Thoughts on Sabbat Ritual Timing

I may be alone in this, but I've been pulled to align my sabbat circles to different times of the day, depending on the holiday.

 

• Evening for Imbolc, since for me, one main theme of Imbolc is a burgeoning spark of spring, inherent in the seeds of life. To me, this awakening takes place deep under the soil, and so, to me, it makes sense that this circle is during the dark time of the day. Any sort of night / early morning.
• Then the flowers burst from the soil, and it’s Spring! To me, Ostara sounds a bit like a brunchy sort of sabbat, with the best time for a gathering being late morning.
• Beltane seems an early afternoon holiday to me- definitely something during the day.
• Litha feels like a mid-afternoon gathering would be best… as that tends to be when it’s the warmest, and it’s a holiday celebrating the sun.
• Lughnasadh rituals might take place in the late afternoon, as it’s the first harvest, and after a long morning and afternoon of harvesting, it seems right to revel in the harvest, while it’s still light out, before the sun begins his descent.
• Mabon is an early evening ritual for me. It’s a little cooler (usually), and it just seems right to toast the balance of equal night and day as the sun sets.
• Samhain is a ritual that, to me, requires full dark, as it’s a time of reflection, and communion with ancestors. The darkness erases the distractions that light might bring, and allows us to focus more deeply into the mysteries.
• Yule is the celebration of light, warmer times to come. To me, this would be a great holiday to have an all night candle vigil, culminating with some sort of ritual at sunrise.

 

I haven’t always followed this, and usually my energy is directed toward the coven circles, which are usually at night, but I’m going to make an effort this year to DO something during the time of day that I feel is correlated the best to each sabbat. Anyone else felt the same… or different?

 

The Rede

I really am beginning to wonder what people believe the difference is between Wiccan and non-Wiccan. I suspect that many people who say that they are not Wiccan, may have Wiccan leanings. I’ve found that most people think that what delineates the Wiccan/Non-Wiccan traditional boundary is the rede. If they don’t follow what they see as the Wiccan rede, they feel that they aren’t Wiccan. Even if they follow a Wiccan ritual structure, honor the eight sabbats, honor polarity in their gods, etc., if they do any harm (or manipulation) as part of their practice, they feel that they aren’t Wiccan. Some are sad about that, others are happy, since many think Wicca is a fluffy sort of tradition. They couldn’t be more incorrect.


One of the biggest Wiccan misconceptions is that of the rede. The rede- eight words- “An it harm none, do as ye will.” That’s it. The misconception is that this is an ethical law that all Wiccans must abide. Or else! The first point, unfortunately, is that there is really no possible way to harm none. I’m pretty sure that the head of lettuce that your salad was made from is pretty pissed off about being killed for your food. I’ve read a few studies that illustrate that plants have feelings, too. We have to eat, it’s part of the natural cycle, and we must harm something to eat, and stay alive. Would you squash a black widow spider who made the poor choice of weaving her web on the your baby’s crib? We all harm to different degrees- it’s impossible to follow the rede as an ethical law.

The second point is that the rede isn’t a law at all. It’s a piece of advice. The word rede means advice. It advises you to do no harm, mainly because it will come back to you. Regardless of trad, most Pagans believe in some sort of Law of Return, Law of Three or karma. This is no different from the rede, really. The witch takes in the situation, calculates the possibility of any consequences, and acts accordingly. Wiccans may do harm, if the situation calls for it, same as any other witch. Each witch, regardless of what path they align themselves with, will have their own personal ethical code.

Witchilicious Terminology and Misconceptions

Many books and Pagan websites use several terms interchangeably, so I thought I’d write a short entry about the terms (as I see them) and what they mean.


Pagan is a term that encompasses most non-Abrahamic religions. While Christians often refer to anyone that is not of their faith as Pagans, the modern explanation of this term is one that includes Wicca, Asatru, Druidry, and other nature and polytheist related faiths. Some include Hinduism and Buddhism under the umbrella, while others do not. The original definition for Pagan is “country dweller,” and was adapted as a religious term as those who lived out in the country often practiced local religious traditions, some incorporating folk magic, while others honored spirits of the land. Someone who incorporates many traditions and beliefs into their practice, creating their own personal belief system is called eclectic Pagan.


Wicca is a specific religion, with specific traditions. If you are Wiccan, you honor polarity in both the God and Goddess. You honor the eight sabbats and the esbats, and do so within a ritual structure. This includes casting (and sealing) a circle, calling quarters, evoking deities. You heed the Wiccan Rede (more about that next), and if you are in a coven, your structure is hierarchal. This is not to say you can’t honor MORE than just one God and Goddess. It’s also not saying that you can’t also celebrate other holidays. It simply gives a structure within what Wicca is. Wicca isn’t whatever you want it to be – that’s more along the lines of eclectic Paganism. If you do the above, but do not practice within a coven’s tradition, then you are eclectic Wiccan.


The Wiccan Rede is eight words and is not a LAW of Wicca. It’s not the long poem written by Lady Gwen Thompson- that’s the Rede of the Wiccae. There is no “law of Wicca.” It’s assumed that you are mature enough and are aware that what you do can come back to you. The word “rede” means advice- the Wiccan rede is advice to those who practice. That’s it: An it harm none, do as ye will.


Traditional Wicca is Wicca within a tradition. A tradition is a set of beliefs and/or practices that governs the way you practice your spirituality. For example, my coven practices the Twilight Tradition of Wicca. We do things a certain way, have certain traditions while crafting this coven tradition. If you don’t practice within a tradition, then you are eclectic.


British Traditional Wicca is where Wicca began. Each BTW initiate can trace their initiatory lineage back to Gerald Gardner, who really brought Wicca out from the shadows. The lore says that he learned witchcraft from a coven in the New Forest area of England, and used that Book of Shadows to create his form of witchcraft, now called Gardnerian Wicca. Most initiates of BTW believe that any other path calling itself Wicca that is not BTW, should not call itself Wicca. They don’t believe that they are the one true path, but as the founder of these paths was a cornerstone of modern Paganism, they feel as though it’s a misnomer to call non BTW traditions Wiccan.

There is nothing wrong with being eclectic ANYTHING. Each person’s path is their own. Some people are drawn to structure and tradition, some are drawn to a more free-flowing and mutable eclectic practice. Nothing is wrong with either.

Magick is changing something to be in accordance to your will using energy. Magick can include spells, ritual, charms, and other practices. In a Wiccan ritual, each part of the ritual is magickal – you cast a circle to create an energetic boundary so that what you need to stay in, stays in, and what you want to stay out, stays out. That in itself is a magickal act. The lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram- a ritual primarily used in ceremonial magick is performed to clear a space or a person (depending on who you ask) of energy. This is also a magickal act. A spell or working to achieve a specific goal is also magick, as can be a hands on energy healing. Sometimes it’s something you can see, hear, or feel- sometimes not.

Witchcraft is a practice, like yoga or prayer that can be applied to spiritual principles, or religion. This practice includes the practicing of low magick or folk magick, magick that usually focuses on the physical world. Many people call witchcraft their religion, as they focus mainly on the physical world, and the energies within, rather than Gods and Goddesses of the ancients.



A pentagram is a five pointed star. A pentacle is a five pointed star with a circle around it. Others say that the five pointed star traced in the air is a pentagram, whilst a physical representation of the same star (whether there is a circle or not), is a pentacle. I disagree.


Terminology isn’t important to everyone, after all, the meanings for names can change, as evidenced by the word Pagan. However, while communicating with other Pagans it’s especially helpful to know and understand the meanings for common terms, to avoid miscommunications.

Creating a Daily and/or Personal Practice

Have I written about this before? I probably have, as it’s something I’m gone over and over in my head a million times. I think when people think about starting a daily practice, it seems daunting. Living in Los Angeles, it seems as though there is never enough time for everything I want to do in a day. Personally, I cut back my activities – way back—thinking that it would be helpful. Nope. Still not enough time. What I didn’t realize is that there’s almost always something to fill that time. So, make your time filler something you WANT to do.



This being said, we make time for things we WANT to do, not things that we feel we should do. That’s why we roll our eyes at the treadmill, and watch our favorite TV show instead. So, I feel that the key to starting a daily practice is: make it something you like to do, and something that you will feel is easy to do. Don’t over commit, and don’t try to make it the most super deep, transformative activity. I’m sure sometimes it will be like most of our practices, where we have wonderful experiences that produce sensational UPG, but other times it will be mundane, but it should always feel good to do. For me, besides coming up with a short daily prayer to say to my patron goddess, I’m going to start doing divination on the new moon. The thing that holds me back the most, is that I always feel like I should record everything for posterity- this takes the fun out of a lot of it. So, I’m going to break free of my WRITE IT DOWN issue, and divine for fun and introspection, then follow that up with meditation. That’s it. Divination and meditation, probably in a compacted ritual format. That’s fun, manageable, and can take about a half hour of my day.


Besides this, I’d like to try a short period of meditation each evening before bed (I’m not a morning person, so that shining, happy morning yoga person inside of me DOES NOT EXIST). What could you adjust in your life to make room for a personal practice?

Themes of the Summer Solstice

Litha is fast approaching- it falls on June 21 this year. I will be on a cruise during the longest day this year, but planning on celebrating the best I can- maybe greet the sun as he rises. There are many ways to celebrate the summer solstice, also called Midsummer and Litha.


Some themes of Litha incude:

• The God at his strongest
• Fire festival
• Faerie festival
• Anything sun-related, especially honoring sun-related gods
• The greening of the earth
• Battle of the Oak and Holly kings
• Relaxation and enjoyment

In your ritual circle, you might stage a ritual drama of the Holly King defeating the Oak King, or use your time to tend a ritual garden. You may honor sun deities, such as Apollo, Ra or Helios. Evoke the fey into your circle and leave offerings out for the faeries. Drum and sing around a bonfire, or work some fire magic. This is the time between the planting season and the time of harvest- it’s time to relax and enjoy while the earth does the hard work, making food! Decorate your altar in green and gold, with flowers and objects that make you happy.


Outside of your circle, you may want to make fairy wings, sunbathe (safely), weed your garden, or gather flowers. The first fruits of the garden tend to be coming up around this time in many areas, and you can imbue your meal with this energy by cooking or baking with some of your first veggies, fruits or flowers. To me, June is a month of salads, light food like grilled chicken and roasted veggies. Add berries or other garden fruit to your salad to align your energies with your garden. Wash that down with a crisp white wine or sangria (lemonade or sweet tea for those who don’t imbibe alcohol).

Connecting with the Four Elements Ritual

Earth, air, fire and water- these make up the four most widely known elements of life. Rarely passive, these elements are dynamic- always energetic. We can tap into these energies and use them to balance ourselves, and to connect with the world around us. The four elements are almost always moving, their energy manifesting in their physical being. Rarely do you see a body of water very still- it's usually full of ripples, a babbling brook, the ebb and flow of the tides. Fire leaps and crackles as it gives off heat. The air moves with breezes and currents, and the earth is ever moving- not just the plates- but the soil being worked beneath our feet. Here is a short and easy ritual you can do to connect (or reconnect) with these building blocks of life.

Set up your area with a colored candle at each of the four compass points. Red in the south, blue in the west, green in the north, and yellow at the east. At each point, also place a physical representation of the element. I suggest a bowl of water in the west, incense at the east, a separate candle in the south, and a bowl of salt in the north.

Cast a circle if you wish- this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you are comfortable doing so, do it.

Approach the east side of the circle and light your yellow candle. Hold it and envision everything that represents air to you, how you have experienced air in the past. Has it been windmills, a warm breeze in the desert, a cool chill of the winter air? Envision this with all of your senses. Taste it on your tongue, feel it on your skin. Say out loud: "Air." While you are envisioning these manifestations, say words that you correlate to this air element. For example, breeze, communication, Mercury, knowledge. This is your personal connection to air, so don't feel as though you have to be "traditional." When you feel like you are finished, light the incense and walk it around the perimeter of your circle (even if you didn't cast circle, still trace it). Envision a yellow line of energy demarcating your circle. Replace it next to the yellow candle and move south to your fire candle.

Pick up the fire candle and envision fire. How have you experienced fire in the past? Bonfires, candles sunshine? Envision it with all of your senses. State words that you associate with the element of fire, like passion, will, candle, flame. When you feel as though you are finished, light the other candle and walk it around the circle. "See" a line of fire energy around the circle, overlapping and weaving in with the yellow energy placed there by your incense. Replace your fire candle and move to your west quarter.

Light your blue, water candle. Envision water as you have experienced it. Have you swam in the ocean, a pool, a river? Have you felt the water move around you as you swam? Feel this and imagine waterfalls, brooks, or a serene pond. Speak aloud words you associate with water- intuition, dreams, serenity, peace. When you are finished, pick up the bowl of water, and sprinkle it around the edge of your circle, adding a blue thread of energy intertwined with your red and yellow energy. Place your bowl back near your water candle and move to the north.

Pick up your earth candle and light it. How do you see earth? Do you see it as the trees and the plants? Do you see it as the soil, warmed on a summer day? Feel your connection to the earth as you have experienced it in the past. As you are feeling this, state words that you feel connect with earth: green, new beginnings, security, life. Take up the bowl of salt, and like the water, sprinkle it upon the perimeter of the circle, seeing a green strand of energy among the yellow, red, and blue already there. Once you return to the north, put down your bowl of salt.

Take a few moments inside your circle. See in your minds eye, the four colors that make up your circle edge. Feel the constant movement of the elements at all four quarters. Really take the time to feel your connection to it all.

Once you are finished, return to the east. Say aloud, "blessed be, air," and blow out your yellow candle. Envision the yellow energy making up your circle to dissolve. Move to the south, and say, "blessed be, fire." As you blow out the candle, "see" the red thread of energy release and dissolve. Repeat with the water, and the earth candles.

If you cast a circle, uncast or open it. Take a few deep breaths and ground, if necessary.

May's Full Moon

Tonight's the full moon! I love it when it's stormy here, especially while doing witchy workings. I feel that it adds energy to whatever I'm working on. May is the Hare Moon or Planting Moon (depending on the culture), and the energy that it brings is an energy full of growth, fertility and workings toward keeping ourselves fed. Today, I'm focusing on fertility.I do have a few things to plant in the ground, but am unable to do so in the rain.

Here are a few ideas on what you can do for this full moon:

• Focus on making a baby!
• Focus on renewing your creativity
• Plant seeds in the ground
• Charge seeds in the moonlight
• Start some seeds in small containers
• Or of course, do a working for whatever you need at the moment

If you are looking for some easy plants to start from seeds, I suggest radishes. They go from seed to food in about six weeks. If you start new seeds on week 4, they should be ready to plant by the time you are pulling your grown radishes out of the ground. This is a great lesson to kids about how food doesn't originate in the grocery store.

Fiery Wall of Protection

A friend of mine has had some trouble lately, and I was thinking about what I might do if I was in her position. From this personal musing, came some research, and ultimately a recipe. The Fiery Wall of Protection incense/powder/oil is a pretty basic recipe, and it is purported to invoke the flaming sword of the archangel, Michael. Angels really aren't part of my personal path (not that I disbelieve), but if it works, it works.*

The main ingredients for Fiery wall of Protection are:

• Salt
• Dragon's Blood
• Frankencense
• Myrrh

Grind these up into a powder, and you have your base powder. Add to castor oil for an oil, or you cal also burn it over charcoal as incense. Some people like to add cayenne pepper, cinnamon, agrimony or other things, but keep in mind, that many "fiery" additives are skin irritants, so don't use them in an oil.

*I believe that many rituals and recipes work based not only on religion and evocation, but also work based upon the egregore created by decades of usage with specific intent. LBRP, for example.

The Difference Between Wiccan and Pagan

Disclaimer: This is all MY opinion and experience, as a Wiccan, teaching other Wiccans and Pagans. I'm not the end all-be all grand poobah of path naming.


Wicca is a religious path, one of many within the Pagan path. Wiccans heed the Rede, celebrate the eight sabbats, utilize a Wiccan ritual structure, honor polarity in regards to the gods (God/dess) as well as within themselves, and groups are hierarchal in nature.

Pagans can be of many flavors and traditions, but the most prevalent is Eclectic Pagan, doing what works for them. Usually Eclectic Pagans start out with Wiccan-type practices (and call themselves Wiccan), as that ritual information is pretty easily attainable. Then, when their practices change to suit their own personal gnosis and path, they continue to call themselves Wiccan, though their practices have chaanged so they are outside of the scope of Wicca.

(this was my reply to a post from a newbie witch asking for the difference between Wicca and Pagan)

Joining a Coven

I often get asked, “How does one go about joining a group?” Coven work isn’t for everyone; there any many witches who enjoy and prefer working alone. However, coven work can be part of a fulfilling spiritual experience. There are many ways to find a coven that fits your needs. While sometimes it can be difficult to even find a group of Pagans in your area, much less find a group that is perfect for you, one will never know unless one embarks upon the journey.



The most popular way to find a local group is witchvox.com. The Witches Voice at witchvox.com is the most comprehensive witch and Pagan networking engine on the internet today. Organized and easy to navigate, this is the best place for one to start, especially if you rather communicate via text and email than phone calls. Another way to find a group is to search the groups on yahoo. Many covens use these email-friendly lists to communicate. Be aware, though, that many large social and solely online groups call themselves covens. You can always visit your local occult or metaphysical store. Many times, local covens either rent/use space in a local shop, or post notices on the shops bulletin board. You can always ask the proprietor of the shop about local groups. Also, subscribe to mailing lists of meetup groups, social groups, or Pagan events. Going to open events and networking may lead you to a group.



Once you do find a group that you are interested in, you’ll probably be asked to meet with the leadership of the coven, or attend a meet and greet to meet the coven in its entirety. These meetings are the place to ask any questions you may have of the coven, and answer any questions that they might ask you. It’s important, not just that they fit your needs, but that you fit theirs as well. Make sure your goals and your participation expectations are very clear. You’ll want to make sure the coven is structured in a way in which you could be happy.



My suggestion is to be at your best at these meetings. Once you are part of the coven family, then you’ll get to know the issues that your coven brethren have. This is not the time to tell your potential coven family that your wages have been garnished because you don’t pay your child support, that you have problems having orgasms, or that the Dagda has chosen you as his personal songstress and sends you unicorn dreams that you just KNOW means that you were a priestess of Brighid in a past life. Unless you are asked a question, don’t overshare; whether it’s personal life issues, or UPG (universal personal gnosis). Don’t lie, either. Ever. A coven is based on perfect love and perfect trust, and a little lie (even lies that you think don’t matter) will come out sooner or later.



Don’t come in with an entitled attitude. Realize that the coven is taking their time to meet you. They aren’t doing you a favor, and most likely they aren’t feeling like they NEED another member. Realize that even if you’ve been part of other groups before, or have studied for over ten years, you may still need to take dedicant/ newbie classes. These classes may include “Wicca 101” material, but there may be other reasons why one is expected to take these classes.



In my group, “beginners classes” help the initiates get to know the dedicants. It also gives the dedicants a chance to learn what the coven believes, how they perform ritual and other important concepts. In our coven, every dedicant goes through these classes, like a rite of passage. If you gripe or fight us on taking our classes, that shows us that you want to be part of a coven, not our coven. Usually, if you are aspiring to be part of a group, that group has traditions, and certain ways of doing things. Don’t come in hoping to change it into something you want to join. Also, realize your role in the coven at this point- if you are a newbie to the coven, don’t expect to plan rituals, or have large parts (if any) in ritual, etc. Entitlement is a big turn off.



I’ve heard someone say, “I was SO bored with the open event that [insert coven name here] put on. They just talked afterwards, and didn’t do anything witchy. Should I say something to the high priestess?” Um, no. They are opening their ritual to give you an opportunity to circle with a group. Putting on an open (or public) ritual is a very time consuming endeavor. Being invited to one is a privilege.



One the subject of non-witchy activities, one of the most common misconceptions of coven behavior is that it’s all witchcraft all the time. This isn’t true. It’s not all ritual/ trance/ meditation/ divination. If you want to be part of a well-balanced family-type group, you’ll get to know one another really well, which means that at some point, you’ll need to put the wands down and socialize. Sure, there may be scheduled classes and workshops, but realize that some of the best spiritual discussions can happen organically out of regular conversations.



Another question I get is “what does a coven look for in a potential member?” In my experience, sanity and the absence of icky drama, first and foremost. Adult life skills are also helpful. Be able to balance your checkbook, do your laundry, be aware of your hygiene, clean your house. Craft skills are also helpful, as are camping skills. If you’ve been on a Craft path for awhile, it might be helpful to choose and focus on one facet of the craft. Have a solid solitary practice going on.



Coven life shouldn’t take the place of your personal practice and relationship with the gods, but should complement your practice. Finding the perfect group for you might take time, but it is definitely worth it in the end.

Five Waters: Holy Water Recipe

Let me preface this with a statement: This is not the only way to make holy water- this is a project I've spent over a year working on. This is copyright me, 2011, for personal use only- do not duplicate my work- thanks!

This recipe is meant to make a concentrated water that can be added to any regular water to make it holy, or added to a regular recipe to give it a boost. I'm leaving out most gestures, etc in the recipe, as you'll want to make it your own.

Supplies:

• rainwater collected under a full moon
• rainwater collected under a waxing moon
• rainwater collected under a new moon
• rainwater collected under a waning moon
• local water- ideally from a spring, but filtered tap water will work
• (all rainwater should be clean- I hand filter mine using coffee filters)
• sea salt
• bowl
• measuring cup, preferably glass
• wooden spoon
• final vessel (like a glass or crystal bottle or jar)

Gather all of the waters you need, along with the rest of the supplies, so you won't be disturbed. The finished water should generally be made of equal parts of all the waters.

Begin by drawing a banishing water pentagram over the local water, and say: I cast from this water all that is negative or harmful, that it be clean and cleared. Hold the water over the bowl, and then say: This local water honors the spirits of the land, and the place I make my home. Pour water into the bowl.

Take the bottle of new moon water. Draw a banishing water pentagram over the new moon water and say: I cast from this water all that is negative or harmful, that it be clean and cleared. Hold the water over the bowl and then say: Water from the new moon, lend your easy intuition and knowledge beyond the shadows to this sacred brew. Pour the water into the bowl.

Find your bottle of waxing moon water. Draw a banishing water pentagram over it and say:  I cast from this water all that is negative or harmful, that it be clean and cleared. Hold the water over the bowl and say: Water fallen during waxing moon, lend your growth and ever increasing potential to this sacred brew. Pour the water into the bowl.

Take your bottle of full moon water. Draw a banishing water pentagram over it and say:  I cast from this water all that is negative or harmful, that it be clean and cleared. Hold the water over the bowl and say: Water fallen under full moon bright, lend your peaking power to my sacred brew. Pour the water into the bowl.

Get your bottle of waning moon water. Draw a banishing water pentagram over it and say:  I cast from this water all that is negative or harmful, that it be clean and cleared. Hold the water over the bowl and say: Water fallen under waning moon, lend your power of banishing and decreasing to my sacred brew. Pour the water into the bowl.

Gently mix the waters together, deosil with your wooden spoon and chant the following (I did it five times, but do what you feel is right):

Five waters in the cauldron go,
Powers mix and mingle so,
Magick mixture, power divine,
Amplify intent, the will defines.

Then add a pinch of salt and state something like: A pinch of salt to seal and purify against all other energies.

Mix again, and state the chant above again (five waters in the cauldron go).

Then charge with your personal energy however you usually do.

Then fill your vessel with your new concentrated holy water. You may want to pour into the measuring cup first, since the spout will help you pour into a bottle. The chant is structured so that, though all of the moon's energies are mingling within the water, the user's Will will define how those energies are used.

For the LAST time, Wiccans are NOT fluffy.

.... well, perhaps those who call themselves Wiccan- solely because it's fun- are fluffy.*


But anyone who has any concept of the actual religion of Wicca would know better. There is this “Witchier than thou” bullshit that has made its way through the Pagan community, and it sickens me. Guess what? What we do is not more right or more wrong than what your tradition does. There is this strange misconception that Wicca is all about love and light, and harming none. This is incorrect.


The Wiccan Rede is indeed: An’ it harm none, do as ye will. However, the word “rede” means advice. Not law, advice. We are advised to do what we will, while it harms none. Most Wiccans believe in some sort aspect of the Law of Return, or the Threefold Law. This means that what we put out, will come back to us- summed up it means personal responsibility. Can I do something that might affect someone in a negative way and still be Wiccan? This is a question that does come up from time to time. The idea of what I put out coming back to me is what keeps me in check, regardless of the Rede.


Many people think that Wiccans shy away from protective magick that sends negative energy back to the sender. I am Wiccan, but I am also a Witch. I will protect and defend myself, my family and my coven sisters. Period. If I need to be the hand of the Gods and return what another person puts out, so be it. Does this happen often? No. Will I take responsibility for whatever backblow occurs? Absolutely. Will I still honor both the God and Goddess, celebrate the Sabbats and the moon, circle within the Wiccan ritual structure, use traditional Wiccan tools, and honor polarity, both light and dark? Of course. This can be a little different if one is part of a coven, as then we have hive mind and other issues at stake, of course- that’s where perfect love and trust come in (but that’s another blog post).

Generally, I think that Wiccans are associated with love, light, etc. because one of the goals that many of us have is personal growth and achieving a successful life balance. So, maybe Wiccans are more perky than your average Pagan? That doesn’t mean that they aren’t doing shadow work to get to know themselves better. And if they are- it’s none of your business. Our relationships with our gods aren’t your business either.


If you are a non-Wiccan witch and get offended and upset when people automatically assume you are Wiccan, examine that. Why do you feel this way? Wicca is the most widely known tradition of Paganism. Use it as a teachable moment, not a moment to clutch your pentacle (in lieu of pearls, of course), and gasp- “I’m not one of them!” Explain the difference, don’t propagate more misconceptions of Wicca. While Wicca is more structured than many other Pagan traditions, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for flexibility and self-discovery. This is just done with a healthy respect of polarity and balance. This isn’t fluffy- Wicca is more deeply faceted than you might ever think.

*In this post, I may generalize, but keep in mind, my generalization as Wicca and Wiccans, includes only those who are traditional-style Wiccans

Craft Newbies

Newbies In the Craft

All those who have a Craft practice were at one time, new. Whether it was something you learned from your parents, or a book you happened to stumble across in a library, we’ve all had our moment of newbieness, and most likely an eventual “coming home” moment. I was thinking about it this morning- those who come into the Craft come into it from many directions, and their momentum propels them through the n00b period in very different ways.

She Who Throws Herself in Wholeheartedly
This woman throws herself into her practice with all she has. She reads a few books, teaches herself how to meditate, and within a few weeks, is conducting solitary rituals for herself. She immediately identifies with the term witch. Most likely she is out of the broom closet and proud of it. She’ll make mistakes, as every newbie will, and at first, will probably shrug it off, but will eventually come to learn from them. Main lesson: You will make mistakes, focus on them, learn from them and try again. It’s okay to slow down- think about why you are doing what you are doing.

She Who Studies
This woman reads. A lot. She is surrounded by mountains of books, as she reads everything she can about the Craft. She thinks about doing the rituals, and can effectively work out all of the practical ways a ritual could be performed. She may be slow to embrace the “w-word.” She may be afraid to make mistakes, and because of this has still yet to perform a ritual. Main lesson: the Craft is about DOING. All of the knowledge in the world won’t make you a witch. Practicing will hone your craft- why do you think it’s called practice? You WILL make mistakes –everyone does-, but you will learn from them.

She Who Knows She is Great
This woman wants to lead a coven, even though she is new to the craft. She sees herself in a black robe, arms raised to the sky as her covenlings chant a mysterious chant. She knows that she has the power within her to lead, and other people will follow her and they will accomplish great things. She knows that she is walking in the shoes of a high priestess, and that once she can find enough people to start a coven, they will do great things, and enact many changes in the world. Main Lesson: Being a HPS is more than dramatic ritual and making change in the world. It’s hard work, not instant, and if you won’t do a reality check, the universe will do it for you.

She Who Balances
This woman has read many books on the craft, and after careful consideration, has performed her first ritual. She understands the reasoning behind the words that are said, and spends a moderate time in meditation. She’s a note-taker and while analytical, she understand that there are mysteries that can only be experienced, not explained. Main lesson: Things will not always go as planned, and there will be fallout. Nobody is perfect, no matter how hard one might aspire to becoming the “perfect” witch, your experience will be relative to your own life.

She Who Has a Toe in The Pool
This woman calls herself a witch, loves rituals, and sometimes spells and things of that nature, but she doesn’t like to study or work toward any sort of structure. She’s a free-flowing spirit, and doesn’t care for structure very often, as she feels that it binds her. She always lands on her feel when the winds of change blow. Main Lesson: One can create a focused practice that is structure-free and mutable, but is still a very meaningful practice.

She Who Knows All
She’s read a few of books, tried her hand at ritual a few times and has met with a few local witches in her area. Her spells have even worked. She’s been called to by a specific Goddess and just knows that being Her priestess will become her life’s work. She feels as though she knows a lot and begins teaching other newbies the things she’s learned from her books, though she’s only been studying and practicing a few months. Other people who practice differently, practice wrong. She learned the right way through books and experience, and if people don’t understand the way she practices, well, they just aren’t real witches. Main Lesson: There’s more to the craft than can be found in books, and a few months of experience. Wisdom comes from knowledge and experience, and the mysteries must be experienced. It’s not up to US to decide who the “real” witches are. People practice differently- and the way other people practice are not your responsibility, so long as they don’t affect you.

What type of newbie are/were you? Are/were you more than one type?

Maybe it's in the DOING, rather than the THINKING.

A short, rather shallow, meditation last night led me to do some research this morning. I’ve been feeling disconnected on-and-off for months now, and rather than bemoan this fact, last night I decided to do something about it. I started changing around my altar, which has lately been a place that has accumulated items without a home. I have empty baby food jars, random candles, a homeless statue and other things on there. I started by finding many of the items a home, and then I decided to just light some of the candles.

I worked up another batch of tomato bug killer (in case it works), and set it in the windowsill, between the window and the screen, so that the sun might hit it and cook it. Of course, as it contains tobacco, I labeled the jar POISON, so that I won’t use it for anything I’d ingest. I think one of my problems is that my studio room has changed so much, I have a bunch of clutter that relates to my jewelry business that I’m trying to get off the ground, and there simply isn’t space for this stuff in the closet. Ben says that he’s cleaning out some of his closet, and maybe I could use that space. That would make me really happy. Plus, I’m still thinking about getting smaller jewelry spinners, because the big one is really beginning to piss me off, and it has no home. Anyway, I ramble. Hey- it’s my blog- if I can’t ramble on here, where can I ramble?
So, in the end, I did a short meditation. While doing this, one of the dogs came in the candlelit room and laid next to my chair. I focused on the ‘how’ of becoming reconnected, rather than the ‘why’ of the disconnect. Which leads me to my research project this morning- among other things, a big white garden rose. After the meditation, I made notes in my BoS, and realized that I am no longer used to handwriting. My ‘writing’ in my BoS is awful, unlike the emails I send, nor the blogs I write. It’s because my hand cramps so quickly when I handwrite, now. I wonder if there is a way to correct that. I appreciate my handwritten BoS/journals a lot- there is nothing like being able to go back 10+ years and see your experiences written in your own hand. Even if the quickly worded writing style doesn’t make you happy.

So, in the end- I feel that doing something witchy, rather than just thinking about it, wondering, analyzing it, will help to bring the disconnect I feel to an end. I tend to analyze things seven ways to Sunday before making any sort of move. But I think, that perhaps the idea is to just MOVE. To just DO something, rather than spend time thinking about it.

Craft Specialties

Today, I was thinking about how many witches in the Craft end up with a specialty of sorts. Whether its herbalism, astrology, runes or kitchen witchery, many witches find a niche for themselves by learning something that is very interesting to them. In order to become elevated to a higher degree, in many traditions, one must choose a specialty and study in it. It doesn’t mean you’d be the end-all, be-all when it comes to the subject, but that you’d be a resource to your working group when it comes to needing information.

I never really thought of myself as having a specialty, but I guess that if I had to choose one, it would be magickal herbalism. At least, that’s what I did my research paper on when *I* was elevated. Besides having an affinity for trees, I love being among the plants and flowers. And, I’ve taught a few workshops on it. However, I kind of grew away from it, when I was into reading “Green witch” books. I don’t believe that the trees in nature are God, any more than we are, and I have a difficult time believing that some plants are more sacred than others. So, my viewpoint differed from the norm, and I just have been doing my own thing. Its only now that I look back and realize that it’s ok that I don’t agree with some author.

I think I’m going to throw myself into learning more about specific herbs. After practicing for as long as I have, I know what several herbs can do… and I’ve made all kinds of fun things.. oils, tinctures, ointments, teas, incense…even a compress, once. I’d like to become even more knowledgeable, though. I’ve also been told that I have an affinity for healing. I haven’t had a whole lot of success with that, yet, but I’ve never taken classes. I’d love to take a Reiki class, but they tend to be a little pricey. So, besides magickal herbalism, I think the only other “specialty” I have would be communication and it’s affect on group dynamics. And teaching- I’ve done a lot of training, both Craft, and even at my mundane job. I’m still waiting to feel a pull to a divination tool… I started with runes, but have since moved onto tarot. I think it’s time for an in-depth study.


What’s your specialty?

Ides of March Update

It’s been awhile since I wrote a personal blog about what’s up with me. And if you don’t really care about my mid-march Christmas newsletter, it’s fine- I totally understand. :) I know I missed the Ides - its the 19th, but so what? It sounded pretty good.


Family
Everything is well. My (super adorable cutest baby in the world) niece recently had surgery, and it went well! My husband and I are happy, and both sides of our family are doing well. We went to a fun party a few weekends ago, and I made jello shots. I think everyone liked them.


SCGC – Local Paranormal Group
I know in a previous blog I said that I quit the paranormal group that I was a part of. Well, I didn’t, really. So, I’m still doing that – it’s so very interesting. It’s a mystery, not unlike the mysteries that those who follow a Craft path explore. What turns up on the photos, who is talking on my recorder? It’s so strange- in a sexy good way. I’m lucky enough to have met some really awesome people in this group- it was interesting having non-Pagan friends, as literally almost ALL of my friends are some flavor of Pagan. Experiences with these people have also peaked my interested in another spiritual aspect of my life, which I’m sure at some point, I’ll be willing to share more about. Probably. It seems to have been worth the obstacles I found in my way.


CTM – Eclectic Wiccan Coven
The coven is fantastic. I’m so lucky to be a part of this circle of young women. Well, I guess some of us are getting older. Like me. Are you still a young woman if you are over 30? Oh, eff it. You are as young as you feel, right? Anyway, we’re gearing up for our Ostara (spring equinox) circle tomorrow, and planning our Beltane campout. We’re also hosting a meet and greet next month for those who want to join us, and also a SCSW party- but really most of that ends up falling on the sisters who’s house we’re at for that. Our dedicant is over halfway through our dedicant classes, and we might end up taking more dedicants in the summertime.


SCSW – Witchy Social Group
SCSW stands for SoCalSisterWitches - a witchy women’s social group that we spun off of another inspired women’s group. Any witchy woman in southern California can join. We’ve had quite a few new members and I hope that they’ll come to the party in April!


Crafty Business – Twisted Vine Studio
Well, though I haven’t felt inspired lately, I’ve purchased a few displays. One is an earring display that was MUCH bigger than I had anticipated and now I have nowhere to put it. Suckage. That’s my bad. I don’t’ even have enough earrings made to fill it up. Ha! I was planning on using some of my bonus money last month to pay for my business creation paperwork stuff, but it ended up having to go to bills instead. Well, eventually, I’ll get that taken care of. Until then, I’ll work on marketing ideas, inventory and display ideas. I do have a website, although I’m having an issue with getting the paypal to work. You can add stuff into your cart, and fill out your shipping/billing info, but not actually pay. Hilarious! Oh well. I’ll get it there eventually. I did change the look and I love it now. It matches the earthyness of my marketing materials. I need to re-do the Midnight Artemisia logo, though. If you want to look around (since you can’t actually buy anything- LOL) its at http://www.twistedvinestudio.com.

Other Ventures – Writing, etc.
I’m still working on my Wicca 101 book- its going to be a culmination of my classes- marketed toward study groups, and solitaries needing some structure. I also have an idea of another book, but it’s in a completely different genre and is about relationships. I also might start teaching online classes through my own site, since I installed moodle in a subdirectory of my shop site. If I could make a little money through that, it would be nice, but I’d have to find time first, right?

Wicca - Witchcraft - Paganism

This is a question that I get a lot, so I thought it was blogworthy. This is my opinion, how I view the terms- it's also a very common opinion.

What’s the difference between Wicca and Paganism?

Paganism is an umbrella term used to describe several earth based and/or non-Abrahamic religions. Dianic, Goddess Path, Druidry, Wicca, Asatru, and more all fall within this term “Pagan.” Each of these paths (traditions) have their own holy days, their own way of doing ritual, their own traditional structure.

Wicca is a specific tradition. Those who are Wiccan celebrate the full moon (and sometimes the new moon), called Esbats, and at least eight seasonal celebrations called sabbats-usually in ceremony called rituals, sometimes followed by festivities and feasting. Wicca is often confused with witchcraft, as many Wiccans are also witches, but witchcraft is a practice, like prayer or meditation and many Wiccans do not practice the craft.

Wicca has no central dogmatic authority and each coven/group ( or solitary practitioner) is autonomous. There are many different traditions ( Like denomination) of Wicca. The practitioners of the original tradition of Wicca, called British Traditional Wicca, believe Wicca to be an initiatory religion (meaning one MUST be initiated) and can trace their initiatory linage back to the first high priest of Wicca
Due to the popularity of Wicca, many other traditions have sprouted up, and many solitary practitioners learn about different traditions and practice what calls to them. These solitary practitioners are more predominant than those in covens, and are referred to as Eclectic Wiccans.

The ethical core of Wicca is the Wiccan Rede - " An it harm none, do as ye will ". This advice is what most Wiccans try to live by as best as they can. There is no central book of Wicca (though a plethora of books have been written on the subject), and the practitioner usually keeps a journal of notes and experiences in a book usually referred to as a Book of Shadows (sometimes Book of Light or a Grimoire).

An eclectic Pagan will utilize concepts and ritual from different paths, finding the way that best works for them. An eclectic Wiccan will utilize concepts and will usually honor deities from different pantheon, but they still follow all of the concepts above, and also practice ritual using the traditional Wiccan ritual outline.


What’s the difference between Wicca and Witchcraft?

Wicca is a religious path, described above.

Witchcraft is a practice, like meditation or prayer that can be applied to any path. Most Wiccans are witches, but not all witches are Wiccan.

Witchcraft is the practice of magick, usually to create change on the physical plane of some sort (including changes in ourselves or other people). This is referred to as low magick or thaumaturgy. This differs from ceremonial magick- which is a different sort of path- and referred to as high magick or theurgy. Many people practice witchcraft and call it their religion- those people capitalize the name and call it Witchcraft, but most believe witchcraft to be a practice that can be applied to their personal spiritual path.

10 Things to Learn Before Calling Yourself Wiccan on a Public Forum

If you call yourself Wiccan on a forum, in a chatroom, on a message board, etc... here are 10 things you probably will want to learn/know. If you are speaking with those who have read at least a book or two on the craft, they will expect you to know at least a little about the religion since you are claiming to be a practitioner. If you don't care whether or not another craft practitioner takes you seriously, then feel free to completely ignore this post. Be aware that this is my opinion. :)

1. Know that Wicca isn’t ancient- it’s only been around about 50 years or so.
2. Learn what the word tradition (trad) means- and that if you don’t know what it means- you are probably eclectic.
3. Learn what a pantheon is.
4. Learn the difference between Wicca and witchcraft… and Paganism.
5. Know enough about Salem Witch Trials to *at least* know that witches weren’t burned there.
6. Wicca isn’t about spells. Well, not entirely. Talk to other Wiccans established in their practices to find out what their main goal is. Answers, of course, will vary.
7. Wicca is the religion, Wiccan is the practitioner.
8. Know that Wicca does not equal Goth. Nor does it equal Hippie. All kinds of people practice Wicca.
9. Learn that polarity means Goddess AND God.
10. Know that money doesn’t buy you a degree or experience in Wicca. Neither does age, or how many years one says they've spent learning the Craft. There is no shortcut.
11. People lie (especially on the interwebz). I can say that I've spent 60 years practicing an ancient tyme craft of the ancient cavepeople. That doesn't mean it's true. Use your common sense.
12. The word "rede" means advice. It doesn't mean law. The Wiccan Rede is advice- not Wiccan "law."

Okay, so that was eleven. I know... but that last one I came up with as I was editing the post.
And I added #12.