Atheona's Opinion

I just thank the Gods they didn't have a scene where the witches had to kiss the devil on his leather cheerio.

I also loved the SJW & feminism aspects of the show... and Sabrina and her friends rebelling wholeheartedly against Everything and the patriarchy. Go girls! Go!

I will admit that Sabrina was getting on my nerves a little when she kept insisting she could do it all, talked back to her aunts, and thought she knew everything better than anyone else, (as I understand it, this is typical teenager behavior), but she redeemed herself (for me) when she finally owned up to her failure.

As a historical leaning pagan, I was pleased with the references I recognized peppered throughout. But like many witches in the community, I am worried about the demonizing of witches, Wiccans, and modern Satanists alike. Whether we like it or not, media shapes the way people think and it could very well be three steps back for the modern pagan. However, there are so many memes being shared by my fellow witches about just how evil they can be so can we really blame a TV series? Maybe I'm not as worried as others in the community are, but only because the new world generation hasn’t been able to take over the old yet. These new, young, fresh-faced kids who are more open to new ideas, flexible in their thinking, and are completely tolerant of others: when these guys take over, we’ll be just fine.

The series is superbly entertaining. Watch it, don't watch it... I don't care but know this: that exorcism is going into my grimoire.

​I'm also secretly hoping the Mother of Demons will usurp Satan and become the sole Queen of Hell. Hail Lilith!

-Atheona

My High Priestess use to make the most beautiful books of shadows. She included protection herbs within it's cover. Consider incorporating protection herbs in your books; either in your handmade cover or in a bookmark.
​

In the coven I belong to, I am an elder and a teacher. My planner became as much of a grimoire as all the ones I had sitting on my book shelf. I started to transfer all the notes I had taken through the years, but as you well know, that doesn't always get done. So recently, after happening upon a group called the "Bullet Journal Community", I've decided not to stress over it anymore. 

I had ​already been doing some of what I have seen in the BuJo community (BuJo - Bu-llet + Jo-urnal). Below is pictured my redecoration of January 2018's calendar. Below that is a lecture spread I made for a presentation I did on the Sun God in the Wiccan Mythos. 

A young witchling asked in a private forum:

[I was] using a pendulum to do a reading for myself. I asked the pendulum to show me yes and then to show me no. During the reading I asked a question. I did not get a yes, I did not get a no. The pendulum made an action that was different from both yes and no and it started to hit me. I assumed I had the pendulum to close and moved it further away from my body and asked the question again and I got the same response again; neither the yes or the no, but the pendulum hit me. So I moved it away from me again and once again the same response and the pendulum hit me. Has this ever happened to anyone else? I've never had the pendulum do this. Please advise.

The Response

Pendulums can take a while for you and it to sync so you understand one another intimately. You can't pick up a new pendulum every six months and have it react the way it's supposed to. As with any tool, you have to make the time to get to know it, allow it to get to know you.

When a pendulum reacts in a way contrary to what is expected, I have found that it is usually the questions that are the culprit. It is either:

1.) Worded incorrectly. Try different variations of the question or work up to the 'big' question with smaller questions.

2.) Not the question(s) you should be asking at the moment. Or in other words, "Why are you asking about that when you should be asking me about something else?"

When you are a first year student of the Inner Circle Sanctuary, it is required that you take on three types of divination. There are several reasons for this requirement but the two main reasons are that:
​

1. To learn to trust your intuition. Everyone has intuition but your signals can get lost in the day to day noise that surrounds us, especially if you are an urban witch. Divination tools serve as focus points and require you to take the time to focus solely on that point. Practice a divination with a tool long enough, and soon you'll find yourself just knowing things without the tools. (I want to emphasize that 'long enough' usually means years, btw.)
​

2. We believe that before any witchcraft is done, you need to ensure you're doing the right spell. Divination can help you make that determination. Imagine doing a love spell to find a mate when what you really needed was a self-confidence spell so that you're actually okay with being alone for a while.

The pendulum is usually always chosen by first year students. It's simple, inexpensive, and easy, easy, easy to learn. Questions are (usually) limited to 'yes' and 'no' and it can even help you 'dowse' to find lost objects.

The range of materials that go into making pendulums is as diverse as our planet itself. I've read that wood is the best and most accurate and that copper, bronze, or silver attune to the bearer of the tool faster and easier. Almost every book and website I read claims that crystal pendulums need to be cleansed right before and right after use because their 'programming' can easily be swayed. 

There's not a lot I can tell you about the pendulum that won't contradict with something you read out there. Every book and website will be slightly different, as well as everyone's tradition.

I will tell you however that in my Wiccan tradition, I teach that we, as humans, are every bit a part of the Universe as the owl and the snake; as the tree and the oceans; as the planets and the galaxies. We are a part of the ALL; the Universal Cosmos and everything it knows and with that, we have the capability to tap into that Everything.

When you use your pendulum, be sure YOU are holding it, you piece of the Megacosm. Allow all of creation to speak through every sinew and nerve and pore and cell that is a part of ALL NATURE.

You can sit or stand, you can support your elbow or not... try it both ways (and keep notes). Listen to that inner voice. That inner voice that is not your guardian angel, but you can call it that if you like. It is not the gods, but you can call it them, too. It is the primal source of all things; ALL THINGS, including you. Call home.

A Guest Post from Stone Witch Bhen Rudha

​Hello friends!

​I am Bhen Rudha (Ven ROO-ah) and I have been asked to talk a little bit about Garnets for you all. Why me? Well, I got my first piece of Quartz when I was 9, and have been collecting, studying and using semi-precious gemstones in magic since. Some like to call me the resident Stonewitch.

I like to make jewelry with intention. Stones put together with magical purpose…

(Like this “Kindred” piece, made of Garnets, Rose Quartz and Crystal Quartz)

So here’s a little information about Garnets, as collected by my Priestess, Ardriana Cahill. (She gave me this awesome book of information she found over the years. It’s my stone bible really.)

Garnet is actually a group of minerals. Almandine has the most colors. Pyrope is usually red. Spessartine, orange red or browns, combined they are Malaya. Phodolite is purplish red or pink. The rare Uvarovite is dark green. These are just a few. Garnet got its name from granatum, the pomegranate.

Folklore: Albertus Magnus related this stone to blood magic. In the matriarchal age, it was sacred to the Goddess Isis, and was believed to be solidified drops of her blood. Garnet was associated with the Goddess Persephone and thus, the afterlife.

Magic: Witches give garnets to friends and family as the Karma Stone. Given to kindred, it insures safe passage to the Summerland and makes sure that loved ones will meet in the next life. Carry garnets to protect travelers against accidents and after dark. Garnet is the stone of passionate love and desire. Enhances bodily strength, endurance, and heightens sexual awareness.

Ancient Warning: a stolen garnet brings catastrophe on the thief until it is returned.
​
Garnets hold a special place in my family’s tradition. You give them to those you want to see again (whether it be in the afterlife, or the next life, or however you feel it shakes out). Basically what you are saying is, “One life isn’t enough to love you,” (thank Mom). Most of my family has a network of garnet giving, ensuring that we'll all meet up next time too (we're Irish...any excuse for a party!).

(This is a Desire design I created for my older sister. There’s layers of attraction and passion in the Red Tiger’s Eye and Jasper, but the Garnet’s are there to help make the relationship deeper, more, a meeting of hearts and not just bodies.)

When I was younger, and just started going to The New Pioneer in West Yellowstone, MT, to buy stones, I would play in the little stone box looking for chips of garnet and peridot. These pieces are tiny, and sometimes I would struggle to tell the garnets from the amethysts, because of how purple they are (I'm pretty good at telling them apart now, hehe). I still have those chips, and count myself lucky to have them even though the large tumbled faceted pieces (like in the first pic above) have gotten more common.

I don't have many pieces of garnet, but those that I do have are special to me for one reason or another. My best friends have them from me… when we claim someone, we don't tend to let them go.

And for you geeks out there… my favorite character in Steven Universe is Garnet, who is so perfectly named. She is a stable fusion of two gems who very much love each other. She’s also strong, and passionate, and protective. How cool is that?

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of stone wisdom. May it serve you well,
​
Blessed Be
​​Bhen Rudha

Photo: An opened pomegranate by Anton Croos https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:An_opened_pomegranate.JPG
​Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

The Magic of Garnet 

Powers: love, desire, sexuality, protection, strength, endurance, grounding, purification, manifestation, prosperity
​
Associations: Isis, Sekhmet, Persephone, planet Mars, Fire element, Imbolg

One of the very first pieces archaeologists discovered were in a necklace of beads worn by a young man dating back to 3000 B.C. One of the largest garnets is said to have belonged to the King of Saxony, measuring over 460 carats. A portrait of Plato was engraved onto a garnet stone. The garnet once represented the Sun in Spanish astrology. Noah was said to have illuminated his ark with a finely cut and glowing garnet. Garnets engraved with a lion were said to be an effective talisman for protection, strength, courage, and healing.

​●    the most ancient of talismans
●    believed to be a favorite stone of Dragons
●    represents primordial fire, the creation of the world out of chaos
●    Indian mythology calls garnet the ‘Kundalini fire’ (fire of eternal metamorphosis)
●    Hinduism and Buddhism sees garnet as a holy stone that enlightens the soul and gives wisdom
●    known for its utilization of creative energy
●    dreams of garnet signify the solution of a mystery
●    excellent for manifestation
●    promises spoken over a garnet are said to never to be broken
●    helps one realize and enjoy the pleasures of earthly incarnation
●    said to be a victory stone, a stone of success
●    a stone for building up your self confidence
●    protection from evil and harm during travel
●    believed to protect against vampires
●    sends negative energies back to where they came from
●    soldiers and warriors wore to protect them against death and injury
●    placing garnet under your pillow can help prevent bad dreams
●    help brighten dark souls
●    brings hope to people who need it
●    helps a business to be successful
●    helps the wearer to become popular and helps with friendships

A hammer

After your magical bath, go to your altar and cast your magical ring.
On your altar pentacle, place your small mirror in the pie pan.
In the pie pan, encircle the mirror with a ring of rosemary herb.
In the ring of rosemary, place the garnet stones in an upward pointing triangle.
​Carve an eye inside of a triangle on both the red and black candle.

Anoint both candles with reversing oil while chanting:

“Lies and Gossip
I bid thee go
Back to your creator
For only you know
Rosemary and Garnet
Will protect me
As my will
So mote it be.”

Tie the candles together with the red string and stand them on the mirror.
(At this time, you can take down your ring, if you wish.)
Burn more incense as you light both candles.
Allow the candles to burn all the way down.

When your candles are finished, in the small bag, add some of the wax,
some of the rosemary, and the three garnet stones.
Place the small mirror in the bag (if it will fit) and break the mirror with the hammer.
(If the mirror does not fit, carefully break the mirror in a small paper bag and pour the mirror pieces into the cloth bag.)
Close the bag, tying 3 knots in the cord, and anoint the knot with reversing oil.
Once a week, anoint the bag with reversing oil.
Carry the bag with you for 30 days.

from Atheona’s personal book of shadows

Additional Sources: https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/garnet
http://meanings.crystalsandjewelry.com/garnet/
http://jewels-empire.com/Garnet_info.html
http://www.jewelsforme.com/garnet-meaning

Janus Bifrons

Bifrons is Latin for "two-faced

Janus is the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, time, gates and doorways. His two faces look simultaneously back at the past and towards the future. He was given the dominion of January, the beginning of the new calendar as established by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. Romans believed that the beginning, the start of anything was an omen for the whole of the endeavor whether it was a new year, a new month, a war, or a time of peace. To ensure a positive outcome for a year, they would spend the first day exchanging words of good fortune, presenting gifts of dates, figs, honey, and coins (strenae). To Janus, they offered salt and cakes made of spelt; no animal sacrifices (according to Ovid.)

There is a superstition that says whatever you are doing at the stroke of midnight will foretell what you will be doing the whole of the year. ​The tradition of being with friends, kissing someone at 

midnight, and toasting in cheer is a common motif because of this belief. The former two is to ensure a friend-filled year without loneliness and the latter is to be filled with cheer. I spent many a New Year's penning a calligraphy project. My traditions have since been modified to include the whole day. 

I like the idea of making resolutions but I don't do them often. Making a resolution is making a commitment. It's making a promise. Decades ago, when I first started my training in the Craft, my Lady nurtured the concept of: 

If you are a practicing witch or you want to be a practicing witch, this should be your first resolution; the first promise to make to yourself, to the universe, to the Gods. Without this concept lived every day, wholly, and fully realized throughout your life, any magic you try to create is doomed from the start. ​If you happen to have this one in the bag... here are a few others:

Actually keep a spell journal to better define which spells are working and what you did to make them work best; A SEPARATE book of shadows, a record, data from your spell operations. Here is a PDf of a page you can download and use if you'd like.  SPELL JOURNAL WORKSHEET DOWNLOAD  or scroll to the bottom of this post.

​Learn your North, West, South, and East directions. Step out onto your porch with a compass and find north. Mark out the four quarters in your home. Learn that when you are turning right, that it's North or South, East, or West.

Celebrate the sabbats as best and as often as you can. Schedule the time to do something even if it is just to light a candle or make a toast. If you are a solitary witch and you already do this, try celebrating one of the sabbats this year with an established group or invite your closest friends to join you. If you already do this, try celebrating a sabbat with others of a different tradition. Expand your horizons. Ask a lot of questions. Learn something new.

Organize your herbs / oils / ritual gear. Make labels. Buy jars or vials. Purchase a cabinet from a goodwill store. Get a nice box to house a ritual-go kit for when you want to travel to a friend’s house or to the back yard.

At the Inner Circle Sanctuary group, we ask our first year students to do a spell every moon phase: a waxing moon spell and a waning moon spell. It's not required, but it gets them into the habit of doing magic regularly if they participate. Adopt something similar.

~Lady Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

Additional sources:
​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janus

The athame is the "true witches' weapon." This quote is as stated in the Gardnerian ritual for first-degree initiation in 'A Witches' Bible' by Janet and Stewart Farrar. In fact, the whole of it reads:

"Next, I present the Athame. This is the true witches' weapon, and has all the powers of the magic sword."

Ummmm.... hold on.... okay, here you go....

"First, the Magic Sword. With this, as with the Athame, thou canst form all Magic Circles, dominate, subdue and even punish all rebellious spirits and demons, and even persuade angels and good spirits. With this in thy hand, thou art ruler of the Circle."

Symbolism behind the athame speaks to it representing an individual's control of the elements and as a personal symbol of witch-hood. Just imagine the control man felt the first time his knife made a difference in whether he lived or died, either from attack or starvation. The knife is a personal tool; revered and held in the highest of regards since it was crafted from stone. So much so that it has been buried with its owner since the beginning and taken to the next world with them.

Elementally, the Athame has been associated with fire, since it involves the use of an individual's will. It takes the heat of a forge and the skill of a smith (always considered a magical profession, akin to an alchemist) to produce a blade, furthering it's link to the element of fire. Its affiliation with the element of air is much of a controversy with many saying it was a "blind*" perpetrated by the Golden Dawn, from where Gardner may have adopted many of his ideas for Wicca.

But, modern day ceremonial magicians use a black-handled knife much the same way we do - to inscribe symbols and circles in the air. This knife is not, however, the "air" knife, which by Golden Dawn standards is yellow-hilted, with purple sigils. The "controversy" has always seemed to me unwarranted- it's all a matter of perspective.

In the Tarot, the suit of Fire is the Wands; of Air, the Swords (long Athames). On the other hand, the fiery Archangel Michael brandishes a sword, while Rafael, Archangel of the East, Air, etc, etc, is seen with a staff/wand. I do not think these revered traditions teach these attributions as blinds, rather, meaningful living symbols that aid us in our Work. However you use or decide to use your athame and its associations, just try to always remember the mantra: "Every coven is a law unto itself."

The sword/athame ultimately typifies the phallus and the masculine half of the Universal Creative Force, (the other half being the Chalice.) To take on the role of a man during a ritual a woman needs only to buckle (I said buckle!) on a sword and bam! - An instant appendage. (He-he, and yes - we've heard the joke about the man buckling on a chalice.) The fiery dagger being placed into the watery womb of the chalice signifies the union of that "essential [masculine / feminine] polarity that pervades and activates the entire universe" during the Great Rite. (2nd degrees… get it??)

The athame and its use has been traced back to the writings of King Solomon. Although there is no mention of a black handled knife, there is a depiction of a sickle-like curved blade with the word'Artavo.' The bolline utilized for herb gathering is usually sickle-shaped. In medieval texts we do have the words Artavus, Artamus, Arthanus, Arthana, Arthamy, and Artharme used in relation to ceremonial or ritualistic knives. The pratice of carving or placing symbols on either the haft or blade also stems back to the time of Solomon but I'm pretty sure the practices of the Norse had some influence. They would carve Tyr's rune onto the blade and invoke him before battle.

To Wiccans, the athame is singularly THE "witches' tool," although there are many variations to it's type, color, and usage. "A Witches' Bible" dedicates five and a half pages to the athame alone. In comparison, its ritual counterpart - the chalice only received half a page. (The pentacle was the second highest tool with two pages.) But no matter what a witchcraft groups ideas on the athame are; the common thing they share is that they all have one (an athame, that is), whether some believe it is usurped by Gardner from ceremonial magic or a link to the ancient hunter/gatherer from which our religion spawns.

The knife, in our tradition, is a double-edged dagger; the dual edges expressing the dual nature of the universe; positive/negative, active/passive, masculine/feminine, projection/reception, good/evil, and also symbolizing the dual nature of energy manipulation or magic all driven by the will; by intent for good or ill; for healing or destruction, protection or attack. The double edge gives the athame its symbolism. I have seen some exquisite examples of single-edged blades that are also athames, so as stated above, whether to choose that style is up to your own tradition.

The haft is traditionally black. Black is the absence of colour, the absence of anything, a metaphoric black hole allowing the athame handle to receive your personal energy readily and store it for future use if needed. There have been several non-black-handled athames I have encountered usually made of bone, deer hooves or a fanciful wood like Brazilwood or rosewood. I would by no means suggest the coloring of these types of handles, but "do not leave the handle bare out of laziness." Besides, black is another color of the Goddess and the impaling of the shiny, pointed steel deep within the void of blackness helps to lend more symbolism to your tool.

There are some consecrations that require marking your handle or blade as mentioned earlier. If you desire to do this always take it into consideration before acquiring your tool. Obtaining by gift or purchase an athame owned and extensively utilized by a powerful witch is a phenomenal find and highly prized by those who understand the concept of resident energy and how it can guide and empower your own magic.

The tool will have never touched blood when you first acquire it, unless of course it is a storied blade previously owned by a witch. This is a holy tool, one that you'll be using in rituals where you'll be before the gods and performing spells of healing and benefice. To have a blade that has taken a life, any life, or that has a sketchy past is to bring that unknown energy (resident energy again) into whatever it is you are doing. Therefore, your blade should be new and shiny. I love browsing antique shops and flea markets too, but you never know the history of a used knife unless you're a gifted psychometrist.

Whether you decide to blood it later will be up to the consecration you use and of course, as always, your own tradition. While we're on the subject of acquisition, one caveat I'm a firm believer in is the "no-haggle" policy many Wiccans have adopted when it comes to magical tools. Ask the price; if it's too much it wasn't meant to be. Don't cheapen your magic by cheapening the tool. Bargain basement magic is just not the order of the day. Something you can do is ask the universe for the perfect tool and I'll bet, you being or wanting to be a witch and all, it'll manifest. Such is the way of the witch.

Another dictate regarding the athame that I don't agree with is that of dulling the blade and breaking it's point. Granted, the athame will only be used for the control and manipulation of energy, but if you have a problem with your double-bladed knife being a "weapon" then perhaps a wand of crystal or wood would suit you better. Some arguments regarding this mandate is the 'danger in a group' factor. Okay, I can see that, but if everyone practices safe conduct in regards to their weapon, then there should be no problem. In my years with a group, we have never had a mishap of someone accidentally cutting someone else… of course, stabbing oneself is a different matter all together.

Another argument against 'blooding' the blade whether intentional or accidental is as Donald Tyson explains; "once it has tasted blood it ceases to be a symbol of the will and becomes a weapon no longer consecrated in the service of the Goddess but to service the God of War." While this is beautifully stated and my Libran sense can grasp and understand the position, I personally want my Goddess-hafted weapon to be an instrument of war (besides isn't it Boaz that is severity?) How the Hel else will you be able to 'dominate, subdue and even punish all rebellious spirits and demons' if it is not a threat. On top of that, once consecrated the tool has an astral double that the adventurous witch could effectively utilize while traveling the astral plane. The astral plane can contain some nasties and I want to be sure the astral blade I call to my defense is wicked razor sharp. Again, this is my opinion… defer to your own tradition.

Do not think that I condone carrying your athame around with you so you can use it as an everyday means of defense. I most certainly DO NOT!! Number one, it is usually illegal to carry such a weapon and number two; it would be like the "Catholic priest taking the communion chalice down to the pub for a beer."

That being said, I disagree with the Kitchen Witchery philosophy of utilizing your athame for every mundane task to help build your rapport with it. If we were poor and lived in a one room cottage during the Middle Ages, I can see having one knife serve several purposes but we don't live in cottages in the Middle Ages and any witch worth his or her salt who wants to grow in their abilities will utilize their ritual dagger as often as possible because they will be doing magic all the time. As always, defer to your own tradition.

So... there you have it, my dissertation on the numero uno tool of the witch although this post would not be complete without the mention of your Goddess/God-given athame. Your God-given athame is the one you were born with. It is your pointing finger and your middle finger joined together to direct your energy. How's that for a bargain?

~Lady Atheona (with help from the magnificent Lord Tanys)
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

*A 'blind' is a deliberate 'lie' or omission in many books written by those who have sworn an oath to protect the information they have been given. Are there blinds in the essays I write? Yes, in the form of omissions. I have sworn that same or similar oath. But that oath also says I cannot refuse the true seeker. Join a class and find out for the truth for yourself.
​
Originally Posted 2 Sep 2007

There are a few things you have to keep in mind when looking for a group to study with. The first is that YOU MUST BE the seeker. Don't rely on “When a student is ready for a teacher, they will appear.” Some philosophies believe this, but most pagan religions are participatory practices. Just because you've prayed or lit a candle or did some chanting doesn't mean whatever it is you've asked for will fall in your lap.... the buck stops with you. If you're sitting around your house playing video games and just waiting for something to happen doesn't mean it will. You'll have to accept the invitation to go out and meet people. You'll have to DO SOMETHING!

​The second thing to remember is that all paganism today is NEW. Hence, you are a NEO-Pagan. It's nice to be able to say that what you do, who you worship, what you practice comes from the days of antiquity but unless you are gilding cow horns with gold before slicing their necks, or sacrificing humans into murky bogs, or are cast into the wilderness with nothing but a loincloth and a wooden spear... you are a NEW pagan.

Thirdly, most neo-pagan practices involve religion;

"Religion n.1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the Universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs”

I like the Farrar's definition for a genuine religion: 

IMHO, these are the three most important things you have to take into account before you decide to change your whole life.... because your life will change. Adopting a new religion is adopting a new way to look at the world and a new way of treating it. Your consciousness will expand as your subconscious grows. The friends you have now will seemingly be standing still as you begin to move forward along your new path. The Divine will manifest in every decision and action you take because you will find that it is all interconnected and that there is no escape from yourself. You will become cognizant that your life is exactly where it's supposed to be because the buck ultimately stops with you and you are the one responsible for it. So, with that said... on with the subject at hand,

Then besides those up front and readily available resources there are web pages upon web pages of different groups and individuals that you can peruse, including MeetUp.com. There are advertisements in the back of pagan magazines. There are occult supply stores with their own networking. There are renaissance festivals to which all pagans are somehow attracted to. There are a myriad of resources on and off the web for finding a group so I think the real question must be:

How do I find a group I'm compatible with to study with?

As with almost every other pagan in the world, you start by READING. Get a hold of as many books as you can and start reading about the philosophies of the paganism you're drawn too. With the advent of private booksellers teaming up with Amazon and places like Ebay and Google books online, there is almost no book that can go unfounded. Check your local library. When I first started out some twenty years ago there was hardly a book left on the shelf that hadn't been checked out and never returned but today, most libraries keep occult books a plenty on their shelves.

Don't limit yourself to just books on the subject of the occult. Look at anthropological books, history books, and even some historical fiction. If you can, get your hands on some videos on a wide range of subjects and maybe even peruse YouTube.com to see if there are any pagan related videos available.

Find out what YOU are comfortable with. What kind of paganism do you want to practice. Is it Wicca? There are a plethora of forms of Wicca alone. Or is it Druidry? Asatruar? Voodoo? Santeria? Maybe you're actually more in line with the Hindu religion, or Buddhism? Have an affinity for the Greco-Roman period? There are groups out there that reconstruct the worship of those gods as well.

You can look to your ancestry. Most pagan religions revere their ancestors in some way. From there you can even further refine your search to Mediterranean, Nordic, Welsh, American Indian, Islander, etc. By reading about a particular path, you'll be able to recognize groups that utilize the very words you have been reading in the titles of their groups or members. Don't be afraid to ask outright. Even though most pagan religions are mystery religions, things like, “What kind of paganism do you practice?” are not kept secret for a true seeker.

Second, you want to figure out HOW you want to learn. How much of your life are you willing to invest in the change you want in your life? One day a week? Two? Three? Or are you only able to dedicate one day every couple of weeks, or even only once a month? Do you want to eventually be able to teach others? Every group teaches very differently. Some teach in very open formats, allowing students to float in at anytime. Others teach in sectional classes where one week you study this and another week you study something else. You may never see the same student twice or you'll see a core of the same students at every session. Still others are very disciplined, treating the course of study almost like a college class where specifics and ritual training can seem too rigorous for most. There are groups that don't teach per se but gather together to socialize more than anything else and plan on a holiday celebration if enough participants are available.

The variety of groups usually equals the variety of ways to be taught, so again YOU will have to do some research. Ask the questions.

​You also need to know HOW a group celebrates its holidays, if they even do. Personally, I'm used to always being outside unless there is heavy rain, sleet, or heavy snow. If you are more of an 'indoor kinda person' that may not be right for you. The Wiccan students I've known have performed the parts of priest, priestess, quarter caller, etc. of every ring and are required to have memorized their lines. If you prefer something more free-flowing or loose, then there are plenty of groups that practice this way. Some regard robes and regalia highly and and others like to go sky-clad (that's nekkid, if you don't habla) and even others are more casually oriented where jeans and t-shirts are okay. What would you be more comfortable with?

Most of all, you have to at least meet the people and see if your personality clicks with the rest of the group. If you are not comfortable learning from a particular teacher then perhaps you are not supposed to be there. Ask the questions you have brewing at the back of your mind. If a group does something a particular way and you want to know why... ASK. They should have a good answer. Treat it like a job interview where you are looking to hire a teacher. Ask the instructors their qualifications. See if you can do a background check. Ask if you can attend a class or holiday celebration or other function before you decide on if it is the right group for you or not. If a group is registered with the government, ask why. If a group is not registered, ask why. Some groups are registered non-profit and others are not. Ask why. Some groups collect dues and others do not. Ask why. Some are taught in someone's living room and others are taught at a store. Ask why. Be comfortable with the answers you receive. If you don't get the answers you like, keep looking.

The group you belong with could drop into your lap tomorrow or you may not find it for many years. Don't despair. If you truly want to find a group to be with, it will come. Keep reading. Start to practice. Try a simple spell or two (I'll give you one.) Try a simple ritual. Don't let the fact that you're all alone stop you from pursuing your new chosen path. There are plenty of people you can consult until you find what you want. Practicing alone, or being a solitary, can be a good thing. There are some who prefer being in a community. The energy dynamic of solitaries and communities are very different, but neither is wrong.

Step One: Clean your candle.

Step Two: Carve what you desire to attract into the side of the candle. Depending on how wordy you get determines how you use the candle as your canvas. The most important thing is to BE SPECIFIC! (I did an attraction spell for a new boyfriend and I spent a month getting the wording down before I did the spell. I made the mistake of writing the word “witty” twice. My new beau, as perfect as he was, was a smart ass... witty, but verging on annoying.) If you use this spell to find a group (which is the whole purpose of giving it to you here) – you may want to say something like:

“I want to attract a Druid group in which to study with to further my connection to nature.”

• or

“I want to attract a teacher who is an authentic Gardnerian Wiccan to teach and initiate me to the first, second, and third degree.”

• or

"I want to attract a group of Wiccans who celebrate regularly in nature and will teach me well enough so I can teach.

Again, BE SPECIFIC!

Step Three: Light some incense and anoint your candle moving your hand deosil (clockwise or the “way of the sun”). Remember to visualize what you desire: see yourself already surrounded by those you want to study with. Imagine what it would be like at a holiday ritual. If you're an outdoor person, see yourself outdoors with fires while you are smiling and enjoying yourself. If you want a subdued, quiet indoor group, visualize a living room or dining room table with study materials around you. Empower the candle as long as you can with your visualization.

Step Four: Light your candle. Put in safe place. Let it burn day and night. When the candle is finished burning, you can collect the wax and wrap it with your chosen herb(s) in the orange or yellow cloth or bag. Tie the cloth closed with your string. Carry it with you like a charm: especially if you plan on socializing with other pagans - OR... you can bury or throw the remains away.

You can find this basic type of spell in almost any book on candle magic. One of my favorites is The Magic Candle by Charmaine Dey.

~Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

Frankincense (Boswellia spp. resin)
"Incense"
Also known as: Olibanum, Olibanus, Olibans, Luban, Mohor, Beyo, Maid
Properties: Sun, Masculine, Air and Fire, Leo
Powers: Luck, Protection, Purification, Consecration, Spirituality, Adds potency, Enlightenment, Inspiration, Introspection

So prolific was the use of frankincense that it was just called “incense”.

Pythagóras, philosopher, mathematician, and priest of Apóllo, performed libations and sacrifices to the Gods with "fumigations and frankincense," instead of sacrificing animals.

Wanting to get into the frankincense trade, Romans sent 10,000 troops to "The Land of Frankincense" in the 1st century B.C. to conquer and control the commodity's production, but the Romans never arrived, driven back by the heat and aridity of the desert.

Roman emperor Nero, burned an entire year’s harvest of frankincense at the funeral of his favorite mistress disrupting Frankincense trade in Rome for the year.

Asked why it was given to the baby Jesus, one Omani man told a reporter it was given "to ward off evil spirits and snakes."

“The early years of Christianity, incense was expressly forbidden because of its associations with pagan worship; later, however, some denominations, including the Catholic Church, would incorporate the burning of frankincense, myrrh and other aromatic items into specific rites.”

Powdered frankincense rolled into balls was found in the tomb of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun in 1922. When burned by chemist A. Lucas, he found it was still aromatic after 3,500 years.

Wiccan Good Luck Spell

This spell is enhanced if done during a waxing or full moon.

Items Needed
Frankincense
3 candles – orange or gold
Pen and paper

​Cast your circle and light the incense. Place the candles in a triangle for luck, but do not light them yet. Say the following words:

“God and Goddess, Spirits and Guides
Thank you for all that I have I ask you now for [whatever it is you want]
Aid me as I work to achieve it. Please bring it to me when the time is right.
So mote it be”

Now, visualize what your life would be like if you already had this thing you wish for. Really soak yourself in the feeling of good luck, success, joy, achievement. Feel the elation in your chest, and hold on to that feeling. Meditate on it as you go deeper into yourself.

There, an image or symbol will appear in your mind. As soon as you see this, whatever it may be, draw it on your piece of paper. Take the drawing and place it within the triangle of candles. As you light each candle, say:

“Fire, ignite my dream, for the highest good.”

Sit with the lit candles and visualize good luck coming your way. Trust that the Universe will bring you what is best for you. Immerse yourself in gratitude towards life and all that the God and Goddess have already brought you.

Take down your ring. Then take your piece of paper and bury it in the earth, as you say:

“Earth, seal my dream, for the highest good.”

Note that this Good Luck spell will bring you precisely what is best for you, however, it may come in unexpected forms. Remember to keep an open mind and an open heart and look out for opportunities and signs.  from wiccanspells.info

Livanomancy

Interpret the patterns of smoke from burning franincense. Take into consideration how slow or fast it burns, the direction of the smoke, and it's odor.

Pyromantia

Powdered resin is thrown into the flames of a fire. If the flames rise in one swish, it is a good sign.
If glowing or flickering and divided, it is unfortunate.
If it rises in three points, a glorious result.
If much dispersed, expect an ill death.
If crackling or snapping, expect misfortune.
​If it suddenly extinguishes, great danger is ahead.
see more at: occultopedia.com

~Atheona
​Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

http://www.history.com/news/a-wise-mans-cure-frankincense-and-myrrh
http://www.hellenicgods.org/frankincense
http://www.mei.edu/sqcc/frankincense
http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/question283.htm
http://www.livescience.com/25670-what-is-frankincense.html
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/f/franki31.html
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/herbalism/ss/Frankincense.htm
http://wiccanspells.info/wiccan-good-luck-spell/

Names are very important in our society. They distinguish each of us as individual entities. They group us together under a common theme or ideal. Some are very proud of their names and display them for the world to see. Others despise their names and will go through the red tape of getting it changed legally. Some adopt pseudonyms for protection and anonymity and others because they do not believe their name match their personalities. Names can define us. Names can mold and shape us.

In some ancient cultures, and even to this day, there are those who will not give out the true name of their newborn child. Instead, they have a nickname designation they share with everyone else and the true name of the child is whispered into the child's ear and shared only with those the mother truly trusts. It is believed by some societies that knowing the true name of a person can hold them in your power, mundanely or metaphysically (Rumpelstiltskin, Betelgeuse). Others also believe that the name and soul of a person are synonymous. To read the name of the dead would breathe life into their soul. Taboos against speaking a dead persons name for fear that it would invoke them and they would haunt you abound all over the world. Many great magi throughout the ages have utilized a version of this belief to call and control different demons, angels and similar entities.

A witch at her cauldron surrounded by beasts. Etching by J. Wellcome 

The Craft name you choose for yourself, if you decide to do so, works in a similar manner as above. It can define you. It can ennoble you. It can give you courage, strength, or compassion. It can protect you. It can shape you into what you've always believed you can become.

In my group, we require that you have a Craft name. To us, the magical name is a most essential tool. Just as there are many diverse groups in the Craft, there are just as many protocols for finding, choosing, or being granted a magical name.

Others, if even semi-cognizant of the world around them, will be given their name by the Universe itself through a series of seeming coincidences. They'll receive some mail with a name that's interesting on it and then a phone call asking for that particular name. In a place they've been a thousand times will suddenly appear a book or article in reference to that name and then a friend will mention it out of the blue.... Maybe they'll even dream about it. Who knows? Take it as a gift, a divine helping step into your new life.

There are some who are not even in the Craft that love the aspect of having a pseudonym. The Internet with all of it's message boards, online societies, and social media promote this behavior and the reasoning as to why a witch would choose a name can dutifully apply to that of the Internet surfer as well. But unlike that of just finding a name to identify yourself on Twitter, the magical name will serve a purpose in your magic and Craft life for years to come. It should be given some deep thought and at least a little research. It should reflect a side of your soul and inner self that you want to share with the divine. The traits your name carries will come to fruition in your life, magically (and sometimes mundanely) speaking, but we'll cover that in just a little bit.

Still others like the occult mysteries from which we learn and choose names like Shadow and Rain. There are tree and flower names like Rowan and Waterlily. There are stones and other natural edifices like Amethyst, Amber, Meadow, or Sierra. Still others go universal and use names like Starchild or Moonglow. Metals like Silver, Gold, and Iron are popular as are names that derive from the legends of heroes like Boadicea or Ulysses. Family ancestry can play a part in the choice of name a young witch may choose for themselves as well as the rapport they may have with a culture other than their own. Of course, many of these name are used in conjunction with one another like the popular authors Silver Ravenwolf and Starhawk.

The most important thing about your magical name is what it means to you. If you're happy with a silly name like Tootsiepop or Starbunny then you should have a bonafide reason for having it. If you believe that you take life too seriously and this would aid you to lighten up - could be used as a pretty good argument for the use of that name if it is being presented to your Priest or Priestess, just argue it well. While the Craft is filled with love and light and even the Charge of the Goddess may refer to mirth:

"Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you." 

Studying the Craft to become a priest or priestess should be taken just a little more seriously. 'Mirth' is paired with 'reverence' Let's not forget that. There's lots of learning to get to.

Your magical name should reflect the qualities about yourself that you love and want to bring out. It should help to bring out qualities that you think you might lack. For those qualities that you lack, you have to be careful. If you want to convey strength, choose wisely. "Oak" seems to be the most popular for relaying this quality. "Storm" is a popular name in the Craft, especially after the X-Men movies, but Storm brings more connotations than strength. It brings the ideas of chaos, destruction, and turbulence. The word "Blood" is also used in the Craft often, especially those drawn to the mythology of vampires but you have to remember that the word "blood" can be a verb as well as a noun, ie; to blood someone. Even some innocuous names can have dire consequences in your pursuit of magical knowledge as well as in your personal life. We had a young lady who chose the name 'Gypsy' for herself. While it is a lovely name and evocative of her heritage and of mystery, Gypsy found herself moving from one place to the next constantly. She dropped and rejoined classes often. It was once suggested she change her name to something more stable, like 'Pat' or 'Mountain'. (I was joking with mountain.)

Powerful magus and sorceress names are popular as well. "Circe" is a common name amongst women in the Craft and while she may have ultimately helped Odysseus in the end to get home, she did hold him captive for over a year and turned his men into pigs. She could be quite treacherous and vengeful so if you believe that those traits are a good exchange for being a top notch enchantress, then by all means, just don't expect to have a lot of friends in or out of the Craft after you've attempted to turn them into swine.

If Athena would have worked out numerically for me, it would be the name I would be using now. I'm glad it didn't. Instead, I added the 'O' to make it a numerological viable number and the rest, as they say, is history. Not only did I have a unique and beautiful name, but it honors Athena much better than calling myself by her name. (I get to explain it and talk about Her a lot.)

Just as the names of everyday things utilized as a magical name can invoke those particular traits into your life, you'd better believe that the same goes for the names of gods, goddesses, heroes and legends. I've known a Herakles and while having great resolve, he was forever being tasked and persecuted by all the women he dated. Almost every god and goddess has a good side as well as a dark side. You have to be sure you can live with the dark aspects of that god and goddess before calling yourself by their name.

Some in the Craft believe it to be utterly presumptuous to go around calling yourself by a God name. If you decide to call yourself Thor, you'd better not go around being dishonorable in any way that could sully that Gods name. It is a great responsibility to wear the mantle of a god or goddess. Make sure you are up to the task, which incidentally, most of us mere mortals are not. And what if you decide to change the God/Goddess name opting for something different after having been studying for a while? Changing the smooth flow of god-to-you-to-god energies that you decided to align yourselves with in the first place can have grave repercussions when you decide to interrupt those energies. It's likened to turning your back on those particular god-forms and a form of disrespect.

As my current High Priest says, "If you're going to be Wiccan, then you need to be wise."

Where Should I Use My Magical Name?

There are some that use their magical name everywhere, like me. I write essays under this name and if it has to do with the Craft at all, I utilize the name Atheona instead of my mundane name. At my regular job, around my family and in my business, I strictly use my given name (which I also happen to like a lot since I was named for my great grandmother). Some schools of thought believe that your magical name should only be between you, your coven, and the gods. This is a good school. Others believe you can't fully experience all there is to experience with the Craft unless you immerse yourself into it fully. I can see their point. I don't quite agree with it, but I do see it. This all depends on you personally, your tradition, and location, location, location. If you find yourself living in an area where your magical name could get you persecuted, I would rethink having one that you use publicly.

Why Choose A Magical Name?

In the Craft, the reasons for taking on a magical name are numerous. First of all. Let me say that I agree with many who say there is no reason to take on a magical name if you don't want to. It should, as always, defer to the tradition and path you want to follow. In fact, I would rather a student go without a magical name instead of taking on a silly one just for the sake of having a name. In our group, is required to have a magical name before the first non-introduction class. (about three weeks in).

The main objective of taking on a magical name is for its utilitarian aspect of being a 'tool of transformation'. It aids in the separation of the magical side of a person and their mundane life by helping a young witch focus and prepare for the work at hand. Using your magical name in a simple chant is usually enough to help 'switch' your mind over from the grocery list to making a holy space to practice magic. A magical name can give a wallflower a sense of courage and purpose otherwise not displayed on a regular basis. A forceful name can convey a sense of strength, fortitude, or steadfastness. A gentle name can tame the coarsest of behaviors. A spiritual name can aid in the attainment of enlightenment. Power and mystery can be easily conveyed through an enigmatic magical name far more than 'Wilbur' ever could. (No offense to any Wilburs.)

Unfortunately, even today, many witches take on a pseudonym for protective purposes. Adopting a magical name today serves the same purpose in the way of protection as it has for centuries. Authors, teachers, Craft leaders, and store owners can find themselves as targets of those with ill intentions towards any involved in the ancient arts and sciences. When the witch hunters of medieval Europe went searching for a great magus, they usually only knew a magical name which kept the identity of many a nobleman or noble woman protected. On the other hand, I have a dear friend who did subject himself to the paperwork and fees needed to add his magical name to his government name so that he doesn't have to delay when he decides to devote himself fully to the Craft in deed and in work.

It can be a means of connecting to divinity without and within. Some in the Craft have such an affinity for the mythologies they grew up hearing as a child that when they finally do find this religion that caters to the stories of their youth, they can't help but align themselves more closely to that divinity they have loved their whole life. Others have a difficult time with the concept of a divine being outside of themselves. Trees, stones, animals and other humans having the spark of the divine within them can sometimes be a hard notion to embrace, but the other aspects of the religion are common sense enough that the connection to divinity is the only impediment. By aligning oneself to divinity, whether specific or general, can sometimes help bridge the gap.

Taking on a magical name can be symbolic of the devotion you have for your new found religion. I hear so often from new additions to our coven that they have believed in the concepts of Wicca their entire life but never knew there was an actual religion that encompassed their beliefs. Upon finding a book, another practicing witch, or a class like ours - some of these students are so overwhelmed that they'll even start to cry. "It feels like I have finally found my place," is a phrase I hear at least once a year, usually through a veil of caught voices and tears. Even before experiencing an initiation, these students have had a rebirth into a religion they call home.

The Quarrel of Oberon and Titania by Joseph Noel Paton

How Do I Go About Choosing A Magical Name?

Start by looking around you. Look at your favorite books and stories. Look to the flowers that you love and the trees that fascinate you. Look at the ideas and things that thrill you. Look at your own life and your own personality. The choices for a magical name are endless. Just try to remember the caveats I've expressed already. Tools you can use to help choose a name are divinatory. Tarot cards, pendulums, scrying mirrors, crystal balls, rune stones or chips, Yes-yes boards (Ouija), dreaming and meditation are all great ways of helping you choose or narrow your choices for a name. Sometimes, the universe can be cajoled into helping you find a name even if its not dropping it into your lap as described before. You're about to become a witch. Ask the universe for help. Wish upon a falling star. Write the request on parchment and burn an offertory candle. Stand with your face to the wind and put it out there into the ether. Connect with the nature around you by going out into it. Here is a great story about how the son of one of our members decided on his magical name,
​Read Daniel's Magical Name

Do I Need To Choose My Name Numerologically?

No. But you can if you choose to.

Raymond Buckland says, "Why does the name have to match your Birth Number? Because your birth number is unchanging. People can change their names, addresses, etc., but they cannot change their date of birth. By choosing a new name that matches that birth number, you are then aligning yourself with that same vibration; the vibration of the moment you chose to be born."

Write your birth date and add the numbers. Reduce to one number.

09-23-1976 = 37 --> 3 + 7 = 10 --> 1 + 0 = 1
Use the chart above to designate number for the letters of your magical name. Add and reduce. 
Atheona = A 1 + T 2 + H 8 + E 5 + O 6 + N 5 + A 1 = 28 --> 2 + 8 = 10 --> 1 + 0 = 1

There. Hopefully I've covered every part of the magical name I could cover. If I missed something, please do not hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to provide an answer if I can. If I can't answer it myself, I'll find the answer for you.

~Lady Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

http://www.behindthename.com/articles/3.php 
​http://www.writing-world.com/business/pseudonym.shtml
http://elitedaily.com/life/culture/does-your-name-define-you/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_name
https://www.amphilsoc.org/sites/default/files/proceedings/1570204Graham.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taboo_on_the_dead

​I had the pleasure of casting our ring tonight and the energy was high. Not a misstep nor wasted movement... We moved like the finely crafted gears of a precision timepiece.

The room was instantaneously disassembled, the ring was quickly erected, the magic performed, the cakes and wine shared, and then it was over after the closing and retrieval of the rope. Absolute clockwork. Beautiful.

When complete, we set the room to rights and cooled off from the heat generated by our round. I offered the saved cakes & wine to the Lord & Lady while my friend cooked up a storm.

​Not more than an hour after our candle was lit and we were enjoying the meal that was made did I get a query for calligraphy work. Magic rocks!

After dinner, we three were still all giddy like schoolgirls. It was asked before the ring about the possibility of being drained after. I offered up my opinion on the matter.

Magic, as we utilize it, comes from everywhere around us: from the earth below our feet and from the very molecules of the air we breathe. In order to work your will upon those natural forces, you must first become attuned to them... thus the purpose of ritual... And once you are there, in tune, you yourself becomes the conduit of those natural forces. So all those racing molecules, vibrating through you, should have the effect of energizing you.... not draining you. If you're being drained, imho, you're doing it wrong.

​One of our observers, on the other hand, was completely drained by rituals end. He gave himself fully to the work at hand, without guard, sacrificing himself upon the pyre of good works. It only took a minimal amount of time to bring him back up to rights. Must remember to protect the observers on the outside before the next one.

All in all it was a good night. Working magic with close friends has a tendency to open the mind and allows one to see old situations in a new light. The energy expended on the periphery has a tendency to energize and make happen other things you wouldn't imagine.

I move forward today with new information and conviction. I move ahead a little more secure in the steps I will be taking. Today I am the dawning rosy glow of optimism and a smile is on my face. The good news is - is that there are no fangs.

~Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!
~Originally ​posted 7th August 2009

Protection Symbols & Tools

Purify, Consecrate, and empower any symbols before using them.

The pentagram is normally the witches' favorite and is worn as jewelry. You can also anoint a participant with the symbol.
The Algiz rune can be worn as jewelry, It can be pulled from your rune set and carried on your person.
Holy water (consecrated water & salt) not only consecrates & purifies, but if used to anoint a guest, it can serve to protect as well.
The solar cross anointed on an attendee or worn as jewelry is protective.
Sage smoke is both purifying and protective.

There are several other symbols and ways you can protect yourself when entering ritual space. Find what you like the best. My favorite is anointing one of the symbols on the forehead with a protective oil.

Use any of them solo or combine as desired.

~Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!
-Added 11/23/2016

​As we move into the waning phase of the moon where reversing spells are par for the course and encouraged to get rid of the blockages standing in the way of your progress in ALL matters, I thought I should share a quick story.

​An anectdote!

​Many, many years ago, after being in a Wicca school for about 6 or 7 months, religious proselytizers came and knocked at my door. Filled with Wicca and confidence, I talked to them about their "religion" versus my "religion." I was haughty; I was overconfident; I was a bit malicious... so the Goddess saw fit to take me down a notch. She sent ants; lots and lots of Las Vegas red ants to bite the s*** out of my feet.

Watch the energy in which you empower your reversing candles. They are to help you, not take someone else down. That's for the Goddess to do. Try and claim her territory and no matter how righteous you feel, she'll remind you. Here's a myth about Arachne you may want to read.
http://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Mortals/Arachne/arachne.html

~Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

Samhain 2016 11/6/2016
There are many levels and layers to constructing a magical sabbat ring which means many hands. It is this working together for the festivities ahead that help to build our comradery and closeness. You can see the reflection of this bonding in the friendships that are forged. 
http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/samhain-2016

That Which Is Remembered Lives 10/18/2016
Whatever you do, however you honor your loved ones and/or ancestors, just remember them.
http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/that-which-is-remembered-lives

Autumn Equinox 2016 10/12/2016
We gather with the Gods eight times a year at these celebrations and never know what to expect when they grace us with their company. 
http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/autumn-equinox-2016

Lughnasadh 2016 10/12/2016
The sea of white robes of our first years and the pepper of black and greens robes of those well on their way to second year prepared for ritual, helping each other get dressed, get belted, and with chaplet straightening.
http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/lughnasadh-2016

Litha 2016 6/26/2016
Individually, we take away the best memories for ourselves with everyone’s being different.
http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/litha-2016
​
Bealtaine Sabbat 2016 5/14/2016
In such close quarters, the essence of family infuses the air and communion prevails. 
http://www.innercirclesanctuary.com/updates-and-info/bealtaine-sabbat-2016

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
"Dew of the Sea"
Also known as: Compass Weed, Elf Leaf, Guardrobe, Incensier, Polar Plant, Anthos, Biberiye, Mannen-Ro, Romarin, Romero, Romero Comun
Properties: Sun, Masculine, Fire, Leo
Powers: Protection, Love, Lust, Sleep, Youth, Mental Powers, Exorcism, Purification, Healing

According to myth, Rosemary draped the Greek goddess Aphrodite when she birthed from the sea.

Rosemary is considered a guardian and a protector of woman

• associated with weddings & as a symbol of fidelity,
• used as a love charm
• used for dispelling jealousy
• great for ritual cleansing, blessing and purification
• protects against witches, evil influences, & nightmares
• utilized as a remembrance for commemorations and funerals
• can aid in success in school
• often in spells to retain youth
• use to remember dreams

PROTECTION

Remove a Curse
You’ll need to set this breaking spell out on a table or altar space that won’t be disturbed for the duration of the spell.

Ingredients:
​5 white candles - Rosemary (oil or herbs) - Salt (fine, not coarse)

On your table, sprinkle a fine line of salt to draw a pentacle. It doesn’t have to be perfect but try to get it somewhat symmetrical. At each point of the star, add a few drops of rosemary oil or a sprinkle of dry rosemary (yes, right on the table top). Then set 1 white candle at each point.

Light each candle, starting with the one at the top. After each one, say the words:

                                                         ‘By the dark and the light
                                                          Your spell ends tonight.’

Let the candles burn for one hour, then snuff them out. Do the same thing the next time, except let them burn all the way out.

Leave the candle stubs in place for another 5 days, so the entire spell is in place for a week. After that, any negative magick against you will be gone.
(http://ladyarielswiccanwritings.blogspot.com/2011/12/curse-removal.html)

DIVINATION

​Dreaming True

When the moon is waxing and almost full, prior to bed take a warm bath mixed with a few drops of the following mixture:

oil of lavender
oil of rosemary
oil of peppermint
oil of thyme
powdered poppy seeds

In the bedroom burn an incense of:

camphor
powdered aloeswood
Jasmine
pulverized cucumber seeds
powdered white Sandalwood

Before lying down to sleep, write your question on a parchment paper with your pen and ink of Art. Place the paper and a small sachet of wormwood herb under your pillow. Dream through the night and in the morning you will have an answer to your question. (Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson, page 86)

My favorite use for Rosemary is in Reversing Oil and for reversing spells.

~Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

​Today was an absolutely beautiful day in the Las Vegas valley. The temperature hit the 80 degree mark and my jacket never touched my shoulders. I tooled around with the windows down in my truck and spent some time on the back porch with the dog answering emails and doing some research. The next few days should be the same. Spring has sprung!

As I walked out to go to work this morning, I noticed a profusion of brightly colored plants that seem to have sprung up overnight. Such is the way in the desert. They were just weeds but they were so vividly green, so pretty that I was sad at the thought of pulling them up. I think I'll wait a while.

Tonight, I was chatting with a new friend online about Wicca. We got round to discussing stones so I recommended "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic." Highly recommended if you want to incorporate stones into the work you do. Personally, I like the subtle way they work their magic. The stones in themselves are not magical per se, I hope most of you know this, but just like the body gives off energy in the form of heat, just like a plant exudes energy, so do stones. The frequency of energy the stone exudes is tinted by its colour and structure.

Basic common sense rules apply here... red or pink for love, green for money, blue for healing, etc. Clear quartz crystal, on the other hand, being colorless is more of a mover of energy. This is why its the most popular stone to tip a wand with; to make radios with... it moves whatever energy it comes into contact with wherever you're pointing it. Larger quartz crystals can be generators and amplifiers of energy (think of starting a fire with a magnifying glass). Dark stones can take in energy and hold it (like the colour black holding heat as opposed to reflecting it) and make for good absorption and protection stones. They can also be good as batteries; collecting your energy and storing it for later use (use the heat analogy again)... but black can also transform energy and destroy it (black holes... into the unknown). Common sense, right? Rules of analogy apply.

​​There's a lot of books and writings on how to properly prepare and charge stones for a particular purpose and I highly recommend following whatever prescription you have for doing this. It helps you to build a rapport with the kind of "magic" you're going to be utilizing. Definitely cleanse those stones. There are a myriad of ways for doing so using any one of the four elements or combinations or all of them. If you're a beginner, I recommend going all out, it gives you more practice at ritual. Ritual is important! And then charge the stone with it's purpose, whatever it may be.

The stone I prefer to wear is a moonstone. I picked up a beautiful large round one from my Lady's store and it does exactly what it's supposed to... fascinate! It flashes blue and pink and everyone... and I mean everyone, come close enough to comment on it. They are fascinated. See... no spooky witchcraft here. But once they come close enough; once they're compelled enough to enter my circle of being... I have a few moments to "charm" them and make a friend or an associate for life. It's subtle, but it works.

Let me repeat the magical part: 

Once they come close enough; once they're compelled enough to enter my circle of being... I have a few moments to "charm" them and make a friend or an associate for life.

The person I was chatting with is a potential date. I think I was quite charming... and that's just over the Internet. He didn't even see the stone, I just made mention of it. Now that's magic. :D

~Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!
Originally Posted 19th March 2009

Mastering Witchcraft offers this list for fascination gems.
I think Labradorite and Opal should be on the list as well.

​Amber - Protection, fertility, healing, confidence, clarity, creativity
Diamond - Inner vision, psychic development, victory, fortitude, courage 
Jade - Protection, access the spiritual world, creativity, friendship
Lapis Lazuli - Honor, inner peace, wisdom, honesty, calm 
​Moonstone - ​Protection, passion, prophecy, wisdom

~Added 11/18/2016

Photo: ​Medea 1866-1868 by Frederick Sandys https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Medea-Sandys.jpg

​I took on a room-mate once and gave her a hundred bucks off the rent if she kept the house clean. She was my room-mate for four years. Once, I asked her to climb on the roof to check and service the swamp cooler. I stayed below and made lunch, lemonade, offered advice, etc. During a lunch break she said, "You're a witch. Can't you do something about getting someone here to do this?"

I replied, looking her straight in the eyes, "I did."

~Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!
​Originally ​Posted 30th March 2009 

​My morning started out great! Well, the whole day was actually great 'cos I had a date that night (which was also great!) But there was one thing that bothered me that day.

The day was October 9, 2009. I couldn't sleep so entered the world of Twitter. It was rocking! I can soooo understand the lure of early morning tweeting. Everyone's up and about (except me, usually)! Something crossed my stream that reminded me that today was the day!

RT @IndiscreetTweet - Hey, Barack, you just won the Nobel Peace Prize! How you going to celebrate? "I'm going to bomb the moon!"

RT @MsJBell - Dear Nasa, I'm really happy for you & I'ma let you finish, but Dr Evil had one of the best plans 2 blow up the moon of ALL TIME!

Holy Cow! Nobel Peace prize and the LCROSS mission... and later that day I heard that Marge Simpson (yes! the cartoon Marge) was gracing the cover of Playboy. Yowsa! What a day! I could already form in my mind the plethora of disparaging remarks I would hear from my right leaning friends about the President's Nobel but I never expected this:

RT @1prdpgn @LCROSS_NASA - you people are idiots! EXPLORE DON'T DESTROY!

RT @AliceTi Dear NASA, LEAVE ALONE MOON, YOU ASSHOLES !

RT @Thaedydal: And pagan discussion sites are in uproar over the moon's bombing, "your bombing our goddess"

RT @Frnkds1234 - leave the moon alone poor Artemis when is the last time the government shot rockets at your God, Goddess, Gods or G ... http://lnk.ms/36bWv

RT @Wiccan_Sky - So disappointed some Pagans think the moon bombing was acceptible. Shame on you for treating our Goddess that way. =[

RT @tobascodagama @elles - Dear Elles, NASA is RAPING the moon with its PENIS-PROBES because they can't handle the FEMININE POWER of the MOON GODDESS. Love, Me.

RT@greenlivingzone - Selene the moon goddess was not happy about the earth people friday morning. "Bomb your home if you want but leave my beloved moon alone."

RT @felintan - Dear NASA... I pray to The Moon Goddess and now you're going to bomb a hole on her???? You'll be damned. (- -")

RT @FaePersephone - Those pieces of shit at NASA are going to bomb the Moon tomorrow! NO good will come of this! Goddess is going to get serious revenge!

RT - Dear Moon, we are so, so, so sorry for the stupid folly of petty men w/ cruel dreams. (via @Laetificavi)

​Seriously!? My fellow bretheren were acting this way? The loving, accepting, kind, and rational pagan community? So I sent out a couple of tweets of my own...

@DameVegas - Roommate just asked why we f#&%ing bombed the moon... Um, we all know that it was to check for WATER in the soil, right? C'mon people...

@DameVegas - How can be people be pissed at what was done to the moon, yet be unaffected by what we do to the planet we live on? Really?

This was my retort to the myriad of Twitter comments that condemned NASA and the LCROSS mission... especially those comments that came from my fellow pagans who personified the moon as the "Goddess" herself. (The moon is a symbol of the goddess but the Earth herself is still our "mother.")

Now, I don't disagree that there may be repercussions from the actions of eventually utilizing the moon as a place for our growing population's expansion, or storage depot, or trash repository; nor do I disagree that we may be betting on the acquisition of future resources while simultaneously depleting what minimal supplies we already have. I also agree that we should know where the funding for this project came from ($79 million)... But then we should know from where the funding exists for any national project....

But... (I have to vent a minute...)

Firstly, the moon is venerated by almost every single culture in the world. It is not exclusive to neo-pagans or even ancient pagans. And it is not only seen as a symbol of the feminine, but has also been heralded as masculine. The moon is a SYMBOL. While it does directly effect our Mother Earth and our very existence, the "bombing" or "exploding" or "attacking" that the LCROSS conducted did not and will not, by any means, incur the "wrath of the Goddess" or harm it in any way because...

The moon has been bombarded by meteors and space debris for billions of years! And by objects much, much bigger than the LCROSS rocket(s). The purpose of this mission was too determine if there is water as ice located in the soil at the deepest parts of the coldest craters. "Water on the moon could change NASA's troubled plans for space exploration. It would make revisiting and putting a base on the moon far cheaper because the moon's water could be used."

And secondly, if you truly believe this one action is the catalyst for the fatalistic scenarios I know many of you are dreaming of... You tell me then... What are we supposed to do?

It is only natural for mankind to look to the heavens for answers. Answers to questions like overpopulation and dwindling resources to care for that overpopulation.

Should we do nothing?

Mankind, has for eons, dreamed of "exploring strange new worlds and new civilizations." Multitudes of stories have divined future earth and the future of humanity. All of it conjecture because the future is unknown until WE decide to do something. And even if you believe the future is predetermined... I'd bet money that the scenario you have in mind is not that pleasing either (if it's based in reality, that is.)

As for the problems we need to address: What do we do, I ask again?

Should we impose a restriction on childbearing and live with those consequences? We already know what they are. Should we condone mass genocide and war as a means of controlling the population? Should we restrict the use of our limited fossil fuels and other resources? What are the consequences of that? None of the scenarios I have in mind are very comely. How about yours?

A successful moon base could lead to even further exploration of our solar system. There are vast untapped resources believed to be hiding in just the asteroid belt alone. Water on the moon is just the very first step in the realization of the science fictions we have been desiring. But truth be told... I believe it's one of the few science fictions we actually NEED!

~Atheona
Improvise! Adapt! Overcome!

Originally posted on ​http://damevegas.blogspot.com/2009/10/saving-our-ass.html