What is a witch spell? A witch spell is an energy that is created and channelled by you, either on your own or in a group, in order to effect a change and make something happen. That 'something' could be very personal (to bring love into your life) or more broad (to help with the season's harvest - not so common nowadays!). It can be expressed in words and rituals or in quiet contemplation. You build a witch spell's power from mentally projecting your faith, feelings and visualisations but you can also intensify this power with the use of materials such as candles, incense, crystals and herbs. Are Wiccan Spells Different to Witch's Spells? Not necessarily as both centre around very similar...
How to Cast Spells
The growth of the self development industry has moved people towards taking control of their own lives and this also relates to the world of magic and witchcraft. Spell casting would have been a controversial topic years ago, but it appears that many people are taking ownership of their personal development and connecting with their personal power. Here is a very simple format for doing all rituals: Create a serene environment in your own space where ever that may be and where you won't be disturbed. Visualise a circle of white light around you. Next, invite the four directions, or quarters, north, south, east and west. See them as earthy, fiery, airy and watery beings. Then, a candle of intention...
Days of the Week Correspondences
This is a treatment about the corresponding days of the week which are good for casting spells or performing rituals: Monday (Moon) This day is ruled by lunar energy, psychic abilities (clairvoyance) and pursuits, dream work, spellwork involving emotional, family, and feminine issues; astral work and projection, and scrying (looking into the invisible or nether world by gazing at or into a crystal ball, pool of water, or blackened mirror for knowledge, intuition, and to predictthe future), childbirth, and general domestic spirituality. Biological influence: Brain, left eye, digestion, right arm, and intestines. Tuesday (Mars) This day is ruled by the God of War who also is the God of Agriculture-two...
Using Spells to Return a Lover
The type of spell or spells used to return a lover will depend on the circumstances. Did the breakup result strictly from fighting? A spell to repair and heal the issues would be in order. Alternately, did the breakup result from a new romantic partner? In that case, more aggressive measures might be warranted. However, for almost any situation there are options and combinations of spells available that will get the job done. In the case of a romantic rival, it is almost essential to use more than one spell. In cases like this, spells are needed both for returning your lost partner as well as knocking out the new guy or girl. This is because, as long as the romantic rival is still in the picture...
What to Include in Your Fire Spells
Fire spells are popular because they appeal to our most primal impulses. Fire evokes fear and excitement in equal measure and we are certainly in awe of its power. Fire has also of course given us a whole new way of life from the moment making it was discovered! So no wonder we are drawn to it and have a desire to connect with its force. Fire spells allow us to just that. To Pagans, Wiccans and witches fire is one of the main universal elements, there also being water, air and earth. Many festivals have fire spells at the heart of their celebrations. So how can you bring fire spells into your own spell work? This is actually a lot simpler than it may seem as it is a very flexible element to use...
Creating and Casting Spells
It is easier than you think to devise, write and cast Spells. As with anything in life, research, care, and attention to detail will always bring good results. Intention Decide on the intention of the Magic Spell. What do you hope to gain or manifest by your Spell Casting. What specific goal are you aiming for? Bear in mind that your Magic Spell must be for a positive purpose with harm to none. Any mischievous or malicious intent will backfire upon you three-fold. Correspondences Everything possesses elemental energy that corresponds to the elements of Fire, Earth, Air, Water or Spirit. The term "correspondences" refers to the appropriate classification of many Spell ingredients, objects, timings...
Love Spells Are Not Bad - The Facts About Love...
When researching love spells online you can't help but run into naysayers who disapprove of the use of spells to create love. Despite the fact that romance spells have been a staple of magic for millennia, a sort of modern dogmatism has arose that denounces their use. However, spells to promote love are effective and do have a proper place in the magical community. Love spells, if cast correctly, are not harmful for the caster, the target, or the client. They can repair broken relationships, mend wounded hearts, and bring true love. A leading criticism of spells that bring love is that any love created by the use of magic is not really true love. This misconception may have arisen in the confusion...
At first I thought to give you a blueprint on how to get your spells to work, but we all know that spiritualism, energy and with all aspects of magick you cannot possibly give a handover that will work for everyone! You don't have to believe in Magick but many for centuries have and Hollywood certainly does! If you're reading this article you obviously believe to some degree that magick does work so by no means do not read any further if you are looking on being convinced. I've met people from all over and many ask why didn't their spell work, how much longer will it take or ask even the biggest question DOES MAGICK WORK?! From the surface I will tell you that if your magick did not work, it may...
The use of candles can assist us in leading...
Magic appears to remain a mystery and continues to receive a negative response from many people due to the many years of misunderstanding of the term. In fact magic is simply an art which can be used to influence events. Unfortunately it has been used in many negative ways and as a result people have related it to being solely used for Black Witchcraft and Devil Worshiping. Candle Magic is a simple means of magic art and it can produce results without the use of complex and sophisticated language or equipment. We have been using candle magic unknowingly for many years. People use it during dinners, in church and of course we can all remember only too well blowing out the candles on our ninth...
All About White Magic Love Spells
In learning all about white magic love spells, you will see that they are the most popular type of love spell to cast. In fact, about 85% of spell casters only cast spells consisting of white magic. However, searching for a caster that uses only white magic may be difficult, as some do not categorize magic in such a way. They use any kind of spell work they can in order to help different situations. White magic love spells are said to heal and help, and definitely not to harm and create obstacles. When a spell does not harm anyone or anything, then can it be considered to be white magic. This kind of love spell can help people fall in love happily and more intensely. Rituals for this type of magic...
Love Spells - Effective Spells to Find Love the...
Fairy tales often begin with "Once upon a time" and end with "and they lived happily ever after". In real life, there are no such guarantees. Prince Charming rarely ever arrive when you need him most, and the other thing that life and fairy tales have in common are the wicked witches. So why not counter their magic with a few good spells of your own with Wiccan magic? Rituals and Spells Yes, Animal Sacrifices No You will need some components to work out a Wicca Spell, but you don't need to look for a live goat. Not in this day and age anyhow. Wicca spells are based on the belief that every object has an inherent power that can be tapped and can cause effect on another. The key to casting a...
Magic Ritual Spells, Do They Work?
ind of magic that is performed in a ritual is done so with the use of spells. Though no one actually knows if it works. Magicians who perform magic in this form usually make use of a memorized script with the appropriate spell, activity and motions that should be done. Those who practice the occult have claimed that performing this type of magic is a lot more similar to car driving. If the directions are followed appropriately, you could actually get to your destination and so the magic could work. But still, there is no one hundred percent guarantee. Current witches who practice Wicca magic have in their possession a book of spells. This book has specific and sometimes complex directions for...
The Encyclopedia of Religion defines a religion as "the organization of life around the depth dimensions of experience - varied in form, completeness and clarity in accordance with the environment of the culture". Practitioners of Wicca are believed to be descendants of the Ancient Druids who were priests and healers who created an environment where people celebrated nature and believed that everything in nature including humans were sacred and powerful. This practice began in earlier times when human beings were hunter-gatherers. Their rituals were associated with Fire, hunting, breeding of animals, preserving nature and healing. Wiccans are believed to have originated from the Celtic region...
How To Cast A Spell With No Negative Karma
The Wiccan Rede states that all practitioners of Wicca are free to do what they will, unless their actions shall cause harm to anyone. Wiccans do not believe in an external entity that judges them at the end of their lives. They believe that they will see the fruits of their action in this lifetime itself. This is decried by the Three Fold Law which states that each of our actions will be returned three-fold by the Universe. This means that if we perform positive actions that benefit others, we will receive three times as many positive experiences; conversely, if we hurt anyone else, we do receive our punishment by being on the receiving end of multiple negative experiences. Our soul is considered...
Cast A Spell With Free Love Spells
Spell casting works only if it benefits you for a higher cause and helps you spiritually. One thing that you must realize before you decide to cast free love spells is that this easy love spell can harm you, if it is meant to harm someone or cause problems in someone's life. So make an informed decision and do not intend to harm anyone, or you would wish you had never cast it. Free Love Spells And Making Them Work It is common belief that if you dedicate yourself to a cause, you will succeed. But, you need to be careful with your choice. Choose your words carefully and control your thoughts. You do not want anything to go wrong in your life just because of a negative thought. Again, free love spells...
The Lesser Sabbats
The Lesser Sabbats are festivals observed by Wiccan and Neopagan groups throughout the world. There is a wide diversity as to which groups or individuals celebrate any given Sabbat and many do not observe them all. The Sabbats in general are linked to Wicca Witchcraft and the Wheel of the Year which was founded and established by its founder Gerald Gardner in the 1950's. The actual festivals themselves have been around for centuries but it was not until Wicca Witchcraft formalized them into the Wheel of the Year that they gained more prominence in today's society. The Lesser Sabbats are also referred to as quarter days, minor Sabbats or Sun Sabbats. Quarter days are based on the position of the sun...
If you are a magical practitioner you would probably be following the traditional Pagan Calendar. If not- and this is something that has interested you, read on because the following will explain the importance of each key wicca and pagan festivals so that you can plan your festivities in advance. The Wheel of the year brings about many Sabbats celebrated by many practitioners throughout the year. There are eight main Sabbats that are celebrated via companionship of others or in solitude. Each festival offers a new beginning, a new passage and a new change for the new year. The natural world and its seasons plays an important part in the celebrations as it marks the closeness between faith and...
Four Winds
Four winds blow. Four winds burn. Four winds moisten. Four winds anchor. As the Wheel of the Year turns, it begins in the East where we are opened and inspired by Spring's fresh breezes blowing through our hair and across our skin. We are cleansed and purified by the sensations of renewal and rebirth. The winds of the Equinox smell of new life, readying for entry as the Sun shines higher in the sky and the days begin to elongate as slowly and surely as the babes make their way into this world. Moving past Beltane, the Wheel continues into the Southern Fires of Summer. Purifying us with the heat of transformation, this fire meets the energy inside our bodies allowing us to digest and accept...
"Tigres of the Night" - Author Robert...
The life of an Amazonian tribal community is brilliantly brought to understanding by the writings of Robert W. Howe as he followed the true story of Juan & Amalia Arcos, lay-missionaries and naturalists living in the rainforests along the Amazon. In the mid 1900's Juan Arcos studied to become a priest under the direction of Father Peter Vosa, a man who had guided him for the past fifteen years of his life. With much prayer and careful consideration, Juan eventually decided not to become a priest. This decision was difficult for him, but God lead him to become a teaching missionary instead. He felt strongly that God wanted him to work with the local tribal people called the Shuar, because he had...
Caribbean Spiritual Retreats
The hustle and bustle of modern life are enough to make anyone long for a little relaxation every now and then. Add a touch of divine inspiration, a dash of introspection, and an ample dose of healthy living and you've got a spiritual retreat. While spiritual retreats can be found all over the world, the tranquil beauty of the Caribbean provides an ideal backdrop for those in search of rest and rejuvenation. Yoga retreats take place throughout the Caribbean. Most retreats last about a week and typically include numerous yoga sessions, meditation, vegetarian and other healthy cuisine, and time to relax. Massage may be offered as well, and there's always time for excursions to nearby attractions. For...
Music Review of BODHi Devin Setchko's Trans...
BODHI Kevin Setchko has a gorgeous, dynamic new release available. Trans Ukraine is BODHI's second new release in the past couple of years. His first, Shamanic Flute, is a meditative masterpiece of improvisational solo flute and is perfect for quiet meditation, yoga or massage. Having said that, my primary focus in this review is Trans Ukraine, a hypnotic, flute-based world groove romp through mysterious alleyways and spice-scented bazaars. An exquisite choice for dancing the night away, or perhaps lingering eye gazing by the fire with your sweetie, Trans Ukraine is the perfect antidote to SSDD (same stuff, different day) syndrome. Trans Ukraine was conceived and birthed in Ukraine in September...
Wonderful, Magickal, Mustika-Pearls Part 1
Mustika-Pearls and bezoar stones from animals, plants and natural events. Mustika-pearls are the stones of legend possessing magickal virtues. Referred to in ancient Hindu scriptures. Freaks and anomalies are found abound in Nature and her creations--if we would just look for them. "Mustikas" or "Magickal Pearls" having their origin in animals and plants are just some of Nature's curiosities hardly known or mentioned in the literature of the Occident, accept perhaps in faerie tales. It is different in the East, however. Pearls, other than those originating from oysters are mentioned in the Hindu scripture, "Sri Garuda Purana," where it explains the powers of several...
Best Character Class in World of Warcraft
You have eight classes to choose from when you are playing World of Warcraft but how are you going to decide which class that you want to create a character? Of course, each class has its own benefits and disadvantages and you will have to understand each and every one of it before you decide, if possible. So, the classes available are rogues, warriors, warlocks, hunters, shamans, paladins, priests and mages. Rogues is possibly the best class for some players. The reason is because Rogues kill mob faster than any other classes. As such, you get to level faster. Warriors would be the best tanks and if you want some adventure, pick this class. Warriors are great in PvP especially if you are a caster...
The elemental shaman in player vs. player operates as a hybrid class with its specialization towards damage dealing and is very difficult to perform on such par with a pure DPS classes like the rogue or warlock. But that does not mean that it is not possible to excel in pvp combat using shaman. The every important thing to remember about shamans is that they are made for teamwork. Their spells as well as totems perform a myriad of such abilities which some of it can enhance the effectiveness of their party members. The following are the elemental shaman guide that will really help you on understanding more about what all elemental shamans should do. Click Here To Find Out How You Can Increase Your...
If you’re leveling a Shaman, you basically have 2 choices: An Elemental Shaman Build or Enhancement Shaman Build. As far as the best Shaman leveling build is concerned, it would be wise to go with an Elemental Shaman. This Shaman Leveling Spec have extremely high burst damage (in the and-game it has the highest burst damage of all classes/builds). Stay away from Restoration build because of the lack of damage output. Level as Restoration ONLY if you intend to do instances a lot or leveling in a group (although I don’t really recommend). What talents to choose for Shaman leveling spec? In my experience the best spec looks like this: Elemental Talent Tree Convection 3/5 Concussion 5/5 Call of...
I remember back in the day when I first made my Orc Shaman. This was before the Burning Crusade expansion, and I can remember leveling him as restoration using a 1 handed mace and a shield. I have learned a lot since those days. With Wrath of the Lich King out now, my shaman has seen a lot of nerfs and buffs. Read below for my Shaman WotLK look into the 3 different raiding talent specializations. *special note: (if you are looking for leveling specs, these raiding specs will work, just add points as you level.) #1 Needed Shaman WotLK Spec - Restoration 0/16/55 When you first decide that raiding is going to be for you at level 80 as a Shaman the one most needed spec that will pop out is going to be...
A Basic Elemental Shaman PVP Strategy
The Elemental Shaman in PvP situations functions as a hybrid class with a specialization towards damage-dealing, and is therefore difficult to perform on par with pure DPS classes like the Rogue or Warlock. However, that does not mean that it is impossible to excel in PvP combat using a Shaman. The most important thing to remember about Shamans is that they are designed for teamwork. Their totems and spells perform a myriad of abilities, some of which can enhance the effectiveness of their party members. This is common knowledge for the PvE scene, but it is also important in PvP. The following advice will help you to understand more about what all Elemental Shamans should do in PvP scenarios. Tip #1...
The subject of Witchcraft has fascinated people for literally thousands of years. For the first one thousand years of Christianity, the "new" religion of those times, traditional witchcraft existed happily alongside it. In fact, many of the early Christian priests served double duty, also being priests of the Old Religion and leaders of the Pagan worshipers. Religion and magic have been decisively associated from humankind's very beginnings. Traditional Witchcraft was not originally considered a religion in itself, but rather a practice. In Western Europe, the Pagan religious beliefs incorporated belief in, and worship of, a God and Goddess who were closely attuned to nature and to the earth itself...
The Misconceptions Of Pagan Symbols
Most of the symbols used in Wicca remain obscure to the uninitiated, the uninformed and the uninterested. There are some however that have become fairly well known but because of mis-understandings, mis-associations and mis-interpretations, have fallen into bad repute. Religious intolerance and dogmatism on the part of some non-pagan groups exacerbates the matter. The Pentagram, the Moon and the Mano Cornuto (Horned Hand) are probably those best known by the general public and will be discussed in this article. All of these Wiccan symbols are erroneously associated with Satanism in spite of the fact that Wicca and Satanism are two completely different religions. Many a treatise has been written on...
How to Access Spirit and Receive Guidance on a...
From a shamanic perspective, one of the most powerful ways to connect with Spirit is by having personal power. Everything you do and everything you achieve rests on your personal power. If you have enough of it, just one idea can be enough to change the course of your life. Personal power is a force within all of us that enables us to achieve our greatest dreams and to live extraordinary lives. It requires having enough internal energy. Ancient wisdom teaches that to achieve extraordinary results in life we must build up our energy, our personal power. We were all born with a vast amount of energy that, if not depleted, can absolutely be used to create amazing changes in our lives. The problem is...
"Seek truth in meditation, not in moldy books. Look in the sky to find the moon, not in the pond." - Persian proverb Since the beginning of time human kind has used meditation techniques to search for answers from both within and without. Until recent years, entering extraordinary states of heightened receptivity and peak performance has been attained predominantly by only a disciplined few, practicing ancient techniques such as meditation, chanting, yoga, and newly revamped versions of the mystical traditions - for example, progressive relaxation, auto-suggestion, hypnosis, and biofeedback. These techniques work. But they take long periods of practice, discipline, and sometimes a leap of faith. It...
Magical Kindergarten
In the pursuit of esoteric, magical or shamanic training, there is something that must be explained to all prospective and interested students. It's a condition created in our instant-gratification society by movies such as Harry Potter or "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." In these movies the high arts of advanced sorcery, magick and wizardry are taught from the beginning. Harry Potter goes to school and is immediately taught alchemy, transforming objects from one form to another. He can fly on a broomstick right away. In "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," almost all the characters know some form of Kung-Fu, and can levitate and fight with a great degree of skill. While all of this makes for great...
How to Work with Power Places to Heal Yourself...
When we first start out on the path to awakening our true self, most if not all of our energy is tied up in false beliefs that limit our perception of the world and who we really are. To break free from the trap of our beliefs takes awareness, knowledge and energy, all things that we initially don't have. What most of us fail to realize is that we are standing on an almost infinite source of energy and knowledge that is always available and willing to help us: the earth. Ancient shamanic-based societies, such as the Toltec of Mexico and the Incas of Peru, knew this very well. Living close to the land enabled them to learn and draw energy from the earth to expand their perception and remove the...
What Does "Get Out of the Box" Mean?
This article is about methods of getting out of the box, or expanding awareness so that you can make changes in your life. I say this expression all the time. I put it in advertisements. I use it in conversations. Being "in the box" means having an extremely limited perception of what is real. It means the person depends on his or her personal experiences of visual reality to shape their choices. You've probably also heard the term "I'll believe it when I see it". This declaration is probably one of the most limiting belief statements that a person can make. The visual reality of a human being is extremely small. Just think of how many people you know that have poor eyesight. They need glasses or...
A Quest for Understanding and Connection - Part 1
My story is everybody's story. My journey is remarkable, as a spiritual journey always is, but it is an experience available to all people. I consider myself to be an average American with average problems, but with a divine connection to Spirit. I love Spirit and I love life. I believe that one has everything to do with the other. But my life has not always been this way for me. I suffered a great deal in my youth, as is the case for many individuals, and have spent most of my adult life healing from things that happened to me as a child. In the process of my own healing, I became intrigued with the concept of healing. I studied life from the perspective of science, psychology, indigenous cultures...
There are so many expressions in our culture to exemplify the power our ancestors have in our lives, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree" or "The Sins of the Father are passed to the children" which is taken from a biblical passage. So what does this mean for us? Can we expect to make the same mistakes our relatives did? Not necessarily. We can make different choices. We do carry our ancestors with us in a deep way. Chinese medicine speaks of something that is called our ancestral chi (energy). My friend and acupuncturist Lisa Gibilie offered this information: In the area of the crown chakra is the acupuncture point known as Bai Hui, "one hundred meetings." This is a point that is physically...
"body"> I believe one of the most amazing gifts of this life of the challenges, and inner and outer, that we're given to propel us into growing as human beings. While we're spiritual beings, to try to evade the fact that we're also human is to ignore why we're here to begin with and also to lose the possibility of truly enjoying the gift of being totally and completely human and spiritual at the same time. As a healer, I've often found it's a deep seated need to heal the calls people to their path. Illness - physical, mental and spiritual - and human pain are often the impetuses for finding that which you are truly called to do, and when soul calls your human part to change, it's hard not to listen...
A Balanced Look at Cold
Many of us are also outwardly or privately grumping about how miserable we feel when cold dominates our weather, so I thought I would bring a little balance to all this. Yes cold does have benefits so if you want to become more accepting of it and less whiny about it, keep on reading. In Wellness traditions cold is recognized as having energizing, invigorating, blood pressure stabilizing, immune enhancing, pain reducing, and mood lifting powers - it has the ability to help the body balance and heal itself. Many of you do understand how cold can wake you up in the morning when you crawl out from under the warm blankets and into a less than warm shower - beats caffeine every time! Feeling sleepy at...
No one really knows how old the Tarot actually is. Some say 500 yrs. old and some depict the images and symbols as dating back to 1 BC, if not further. As the faces of the cards have changed over the centuries, so too has their purpose. Our modern day society always tends to portray a gypsy-type individual doing fortunetelling with the cards; which is a stereotype that is far-stretching the real purpose and intent of the Tarot. And with that stereotype typically it is associated as a negatively aspected subject matter and often times deemed "evil" or "dangerous". I've even heard them referred to as "Devil Cards". How sad and unfortunate that so many individuals are close-minded and are unwilling to...
Five Formulas for Committing to Success!
1. Clear vision + Intention + Purpose + Focus = Success! A vision is many things: the original blueprint of the successful outcome you desire, a thought picture turned into visual action, a full expression of you! If you are given a vision, then it is within your power to make it happen, if you choose. You would not have been given the vision without the ability to make it come true. Visions are so powerful, it is essential that you know exactly what you are visioning and why. Intention and purpose are partners. Your purpose, or mission, must also be very clear and firm. Your integrity is bound closely with this pair. If it is your intention to truly make your dreams materialize, then a...
Freedom From Stupidity
Paul has been talking about our freedom in Christ, that in Christ people are free from superstition and godless cultural practices. He began this section in chapter eight talking about various food prohibitions and practices as an example of Christian freedom. He had elsewhere discussed the fact that Christians are free from the Old Testament food laws. Here he showed that Christians are also free from pagan food practices. What made the Old Testament food laws binding was the power of God. And what freed people from those Old Testament food laws was the power of Christ. Here he argues that only God has spiritual power, and God has given all spiritual authority and power to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28...
-> It's that time of year again. Vampires, ghouls, ghosts and skeletons will be haunting our doorways. American retailers celebrate a 5 billion dollar a year candy, card and costume business ($1.5 billion in Canada). But, Halloween is not just a time for cornstalks, pumpkins, apples and cute and not-so-cute costumes. There is much, much more. Before deciding to celebrate or not celebrate any holiday, it is important to understand the history of that holiday. Before we look at the history and what the Bible says about pagan holidays answer these questions: * How would you feel if your spouse kept photos of his or her former girlfriend of boyfriend? * How would you feel if he or she celebrated an...
Getting to the Heart of Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is coming up in a few days but I'm betting you know that already. Probably completely prepared, right? Me? I got some ideas working. Might head out to the mall. Pick up a box of candy. Everyone loves sweets and one size fits all unless you've got will power issues. Maybe one of those red velvet cards... Who am I kidding? I'm never prepared for Valentine's Day because I don't get it. Every year Valentine's Day comes around and every year I feel like I'm being slapped with a romance subpoena demanding that I declare my love and my savings to everyone I've ever met. I have to buy cards and gifts for my children to give to their classmates, their teachers, their friends, their...
Advent Candles Light the Nights
The advent candles have a great history within the church history. They are in integral part of the advent wreath and to focus on the season of Advent itself. The use of the Advent candle reaches back to the 8th century. The origins of the advent wreath and in kind the advent wreath are sketchy although many agree that there was the use of a wreath in German and the wheel of candles of the Scandinavian countries that used the advent candle to light the long nights. Candles were initially used in pagan worship but the Church has taken many pagan rituals. Incense was also used in the pagan tradition but the church embraced these elements when they were working toward converting the early Christians...
Christianity and Tattoos
A man who owns a tattoo shop located downtown contacted me. More about him in a moment. After reading his response, I couldn't seem to get the subject of tattoos and body piercings out of my head. I recalled a British minister - a man in his late 50's at the time - testifying that the Lord had directed him to pierce an ear in the fashion of the bond servant referred to by the apostle Paul. Such a servant would have his ear pierced his master as a sign that he would serve him forever. When this minister obeyed, he claimed that many more young people were attending his meetings as a result. After a class I was teaching, an attendee mentioned to me that his Christian son showed up on a construction...
Irish Celtic Jewelry - The Mystique and...
It is safe to say most of us enjoy receiving gifts. We might even enjoy buying gifts for our loved one, but to find something special, beautiful, useful, meaningful and most importantly something that particular person can enjoy - well it can be just plain tricky. It is also safe to say that to buy something for people you are closest to is the trickiest of all. It does defy all logic - you know these people, what they like and do not like. But let me ask you - how many times have you chosen a gift for your wife/mother/friend and were feeling pretty proud of yourself and your choice only to see a) their face drop when they open a gift and b) a gift you have so thoughtfully chosen stashed away...
About the History Behind Halloween
Halloween is one event that has been celebrated by our ancestors, their ancestors, and then also their ancestors as well, maybe with the same pomp glory that we do it today. In fact, the history of Halloween stretches to well about 3000 years. This along with many other traditional wisdom associated with Halloween is what this article is all about. Such facts will come in handy for you to start a conversation with a party guest that you've been keen to meet with. Or, if its you who is hosting the party, you can make booklets adorned with Halloween icons, Gothic fonts or scary photos for your guest that will serve as simple party favors. So, lets explore the long and interesting history that makes up...
The Spring Equinox and Pagan Celebrations
In astronomical terms, the spring equinox (also vernal equinox or March equinox) is the precise point in the year when the earth's axis is tilting neither towards nor away from the sun and it is directly above the equator. This makes the time that the sun spends below and above the horizon equal. In fact the word equinox is the combination of the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night) which means to us on earth that day and night will be exactly equal. For the spring equinox, the sun is progressing northwards - although bear in mind I'm writing this with a northern hemisphere bias as that's where I'm located. For our friends in the southern hemisphere, this will all be the other way round. So...
Do Witches Really Ride Broom Sticks?
Do Pagans and Witches really fly on brooms? This is the question most often asked by younger children who I have met. With the advent of "The Harry Potter" series showing the wizards flying across the fields in a "Quidditch" match, one can understand the question. What amazes me is the many Pagans and Wiccan's that do not know the symbolic meaning of the broom from the Old Religion. In the Old Religion, as in organizations like the Masons, the use of ordinary working items were used as symbolism in many rituals and meetings. Probably, without a doubt, the most least understood, yet most well known, is that of the broom. From ancient times the broom was a symbol of domestic order and domestic bliss...
Dianic Witchcraft: The History and the Tradition
Starhawk's New Moon Chant for Diana: "Waxing, waxing, growing, growing, Diana's power is flowing, flowing." Growth of the pagan movement during the mid 20th Century was strongly supported by the rapidly escalating feminist movement of that time. The 1950s marked a 100 years of campaigning for women's rights and the refusal to be treated by society as second rate citizens. Women were asserting their rights and finding their voices. Some went as far as to cut men out of their lives totally. Commune-style, female only communities emerged. These communities were creative, non-hierarchical, spontaneous, non-violent, pro-earth, and pro-woman. Spiritually, there was no compatibility with the hierarchical...
The Beginnings Of Modern Wiccan Identity
In the 1950s, a retired UK government employee named Gerald Gardner declared that he had been initiated into an ancient nature religion based on the European paganism that predated the Christian era. The devotees of this religion were using the name New Forest Coven. Gardner began his attempts to revitalize and reestablish this witchcraft religion by writing and publishing a book entitled "Witchcraft Today," where he attempted to reconstruct the recovered fragments of spiritual philosophy and practice from the New Forest Coven. He referred to the spiritual tradition as "witchcraft," and described its devotees as "the Wica." He maintained that the term "Wica" came to him from other initiates of the...