Basic Candle Spell

Take a candle of the appropriate color (see the list of candle colors and their corresponding magickal properties below) and anoint it by rubbing a drop or two of myrrh oil on it. Using a straight pin, scratch your desire into the wax and then light the candle and allow it to burn itself completely out.

That's all there is to it. This is a very simple, yet highly potent spell.

Black: Meditation rituals, hexwork, uncrossing rituals and spells to banish evil entities and negative forces.

Blue: Magick that involves honor, loyalty, peace, tran-quility, truth, wisdom, protection during sleep, astral projection, and spells to induce prophetic dreams.

Brown: Spells to locate lost objects, improve powers of concentration and telepathy, and for protection of familiars and household pets.

Gold: Spells that attract the power of cosmic influences, and rituals to honor solar deities.

Gray: Spells to neutralize negative influences.

Green: Spells involving fertility, success, good luck, prosperity, money, rejuvenation, and ambition, and rituals to counteract greed and jealousy.

Orange: Spells to simulate energy.

Pink: Love spells and rituals involving friendship or femininity.

Purple: Psychic manifestations, healing, and spells involving power, success, independence, and household protection.

Red: Fertility rites, aphrodisiacs, and spells involving sexual passion, love, health, physical strength, revenge, anger, willpower, courage, and magnetism.

Silver: Spells and rituals to remove negativity, encourage stability, and attract the influence of the Goddess.

White: Consecration rituals, meditation, divination, exorcism, and spells that involve healing, clairvoyance, truth, peace, spiritual strength, and lunar energy.

Yellow: Spells involving confidence, attraction, charm, and persuasion.

~~~~ From, The Wicca Spellbook by Gerina Dunwich

The above is a guide to help you in your spell work. The most important thing is to do what feel right to you, and how you feel you are being lead by your Deity and / or Deities.

Its In The Cards

I was in a local shop recently getting supplies and incense. In this shop they were selling bookmarks that shows you your playing card and its meaning by your birth date.

I was surprised to find out that my card was a four of diamonds.

Four of Diamonds is the Protected Finance Card: All your life you are financially protected as long as you apply yourself through hard work. An inner restlessness often cause you impatience. You are an independent thinker and can cooperate with many types of people. Your charm and charisma are one of your greatest attributes. You are very sweet, with much intuition and sensitivity. Blessings and opportunities come to you through your ability to persevere in any situation. Females, children, and marriage may prove to be your tests, therefore our greatest rewards. Your greatest understanding of higher truths is initiated when demonstrating leadership abilities. Through self mastery and awareness, material success is promised to you. Your challenge in life is to intergrate and realize your tremendous power and wisdom.

Diamonds: This suit is primarily concerned with understanding life through values. Acquiring worth, both material and immaterial are essential. Systems, evaluation, financial matters, and business are key diamond words.

The bookmark was created by, Cards of Illumination, Inc. www.cardsofillumination.com or cards@sedona.net

Celebration of Candlemas or Imbolc

Tonight, I went to the public ritual run by Agrave Spirit Grove. This is the second time I have attended with this group.

We started with a pot luck dinner and fellowship. I brought some breaded and spicy chicken wings, and bag of rainbow chip cookies.

One of the members made an all natural lemonade that was just super delightful.

I also started to lay the ground work for some friendships and Pagan / Witch contacts in the greater Las Vegas area. I'm really thinking hard about formally joining this group.

The ritual itself was run by High Priestess Shannon, and High Priest Brian. Although I'm not sure they would use or be comfortable with the terms.

I found the ritual to be very enlightening, moving, and positive. As winter gives way to spring we try to set free the negative things in out lives. Also the ember of Yule is now the flame of Candlemas, that will light our path and guide us till Samhain.

It hard to talk about rituals, by tradition they should only be for the members and other who visiting or invited to the event. I try to follow the old ways of the craft of the wise as much as possible. In this case is one of the area I depart for them.

I'll share the words to a few chants. Mainly because they are a very moving part of the ritual for me, and they are already in the public domain, I suspect.

Air I am
"Air I am, Fire I am, Water, Earth, and Spirit I am."

Between The Worlds
"We are in a place, that is not a place. We are in a space that is not a place. We are in a time, that is not a time. We are everywhere, and nowhere at all. We open up ours minds, so that we are free. Open the third eye, so that we can see. Open up and be, free in our rites. Open up and be, ready to receive. The ciricle has been cast, we between the worlds."

(Ways) To Celebrate (Candlemas) / Imbolc Today . . .

By www.chalicecentre.net/imbolc.htm

This is traditionally a time of purification — clean your house! If you have any Christmas greenery lingering, burn it now.

Make your own Brighid’s crosses and hang them up, especially in the kitchen where her influence can bless your food.

Put out food — cake, buttered bread and milk will do — outside your door: Brighid and her cow walk through the neighborhood tonight, and will appreciate your offering.

Leave a silk ribbon on your doorstep for Brighid to bless: It can then be used for healing purposes.

Meditate upon what you would like to see grow in health and strength this year: for yourself, your family, your community, the Earth, and ask for Bride's blessing upon your prayers.

Yule With Agrave Spirit Grove

First, a most Blessed Yule to my friends of all Pagan paths

For ritual tonight, I attended one held by Agrave Spirit Grove. They are a group of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans serving Las Vegas and all of Southern Nevada.

Before ritual we had a potluck dinner, I had gotten some rotisserie chickens and some fried chicken wings to share with the group. had some time to talk and meet other members, including the president, and some board members.

I really liked as part of the casting the circle; a poem by Susan Morris was read," We are in a palce that is not a place. We are in a space that is not a space. We are in a time that is not a time. We 0pen up our minds, so that we are free. Open the third eye, so that we can see. Open up and be free in our rites. Open up and be ready to receive. The circle has been cast, we are between the worlds."

The other part that sticks out in my mind was this," May the spirit of Yule remain with us all. For the entire turning of the wheel. May our obstacles and snares vanish. May our seeds take root and flourish. May we each be blessed by the Spirit."

I really enjoyed myself. great energy and people with such sweet spirits. You just can't beat a circle that has padded seats.

I am and will always be loyal to The Pagan and Witches Community Circle, and its High Priestess, Lily. Agrave Spirit Grove is a group I want to spend some time with as well. I like them both.

Vision statements:

1) a growing and thriving Agrave Spirit Grove, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas, Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans and Unitarian Universalist Association.

2) a Southern Nevada where Pagans interrelate and experience community together in worship and public service.

3) a global Pagan movement where Pagans are supported as they experience their faith and spirituality.

4) a world of radical hospitality in which all religions flourish together in harmony.

Mission Statement:

To provide an open, accepting environment for the exploration of Pagan paths and to serve the greater Pagan community, upholding the principals of the Unitarian Universalist Assocation in all our endeavors.

For more information please visit, http://www.agravespiritgrove.org/

Love & Light

A Yule / Winter Solstice Ritual

This Saturday, the night of the 2oth of December will be Yule or the Winter Solstice. This another turn on the Wheel of the Year. Its a time that Pagans, Witches, and Wiccans gather to have a ritual and celabration.

Here is what my High Priestess, Lily, has written about this hoilday," Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year. It is from this point that the days begin slowly to become longer and longer. The sun is at its most southeastern point over the Tropic of Capricorn in the northern hemisphere and has no apparent northward or southward motion. In the time of the ancient tribes this was a time of celebration, for it meant the turning point of winter and the eventual return of spring. Yule is the time when we honor the Goddess for giving birth to the sun once more. It is the time when the Oak King is victorious over the Holly King. The Holly King represents death and darkness that has ruled since Samhain, and the Oak King represents rebirth and life. The waning (diminishing) sun is overtaken by the waxing (increasing) sun, thus the days become longer after the victory of the Oak King."

Yule / Winter Solstice Ritual Guide

Needed:

Holly sprig

Mistletoe sprig

Black votive candle

Green candle

White candle

Gold candle

Cauldron

Place the gold God candle at right top of altar, and the white Goddess candle at the top left. Place your Cauldron to the right of the altar, with the black votive candle, Holly sprig around it, inside. Cover cauldron with lid or cover plate. Place the green candle and mistletoe where they will be behind you at the beginning of the ritual. Cast the circle.

"From the darkness is born the light,From void, fulfillment emerges.The darkest night of the year is at the threshold,Open now the door, and honor the darkness."

Take the lid/plate off the cauldron and light the black votive candle inside. Give silent honor to the Holly King, the ruler of the dark half of the year. Meditate on the seasons of the past year, and how their lessons have brought you to where you are today. When ready, begin again:

"Dark my surroundings, and cold be this night But Your labor, Blessed Mother, has reborn the sacred Light.The child divine, the most honored SunShall return with the sunrise again; Two will be One."

Remove the holly from around the black votive candle. With your projective hand (right if you're right-handed, left if you're left-handed), present the holly to the four elements. Then place it behind you, to signify the death of the Holly King. Turn back to the altar. With your receptive hand, reach behind you, and bring forward the mistletoe and the green candle. Present them to the elements, slide the mistletoe over the green candle and place the candle in the cauldron.

Light the green candle with the black votive candle and say:

"Behold the rebirth of the King of the Woodlands!Behold the Oak King, strong and vital he rises!"

Snuff the black votive candle and with your projective hand, place it behind you. Turn back to the cauldron, close your eyes, and silently honor the Oak King. Begin again:

"Awake now Your Mother, Your Lover, Your Lady Awake now the Goddess of Life, Death, Rebirth."

Take the green candle out of the cauldron and light the white Goddess candle on the altar. Put the green candle back into the cauldron. Take the white Goddess candle with both hands and hold out at arm's length over the cauldron:

"Awaken, my Lady, look upon Your divine child,His rebirth while You slumbered was subtle and silent.The Stag King, the Green Man, Lord of Fertility,He awaits Your wakening, gentle and benevolent."

Place the white Goddess candle back in its holder. Assume the Goddess position. Say:

"All hail the Oak King; His rebirth, a promise.All hail the divine child, Giver of Life.All hail the blessed Sun, reborn to the Mother For He retakes His throne at the end of Solstice Night!"

Meditation. Cakes and Ale.

Face the cauldron and the green candle still burning bright.

"Before my circle tonight, I close with blessings I ask for this house and my kin.Tomorrow at daybreak, when I arise A special flame I will carry within.And a gold candle upon my altar I'll light Adding my will to the Sun King's intent To climb aloft in the vaulted skies.And for strength back to me; the strength I've sent."

Snuff the green candle. Place the mistletoe on the pentacle. Close the circle.

Leave the gold God candle on your altar to light upon rising in the morning.

(Please use these as guidelines, personalize them and make them your own. The more of yourself you put into magic, the more you'll get out of it! Remember be creative and have fun!)

Sunday School - Element of Fire

Tonight, was the second in a series of classes on Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft. The Topic was the element of fire. The meeting was full of heat.

Before I get into this all, The picture to the left is my personal alter. For the moment it the top of a burrow in my bedroom, but I hope in future to make or buy a table to have it on permanently.

I gave Ragen a ride to class, because she lives close to me, and it is silly to have her take a two or more hours of bus rides for a 15/20 minute trip. It was great to see Fannessa as well. These women along with my High Priestess, Lily, are very special to me. We talk offen, and they are guides in my life. I thank the Goddess, that they are in my life.

Here is what was written about the class,"Join us for our second class in a series of many! The topic for the evening will be FIRE. We will cover the following:
The element of Fire
Raising Energy
Herbs related to Fire
Making a wand (most supplies will be provided)
Circle Casting
and history/info on Yule/Winter Solstice.......

I would ask that between now and then you find a suitable piece of wood for your wand. A branch from a tree is the best, cut early so that it has time to dry out. Your wand should be about 16 inches long, and no wider than an inch in diameter. Don't go to skinny though or your wand will be flimsy. Do the best that you can with removing extra branches. If you are coming to the Sunday Service on the 30th, you are free to arrive an hour early and use my hack saw. For those that aren't able to find a suitable branch, or simply forget, I will have some extras available at the class. I will provide the remainder of the supplies for finishing the wands."

Making a wand was the activity of the night. I, being crafty challenged need lot of help on projects like this. At service last month, I was able to get a branch from Lily. My condo complex doesn't like or allow us to cut the trees, and they are all evergreens and palm tress. so before the class I got some help sanding it, and attaching a stone tip.

At class, I was able to see a design form. I again need help. I had 2 pentacles burned into the wood. some plastic jewels glued on. The stone at to is help on my glue, but covered by silver and blue wire. I also had some silver ribbon that match the smugger that got made last class. To finish it off, I added 3 blue heart beads to the each end of the ribbon. I'm really like the wand, and will treasure it. I'm so thankful for all who helped me, and it be a remembrance of them as well.

The class was itself was amazing. Lily taught wonderfully as usually, and I really enjoy the add comments for another member of the group, Micheal.

I learned that my favorite animal, a wolf, and my Chinese Zodiac sign, the dragon are both under the element of fire. Its very interesting to me that a water sign, pieces, would also have much fire around me.

I also learn about many of the herbs, plants, and trees that are connected with the fire element.

We also had a chance to celebrate a birthday while there. It was fun having cake and ice cream.

After the class was officially over, but many people stayed. We had a chance to consecrate and bless our new wands around the fire.

While there I had some chest pains. This is never a good thing, but as a heart patient it a common, and non - life threatening event. I told Ragen what was happening, and that if it got worse we have to leave. I told I would go to a hospital, and if she would please take my car to her place, for it an automatic overnight visit. As it turn out after about 10 minutes all was well, and nothing became of it. I never want it to happen, but it a part of my life, there very little if anything that I can do to avoid it.

I love this group, it leadership and members. As any large group or family, you have disagreements at times. They can be work through. Not every is going to be close to everyone, but it is easy enough to be civil. I'm proud that I can amit when I'm wrong, able to say sorry, and just move on. Some need to learn this skill, but then we all have things to work on.

I'm re-charged, excited for Yule, and then Sunday Service the following weekend

Brightest Blessings

Sunday Services

My children and I really enjoyed the ritual on Sunday. It was the first time I brought Zac and Jenna with me. It was wonderful to worship together as a family again.

I feel for the most part my children were well behaved. Each had a moment or two though. It was nice to get compliments about them from my fellow members of the circle.

My parent let me find my path, and I really used that freedom alot. After a long search, I found the path that works best for me. I'm never shy to make a change I feel is right. I offen leap without looking. It has both worked out and blown up in my face at times. This part of learning who I was, and excepting the good and the bad.

As a parent, I want to expose my children to many paths, and then in time, they can follow the path that is best for them. I wish is that find a group that makes them happy, and helps them grow.

We should never stop learning and growing. It doesn't matter what stage of life we are in.

I arrived a little early, so I could go over my part a ritual that will happen at Yule. I also was helpping out, by smuging the members as they entered the sacrid place.

Here is what Lily wrote about the ritual, "Please join us in ritual to honor the divine within and without. There will be a strong alignment of planets in Sagittarius and Capricorn that evening, which means that it is a good time to do spells for practical matters (energy moving earth). Our ritual for the evening will focus on our personal power manifesting change in our physical environment. Please spend some personal time thinking about something that you would like to change in your "mundane" life, is it a job, money, where you live, your health or weight? You don't have to share what it is with others, but please just take some time to think about what you would like to work on."

Jenna really loves to sing! She offen makes up songs to sing to me and other family members. I taught her, We All Come From The Goddess, and We Are A Circle chants. Zac loved the activity, and movements. Both children loved the fire, and all the candles. They also were able to take part in passing the Cake & Ale.

After the ritual, we hung around and fellowshipped some. My children made some new friends, and even got a phone number for a possible babysitter.

Both were excited to come to the next service, and quickly feel asleep on the ride home.

I been wanting to have Zac and Jenna go through a Wiccaning / Paganing. It a blessing and introduction to the craft for childern. I'm going to try to write the ritual myself. I think I'm up to this challenge.

I do some research to find examples of Wiccaning / Paganing rituals in my books or online. Lily also said she would send me some examples as well.

It was special time for us as a family!

My Homework - Writing a Quarter Call

Part of my Magickal class or any class is homework. Were most homework seem to be a chore, I really enjoyed the challenge, and the result.

I had to write my own Quarter Call for East, and the element of Air.

"Quarter calls are designed to call only the energy you will allow in your magick circle. For all others, there is a No Trespassing sign. Nothing can come into your circle unless you, yourself, invite it, which is why there are so many different types of quarter calls that address various kinds of energy. There are calls that invoke the elements, angels, totem animals, deities of a particular pantheons, dragons, airts, winds, the dead, ancient archetypes, one's lineage, and /or the Watchtowers (stellar / Ceremonial)." ~ Silver RavenWolf.

Here is my Quarter Call:

Guardians of the East, Power of Air !

We invite you unto this place,

Be among us now, as you were in our Childhood,

Renew us as in the Spring,

May the wind blow the modane away,

With the smell of the incense, we focus on the Magickal,

Let us be as one, free as the Eagle, and as wise as the Owl,

Welcome and Blessed Be! (Blessed Be)

Here are some other Quarter Calls:

The following one is written by Lily, my High Priestess, teacher, and leader of the circle for which I'm a member. You will notice I borrowed the first and last line in my own work. I find them powerful, and it was a way to honor her work.

Guardians of the East, Power of Air!

We call to you.

The Breath of life

The Knowledge of life,

The Wind of life,

It blows from thee to us,

Be with us now;

Help our minds to think as one

Welcome and Blessed Be (Blessed Be)

This next one is written by Scott Cunningham:

O Spirit of the east stone,

ancient one of air,

I call you to attend this circle.

Change this by your powers, Old Ones!

This last one is written by Raymond Buckland:

All hail to the element of air;

Watchtower of the East.

May in stand in Strength,

ever watching over our Circle.

Quarter are called in most Pagan and Wiccan traditions or paths. They can be used for just about any event; Sabbats; Esbats; Wiccanings (baptisms); Handfasting (marriage); Crossings (funerals); Dedications, initiations, and elevations; and All magicks for first - and second - year students.

The Wheel of the Year

" The Wheel of the Year is best known in modern Witchcraft as representing the cycle of the seasons throughout one calender year. This symbolic wheel is divided into eight parts, with each spoke of the wheel representing a particular season." ~ Silver RavenWolf.

The eight parts or high holy days of the wheel are known as Sabbats.

Depending on the pantheon or craft group you belong to or follow the names many be slightly different. Here is the list as I know it.

Samhain / Halloween Oct 31

Yule / Winter Solcstice Dec 20-23

Candlemas / Imbolc Feb 2

Ostara / Spring Equinox Mar 20-23

Beltane / May Eve Apr 30

Midsummer / Summer Solstice Jun 20 -23

Lammas / Lughnassadh Aug 1

Mabon / Fall Equinox Sept 20 -23

For readers in the Southern Hemisphere, the dates will be off for each of the Sabbats. This is because the seasons are reversed.

Amber K says, "As the wheel turns, Pagans celebrate eight holy days or Sabbats. Some say the Lady of Life rules spring, and summer, while the Lord of death and Resurrection rules Fall and Winter. Others say the divine son is born of the Great Mother at Yule, Lies in ecstasy with young Goddess at Beltane and sacrifices himself in life's cause at Lughnassadh."

Sabbats along with Full and New Moons are the time that Pagans and Witches are most active. A Coven or Circle might hold classes and other events as a need or want arises.

A Solitary Witch or any member of a Coven or Circle can cast as spell as needed.

We all have our personal worship as well as patron Goddesses and Gods.

A Magickal First Class - Element of Air

Tonight was the first in the series of classes being offered by The Pagan and Witches Community Circle and the meetup.com site.

The Topic of this class was the Element of Air.

The teacher was the group Priestess, Lily. As always she did a wonderful job of teaching and explaining everything so all could understand. I love Lily's style of going over it, and then practicing the new skills. This is clearly one of her talents and gifts from the Goddess.

We covered the following:

The element of Air
Incense & Herbs related to Air
Making a feather smudger
Smudging techniques
Quarter Calling

We covered a lots of information about air, and I'm very thankful for the handout, so I can review and use it as a guide. Learning about the symbol, mudra, pentacle location, rulership, and tarot suit were just some of the things I took away from this section of the class.

I'm not as crafty as I thought I was. I had no problem designing my feather smudger with colors that appeal to me. I picked blue, white, and black, with blue ribbon, and blue, white, and black beads. Now putting together, and having it stay was another issue all together. With the help of Lily, and other members it come out very nice. (see picture below)

I found out I really like and enjoy smudging. I've always been a big fan of incense. I burn it allot in my home, for mundane or spiritual purposes. I really got into this section of the class, and the proper techniques involved. I hope I have a change to do smudging at a Sunday Service or Sabbat.

We also went over Calling Quarters. I hope to be able to do this at some point in the future. To me, I haven't found the right voice yet. It is not the loud authoritative voice of a parent, but it also not the soft somber voice as well. It is somewhere in the middle. Til I find it, I will watch, and listen as others do the calling of the quarters.

Our homework is to write a Quarter Call based on what we learn or know about Air. No has to see it, but just have to write it down.

I had a really good time, learned much, and can't wait til class again next month.