Pinkbutterfly's BOS
posted to General Discussion in The Pagan Path
on Oct. 10, 2007 at 11:38 AM
- 21 Replies
- 237 Total Views
*The wheel of the year
*To charge an item
*item cleansing
*to meet your spirit guide
*circle casting
*simple candle ritual
*Godess invocation
*calling the quarters
*meditation to relieve stress
*full moon ritual
*candle color
*Children's Sabbat Stories
*How to make your own candles
*Candle Magick Infomation
*Ways of the Candle
*Invoking The Winds
*Prayer to the Goddess
*Prayer to the Goddess
*Third Eye Ritual
*Bubble Of Protection Meditation
*House Blessing
*Protection Spell
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
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The Wiccan Sabbats The Wheel of the YearDavid Rankine & SoritaThe Sabbats are seasonal festivals which mark the turning of the Wheel of the Year and the cycles of nature. Most western pagans celebrate eight sabbats; the Summer and Winter Solstices, the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes and the quarter days or fire festivals - Samhain, Imbolc, Beltaine and Lughnasadh. These sabbats help you tune in to the cycles of nature as they exist within you as well as without. The idea of the eight-fold Wheel of the Year was created by Ross Nicholls in the 1950's. The festivals themselves, however, are very old, and mark important times in the agricultural cycle of the year. All of the eight sabbats were celebrated in the ancient world, but not all necessarily by the same people or in the same place. It should be remembered that the energies at different times of the year are different depending on where you are. If you are living in the southern hemisphere, the seasons and therefore the festivals are reversed. It is important to try to learn what you can about the myths, legends, beliefs and festivals of the land you live in, to enable you to tune in to the natural energies as perceived by the inhabitants of the land through time. SAMHAIN - 31st OCTOBERSamhain, or Halloween, is the death festival, marking the descent of Winter. The leaves are falling from the trees in drifts, and life is drawn away from the surface of the earth, and descends deep into the earth. Life is now in the roots and bulbs of plants which rest over the Winter. The Horned God who was Lord of Life and the Wild Greenwood has now truly taken His throne as Lord of the Underworld, the dread Lord of Shadows, the comforter of souls. The earth prepares for sleep and draws energy inwards. This is a time for introspection, as we too draw our energy within and prepare for the Winter. The Earth is becoming cold, and barren, and we see Her as the Cailleach, the Crone, the Wise One. She is the Dark Mother who devours the God that She may give birth to Him again. Her womb is also the tomb, and the Underworld, and the Horned God thus resides within Her womb over the Winter months. Samhain is a time of transformation and inner work. It is also a sombre time of remembrance, when we remember and honour those who have died. The veil is thinnest between the worlds and we call on the spirits of the dead and invite them to feast with us on this, the feast of death. We call upon our ancestors and contact the ancient wisdom. It is a time of endings, but also a time of beginnings, as Samhain is a Celtic New Year's Eve festival. Thus we give up the past and look to the future, and it is also a good time for skrying. It is the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. Samhain is a good time for banishings, and for sorting out unfinished business. At Samhain we look back and take stock of the past year and contemplate what we have learned. Samhain is also the time to face our shadow, the dark side of ourselves. We find no wild flowers blooming, yet the colours of nature are rich and warm. Magick mushrooms grow to help us explore other realms, to make the veil thinner still. Samhain is also a harvest festival, but a harvest of flesh. The livestock would be killed at this time so that there would be meat throughout the bleak Winter. The wind blows, Jack Frost makes patterns on our windows and the mists rise. It is no wonder this season is one of mystery. THE WINTER SOLSTICE: YULE - 21st DECEMBERYule is the time we celebrate the return of the waxing sun. Light and life can be seen to be returning and conquering death. Yule is a turning point, a point of change, where the tides of the year turn and begin to flow in the opposite direction. It is the darkest time of the year, the time of the longest night, but there is the promise of the return of light. We encourage the sun to rise and to grow in power, and we remember the seasons of plenty. Magickally we bring back the season of plenty, and we feast on rich foods and drinks. The fir tree represents life amidst death, it is evergreen, representing everlasting life, and lasting friendship. Holly and Mistletoe bear berries at this time, symbolizing fertility. Mistletoe berries are white, representing the semen of the Horned God, the Holly berries are blood red, symbolizing both the menstrual blood of the Goddess and the sacrifice of the God. Evergreen trees also represent youth and freshness, and are symbols of the promise of spring. A yule custom, still practised at Christmas is to dress an evergreen tree, and make offerings. We honour the spirit of the tree, and what it represents. It is sad that a custom of honouring the living tree has been replaced by the meaningless decoration of ghastly plastic or tinsel trees, or the cutting down of thousands of living trees so that people can have them in their living rooms for a couple of weeks, and then dump them, causing environmental damage. It is far better to honour a living tree, outdoors. The tree may be decorated with appropriate offerings, fruit, decorated pine cones, jewellery, symbols of the sun, symbols of fertility, birds, animals, etc. At yule we say goodbye to the dying sun, and wait through the long, cold night for the sun's rebirth. The night belongs to the Goddess, and is a night of waiting, through her pregnancy, for the Child of Promise. In the morning we greet the new sun and celebrate the waxing year. The rising sun brings the promise of the spring and the gifts that will bring. It is still a long time before the sun will be strong, but we hope and we trust. The sun is now the Child of Promise, the young hero God. It is a time of making wishes and hopes for the coming year, and of setting resolutions. From the darkness comes light. IMBOLC or BRIDE - 1st FEBRUARYThe Festival of Imbolc or Bride, is celebrated around 2nd February by Pagans, and by Christians who call it Candlemas. Imbolc is Irish- Gaelic, translated variously as "in the belly" and "ewe's milk", and represents the quickening of Light and Life. The first stirrings of the coming of Spring can be seen, as the first flowers (snowdrops and winter aconite) begin to appear. Seeds which have lain dormant within the Earth over the cold Winter months begin to stir with life, as yet unseen. At Imbolc we celebrate the Waking Light of the soul. Our spirits begin to quicken as we anticipate the rebirth of Nature. In Wicca it is the traditional time for initiation. Now is the time for the banishing of Winter and the welcoming of Spring. We welcome the Goddess Who is renewed, reborn as the Flower Maiden. She has passed through Her phase as the Hag, Crone or Wise One, and is a Maiden again. Bride or Brigid is a three-fold Celtic Goddess who has been christianized into St. Brigid, whose day is celebrated on 1st February. In Ireland, St. Brigid's cross is made of rushes and straw, and goes back to pre-Christian times, representing the Sun Wheel or Fire Wheel. It may also be linked to an ancient ceremony connected with the preparation of the grain for sowing in the Spring. It was believed that the Spirit of the Grain, or the Goddess Herself, resided in the last grain harvested, and the last grain from the Harvest Festival was ritually brought into the house at Imbolc, blessed and planted as the first seed of the next harvest. The grain may also be made into a female figure, the Brideog (little Brighde) and dressed. Bride's bed is made, and She is welcomed in. The Goddess is seen in Her three aspects at Imbolc, as the new-born Flower Maiden; the Mother, or bride of fertility, awaiting the fertilizing Sun God, and the Dark Crone of the dark half of the year. The sun is growing in strength, the Child of Promise, re-born at Yule, is now the Conquering Child. What was born at the Solstice begins to manifest, and this is the time for individuation, as we each light our own light, and set ourselves tasks and challenges. We nurture and kindle our resolutions and begin to look outwards again, do outer activity, although first we look deep within to discover what potential lies there waiting to be fulfilled. Through the weeks ahead the days grow gradually longer, but we are still in the dark half of the year (until Beltaine) and this is the time to develop non-physical skills, such as psychometry, clairvoyance and precognition. EOSTRE: THE SPRING EQUINOX - 21st MARCHThis festival is named after the Anglo-Saxon Goddess Eostre or Eastre, also known in Old German as Ostara. Little is known about this Goddess, except that her festival was celebrated at the Spring Equinox, and became Easter, and that She was a Goddess of fertility, and was connected with hares and eggs. She may also be connected with the Greek Eos and the Roman Aurora, both Dawn Goddesses, and with the Babylonian Ishtar and Phoenician Astarte, both love Goddesses. The Anglo-Saxon lunar month, which became April, was called Eastermonath. The equinox is a time both of fertility and new life, and of balance and harmony. Light and dark are here in balance, but the light is growing stronger. It is a time of birth, and of manifestation. Daffodils, tulips and crocuses are all in full bloom, blossom appears on trees and catkins can be found on the hazel and willow. Rites are best performed at dawn or dusk, (but better at Dawn) that time between light and dark. The days grow lighter and the earth grows warmer. As at Imbolc, seeds may be blessed and planted. Seeds of wisdom, understanding, and magickal skills may also be planted. Eggs may be used for the creation of talismans, or ritually eaten. The egg is a symbol of rebirth, and its yolk represents the sun, its white, the Goddess. Egg production in hens is stimulated when the bird's retina is stimulated by more than 12 hours of light, thus more eggs are produced after the equinox. This is a time both of growth and of balance, and we may work on balancing ourselves and the subtle energies within us, such as our chakras, the inner masculine and feminine qualities, the light and dark aspects, etc. The equinox is also the time of Persephone's return from the underworld, to re-unite with Her mother Demeter, making the earth green again. This is the time of spring's return, the joyful time, the seed time, when life bursts forth from the earth and the chains of winter are broken. It is a time of balance when all the elements within must be brought into new harmony. The Prince of the Sun reaches out His hand, and the Kore, the maiden, returns from the dark underworld. Where they dance, wild flowers appear, sorrow turns to joy, and scarcity turns to abundance. BELTAINE - 1st MAY"This is the time when sweet desire weds wild delight. The Maiden of Spring and the Lord of the Waxing Year meet in the greening fields and rejoice together under the warm Sun. The shaft of life is twined in the spiral web and all of nature is renewed. We meet in the time of flowering, to dance the dance of Life" ýÓ Starhawk, The Spiral Dance Beltaine (also spelled Bealteinne, Bealtaine and various other ways) is the beginning of the Celtic Summer, the light season of the year. Like Samhain, it is a time when the veil is thin between the worlds, a time to communicate with spirits, particularly at this time nature spirits. In Irish Gaelic, Bealtaine is the name of the month of May. In Scottish Gaelic Bealtuinn means May Day. The word originally meant "Bel Fire", and Beltane is associated with the Celtic God Bel, also known as Balor or Belenus. Bel is a God of Light and Fire and has been equated with the Greek Apollo, and associated with the Sun, although He is not specifically a Sun God. Fires were traditionally built at Beltane, and people would jump over the fire. Young, unmarried people would leap the bonfire and wish for a husband or wife, young women would leap it to ensure their fertility and couples leap it to strengthen a bond. Cattle were driven through the ashes or between two Beltane fires to ensure a good milk yield. The maypole, still used in Mayday festivities, represents both the phallus and the Goddess. It is also the World Tree connecting the three Worlds, its root in the Underworld, its branches in the Heavens. The shaman`s spirit may travel between the realms via the World Tree, and the phallus is also connected with life, love and death. The phallus and the World Tree may be seen as two aspects of the God in His relationship to the Goddess in His cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The May Queen is still elected in many village May Day festivals, although the May King is largely left out these days (apart from in Pagan circles). The May King is the Green Man, and was often covered entirely with leaves. The mating of the Green Man with the Goddess as Queen of May was a magickal act considered necessary for the fertility of the Earth. Beltane is a time of fertility and is also an excellent time for Handfastings, the couple enacting the HeirosýÓgamos, or sacred marriage. The Hawthorn tree (also called the May tree) blossoms at this time, and we are in the Hawthorn month. The blossoms can be gathered, and a delicious wine made from them, to be drunk the following Beltane. Celebrate Beltane by taking pleasure in life and enjoying the gifts of the Goddess. LITHA: SUMMER SOLSTICE - 21st JUNEAt the Summer Solstice the sun is at its highest and brightest and the day is at its longest. The Lord of Light has fought the powers of darkness, and is triumphant, ensuring fertility in the land. But in so doing so, He sows the seeds of His own death. The Wheel turns and the Dark God (the Holly King) begins to wax in power as the Light God (Oak King) wanes. The Goddess shows Her Death- in-Life aspect, the Earth is fertile, and all is in bloom, the Goddess reaches out to the fertilizing Sun God at the height of His powers. At the same time She presides over the death of the God. The Goddess dances Her dance of Life and Death, the Sun God loves Her, and dies of His love. The Summer Solstice is a time of fulfilment of love. Flowers are in bloom everywhere, i.e. in sexual maturity, ready for pollination, fertilization, yet once fertilized they die that the seeds and fruits may develop. At the same time, summer fruits appear, for a short but delicious season. June was considered by some to be the luckiest month to be married in, and is the time of the mead moon, or honey moon. A tradition was for newly weds to drink mead daily for a month after their wedding, hence the post wedding holiday being named the honeymoon. Although the days begin to grow shorter after the Summer Solstice, the time of greatest abundance is still to come. The promises of the Goddess and God are still to be fulfilled. This is a time of beauty, love, strength, energy, rejoicing in the warmth of the sun, and the promise of the fruitfulness to come. It seems a carefree time, yet in the knowledge of life, is the knowledge of death, and beauty is but transitory. We celebrate life, and the triumph of light, but acknowledge death, and the power of the Dark Lord which now begins to grow stronger. At this time of year, our physical energy is generally at its peak, and we are active and strong. Games involving a show of strength, such as tug of war, wrestling, etc. are appropriate here, and are often staged at summer fayres. This can be considered a remnant of pagan customs involving the battle between the light and dark Gods. LUGHNASADH (Lammas) - 1st AUGUSTLughnasadh or Lammas is celebrated on August eve or August 1st and is the festival of the first of the harvests. Lammas is the Anglo-Saxon name for the festival, meaning Loaf mass. Lughnasadh is the festival of Lugh, a Celtic God of Light and Fire and God of crafts and skills. His Welsh form is Llew Law Gyffes, and in the Mabinogion story of Blodeuwidd and Llew, the theme of Llew as the sacrificed God can be seen (we need of course to consider the pre-Christian origins of the story). Gronw can be seen as the Dark God of the Waning year, and Llew as the Bright Lord of the Waxing year, Blodeuwidd represents the Goddess in Her Flower Maiden aspect. Lammas or Lughnasadh then has the theme of the sacrificed God of the harvest, but he is sacrificed and transformed, rather than descending into the underworld to become Lord of Death, which comes later in the year. Lammas is a time of the fullness of Life, and a celebration of the bountiful earth. It is a time of the sacrificial mating of Goddess and God, where the Corn King, given life by the Goddess and tasting of Her love is sacrificed and transformed into bread and ale which feeds us. The main themes of Lammas may therefore be seen as thanksgiving to the Goddess for Her bountiful harvest, stating our hopes for what we wish to harvest (for Lammas is the very beginning of the harvest), sacrifice, transformation, and a sharing of the energy of the Corn King. MODRON: THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX - 21st SEPTEMBERThe two equinoxes are times of equilibrium. Day and night are equal and the tide of the year flows steadily, but whilst the Spring Equinox manifests the equilibrium before action, the Autumnal Equinox represents the repose after action, the time to take satisfaction in the work of the summer and reap its benefits. The Autumnal Equinox is celebrated on 21st September, and is the second harvest festival, with the fruit being gathered in. We celebrate the abundance of the earth, and make wine from the excess fruit, to preserve the richness of the fruits of the earth to give us joy throughout the year. This is the time of the Vine. The God, who was Lord of the Greenwood in the summer and the Corn King at Lughnasadh now dances His last dance upon the earth, as Dionysus, God of wine, music and dance, before making his descent to the underworld to take up his role as Dread Lord of Shadows. The Lord of Light, the Sun King, His power waning, exists briefly in balance with the Dark Lord before giving way to the growing power of darkness, but the power of the sun is encapsulated in the grape and the fruits of the earth. The wine will remind us of his power throughout the year. The leaves falling from the trees and rotting into the earth are a reflection of the Horned God's journey from the Greenwood to the underworld, deep into the womb of the Mother, where He will reside until He begins to emerge with the new green shoots in the spring. The Autumnal Equinox marks the completion of the harvest, and thanksgiving, with the emphasis on the future return of that abundance. The Eleusinian mysteries took place at this time, during which the initiate was said to have been shown a single ear of grain with the words "In silence is the seed of wisdom gained". The themes then of the Autumnal Equinox are the completion of the harvest, the balance of light and dark, and of male and female, and an acknowledgement of the waning power of the sun and the waxing power of the Dark Lord.Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara | |
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by on Oct. 10, 2007 at 11:39 AMTo charge an item: Hold the item in your hand and say: Let the sacred powers of the universe unite and fill this (item name) with energy. By moon, sun, earth, and stars I charge this (item name) to do my will. So mote it be! **Close you eyes and imagine an energy bolt striking the item, causing it to glow. You should feel a vibration while you are holding the item*** Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara |
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by on Oct. 10, 2007 at 11:40 AMItem cleansing You will need: a small bowl of water a bit of salt incense (any or your choosing) a small white candle Start with sprinkling the salt over your item. As you are doing that say: Element of Earth and the the North help me cleanse this... and purify it. Then Sprinkle a few drops of water over the item and say: Element of Water and the West help me cleanse this... and purify it. |
Goddess invocation
White moon mother, come to me as love to lover. In the moon shining bright, I call to you in this night. Within this circle you shall see I have made a place for thee. Be welcome now and evermore, it is you I shall adore. Be blessed in the night and also in the light!
Prayer to thank the Goddess
Gracious Goddess I thank thee for being here to watch over me.
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
Calling the Quarters
Hail to the guardians of the North, element of Earth. I summon you calling you forth to wittiness this rite and to protect this space.
Hail to the guardians of the East, element of Air. I summon you calling you forth to wittiness this rite and to protect this space.
Hail to the guardians of the South, element of Fire. I summon you calling you forth to wittiness this rite and to protect this space.
Hail to the guardians of the West, element of Water. I summon you calling you forth to wittiness this rite and to protect this space.
Releasing the Quarters
Guardians of the West, element of Water, I thanks you for your help this night, Go if you must, stay if you wish. Hail and fare thee well.
Guardians of the South, element of Fire, I thank you for your help this night. Go if you must, stay if you wish. Hail and fare thee well.
Guardians of the East, element of Air, I thank you for your help this night. Go if you must, stay if you wish. Hail and fare thee well.
Guardians of the North, element of Earth, I thanks you for your help this night. Go if you must, stay if you wish. Hail and fare thee well.
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
Meditation to releive stress
*supplies*
Lavendar incense, quiet, a fluffy pillow
Find a quiet place ( or as quiet as possible ) and set you pillow on the floor. Find a safe place to light your incense and light it. Sit on your pillow in any way that feels comfortable to you. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths... in through your nose, out through your mouth. Resume a normal breathing pattern focusing your mind on the breath. Smell the relaxing scent. Imagine that with every breath you take stress is pealing away from your body, from your head to your toes. Then when it reaches the floor it melts into the floor. Take in the relaxing scent and quiet atmosphere. When all your stress has melted into the floor sit and think about the Serene feeling that you are having. Every ounce of stress is gone from your body. Slowly open your eyes, take a minute to have a good stretch. This will help to relax your muscles. When you feel energized your meditation is complete.
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
Full moon ritual
*supplies*
bowl of salt, bowl of water, incense, 5 large white pillar candles, 1 large silver pillar candle, spell and supplies for the
spell if casting a spell
*Make sure to put all of your supplies in the center where your circle will be*
Start by casting a circle.
Now begin to set the 5 white candles at the 5 points of the penticle.
Put the bowl of salt next to the earth candle, light the candle and call the earth element.
Now take the incense and place it next to the Air candke, light the air candle and call the air element.
Next go to the fire candle and light it, call the fire element.
Then bring the bowl of water to your water candle, light the candle and call the water element.
Last take the silver candle to the spirit candle, light them both and invoke the Goddess.
*At this time you may either sit and meditate or do any spell work that you have perpared*
When you are finished say a prayer to thank the Goddess and then blow out the silver candle and the spirit candle.
Then release the elements working backwards... water (blow out the candle), fire (blow out the candle), air (blow out the candle), earth (blow out the candle).
Then close your circle.
*Gather up all 6 candles and tie them up with ribbon... they may be used for another full moon ritual*
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
Candle Colors
White- *white can be used as a sub for any color in an emergency*
healing, peace, truth, moon energy, spiritual strength, meditation, protection, purification, cleansing, spiritual enlightenment
Yellow- creativity, sun energy, happiness, self confidence, charm, optimism, courage, divination, physic awareness, astral projection, learning, overcoming mental blocks, memory
Gold- money, intuition, to attract the God
Pink- romance, friendship, love, beauty, peace, nurturing
Red- romance, health, love, strength, courage, will power, banishment, healing relationships, protection
Silver- protection from negativity, courage, moon magick, to attract the Goddess, banishment, lucid dreaming, psychic awareness, psychic awareness
Purple- strength, success, independence, meditation, home protection, increases the power of other candles, wisdom, aids in contact with the spirit world, relieving tension
Brown- concentration, financial success, finding lost items, animal healing
Grey- neutralizes negative feelings from others towards you, cancellation, neutrality
Black- protection from and banishment of negative energies,
Orange- support to find your way, luck, reaching goals, bringing positive energy, adaptability
Light Blue- Beauty, brings peace to the home, inspirational meditations, calming, patience, understanding
Green- fertility, luck, money, rejuvenation, plant magick
Blue- happiness, healing, lucid dreaming, loyalty, peace
Copper- money, business growth
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
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- by on Oct. 20, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Sabbat Story
by Andrea E. Feeser
Copyright 1997 Andrea E. Feeser. All rights reserved.
This story was originally written for children, but I have also found it a useful aid in describing the Sabbats to adult students. Although, the stories begin with the Spring Equinox, they may be read in any order.
(Spring Equinox)
The Lady slept and slept, but would not awaken. No one could figure out why she would not wake from her sleep. So, everyone decided to bring gifts to the Lady, in hopes that she would waken from her slumber. They brought cattle and sheep, and plants and food. But nothing worked.
"Well," they said to one another, "we must have a very special gift to wake up the Lady." So, they thought and thought, but they could think of nothing.
The rabbit heard what the people had said, and he had an idea. He really wanted to please the Lady. So he tried hard, really hardAnd he did it! He laid eggs! They were beautiful eggs, of every color of the rainbow. "They are so special," he thought, "this will surely awaken the Lady from her slumber."
So the rabbit went to the Lady and brought his special eggs with him. Suddenly, she awoke! The flowers bloomed and the birds sang. It was Spring!
(Beltane)
The young Lord was out roaming the Earth, playing and frolicking in the woods, when he turned and faced the Lady. When the two saw each other, they instantly fell in love. So, they decided to marry.
They planned a great wedding feast. All the people across the land prepared for the wedding with much joy and anticipation.
When the wedding day came, the people brought thousands and thousands of flowers. They decorated each other and their homes with the flowers. They decorated trees with brightly colored ribbons, and they gave each other baskets of flowers and ribbons in celebration of the Sacred Marriage. They were filled with joy, and danced around may poles and rode in hobby-horse races.
The Lord and Lady were pleased with the gifts from the people. They added to their happiness on that sacred day. The Lord and Lady celebrated with the sacred kiss, and the whole Earth was filled with joy and hope of what might be.
(Midsummer)
The Lord and Lady joined together and became one. Their love was so great, that when they joined together, their love out-shined all the stars. Their love spread out and covered all the Earth. All the plants, animals, and people were blessed by their union.
Even the sun was blessed, and it shined its brightest ever. All the people stayed out, feasting and celebrating in the noon sun. The children threw water in the air and danced in the fields. And some say even the fairies were seen dancing that day.
In this time of great joy, the Goddess conceived her child in love.
(Lammas)
Soon, the first harvest was celebrated. The Lord and Lady were so filled with joy at the completion of the first harvest, that they held a great festival. All the people came to the festival. They brought breads and fruits and vegetables. They celebrated with contests that tested their skills, and those with talent displayed their personal works and wares.
(Autumn Equinox)
At the height of the festival, the Lady brought out a great loaf of bread that was in the shape of a man. The Lord blessed the bread with his own energy, knowing that to do so would bring certain death. He knew that in order to live again, he must first die. So, he willingly gave his energy, that the grain would rise again and his people would live.
(Samhain)
The Lord crossed-over to the Summerland. He presided there as king, and gave the dead rest that they might be refreshed when it came time to be reborn into the land of the living.
The Lady, in her sorrow, called upon her Lord. He answered her from beyond the veil, and caused a door to appear. Through this door, the beloved dead and the living could communicate.
The people came and brought food and sacred apples. They laid their gifts before the door, asking the blessings of their ancestors.
The ancestors came, bringing peace and communion. Many brought visions of what might be in the coming year.
(Yule)
The Lady was filled with sorrow. So greatly did she mourn her Lord, that the whole Earth was covered in darkness. All the people mourned with her, but no one could console her.
In the depth of her sorrow, in the great darkness, she felt something stir within her. Knowing that the stirring would become pain and the pains would bring birth, she secluded herself.
After many hours, the Lady came forth. She bore, in her arms, the child of promise. With his first cry, the sun rose over the distant mountains.
The people were filled with joy, and came to attend the Lady and the sun child.
(Imbolg)
The Lady rested from her labor. As she slept, the animals came into milk in her honor.
The women of the land knew of the Lady's need for rest, and so they gathered around her that no one would disturb her. They lit candles in their vigil and chanted soothing melodies. So great was their love and devotion to the Lady that it burned pure, and all the Earth was purified.
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
on Dec. 2, 2007 at 9:53 PM
An Easy Way To Make Your Own Candles
Materials:
Paraffin wax, or scraps of left over candles.
Crayons (for color), or candle dye.
A strand of candle wick (you can get 6' or more for under $3.00 at your craft store. This will last a long time.)
Small coffee can, or small metal container.
Small pot.
Heat-proof containers, (such as shot glasses, film canisters that 35mm film comes in, prescription medication bottles, or empty jello pudding cups.)
Cooking spray. (to coat inside of mold)
Toothpicks
Funnel. (Optional, but makes it easier)
Wooden spoon. (To stir the wax with)
Wax paper or foil. (To catch wax drippings)
Wick tabs (wick tabs are the small metal tabs that are used in candle making.)
Herbs, stones, and oils. (optional)
Place wax inside coffe can.
Place coffee can inside pot.
Fill pot with water until you reach half way up the outside of the can.
Heat the pot of water until the wax melts. DO NOT TURN HEAT UP TO FAR, WAX CAN CATCH ON FIRE! (at this time, add crayon or wax coloring until you've reached your desired color.)
After wax and color is completely melted, turn off the heat. Remember to stir your wax every so often.
Spray cooking spray inside your containers.
Cut off a length of wick and attach it at the bottom of your container with a wick tab.
Wrap the top of the wick around a toothpick and support it on top of the container.
Now is the time to add your herbs, stones, or oils if you desire.
Be sure to place wax paper or foil under your work area before pouring you candles. Wax is not fun to scrape off of surfaces. (I speak from experience here. *grin*)
Pour the wax into the containers using your funnel.
After you have poured as many candles as you want, let them sit for 4-6 hours before attempting to remove them from the containers. (If you are having trouble getting the candles out of the containers, I discovered they will release easier by putting them into the freezer for approx. half an hour.
After removing the candles from the containers, wipe away the oily substance and let them sit for at least another 3-4 hours to dry.
If you have left over wax in your coffee can, allow it to cool, then put a lid on it and store it away until next time.
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Making Taper candles
Just follow the directions above, and instead of pouring the wax into molds, do this:
Start with a long piece of wick - twice the size of your desired candle length plus 3 inches (you will be making 2 candles at once). Bend the wick in the middle and hold it by the bend. Dip the wick into the wax and then lift back out. Getting started is the hardest because the wick will float on top of the wax until it has enough wax on it to weigh it down. Allow it to get completely cold between dippings when you first start.
After your candle has started to take shape you can speed up the process a little. I keep a pan of cool water nearby and dip the candles in the water after each dipping in the wax. While this speeds up the process a little, candle making is a slow process but very well worth the time and energy you put into it.
Keep dipping the candles and allowing them to cool & then dip again. When you have achieved the proper size, hang them to dry until the wax has set but the candles aren't too hard. Then roll them on the wax paper to smooth out the shape. Once the candle shape is too your liking, dip 1 or 2 more times to make sure your candle is smooth. Trim off any excess wax to make a bottom with a sharp knife. Cut the wick and hang your candles to dry. You are done!
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
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on Dec. 2, 2007 at 9:53 PM
CANDLE MAGICK
Candle magick can be quite a complicated procedure, but these steps should help make it a little easier.
Choose an appropriate color: The color of the candle you use is your first concern. You must correlate color with the goal you have in mind. (See my list of candle colors for reference.
Cleanse the candle: Now that you've chosen the appropriate color of candle, your next task is to remove energies infused into the candle during the manufacturing process (unless you made the candle yourself with a particular goal in mind).
Saturate a tissue with rubbing alcohol and, holding the candle in your hand, cleanse its surface, moving from bottom to top. This expels energy from the candle(If you are working with a glass encased candle, clean the exposed wax and the glass with the alcohols. Consecrate the candle: next, dedicate the candle to your purpose. There three methods in which to do this, any or all may be used
Carve symbols into the candle: take a sharp object (such as your athame or a toothpick) and carve appropriate symbols into the side of the candle(or the top if glass-encased). If you are working for prosperity and dollar sign may be appropriate, if the goal is romance a heart would work. Astrological signs, runes, element signs, or personal signs may also be used. Think intensely of your goal while you carve. Even better is to repeat a verbal formula, such as an incantation or affirmation.
Oil the candle: Most metaphysical stores carry a wide range of oils for sale, some pre-mixed for particular goals, choose one of these or mix your own. Dip your fingers into the oil and anoint the entire surface of the candle with it. If you want to attract good, oil the candle from the top to bottom. If you want to expel something from your life (such as a bad habit, illness, or an unwanted situation) oil the candle from bottom to top.
If you can't decide which direction to oil from, try an alternative method; begin at the center of the candle and apply the oil upward toward the top, then from the center down.
If working with a glass-encased candle, oil the exposed wax: clockwise (deosil) to draw good, counter-clockwise (widdershins) to expel negativity.
It's important to use a verbal formula while you oil the candle, for this focuses your mind on the work at hand.
Spray, sprinkle, or anoint the candle with water Purchase a water (such as Prosperity, Love, Success or Healing Water) from a metaphysical store, and pour some into an atomizer or plant mister. Spray the entire surface of the candle as you repeat your affirmation or incantation. If you don't have an atomizer or plant mister, simply sprinkle the candle, or dip your fingers in the water and anoint the candle as you would with an oil.
A cleansed and consecrated candle should be used for one purpose only. If you prepare a candle for prosperity purposes, don't use it for anything else. You should decide how often and for how long a time your are going to burn your candle. Choose your candle size according to your purpose. If your goal is very important, you may wish to burn your candle every day for several days, which means you must use a very large candle. An alternative is to use several smaller candles and burn one each day. If you choose to use smaller candles remember to cleanse and consecrate each one before use.
When you light your candle, do so consciously. Be aware that fire has an affinity with the spiritual plane.
Working with candles is a simple or complex minor magick, depending upon the rite or ritual you perform along with it. Candle magicks can be used alone, in sacred space, or combined with folk magicks for practically any type of human situation.Candle magick works on the following principles:
The color of the Candle
The type of oil you use to dress it
The sigils you carve (or do not carve) upon it
The sort of divinity you call as you light it.
You can make candle magick complicated, if you like. This involves the array of colors, deities, oils and the use of timing. There are five day candle spells, seven day candle spells, ninety day candle spell. Tarot candle spells, astrological candle spells, and planetary candle spells.
Timed spells required specific number of candles to be burned on a specific day or number of days and at the same time each day for a set period of time. A whole ritual can be written around a candle spell.
In short, there is no end to your ingenuity in working with candle magick it is fun, inexpensive. Candle spells usually involve chanting, a poem or charm as well as raising energy. Most Wiccan students are taught candle magick early in thier training in order to give them confidence when they continue to the more difficult aspects of the various magickal operations.
Candle magick is versatile and is used by adepts to center and focus. Black, Red, and White are the primary candle colors, and you will find that Witches who have been working for many years will stick with these colors and don't worry about the others. Part of this is due to practicality and their excellent visualization skills, while still using the magickal colors of teir ancestors.
In all fairness to the magickal community, knowing a few working witches who do not use candles at all and scoff at the intersting things you can do with them.
What you believe is entirely your business. Remember that the Wiccan way is not to rain on someone else's magickal parade. If someone is tied to candles and their magick and you are not, so be it.
Remember the Rule of Three and the Wiccan's Rede: "An it harm none, do what ye will".
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
pinkbutterflyon Dec. 2, 2007 at 9:54 PM
Ways of the Candle
In dealing with Candle Magick, it is first and foremost best to learn about candles and their ways so you can better understand just what the heck you are doing. No two candles act the same way, no matter how or who made them or what they are made of. It is the personal act of our desires and our own will that gives it life and we are able to perceive its ways. This will be an attempt to provide some insight on the candle itself and the ways in which the candle speaks.The candle is made up of different elements and different parts which respresent different things. The candle itself contains the element of water, air and earth. When lit, the elements of fire and the spirit are employed. So a lit candle is then a full blown item incorporating all of the elements and thus rendering it again, an extremely effective magickal tool. Down throughtout history, you will find many references to the use of canles in many of our modern day activities. Fire was the ultimate tool used for banishing, cleansing, destruction and worship, life and death. Such a simple thing as an act of lighting a candle to hold within itself such power.
The body of the candle consists of the elements of water, air and earth. Made from a variety of ingredients from tallow to beeswax, it can include herbs, scents or even gems or stones. The body consists of the top half which starts at the wick and down to the center. The bottom half is from the base up to the center.
The Body
The shape of the burned wax when left to flow on its own can also be very revealing. Never realized that before huh? Check back and see if the candle left you a message in the shape of the burned wax. You will have to take into consideration your own circumstances and situation, but not only will it tell you while it's lit, it just might give you a "PS" along with it.
Remember that each candle is different as our own personal wish. Use your journal and learn the different ways in which it will speak to you. An example, if your desire is to draw a new love, you might get a very soft or muted pop or snap sound. This is the candle whispering your thoughts and desires for the forces to take hold. If however, you are hiding something, holding something back or in some way have a negative thought towards this, you might hear some strong snaps, cracks and popping. If it is inbetween, not quite so soft and not quite so loud, it may be telling you something. Still you mind and let it speak to you. You may be surprised if you don't all of a sudden have a new idea or suddenly learn that everything will be okay and a peaceful felling comes over you. Learn to listen to your candle.
In performing candle magick, this is a part of the steps when dedicating your candle. In this process, you are adding the necessary element of your will, or desire. The wick represents the human potential. A candle needs a wick to be lit, a wick needs a human to light it. When lit, we are sending off our human desires in hopes of manifestation.
The noises you hear from the burning candle or the was shapes it leaves can help you in communicating with your candle, speaking or acknowledgement of your wish. The candle speaking happens especially in times when figure candles are used, such as Male or Female, Skull, Cat or any other number of symbolic figures you may use to enhance your will or desire.
The Flame
The flame or halo of the candle is the life of the fire itself. Upon lighting the wick, we have now included the elements of Fire and Spirit along with the human will into the candle. It can speak to us if we are watchful and aware. We can learn of its ways of acknowledging our wishes. It casts a halo or aura outside of itself and is usually regarded as the state of the highest potential of Spirit. The resultant smoke is what carries our prayers and wishes out to the forces, thus creating our simple act of magick. Watching the actions of the flame, you will also see the candle speaking. Again, no two candles are going to react the same way. Use your head and think about what it is you have asked of the candle and apply it to the actions. Write all of this down in your jounal, the first few times you try this. You will soon learn automatically to see and hear the candle. Each tiny movement of the flame will tell us something. This is the life of the element of Fire and it has the ability to communicate with us, if we are only willing to see and hear.
A STRONG tall flame will tell us that the energies we are using are inded inherent in the candle and it is empowered by our desire or will. This is an excellent sign of acknowledgement by the candle.
A LEAPING or jumping flame can indicate indecisiveness is along for the ride, make sure you are clear before you begin. It can also indicate instability in emotions or actions or the problem/need needs to be worked on.
A WEAK or small flame may mean there are just too many negative energies at this time and you may have to repeat the process again at a later time. It could also indicate a communicationproblem, a smother of emotion, be it in yourself or the other.
Direction - Elements
The direction also of the smoke of the flame can tell us alot. Know the elements and their directions for correct interpretation of this.
NORTH - if the smoke goes to the north with the element of earth, it can indicate that true manifestation will be revealed, a physcial happening is occurring. Physical labor can be indicated or a need for stability. If it concerns a health question, you may want a second opinion or be cautious and pay more attention to your health or even that a check up is indicated. If it is about finances, be sure your checkbook is in order, make sure you are not allowing frivolous speding habits destroy your savings and make sure you have balanced the checkbook within the last month.
SOUTH - a south direction to your flame is the direction of the element of fire. This is an excellent sign. If it concerns health, a recovery will be imminent. If it concerns love, a passionate love affair is on its way shortly. If it concerns the home, you will find new ideas and the energy to expedite these. If the concern is work, success is on the way. You must be careful with this. As it all sounds wonderful, you must remember, fire can burn if you get too close, so keep your head on your shoulders through this whirlwind and you should be fine.
EAST - If the flame goes east, the element of air is involved and there will be some mental as opposed to physical labor involved. It is telling you to sit and follow your head in this situation. Practice logic and patience, think before yu speak. A waiting period, no rash decisions! If applied correctly, success will be yours.
WEST - A west following flame, the element of water, you have emotions literally flooding everywhere. It could indicate a period of intense emotions in whatever you desire. A warning of excess could be indicated. You could be too close to the situation and need to back off for a while. Or it could indicate that you need to clariy this thing more. Ground yourself, clear off the emotional aspect of it and look more toward the thinking part.
Conclusion
You must remember the desire when interpreting these signs and apply them to the situation. Sometimes you may not get what you want to hear or see. Learn to incorporate all of the signs you are given. Seperate them when searching them out and then learn how they all interact together. You may get a completely different answer when applied to another of the signs. Also, too, step back then and do some more thinking. Did you clear and calm yourself first? Have you got some leftover emotions hanging out there? Are you willing the candle? Is your attention totally focused? Are you truly being honest with yourself? These and many other things must be considered when communicating with your candle. Use your jounal like a second skin and write it all down and try again. Possibly on a different day or at a different time. Notice the slight similarities and differences and apply them to the desire and the way in which you approached it this night. You would be amazed at what you can end up reading. Now make sure that you have a nonflammable surface upon which your candle is resting and in an area that children or your favorite pet can not investiage the pretty fire. Use your head and common sense in safety here. This way you can let it burn all the way down without any unfortunatte mishaps. Also be careful with your clothing when using candles. A good idea is a small in home fire extinguisher near by incase of mishaps.
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
pinkbutterflyon Dec. 2, 2007 at 9:54 PM
Invoking The Winds
To summon the power of the winds and ask for its help in spell casting is a great way to get some extra punch for your spells.
The whole idea of calling the wind is an ancient and classical one. Many spells and rituals can be helped by calling the wind before starting.
Once you have gathered the needed items for your spell and cast your circle, turn to the north and call the wind with something like the following...
Aid me in my work"
North Winds
The Winds that blow from the North are the cold ones. These winds are associated with level headedness. So use this time to practice spellwork for financial management, and organization.
Turn to the east....
"Wind of the east, of minds so brightAid me in my work"
East Winds
Winds that blow from the East are associated with transformation, and new beginnings. When the easterly winds blow, use this time to practice spellwork involving all things new.A time to write new spells, create a new ritual, find new avenues in your chosen path.
Turn to the south...
"Wind of the south, of passion so trueAid me in my work"
South Winds
Winds that blow from the south are commonly associated with spells for love, lust and passion. South winds give us vitality, and spellwork for banishing jealousy and selfishness from the self should be performed during this time.
Turn to the west...
"Wind of the west, so gentle and blueAid me in my work"
West Winds
Winds that blow from the west are associated with healing. During these winds practice cleansing and healing rituals. Intuition in the natural Witch is strong during these winds, so take advantage of this and practice spellwork, which involves using your inner strength to its capacity.
If you hang a ribbon to a tree or fence, you will be able to see which wind is blowing; this will be the wind you will announce your intentions to as you perform the spell.
When invoking the winds for spellwork, you will need to be outside.
It is also possible to just call the one wind needed to power your particular spell.
Then procede to cast your spell knowing the wind will help carry your energies to the needed place
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
on Dec. 2, 2007 at 9:54 PM
My Goddess;
Maiden, Mother and Crone,
My God of death and rebirth,
I am here to thank you for this day.
Good or bad,
Happy or sad,
Its the only one I'm gonna get,
And I am grateful for it.
I am thankful for the experiences that I will [have] have [had],
And I can only pray that I have learned something from every one of them.
I pray that every day,
I am able to make someone else's day brighter,
And I pray that everyday I am able to find time for myself,
To do something that I really want to do.
I pray that I have the wisdom
To know which battles to fight,
And that I am able to set realistic goals for myself.
For all these things I pray,
And thank you gratefully.
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
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- by on Dec. 3, 2007 at 1:09 PM
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Third Eye Ritual
Perform this ritual to improve psychic powers three days before the moon is full, and preferably when it is in either the astrological sign of Cancer, Pisces or Scorpio. Begin by brewing a strong magickal tea made from yarrow or mugwort (herbs that stimulate the psychic senses) and then light thirteen purple coloured votive candles to help attract psychic influences. Drink the tea and then gaze fixedly into a magick mirror, black bowl full of water, crystal ball, or crystal pyramid as you chant thrice the following incantation:
"I invoke thee, oh Asarial,
Archangel of Neptune
And ruler of clairvoyant powers.
I ask thee now to open my third eye
And show me the hidden light.
Let me see the future.
Let me see the past.
Let me perceive the divine
Kingdoms of the unknown.
Let me understand the wisdom
Of the mighty universe.
So mote it be!"After chanting, relax, breathe slowly and concentrate on opening your Third Eye. Do not permit any negative thought to contaminate your mind. The Third Eye, an invisible chakra located in the middle of the forehead above the space between the eyebrows, is the human body’s highest source of power, supernormal sight and clairvoyant vision.
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
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- by on Dec. 3, 2007 at 1:09 PM
Bubble of Protection Meditation
Here's a simple safety and protection meditation. This visualization can be used around people, pets, homes, cars, airplanes, and around anything you want to protect. After doing this a few times, you will not need the candles. You will be able to visualize the ball of white light at any time and any place. If you wish to protect a loved one and you have a photo of them, place it between the candles for the meditation. (Don't let it catch fire!)
You may cast a circle if you like, but it is not necessary.
Begin the meditation:
Light white candles for protection.
Sit down and get comfortable. Relax. Breathe slow and deep. Let all tension flow into the earth. Feel calm and peaceful. You are completely relaxed. Now visualize a beautiful white light all around you, like a bubble. It shimmers and sparkles. Now make it stronger, and then make it shine brighter. Make it grow until it fills the room you are in. Fill the bubble with love. Know that it will protect you where ever you go.
To protect a loved one:
Now picture your loved one. See a glowing light all around them. It is just like the bubble you are in. It glows with safety and protection. Make it stronger, bigger, brighter. Visualize this as long as you like. When you are done, wish your loved one well and know that they are safe.
Now prepare to end the meditation. Feel your circle of light bring you back to the present moment and the room you are in. Take a deep breath and stretch for a moment before you get up.
Let the candles burn as long as you like, then snuff them out. You may light them at any time you wish to strengthen the visualization and protection.
Butterfly hugs and kisses... Tara
- KickButtMama
on May. 11, 2009 at 6:51 PM