Cult Survey

name:
magickal name:
age:
zodiac sign:
element you associate best with:
do you consider yourself a wiccan, a witch, or other?:
what tradition do you follow?
do you have a particular pantheon that you work with?
do you have a patron god/goddess?
do you belong to a coven or do you practice solitary?
how long have you been practicing?
how did you find your path?
did you ever practice a religion before you found your current one?
do you study tarot, astrology, runes, crystals, herbs, divination, scrying, or other magickal areas?
do you have any familars?
do you have any favorite books or authors? (about wicca,etc.)
intrests:

Info & FAQ

Q: Are you a good Witch or a bad Witch?
A: When you ask if someone is a "good" Witch or a "bad" Witch, it is the same as asking someone if they are a "good" Presbyterian or a "bad" Presbyterian. Wiccans adhere to the Rede, "An it harm none, do as ye will." Witches, Druids and other pagan belief systems and religions have their own ethical standards. There are good and bad people in every society and in every religion. When a person breaks the laws of society or the tenets of their religion, they are called to account for their actions. To judge a person as either "good" or "bad" based upon nothing more than their religious preference alone has a label, too. It is called bigotry.

Q: Do you worship Satan?
A: Satan is a part of the Christian and Muslim religions. Since pagans are neither Christian nor Muslim, Satan is not part of our deity structure at all.

We believe that each and every human being is completely responsible for his or her own actions. To us, evil is a choice, albeit a bad one, that a human might make, not an embodied entity to blame our actions upon.

If an individual chooses to do evil, most pagans believe they will be punished via the laws of karma or as a result of "cause and effect.". In other words, "What goes around usually comes around."

Many Witches and Wiccans believe in some form of reincarnation, that the results or karma of past deeds can follow a person from one life to the next. This may also help to explain why terrible things sometimes happen to wonderful people or why some people seem to have been born with certain skills and knowledge. It may also explain why some people seem to lead a 'charmed" life.

Some pagans believe in an after-life spent in another plain of existence. Known as Summerland, Avalon, Valhalla or simply the "Other Side', they believe that they will be reunited here once again with friends and family.

Q: So why do you use that "Satanic" symbol?
A: The pentagram, or five pointed star, is not Satanic. Pythagoras used it as a symbol of health and his followers wore them in order to recognize one another. In Medieval times, some Christian knights used the pentagram as their symbol. To modern Wiccans the pentagram means many things; The five points correspond to the elements Air, Earth, Fire and Water with the top point corresponding to "Spirit". The pentagram in a circle may also represent a human with their legs and arms outstretched, surrounded by universal wisdom or the "Goddess" - humankind at one with the environment. Many Witches and other pagan practitioners do not wear the pentacle at all, but have other symbols of special meaning to them.

Satanists turn the symbol upside-down, which puts the elements of Fire and Earth at the top (Fire symbolizes willpower and passion and Earth, prosperity and earthly goods) and Spirit, spirituality, at the bottom. Satanists also turn the cross upside-down. This, in itself, does not make the cross or pentagram a Satanic symbol. In some Wiccan traditions, the reversed pentagram is a symbol of "second degree" status - one who has been elevated from "initiate". To members of these traditions, the reversed pentagram is considered highly positive and has no connection to Satanism. A symbol is simply an image or mark in itself. It is the mind and the beliefs of the beholder which attribute to it a particular meaning.

Q: Do you do blood sacrifice?
A: Goddess NO! The nature of sacrifice is to give up something of one's own in order to gain something more important. Wiccans believe in the sanctity of all life. Most pagans believe that animals are part of the same natural cycle of life as humans are. Witches have long been associated with animal companions known as "familiars." Check out the TWV "Cats of Witchcraft" page. Do these animals look abused to you?

Q: Do Witches and Wiccans cast spells?
A: Yes. Well, some do anyway. However, the term "spell" is widely misunderstood.

Spells, are somewhat like prayers and are used to create needed change in one's own life or the life of a loved one. But while prayers are a petition to an external Deity to create the change, most Witches and Wiccans believe that Deity is present in everything, including ourselves. Spells, then, are the channeling of our own divine selves, our own energies, to create the change.

Spells such as those which use love magic to gain the attention of a specific individual, or curses, are considered "manipulative". Most Wiccans believe that anything manipulative-that goes against the free will of another-is considered wrong. Many other pagan paths have similar codes of conduct based upon the tenets of their tradition or belief and almost all believe that the responsibility for their actions will lie with them.

Q: Are Witchcraft or Wicca cults?
A: A cult by definition is a group of people who blindly follow one leader. As Witches, Wiccans and pagans tend to be free-thinkers, there is no one person that we consider to be THE leader. Thus we cannot be called a cult.

Q: Do you have ritual orgies?
A: These rumors come from our lack of taboos regarding sex. We have no rules which prohibit homosexuality, nudity or pre-marital sex. Sex as the generative force in nature is seen by most pagans as something utterly sacred. We feel that the physical act of love is to be approached with great respect and responsibility.

Q: Why do all Witches/Wiccans wear black?
A: We all don't. Many Witches/Wiccans actually seem to favor green and/or purple. Black, however, is in many cultures a symbol of clergy. Priests, Ministers and Rabbis all favor black as the main color of their ritual garb.

Scientifically speaking, color is energy. The colors you see are the ones which are reflected and not the ones absorbed. Therefore, what appears to be white, which is the culmination of all colors in the light spectrum, is actually reflecting all colors and absorbing none. What appears to be black, is absorbing all colors and reflecting none. This is evident in the fact that when one is wearing white, one feels cooler - as the fabric is sending the heat energy outward, and when one wears black - the heat energy is absorbed in the cloth that one is wearing, making one feel warmer. Many Witches feel that wearing black attracts and holds more natural energy.

Q: Aren't all Witches Women?
A: No. Neither are Wiccans or those in other pagan paths. Witches can be either men or women. The term "Warlock" is never used to describe a male Witch as it is considered to be a religious slur. "Warlock" is an old Scottish word meaning "traitor" or "oath-breaker". Men and Women alike can be Witches, Wiccans or pagans.

Q: Why would anyone want to be a pagan, a Witch or Wiccan?
A: People are generally drawn to Wicca and other pagan paths for several reasons. Many women feel left out of more mainstream religions because of the lack of feminine divinity. For them, the Wiccan concept of the Goddess as Mother of all Living fills an empty space in their spiritual search. As a nature based religion, Witchcraft also appeals to those who feel a strong need to "get back to the Earth" and places a major importance on protecting the environment, which we are a part of, not apart from. People drawn to the mystical find pagan belief systems much more accommodating as we do not see anything unnatural about psychic ability or the use of magic to create needed changes in one's life. It gives us the freedom to make our own decisions about what is best for us.

Q: How do you convert new Witches/Wiccans/pagans?
A: We don't. We feel that the attempted conversion of others is a form of religious bigotry. i.e. If one tries to convert another to his/her religion, s/he assumes that the other person's beliefs are not as valid as his/her own. We feel that all paths are equally valid as long as they do not infringe upon the basic civil rights or free will of another. According to our beliefs, it is up to the individual to choose his or her own path. We do not try to manipulate others into our way of thinking, we only try to educate others about our religion so that they may better understand us. We do, however try to help guide those who have already expressed an interest in the pagan belief systems or religions.

Q: So what do Witches/Wiccans/pagans DO?
A: Pretty much what everybody does. We come from all walks of life. We raise families, go to work, throw steaks (or vegetables) on the "barbie" and hang out with our friends. We practice our religions and belief systems, celebrate our holidays with festivals and continue to study and explore our past while contemplating our futures.

Many covens and groups meet once a month to worship together under the moon. Pagans tend to hold ceremonies or "circles" out of doors as we feel that being with nature brings us closer to the divinity who creates it.

Some pagan beliefs may seem strange to those who have not heard much about them before. Pagans, on the other hand, are usually very well versed in the beliefs of other religions. They find the various religious systems interesting and often encourage their own children to learn about these other religions. Pagans believe in free will and free choice and that an educated choice is always better than blind obedience to any religion or dogma. We are not "against" other religions. We have simply made our choice to be pagan and we expect others to respect that choice as we respect theirs.

All that we ask is that we are allowed to practice our religion without prejudice or interference as is our right guaranteed here in the United States under the Constitution and as outlined within the constitutions of many other countries. The freedom to practice religion -or no religion-as you choose-whether it be Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or Pagan-is the freedom to follow your spirit and your heart. This precious freedom must be defended, protected and treasured by all or it will no longer be guaranteed for anyone.

These updated basics F.A.Q.'s of Witchcraft were adapted from the original version (1996) as composed by... Paula Murphy, Ainsley Friedberg J.Kyle Sweeney & Lisa Tonner

[various definitions from the witches voice]

Pagans: Paganism is not a single religion, but an umbrella term for all those religions other than the Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. A Pagan is a person who follows one of those "other" faiths. Many Witches, Wiccans, Reconstructionists, and other Neo-Pagans simply identify themselves as "Pagan" or "Neo-pagans" when talking with others who may not be familiar with the complexity of the different belief systems. This can make it sound like "Paganism" is a religion instead of a collection of religions. Neo-paganism should also not be confused with the "New Age" movement, as Pagans are almost exclusively involved in distinctive religions while New Age spirituality draws from many sources and esoteric spiritual techniques which are generally added as an extra layer on top of whatever religion one normally follows.

Note: The word 'Pagan" itself comes from the Latin paganu(m), for "someone who is not from the city, rather from the country." In Late Latin, this turned into pagensis, "one who is from the country, " and this ultimately became the French pays and the Spanish Pa's, both meaning "nation."-(From Etymologically Speaking at www.westegg.com/etymology/)

Witchcraft and Witches: A practitioner of a nature-based/revering or folk belief system, art or religion. Not all Witches follow the same belief system. Some practice what is called the "Old Religion" which has its roots in Pagan pre-monotheistic folkways and beliefs and which usually follows the agricultural seasonal cycles. Many Witches believe in a polytheistic deity structure usually based upon the local gods and goddesses of the area of origin. Witches may practice alone as 'solitaries" or in covens. There are also family groups or traditions that trace their practices and beliefs within the same close group throughout several generations. Some Witches consider Witchcraft to be a religion while others simply practice witchcraft as a magical art.

Traditional Wicca: A modern religion of Witchcraft is called "Wicca." Traditional Wicca is based on the teachings of Gerald Gardner, is coven (group) based and each coven can trace its lineage (line of teaching passed on by initiated Traditional priests and priestesses) back to Gardner himself. There are offshoots of Gardnerian Traditional Wicca such as Alexandrian Wicca, Georgian Wicca and many others. Traditional Wicca is considered a 'mystery' religion, one that requires initiation by the coven and has a "degree system" or different levels of rank based upon coven training and the readiness of the initiate to accept the duties and responsibilities of that degree. Traditional Wiccan covens have a core of inner knowledge-often called the "Book of Shadows"-which is shared only with initiated Wiccans. Most Traditional Wiccans believe in the balance of male-female divinity. Traditional Wiccans are seldom solitary except for those 'Elders'-usually former priests and priestesses-who may have retired from active coven involvement, have taken a voluntary sabbatical or do not have access to a Traditional coven in their area.

Strega: (Stregheria, La Vecchia Religione, "The Old Religion") An Italian form of Witchcraft encompassing elements of the pre-Christian European mystery teachings and the ancient Etruscan and Tuscan religions. Many modern Italian Witches today, especially those who still reside in Italy, are Christians who have simply continued to practice their native Old Religion alongside the 'new'.

Other Forms of Wicca: A newer form of Wicca has developed since the 1970's that is looser in structure and practice than Traditional Wicca. These practitioners may follow a mixture of various or 'eclectic' Pagan and/or non-pagan beliefs. Some have formed 'traditions' or covens of their own, with or without a degree system, and have written a "book of shadows" outlining their own belief system and coven structure. Many are 'solitaries' who practice their beliefs and formulate their personal rituals in their own way.

Reconstructionist Religions: Since modern Wicca is by far the most well known of the Neo-pagan religions or belief systems, many people incorrectly assume that all Pagan or Heathen religions are very much the same as or follow closely the specific tenets and ritual structures of Wicca. Nothing could be further from the truth. Each Pagan or Heathen religion has its own ritual structure, core beliefs and there is often little that can be said to hold 'true' as a universal belief held by either all Neo-pagans or Reconstructionists. In fact, most Reconstructionists take great umbrage when their cultural religious practices and/or Gods are misappropriated and/or misinterpreted by Neo -pagan groups. This has, in recent years, been cause for considerable friction to arise between Neo-pagans and Reconstructionists as they interact with one another.

Reconstructionism is a general term used to describe those religions (sometimes designated as' Heathen' with many groups preferring the term 'polytheists' or 'pagan') that are the continuation of a cultural spiritual tradition into the modern era. Great emphasis is placed upon scholarship, the use of classic texts (such as 'The Eddas' in çsatrœ and the ancient Egyptian texts in Kemetism) and the revival of traditional modes of worship. Magic(k) plays much less of a role in Reconstructionist religions than it usually does in Wicca or Witchcraft. Cultural relevance is stressed, but this should not be confused with either nationalism or racism, as most Reconstructionists, while protective of their cultural heritage, are neither racists nor bigots. Some of the major Reconstructionist Religions are:

Ásatrú: (Norse, Nordic, Regintroth Northern Heathenism) Ásatrú is a reconstructionist, polytheistic faith based on pre-Christian Northern European beliefs, Gods and Heroes. Most adherents of Ásatrú (Ásatrúar) put much emphasis on historical accuracy and the heroic tales as recorded in texts such as the Icelandic sagas and 'The Eddas'. Ásatrú has a rich and complex ethical system in which personal honor, truth and integrity are considered to be some of the highest virtues.

Baltic: The reconstructionist religions of the Lithuanian, Estonian and Latvian peoples. Like their neighbors, the Slavs, folklore and custom are important elements in their practices and rituals and the 'Balts' have largely maintained their language, folklore, pagan beliefs and customs throughout the centuries. Nature as a sacred force is emphasized as is harmony both within the individual and in society and the relationship with the gods and ancestors.

Celtic Reconstructionism: Celtic Reconstructionism is an umbrella term for those who follow the cultural and religious practices of the Gaelic or Brythonic (Celtic) peoples. Beliefs and ritual practices vary from one ethnic or tribal group to another, but almost all place great store in history, language, the surviving Gaelic literature and cultural relevance/context (with the emphasis being placed upon linguistic and cultural, rather than DNA or religious, ties to those regions). As in most other Reconstructionist religions, personal honesty, integrity, honor in both word and deed and scholarship are very important and highly valued.

Druidism: A reconstruction and/or a reweaving of the spiritual threads of the wisdom and ritual framework of the ancient Druids. Druids are generally polytheistic and follow a calendar based upon the astronomical yearly stages of the sun, the earth and the moon. Modern or Neo-Druids can be either male or female. Since the ancient order or class of Druids passed along their lore and wisdom through a closely guarded oral tradition, little is known of the actual rites themselves. However, Modern Druidism considers itself as a mainly spiritual path wherein the old knowledge is still accessible through insight and revelation. Like the ancient order, Neo-Druids often denote different levels of learning or expertise. The most commonly known classifications are the Bards (composer of verses; keeper of the lore), The Ovates (guardians and interpreters of the mysteries; diviners) and the Druids (advisors; authorities of worship, law and ceremony). The entire training process for new initiates may last several years.

Hellenismos: Hellenic or Greek Reconstructionists (Hellenists, Hellenes, Hellenism) are generally polytheists who worship and revere the ancient Greek Olympian gods. It is primarily a 'votive' religion where 'offerings' or gifts to the Gods are an important element of ritual practice. Hellenismos has a highly developed ethical system based upon moderation, hospitality and reciprocity, place great value on scholarship and specifically on the use of classical texts.

Kemetism: A modern religion based upon the ancient Egyptian family of gods/goddesses and the concepts of Ma'at (all) and Netjer (the divine force). While many gods and goddesses are revered or acknowledged, the Kemetic religion is not polytheistic in the same sense that many other Pagan or Heathen religions are. In many sects of Kemetism, the concept is better described as a 'monolatry' or one god manifesting as many distinct personalities and divinities. Rituals and offerings are often elaborate and great value is placed upon both ancient texts and modern archeological discoveries and research.

Religo Romana: The Religio Romana is the pre-Christian religion of Rome. The modern religion attempts to reconstruct the ancient faith of Rome and its gods, goddesses and temple rituals as closely as possible. Every attempt is made to rely on actual historical and archaeological evidence and much emphasis is placed upon the original classical texts, writers and language.

Slavic: The Slavic peoples are not a "race", but are related through culture and area. These regional groups include the Russians, Polish, Czechs, Ukrainians, Byelorussia's, Serbo-Croatians, Macedonians, Slovenians, Bulgarians, Kashubians and Slovakians. In reconstructing Slavic religions, adherents place much store on Slav folk tales and stories. Dualism is an important concept in Slavic religion, but differs from the 'good' and 'evil' dichotomy of post-Christian thought. Here dualism is understood to be a system of complimenting opposites such as darkness and light, winter and summer, female and male, cold and hot. The God-brothers Bialybog "white-god" and Czarnebog "black- god" who rule the light half and dark half of the year respectively, are further illustrations of this polarity. Nature spirits also play an important role in Slavic beliefs.

Wren Walker Co-Founder - The Witches' Voice Monday, July 8th., 2002

what is wicca? an excerpt from "sons of the goddess" by christopher penczak

"Wicca" is a word that causes a lot of confusion today. Usually, it refers to the modern revival of the Old Religion, the religion of witchcraft. The root of the word "witchcraft" can be traced to the words wicca and wicce. Some scholars believe the root means to "bend or shape." This refers to the witchs ability to do magick, to bend or shape the energies of life to create spells and healing. Others think the word means "wise," relating to the root of the word "wizard," and they think of witches as the keepers of wisdom. The more you study the Craft, the more you will find differing opinions among witches, scholars, and experts.

Modern witches often use the word "Wicca" and "Wiccan" instead of "witchcraft" and "witch" in order to prevent the bad feelings that the word "witch" can conjure in people. Alternately, some think "Wicca" refers to the religion and "witchcraft" to spellwork. Many others use "Wicca" to refer to formal traditions of witchcraft, such as Gardnerian or Alexandrian Wicca, and they think of eclectic practices as simply "witchcraft." I use the words "witch" and "Wiccan" fairly interchangeably, depending on those around me, but I prefer the word "witch." I think it is important to make that word less scary to people, and if they see loving, happy, helpful witches, then we can break those old stereotypes.

Many practitioners also use the word "pagan," from Latin. It refers to the people of the rural lands and, historically, the word became associated with the Old Religion during the rise of Christianity. All witches/Wiccans are pagan,

Book Recommendations

First of all I want to say for people learning, read as many books as possible. get as many different opinions as you can. and then decide on your beliefs and how you want to do things. because theres a lot of different paths, beliefs, and ways of doing things out there. so learn as much as you can. you never know what will feel right for you. also read as many websites on the topic as well. this is a book list of wiccan, witchcraft, pagan, and magick books.

books I recommend for beginners:

'witchcraft and magick spells' by cassandra eason cassandra eason's complete book of spells scott cunningham's "wicca for the solitary practictioner" scott cunningham's "living wicca" raymond buckland's "complete book of witchcraft" rayomond buckland's "wicca for one" laurie cabot's "power of the witch" edain mccoy's "if you want to be a witch" 'making magick' by edain mccoy the complete idiot's guide to wicca and witchcraft 'natural witchery' by ellen dugan 'herb magic for beginners' by ellen dugan anna moura's "grimoire for the green witch" Christopher Penczak "the inner temple of witchcraft" 'nocturnal witchcraft' by konstantinos 'gothic grimoire' by konstantinos silver ravenwolf's "solitary witch" silver ravenwolf's "to ride a silver broomstick" silver ravenwolf's "to stir a magick cauldron" silver ravenwolf's "to light a sacred flame"

books i reccomend for the intermediate-advanced

"advanced witchcraft" by edain mccoy 'celtic womans spirituality' by edain mccoy 'magick and rituals of the moon' by edain mccoy cassandra easons' complete book of natural magick 'a complete guide to night magic' by cassandra eason 'modern day druidess' by cassandra eason 'ancient Egyptian magick' by cassandra eason 'nocturnicon' by konstantinos Christopher Penczak "the outer temple of witchcraft" 'the witches shield' by christopher penczak "the earth path" by starhawk "a witches' notebook" by silver ravenwolf

i encourage reading all different authors from all ends of the witchcraft spectrum. most have something to offer.

The Wiccan Rede and Law of Three

(Long form)

(also known as The Rede of the Wiccae and the Witches' Creed) Generally credited to Doreen Valiente

Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night, When dark was our destinys pathway, That now we bring forth in the light.

Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air, By hidden Quintessence we know Them, and we will keep silent and dare.

The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring, We share with the life Universal, rejoice in the Magical Ring

Four times in the year the Great Sabbat, returns, and the Witches are seen, At Lammas and Candelas dancing, on May Eve and old Halloween

When daytime and nighttime are equal, when sun is at greatest and least, The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, again Witches gather in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Covens array, Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, for each golden year and a day.

The power has passed down the ages, each time between woman and man Each century unto the other, ere times and the ages began.

When drawn is the Magickal circle, by sword or athame of power, Its compass between two worlds lies, in the land of shades of that hour.

Our world has no right to know it, and the world beyond will tell naught, The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the great work of Magic is wrought.

For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine, And two are the powers of Nature, the forms and the forces divine.

And do what thou wilt be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none, For this is the only commandment, By Magick of old be it done.

Eight words the Witches Rede fulfill: If it Harms none, Do what Thou Will!

[the law of 3]
from the witches voice Author: Wren

The other "Law" of Witchcraft is the "THREE-FOLD LAW OF RETURN". Basically, this is the natural law of "cause and effect". The Goddess charges us to exercise great care in all that we, as Witches, do and say and even think. The Threefold Law takes the notion that "what we reap, we will sow", a few steps further..in fact, THREE steps further. For what we do "for good or for ill, shall be returned to us threefold." In light of this fact, Witches are loath to cause any harm, lest it be returned to them in spades!!

When we come to really understand the Three-Fold Law and it's ramifications, we can see that although on the surface, it acts like a prohibition, it also serves as a source of blessing. Witches seek to heal and to help all of Life, and when we are working for "the good of all", it is natural that the "good" will come to us also. But it falls on us multiplied and empowered..three-fold is quite an increase no matter what mathematical method you use!

The word "just" is defined as" that which is merited or deserved" With that definition in mind, you can see why Witches believe in the exercise of "justice" over "revenge". We are assured that what is merited by a persons actions will come to pass. We need only to ask the God and Goddess for "justice to be done". Since this is in line with natural laws and the promises of the Ancient Ones, we can rest in the knowledge that we are asking in a correct manner for the situation to be taken care of. Then we can release it to them to handle and go about our business.

The Wheel of the Year

samhain
october 31
also known as: november's eve, hallowmas, halloween, feast of souls, feast of the dead, feast of apples
the witches new year. the symbolic death of the sun god and his passing into the "land of the young" where he awaits his rebirth of the mother goddess at yule.

yule
december 21
also known as: the winter solstice
marks the rebirth of the sun god from the earth goddess.

Imbolc
february 2
also known as: candlemas, brigit's day, etc
celebrates the first stirings of spring and the recovery of the goddess after giving birth to the sun.

ostara
march 21
also known as: the spring equinox
marks the beginning of the true astronomical spring. fire and fertility festival, celebrating the return of the sun, the god, the fertility of the earth.

beltane
may 1
also known as: may day
symbolizes the symbolic union, the mating of the god and goddess, and links in with approaching summer months.

midsummer
june 21
also known as: the summer solstice
marks when the sun and the god are at their heights of power. the longest day of the year.

lughnasadha
august 1
also known as: august eve, lammas, the feast of bread
marks the first harvest. when the god weakens and the days grow shorter.

mabon
september 21
also known as: autumn equinox
the 2nd harvest is celebrated. nature is preparing for winter. the vestige of ancient harvest festivals, in some form or another, were once nearly universal among peoples of the earth.

this info is from "wicca for the solitary practioner" by scott cunningham.

The Elements

[water]

color: blue

associated herbs: spearmint leaf, red sandlewood chips, yarrow flowers, rose petals, eucalyptus leaf, catnip leaf, thyme, poppy seeds, orris root, jasmine flowers, hibiscus leaf, black berry leaf, white willow bark, coltsfoot leaf, myrrh resin, rosehips, burdock root, chamomile flowers, rasbrry leaf

zodiac signs: cancer, scorpio, pisces

magickal associations -
love
psychic protection
healing
frienship
purification

[earth]

color: green

associated herbs: patchouli, mugwort, blue vervain, alfalfa

zodiac signs: taurus, virgo, capricorn

magickal associations -
invloving money
foundation
stability
creativity
fertility
ecology

[air]

color: yellow

associated herbs: lemon grass, senna leaf, chicory bark, gum arabic powder, agrimony, mistletoe, horehound, yellow dock root, Fenugreek Seed, dandelion root, hops flowers, star anise

zodiac signs: gemini, libra, aquarius

magickal associations -
divination
theorization
aiding in memory
concentration
clear thinking
visualization study travel overcome addictions [fire] color: red associated herbs: cloves, rosemary, juniper berries, white oak bark, hyssop, wormwood, frankincense, peppermint, cinnamon, low john the conqueror, copal resin, fennel seed, dragons blood resin, blessed thistle, nettle, angelica root, calendula flowers, mandrake zodiac signs: aries, leo saggitarius magickal associations - strength courage passion lust energy [the pentacle] (symbolism) EARTH: (lower left hand corner) represents stability and physical endurance. FIRE: (lower right hand corner) represents courage and daring. WATER: (upper right hand corner) represents emotions and intuition. AIR: (upper left hand corner) represents intelligence and the arts. SPIRIT: (at the topmost point) represents the All and the Divine. The Circle around the star represents the God-Goddess; it refracts and reflects all light, bringing to the wearer total intelligence, universal wisdom and protection.

Magickal Correspondences

[color correspondences]

black: returning to sender, divination, negative work, protection

blue-black: for wounded pride, broken bones, angelic protection

dark purple: uses for calling up the power of the ancient ones, sigils/runes, government

lavender: to invoke righteous spirit within yourself and favors for people

dark green: invoking the goddess of regeneration, agriculture, financial

mint green: financial gains (used with gold or silver)

green: healing or health, north cardinal point

avacado green: beginnings

light green: improve the weather

indigo blue: to reveal deep secrets, protection on the astral level, defenses

dark blue: to create confusion (must be with white or you will confuse yourself)

blue: protection

royal blue: power and protection

pale/light blue: protection of home, buildings, young, young males

ruby red: love or anger of a passionate nature

red: love, romantic atmosphere, energy, south cardinal point,

light red: deep affection of non-sexual nature

deep pink: harmony and friendship in the home

pink: harmony, friendship with people, binding magick

pale pink: friendship, young females

yellow: healing, can also represent east cardinal point

deep gold: prosperity, sun magick

gold: attraction

pale gold: prosperity in health

burnt orange: opportunity

orange: material gain to seal a spell, attraction

dark brown: invoking earth for benefits

brown: peace in the home, herb magick, friendship

pale brown: material benefits in the home

silver: quick money, gambling, invocation of the moon, moon magick

off-white: peace of mind

lily white: mother candle (burned for 30 minutes at each moon phase)

white: righteousness, purity, used for east cardinal point, devotional magick

gray: glamouries

[colors for days of the week]

monday: white
tuesday: red
wednesday: purple
thursday: green
friday: blue
saturday: black
sunday: yellow

[astrological symbols] (glyphs) (use for carving on candles)

aries: to begin a project

taurus: to gain and keep luxury

gemini: to create communicative change

cancer: to work possitive emotions

leo: to guard what you have

virgo: to remember the details

libra: to bring fairness

scorpio: to intensify anything

saggittarius: to bring humor and friends

capricorn: to plan business finances

aquarius: to bring change and freedom

pisces: to connect to the spiritual world

[planets and their meanings]

sun: success
moon: family
venus: love and fast cash
mars: to activate anything
mercury: communcation
jupiter: expansion
saturn: banish or restict

by silver ravenwolf

Basic Ritual Format

items you will need:
consecrated salt (earth)
consecrated water (water)
incense (air)
candle, red (fire)
2 usually white (i prefer black) altar candles for lighting other candles, etc they can also be used as your fire representation goddess/god rep, white candle or picture, etc
chalice (can be wine glass, or just a glass, or cup) with wine or juice etc in it
tools you are using , such as wand or athame
book of shadows

altar can be placed in middle, north or west, or where you prefer.

ritual outline:

- *cleanse/consecrate area that you will be using for your magick circle

- **cast circle using your athame/wand/or finger (clockwise)

- evoke (invite) god/goddess to join you

- perform any magick, meditations, spells that you wish, or celebratory rites for the current esbat or sabbat

- cakes and ale

- thank the god/goddess for their presence

- blow out candles/ incense

- take down magick circle (un-create counter clockwise)

*to cleanse- can use broom, blessed salt, blessed water or incense. to bless (aka consecrate) something say "i consecrate this ____ in the name of the god/goddess"

**to cast circle, envision light coming from the tool you are using and creating the circle as you move your finger. start in north to create.

to exit circle cut a door- using tool, make form in shape of door. when re-enter circle, close door by 'un-creating' it.

All Purpose Candle Spell

[my favorite all purpose candle spell] color meanings and other useful correspondences following this spell.

1. get a votive (or other candle) in the color that is associated with your need. you can carve symbols associated to the people/things involved if you want. you can also annoint it with an associated essential oil, and surround it with associated crystals and or herbs.

2. hold the candle between your palms. visualise your desire having occurred for a short time, or as long as you feel necessary. 5 min is ok.

3. push your person energy into the candle. feel the energy flowing from your body, into your palms, into the candle. do this for a short time as in step 2.

4. light the candle and wave your palms over it visualising some more.

5. let it burn down.

optional- when you wave your palms over it a second time you can ask associated gods/goddesses for aid in your magick. etc. and say so mote it be when you are finished.

(original spell by scott cunninham)

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