Index of
Articles:
1. Summer (June, July,
August)
2. Autumn (September, October,
November)
3. Winter (December, January,
February)
4. Spring (March, April,
May)
5. A
Warning About SpellCraft
6. Angels, Demons, and Elemental Spirits
7. The
Spells of "Charmed"
(at Charmedinteractive site)
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1. Summer in the northern hemisphere is a time of
fullness. A time of light and growth. A time for vacations and for
playing late into the evening. Baseball. Symphony in the park. Weddings.
Hiking in the mountains. Swimming at the beach. Life seems more full
during summertime. Most of what we'll be discussing for the next three
months reflects this theme of fullness. It is a time for celebration,
for thankfulness, for healing, and for love.
(a) June - Named after Juno, the
majestic queen of the Roman pantheon. Junes falls across the zodiac
signs of Gemini and Cancer.
Festivals and
Celebrations: The summer solstice falls on June 21. This is the
longest day of the year. The summer solstice is one of the four minor
sabbats (holy days) celebrated by witches and Wiccans. It is also known
as Feill-Sheathain or Alban Hefin. On the solstice, Druids gather
mistletoe from apple trees to celebrate love. They light bonfires of oak
to honor the goddess of the hearth, and use the ashes from the fire as a
magical fertilizer to ensure a good crop. Also, consuming ale and eating
the buds of Ash trees on the solstice is supposed to protect you from
evil - and possibly make you a little loopy. The 21st is an ideal day
for making a ritual wand, for conducting healing spells, and for
divination. And, the summer solstice is also a perfect time for a
handfasting ceremony - which is probably why today's brides still want a
June wedding.
Important Days:
June 1 is the Festival of the Oak Nymphs. So, kiss an oak tree and ask
that a wish be granted. June 12 is Zeus' day. It is celebrated by
lighting a gold candle and decorating your alter (or your self) with oak
leaves. Silver Chalice Day is celebrated on June 16. Wine consecrated to
the god and goddess is drunk in their honor. This is also a good day for
a handfasting. June 23 is the day of Chu Chulainn,
an Irish hero-god associated with the Green Man.
Gemstones and
Herbs: Amber. Unlike most gemstones, amber is not a stone
but the fossilized resin of coniferous trees. Amber often contains bits
and pieces of trees or insects -- a moment of past life preserved
forever. Because of this, amber is considered a "living" gem,
possessed of "akasha," the fifth element. The fifth element,
ether or spirit, is denoted on the witch's pentagram by the top or
upright point. Wearing amber jewelry during spellcraft is said to
strength a spell. Because of these things, amber is greatly favored by
witches. Amber has projective energy, is ruled by the sun, the elements
fire and akasha, and is associated with the goddess or "Great
Mother." The stone is said to possess powers of healing, strength,
luck, happiness, beauty and love. St. John's Wort (hypericum
perforatum). This woody herb is a beautiful, spreading groundcover
that tolerates some shade. It has bright yellow
flowers that emerge in late May. Most of you know about this herb's medicinal
properties: it alleviates depression and fights viruses. But, St.
John's Wort, also known as "Scare Devil" and "Sol Terris,"
has a long history of magical uses. The herb is classified as masculine
and is ruled by the sun, by fire, and by the god Balder. Its
powers include health, strength, love, happiness, and divination. St.
John's Wort has been used in spells to protect soldiers in battle, to
ward off sickness, to banish evil spirits, and to attract love. When you
gather this herb, try to do it during periods when it is most magical:
the waxing phase of the moon, on a Friday, on the solstice, or on June
24th, which is St. John the Baptist's day.
A Charmed
Reference: Leo and Piper weren't married in June, nor was the
handfasting depicted in "Just Harried" a traditional Wiccan one.
They were lacking a high priest, the ceremonial space was not
"swept clean." In fact, thanks to Prue's astral id, it was a
disaster area. The ceremony didn't include the "callers of the
directions." And, there was a demon present! Hmm. Nevertheless, the
heart of the ceremony was there: Piper and Leo exchanged their own vows
and the high priestess bound their hands together with the ceremonial
cord, symbolically joining them. The whitelighter chandelier was a nice
touch, too. Also, in "The Wedding From Hell" (Episode #1-06)
another wedding that Piper attended (as a caterer instead of a bride,
though), she encountered the goddess Hecate. Unfortunately, Hecate was
cast as the demon Jade D'Mon. Although Hecate has her dark side, she's
definitely not a demon!
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) I found this odd little love spell in a book of Romany
gypsy rituals. This is to attract a spouse: On midnight at the new moon,
take a long pink cord or ribbon and tie one end of it to a salt shaker
and the other end of it to a pepper shaker. Imagine the salt as a bride
and the pepper as a groom and then visualize yourself as one of the two.
Imagine the cord is destiny drawing your true love to you. Each night
for seven days, untie the cord and move the salt and pepper shakers
closer together; then, retie the cord. On the seventh night the shakers
should be touching each other. Leave them bound together with the pink
cord for another seven nights. By this time, a new love will have
entered your life or an old love will have drawn closer. Hopefully, you
won't have to season anything in the meantime. Also, if you want to
dream of your future spouse, put a sprig of St. John's Wort beneath your
pillow.
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(b) July - Named after the Roman emperor Julius Caesar.
The zodiac signs of Cancer and Leo fall in July.
Festivals and
Celebrations: We Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4. I
think it's interesting that Liberty is a larger than life lady, a
veritable "seven-horned" goddess of freedom, the "Mother
of Exiles." This July 4, ponder what American soil means to you. If
you hold it as sacred as I do, this would be a good time to plant a
garden, clean up a neighborhood street, or join an environmental action
group.
Important Days:
July 5 is aphelion.
Although it's hot as heck here, the earth is at that point in its orbit
farthest from the sun. This day is considered astrologically
significant, though I'm not sure I can explain why. July 6 is the
day of the horned goddesses, which includes Europa and Selene. It's
also the Day of the Running
of the Bulls, a day symbolic of the male procreative power and a day
to honor the gods associated with bulls: Baal, El, and the minotaur.
July 12 is, numerically speaking, considered the luckiest day of the
year. On July 13, 1527, John
Dee was born. He was a renowned alchemist, astrologer and wizard who
served Queen Elizabeth I.
Gemstones and
Herbs: Sulfur: Sulfur is a bright yellow mineral. When burned
as an incense, it emits a foul odor. Because of its color and smell, it
has been used in magical rituals for centuries. It is used by ceremonial
magicians to banish demons and other evil spirits. Sulfur, a projective,
masculine mineral associated with fire and the sun, is also used for
healing spells. Placed in a small red bag and worn around the neck, it
is supposed to ward off colds, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses.
Holly: Although you probably associate the prickly Holly with
winter, Yule, and Christmas, since it is an evergreen shrub used
frequently at that time of year, it is also an herb associated with
midsummer. On the summer solstice, the oak king (a form of the Green Man)
battles, is killed by, and then is replaced by the holly king, his alter
ego. The holly king represents the waning half of year from summer
solstice until December 21, the winter solstice. Holly is a masculine
herb associated with the element fire and the planet Mars. It is a one
of the most potent protective herbs and is said to ward against
lightning, poison, and evil spirits.
A Charmed Reference: Hopefully,
you'll never need to know how to vanquish a demon. It's best to stay
away from them altogether, even if you meet a really attractive one. In
the Wiccan world, there's really not much call for vanquishing potions.
However, in the world of ceremonial magic, elaborate rituals and potions
exist for conjuring, banishing, cursing, and controlling those horned
spirits. To protect yourself during an encounter with the dark forces,
you'll need some Oil of Abramelin, which is mostly cinnamon oil, to
anoint yourself and your magical implements. Like holly and sulfur, it's
a protective substance. The Charmed Ones don't often explain what goes
into their vanquishing potions. However, there is some truth to the
adage that you should add a bit of "the hair of the dog" (or
the flesh of the demon!). Many spells often include a physical
connection to the party for whom the spell is intended.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) To protect your home from evil energies, hang a sprig of
holly by a red ribbon near your main entrance door. Anoint it with olive
oil infused with lemon, lavender, and rose geranium oils. As you rub the
oil on the holly leaves say this incantation: "Holly dark with
berries bright, ward my home both day and night; let the wicked pass by
me, and thank the Goddess, blessed be." Or, make up something to
that effect. The best spells are the ones you write yourself.
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(c) August - Named after another famed Roman emperor,
Augustus Caesar. The zodiac signs of Leo and Virgo fall in August.
Festivals and
Celebrations: On August 1st, the Sabbat of Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh,
is celebrated throughout the world by witches and Wiccans. Lammas is one
of four Sabbats, or high holy days. Although it is celebrated near
midsummer, it is really the first festival of the harvest season. Many
see the ripening harvest as the product of the sacred union of the horned god
and the earth goddess, a union that occurred at Beltaine
(April 30/May 1). Lughnasadh also commemorates Lugh, the Celtic
sun king, who dies and is reborn each year. Lughnasadh also parallels
the legend of the Welsh King Llew
who was murdered and who came back to life, reborn as an eagle. Both
kings sacrificed themselves so that the land and the people could
thrive. The theme of death and resurrection, which is common in pagan
and Judeo-Christian faiths and in the myths and legends of many people,
likely symbolizes the perpetual cycles of nature. The word "Lammas"
comes from the Saxon word "hlaf-mass," which means
"festival of bread." During this festival, corn is
"sacrificed" to make bread for winter's use. Pagans carried
corn doilies and wreaths to honor the harvest gods and goddesses and to
thank them for their gift of bread. Sometimes a corn husk doll from the
previous year's Lammas was burned for good luck. Lammas is also a period
of thanksgiving. It is a time of reflection and patience: the harvest is
not yet in and much work is yet to be done. If the work is done right
and with reverence, however, the people will endure through winter.
Important Days:
Many witches celebrate the Feast of the Fire Spirits on August 9th. The
salamanders, the elemental fire spirits of the South, are honored by
burning incense and solar or fire herbs like cedar, rosemary, oak,
marigold, basil or clove. The salamanders represent inspiration,
passion, the color red, change, and creativity. In the Tarot, the
salamanders are associated with the suit of wands. August 13 is the
festival Hecate. At moonrise on this night, Wiccans honor Hecate, the
guardian of witches, the personification of the feminine shadow nature,
and one of the many representations of the triple goddess or "the
power of three."
Gemstones &
Herbs: Geodes. These egg-shaped stones filled with various
types of crystals - from quartz to amethyst - are associated with the
Great Mother goddess. They are symbols of fertility and childbirth. They
are receptive and associated with the element water. A geode placed
under the bed is supposed to increase the chances of conception.
Trillium. Also known as "True Love" or "Indian
Root," the trillium is used to attract love. Its tri-fold leaves
and flowers symbolize the triple aspect of the goddess. Trillium is a
feminine herb associated with the planet Venus and the element water.
Trillium is a lovely and endangered wildflower.
Don't pick it! if you want to grow this plant, obtain it from a
reputable nursery. Corn. Also known as "maize" and
"sacred mother," corn has long been sacred to indigenous North
American people. The Zunis use different color corn meal in religious
ceremonies. Blue corn meal is scattered as a blessing and an offering.
This grain is considered feminine and is associated with Venus and the
element earth. It is protective and has divinitory properties.
A Charmed
Reference: "The Power of Three" is a beautiful concept,
one that has a long history. The Herder Symbol Dictionary
explains: "The universal symbolic meaning of three probably relates
to the elementary experience of productive fulfillment in the trinity of
man, woman, and child. Three also forms the basis of numerous systems
and ideas of order. For example, in Christianity there are three
virtues: faith, hope, and love; in alchemy there are three basic
philosophical elements, sulfur, salt and mercurious (quicksilver.)
Divine trinities are known in many religions." The goddess has
three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. The number is also one of
completion. For example, in myths and fairy tales, the hero must solve
three riddles or pass three tests. Three is symbolically represented by
the triangle
and the triquetra.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) Honor the Great Mother Goddess at Lammas by making a
bouquet of faux "corn silk" trilliums from corn husks. Put the
bouquet in a special place: near photographs of friends and family, on
an alter, or, if you are trying to conceive, in the bedroom. Let it be a
reminder of all that you hold dear. Next year at Lammas, burn the
bouquet as a good luck offering.
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2. Autumn, for most of the northern hemisphere, is
harvest time, a time to reap what we have sown. Not only is it a time
for literally gathering in the crops, it is a time of judgment, a time
to look carefully at the fruit of our actions and to judge whether we
have accomplished our life's purpose. We will explore this theme of
judgment during the next three months.
(a) September - From the Latin world for seven, septem,
this was once the seventh month of the old Roman calendar. (If you are
curious about calendars and how they've changed over time, click
here.) Many religious scholars also argue that September (Tishri in
the Jewish calendar) was the true month of Christ's birth. The
zodiac signs of Virgo and Libra fall in September.
Festivals and
Celebrations: September 22 - The Autumnal Equinox. This is another
minor sabbat, or holy day, celebrated by witches and Wiccans. It is also
known as Mabon, Winter's Finding, and Alban Elfad, the second festival
of harvest. On this day witches traditionally review their lives and
their Craft and rededicate themselves to it. It is a good day for
initiation ceremonies. In some traditions, a ritual honoring the goddess
Persephone
and her descent into the Underworld is performed on this day. In others,
the ritual is performed on the the first full moon in September, which
falls this year on September 2 and is the "barley moon."
Important Days:
On or about September 1 in the sixth century B.C., the prophet Zoroaster
was born. Zoroastrians
believe that mankind is trapped in an epic battle between the forces of
good and evil -- and that good will ultimately prevail. On September 8,
1875, Madame Helena Petrova Blavatsky founded the Theosophical
Society, an organization dedicated to preserving occult wisdom.
September 13 is the Egyptian All Soul's Day and is commemorated in
"The Ceremony of Lighting the Fire." Sacred fires were lit to
honor Nephthys,
protector of the dead and Queen of the Underworld. This year, Rosh Hashanah,
one of the Jewish high holy days, begins at sundown on September 17. The
two-day holiday is the beginning of the new year as well as a period of
atonement and remembrance. Yom Kippur, the
most solemn of Jewish holidays, a time of atonement and fasting, falls
on September 27. September 26 was also a day of atonement for ancient
people who believed the fallen angel Azazel, the
angel of despair and death, had to be appeased. To do this, two goats
were sacrificed. One, the "scapegoat,"
was let loose to carry away the sins of the people; the other was
slaughtered. September 29 is Michaelmas,
a festival in honor of the Archangel Michael, who is an
angel of judgment. Also on this day, according to English folklore, the
devil fell from heaven and landed on a blackberry bush. Because the
thorny bush caused him a pain in the behind, he cursed the berries. So,
don't eat them after the 29th!
Gemstones and
Herbs: The blue sapphire, a type of corundum, is
the traditional stone of September. According to legend, a sapphire
attracts divine favor and guards its wearer from the envious. Sapphires
are also a protective gemstone, warding off evil spirits, poisons,
sorcery - and ulcers, because the stone "cools the inward
heat." Moses was supposedly given the Ten Commandments on tablets
of sapphire, making it a sacred gem. Some sapphires contain tiny,
needle-like inclusions, dispersing light across their surfaces like a
six-pointed star. These increasingly rare "star sapphires" are
very popular. The ancients viewed the star sapphire as a very powerful
talisman, protecting travelers and pilgrims. Witches and magicians favor
the star sapphire (and star rubies -- also a type of corundum) because
the stones supposedly contain a living spirit (akasha) that further
empowers the magic or ritual performed. The sapphire is a receptive,
feminine stone associated with the moon, water, and the god Apollo. It's
primary uses are in defensive magic, psychism, and healing. Aster:
Also known as the Michaelmas Daisy, this lovely flower
blooms in the fall. It has sacred connotations in almost all religious
traditions. It is an excellent choice for alters or a centerpiece for a
September festival party or special meal. The flowers are often used in
sachets for love spells. The aster is a receptive, feminine plant
associated with Venus, water, and love.
A Charmed
Reference: Charmed's fourth season was scheduled to air on
September 27. I think it is interesting that the Halliwell sisters found
themselves in a predicament that resonated so well with the themes of
September's holidays and festivals. Phoebe, like Persephone, was in the
Underworld while Piper, like Demeter (Persephone's mother), was dying in
the world above. The sisters situation was one arguably brought about by
their own carelessness - or at least, as a result of Prue's overzealous
pursuit of Shax - which led to their witchcraft being caught on news
video. Faced with the prospect of losing Piper, Prue and Phoebe entered
into an ill-fated deal with the Source - further complicating things.
The sisters reaped the consequences of their actions and the price they
paid was high. The same went for Cole, who made his own difficult
choices and will pay the consequences, too. The themes are: reflection,
atonement, sacrifice, and, eventually, rededication to that never-ending
battle between good and evil.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) This is a good time for "spiritual house
cleaning" so that you can enter the witches' new year (November 1)
with with your house in order. Start by literally cleaning house - take
those old clothes and furnishings and donate them to your local house of
religion or charity. Discard dry goods that are out of date. (Hey, Y2K
has come and gone!). Dust, scrub, and polish everything. When your house
is clean, consider these rituals: (1) Sweeping out "bad luck"
and sweeping in "good luck." A witch's broom
("besom") is a magical tool used to gather and discharge
spiritual energies. Here's how. (2)
Smudging
and asperging
- use incense and fragrant water to create sacred space. (3) Learn how
to do the Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram - a
ceremonial magical method of blasting away accumulated negative
energies. (4) Learn some feng shui. How
you arrange your furnishings within your home affects the flow of "qi"
or "chi" - spiritual energy - and can affect your emotional,
physical, and spiritual well-being. Once you've created this sacred
space, take some time to experience it. Now is a good time to start a
regular prayer or meditation practice.
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(b) October - To some, October is more than a month, it
is a state of being, a place. It is "that country where it is
always turning late in the year. That country where the hills are fog
and the rivers are mist; where noons go quickly, dusks and twilights
linger, and midnights stay. That country composed in the main of
cellars, sub-cellars, coal-bins, closets, attics, and pantries faced
away from the sun. That country whose people are autumn people, thinking
only autumn thoughts. Whose people passing at night on the empty walks
sound like rain." - Ray Bradbury, The
October Country. The eighth month (octo) of the Roman
calendar, the tenth month of our calendar, and last month of the
witches' year, October dissolves into faerie dust on Halloween and the
veils between the world part. The astrological signs of Libra and
Scorpio share October, and the month is sacred to Hecate, Cernunnos, Osiris, and
the Witches' Goddess in her dark aspect as the Crone.
Festivals and
Celebrations: Samhain
(October 31-November 1) is one of the four great sabbats, or high holy
days, of witches and Wiccans. Some even consider it the most important
and the most magical festival of the year. It is also called All
Hallow's Eve, Halloween, Hallowmas, Festival of the Dead, and the Third
(and final) Festival of Harvest. It is the witches' new year's eve and a
moment in time that transcends the earthly plane, when the veils between
the worlds are thinnest, when the dead visit their living relatives, and
when faeries, demons and other elemental spirits wander among humans.
Samhain marks the death of summer, the last harvest, the dying solar
god, and the beginning of winter. The festival is celebrated a variety
of ways: with bonfires and feasting, with costume balls and
trick-or-treating, and by leaving special cakes and beverages out for
the spirits of the departed. Some make a point to practice their
divinitory arts (scrying, rune casting, tarot reading) on Samhain
because it is a time of profound insight and reflection, especially this
year: the full "snow moon" falls on Samhain. Some witches
believe that if you meditate long enough upon your image in a mirror,
especially at Samhain, you can see your past lives. Samhain is sacred to
Hecate, Hel,
Kali, Vanadis, Nephthys, Morrigan,
Inanna, and Sedna.
Important Days:
Around October 1 each year, many Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca to
kiss the Black
Stone and to praise Allah. October 2 is "Guiding Spirits
Day." Many witches light a white candle to honor their spirit
guides. October 10 heralds the two-week Festival of Lights in Brazil.
Candles, torches and hearth fires are lit to drive away evil spirits.
Occultist and magician Aleister
Crowley was born on October 12, 1875, in Warwickshire, England. The
controversial magus has been called both a divinely inspired prophet and
the wickedest man in the world. October 18 is the day of the Great
Horned Fair. Many witches, especially those of the Gardnerian tradition,
honor Cernunnos, the horned god of fertility and hunting. October 24 is
the Feast of the Air Spirits, the sylphs of the East. These elemental
spirits represent intellect, air, spring, east, the color yellow, and
are associated with the Tarot suit of swords. This year, Chung Yeung Day
(the Chinese Festival of High Places or Autumn Remembrance), falls on
October 25 (the 9th day of the 9th lunar month). Good omen kites are
flown to carry away evil spirits; families take picnics and go hiking in
the mountains. On this day, the dead are also remembered and honored and
their tombs swept clean.
Gemstones and
Herbs: The opal is the traditional stone of October. Opals
are curious in that they are both projective and receptive, represent
all of the elements and the planets, and can be "charged" or
"programmed" with your energy and intent. They are peculiar,
living stones that seem to shimmer with the same mysterious forces that
make the month of October so special. Opals range
in color from milky white to green to pink to fiery black. Because they
have a high water content, opals are fragile and should be carefully
maintained and cared for. Opals are associated with invisibility, astral
projection, psychism, past life regression, beauty, and love. Black
opals are prized by witches and magicians as power stones. Calendula:
This beautiful fall-blooming marigold
is sometimes called "the flower of the sun." It is masculine
and is associated with fire and the sun. Its magical properties include
protection, psychism, and prophetic dreams. The calendula is also a very
useful medicinal
herb. Creams and soaps containing calendula soothe the skin. Teas of
calendula have been proven to stimulate the immune system, fight viral
infections, and help regulate the menstrual cycle. Homeopathic tinctures
of calendula help speed healing. Calendula, as a flower essence, is used to stimulate
creative energy, especially in the use of the written or spoken word.
A Charmed Reference: In "All
Halliwell's Eve," as the sisters are preparing for
trick-or-treaters, they experience the power of Samhain rather
dramatically. First, the Grimlocks return from the dead to attack them.
Since the veils between the worlds are thin at Halloween, these
vanquished demons are able to return to earth to exact revenge - which
ticks off another demon, Cole/Belthazor, whose own wicked game is afoot.
He goes back in time to kill Melinda Warren, the Charmed Ones' ancestor
and a magical golden child herself since she was born at about midnight
on Samhain. A coven of colonial Virginian witches, however, work their
own magic and summon the sisters from the future to protect their
charge. Having survived being ripped out of their time, shot at, and
hanged, the sisters not only save Melinda, they learn a little bit about
their history and the traditional tools of the Craft: the use of the
ceremonial besom, how to create a circle of power, and how to make
magical weapons and talismans with apples, pumpkins, and herbs. Also,
during a fortuitous moment of scrying, Phoebe and Cole learn that they
are destined to be each other's true love. All in all, a very good
Halloween episode.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) Many witches, shamans, and magicians believe that in order
to make your magic potent, you must find your totem animal, spirit
guide, or Holy Guardian Angel. These entities, considered emissaries of
God, will guide you in finding and fulfilling your life's purpose.
October is a grand time to begin this spiritual quest. Your totem animal is
not always one you readily identify with or are even especially fond of.
For example, I've never liked birds, yet my totem is the hummingbird.
Several years ago, one flew into a forest service fire tower that I was
camping in and bounced against the glass windows of the structure. I
caught the tiny ruby-throated creature and released it just as the sun
was setting beyond the mountains of northern Idaho. Since then, the
hummingbird has visited me in dreams and visions. And, when shopping, I
seem to find myself attracted to things with hummingbirds painted on or
engraved into them. To find your totem animal, think back on those
incidents when some creature has touched you. Maybe a turtle crawled
into your lap while you were napping by a lake; or maybe spiders seem to
build webs around your house all the time. What images appear frequently
in your dreams? Think about these things and see what comes to mind.
Your spirit guides will find you in the same way. One may even be an
ancestor. A friend of mine is regularly visited by the spirit of her
beloved grandmother. Grandmother always guides her to really good yard
sales where, oddly enough, my friend finds pieces of a china pattern
that matches what her grandmother bequeathed to her. Finally, finding
your holy guardian angel is an act of devotion. It requires you to fall
in love with your spiritual mentor. The moment of meeting, of being
raised up in the knowledge of angels, can be one of sudden inspiration
or the culmination of a long ceremonial process. For more about this
process, click
here.
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(c) November - From the Latin word for nine, novem,
November was the ninth month of the old Roman calendar. November is the
last month of harvest, the time of the traditional American Thanksgiving
celebration. The astrological signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius share
this month.
Festivals and
Celebrations: Many witches celebrate November 1, the day following
Samhain eve, with a special meal. It is a time to reflect and consider
the themes of the season. Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on November
22 this year. The long Thanksgiving weekend has become a traditional
time of feasting, family, football, and shopping. It is also a good time
to try some new wines. If you like the fruity Beaujolais nouveau, this
year's batch will be released on November 15. Perhaps this would be a
good time to write a special toast to honor your family and friends.
Important Days:
November 4 is a pagan festival of mischief and pranks honoring the Lord
of Death. This "Mischief Night" continues on November 5 in the
form of England's Guy Fawkes Day.
November 7 is the night of Hecate. In ancient Greece, fires were ignited
to honor the goddess. On November 11, "Old November Day," the
Faerie Sidhe
are honored in Ireland in a festival called Lunantshees. Some consider
November 13 to be a day of darkness and evil, especially when it falls
on a Friday. It's a day when practitioners of the dark arts conjure
infernal spirits to assist them. November 16 is the Hindu Festival of
Lights and marks the beginning of the new year. Candles are lit to honor
Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fertility, and prosperity. On November
17, 1907, the famous occultist Israel Regardi was born in England. An
intellectual and consummate writer,
he was instrumental in bringing the "western mysteries" to a
wider audience. On November 27, Hindus honor Parvati-Devi, the triple
goddess who manifests as Sarasvati (maiden), Lakshmi (mother), and
Parvati (crone).
Gemstones and
Herbs: Quartz. If the gathering gloom of November is getting
you down, perhaps searching for some nice quartz crystals will cheer you
up. I don't know a witch who doesn't have several beautiful pieces for
scrying, spell casting, and other magical purposes. Quartz comes in many
forms and colors. I have a ring containing a rutilated quartz that is so
energetic I only wear it when I'm really tired or am doing ritual work.
Quartz is both receptive and projective and is associated with the sun
and moon, fire and water, and the Great Mother Goddess. The magical uses
of quartz are literally endless, but generally include healing, scrying,
and protecting. Rose quartz is associated with love rituals and
tourmalated quartz is used to stimulate astral projection. Nettle,
urtica dioica, is both a magical and medicinal herb. Like the
month of November, however, it has a dark side. "Tender handed
stroke a nettle/ And it stings you for your pains./ Grasp it like a man
of mettle,/ And it soft as silk remains." - Aaron Hill (1685-1750).
A masculine herb, nettle is associated with the planet Mars, fire, and
the god Thor. Nettle is used to not only remove a curse, but to return
it to the sender. The herb is supposedly spiritually
"carnivorous" and will devour negative energies. Nettle tea is
good for stimulating and cleansing the digestive tract. As a flower
essence, it helps people who are cold and angry and prone to
spitefulness get over these traits.
A Charmed
Reference: Phoebe: "Because I'm a Scorpio. What's Your
Excuse?" ("Once Upon a Time"); Prue: "Hi, I'm
Prue, a Scorpio." ("Sleuthing With The Enemy").
Does it mean anything that two of the Charmed Ones are Scorpios? Are
those born under the astrological sign of the Scorpion especially prone
to witchy ways? Well, according to Parker's Astrology, the key
traits of a Scorpio are "determined and forceful, emotional and
intuitive, powerful and passionate, exciting and magnetic."
Scorpios have a reputation for being overtly sexy and have a powerful
urge to get to the root of a problem. Above all other signs, Scorpios
have a deep need to be emotionally involved in whatever they choose to
do. "Scorpios need to be under pressure -- they must have something
against which to test their muscles, mental or physical. . . . [T]hey
are natural researchers and detectives." Sounds like a perfect
birth sign for a Charmed One. In case you are curious, Piper was born
under the sign of the Twins, Gemini. I imagine that being the middle
sister, "sand-witched" between two Scorpios, must have made
her feel like she was being constantly pulled in two directions.
Fortunately, one of the key traits of a Gemini is
"adaptability." How appropriate! Astrology is about more than
sun-signs and personality traits, however. It is a tool of divination
and self-discovery used by witches, priests and priestesses, and
magicians throughout the ages. To learn more about astrology, click here.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) Drawing Life's Purpose to You: I found this spell in
Susan Bowes' delightful book, Life Magic. Keeping in the spirit
of the theme for autumn, this spell is to help you discern your calling
in life. This spell is best done during the waxing phase of the moon and
on a Wednesday, the day of communication. After taking a ritual bath and
preparing a clean, sacred space -- preferably one within a magic circle
- sit facing the south (the realm of inspiration). Focus your mind on
the flame of a candle. If you have a piece of amber or quartz, hold it
in your dominant hand. Sit quietly for a few minutes and breathe deeply
to the count of seven - seven counts in; hold one; seven counts out.
This "master breath" resonates with the esoteric heart center
of the earth. After doing this breath for awhile, pause and breathe
normally. Relax. Then recite this mantra five times: "Spirit of the
fire, speak to me. Show me the way through flame. Show me the way
through water. Show me the way through earth. Show me the way through
air. I draw my vision of my path, which now manifests in love and
peace." After you have said this, let your mind rest. Keep it quiet
and open. When distracting thoughts arise, let them dissipate. You may
flash back to memories of your childhood dreams and ambitions. Strange
images may pop into your mind. Take note of these and then let them
pass. If nothing comes to you, don't be concerned. If you are new at
meditative practices, it will take a while to learn to quiet your mind.
Don't be discouraged. Try again in a week or so and be sure to keep a
journal of the thoughts that come to you.
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3. Winter, for most of the northern hemisphere, is a
time of cold and darkness. In fact, in arctic areas, like Kolari,
Finland and Fairbanks, Alaska, there are days where the sun just peeks
above the horizon for a moment, then retires again into night.
"Cabin fever," also called "seasonal affective
disorder," often plagues those who find this time of year
deeply depressing. Winter, however, can be a time for soul searching and
meditative energy work that produces a special warmth and bright inner
light. We will explore this theme of spiritual development over the next
three months.
(a) December -- December is the twelfth month of our
calendar, but it was the tenth month of the Roman calendar (decem
= ten). The astrological signs of Sagittarius and Capricorn share this
month. Although December is our darkest month, it is also a time of
illumination: Hannukah menorahs, Christmas tree lights, and Yule logs.
Unfortnately, it can also be a silly season of frantic travel and
rampant consumerism. To keep your inner fires burning instead of burning
out, focus on the spiritual side of the holiday season.
Festivals and
celebrations: In December, Christians celebrate the birth of the
Jesus, even though most scholarly research on the subject indicates he
was born in September. To make Christianity more palatable to the
pagans, many of whom worshipped solar dieties, the Emperor Constantine
declared in 321 A.D. that Christ's birth would be celebrated on December
25th, the festival of Natalis Invictus, the day of the sun's rebirth.
The 25th, a few days after solstice, marked that point when the day was
measurably longer than before, profound evidence that winter (now a
symbol for spiritual death) was defeated and that spring would
eventually return. Pagans celebrate Winter Solstice
(Yule or Alban Arthan), one of the four lesser sabbats, on December 21st
(sometimes the 22nd). This is the shortest day of the year and the last
of winter's long nights. It marks the return of the sun, of warmth, and
of earth's bounty. This year, Hannukah,
the Jewish festival of the lights and a celebration of religious
freedom, begins this year on December 9.
Important Days:
On December 6, 1890, the famous occultist and ritual magician, Dion
Fortune, was born. On or about December 12, Zoroastrians celebrate
the victories of good over evil with the fire festival called Sada.
French prophet and philosopher Michel de Nostradamus
was born on December 14, 1503. According to ancient legend, the seven
days before and after the winter solstice are a time spiritual
tranquility -- the Halcyon
Days. December 26 is the first day of Yuletide, which continues
until January 6. The New Year's Eve celebration held on December 31 is a
party tradition derived from an old pagan practice of making noise to
scare away the preceeding year's evil.
Gemstones and
Herbs: Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia are the traditional plants of
December. They are festive and decorative. Mistletoe is an
especially fun holiday decoration because standing beneath a sprig of it
can result in getting kissed. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows
high up in trees, especially oak trees. Mistletoe, also known as
"all heal" and "devil's fuge," is a masculine herb
associated with the Sun and the element Air. It is sacred to Apollo,
Freya, Frigga, Odin, and Venus. It's magical powers include protection,
love, fertility, health, exorcism, and success in hunting. Although the
herb has been used in some homeopathic medicines, please don't eat it or
apply it to a wound because the plant, especially the berries, is
poisonous. Blue zircon and turquoise are the traditional gemstones of
December. Turquoise
is a beautiful mineral, one that is sacred to many people,
especially native Americans. Turquoise is associated with the element
Earth, the planets Venus and Neptune, and the dieties Hathor, Buddha,
and the native American "Great Spirit." It is a receptive
stone with magical properties for attracting friendship, healing, luck,
courage, love, and money.
A Charmed Reference: Prue Halliwell had the power of
astral projection, the ability to project her consciousness out of her
physical body and into an etheric double. Although there is great debate
as to whether astral projection (out-of-body experience) is simply an internal meditative state or the actual
projection of a part of oneself beyond the confines of the human body,
scholars and researchers do agree that people experience the phenomenon
in consistent ways. You don't have to be magical to experience astral
projection. It is something that can be learned. As one who has had,
so far, two controlled, self-induced out-of-body experiences, I can tell
you it is an achievable and amazingly enlightening thing. It just takes
willpower and determination. You must first learn to meditate, control
your internal energy (chi, ki, prana, etc.), and learn to put yourself
into altered states of consciousness (trance, etc.). Developing the
ability to dream lucidly will
also help you learn to control your awareness while in astral states.
While the world slumbers through winter, you can teach yourself to
travel to summer-time astral planes. There are many excellent books and
tapes to guide you through this process. My favorite book, packed with
very helpful exercises, is Robert Bruce's Astral
Dynamics. If you feel the need for a guided program, the Monroe Institute's Gateway
Experience is a big help. Go forth and explore!
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) Almost every magical tradition requires the practitioner to
"raise energy" in order for a spell to work. Not many people
talk about this. It is the "secret"
to effective magic. To help yourself become aware of your own internal
energy, teach yourself how to do an "energy massage" with your
"awareness hands." Lie down and make your self comfortable.
Imagine that you have an extra set of hands that float free from your
physical body. Move this pair of hands to your feet and focus on
massaging your big toe. Use your imagination and try to feel your
imaginary hands massaging your toe. You will be surprised at the
sensations this exercise will generate. You may feel tingling or warmth.
The feet and toes and well as the hands and fingers are the body's
"energy exchange ports." Reiki
masters use their hands to heal. The science of reflexology
takes advantage of acupressure points on the feet to stimulate healing.
Take time every day to explore these energy ports as well as the energy
nodes, the chakras,
that store energy within you. Learning to draw spiritual energy into and
through your body will not only help you with your magical and spiritual
practices, it will stimulate your immune system and help you remain
healthy through the cold winter months.
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(b) January -- January is the
first month of the current Gregorian Calendar and was, at one time, the
first month of old Roman calendar. (It was also the 11th month for
awhile.) It was named after the ancient Roman god Janus, the guardian of
doorways and gates. The zodiac signs Capricorn and Aquarius share this
month. As the first month of the new year, January is a time for new
beginnings and new year's resolutions.
Festivals and
Celebrations: January 1 is New Year's Day. Many modern witches start
the new year with a spell for good luck or a house blessing for peace,
prosperity, and health. Many people from diverse cultural backgrounds
start the new year off with a traditional lucky
meal. In the Southern United States, that meal often includes honey
glazed ham, black-eyed peas,
a "mess" of collard greens, and cornbread with butter.
Important Days:
The evening of January 5th is Twelfth Night or "old"
Christmas. It marks the end of Christmastide and is often celebrated
with parties, singing, and a delightful hot beverage called "wassail."
January 6 is the day of the Triple Goddess. The Iriquois celebrate the
Feast of Dreams on January 10.
Gemstones and
Herbs: The garnet
is the traditional birthstone of January. It is a projective stone ruled
by the planet Mars and the element fire. It is worn for healing,
protection, and strength. It has been used to boost a witch's energy and
to aid in driving away evil energies, including demons and thieves. The
garnet is said to enhance the aura, charging it with positive
vibrational energy. The snowdrop
is the traditional flower of January. The tiny sweet flowers are among
the first to bloom, heralding the rebirth of the land. Although they
have no particular known magical property, they do make a nice addition
to winter bouquets of pine and rosemary and would look lovely in any
witch's hair.
A Charmed
Reference: Phoebe is blessed (cursed?) with the gift of psychism.
She can sense ghostly presences. And, she frequently has premonitions of
things to come or visions of things long since past. What Phoebe sees
gives her insight and valuable knowledge about a situation.
Unfortunately, Phoebe is not able to control her visions. Although they
appear to be triggered by things she touches, the visions often come of
their own accord and at inopportune times. While most novice psychics
have little control over their abilities, many scholars of the
paranormal believe that psychic abilities can be harnessed, studied,
and controlled through strict mental and physical discipline. Deep
breathing, meditation, a light diet, and certain yogic practices can
help you achieve altered states of consciousness that are conducive to
psychic phenomena. Meditation and yoga, for example, are powerful tools
for shaping your consciousness -- for psychism, for health and healing,
and for spiritual growth.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) Many witches practice divinitory arts -- methods of
predicting the future. Some read tea leaves, tarot cards, ouija boards,
and runes. Some study the patterns of nature -- clouds, animals,
swirling leaves, and flowing rivers -- in search of clues to the future.
Others use mirror, candle, or crystal scrying to induce visions. There
are many methods of looking beyond this present physical reality. It's
important to understand, however, that these methods are just tools for
tapping into natural human psychic powers. Everybody has some degree of
psychic ability. Experiencing psychic phenomena can be scary, so it is
important to train your mind and to learn some of the secrets of psychic
self-defense before you start toying with the supernatural. Dion
Fortune's classic Psychic
Self-Defense offers interesting insights as does Melita
Denning's Practical
Guide to Psychic Self Defense & Well Being. I've found,
however, that Kundalini
Yoga is one of the best foundational practices for expanding your
awareness of self and cosmos. One way to protect yourself from negative
energy is to strengthen your eighth chakra -- your aura. In kundalini
practice, there are many exercises routines (kriyas) that help you to do
this. Other disciplines, including the martial and healing
arts, also give guidance on strengthening your natural esoteric energy
field. Here's a simple exercise that you can do to "feed" your
aura. Relax, breathe deeply, and imagine white energy flowing into your
hands and feet. As you breathe in, let this energy flow through you and
accumulate at the top of your head. Then, imagine that energy flowing
out of the top of your head and around your body in an energy balloon.
Imagine the energy circulating in through your feet and out through your
head, making an ever-flowing circuit of protective energy -- your
personal force field. When ever you feel emotionally depleted, do this
exercise. When you are in a crowd of negative people, protect yourself
by imagining yourself surrounded by this energy balloon. The more you do
this exercise, the stronger your aura will be.
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(c) February -- February, the second month of the year
and the third month of winter, was named after Februa, a Roman
purification festival traditionally held on February 15th. The zodiac
signs of Aquarius and Pisces share this month, which is sacred to the
pagan dieties Aradia, Brigid, and Juno Februa. Amethyst is the
traditional birthstone of February; and primrose, the flower. February
hosts the Sabbat of Candlemas, also known as Imbolc.
Festivals and
celebrations: On February 2, Wiccans, witches and pagans celebrate
Candlemas. The festival is also called Imbolc or Oimelc, which means
"ewes milk," because the festival was associated with time of
year when ewes began lactating. Candlemas is an inspirational festival
that celebrates the coming of Spring. It's symbols include the besom
(the witches broom), candles, milk, and honey. Traditionally, a high
priestess wearing a crown of thirteen burning candles would use the
besom to ceremonially cleanse the sacred spaces of the coven -- a kind
of spring cleaning. At Candlemas the evergreen foliage that had adorned
the house during Yule is removed. People light candles to signify the
returning sunlight and the longer days. Candlemas is also know as
"Lady Day," and signifies the return of the goddess from the
underworld. The day is also traditionally one for initiation, welcoming
new witches into the coven. After the ceremony, new witches are given a
taste of honey, sometimes simmered in milk, so that they may know the
sweetness of the goddess.
Important days:
February 14 is Saint Valentine's Day, a good day for love magic and
divination. On February 17, the goddess Kali was born. Her birth ushered
in our current epoch or age, Kali Yuga, an age
where chaos and destruction reign. On February 20, 1882, a group of
philosophers and scientists formed the Society for Psychical Research in
London, England. Late January heralds the beginning of Carnival, the
period of festivals and fertility rites that takes place before Lent.
Carnival culminates this year on February 12, Fat Tuesday. On February 29,
1692 the infamous Salem witch hunts and trials began with the accusation
of three young women who were allegedly using the black arts. The horror
that ensued, which resulted in the execution of 20 innocents, was likely
the result of ergot
poisoning -- a fungus with LSD-like affects that infects rye grain
and contaminates bread.
Gemstones and
herbs: Amethyst,
also called "bishop stone, is a noble purple quartz crystal. A
receptive stone, it is associated with the planets Jupiter and Neptune
and with the element water. It is associated with the "third
eye" chakra and helps aid in sleep and divination. Amethysts are
also protective and are used to ward against negative energies and bad
dreams. Amethyst is a calming stone and is excellent for use in
meditation or carried during travels to smooth out stress. However,
because amethyst is so energy-absorbant, be sure to spiritually cleanse
the crystal regularly. Primrose, also known as English Cowslip or
Butter Rose, is a lovely
woodland flower with delicate blossoms ranging in color from white
to deep burgundy. It has medicinal
as well as magical properties, and was an early treatment for gout and
rheumatism. The plant is feminine, associated with the element earth and
the planet Venus. Primroses are sacred to the goddess Freya, are used in
love magic, and are said to attract faeries.
A Charmed
reference: In "Muse to My Ears," the Charmed Ones save the
muses from a nefarious warlock, Devlin. The Muses are the Greek
goddesses who preside over the arts and sciences and inspire those who
excel at these pursuits. Daughters of Zeus, king of the gods, and
Mnemosyne ("memory"), they were born at Pieria at the foot of
Mount Olympus. Their nurse, Eupheme, raised them along with her son,
Crotus the hunter, who was transported into the sky as Sagittarius upon
his death. 'Muse' means 'memory' or 'a reminder', since in the earliest
times poets, having no books to read from, relied on their memories. The
original number of muses and their names varies. The Greeks finally
established the nine muses in mythology as: Calliope, Clio, Erato,
Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, and Urania. Like
the goddess at Candlemas, the Muses are honored with libations of water,
milk, and honey.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) February is a wonderful time for ritual love magic and for
garden renovation. This year, consider combining the two projects!
Here's a way to capture you magical intent and to let it grow: First,
select a special herb, flower, or other plant to be the
"vessel" of your magic. Primrose tubers, a cherry tree, or
perhaps a flat of tomato seedlings. (If you don't have a greenhouse, be
sure to pick a plant that you can put in the ground in February. You may
need to do some research
on this.) Prepare the ground (or seed flats or pots) for your plant(s).
As you work the soil, concentrate and imagine that the dark earth is the
holy repository of you magical intent -- the ground is a sacred matrix.
Work the soil with love and affection, feeding it with fertilizer, loam,
or compost as needed. When the moon starts to wax again (around February
14), write a short letter to yourself. In this letter, identify the kind
of relationship you want. Be specific about the qualities you want in
that relationship or person, but don't make it about any particular
person -- remember, that is manipulative and could backfire on you. Once
you've written your letter, put it in a glass or ceramic bowl, not
metal. The bowl is symbolic of the element earth. Take the bowl and
letter outside to a place that is shielded from the wind. Also, have a
glass of water on hand to use at the end of the ritual. Put the letter
in the bowl, set it on fire, and let it burn to ash. This part of the
ritual uses the elements earth, air, and fire. As the letter burns,
think of your intentions being concentrated by the fire into the ash as
you say this incantation: "Heart's desire, caught in fire, turned
by thought to earth." Your intention corresponds to the fifth
element, spirit. After the fire has burned out, mix the water with the
ash. As you do so, say this incantation: "Earth and sea, blessed
be, your bounty springeth forth." The water completes the ritual so
that all five elements are used. With water you invoke the power of that
element and its strong emotional-psychic correspondences. Take the
ash-water and mix it with your potting soil, pour it in the hole you've
dug for your plant, or use it to water your plants after they are in the
ground or pot. Tend your plant(s) lovingly. They are the vessels of your
heart's desire. As your plant matures, use it's fruit, leaves, or seeds
in foods or decorative arrangements to continue the magical cycle. For
example, if you've planted tomatoes, make a spicy salsa to serve at a
party and watch the joy unfold! Blessed be!
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4. Spring is a time of birth and rebirth, of increasing
daylight and warmth, and of growth and planting. It is also a time of
spiritual renewal, rededication, and initiation. For students, the
spring school term is focused toward final examinations and graduation
ceremonies, which usually take place in late spring. Spring is very
"future-oriented." We are planting the seeds of our gardens
and of our destinies.
(a) March -- The third month of our calendar and the
first month of spring, March is named for Mars. Although Mars is a Roman
war-god, he is also the god of the land's fertility, of spring, and a
protector of cattle and vegetation. The astrological signs of Pisces and
Aries share March. The traditional birthstones of March are the
aquamarine and the bloodstone; the flower, the daffodil.
Festivals and
celebrations: March 21-22 (or thereabouts) is the Vernal Equinox, a
minor sabbat and the official beginning of spring. The festivals is
known as Alban Eilir, Ostara, the
Festival of Trees, and the Rite of Eostre. On this day, pagans and
witches light fires at sunrise, decorate hard-boiled eggs, sing songs,
and ring bells. If this sounds like the Christian Easter, that's because
the pagan holiday was integrated into the day celebrating the Risen
Christ. Easter this year is celebrated on March 31.
Important days:
On March 1, 1888, a group of ceremonial magicians founded the Hermetic Order of the
Golden Dawn, an occult secret society. March 3, the third day of the
third month, is considered magical because three is a charmed number.
March 13 is also very lucky because witches' covens usually have 13
members. March also has several notoriously unlucky days: the 6th and
7th, the so-called "perilous days." Although the Ides of March (the
15th) are infamous, the day was only unlucky for Julius Caesar. March 17
is St. Patrick's Day, a day of green beer consumption for most of the
U.S. March 24 is "the day of blood," a day of deep mourning
symbolized by self-mutilation. Ironically, it is followed by "Hilaria"
on March 25, the Festival of Joy. If you're exhausted by these
festivals, the 26th is the "Day of Solitude," a time for quiet
contemplation.
Gemstones and
herbs: The bloodstone,
also known as heliotrope, is a projective stone associated with the
element fire and the god Mars. It is associated with wealth, strength,
courage, victory, and agriculture. Bloodstone, a green chalcedony
flecked with red bits that look like splattered blood, is supposed to
magically halt bleeding. It was carried to overcome enemies in battle,
break bonds and locks, to open doors, and to cause walls to fall. When
smeared with the juice of the heliotrope flower,
the stone is said to give it's bearer the power of invisibility. The daffodil
is a feminine flower associated with the planet Venus and the element
water. It is used in fertility and luck magic. You might want to wear a
blossom next to your heart on the "perilous days" of March 6
and 7.
A Charmed
reference: In "Murphy's Luck," the Charmed Ones help
Maggie Murphy, a future whitelighter, fight fear and doubt sown by a
darklighter. The darklighter is hoping to deprive Maggie of her destiny
by causing her to have misfortunate accidents that lead her into
despair. While many Wiccans and witches don't accept the idea that a
person has either good luck or bad luck, many do embrace the idea of karma, a concept
that isn't easily and accurately summarized. With that caveat, its means
that your actions (in past, present, and future lives) shape who you are
and how life will flow around you. Negative actions in a past life might
draw misfortune on you in this life. How you react to that misfortune
can either help you burn away those karmic seeds or cause that
negativity to thrive. A person can transcend "bad luck" or
karmic misfortunes by trying to see the lesson in what happens and using
the experience for personal growth -- like Prue did. When Prue saved
Maggie, she became the darklighter's target and was almost driven to
kill herself by jumping from a bridge. Prue learned a lot from the
experience: The power of her sisters' love and that she had suppressed
her artistic talents. Sometimes it takes a near death experience before
a person finds his or her true path in life.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) This is a spell for a calm and compassionate heart. It's a
good spell to soothe frayed nerves and to help you be there for someone
who is sick or troubled and needs you. The spell is part kundalini yoga
and part witchcraft. First, use a ceremonial besom to "sweep"
negative energy from the room. Gather ivy (which wards against
negativity) and spring flowers, preferably white and yellow flowers like
forsythia, daffodils, and Star of
Bethlehem, and use them to make a circle large enough for you to sit
inside. Light a white candle and place it so that it is at eye level
when you are seated on the floor. Light a stick of your favorite incense
and then be seated inside the circle with your legs comfortably crossed
in front of you. With your left hand, pick up a blossom (and/or a piece
of amethyst) and press it to your heart. Lift your right hand up by your
shoulder and form the Guyan Mudra (a hand
gesture where your index finger touches your thumb). Let your eyes rest
gently on the candle flame, but let your mental focus be in your heart.
Breathe slowly and deeply through the nose. After each inhalation, hold
the breath for a moment and "lock it in" with this thought:
"May compassion fill and illuminate me." After each
exhalation, hold the breath out and banish negative energy with this
thought: "May love banish doubt and darkness." Continue the
meditation for at least three minutes. Imagine stress and fear and
sadness flowing out and away from you with each exhalation. Imagine love
and compassion flowing into you and through you and into the circle with
each inhalation. Imagine the energy within the circle becoming more
golden, more calm, more pure. That energy mingles with and becomes a
part of you and of the vegetation surrounding you. When you are through
meditating, gently tap your chest above the heart three times and say
"Blessed be." Gather up the flowers and greenery and use them
for a bouquet either for yourself or as a gift for someone who needs
you.
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(b) April -- The fourth month of our calendar and the
second month of spring, April is associated with last frost dates,
nourishing rains, and early flowers. T.S. Eliot called it the "cruelest
month," probably because the contrast between death and rebirth is
at its starkest when things are just sprouting. April is named for the
Roman love-goddess Aprilis, also known as Aphrodite. April is also
derived from the Latin word aperire, which means "to
open." April is shared by the astrological signs of Aries and
Taurus. The traditional birthstone is diamond; traditional flowers,
daisy and sweet pea. April is sacred to the deities Aphrodite, Venus,
Artemis, Astarte, Ying-Hua, and Terra.
Festivals and
celebrations: Many cultures conduct fertility festivals during
April. Some of the more noteworthy are: April 12, the festival of Cerealia.
For eight days, the Romans conducted rites in honor of Ceres, a goddess
of agriculture. April 15 is sacred to Tellus Mater, an earth goddess. A
cow is sacrificed in her honor to make the fields fecund. In Nepal, an
eight-week-long festival dedicated to Machendrana, a rain god, begins on
April 17.
Important days:
April 1 is April Fool's Day, a day for practical joking. April 5 is the
Festival of Kuan Yin, a Chinese goddess of compassion and healing. April
22 is "Earth Day" in the USA and in many other parts of the
world. Check out their website
for ways you can help save our environment.
Gemstones and
herbs: The diamond
is projective stone associated with the element fire and the sun.
Diamonds are worn to induce heightened states of consciousness and to
alleviate sexual dysfunction (perhaps why they are given as engagement
rings.) Diamonds are also associated with courage and strength and are
symbols of victory. Diamonds are also used for scrying. The daisy
is a feminine flower associated with the planet Venus and the element
water. It is used in magical rituals to induce love and lust.
A Charmed
reference: In "Lost and Bound" Cole gives Phoebe Grams'
ring as an engagement ring. Unfortunately, Grams cursed the ring,
perhaps to prevent herself from ever remarrying. The curse turned Phoebe
into a caricature of a 1950's TV housewife, which was terribly annoying
to everyone -- especially since she wasn't performing her witchly
duties. Diamonds are notorious for holding curses. The large, blue Hope diamond
is probably the most famous of these doomed stones.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) Spells often involve the use of ritual oils, potions, and
incense. Potions that you create yourself are the most potent because
you weave your thoughts into the concoction. Scott Cunningham's book The
Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews offers guidance on
making magical potions. Here's a recipe for a love oil: Add these
essential oils to 1/8 cup of an unscented oil base (e.g. almond oil): 7
drops palmarosa, 5 drops ylang-ylang, 1 drop ginger, 2 drops rosemary,
and one drop cardamom. Oils are typically used for anointing magical
implements, especial candles.
Not all oils are suitable as perfumes or bath oils. Some can cause
irritation, so be careful.
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(c) May -- The third month of Spring and the fourth month
of the year, May was named after the Roman Springtime goddess Maia. The
traditional birthstones of May are emerald and agate; the flowers, lily
and hawthorn. The astrological signs of Taurus and Gemini share this
month. The "merry, merry month of May" is one of the happiest
times of the year, full of flowers and festivals.
Festivals and
celebrations: The major sabbat of Beltane is
celebrated on May 1. "Beltane" is a combination of Celtic
words that mean "sky" and "fire." It is the wedding
day of the Stag Lord (the god) and the May Queen (the goddess). Their
coupling brings fertility to the land. Beltane is celebrated with
bonfires, dancing around the maypole,
games, and traditional foods. May 8 in Cornwall, England is "Furry Day,"
one of the oldest springtime festivals in the Western world. People
dance and celebrate the Horned God, bringing luck to their towns and
villages.
Important days:
May 4 is Fairy Day. Leave an offering of tea and cake at your doorstep
to keep these seldom-seen mischief makers from causing you trouble. On
May 14, Norwegians celebrate the Day of the Midnight Sun, ushering in a
ten-week period of near constant sunlight. On May 30, 1431, St. Joan of Arc
was burned at the stake for allegedly practicing witchcraft. According
to a prophecy, a maid from the oak wood (near a Fairy Tree) was to come
forth and save France by a miracle. May 31 is "triple blessing
day" to Buddhists. They decorate their homes with flowers and burn
incense to honor Buddha's enlightenment.
Gemstones and
herbs: Emeralds
are among the rarest and most expensive gemstones in the world. The
luminous green stone is receptive, associated with the planet Venus and
the element earth. Its magical powers include attracting money and love,
inducing psychism, and protecting against evil spirits. Hawthorn
is a dark green, thorny herbaceous shrub that blooms with white flowers
in May. During Beltane celebrations, hawthorn is used to decorate the
maypole, maidens' hair, and is tossed into bonfires as a kind of incense
and offering. Hawthorn is one of the fairy triad of trees: oak, ash, and
thorn. Where these three trees grow together, you might catch sight of a
fairy! Hawthorn also has medicinal properties and has been used to treat
certain heart ailments.
A Charmed reference: In the second season
episode "That Old Black Magic," the Charmed Ones help
"the chosen one," a teenage boy named Kyle, battle the evil
witch Tuatha. Tuatha, however, is neither a witch nor evil. Her name is
a reference to the Tuatha
de Danaan, the magical children of the goddess Danu and the sea
snake Ophion. The descendants of the Tuatha settled in Ireland, arriving
on a misty Beltane morning. The Tuatha had many great women warriors,
including Badb, Macha, Morrigu; and Eire, Fodla, and Banba, the
daughters of the Dagda. They would later become queens of Ireland and
each, for a time, gave the country it's name. Eire was the last one to
do so. The Tuatha allied themselves with the fairy folk, the Sidhe. The
Sidhe protected the Tuatha with magic that made their homes invisible.
Eventually the Tuatha merged completely with the Sidhe and retired to
that paradisical world called Tir-na-nog. Charmed explores fairy
magic and lore from time to time, and revisited the theme in the third
season episode "Once Upon a Time." In that episode, Prue and
Phoebe help a girl save a fairy princess from a gang of trolls.
Spells:
(Before you try any spells, read our warning about
spellcraft!) This isn't exactly a spell, but it is a delicious treat
that will help vanquish dreary thoughts or appease an angry fairy.
Here's the recipe for "Pots o' Love," a traditional Beltane
cookie-like cake:
Ingredients:
1 stick of very soft butter (less, for dryer cakes)
3/4 cup brown or raw sugar
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixed with a bit of blue cornmeal
1 teaspoon freshly ground coriander seeds
rose petal jam
Directions:
Mix everything (except the jam) together until smooth, adding flour as
needed so the cakes will keep their shape. Form the dough into balls
using about 2 tablespoons of the dough for each cake. Space them out on
a greased cookie sheet, and press a good-size "pot" into the
middle of each with your thumb or the handle of a spoon. Bake at 325
degrees until done, but not brown. If the pots rise out of the center of
the cakes, press the center back down with a spoon. Cooking time varies
with altitude. Check after 6-8 minutes. When the cakes are done (no
gooey insides), let them cool and then fill the center "pots"
with rose-petal jam or a light, fruity strawberry jam. Finish with a
dusting of powdered sugar. If you want to add a little magic to this
recipe, get up early on Beltane morning and gather the dew from the
leaves of plants. The magical dew is said to enhance a
woman's beauty. Add the dew to your recipe or to the jam. If you wish,
make up a magical intention, or, perhaps you should recite
something decidedly Celtic as you cook.
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5. A Warning About Spellcraft
(If you are
under 18, please consult your parents before attempting any kind of
spellcraft, including the spells presented here. Further, many books on
magic woefully fail to take into account that some practices involve the
use of candles, herbs and oils, and ceremonial weapons which could cause
injury, illness, or even death if improperly handled. For example: there
is a grave risk of fire in leaving lit ceremonial candles untended; even
dull knives and swords can cut; some herbs, like jimsomweed (the active
ingredient in the so-called witches' flying potion), can kill
you; and Oil of Abramelin will burn like heck if it gets in your eyes!
So, you should be wary of what you do and use common sense to protect
yourself, others, property, and the environment.)
When people
approach me with questions about witchcraft, most of the time what they
really want to know is how to cast a spell to get something life has
denied them. I try and politely tell my friends, especially those who
are devoutly Christian, that it's not a good thing to come to the
study of witchcraft (or any spiritual practice) because they want
something. They, of course, respond with: Well, I prayed for it, and I
didn't get it. My God didn't answer me, so, I figured I'd try
yours." I cringe deeply and try to explain to them that that's just
not the way it works. At least, not with the kind of witchcraft I
practice. Moreover, whenever you put yourself and your desire first, you
are opening wide the door to evil influence.
You need to know
that a spell is a specialized form of prayer, a thought-form made of
energy and intent. Like prayer, spells do work. The rituals associated
with spells are to help a witch raise and control spiritual energy.
Meditation, prayer, yoga, dance, even sex can do the same thing. Once a
witch has raised this spiritual energy, he or she invests that energy
with an intention. This is often done with an incantation. But it can be
done silently or through meditation on mental or actual images. Whatever
helps you focus your intent. Once the energy is charged with your
intent, it is then released into the world, let loose into that greater
matrix of energy, chi, the force, God, whatever you want to call it. And
then you wait. Sometimes you will immediately see results manifest in
your life. Sometimes not. Frequently a person does get results, but
because the result was something unexpected, the person doesn't realize
the spell has worked. You see, in the immortal words of the Rolling
Stones: "You don't always get what you want, but if you try
sometime, you just might find, that you get what you need." If you
really want to study spellcraft, read a couple of books about it first.
There's a lot more to it than just reading some words out loud. Here's a
good beginning book.
I believe the key
to successful spellcraft lies in humbling yourself to the powers that be
and asking for guidance. Put your God (or Goddess) first, not yourself.
Do a spell with reverence and thanksgiving. And (now, many witches and
other magical practitioner may disagree on this point), never ask for
anything too specific. If you do a spell to win Suzy's or George's love,
you may get it and discover that you've actually cursed yourself. Or,
you may only prolong a period of emotional suffering as you pine away
for someone you were not meant to have. If you are trying to cast a
spell to get another person's love, what you probably need more than
spellcraft is therapy. Because, you see, anytime you cast such a spell,
you are trying to control or manipulate the will of another. Not only is
that inherently a bad thing, it almost always backfires on you. Instead
of casting a spell for a specific person's love, ask that your heart be
guided to the right love. Or, ask that your spiritual or emotional
wounds be healed so that you are ready to enter a healthy and happy
relationship. And, if you need money, don't do a spell for that $450 you
need to pay the Visa bill. You may get into a car accident and,
amazingly, get a quick settlement that leaves you just that much richer.
Pray instead for better job opportunities or for new creative outlets
that allow you to prosper. Ask for growth, not immediate gratification.
And, unless you want to lose a bit of your soul or suffer the inevitable
backlash, never do a spell to hex or harm someone. Instead, do a spell
to protect or to separate yourself from that person.
Now, there are
many forms of magical practice where it's OK, or even preferable, to be
specific about what you want. Unfortunately, that kind of magic
typically requires conjuring an elemental or demonic spirit. And, I am not
going there. At least, not until I am properly trained and emotionally
mature enough to handle the consequences. But there are ceremonial
magicians (and even Christian exorcists) out there who have the mettle
and the expertise for that sort of thing. Personally, I think you have
to have a special calling for that kind of magic and I'd advise the
needy and lovelorn to stay very far away from it. That said, if you'd
like an interesting read on ceremonial magic, check out this link.
In the twelve years that I've experimented with the occult, I've
occasionally peeked through the peephole of that black door I keep
closed against the demonic world. What I have glimpsed beyond the
threshold is truly and deeply terrifying. It is the heart of darkness
that lives in every human soul. So, when you engage in spellcraft of any
kind, make sure that your intentions are pure. If your spell is borne
out of an intent to harm or even remotely to manipulate another, be
forewarned that you might be opening that black door. Remember: you are
responsible for your spiritual health and well-being. So, take care.
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6. Angels, Demons, and Elemental Spirits
One of the
questions I frequently get asked is: "Are demons real?" It's
funny. Nobody asks me if angels are real. We all just assume they are. I
suppose we want to believe that demons are fictional and that angels are
real for the same reason we want to think that our world is, for the
most part, a sane, stable, safe place -- the center of the known
universe. Well, it isn't any of those things. While there is some basic
order to the universe, it's very important to remember that all
of us are just flying through space on an unknown trajectory going
toward God only knows what, and really, really fast. And yes,
just like we might get whacked by a meteor at any minute, we might also
get whacked by evil. Evil is alive and well and living in the hearts of
human beings the world over. And random bad crap happens to good people
all the time, and for no apparent reason. So, I guess that's the long
way of saying the inquiry really should be: (a) Do spirits exist, and if
so: (b) what are they; (c) who are they; and (d) what do they want with
us? These questions are as old as mankind and the answers you get are
greatly shaped by the times, the history, the culture, and the religion
of the people who have posed these questions and attempted to answer
them. Know this: the truth on these issues is hard to come by. I'll
answer you the best I can with these caveats: I don't have a monopoly on
the truth. No one does. Anyone who says they do should be regarded with
scepticism and suspicion.
(a) Do spirits
really exist? Yes. I can answer this one unconditionally, from my
personal experience, which I will share later. However, don't believe
me. Rather, look at the extremely long history of accounts with spirits
in both religious and secular texts. The ancient Mesopotamians and the
modern Mormons have described angels in terms that are substantially
similar. Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and to Mohammed. Demonic
spirits have been cast out by ancient Jewish exorcists and by modern
psychiatrists. If this mass of lore isn't enough for you, talk to your
friends and family members. Someone close to you has probably seen,
heard, or felt something that he or she can't begin to explain. Of
course, many people believe that angels, demons and other spirits are
simply an expression of our collective unconscious, a psychological
phenomenon or an archetypal or mythical representation of our human
nature. That may be true. However, whether these spirits have an
external or a purely internal existence is beside the point. We feel
them, we see them, we hear them. That's real enough for me.
(b) What are
they? Those who subscribe to the view that angels and demons have an
external reality generally agree that they are incorporeal
creatures -- they lack a human, physical body. Agrippa
wrote that "[c]oncerning the bodies of angels, there is a great
dissension betwixt the late divines, and philosophers; for Thomas
affirms that all angels are incorporeal, even evil angels, yet that they
assume bodies sometimes, which after awhile they put off again."
These spirits may animate or possess a physical body for a time, but
they don't actually own one. Rather, angels and demons have a purely
etheric or spirit body. This body is sometimes called
"celestial" -- made of heavenly stuff. Or it is called
"elemental" -- made of one, or a mixture of a few, of the five
elements -- usually fire or air. We humans are made of all of the
elements in equal amounts. Angels and demons, however, are made
differently. Consequently, they have trouble interacting with us
directly. To put it in "scientific" terms, they are made of
energy that resonates on a different wavelength; they are out of phase
with us; they coexist in the same space and time but are, for the most
part, invisible to us. In our multidimensional
universe, I suppose it is possible that these creatures live just
beyond the three-dimensions of our five senses. Or, perhaps these angels
and demons are multidimensional extensions of ourselves. Or, perhaps, as
Agrippa said: They are "weaved of such bright threads, and so
small, that they transmit all the rays of our sight by their fineness,
and reverberate them with splendour, and deceive by their
subtlety." I've read numerous accounts of human interactions with
angels, demons, and other elemental spirits, and the general consensus
is that they are something altogether beyond normal, human existence.
They are, however, inextricably bound up with our existence for reasons
that most of us can only guess at.
(c) Who are
they? Well, that depends on who you ask. The big three religions
(Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) share an amazing concordance of
spirits. They agree on the personages of many archangels and demons. Of
course, the big three also demonize the gods of so-called heathen
peoples they find threatening and ignore the ones their prophets didn't
know about. For example, the one God of Muslims, Christians and Jews has
a historical antecedent
in El, the God of the ancient Canaanites; nevertheless, an aspect of El,
his son prince Baal, has been demonized as Baal-Zevuv, better known as Beelzebub, the
devil. And, you don't hear much preaching about the gods and spirits of
the east or, say, of the island people of the Pacific. How would the big
three classify Pele, the
volcanic goddess of Hawaii? Well, they wouldn't. You see, it's easier to
dismiss her by dismissing her worshippers as "primitives." Ah,
politics.
(i) Angels.
It seems to be human nature to anthropomorphize things we don't
understand. Consequently, we think angels are not too unlike ourselves:
having hands, faces, bodies, and gender. Perhaps because our society is
so patriarchal, we also think of most angels as being male -- with
Gabriel being one of the few exceptions to this. Most scholars on the
subject agree, however, that angels are not sexual, they lack gender,
and they take on a human form simply so we may relate to them. It is
also human nature to classify things. Even though our knowledge of
angels is probably severely flawed, our religious scholars have managed
to classify
angels into "hierarchies"
or "kingdoms," much as our botanists have done with plants.
Some suggest the angelic kingdom can be broken down into nine choirs, each
comprised of a class of angelic spirits: guardian angels, archangels,
principalities, powers, virtues, dominions, thrones, cherubim and
seraphim. The seraphim are closest to God and the ordinary angels
closest to us. We are familiar with the some of the archangels, Michael,
Raphael, Gabriel, Uriel, and a few others. These principal players are
mentioned frequently in religious texts. Michael is so
revered that many children are named after him. There are many other
angels named in less traditional texts, angels like Sandalphon
and Metatron,
for example. There are the angels of the cabbala and of Enochian magic
and there are the aerial spirits of the Theurgia.
Not all of the Theurgic spirits are "good." For example,
Carnesiel, a "dominion" and the chief spirit of the east, has
been known to wreak some havoc with the assistance of his 60 billion
dukes. The number of angels does indeed seem to be prodigious, which is
a good thing since there seems to be a demon out there for each of them.
(ii) Demons.
We seem to have a firmer grasp on who the demons are. That we are so
sure of their identities should tell you something. Many of our demons
are really just ideas, people, or the gods and spirits of other cultures
that we've demonized because we hate or fear them. Take a look at this
guy, for example: Baphomet.
Now, doesn't he look like evil incarnate? Well, that image was most
likely meant to represent the life force generally and not evil
specifically. It's amazing that demons are so often represented by
horned beasts. This is probably due to the fact that many pagan
religions have a horned god that represents the male procreative power.
Sexuality. Lust. What you fear and can't control is often repressed and
demonized. Perhaps this is why our patriarchal society also has so many
female demons: Lilith,
the succubus, harpies,
furies, sirens and
banshees. The list is long. If you'd like to take a tour of the demon
world, Donald Tyson's "A Plague of Demons"
is an entertaining and scholarly resource.
(iii) Other
Elemental Spirits. Many people recognize a variety of spirits that
can't really be categorized as angels or demons. Kokopeli, for example,
is an ancient Hopi trickster spirit who plays a beautiful flute song and
occasionally seduces women. Muslims recognize creatures called jinn (genies),
incorporeal spirits that are neither angel nor demon. And, of course,
there are the devas,
the elemental spirits of earth (gnomes), fire (salamanders), air
(sylphs) and water (undines). Pans, pygmies, faeries, dwarves, dryads,
maenads and a host of other creatures fall into this category.
(d) What do
they want? That's a good question -- the question, perhaps.
Unless you've actually been visited by an angel or a demon and are able
to give a firsthand account, it's best that you take everything you hear
about them with a shaker of salt. For the most part, I think angels and
their relatives are trying to help us evolve, to lift us up closer to
God. All of us. They are always giving us good news, warning us
away from danger, protecting us from the wickedness of our fellow man,
or trying to reveal God's love for us. I think much of what we know
about angels (and the messages they've given us) has been revealed to us
imperfectly, or as St. Paul said: "through a glass darkly."
We're dense, deaf beings compared to them. I suppose it's like they are
trying to teach a third-grader quantum mechanics over the telephone. I
imagine it must be terribly frustrating for them. Fortunately, they seem
to have infinite patience. Whether intentionally or inadvertently, I
don't think we humans have recorded what they've said accurately or put
their counsel to the best use. We've all too often used their words,
like we've used our religions, to further our own selfish causes.
Demons, I believe, are also quite misunderstood. I think what they want
most is to live. I do believe demons can be perceived as real,
individuated forces of darkness, entropy and destruction; but, I don't
believe they possess the malignant craftiness and power we've ascribed
to them. If what most scholars write about demons is true, they are
beneath humans, less than us. They are things we can master. I believe
they are the the distorted reflections of our bestial natures. Demons
only have power when we energize them through the irresponsible exercise
of our free will -- through fear, hatred, cowardice, and greed. With
every hateful act, we breathe life into them. When we fall into moral
and spiritual decay or mental weakness, we invite them to possess us. We
empower them when we make them scapegoats for our misdeeds. When we do
something really bad or really stupid, it is convenient to blame it on a
demon. However, every time we fail to take responsibility and blame our
failings on the devil, we make it strong. Also, if we really dislike
certain people, we "demonize" them, paint them as subhuman
creatures that must be destroyed "in the name of good."
Whenever we do this, we breathe life into demons, we give them purchase
in our souls. We must never forget that the real architects of evil in
this world are human beings. Demons are just the eager workers we employ
to build our Hell on earth.
(e) Communing
with Spirits. I believe you can commune with elemental spirits by
doing things that resonate with their energy. For example, living in
harmony with nature -- tending a garden, composting, recycling,
conserving fuel resources -- puts you in touch with devic energy. I have
a friend who is an avid outdoorswoman and naturalist who told me she saw
a faerie while hiking the Appalachian
Trail. I don't doubt her. I also think that if you lead a good life,
that if you are compassionate to your fellow man, that you are walking
with the angels and, consequently, might just bump into one. And, I
think that wicked people draw demons to them. Of course, it's also
possible that demons might try to tempt a good person and angels might
try to help the wicked. In a world where free will supposedly reigns,
however, I subscribe to the theory that we choose what energy we attract
to us. And, the extent to which we experience that energy depends on how
open our minds are to it. When I was a young child, I was scheduled to
have major surgery to remove a large tumor from my armpit. I said my
prayers the night before I was supposed to go under the knife. I was
very naive and thus had a sincere and unshakeable belief in angels. I
was sure that the angels would heal me. I awoke in the middle of the
night and saw several hazy, blue beings of light standing around my bed.
Thinking the angels were there to heal me, I happily went back to sleep.
The next morning, my tumor was gone. Everyone was stunned. I told my Mom
on the way home that the angels had healed me. Mom said: "Honey,
angels aren't real. They are just characters from the Bible." I
haven't seen one since (though I have forgiven my Mom). I have however,
especially in recent years, begun again to feel their presence. Open
your mind and your heart and you will sense them, too.
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Last Updated 2/24/2002
