Oak Moss, Patchouli, Eucalyptus, Cinquefoil, Bay Leaves

Magical Workings: Career, Finances, Advancement, Growth

FRIDAY

Name: Day of Freya (pronounced “Fray-uh”). Freya is a Norse goddess of love and beauty.

Celestial Influence: Venus

Colors: Red, Pink, Blue

Crystals and Stones: Rose Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Lace Agate, Rhodocrosite

Herbs and Plants: Rose, Lavender, Lilac, Yarrow, Thyme

Magical Workings: Romance, Friendship, Family, Fertility, Self-Esteem, Female Sexuality

SATURDAY

Name: Day of Saturn

Celestial Influence: Saturn

Color: Black

Crystals and Stones: Black Obsidian, Black Tourmaline, Black Onyx, Jet

Herbs and Plants: Henbane, Hellebore, Belladonna, Blackthorn, Mandrake, Hemlock, Foxglove, Datura, Snapdragon, Mistletoe, Wormwood. Most of the herbs and plants associated with Saturday are poisonous and must be handled with extreme care.

Magical Workings: Protection, Banishing, Binding, Removing Obstacles

SUNDAY

Name: Day of the Sun

Celestial Influence: The Sun

Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange

Crystals and Stones: Sunstone, Citrine, Yellow Calcite

Herbs and Plants: Sunflower, Heliotrope, Fennel, Goldenseal, Dandelion, St. John’s Wort

Magical Workings: Success, Achieving Goals, God Worship, Ambition, Illumination, Revelation

You now have learned some of the basics of spellcasting, but there is so much more. As you grow in your practice of witchcraft, you will discover what works best for you. Listen to your intuition, and let your deities and guides assist you in casting your spells with power and stronger focus.

The Dark, The Light and In Between

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“The brightest flame casts the darkest shadow”. (George R. R. Martin)

When we examine the qualities of the Old Ways witch, we can see they are not far removed from what some call ‘Traditional’ Witchcraft. The strong connection to the powers of the Night, poisonous plants, interactions with spirits and the dead, and so forth. These are often looked upon as ‘darker’ elements of witchcraft, but they have always been part and parcel of it’s practice. Many in the pagan communities shy away from these things and prefer to focus on the Light, but this only causes an imbalance, as the Darkness is equally important. There is nothing to fear from darkness. It hides, obscures, protects. Regard it as a friend. The darkness holds many secrets. It is both enchanting and mystical. Let it surround you like a veil. Those who dwell in the shadows are a unique and set apart community. Find strength and solitude in the darkness. Appreciate it’s beauty and strange quietness.

Magic is best practiced under the cloak of darkness, by candlelight or the light of the moon. During the very late hours of the night when much of the noise and chatter have ceased, it is then that psychic energies can flow unhindered, and communication with the gods and spirits is much clearer. It is a time for powerful witchery. Dark Magic is often misunderstood to be enchantments that are intended to cause harm or injury. This is not entirely true. Magic is a neutral force, being neither black nor white. While a practitioner may use magic for malevolent purposes, labeling this as ‘dark’ is somewhat of a misnomer. The Dark is not always harmful. The Light is not always beneficial. Malevolent Magic and Dark Magic are not necessarily the same thing. Dark implies that which is hidden, that which is unseen. In fact, this is the definition of the word occult: hidden wisdom. It is knowledge that is hidden from those without the awareness or discipline to uncover it. Dark also implies the aspects of ourselves that we keep hidden from others. Everyone has a dark side. Everyone. Yes, even you. We all have secrets that we keep from others. We all have private issues and problems that we need to work on. Some of them are legitimate problems, and others are not really problems at all, but we perceive them to be problems because of social conditioning. These are our secret fears, guilt or shame, whether self-imposed or wrongly imposed upon us by others. There are many things in our lives that we have been made to feel wrongly ashamed of. Some of these include sexual orientation, porn, alternative lifestyles, pagan spirituality, or even the choice to avoid religion and spirituality altogether. None of these things are cause for shame.

A large part of true dark magic is the process of examining the Shadow Self, a term coined by psychiatrist Carl Jung. He stated “To confront a person with his own shadow is to show him his own light”. Once we acknowledge our darker aspects, we can work on transforming them or integrating them into our lives in a healthy, positive way. What are some of my personal struggles? Anxiety. Depression. Inadequacy. Self-Esteem. These are things I struggle with often, but I accept them as part of who I am. I talk about these issues openly with others. I don’t pretend my life is perfect. To help me deal with these things, I use affirmations, meditation and medication. These and other therapies help a great deal but they don’t take it all away.

There has been so much focus on “Love and Light”, particularly in the Wiccan and New Age movements. There is this idea that ignoring or denying our darker natures will somehow make them non-existent. “No bad vibes” is a popular saying that is actually harmful. We can’t live in a bubble where we pretend everything is rainbows and unicorns, and we can’t expect the same from everyone around us. None of us live perfect lives. We all have struggles, and we must acknowledge that throwing “love and light” at everything does not always provide a solution. There must be a balance of both dark and light, and these are two sides of the same coin. Those who practice paganism through a darker lens find comfort and solace in their rituals. These energies are not evil or malevolent, they merely operate on a different vibration.

By working with these dark energies, we perform magical practices that work to make our lives better and more fulfilled. Some of us prefer to approach magical spirituality through a darker aesthetic. “Dark Energies”, for the purpose of this article, refer to dark stones and plants, the waning and dark moon phases, the Shadow Self, dark aspects of deity, dark animal guides, the allure of the night, and certain kinds of divination.

Any form of magical practice requires us to look within. We examine our motives and desires to see if our magical working is coming from a place of love, or anger, or healing, or revenge. We examine any possible outcomes that may result and adjust our spells accordingly. I don’t consider witchcraft itself to be a form of therapy, however, many practices do require the practitioner to look within and examine themselves. We take responsibility for our spells and enchantments, adapting and improving them in such a way that the result is best for all involved.

Call me a stick-in-the-mud, but I still believe in the Old Ways. We need to be careful what we label as a “modern idea” or even an “outdated” one. There are some bandwagons that I refuse to jump on just because it is the trendy thing to do. Author/Teacher Raven Grimassi spoke of the “momentum of the past”, describing how many magical practices and concepts have accumulated power over the years because they have been done the same way for so long. Altering or changing them dilutes their power. Please do not take magical advice from teenagers on TikTok, or from anyone who is not a well-respected author/teacher that has been around for awhile. There are truthfully only a handful of teachers I would personally recommend, as these are people I have met in person, I have studied their work or I have taken classes with them. I don’t have to agree with every single thing they say, but much of what they share and teach does resonate with me and my practice. I trust their experience, which is something sadly lacking in many self-described “experts” on social media. Having a best-selling book or thousands of followers are not necessarily good indicators of a worthy teacher.

Witches of the Old Ways are deeply connected to the powers of the night, and to various herbs and plants, many of which are quite toxic. It is only in modern times that witchcraft took on a lighter, more sanitized tone. Witches of the Old Ways do not turn the other cheek, nor do they ascribe to the Wiccan ‘harm none’ philosophy. There are times when banishings, bindings and even curses are absolutely called for. I have always believed that witches are meant to be respected and feared in equal measure. To provoke a witch is to incur consequences. The ‘threefold law’ is another Wiccan invention, and is one that we do not see played out in the real world. If one watches the news regularly, we see many instances where harm is caused without punishment, threefold or otherwise. Modern Wicca has sanitized the image of contemporary witches, who many view as docile and harmless New Age hippie folk who surround themselves with pretty crystals and scented candles. This is not an accurate picture. It is unfortunate that as witches we are not approached with the same trepidation we once were. In the old days, those seeking solutions to their problems visited the local witch as a last resort when all other efforts had failed. Witchcraft in today’s society has become incredibly commercial, with anyone and everyone calling themselves a witch and charging exuberant prices for their services. Many of these charlatans have no idea what it really means to be a witch, and some of the younger folks have foolishly attempted to redefine what witchcraft is.

The practice of witchcraft is not as simplistic as some people try to make it seem. It is not “whatever you want it to be”. It is not “picking up a rock” or “looking at the moon”. It does seem at times that younger pagans find witchcraft too boring, they want something more exciting, so new ideas are introduced, many of which only detract from rather than add to the practice of witchcraft. Some have said “Just because something is old doesn’t make it better”, but I have to disagree and say that just because something is new doesn’t make it necessarily better either.

Many modern books about witchcraft present a Disney-fied, watered down version to make it more acceptable to the masses. The Wiccan Rede and the Threefold Law are modern inventions that did not exist before Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente. Before Wicca, most witches were simply witches, who lived by their own ethical codes and moral standards. The Wiccan Rede has become somewhat of a disclaimer, as in “Yes, I’m a witch but that’s okay because I follow the Rede”. They don’t want to be thought of as “that kind” of witch, one who banishes and curses, yet these are also part and parcel of witchcraft. It is commonly known that not all witches follow the rede, but this does not necessarily make them “unethical” witches. Witches who do not follow the rede are sometimes called “Traditional” witches, but this term can be confusing as it implies one who follows a tradition, such as Alexandrian or Gardnerian. Both Traditional and Old Ways witches are sovereign, meaning they are self-ruled and self-governed, unbound by redes and ‘threefold’ laws. When I tell someone I’m a witch, they often say, “But you’re a good witch, right?” To which I reply, “If you’re good to me, I will be good to you”. This is usually followed up with, “But you don’t put curses on people, right?”, and I reply with a smile,“Only if they deserve it, and sometimes they do”. I actually like the fact that this makes some people apprehensive. It means they know to show me respect.

I have to question the spiritual maturity of gatekeepers, those who attempt to police how other people practice. These are people who say, “You’re not authorized to use this practice unless you’re…(insert culture or tradition here)”. Cultures have borrowed from one another for centuries. There is no culture that has not been influenced in some way by another. ‘Cultural Appropriation’ is an expression that gets thrown around a lot these days, mostly by people who do not fully understand what it means. There is nothing at all wrong with engaging in practices from any culture, as long as one understands the importance of that practice to the culture which it belongs. Becoming acquainted with the history, language, symbolism and folklore of a particular culture is also recommended for those who wish to use magical practices from another culture or tradition. Examples of real cultural appropriation would include the person who wears Native American dress but is not themselves a true Native American. It would include dancers at Celtic festivals who wear those fake “Irish curls” in their hair to give the appearance of being Irish. Cultural Appropriation occurs when elements of a particular culture are used in an exploitative or stereotypical manner.

Social media is rife with people sharing information that is completely untrue. Here are a few of these myths:

  • You’re not a witch unless you’ve been initiated by another witch.
  • Covens can only be formed by a 3rd Degree High Priest/ess.
  • Tarot is a closed practice, it is only for those of Romani descent.
  • You can only honor deities from the culture you were born into.
  • Only Native Americans can have animal familiars.

These are all false statements. Rather than getting magical advice from strangers on social media, it is better to do your own study, getting information from well-respected authors and teachers. Read, read and read some more. Take a few classes if you can afford it. Another person’s magical/spiritual practice isn’t “wrong” just because it is not how you learned it. I share what has worked for me and encourage others to try my methods, but if they don’t feel right for someone there is nothing wrong in that. In the end, all that really matters is that you do what works best for you, and turn a deaf ear to those who say otherwise.

I have to scratch my head at those who seek an academic study of witchcraft, as this would be rather difficult due to it’s experiential nature. Witchcraft is a mystical practice with many aspects that cannot be backed up with footnotes and references. A magical system that works well for one practitioner may not necessarily work the same for another. Add to this the subjective nature of symbols, and the fact that many witches have unconventional abilities that they discovered quite by accident, abilities they did not learn from a book or a teacher. Such things cannot be “researched and vetted”.

Many people consider things like healing and personal growth to be associated with the lighter aspects of witchcraft, but it is also true that a person can find healing and personal growth from the darkness as well. It is important that we embrace the darkness as much as we embrace the light.