The Goddess speaks to us through the natural world. Sometimes it is through the elements and other times it is through the plants and animals around us. To understand the messages that animals bring us, it helps to know a little about the messenger. Learning about the animal you encounter will make it easier to pick up on their message.
Continue reading Messages from AnimalsA spell is basically a set of directions with a list of ingredients for making or preparing something, It can also be described as a formula or procedure for doing or attaining something. Actually, those are Miriam Webster’s definitions for a recipe, and that’s exactly what a spell is.
When it comes to cooking those who are just learning tend to follow a recipe to the letter. On the other hand, a more experienced cook does not hesitate to exchange, add or remove ingredients based on their personal preferences. I swear my sister has the ability to take a recipe, substitute half the ingredients and end up with something even more delicious than what the original cook made. Most spells can be modified with similar results.
NOTE: The exception to this would be herbal and plant-based ingredients used for health or healing spells. When you are consuming or using products on your skin it’s best to rely on the knowledge and experience of medical professionals or experienced practitioners.
If you don’t have an ingredient and are not sure what to substitute, simply leave it out. I frequently leave out an herb from a spell or cooking recipe if I don’t care for the taste. When you are just starting out, stick with spells that require fewer ingredients and steps. As you learn which ingredients and tools you prefer, you can begin to modify your spells with confidence.
Magic can be as simple as rubbing scented oil on a colored candle, setting it in a holder and lighting it as you visualize your magical need. Or it can be more complex, involving several candles, multiple herbs, oils, incense, ritual clothing, chants and more. If you attempt a spell that is too complicated for your skill level, you risk sending out a confused or unclear message to the Universe. Keeping your message clear is vital. The details are up to you. Just enjoy yourself and keep that positive energy flowing!
I have a confession to make. Over the past decade or so, I developed a preference for quick and easy spells. They took less physical energy and I was happy with the results. So what is wrong with that?
Continue reading Fast Food & Gourmet SpellsNOTE: Imbolc activities are listed first, followed by Lammas
If you live in the northern hemisphere you may be planning to celebrate the upcoming Imbolc sabbat. Imbolc is a Gaelic festival that is held about halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It marks the center point of the dark half of the year when the cold weather begins to release its grip on the land and the warmer spring temperatures are just around the corner.
Continue reading Lore and Activities for Imbolc & Lammas
Is it possible for someone to follow the path of a Witch and a Christian at the same time?
Continue reading Can You Walk More Than One Path?When you practice any type of magic you are sending out concentrated forms of energy and this can have an effect on the entire world around you. Taking a few minutes to prepare yourself can help put you in the proper frame of mind for this important magical work. Below are my favorite ways to get ready.
Continue reading Preparing Yourself for Rituals and SpellworkYour magical tools can pick up negative or unwanted energies over time. Below are four methods you can use to clear your tools of negative energies and restore them to their natural vibrant energy.
Continue reading 4 Ways to Cleanse Your Magical ToolsWhat is a BOS? A Book of Shadows contains the specific beliefs of an individual or group of individuals who practice the traditions of Wicca or Witchcraft.. Today some choose to purchase a Book of Shadows written by another practitioner, and simply follow the author’s instructions for circle casting, the consecration of tools, religious rituals, coven organization, initiation ceremonies and more. This article is for those who prefer to create their own Book of Shadows and keep the contents private.
Continue reading What to Write in Your BOSMagic would not be complete without scented oils, homemade magical brews and smoke rising from the incense as it carries our thoughts up into the universe. We weave spells utilizing the simple but potent powers found within the tools nature gives us.
Continue reading How Magical Tools Enhance Your spells(Reprinted from an earlier issue of the Inner Circle newsletter)
The following email excerpt expresses a common concern of those who are just starting out:
“I am very low on cash and cannot afford the proper tools … I feel that my financial status holds me back from fulfilling my destiny of becoming a true Wiccan.”
If you don’t have money to buy the tools you want, make the best of what you have. Be creative and find new ways to make old things work. If you can’t buy books, check them out from a library or log on to the Internet for endless hours of reading. I believe the richest, most powerful witches in this world are not the ones with the most money or the best tools … the richest ones are those who can allow the Divine magic to flow through their lives without any tools at all!
Continue reading Rich Witch or Poor Witch – The Cost of Tools
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