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BUCKLAND'S

COMPLETE

BOOKOF

WITCHCRAFT

Raymond
Buckland

AboutThisBook

ThelyricallybeautifulritualsoftheOldReligion,knownasWitchcraftor"Wicca",affectus
inmanyways.Theyspeaktoourpresentneeds,helpustotransformthefuture,andenableusto
experienceaspeciallinkwiththePaganpast.Considerthis:

"WeWiccansgivethankstotheMightyOnes

Fortherichnessandgoodnessoflife.

Astheremustberainwiththesun,

Tomakeallthingsgood,

Somustwesufferpainwithourjoy,

Toknowallthings.

OurloveiseverwiththeGods,

Forthoughweknownottheirthoughts,

Yetdoweknowtheirhearts

Thatallisforourgood."

TheaboveistakenfromRayBuckland'sSummerSolsticerite...justoneofthevery
meaningfulofferingsinhisnewestvolume.

Ray'sworkbooktakesawholisticapproachtothevastbodyofknowledgethatWitcheswork
with,sothatinformationonreligionandritualpracticesisinterwovenwithinstructionsonsuch

diversetopicsashealing,herballore,dreaminterpretation,sexmagick,thepowerofcolors,run
ic
alphabets,magickaltools,meditation,divination,amuletsandtalismans,magickalpropertiesof
gemstones,candlemagick,andsoon.

RaymondBucklandis,tomymind,theonepersonmostresponsibleforgettingtheCraftso
widelyspreadthroughoutthiscountry.AslongasI'veknownhim,Rayhastakenthe"longview"
towardstheOldReligion;ithasalwaysbeenhisdreamtobuildalegacyofWiccanlorefor
thefuture.

Bucklandhaslongbeenanacknowledgedmasterteacher,aswellasasuperbresearcherof
ritualsandspells.Hehasbeentrainingstudentsforovertwentyyears,eversincehecametothi
s
countrytopassonthearcaneteachingsintowhichhewasinitiatedbeforeleavingEngland.His
students(myselfamongthem)havealwaysenjoyedandrespectedhiseasy,personal,but
straightforwardandtothepointstyle.

Truetohisusualexcellentform,Ray'sworkbookisarrangedby"lessons"ratherthanby
chapters.Thelessonsherearedesignedsothatthereadercanacquireknowledgeandexperience
equaltowhatWitchesinmanycovensaretaughtastheirPriestsandPriestessesbringthemup
throughthetraditionalthreedegreesofinitiation.Bucklandsays,"Bythetimeyouhavefinished

thistraining...youwillbetheequivalentoftheThirdDegree..."

Ifeelthathisbookoflessonsmaywellbecometherecognizedstandardbywhichthoseof
theWiccamayjudgeeachotherandbejudgedthemselves.Manyofushavelongcommented
thatinvariouscovensanddifferentbranchesoftheCraftthelevelofbackgroundtraining
requiredforadvancedinitiationshasvariedradically...fromverygood(rarely)tosatisfacto
ry
(sometimes)toatrocious(alltoooften).Ray'scomprehensivetrainingvolumeshouldprovide
thelongawaitedbasiccurriculumthatallWitchesshouldbeexpectedtoknowandbeable
topractice.

Insharingthismaterial,theauthorreflectsaneweraofopenness.Inthepast,Craftsecretsof

thisnaturehavebeenhighlyguarded,andpublicationofthemwouldhavebeenunthinkablejust
afewyearsago.

Thelessonsinthisworkbookarepositiveandethical.RayemphasizesthatWitchcraft
entails"acceptanceofpersonalandsocialresponsibility,"andthat"itisacknowledgementofa
wholisticuniverseandameanstowardsaraisingofconsciousness".

Ofcourse,anidealworkbookshouldalsobeasturdyhandbookthatprovidesgood,practical
informationthatiseasilyreadable.ForanyonelookingforasolideducationinWitchcraft,
Paganism,andmagick,thisbookwillprovetobeatruetreasure.Infact,thisbookissojam
packedwithinformationthatitmaywellbecomethedefinitiveworkonthissubject!Thisisjust
thevolumefromwhichtobuildabasisofsolid,valid,mostimportantknowledge,andtouseasa
foundationfromanyCraftlibrary.I'drecommendthatallwhoareinterestedintheOldReligion
getthisbook,studyit...andtreasureit!

EdFitch
MagicalRitesfromtheCrystalWell

AbouttheAuthor

RaymondBucklandcametotheUnitedStatesfromEnglandin1962.Hehasbeenactivelyinvolvedin
thestudyoftheoccultforoverthirtyfiveyears,andaninitiateoftheOldReligionfortwenty
five.Inthe
pastfifteenyearshehashadmorethanadozenbookspublishedandhaswrittennumerousnewspaper

andmagazinearticles.

Consideredanauthorityonwitchcraftandtheoccult,RayservedastechnicaladvisorfortheOrso
n
WellesmovieNecromancyandalsoworkedasanadvisorforastageproductionofMacbethwithWilli
am
Friedkin(directorofTheExorcist).Hehaslecturedatuniversitiesacrossthecountryincluding
PermState
University,UniversityofWesternIllinois,UniversityofNorthDakota,NewYorkStateUniversity
and
CityCollegeSanDiego.HehasbeenwrittenaboutinsuchnewspapersandmagazinesasTheNewYork

Times,NewYorkDaily(andSunday)News,NationalObserver,LookMagazine,Cosmopolitan,True,and
many
others.

RayhasappearedonnumerousradioandtelevisiontalkprogramsincludingTheDickCavettShow,To
m
Snyder'sTomorrowShow,NotforWomenOnly(withBarbaraWalters)andtheVirginiaGrahamShow.H
e
hasbeenseenonBBCTVEngland,RAITVItaly,andCBCTVCanada.HehastaughtcoursesatNew
YorkStateUniversity,HofstraUniversityandNewHampshireTechnicalCollege.Heislistedinan
um
berofreferenceworksincludingContemporaryAuthors,Who'sWhoinAmerica,MenofAchievementan
d
InternationalAuthorsandWriters'Who'sWho.

RayBucklandcomesfromafamilyofEnglishGypsiesandisactivelyinvolvedinresearchingRomany

roots.TodayheliveswithhiswifeTarainMillersburg,Ohio.

ToWritetotheAuthor

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RayBuckland

c/oLlewellynWorldwide

P.O.Box64383,Dept.L0508,St.Paul,MN551640383,U.S.A.

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Itshouldn't.TheentirebasisforMagickistoexerciseinfluenceoverone'senvironment.
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transformation,eventhespirituallifemustrestfirmlyonmaterialfoundations.

Thematerialworldandthepsychicareintertwined,anditisthisveryfactthatestablishes
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Magickcan,andshould,beusedinone'sdailylifeforbetterliving!Eachofushasbeen
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TheBodyisalive,andallLifeisanexpressionoftheDivine.ThereisGodpowerinthe
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AlsobyRaymondBuckland

Witchcraft...theReligion

APocketGuidetotheSupernatural

WitchcraftAncientandModern

PracticalCandleburningRituals

WitchcraftfromtheInside

HereIstheOccult

TheTree:CompleteBookofSaxonWitchcraft

AnatomyoftheOccult

TheMagicofChantoMatics

PracticalColorMagick

SecretsofGypsyFortunetelling

Buckland'sGypsyFortunetellingDeck

SecretsofGypsyDreamReading

SecretsofGypsyLoveMagic

ScottishWitchcraft

DoorstoOtherWorlds

RayBuckland'sMagicCauldron

TruthAboutSpiritCommunication

AdvancedCandleMagic

Fiction

TheCommittee
Cardinal'sSin

NewWorldsKit

Buckland'sCompleteGypsyFortuneTeller

Video

Witchcraft:YesterdayandToday

WithHerewardCarrington

AmazingSecretsofthePsychicWorld

WithKathleenBinger

TheBookofAfricanDivination

Underthepseudonym"TonyEarll"

MuRevealed

Llewellyn'sPracticalMagickSeries

BUCKLAND'S
COMPLETEBOOK

OF
WITCHCRAFT

RaymondBuckland

1997

LlewellynPublications

St.Paul,Minnesota551640383,U.S.A.

Buckland'sCompleteBookofWitchcraft.Copyright1986byRaymondBuckland.Allrightsre;
PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.Nopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproducedinanyi
whatsoeverwithoutwrittenpermissionfromLlewellynPublications,exceptinthecaseofbrief
tionsembodiedincriticalarticlesandreviews.

FIRSTEDITION
TwentythirdPrinting,1997

BookdesignbyTerryBuske
CoverdesignbyTerryBuske
TypesettingbyJackAdair

LibraryofCongressCataloginginPublicationData
Buckland,Raymond.

Buckland'scompletebookofwitchcraft.

(Llewellyn'spracticalmagickseries)

1.Witchcraft.I.Title.II.Title:Completebookofwitchcraft.
III.Series.

BF1566.B7619862998545280

ISBN0875420508


ADivisionofLlewellynWorldwide,Ltd.

P.O.Box64383,St.Paul,MN551640383

For...

Tara

andinmemoryofScireandOlwen

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Mythanksto

Mywonderfulwife,forhersupport,
EdFitch,forhischeiromanticassistance,
"Mike"F.Shoemaker,formaterialonDreamsandtheIntui
tiveProcess,

CarlL.Weschcke,forhiscontinuedencouragement,
AidanBreac,forallPectiWitadetails.*

*AidanBreacisaScottishHighlanderwhowasbornandraisedina
hereditaryCraftfamilyonPriestIsland,offthewestcoastofScotland.Heis
descendedfromtheCarnonacaetribeofPictswholivedinthenorthwestof
whatisnowRossandCromartyCounty.AidanBreacisbelievedtobeinhis
nineties,(therearenoofficialrecordsofhisbirth)andforthepastthirty
yearshasdevotedhistimetoteachingthePectiWitatradition(aSolitary
one)tostudentshardyenoughtomakethejourneytotheruggednorthwest
ofScotlandandsharetherigorsofhisretreatatCastleCarnonacae.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

XI

LESSONONE1

TheHistoryandPhilosophyofWitchcraft

HistoryandDevelopment.Persecutions.Re
emergence.ThePhilosophyofWitchcraft.Prin
ciplesofWiccanBelief.ThePowerWithin.Spells
andCharms.

LESSONEIGHT97

Marriage,Birth,DeathandChanneling

HandfastingRite;HandpartingRite;BirthRite;
CrossingtheBridge.TheIntuitiveProcessCategories
ofChanneling;ClearingtheChannel;External
FocalPoints;InterpretingChanneledInformation.
TheAura.SensoryDeprivation.TheWitches'
Cradle.

LESSONTWO13

Beliefs

Deities;TheGodandGoddessofWitchcraft;Rein
carnation;Retribution;BetweenLives.YourTem
ple.YourAltaranditsFurniture.Magickan
Introduction.

LESSONTHREE27

Tools,ClothingandNames

WorkingTools;Knife;MarkinginMetal;Sword;
OtherTools;Dress;Jewelry;HornedHelmet.In
scriptions.YourWitchName.

LESSONFOUR41

GettingStarted

RitesofPassage.Circles.SelfDedication.Coven
Initiation.

LESSONFIVE53

CovensandRituals

CovensandDegrees.HierarchyandPriesthood.
CovensteadsandCovendoms.TheBookofRituals.
ConsecrationofTools.RITUALSErectingthe
Temple;ClearingtheTemple;EsbatRite;FullMoon
Rite;New/DarkMoonRite;CakesandAle.

LESSONSIX
Sabbats

Samhain;Beltane;Imboic;Lughnasadh.

67

79

LESSONSEVEN

Meditation,DreamsandtheMinorSabbats

MeditationHowMeditationWorks;Technique;
Posture;Area;TimeofDay:Method.DreamsThe
Source;DreamInterpretationandSymbology;
RememberingDreams;PersonalSymbols;The
RepetitiveDream;GroupDreams;Dreamsvs
OutofBodyExperiences.RitualsSpringEquinox;
SummerSolstice;AutumnalEquinox;Winter
Solstice.

LESSONNINE111

Divination

Tarot;Scrying;SaxonWands;Cheiromancy;Tea
leafReading;Numerology;Astrology;FireScrying.

LESSONTEN135

Herbalism

HerbalLore;GettingtheMostOutofHerbs;Sim
ples,Syrups,Salves,PoulticesandPowders;Herb
Simples;DefinitionofMedicalActions;Herbsin
MateriaMedica.BotanicalsAlteratives,Anthel
mintics,Astringents,BitterTonics,Calmatives,
CarminativesandAromatics,Cathartics,Demul
cents,Diaphoretics,Diuretics,Emollients,Expec
torants,Nervines,NerveStimulants,Refrigerants,
Sedatives,Stimulants.VitaminsinHerbs.TheArt
ofPrescribingMedicine.SomeSimpleTreatments
MedicinalDrinks,Syrups,Decoctions,Teas,Mix
tures,Ointments.Witches'Pharmacopoeia.
Sources.

LESSONELEVEN155

Magick

PhysicalBody.Circle.ConeofPower.Dancing
andChanting.Feeling.DrawingDownPower.
ReleasingthePower.Timing.CordMagick.Candle
Magick.LoveMagick.SexMagick.BindingSpell.
Protection.FormofRitual.

LESSONTWELVE175

ThePoweroftheWrittenWord

Runes.OghamBethluisnion.EgyptianHierogly
phics.Theban.PassingtheRiver.Angelic.Malachim.
Pictish.TalismansandAmulets.PowerRaising
Dance.GeneralDancing.MusicandSong.Sabbat
Games.WineandAle.BreadandCakes.

LESSONTHIRTEEN193

Healing

TheAura,AuricHealing;PranicHealing;Absent
Healing;ColorHealing.GemTherapy.Poppets.
MeditationandBiofeedback.AnimalsandPlants.
PositiveThinking.

LESSONFOURTEEN205

GettingSetUp

Rituals.TheConstructionofRitual.Guardiansof
theWatchtowers.FormingaCoven.YourCoven.
EstablishingaChurch.CraftGreetings.Clothing
AccessoriesCloak;Sandals.YoungWiccans.Break
ingtheNews.

LESSONFIFTEEN217

SolitaryWitches

RitualsErectingtheTemple;Esbat;Cakesand
Ale;ClearingtheTemple.MeditationtotheEle
ments.

APPENDIXA229

TraditionsandDenominationsofWitchcraft

AlexandrianWicca;AmericanCelticWicca;
AustralianWicca;ChurchofYTylwythTeg;Church
oftheCrescentMoon;CircleWicca;Covenofthe
Forest,FarandForever;DeboranWicca;Dianic
FeministWicce;Frosts'Wicca;GardnerianWica;
GeorgianWicca;MaidenhillWicca;NortherWay;
NovaWicca;PectiWita;SeaxWica.

APPENDIXB
ExaminationQuestions

APPENDIXC

AnswerstoExaminationQuestions

APPENDIXD
MusicandChants

RecommendedReadingList

233

239

247

257

Afterword

227

INTRODUCTION

Witchcraftisnotmerelylegendary;itwas,andis,real.Itisnotextinct;itisaliveand
prospering.SincethelastlawsagainstWitchcraftwererepealed(asrecentlyasthe
1950s),Witcheshavebeenabletocomeoutintotheopenandshowthemselvesforwhat
theyare.

Andwhatarethey?Theyareintelligent,communityconscious,thoughtfulmen
andwomenofTODAY.Witchcraftisnotastepbackwards;aretreatintoamore
superstitionfilledtime.Farfromit.Itisastepforward.Witchcraftisareligionfarmore
relevanttothetimesthanthevastmajorityoftheestablishedchurches.Itistheacceptance
ofpersonalandsocialresponsibility.Itisacknowledgementofaholisticuniverseanda
meanstowardsaraisingofconsciousness.Equalrights;feminism;ecology;attunement;
brotherly/sisterlylove;planetarycaretheseareallpartandparcelofWitchcraft,the
oldyetnewreligion.

Theaboveiscertainlynotwhattheaveragepersonthinksofinrelationto"Witch
craft".No;themisconceptionsaredeeplyingrained,fromcenturiesofpropaganda.
Howandwhythesemisconceptionscameaboutwillbeexaminedlater.

WiththespreadingnewsofWitchcraftwhatitis;itsrelevanceintheworld
todaycomes"TheSeeker".Ifthereisthisalternativetotheconventionalreligions,this
modern,forwardlookingapproachtolifeknownas"Witchcraft",thenhowdoesone
becomeapartofit?There,formany,isthesnag.GeneralinformationontheOld
Religionvalidinformation,fromtheWitchesthemselvesisavailable,butentryinto
theorderisnot.Thevastmajorityofcovens(groupsofWitches)arestillwaryenough
thattheydonotthrowopentheirdoorsandwelcomeallandsundry.Theyarehappyto
straightenthemisconceptions,buttheydonotproselytize.Thisleadsmanywouldbe
Witches,outofsheerfrustration,tosimplydeclarethemselves"Witches"andstarttheir
ownpractices.Indoingsotheydrawonany,andoftimesall,availablesources.Thedanger
hereisthattheydonotknowwhatisvalidandrelevantandwhatisnot.Unfortunately
therearenowmanysuchcovens,operatingwithlargechunksofCeremonialMagick
happilymixedinwithsmatteringsofSatanismandoddsandendsofVoodootogether
withAmerindianlore.Witchcraftisavery"loose"religion,intermsofritualpractices,
butitdoeshavecertainbasictenetsandthereareestablishedritualpatternstobe
adheredto.

Thepurposeofthisbookistogivethisnecessaryinformation.Withit,youasan
individualor(withlikemindedfriends)asagroupcantheneitherdoyourownthing,
happyintheknowledgethatitisatleastasvalidasanyofthemoreestablished
traditions,oryoucan,onlocatingacoven,becomeaninitiatedparticipantwithtraining
andknowledgeasgoodas(ifnotbetterthan)anyoftheothercovenmembers.

InChristianitytherearemanydenominations(e.g.Episcopalian,RomanCatholic,
Baptist,Methodist).SoitisinWitchcraft.Justasthereisnoonereligionthatisrightfor
allpeople,thereisnoonedenominationofWitchcraftthatisrightforallWitches.And
thatisasitshouldbe.Wearealldifferent.Ourbackgroundsbothethnicandsocialvary
greatly.Ithasoftenbeensaidthattherearemanypaths,buttheyallleadtothesamecenter.
Withsomanypaths,then,youareabletofindtherightoneforYOU;theonepathyou
cantravelcomfortablyandsecurely.

Tobeofthemostusetoyou,theinformationIgiveinthisbookthetrainingyou
willgetisnondenominational.Itakeexamplesfromdifferenttraditions(e.g.Gardnerian,
Saxon,Alexandrian,Scottish),givingyoubothgeneralinformationandspecifics.Thisis

drawnfrommymorethantwentyyearsactiveparticipationintheCraft,andnearly
twicethatintheoccultgenerally.Bythetimeyouhavefinishedthistraining(presuming
thatyoutakeitseriously),youwillbetheequivalentoftheThirdDegree,inGardnerian
orsimilar.Fromthereyoucanthen,asIhavesaid,goontootherperhapsmorespecific
trainingifyouwish,inthesenseofbeingtailoredtoaparticulartradition.Butfromthis
presentworkyoucangetallofthebasicsandbuildfromanexcellentfoundation.

Thisisaworkbook...itissomethingyoumustworkthrough.Consequently,
ratherthanChapters,IhavedivideditintoLessons.Attheendofeachlessonyouwillfind
workbookexercises.AttheendofthebookinAppendixByouwillfindexamination
questionsforeachlesson.Readthrougheachlesson.Readandabsorb.Readthrough
twoorthreetimesifnecessary.Gobackandpayspecialattentiontoanythingyoufind
wasnoteasilyabsorbed.Whenyouarefinallyhappywithwhatyouhavelearned,
answertheexaminationquestions.Answerinyourownwords,withoutreferringback
tothetext.Inthiswayyoucanseewhathassunkinandwhathasnot.Donotgoontothe
nextlessonuntilyouarecompletelyhappywiththepreviousone.Answerstothe
questionsaretobefoundinAppendixC.

Thebookhasbeencarefullyputtogetherinspecificorder.Don'ttrytojumpahead
to"moreexciting"lessons...youmaywellfindthatyoudon'thavethenecessary
basicsforthem!Whenyouhavecarefullyworkedthroughtheentirebook,thenwillbe
thetimetogobackanddipintoitasarefresher.

ThisbookisbasedontheverysuccessfulSeaxWicaSeminarycoursethatwas
enjoyedbyoverathousandstudentsworldwide.FromthatexperienceIknowthatthe
formulaworks,andworkswell.Iwouldhastentoaddthatwhilebasedonthatcourse,this
presentworkisnotthesamecourse.TheSeaxWicacoursewasdesignedspecificallyfor
theSaxontradition;thisisnot.ThereissomeduplicationofthemoregeneralCraft
material,yes,butnotenoughthatapriorstudentoftheSeminarycoursecouldnotalso
enjoythisbook.

So,ifyouareaseriousstudentofWitchcraft,orWicca,eitherasawouldbepractitioner
orasonepurelyacademicallyinterested,thenIwelcomeyou.Ihopeyougetasmuch
outofthismaterialasdidmypreviousstudents.

BrightBlessings

RaymondBuckland
SanDiego,California

LESSONONE
THEHISTORYANDPHILOSOPHYOFWITCHCRAFT

BeforereallygettingintowhatWitchcraftis,perhapsweshouldtakea
lookbackatwhatitwasthehistoryofit.Witchesshouldbeawareof
theirroots;awareofhowandwhythepersecutionscameabout,for
instance,andwhereandwhenthereemergencetookplace.Thereisa
greatdealtobelearnedfromthepast.It'struethatmuchofhistorycan
seemdryandboringtomanyofus,butthatisfarfromsowiththehistory
ofWitchcraft.Itisverymuchaliveandfilledwithexcitement.

TherehavebeenmanybookswrittenonthehistoryofWitchcraft.
Thevastmajorityhavesufferedfrombiasaswillbeexplainedshortly
butafewofthemorerecentlypublishedoneshavetoldthestory
accurately...orasaccuratelyaswecandetermine.ThelateDr.Margaret
MurraytracedbackandsawWitchcraft'soriginsinPalaeolithictimes;
25,000yearsago.Shesawitasamoreorlessunbrokenlinethroughtothe
present,andasafullyorganizedreligionthroughoutwesternEuropefor
centuriesbeforeChristianity.Recentlyscholarshavedisputedmuchof
whatMurraysaid.Shedid,however,presentsometangibleevidence
andmuchthoughtprovokingmaterial.Asaprobabledevelopmentof
religiomagick(ratherthanWitchcraft,perse),hertheoriesarestill
respected.

TwentyfivethousandyearsagoPalaeolithicWo/Mandependedupon
huntingtosurvive.Onlybysuccessinthehuntcouldtherebefoodto
eat,skinsforwarmthandshelter,bonestofashionintotoolsandweapons.
InthosedaysWo/Manbelievedinamultitudeofgods.Naturewas
overwhelming.Outofaweandrespectforthegustingwind,theviolent
lightning,therushingstream,Wo/Manascribedtoeachaspirit;made
eachadeity...aGod.ThisiswhatwecallAnimism.Agodcontrolled
thatwind.Agodcontrolledthesky.Agodcontrolledthewaters.But
mostofall,agodcontrolledtheallimportanthunt...aGodofHunting.
MostoftheanimalshuntedwerehornedsoWo/Manpicturedthe
GodofHuntingalsoasbeinghorned.Itwasatthistimethatmagick
becamemixedinwiththesefirstfalteringstepsofreligion.The
earliestformofmagickwasprobablyofthesympatheticvariety.Similar
things,itwasthought,havesimilareffects:likeattractslike.Ifalifesize,
claymodelofabisonwasmade,thenattackedand"killed"...thena
huntoftherealbisonshouldalsoendinakill.Religiomagickalritual

1

2/Buckland'sCompleteBookofWitchcraft

wasbornwhenoneofthecavementhrewonaskinandantleredmask
andplayedthepartoftheHuntingGod,directingtheattack.Thereare,
stillinexistence,cavepaintingsofsuchrituals,togetherwiththespear
stabbedclaymodelsofbisonandbear.

Itisinterestingtoseehowthisformofsympatheticmagicksurvived
rightthroughtorelativelymoderntimes.ThePenobscotIndians,for
example,lessthanahundredyearsago,woredeermasksandhorns
whenperformingritualsforthesamepurpose.TheMandanIndians'Buf
faloDanceisanotherexample.

AlongwiththisGodofHuntingtherewasaGoddess,thoughwhich
camefirst(orwhethertheyevolvedtogether)wedonotknow,anditis
immaterial.Ifthereweretobeanimalstohunt,therehadtobefertilityof
thoseanimals.Ifthetribewastocontinue(andtherewasahighmor
talityrateinthosedays)thentherehadtobefertilityofWo/Man.Again
sympatheticmagickplayedapart.Claymodelsweremadeoftheanimals
mating,andinanaccompanyingritualthemembersofthetribewould
copulate.

TherearemanycarvedandmodeledrepresentationsoftheFertility
Goddessextant.Generallyknownas"Venus"figurines,theVenusof
Willendorfisoneofthebestknown.OtherexamplesincludetheVenus
ofLausselandtheVenusesofSireuilandofLespugne.Allaresimilarin
thatthefeminineattributesofthesefiguresaregreatlyoveremphasized.
Theyhaveheavy,pendulousbreasts,largebuttocks,anoftimesswollen
bellyasthoughpregnantandexaggeratedgenitalia.Thereisinvari
ablycompletelackofidentitywiththerestofthebody.Thefaceisnot
definedandthearmsandlegs,ifthereatall,arebarelysuggested.The
reasonisthatWo/Manwassolelyconcernedwiththefertilityaspect.
Womanwasthebearerandnurseroftheyoung.TheGoddesswasher
representativeastheGreatProviderandComforter;MotherNatureor
MotherEarth.

Withthedevelopmentofagriculturetherewasafurtherelevating
oftheGoddess.Shenowwatchedoverthefertilityofthecropsaswellas
oftribeandofanimal.Theyear,then,fellnaturallyintotwohalves.Inthe
summerfoodcouldbegrown,andsotheGoddesspredominated;inthe
winterWo/Manhadtoreverttohunting,andsotheGodpredominated.
Theotherdeities(ofwind,thunder,lightning,etc.)graduallyfellintothe
background,asofsecondaryimportance.

AsWo/Mandeveloped,sodidthereligionforthatiswhatithad
become,slowlyandnaturally.Wo/ManspreadacrossEurope,taking
thegodsalong.Asdifferentcountriesdeveloped,sotheGodandGod
dessacquireddifferentnames(thoughnotalwaystotallydifferent;
sometimessimplyvariationsonthesamename),yettheywereessen
tiallythesamedeities.ThisiswellillustratedinBritainwhere,inthe
southofEngland,isfoundCernunnos(literally"TheHornedOne").
TothenorththesamegodisknownasCerne;ashortenedform.Andin
stillanotherareathenamehasbecomeHeme.

BynowWo/Manhadlearnednotonlytogrowfoodbutalsotostore
itforthewinter.Sohuntingbecamelessimportant.TheHornedGod
camenowtobelookeduponmoreasaGodofNaturegenerally,anda
GodofDeathandwhatliesafter.TheGoddesswasstillofFertilityand

LessonOne:TheHistoryandPhilosophyofWitchcraftI3

alsoofRebirth,forWo/Manhaddevelopedabeliefinalifeafterdeath.
Thisisevidencedfromtheburialcustomsoftheperiod.TheGravettians
(22,00018,000BCE)wereinnovatorshere.Theywouldburytheir
deceasedwithfullclothingandornamentsandwouldsprinklethem
withredochre(haematite,orironperoxide),togivebacktheappearance
oflife.Frequentlyfamilymemberswouldbeburiedbeneaththehearth
sothattheymightremainclosetothefamily.Amanwouldbeburied
withhisweapons;perhapsevenhisdogallthathemightneedin
theafterlife.

Itisnotdifficulttoseehowabeliefinalifeafterdeathcameabout.
Attherootofitweredreams.ToquotefromWitchcraftFromtheInside
(Buckland,LlewellynPublications,1975):

"WhenManslepthewas,tohisfamilyandfriends,likeoneofthedead.
True,insleepheoccasionallymovedandhebreathed,butotherwisehewas
lifeless.Yetwhenheawokehecouldtellofhavingbeenouthuntinginthe
forest.Hecouldtellofhavingmetandtalkedwithfriendswhoreallyweredead.
Theothers,towhomhespoke,couldbelievehimfortheytoohadexperienced
suchdreams.Theyknewhehadnotactuallysetfootoutsidethecavebutatthe
sametimetheyknewhewasnotlying.Itseemedthattheworldofsleepwasas
thematerialworld.Thereweretreesandmountains,animalsandpeople.Even
thedeadwerethere,seeminglyunchangedmanyyearsafterdeath.Inthisother
world,then,Manmustneedthesamethingsheneededinthisworld."

Withthedevelopmentofdifferentritualsforfertility,forsuccess
inthehunt,forseasonalneedstherenecessarilydevelopedapriest
hood:aselectfewmoreabletobringresultswhendirectingtherituals.
InsomeareasofEurope(thoughprobablynotasgenerallywidespread
asMurrayindicated)theseritualleaders,orpriestsandpriestesses,
becameknownastheWicca*the"WiseOnes".Infactbythetimeofthe
AngloSaxonkingsinEngland,thekingwouldneverthinkofactingon
anyimportantmatterwithoutconsultingtheWitan;theCouncilofWise
Ones.AndindeedtheWiccadidhavetobewise.Theynotonlyledthe
religiousritesbutalsohadtohaveknowledgeofherballore,magickand
divination;theyhadtobedoctor,lawyer,magician,priest.Tothepeople
theWiccawereplenipotentiariesbetweenthemandthegods.But,atthe
greatfestivals,theyalmostbecamelikegodsthemselves.

WiththecomingofChristianitytherewasnottheimmediatemass
conversionthatisoftensuggested.Christianitywasamanmadereligion.
Ithadnotevolvedgraduallyandnaturallyoverthousandsofyears,aswe
haveseenthattheOldReligiondid.Wholecountrieswereclassedas
Christianwheninactualityitwasonlytherulerswhohadadoptedthe
newreligion,andoftenonlysuperficiallyatthat.ThroughoutEurope
generallytheOldReligion,initsmanyandvariedforms,wasstillpromi
nentforthefirstthousandyearsofChristianity.

AnattemptatmassconversionwasmadebyPopeGregorythe
Great.Hethoughtthatonewaytogetthepeopletoattendthenew
Christianchurcheswastohavethembuiltonthesitesoftheolder
temples,wherethepeoplewereaccustomedtogatheringtogetherto
worship.Heinstructedhisbishopstosmashany"idols"andtosprinkle
thetempleswithholywaterandrededicatethem.Toalargeextent

*Wicca(m);Wicce(f).AlsosometimesspelledViicaorWito.



Gregorywassuccessful.Yetthepeoplewerenotquiteasgullibleashe
thought.WhenthefirstChristianchurcheswerebeingconstructed,the
onlyartisansavailabletobuildthemwerefromamongthepagansthem
selves.Indecoratingthechurchesthesestonemasonsandwoodcarvers
verycleverlyincorporatedfiguresoftheirowndeities.Inthisway,even
iftheywereforcedtoattendthechurchesthepeoplecouldstillworship
theirowngodsthere.

Therearemanyofthesefiguresstillinexistencetoday.TheGod
dessisusuallydepictedasverymuchafertilitydeity,withlegsspread
wideandwithgreatlyenlargedgenitalia.Suchfiguresareusuallyreferred
toasShielanagigs.TheGodisshownasahornedheadsurroundedby
foliage;knownasa"foliatemask",andalsosometimesreferredtoas
"JackoftheGreen"or"Robino'theWoods".Incidentally,thesecarvings
oftheoldGodshouldnotbeconfusedwithgargoyles.Thelatterarethe
hideousfacesandfigurescarvedonthefourcornersofchurchtowersto
frightenawaydemons.

Inthoseearlydays,whenChristianitywasslowlygrowingin
strength,theOldReligiontheWiccansandotherpaganswasoneof
itsrivals.ItisonlynaturaltowanttogetridofarivalandtheChurch
pullednopunchestodojustthat.Ithasfrequentlybeensaidthatthe
godsofanoldreligionbecomethedevilsofanew.Thiswascertainlythe
casehere.TheGodoftheOldReligionwasahornedgod.So,apparently,
wastheChristian'sDevil.Obviouslythen,reasonedtheChurch,the
paganswereDevilworshippers!Thistypeofreasoningisusedbythe
Churcheventoday.Missionarieswereparticularlypronetolabelall
primitivetribesuponwhomtheystumbledasdevilworshippers,just
becausethetribeworshippedagodorgodsotherthantheChristianone.
Itwouldnotmatterthatthepeopleweregood,happy,oftenmorallyand
ethicallybetterlivingthanthevastmajorityofChristians...theyhadto
beconverted!

ThechargeofDevilworship,sooftenleveledatWitches,isridiculous.
TheDevilisapurelyChristianinvention;therebeingnomentionof
him,assuch,beforetheNewTestament.Infactitisinterestingtonote
thatthewholeconceptofevilassociatedwiththeDevilisduetoanerror
intranslation.TheoriginalOldTestamentHebrewHasatanandtheNew
TestamentGreekdiabolossimplymean"opponent"or"adversary".It
shouldberememberedthattheideaofdividingtheSupremePowerinto
twogoodandevilistheideaofanadvancedandcomplexciviliza
tion.TheOldGods,throughtheirgradualdevelopment,werevery
much"human"inthattheywouldhavetheirgoodsideandtheirbad
side.Itwastheideaofanallgood,alllovingdeitywhichnecessitatedan
antagonist.Insimplelanguage,youcanonlyhavethecolorwhiteifthere
isanoppositecolor,black,towhichyoucancompareit.Thisviewofan
allgoodgodwasdevelopedbyZoroaster(Zarathustra),inPersiainthe
seventhcenturyBCE.Theidealaterspreadwestwardandwaspickedup
inMithraismand,later,inChristianity.

AsChristianitygraduallygrewinstrength,sotheOldReligionwas
slowlypushedback.Backuntil,aboutthetimeoftheReformation,itonly
existedintheoutlyingcountrydistricts.NonChristiansatthattime
becameknownasPagansandHeathens."Pagan"comesfromtheLatin

Therewereothermoredefiniteadoptionsfrom
theoldreligions,especiallyintheearlyforma
tiveyearsofChristianity.Theideaofthe
Trinity,forinstance,wastakenfromtheold
Egyptiantriad.Osiris,IsisandHorusbecame
God,MaryandJesus.December25th,asthe
birthdateofJesus,wasborrowedfromMithra
ismwhichalsobelievedinasecondcoming
andindulgedinthe'EatingofGod'.Inmany
religionsoftheancientworldwerefound
immaculateconceptionsandsacrificeofthe
godforthesalvationofthepeople.

RaymondBuckland,HCPublications,NY

1970.

Someoftheinstrumentsoftortureusedinthe
Bambergwitchtrials

LessonOne:TheHistoryandPhilosophyofWitchcraft/5

Paganiandsimplymeans"peoplewholiveinthecountry".Theword
"Heathen"means"onewhodwellsontheheath".Sothetermswere
appropriatefornonChristiansatthattime,buttheyborenocon
notationsofevilandtheirusetodayinaderogatorysenseisquite
incorrect.

Asthecenturiespassed,thesmearcampaignagainstnonChristians
continued.WhattheWiccansdidwasreversedandusedagainstthem.
Theydidmagicktopromotefertilityandincreasethecrops;theChurch
claimedthattheymadewomenandcattlebarrenandblightedthecrops!
NooneapparentlystoppedtothinkthatiftheWitchesreallydidwhat
theywereaccusedof,theywouldsufferequallythemselves.Afterall,
theytoohadtoeattolive.Anoldritualactforfertilitywasforthe
villagerstogotothefieldsinthelightofthefullmoonandtodance
aroundthefieldastridepitchforks,polesandbroomsticks;ridingthem
likehobbyhorses.Theywouldleaphighintheairastheydanced,to
showthecropshowhightogrow.Aharmlessenoughformofsym
patheticmagick.ButtheChurchclaimednotonlythattheywerework
ingagainstthecrops,butthattheyactuallyflewthroughtheairontheir
poles...surelytheworkoftheDevil!

In1484PopeInnocentVIIIproducedhisBullagainstWitches.Two
yearslatertwoinfamousGermanmonks,HeinrichInstitorisKramer
andJakobSprenger,producedtheirincredibleconcoctionofanti
Witchery,theMalleusMaleficarum(TheWitchHammer).Inthisbook
definiteinstructionsweregivenfortheprosecutionofWitches.However,
whenthebookwassubmittedtotheTheologicalFacultyoftheUniver
sityofColognetheappointedcensoratthattimethemajorityofthe
professorsrefusedtohaveanythingtodowithit.KramerandSprenger,
nothingdaunted,forgedtheapprobationofthewholefaculty;aforgery
thatwasnotdiscovereduntil1898.

GraduallythehysteriakindledbyKramerandSprengerbeganto
spread.Itspreadlikeafireflashingupsuddenlyinunexpectedplaces;
spreadingquicklyacrossthewholeofEurope.Fornearlythreehundred
yearsthefiresofthepersecutionsraged.Humankindhadgonemad.The
inhabitantsofentirevillageswhereoneortwoWitchesweresuspected
ofliving,wereputtodeathwiththecry:"Destroythemall...theLord
willknowhisown!"In1586theArchbishopofTrevesdecidedthatthe
localWitcheshadcausedtherecentseverewinter.Bydintoffrequent
torturea"confession"wasobtainedandonehundredtwentymenand
womenwereburnedtodeathonhischargethattheyhadinterferedwith
theelements.

Sincefertilitywasofgreatimportancefertilityofcropsandbeasts
therewerecertainsexualritesenactedbytheWicca,asfollowersofthe
naturereligion.Thesesexualritesseemtohavebeengivenunnecessary
prominencebytheChristianjudges,whoseemedtodelightinprying
intothemostminuteofdetailsconcerningthem.TheritesoftheCraft
werejoyousinessence.Itwasanextremelyhappyreligionandsowas,
inmanyways,totallyincomprehensibletothegloomyInquisitorsand
Reformerswhosoughttosuppressit.

Aroughestimateofthetotalnumberofpeopleburned,hungortor
turedtodeathonthechargeofWitchcraft,isninemillion.Obviouslynot

TheMalleusMalleficarumisinthreeparts,the
firstofwhichtreats'thethreenecessarycon
comitantsofWitchcraftaretheDevil,aWitch,
andthepermissionofAlmightyGod'.Herethe
readerisfirstadmonishedthattonotbelievein
Witchcraftisheresy.Pointsarethencoveredon
whetherchildrencanbegeneratedbyIncubiand
Succubi;Witches'copulationwiththeDevil;
whetherWitchescanswaythemindsofmento
loveorhatred;whetherWitchescanhebetatethe
powersofgenerationorobstructthevenereal
act;whetherWitchesmayworksomepresti
digitatoryillusionsothatthemaleorganappears
tobeentirelyremovedandseparatefromthe
body;variouswaysthattheWitchesmaykillthe
childconceivedinthewomb,etc.,etc..

Thesecondpart,Treatingofthemethodsby
whichworksofWitchcraftarewroughtand
directed,andhowtheymaybesuccessfullyan
nulledanddissolved;'dealswith'theseveral
methodsbywhichdevilsthroughWitchesentice
andalluretheinnocenttotheincreaseofthat
horridcraftandcompany;thewaywherebya
formalpactwithevilismade;howtheytransport
fromplacetoplace;howWitchesimpedeand
preventthepowerofprocreation;howasitwere
theydeprivemanofhisvirilemember;how
Witchmidwivescommithorridcrimeswhen
theyeitherkillchildrenorofferthemtodevilsin
mostaccursedwise;howWitchesinjurecat
tle,raiseandstiruphailstormsandtempestsand
causelightningtoblastbothmenandbeasts'.
Thenfollowremediesfortheabove.

Thethirdpartofthebook'Relatingtothejudi
cialproceedingsinboththeecclesiasticaland
civilcourtsagainstWitchesandindeedallheretics',
isperhapsthemostimportant.Itisherethatthe
orderofthetrialisdealtwith.'Whoarethefitand
properjudgesforthetrialofWitches?'isthefirst
question.ItgoesontoThemethodofinitiatinga
process;thesolemnadjurationandreexamination
ofwitnesses;thequalityandconditionofwit
nesses;whethermortalenemiesmaybeadmitted
aswitnesses'.Herewearetoldthat'thetesti
monyofmenoflowreputeandcriminals,andof
servantsagainsttheirmasters,isadmitted...it
istobenotedthatawitnessisnottobedis
qualifiedbecauseofeverysortofenmity'.We
learnthat,inthecaseofWitchcraft,virtually
anybodymaygiveevidence,thoughinanyother
casetheywouldnotbeadmitted.Eventheevidence
ofyoungchildrenwasadmissable.

Itisobviousfromtheabovethattheauthorsof
theMalleusMaleficarumhadcertainobses
sions.Alargenumberofthechaptersare,for
example,concernedwithsexualaspectsofWitch
craft...whoweretheauthorsofthisinfamous
work?TheyweretwoDominicansnamedJakob
SprengerandHeinrich(Institor)Kramer.


RaymondBuckland,

HCPublications,NY1970


allofthesewerefollowersoftheOldReligion.This
hadbeenawonderfulopportunityforsometogetrid
ofanyoneagainstwhomtheyboreagrudge!'An
excellentexampleofthewayinwhichthehysteria
developedandspreadisfoundinthecaseoftheso
calledWitchesofSalem,Massachusetts.Itisdoubtful
ifanyofthevictimshung*therewerereallyfollowers
oftheOldReligion.JustpossiblyBridgetBishopand
SarahGoodwere,buttheotherswerenearlyallpillars
ofthelocalchurchupuntilthetimethehysterical
children"criedout"onthem.

ButwhataboutSatanism?TheWitcheswerecalled
worshippersoftheDevil.Wasthereanytruthtothis?
No.Yetaswithsomanyofthecharges,therewas
reasonforthebelief.TheearlyChurchwasextremely
harshonitspeople.Itnotonlygovernedthepeasants'
wayofworshipbutalsotheirwaysoflifeandlove.
Evenbetweenmarriedcouples,sexualintercourse
wasfrownedupon.Itwasfeltthatthereshouldbeno
joyfromtheact,itbeingpermittedsolelyforprocrea
tion.IntercoursewasillegalonWednesdays,Fridays
andSundays;forfortydaysbeforeChristmasanda
similartimebeforeEaster;forthreedayspriorto
receivingcommunion,andfromthetimeofconcep
tiontofortydaysafterpaturition.Inotherwords,there
wasagrandtotalofapproximatelytwomonthsinthe
yearonlywhenitwaspossibletohavesexualrelations
withyourspouse...butwithoutderivingpleasure
fromit,ofcourse!

Itwasnowonderthatthis,togetherwithother
suchharshness,ledtoarebellionalbeitaclandes
tineone.ThepeoplethistimetheChristiansfinding
thattheirlotwasnotbetteredbyprayingtotheso
calledGodofLove,decidedtopraytohisopposite
instead.IfGodwouldn'thelpthem,perhapstheDevil
would.SoSatanismcameintobeing.Aparodyof
Christianity;amockeryofit.Itwasarevoltagainstthe
harshnessoftheChurch.Asitturnedoutthe"Devil"
didnothelpthepoorpeasanteither.Butatleasthe
wasshowinghisdisdainfortheauthorities;hewas
goingagainsttheestablishment.

ItdidnottakeMotherChurchlongtofindout
aboutthisrebellion.SatanismwasantiChristian.Witch
craftwasalsointheireyesantiChristian.Ergo,
WitchcraftandSatanismwereoneandthesame.

In1604KingJamesIpassedhisWitchcraftAct,
butthiswasrepealedin1736.Itwasreplacedbyan

ActthatstatedthattherewasnosuchthingasWitch
craftandtopretendtohaveoccultpowerswastoface
beingchargedwithfraud.Bythelateseventeenth
centurythesurvivingmembersoftheCrafthadgone
underground;intohiding.Forthenextthreehundred
years,toallappearancesWitchcraftwasdead.Buta
religionwhichhadlastedtwentythousandyears,in
effect,didnotdiesoeasily.Insmallgroupssurviving
covens,oftimesonlyoffamilymemberstheCraft
continued.

IntheliteraryfieldChristianityhadaheyday.
Printinghadbeeninventedanddevelopedduringthe
persecutions,thereforeanythingpublishedonthe
subjectofWitchcraftwaswrittenfromtheChurch's
pointofview.Laterbookshadonlytheseearlyworks
towhichtoreferso,notunnaturally,theywereheavily
biasedagainsttheOldReligion.Infactitwasnotuntil
1921,whenDr.MargaretAliceMurrayproducedThe
WitchCultInWesternEurope,thatanyonelookedat
Witchcraftwithanythinglikeanunbiasedlight.From
studyingtherecordsofthetrialsoftheMiddleAges,
Murray(aneminentanthropologistandthenPro
fessorofEgyptologyatLondonUniversity)pickedup
thecluesthatseemedtohertoindicatethattherewasa
definite,organized,preChristianreligionbehindall
the"hogwash"oftheChristianallegations.Although
hertheoriesfinallyprovedalittlefarfetchedinsome
areas,shedidindeedstrikesomechords.Wiccawas
bynomeansasfarreachingandwidespreadasMurray
suggested(norwasthereproofofadirect,unbroken
lineofdescentfromthecavepeople),buttherecanbe
nodoubtthatitdidexistasanindubitablereligious
cult,ifsporadicastotimeandplace.Sheenlargedon
herviewsinasecondbook,TheGodoftheWitches,
in1931.

InEngland,in1951,thelastlawsagainstWitch
craftwerefinallyrepealed.Thisclearedthewayforthe
Witchesthemselvestospeakup.In1954Dr.Gerald
BrousseauGardner,inhisbookWitchcraftToday,said,
ineffect,'WhatMargaretMurrayhastheorizedis
quitetrue.Witchcraftwasareligionandinfactitstillis.
Iknow,becauseIamaWitchmyself."Hewentonto
tellhowtheCraftwasstillverymuchalive,albeit
underground.HewasthefirsttogivetheWitches'
sideofthestory.Atthetimeofhiswritingitseemed,to
him,thattheCraftwasrapidlydecliningandperhaps
onlyhangingonbyathread.Hewasgreatlysurprised
when,asaresultofthecirculationofhisbooks,he
begantohearfrommanycovensthroughoutEurope,

*InNewEnglandthelawwasasinEngland:Witcheswerehung.ItwasinScotlandandContinentalE
uropethattheywereburnedatthestake.


allstillhappilypracticingtheirbeliefs.Yetthesesurvi
vingcovenshadlearnedtheirlesson.Theydidnotwish
totakethechanceofcomingoutintotheopen.Whowas
tosaythepersecutionscouldnotstartagain?

ForawhileGeraldGardner'swasthesinglevoice
speakingfortheCraft.Heclaimedtohavebeeninitiated
intoanEnglishcoven,nearChristchurch,justbefore
thestartoftheSecondWorldWar.Hewasexcitedby
whathefound.Hehadspentalifetimeinthestudyof
religiomagickandnowwasapartofit.Hewantedto
rushoutandtelleveryone.Buthewasnotallowedto.
Finallythough,aftermuchpleading,hewasallowed
topresentsomeofthetrueWitchbeliefsandpractices
byweavingthemintoanovel:HighMagic'sAid,
publishedin1949.Ittookfivemoreyearsforhimto
persuadethecoventolethimdothefactualtreatment.
ComplementingWitchcraftToday,histhirdbookwas
publishedin1959,titledTheMeaningofWitchcraft.

Fromhislifetimestudyofreligionandmagick,
Gardnerfeltthatwhathefoundastheremainsof
Witchcraftwasincompleteand,inplaces,inaccurate.
FormilleniatheOldReligionhadbeenapurelyoral
tradition.Itwasnotuntilthepersecutions,withthe
separatingofcovensandtheresultantlossofinter
communication,thatanythingwasputintowriting.At

thattime,whentheWitcheswerehavingtomeetin
theshadows,theritualswerefinallywrittendownin
whatbecameknownasTheBookofShadows.TheBook
wasthencopiedandrecopiedasitpassed,overthe
years,fromcovenleadertocovenleader.Itwasonly
naturalthaterrorswouldcreepin.Gardnertookthe
ritualsofthecoventowhichhebelongedabasically
English/Celticgroupandrewrotethemashefelt
theyshouldhavebeen.Thisformthenbecameknown
as"GardnerianWitchcraft".Inrecentyearstherehave
beenmanywildandwonderfultheoriesandaccusations
advanced,from"Gardnermadeupthewholething"
to"HecommissionedAleisterCrowleytowriteThe
BookofShadowsforhim".Suchchargesscarcelybear
thedignityofaresponse,butdetailsofGardner'spre
paratoryworkcanbefoundinStewartFarrar'sbooks:
WhatWitchesDoandEightSabbatsforWitches.

However,whateverone'sfeelingsaboutGardner,
whateverone'sbeliefintheWicca'sorigins,allpresent
dayWitchesandwouldbeWitchesowehimatre
mendousdebtofgratitudeforhavinghadthecourage
tostandupandspeakoutforWitchcraft.Itisbecause
ofhimthatwecanenjoytheCraft,initsmanyforms,
today.

InAmericathefirstWitchto"standupandbe

Dr.GeraldGardner


recognized"wasmyself,RaymondBuckland.Atthat
timetherewerenocovensvisibleinthiscountry.
InitiatedinScotland(Perth)byGardner'sHighPries
tess,IsetouttoemulateGardnerinsofarastotryto
straightenthelongheldmisconceptionsandtoshow
theCraftforwhatittrulyis.SoonSybilLeekarrived
onthescene,followedbyGavinandYvonneFrost
andotherindividuals.Itwasanexcitingtimeasmore
andmorecovens,andmanydifferenttraditions,came
intotheopenoratleastmadethemselvesknown.
TodaythewouldbeWitchhasawideselectionfrom
whichtochoose:Gardnerian,Celtic(inmanyvari
ations),Saxon,Alexandrian,Druidic,Algard,Norse,
Irish,Scottish,Sicilian,Huna,etc.Detailsofsomeof
thesedifferenttraditionsaregivenintheAppendix.

Thattherearesomany,andsuchvaried,branches
("denominations"or"traditions")ofWitchcraftis
admirable.AsIsaidintheIntroductiontothiswork,
wearealldifferent.Itisnotsurprisingthatthereisno
onereligionthatsuitsallpeople.Inthesameway,
then,therecanbenoonetypeofWitchcrafttosuitall
Witches.Somelikelotsofritual,whilesomearefor
simplicity.SomearefromCelticbackgrounds,others
fromSaxon,Scots,Irish,Italian,oranyofanumberof
others.Somefavoramatriarchy;othersapatriarchy
andstillothersseekabalance.Someprefertoworship
inagroup(coven),whileothersareforsolitaryworship.
Withthelargenumberofdifferentdenominations,
then,thereisnowmorelikelihoodofeveryonefind
ingapaththeycantravelincomfort.

Religionhascomealongwayfromitshumble
beginningsinthecavesofprehistory.Witchcraft,as
onesmallfacetofreligion,hasalsocomealongway.It
hasgrowntobecomeaworldwidereligion,legally
recognized.

Today,acrossAmerica,itisnotatallunusualtofind
openWiccanfestivalsandseminarstakingplaceinsuch
unlikelyplacesasfamilycampgroundsandmotelssuch
astheHolidayInn.Witchesappearontelevisionand
radiotalkshows;theyarewrittenupinlocalandnational
newspapersandmagazines.Witchcraftcoursesare
givenincolleges.EvenintheArmedForcesisWicca
recognizedasavalidreligionDepartmentofthe
ArmyPamphletNo.16513"ReligiousRequirements
andPracticesofCertainSelectedGroupsAHand
bookforChaplains"includesinstructionsastothe
religiousrightsofWitchesrightalongsidethoseof
Islamicgroups,Sikhgroups,ChristianHeritage,Indian
Heritage,JapaneseandJewishgroups.

Yes,Witchcrafthasaplaceinpasthistoryandwill

haveadefiniteplaceinthefuture.

THEPHILOSOPHYOFWITCHCRAFT

TheCraftisareligionofloveandjoy.Itisnotfull
ofthegloomofChristianity,withitsideasof"original
sin",withsalvationandhappinesspossibleonlyinthe
afterlife.ThemusicofWitchcraftisjoyfulandlively,
againcontrastingwiththedirgelikehymnsofChris
tianity.Whyisthis?WhyareWiccansmorecontend
morewarmandhappy?Muchofithastodowiththeir
empathywithnature.Earlypeoplelivedhandin
handwithnaturethroughnecessity.Theywereapart
ofnature,notseparatefromit.Ananimalwasabrother
orasister,aswasatree.Wo/Mantendedthefieldsand
inreturnreceivedfoodforthetable.Sure,s/hekilled
animalsforfood.Butthenmanyanimalskillother
animalsinordertoeat.Inotherwords,Womanand
Manwereapartofthenaturalorderofthings,not
separatefromit.Not"above"it.

ModernWo/Manhaslostmuch,ifnotall,ofthat
closeness.Civilizationhascutthemoff.Butnotsothe
Witch!Eventoday,inthismechanized,supersophis
ticatedworldthatthisbranchofnature(Womanand
Man)hascreated,theWiccaretaintheirtieswith
MotherNature.InbookssuchasBrettBolton'sThe
SecretPowerofPlantswearetoldofthe"incredible",
"extraordinary"healthyreactionofplantstokind
ness;ofhowtheyfeelandreacttobothgoodandevil;
howtheyexpresslove,fear,hate(somethingthat
mightbeborneinmindbyvegetarianswhenthey
becomeovercriticalofmeateaters,perhaps?).Thisis
nonewdiscovery.Witcheshavealwaysknownit.
Theyhavealwaysspokenkindlytoplants.Itisnot
unusualtoseeaWitch,walkingthroughthewoods,
stopandhugatree.ItisnotpeculiartoseeaWitch
throwoffhershoesandwalkbarefootacrossaploughed
field.Thisisallpartofkeepingintouchwithnature;of
notlosingourheritage.

Ifeveryoufeelcompletelydrained,ifeveryou
areangryortense,gooutandsitagainstatree.Choose
agood,solidtree(oakorpinearegood)andsitdown
onthegroundwithyourbackstraight,pressedup
againstthetrunk.Closeyoureyesandrelax.Youwill
feelagradualchangecomeoveryou.Yourtension,
youranger,yourtirednesswilldisappear.Itwillseem
todrainoutofyou.Then,initsplace,youwillfeela
growingwarmth;afeelingofloveandcomfort.It
comesfromthetree.Acceptitandbeglad.Sitthere
untilyoufeelcompletelywholeagain.Then,before


leaving,standwithyourarmsaboutthetreeandthank
it.

Taketimetostopandappreciateallthatisabout
you.Smelltheearth,thetrees,theleaves.Absorbtheir
energiesandsendthemyours.Oneofthecontribu
tingfactorstoourisolationfromtherestofnatureis
theinsulationofourshoes.Wheneveryoucan,go
barefoot.Makecontactwiththeearth.Feelit;absorbit.
Showyourrespectandlovefornatureandlivewith
nature.

Inthesameway,livewithotherpeople.Thereare
manywhomyoumeet,inthecourseofyourlife,who
couldbenefitfromtheirencounterwithyou.Always
bereadytohelpanotherinanywayyoucan.Don't
ignoreanyone,orlooktheotherwaywhenyouknow
theyneedhelp.Ifyoucangiveassistance,giveit
gladly.Atthesametimedonotseektotakechargeof
another'slife.Weallhavetoliveourownlives.Butif
youareabletogivehelp,toadvise,topointtheway,
thendoso.Itwillthenbeuptotheothertodecidehow
toproceedfromthere.

ThemaintenetofWitchcraft,theWiccanRede,
is:

"An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt."

Dowhatyouwill...butdon'tdoanythingthat
willharmanother.It'sassimpleasthat.

InApril,1974,theCouncilofAmericanWitches
adoptedasetofPrinciplesofWiccanBelief.I,per
sonally,subscribetothoseprinciplesandlistthem
here.Readthemcarefully.

1.Wepracticeritestoattuneourselveswiththe
naturalrhythmoflifeforcesmarkedbythephases
oftheMoonandtheseasonalQuartersandCross
Quarters.

2.Werecognizethatourintelligencegivesusaunique
responsibilitytowardourenvironment.Weseek
toliveinharmonywithNature,inecological
balanceofferingfulfillmenttolifeandconscious
nesswithinanevolutionaryconcept.

3.Weacknowledgeadepthofpowerfargreater
thanthatapparenttotheaverageperson.Because
itisfargreaterthanordinaryitissometimes
called"supernatural",butweseeitaslyingwithin
thatwhichisnaturallypotentialtoall.

4.WeconceiveoftheCreativePowerintheuniverse

asmanifestingthroughpolarityasmasculine
andfeminineandthatthissameCreativePower
liesinallpeople,andfunctionsthroughtheinter
actionofthemasculineandfeminine.Wevalue
neitherabovetheother,knowingeachtobesup
portivetotheother.Wevaluesexaspleasure,as
thesymbolandembodimentoflife,andasoneof
thesourcesofenergiesusedinmagickalpractice
andreligiousworship.

5.Werecognizebothouterworldsandinner,or
psychological,worldssometimesknownasthe
SpiritualWorld,theCollectiveUnconscious,Inner
Planes,etc.andweseeintheinteractionof
thesetwodimensionsthebasisforparanormal
phenomenaandmagickalexercises.Weneglect
neitherdimensionfortheother,seeingbothas
necessaryforourfulfillment.

6.Wedonotrecognizeanyauthoritarianhierarchy,
butdohonorthosewhoteach,respectthosewho
sharetheirgreaterknowledgeandwisdom,and
acknowledgethosewhohavecourageouslygiven
ofthemselvesinleadership.

7.Weseereligion,magickandwisdominlivingas
beingunitedinthewayoneviewstheworldand
liveswithinitaworldviewandphilosophyof
lifewhichweidentifyasWitchcrafttheWiccan
Way.

8.Callingoneself"Witch"doesnotmakeaWitch
butneitherdoesheredityitself,northecollecting
oftitles,degreesandinitiations.AWitchseeksto
controltheforceswithinher/himselfthatmake
lifepossibleinordertolivewiselyandwellwithout
harmtoothersandinharmonywithNature.

9.Webelieveintheaffirmationandfulfillmentof
lifeinacontinuationofevolutionanddevelop
mentofconsciousnessgivingmeaningtothe
Universeweknowandourpersonalrolewithin
it.

10.OuronlyanimositytowardsChristianity,orto
wardsanyotherreligionorphilosophyoflife,is
totheextentthatitsinstitutionshaveclaimedto
be"theonlyway"andhavesoughttodeny
freedomtoothersandtosuppressotherwaysof
religiouspracticeandbelief.



11.AsAmericanWitches,wearenotthreatenedbydebatesonthehis
toryoftheCraft,theoriginsofvariousterms,thelegitimacyof
variousaspectsofdifferenttraditions.Weareconcernedwithour
presentandourfuture.

12.Wedonotaccepttheconceptofabsoluteevil,nordoweworship
anyentityknownas"Satan"or"theDevil",asdefinedbytheChris
tiantradition.Wedonotseekpowerthroughthesufferingof
others,noracceptthatpersonalbenefitcanbederivedonlyby
denialtoanother.

13.WebelievethatweshouldseekwithinNaturethatwhichiscon
tributorytoourhealthandwellbeing.

THEPOWERWITHIN

Therearemanypeoplewhoseem,veryobviously,tohavesome
sortof"psychicpower"(forwantofabetterterm).Theyarethesortwho
knowthatthetelephoneisgoingtoringbeforeitactuallydoes,andwho
isontheotherendofthelinebeforetheypickupthereceiver.People
likeUriGellerareabletodemonstratethispowerinmoredramatic
ways,bybendingkeysandteaspoonswithoutphysicalcontact.Others
have"visions"orseemtobeabletomakethingshappen.Oftenthese
peoplehaveapeculiaraffinitywithanimals.

Youmaynotbelikethis.Youmay.wellfeelsomewhatenviousof
suchpeople.Yetyoushouldn'tfeelthatway,forthepowerthatthese
peoplehaveanditisaveryrealpowerisinherentinallofus.Tobe
sure,thatpowercomesoutquitenaturallyinsome,butthatdoesn't
meanthatitcan'tbebroughtoutinothers.Theaura(whichwillbedealt
withextensivelyinalaterlesson)isavisiblemanifestationofthispower.
Thoseabletoseetheauraandyouwillbecomeoneofthesecanseeit
aroundeveryone;againdemonstratingthatthepoweriswithinevery
one.Witcheshavealwayshadthepowerandusedit.Mostofthemseem
tohaveitnaturally,butnotallbyanymeans.ForthatreasontheWitches
havetheirownwaysofdrawingitout;waysthatareespeciallyeffective.

InthemagazineEverydayScienceandMechanics,forSeptember
1932,appearedthefollowingreport:

HumanTissuesProduceDeadlyRadiations

"Raysemittedfromhumanblood,fingertips,nosesandeyes,killyeastand
othermicroorganisms,accordingtoProfessorOttoRahn,workingatCornell
University.Yeast,suchasusedinmakingbread,waskilledinfiveminutes
merelybytheradiationfromthefingertipsofoneperson.Whenaquartzplate,
Vzinchthick,wasinterposedittookfifteenminutesfortheyeasttodie.Intestsof
fingersitwasfoundthattherighthandwasstrongerthantheleft,eveninleft
handedpersons."

ProfessorRahncontinuedhisexperimentsandpublished
resultsinInvisibleRadiationsOfOrganisms(Berlin,1936).Speakingata
meetingoftheAmericanAssociationfortheAdvancementof
Science,heexplainedhowthe"rays"seemedtocomeoutmoststrongly

LessonOne:TheHistoryandPhilosophyofWitchcraft111

fromthefingertips,thepalmsofthehands,solesofthefeet,thearmpits,
thesexorgansandinwomenonlythebreasts.Dr.HaroldS.Burr,of
YaleUniversity,spokeofsimilarexperimentsandconclusionswhen
addressingtheThirdInternationalCancerCongress.

Witcheshavealwaysbelievedinthispowercomingfromthebody
andhavedevelopedwaystoincreaseit,collectitanduseittodowhatwe
termmagick.ProfessorsRahnandBurrshowedthedestructiveuseof
thispower,butitcanbeusedequallyeffectivelyconstructively.

Hereisasimpleexperimentyoucantrywithafriend.Havethe
friendstriptothewaistandsitwithhisbacktoyou.Now,extendyour
hand,withthepalmdownandfingerstogether,straightouttopointat
his(orher)back.Keepthetipsofthefingersaninchorsoawayfromthe
surfaceoftheskin.Nowslowlymoveyourhandupanddownalongthe
lineofhisspine(seeillustration).Trytokeepyourarmstraightandcon
centrateyourthoughtsonsendingallyourenergiesoutalongyourarm
andintoyourhandandfingers.Youwillprobablygetquiteareaction
fromyourfriendasyourpowermakescontact.Hemightfeelastrong
tinglingsensation,heat,orevenwhatseemslikeacoolbreeze...buthe
willfeelsomething.

Experiment.Trywiththelefthand;withthefingerstogether;atdif
ferentdistancesfromhisback.Seeifheknowswhereyourhandis.Does
hefeelitmovingupwhenitismovingup;downwhenmovingdown?
Youwillfindthattheintensityofthepowervariesdependantuponyour
physicalhealthandalsouponthetimeofthedayandthedayofthe
month.Keeprecordsandnotewhenitisthebesttimeforyouto
"generate".

SPELLSANDCHARMS

SpellsandcharmsarethepartofWitchcraftmostcommonlyused
bythesolitaryWitch.Spellsaredonebyfullcovens,certainly,butthere
areveryeffectiveonesthatcanbedonebytheindividual.Themost
importantingredientinaspellisemotion.Youmustwantsomethingto
happen.Youmustwantitwithallyourbeing,andthroughthatdesire
youwilldriveallyourpowerintothemagick.Thisisthereasonthatitis
farbettertodomagickforyourselfthantoasksomeoneelsetodoitfor
you.Ifyouaredoingaspellforanotherpersonthereisnowaythatyou
aregoingtoputthesameamountofemotionaldriveintoitthatthey
could.

Spellsandcharmsarenotnecessarilytiedinwiththereligiousside
ofWitchcraft.ToworkaspellwithintheCircle,immediatelyfollowing
anEsbatritewould,almostcertainly,beextraordinarilyeffective.Yet
youcancastasimpleCircleandworkyourspellatanyothertimeand
stillgetresults.

Theactualmechanicsofcastingaspell;ofworkingmagick?Well,
let'sleavethatuntilyouaresomewhatbetterversedinthereligiousside;
afterall,Witchcraftisareligion.

NOWANSWERTHEEXAMINATIONQUESTIONSFORTHISLESSONINAPPENDIXB

1.Itisoftenhelpfultoexamineourfeelings/attitudestowardaphilosophyortopicweareinte
restedin.Whatis
yourunderstanding,feelingofWitchcraft?Examineyourimpressions,preconceptions,biases,etc.
Howhave
yourreactionschangedregardingWitchcraftthroughoutyourlife?

2.TherearemanydifferentdenominationsofWitchcraft.(InformationisfoundontheseinAppendi
xA).
Basedonwhatyouknowatthispoint,whichdenominationdoyouthinkyou'dliketopractice,and
why?

Theearliestconceptionsofprimitivemagicdealtwithsympatheticmagic.

Howcansympatheticmagichelpyoutoday?Inwhatwayscanyouforeseeusingit?Listsomepossibi
l
ities.

MakeataperecordingoutliningtheprinciplesofWitchcraftwhichyouintendtoadhereto.Keept
hetapefor
futureuseforrecordingfavoriteritualson.Speakingoutloudhelpstoconsolidatebeliefs,and
makethem
clearertoyou.

LESSONTWO
BELIEFS

DEITIES

Asdifferentasarethemanyreligionsoftheworld,
inessencetheyareallthesame.Ithasfrequentlybeen
saidthattheyaresimplydifferentpathsallleadingtoa
commoncenter,andthisistrue.Thebasicteachings
areallthesame;allthatdiffersisthemethodofteach
ing.Therearedifferentrituals,differentfestivalsand
evendifferentnamesforthegods...noticethatIsay
"differentnamesforthegods"ratherthan,simply,
"differentgods".

FriedrichMaxMullertracedreligionbackto"an
ineradicablefeelingofdependence"uponsomehigher
powerthatwasinnateinthehumanmind.AndSir
JamesGeorgeFrazer(inTheGoldenBough)defines
religionasbeing"apropitiationorconciliationof
powerssuperiortoMan,whicharebelievedtodirect
andcontrolthecourseofnatureandofhumanlife".

Thishigherpowerthe"UltimateDeity"is
somegenderlessforcewhichissofarbeyondour
comprehensionthatwecanhaveonlythevaguest
understandingofitsbeing.Yetweknowthatitisthere
and,frequently,wewishtocommunicatewithit.As
individuals,wewishtothankitforwhatwehaveand
toaskitforwhatweneed.Howdowedothiswith
suchanincomprehensiblepower?

InthesixthcenturyBCEthephilosopherXeno
phonesremarkedonthefactthatdeitiesaredeter
minedbyethnicfactors.Hepointedoutthattheblack
Ethiopiansnaturallysawtheirgodsasnegroid,whereas
theThracians'godswerewhite,withredhairandgray
eyes.Hecynicallycommentedthatifhorsesandoxen
couldcarvetheywouldprobablyrepresenttheirgods
inanimalform!Aboutsevenhundredfiftyyearslater
MaximusofTyresaidmuchthesamething:thatmen
worshiptheirgodsunderwhateverformseems

intelligibletothem.

InLessonOneyousawhow,intheirearlydevelop
ment,peoplecametoworshiptwoprincipledeities:the
HornedGodofHuntingandtheGoddessofFertility.
These,then,wereourrepresentationsourunder
standableformsoftheSupremePowerwhichactually
ruleslife.InthevariousareasofWo/Man'sdevelopment
weseethattheserepresentationsbecame,forthe
ancientEgyptians,IsisandOsiris;fortheHindus,
ShivaandParvati;fortheChristians,JesusandMary.
Invirtuallyallinstances(therewereexceptions)the
UltimateDeitywasequatedwithbothmasculineand
feminine...brokendownintoaGodandaGoddess.
Thiswouldseemmostnaturalsinceeverywherein
natureisfoundthisduality.Withthedevelopmentof
theCraft,asweknowit,therewasalso,aswehave
seen,thisdualityofaGodandaGoddess.

DEITIES'NAMES

AsmentionedinLessonOne,thenamesforthe
deitieswouldvarydependinguponlocality.Andnot
onlylocality.WiththeGoddess,especially,theques
tionofnamescouldbecomequiteinvolved.Forexample,
ayoungmanwithproblemsinhislovelifemight
worshiptheGoddessinheraspectofabeautifulyoung
woman.Yetawomaninchildbirthmightfeelmoreat
easerelatingtotheGoddessasamoremature"middle
aged"female.Thenagainanelderlypersonwould
tendtothinkoftheGoddessasherselfbeingelderly.
Sotherewehavethreeseparateandverydistinct
aspectsofthesameGoddess,eachhavingbeengiven
adifferentnameyetallbeingthesamedeity.Asifthat
weren'tenough,thedeitieswouldhavenamesknown
tothegeneralworshippersbutalsoother,secret,
names(oftentwoorthree)knownonlytothepriest

13

14IBuckland'sCompleteBookofWitchcraft

hood.Thiswasaprotectivemeasure.

InWitchcrafttodaytherearemanytraditionsthatcontinuethis
multiplicityofnames.Traditionswithdegreesystems,forexample,fre
quentlyusedifferentdeitynamesintheirhigherdegreesthanintheir
lower.Gardnerianisoneexampleofthis.

SowehavethisideaofanUltimateDeity,anincomprehensible
power,andintryingtorelatetoitwehavesplititintotwomainentities,a
maleandafemale.Tothesewehavegivennames.Itwouldseemthatby
sodoingwearelimitingwhatis,bydefinition,limitless.Butsolongasyou
know,andkeepalwaysinthebackofyourmind,that"It"ISlimitlessyouwill
findthatthisistheeasiestpathtofollow.Afterall,itisprettydifficultto
praytoa"Thing",aSupremePower,withoutbeingabletopicturesome
oneinyourmind.

INJUDAISMthereisthisproblemtoanextent(thoughJudaismisa
theocentricfaith);theSupremePowertherehasanamewhichmaynot
beutteredandmaynotbewritten.Yahwehisthevocalizedformoften
used,butitisderivedfromthefourlettersYHWH(the"divineTetra
grammaton"),signifying"thatnametoosacredtobepronounced".

INCHRISTIANITYtherewasdevelopedtheuseofahumanmale,
Jesus,toplaythepartofthe"SonofGod",theChrist,thusgivinga
recognizableformtodeity;aformtowhichthefollowerscouldrelate.
WiththeadditionofMary,themotherfigure,thedualitywascomplete.
SoitwasmuchmorecomfortabletopraytoJesus,astheextensionof
God/SupremeBeing,yetallthetimeknowingthattherewastheindefin
able,theincomprehensible,beyondhim.JesusandMarywerethe
intermediaries.

SoINWITCHCRAFT;thoseweknowastheGodandtheGoddess
areourintermediaries.Differenttraditionsusedifferentnames,as
alreadymentioned.Thesearethenamesusedforthe"understandable
forms"oftheSupremePower;theUltimateDeity.Theyarethedeities
honoredandworshippedintheWitchcraftrites.

THEGODANDGODDESSOFWITCHCRAFT

AgeneralcomplaintaboutChristianitybyWitchesisthatthereis
theworshipofthemaledeitytotheexclusionofthefemale.Infactthisis
oneofthemainreasonsforpeople(womenespecially)leavingChris
tianityandreturningtotheOldReligion.Andyetit'sastrangeparadox
thatmanyifnotthemajorityofWitchcrafttraditionsareguiltyofthis
samecrimeofChristianity,ifinreverse...theylaudtheGoddesstothe
near,oreventotal,exclusionoftheGod!

Witchcraftisareligionofnature,asanyWitchwilltellyou.Every
whereinnaturethereismaleandfemale,andbotharenecessary(Ihave
yettomeetanyonewhodoesnothavebothamotherandafather).It
follows,then,thatboththeGodandtheGoddessareimportantand
shouldbeequallyrevered.Thereshouldbebalance.Butbalanceisas
woefullymissinginmosttraditionsoftheCraftasitisinChristianity.

Wearealleverysingleoneofusmadeupofbothmasculineand
feminineattributes.Thetoughest,mostmachomanhasfeminineaspects
justasthemosttraditionallyfemininewomanhasmaleaspects.Soitis

"PANAGreeknatureandfertilitydeity,
originallynativetoArcadia.Assuchheisgodof
goatherdsandflocksandisusuallyrepresented
asaverysensualcreature;ashaggyhumanto
theloinswithpointedears,goat'shornsand
legs.Hewandersamongthemountainsand
valleys,pursuingnymphsorleadingthemin
theirdances.Heisquitemusicalandisthe
inventoroftheSyrinx,or'PipesofPan'.Heis
consideredtobeasonofHermes."
Putnam'sConciseMythologicalDictionary
JosephKaster,Putnam,NY1963

LessonTwo:Beliefs115

withthedeities.TheGodhasfeminineaspectsaswellasmasculine,and
theGoddesshasmasculineaswellasfeminine.Iwillexaminethisin
moredetailinalaterlesson.

Whatnamesyouuseforyourdeitiesisamatterofpersonalprefer
ence.InSaxonWitchcraftthenameWodenisgiventotheGod;in
GardneriantheLatintermCernunnosisused;inScottish,Devla.Each
traditionhasitsownname.Butnamesareonlylabels;theyareonlya
meansofidentifying.Youshouldidentify,then,usinganamewithwhich
youcanfeelcompletelycomfortable.For,afterall,religionisamostper
sonalthing,atthecore,andtobeofrealpurposeshouldthereforebe
relatedtoonthemostpersonallevelpossible.Evenifyoujoinan
establishedtraditionthisisstillvalidfindatraditionthatseemsright
foryou(asIspokeaboutinLessonOne)but...don'tbeafraidtomodify
wherenecessarytomakeittotallyrightforyou.Ifthenameusedtoiden
tifytheGod,inthetraditionyouhavechosen,happenstobeCernunnos
(forexample)andyouhavedifficultyrelatingtothatname,thenchoose
anotherforyourownuse.Inotherwords,respectthenameCernunnosin
groupworshipandallmatterspertainingtothecovenbut,inyourown
mindandinpersonalritesdon'thesitatetosubstitutePanorManannaor
Lieforwhatever.Aname,asIhavesaid,isalabel.TheGodhimself
knowsyouare"talking"tohim;he'snotgoingtobeconfused!(Thisall
appliesequallytotheGoddessofcourse).

ItmaywellbefortheabovereasonthatthenameCernunnosisfound
insomanybranchesoftheCraft.AsI'vementioned,itissimplytheLatin
wordfor"theHornedOne".Toaddyourownpersonalidentification,
then,innowayconflicts.

Traditionallythe"darkhalf"oftheyear(seeFigure2.1)isassociated
withtheGod.Butthisdoesnot(orshouldnot)meanthatheis"dead",or
incommunicado,inthe"lighthalf"oftheyear(andviceversawiththeGod
dess).Duringthelighthalfheisfullyactiveinhisfeminineaspect;justas
theGoddessisactiveinthedarkhalfinhermasculineaspect.So,both
deitiesareactivethroughouttheyear,eventhoughdeferencemaybe
giventooneovertheotheratcertaintimes.

Thereisacommonthemeofdeathandresurrectionfoundinmyths
throughouttheworld.Thesymbolismisfrequentlyfurtheredinade
scenttotheunderworldwithalaterreturn.WefinditwithIshtar'sde
scentandsearchforTannaz;withSif'slossofhergoldentresses;with
Idunn'slossofhergoldenapples;withJesus'deathandresurrection;
withSiva'sdeathandresurrection,andmanymore.Basicallyallrepre
sentthecomingoffallandwinterfollowedbythereturnofspringand
summer;theleadfigurerepresntingthespiritofvegetation.From
Witchcrafthereare"TheMythOftheGoddess"asfoundin(a)Gard
nerianWiccaand(b)SaxonWicca.

"NowG*hadneverloved,butshewouldsolvealltheMys
teries,eventheMysteryofDeath;andsoshejourneyedtothe
NetherLands.
TheGuardiansofthePortalschallengedher,'Stripoffthy

Therecanbesurprisesindiscoveringnames
usedforthedeitiesindifferenttraditions.One
verystronglyWelshtraditionusesthename
"Diana"fortheGoddessand"Pan"forthe
God...Diana,ofcourse,wasaROMAN
GoddessandPanwasaGREEKGod!Their
connectionwiththeWelshmustbeoneof
themysteries!

ptiL****1^

V.U6HNA&UV/

0709VMI

Figure2.1

"Goddess:Arada/Arawhon



garments,layasidethyjewels;fornaughtmayyebringwith

yeintothisourland.'

Soshelaiddownhergarmentsandherjewelsandwasbound,

asareallwhoentertheRealmsofDeaththeMightyOne.Such

washerbeautythatDeathhimselfkneltandkissedherfeet,

saying,"Blessedbethyfeetthathavebroughttheeintheseways.

Abidewithme,letmeplacemycoldhandonthyheart.'

Shereplied,'Ilovetheenot.Whydostthoucauseallthings

thatIloveandtakedelightintofadeanddie?'

'Lady/repliedDeath,'itisAgeandFate,againstwhichIam

helpless.Agecausesallthingstowither;butwhenmendieat

theendoftimeIgivethemrestandpeace,andstrengthsothat

theymayreturn.Butthou,thouartlovely.Returnnot;abide

withme.'

Butsheanswered,'Ilovetheenot'.

ThensaidDeath,'An'thoureceivenotmyhandonthyheart,

thoumustreceiveDeath'sscourge'.

'ItisFate;betterso',shesaidandsheknelt;andDeathscourged

herandshecried,Tfeelthepangsoflove'.

AndDeathsaid,'Blessedbe'andgavehertheFivefoldKiss,

saying,'Thusonlymayyeattaintojoyandknowledge'.

Andhetaughtherallthemysteries.Andtheylovedandwere

one,andhetaughtheralltheMagicks.

FortherearethreegreateventsinthelifeofMan:Love,Death

andResurrectioninanewbody;andMagickcontrolsthemall.

Fortofulfillloveyoumustreturnagainatthesametimeand

placeasthelovedone,andyoumustrememberandlovethem

again.Buttoberebornyoumustdie,andbereadyforanew

body;andtodieyoumustbeborn;andwithoutloveyoumay

notbeborn.AndthesebealltheMagicks."

TheMeaningofWitchcraft

GeraldB.Gardner,AquarianPress,London1959

"AlldayhadFreya,mostlovelyofthegoddesses,playedand

rompedinthefields.Thendidshelaydowntorest.

AndwhileshesleptdeftLoki,thePrankster,theMischief

MakeroftheGods,didespytheglimmeringofBrosingamene,

formedofGaldra,herconstantcompanion.Silentasnightdid

LokimovetotheGoddess'sideand,withfingersformedover

theagesinlightness,didremovethesilvercircletfromabout

hersnowwhiteneck.

StraightwaydidFreyaarouse,onsensingitsloss.Thoughhe

movedwiththespeedofthewindsyetLokisheglimpsedas

hepassedswiftlyfromsightintotheBarrowthatleadsto

Dreun.

ThenwasFreyaindespair.Darknessdescendedallabouther

tohidehertears.Greatwasheranguish.Alllight,alllife,all

creaturesjoinedinherdoom.

ToallcornersweresenttheSearchers,inquestofLoki;yet

Onthesubjectofdeitynames,letmeexplain
theoneschosenfortheSeaxWica.Fromtime
totimeIhearcommentsfrompeoplewho
haven'ttroubledtocheckbeyondtheendsof
theirnoses,totheeffectthatWodenandFreya
werenottheoriginal"pair"ofSaxondeities.
Ofcoursetheywerenotandnobodyleastof
allmyselfhasclaimedtheywere.Hereis
howthefoundingofthetraditionwasfirst
explained,backin1973:
"ItseemsthatmostpeoplewhoareWicca
orientedarealsotraditionoriented(perhaps
thisexplainsthebattleforthe'OldestTradi
tion'title?).ForthisreasonIhavegivenmy
traditionanhistoricalbackgroundonwhich
tolean.Namely,aSaxonbackground.Bythis1
mostemphaticallydonotmeanthatthereis
anyclaimtoitsliturgybeingofdirectdescent
fromSaxonorigins!...But,forexample,names
wereneededforthedeities...themainmale
andfemaledeitiesoftheSaxonswereWoden
andFrig.Unfortunately'frig'hascertaincon
notationstodaywhichwouldbemisplaced!1
thereforeadoptedtheNorsevariant,Freya.So
WODENandFREYAarethelabels'usedfor
theCodandGoddessworshippedbythe
SeaxWica."(EarthReligionNews,Yule
1973)

TheSeaxWicadoesnotclaimtobearecon
structionoftheoriginalSaxonCraftsucha
taskwouldbeimpossible.Itismerelyawork
abletraditionbuiltonaSaxonframework,and
thedeitynameswerechosenspecificallyand
forthereasonsgiven.Anycommentregard
ingtheirbeing"incorrect"is,thentotally
erroneous.

Mk<VR|VÎ4X+

LessonTwo:BeliefsI'17

knewthey,theywouldfindhimnot.For
whoistheremaydescendintoDreunand
returnagainfromthence?
ExceptingtheGodsthemselvesand,alack,
mischievousLoki.

Soitwasthat,stillweakfromgrief,Freyaher
selfelectedtodescendinsearchoiBrosinga
mene.AttheportalsoftheBarrowwasshe
challengedyetrecognizedandpassed.
Themultitudeofsoulswithincriedjoyfully
toseeheryetcouldshenottarryasshe
soughtherstolenlight.
TheinfamousLokileftnotrailtofollow,yet
washeeverywherepastseen.Thosetowhom
shespakeheldtoFreya(that)Lokicarried
nojewelashewentby.
Where,then,wasithid?
Indespairshesearchedanage.
Hearhden,themightysmithoftheGods,
didarisefromhisresttosensethebewail
mentofthesoulstoFreya'ssorrow.Striding
fromhissmithy,tofindthecauseofthe
sorrow,didheespytheSilverCircletwhere
LokiMischiefMakerhadlaidit:uponthe
rockbeforehisdoor.

Thenwasallclear.AsHearhdentookhold
oiBrosingamene,(thendid)Lokiappearbefore
him,hisfacewildwithrage.
YetwouldLokinotattackHearhden,this
MightySmithwhosestrengthwasknown
evenbeyondDreun.

Bywilesandtricksdidhestrivetogethis
handsuponthesilvercirclet.Heshape
shifted;hedartedhereandthere;hewas
visibletheninvisible.Yetcouldhenotsway
thesmith.

Tiringofthefight,Hearhdenraisedhis
mightyclub.ThenspedLokiaway.
GreatwasthejoyofFreyawhenHearhden
placedBrosingameneoncemoreabouther
snowwhiteneck.

GreatwerethecriesofjoyfromDreunand
above.

GreatwerethethanksthatFreya,andall
Men,gavetotheGodsforthereturnof
Brosingamene."

TheTree:TheCompleteBookof
SaxonWitchcraft

RaymondBuckland,SamuelWeiser,NY1974

REINCARNATION

Reincarnationisanancientbelief.Itispartof
manyreligions(HinduismandBuddhism,forexample)
andwasevenoneoftheoriginalChristiantenets,until
condemnedbytheSecondCouncilofConstantinople
in553.Itisbelievedthatthehumanspirit,orsoul,isa
fragmentofthedivineandeventuallyitwillreturnto
itsdivinesource.But,foritsownevolution,itis
necessarythatthesoulexperienceallthingsinlife.

Itseemsthemostsensible,mostlogical,explanation
ofmuchthatisfoundinlife.Whyshouldoneperson
bebornintoarichfamilyandanotherintopoverty?
Whyshouldonebeborncrippled,anotherfitand
strong?...ifnotbecausewemustalleventually
experienceallthings.Reincarnationseemsthemost
logicalexplanationofchildprodigies.Amusicalgenius,
composingconcertosattheageoffive(asdidMozart),
isobviouslycarryingoverknowledgefromonelifetime
intothenext.Thisdoesnotusuallyhappen,butitcan.
Inthesameway,homosexualitymightwellbeexplained
throughreincarnation:apersonmaleinonelifetime
andthenfemaleinthenext(orviceversa)mighthave
carriedoverfeelingsandpreferencesfromonelifeto
thenext.

Forsomeonewhodoesnotbelieveinreincarna
tion,itisdifficulttounderstandthedeathofachild.
Whatwasthepointofthechildlivingatall,ifonlyfora
fewshortyears?Forthereincarnationistitisobvious
thatthechildhadlearnedallthathadbeensettobe
learnedinthatparticularlifetimeandsowasmoving
on.Averygoodsimileforthisisthegradesofaschool.
Youenterschoolinalowgradeandlearnthebasics.
Whenyouhavemasteredtheseyougraduate,takea
shortvacation,thencomebackintoahighergradeto
learnandexperiencemorethings.Soitisinlife.In
eachlifeyouhaveacertainamounttolearnandto
experience.Whenyouhavedonethat,yougraduate
(i.e.youdie).Tocomebackintoahighergradeyouare
reborninanewbody.Occasionallyremembranceof
previouslives,orpartsofthem,isexperiencedbut
moregenerallyyoudonotremember(itispossible,of
course,throughsuchproceduresashypnoregression,
togobacktopreviouslivesandbringthemoncemore
tothesurface).Perhapsoneofthemostcommonof
occultexperiencesisthatofdejavuthefeelingthat
somethinghashappenedbeforesooftenattributed
toreincarnation(thoughbynomeansisreincarnation
theonlypossibleexplanationofallcasesofdejavu);
thefeelingbeingabriefflashofmemoryofsomething


thathappenedinapreviouslife.

Inwhatformdowereturntotheearth?Some
believe(theHindus,forexample)thatitisnotneces
sarilyinhumanformeachtime.CertainHindusects
teachthatthesoulmayberebornasaplantoran
animal.However,suchbeliefsarenotgenerallyheld
inWesterncivilization.Somesaythereisaprogres
sionfromthelowestlifeformstothehighestput
tinghumansatthetop.Butthenwhoistosaythe
order?Isadoghigherthanacat,oracathigherthana
dog?Isacentipedehigherorlowerthananearwig?
Doesthismean,wheneverysoulhasfinallypassedup
thescaleandgraduated,thatintheafterlifetherewill
benoplant,animalorinsectlife?Itseemsunlikely.In
Witchcraftthebeliefisthatallthingshavesouls.In
SaxonWitchcraft,forexample,itisbelievedthatadog
willgothroughmanyincarnations,butalwaysasa
dog;acatalwaysasacat;ahumanalwaysasahuman.
Thereisreasonforallthingstobehere...whatwe
termthe"balanceofNature".Itseemswecertainly
haveachoice,withinourspecies,ofbeingeithermale
orfemale,inordertoexperienceandappreciatethe
differentaspects.

Oneargumentoftenputforwardbynonrein
carnationistsis"Ifwhatyousayistrue,howdoyou
explainthefactthattheworldpopulationiscontinu
ouslygrowing?"Ofcourseitis!Soisthepopulation
ofsouls/spirits.Therearenotsimplyxnumberof
soulswhoallstartedtheirdevelopmenttogether.
Newsoulsarebeingintroducedallthetimes.Sowe
havesocalled"newsouls"thoseontheirfirst
incarnationsand"oldsouls"thosewhohavebeen
throughalargenumberoflives.Itispossiblethat
eventually,whenthegodsdecideenoughsoulshave
beenintroduced,therewillbeastabilizingofthe
populationfollowedlaterbyadecline,asoldsoulsin
theirfinalincarnationsmaketheirgraduations.

Thereisyetanotherthoughtthatmightbe
consideredhere...wheredothesesoulsoriginally
comefromandwheredotheygoafterthatfinal
graduation?Onepossibility,ofcourse,isthatwenot
onlyexperienceliveshereonEarth,butalsoonother
planetsandinotherrealitysystems.Whoknows?
...perhapswegothroughthecycleherehaving
alreadybeenthroughitadozentimesormoreon
otherworlds.Thereisobviouslymuchfoodforthought,
verylittle(ifany)proofofpreferencesandgreatscope
fornewtenets.

RETRIBUTION

AlongwithreincarnationgothoughtsofKarma.
Karmaisusuallythoughtofasarewardandpunish
mentsystemstretchingthroughoutalllifetimes:ifyou
doevilinonelifeyouwillhavetopayforitinthenext.
However,itseemsthatthereisalwaystalkof"karmic
debts"and"karmicpunishments"butseldomof"kar
micrewards".TheWitchcraftviewseemstomake
moresense.

FirstofallthereisaWiccanbeliefinretribution
withineachlife.Inotherwords,ratherthanbeing
rewardedandpunishedafterdeath,forwhatyouhave
doneinlife(thetraditionalChristianview),Witches
believethatyougetyourrewardsandpunishments
duringthislifetime,accordingtohowyouliveit.Do
goodandyouwillgetbackgood.Butdoevilandevil
willreturn.Morethanthat,though,itisathreefold
retribution.Dogoodandyouwillgetbackthreetimes
thegood;doevilandyouwillreceivethreetimesthe
evil.Obviouslythereisherenoinducementforyouto
everharmanyone.Ofcourseitisnotaliteralthree
foldreturn.Ifyouweretopunchsomeoneintheeye,it
doesnotmeanthatyouwillgetpunchedintheeye
yourselfthreetimes.No.But,sometimeinthefuture,
youmay"justhappen"tobreakaleg...something
whichmightbeconsideredthreetimesasbadasbeing
punchedintheeye.

IntheWitchcraftbelief,then,onelifetime's
experiencesarenotdependentonthepreviousone's.
Forexample,ifyousufferphysicalabuseinthislife,it
doesnotnecessarilymeanthatyouwereanabuserin
yourpreviouslife.Itispossibleyouwere,yes.Butitis
justaspossiblethatyouwerenotbutaregoingtobein
thenextlife.Inotherwords,itisacaseofexperiencing
allthingsbeingboththeabuserandtheabusee,but
oneisnotnecessarilydependentontheother.Several
lifetimescouldeventakeplacebetweentheone
experienceanditsapparentcorrelative.

Justbecauseyouhavechosenaparticularlifetime
andaretoundergothesetexperiencesdoesnotmean
thatyoucanjustsitbackandsay"Everythingispre
ordained.I'mjustalongfortheride."TheGodandthe
Goddesswillmakesurethatyoudogetallthepar
ticularexperiencesbutyourjobistoprogress;to
striveyourhardesttowardsperfection.YOUCREATE
YOUROWNREALITY.Whateveryouwant,youcan
achieve.ButalwaysremembertheWiccanRede:"An'
itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt."

Wheneverpossible,helpthoselessfortunatethanyourself.By"help"I
donotmean"interfere".Helpcanbegivenbysimplyofferingadvice;by
showingcompassion;even,sometimes,byactuallyrefusingdirectassis
tance.For,inthislattercase,itissometimesofthegreatesthelpandtothe
other'sbenefittomakethemgivealittlemoreeffort:tomakethemthink
forthemselves.

BETWEENLIVES


Thelengthoftimespentbetweenlivesmayvary,dependingon
yourstudyofthelessonslearnedandtheirintegrationwithprevious
lessons;alsoonthenecessarypreparationforthenext"semester".

Whilebetweenlivesyoumightalsobecomeinvolvedinhelping
someotherspirithereonearth.Justasthereisdevelopmentandadvance
mentinthislife,sothereisin"thebetweentimes".Youmayhaveheard
ofsuchthingsas"GuardianAngels"and"SpiritGuides"andwondered
iftheyreallyexist.Inasensetheydo.Itmeansthataspiritisalways
watchingoveralessdevelopedspirithereonearth.Sincetimedoesnot
existinthebetweentimes(itisahumanmadeconcept,forthesakeof
referenceonly)thentowatchoveranearthboundspiritforitswhole
earthlylifetimewouldnotactuallyhinderthewatcher'sprogress.Infact,
itwouldaddtoitinthesenseofgaining"studentteacher"experience.

Witchesalwayshopethattheywillbereborninthenextlifewith
thosetheyhaveknownandlovedinthisone.Frompsychicexperiences,
etc.,itseemsthatthisisoftenthecase.Manytimesacouplewillstay
togetherthroughoutanumberoflifetimes,indifferentrelationship
roles(e.g.lovers;husbandwife;brothersister;motherdaughter).

YOURTEMPLE

AlthoughmanyWitchesmeet,andwork,outdoorsperhapsinthe
cornerofafieldorinaclearinginthewoodsitisnotalwayspossiblefor
everyonetodothat.Manyliveincitiesandtownsandareunabletoget
outintodirectcontactwiththeearth.Thisdoesnotmeantheycannot
function.Yourtemplecanbeanoutdooroneoranindoorone.Let'slook
atindoorpossibilities.

Theareayouneed,inwhichtoperformyourritualsandworkyour
magick,couldbeawholebuilding,asingleroom,orasmallsectionofa
room.Whateveritsshapeorsize,thisisyourTemple.Acomplete
roomperhapsinthebasementoratticofahouseistheideal.Ifyou
havesucharoomthatcanbeturnedintoyourtempleandkeptsolelyas
that,youareveryfortunate.Let'slookatsuchapossibilityfirstandthen
workalongtothosewhocanonlyuseasmallpartoftheirregular
livingquarters.

Firstofall,takeacompassandestablishthealignmentoftheroom.
Markthenorth,east,southandwest.Youraltarisgoingtobeplacedin
thecenteroftheroomanditispreferablethatitbesetupsothatwhen
standingbeforeityouarefacingEAST.Youcankeepanaltarcandleand
yourrepresentationsofthedeitiesonthealtaratalltimes,butmoreon
thatbelow.Ontheflooraroundthealtaryouwillbemarkingacircle,the

Sro/iAae

4

Figure2.2


exactdimensionsandconstructionofwhichyouwill
betaughtinthenextlesson.

WhenenteringandleavingtheCircle,beforeand
afteraritual,youwilldosofromtheEAST,soifyour
roomisrectangularratherthansquareyoumightwish
toleaveextraroomonthatside(seeFigure2.2for
example).Closets,forthestoringofyourCraftsup
plies,mightalsobeplacedinthislargerarea.

Unlessyoulivealone,orshareyourbeliefswith
everyoneinyourhome,youwillneedclosetsthatcan
belocked.Youwillbestoringcandles,incense,char
coal,wineand,mostimportantly,yourWorkingTools
andBook.Ofcourse,ifyoucanlocktheroomitself
thenitispossibletoleaveyouraltarpermanentlyset
upandhaveyoursuppliesonopenshelves.Actually
thisismuchthebetterarrangement.

Decorationofthetempleroomisamatterfor
individualtaste.Itcanvaryfromallwallsbeingdone
inaneutralcolor,tovividrealisticmuralsbeingpainted.
Therearetemplesvaryingfromthosethatlooklike
prehistoriccavescompletewithreproductionsof
theearlycavepaintingstothosethatlooklikea
clearinginaforest,withtreesallaroundandstarson
theceilingabove.Others(usuallythoseoriented
exactlynorthsouth,eastwest)followthemagickal
symboliccolors,withthenorthwallpaintedgreen,the
eastyellow,thesouthredandthewestblue.*

Obviouslybeforeanydecorationoruseofthe
room,itshouldbethoroughlycleaned.Thefloor,
wallsandceilingshouldbescrubbed,withseasalt
addedtothewaterandcleaningagent.Itisnotnecessary
todoanyelaboratecleansingceremonyatthispoint,
sincetheCirclewillbeconsecratedbeforeeachand
everyritualyouperforminit.However,onceany
decorationofyourroomisfinished(otherthanthe
actualmarkingoftheCircleitself)youshoulddoan
initialpurification,asfollows:

ThisshouldbedoneonthenightoftheNew
Moon.

Filladish(asaucerwilldo)withwaterand,kneel
ing,placeitonthefloorinfrontofyou.Placeyourright
forefinger(left,ifyouarelefthanded)intothewater.
Imagineabrightwhitelightstreamingdownfrom
above,intothecrownofyourhead.Feelitsurge
throughyourentirebodyandthendirectitdownyour
arm.Concentrateallyourenergiestosenditdown
yourarm,downthefingerandintothewater.Itmay
helptocloseyoureyes.Whenyoufeelyouhavedirected

allthepoweryoucanmanageintothewater,keep
yourfingerthereandsay:

"HeredoIdirectmypower,

ThroughtheagenciesoftheGodandthe

Goddess,
Intothiswater,thatitmightbepureand

clean
AsismylovefortheLordandtheLady."

Nowtakeateaspoonfulofseasaltandpouritintothe
water.Stiritninetimes,clockwise,withyourfinger
andthreetimessay:

"SaltisLife.HereisLife,
Sacredandnew;withoutstrife."

Takethedishofsaltedwaterandsprinkleit(useyour
fingerstosprinkle)ineachandeverycornerofthe
templeroom.Iftheroomisirregularinshape,with
alcovesandclosets,sprinkleeverycornerofevery
alcoveandclosetalso.Asyousprinkle,sayoneofthe
below(ormakeupsomethingofyourown,along
theselines):

"EverasIpassthroughtheways

DoIfeelthepresenceoftheGods.

IknowthatinaughtIdo

Theyarewithme.

Theyabideinme

AndIinthem,

Forever.

Noevilshallbeentertained,

Forpurityisthedweller

Withinmeandaboutme.

ForgooddoIstrive

AndforgooddoIlive.

Loveuntoallthings.

Sobeit,Forever."

SeaxWicaPsalm

or

"Softistherain,itgentlyfalls

Uponthefieldsbeneath.

Itlullstheheart,itstillsthewind,

GivessolitudeIseek.

Itpattersdown,sogentleyet

Itne'erdoesbendaleaf,

Therearesomemagickaltraditionsthatequatedifferentcolorswiththefourquarters,butthese
arethegenerallyusedones.


Andyetthewaterthatisthere

Willwashawayallgrief.

Forsmoothnessfollowsinthewake,

Andquietandpeaceandlove

Areallaroundinfreshnessnew,

Comedownfromcloudsabove.

Allevilgo,flowoutfromhere

Andleaveallfreshandplain.

Letnegativitynotcome

Intothisroomagain.

ForloveInowfindallaround,

Sosoft,sostillsosure;

Icanperformmyrituals

Aspeaceandquietendure."

Nowlightsomeincense.Stickincenseorconeswilldo
butyouwillfindthat,forritualandmagickalwork,itis
bettertoburnpowderedincenseonacharcoalbric
quet,inahangingcenser(Moreonthisbelow).Go
againabouttheroom,thistimeswingingthecenserin
eachandeverycorner.Againsaythelinesyousaid
whenyousprinkledthewater.

Butwhatifyoudonothaveawholeroomtodedi
cateasatemple?Thatisallright.Youcantakethecorner
ofanyroomlivingroom,bedroomorkitchenand
makethatyourtemple.Again,let'slookattheideal
first.

Anareaatleastfivefeetsquareisneeded.You
mightliketoarrangerailsandcurtainssothatthearea
canbecurtainedofffromtherestoftheroom,though
thisisnotanecessity.Youmaypaintthissectionofthe
walldifferentlyfromtherestoftheroom,tosuityour
desires.Ifyoucanchooseanareaintheeastitis
preferable.Keepyourworkingtoolsandsupplies
lockedawayinanyconvenientplacebut,hereinyour
templearea,keepyouraltar.Youmaykeepitpushed
upagainstthewallwhennotinuse,ifyouwish.Onthe
altaralwayskeepanaltarcandle(generallywhitebut,
asweprogress,youwilllearnofothercolorsandtheir
timesforuse)andyourrepresentationsofthedeities.
Thesecanbeeitherstatuettesorpictures,asoutlined
below.Thistempleareashouldbecleaned,sprinkled
andcensedinthesamewayasthefullroomtemple
detailedabove.

Thelastconsiderationisforthepersonwho,
perhaps,hasaverysmallapartmentorwhosharesa
roomwithsomeonenotnecessarilysympatheticto
theCraft.Againthereshouldbenorealproblem.The
mainthingistohavesomewheretolockawayyour

WorkingTools.Ifyoucanhaveanaltarandleaveitset
upwithcandleanddeityfigures,youcanputitany
whereconvenientintheroom.Againtheeastispre
ferable.Trytokeepyourroommate(s)fromusingitas
acoffeetable/catchall,ifyoucan!Ifitisnotpossibleto
havearegularaltarspeciallymadeoradaptedand
keptforritualusethenyoucangetbyusingacoffee
tableorsimilar.Inthiscasekeepyourdeityfigures
whereverconvenient...onatable,shelforsideboard.
Theyshouldberespectedbyyourroommate(s)inthe
samewaythatyouwouldrespecttheir,oranyone
else's,crucifixorVirginMaryfigure,orwhatever,
shouldtheyhavesuch.Whenyouareabletodoyour
rituals(presumablyalone)allyouneeddoisclear
enoughfloorspaceanywhereconvenientandsetup
yourCircle,altar,etc..Afterwardsyouwillhaveto
cleareverythingawayagain.

Therearemanyfullcovenswhomeetregularlyin
oneroomapartments.Alittlelightfurnituremoving
andaCirclecanbecastandaritualenjoyed.So,you
see,thereisnothingtopreventyoufromhavingatemple.
Onefinalword:asmentionedearlier,someWitches/
covensholdtheirritualsoutdoors.Infactthemajority
certainlypreferthis,thoughitisn'talwayspossible
dueto(a)lackofasite,or(b)unsuitableweather.If
youareluckyenoughtohaveaccesstoasmallclearing
inthewoods,oranypieceofgroundwhereyoucanbe
private,thendon'thesitatetouseit.Therewillbeno
needforthecleansingritualdetailedabove;youwill
proceedaswillbeshowninLessonThreeCirclesof
PowerandProtection.

YOURALTARANDITSFURNITURE

Youcanusevirtuallyanythingasanaltar.Ifyou
areholdingyourCircleoutside,thenalargerockora
treestumpisideal.Ifyouareindoors,thenyoucan
utilizeasmallcoffeetable,awoodenboxoreven
someboardsrestingonbricks.

Itisbettertohaveanaltarthatdoesnotcontain
anysteel,soareadymadetableisnotreallythebest
(unlessgluedorpeggedtogether).Iftherehastobe
metalinthetable,brassisacceptable.Whyisthis?It
hastodowithconductivity.TheWitch'sKnifeand
Sword(andWand,ifused)aretheonlytoolsthatare
usedforstoringanddirectingenergies.They,then,can
beofaconductivemetalironorsteel.Allotheritems
shouldbenonconductivesilver,gold,brass,stone,
woodsincetheyarenotusedinthatfashion.

Butwhynothavealittleaesfheticismwithyouraltar?


Whynotdothingsproperly?Youareworkinginacircle,sowhynota
circularaltar?Tome,arectangularaltarinacirclealwayslookssome
whatincongruous.Thisisoneofthereasonsatreestumpissoideal.In
factabeautifulaltarcanbemadebyputtinglegsonasectionoftree
trunk.Thelegsshouldbegluedon.OnesuchaltarIhaveseenwasmade
trulybeautifulbythemakeraCraftsmaninbothsensescarving
figuresoftheGodandtheGoddessintothelegs.

The"AltarFurniture"consistsofacandle,orcandles;incense
burner(knownvariouslyasa"censer"or"thurible");twodishes,one
forsaltandoneforwater;libationdish;goblet(s);andfiguresto
representthedeities.Ofcoursethisisnotahardandfastlist.Feelfreeto
addorsubtractaccordingtoyourneeds(itisunderstood,also,that
individualtraditionsdictatecertainitems,e.g.Gardnerianhascordsand
ascourge).

MostWitches"dotheirthing"intheevenings(notanecessity,of
course)andsoilluminatewithcandlesaroundtheCircleandonthe
altar.Acandleonthealtarisalsohelpfulsothatyoucanreadfromthe
bookofrituals.Whetheryouhaveonecandleortwoisuptoyou.

Anincenseburnerisprettymuchanecessity.Incensehasbeen
usedinreligiousritesforthousandsofyears.Theoldbeliefwasthatthe

Sand

Incense

Charcoal

M*K<VfcJV.$|iX4


smokeoftheincensecarriedyourprayersuptothegods.Certainlyit
addsimmeasurablytotheatmosphereoftheritual.Sincethereisfrequent
needtomovetheincenseburnerabouttheCircle(e.g.tocleanse,or
"cense"theCircleitselfduringtheconsecrationpartofaritual),asimple
dishtoholdaconeorstickofincenseisnotideal.Itisfarbettertohavea
hanging(swinging)censer.Thesecanbeboughtorcanbemade.A
specialcharcoalbriquetisthenplacedinthecenserandlit,thenpowdered
incenseissprinkledonthecharcoal.Thisismuchmoreeconomicalthan
burningconesorsticksandonebriquetwillburnfortwohoursormore.
Bothbriquetsandpowderedincensecanbeboughtatmostchurchsupply
stores.Thereisnothingagainstconesorsticks,ofcourse,ifyouprefer
them.Chooseanincensethatyouenjoy;nothingtoosweetandsickly.If
youfeelyoumusthaveaspecificincenseforaparticularritual,fine,but
generallyIfinditdoesn'tmakeanydifferencewhichonesyouuse.I
personallyenjoyagoodsandalwoodorfrankincenseoroneofthebetter
"highaltar"mixturesoftheChristianChurch.Incidentally,ifyouhave
nothingelse,youcanburnincenseinanysaucerlikevessel.Ifyouare
usingcharcoalbriquetsandareafraidofthevesselcracking,simplyfillit
withsandandthatwillabsorbtheheat.

SaltandwaterdishesarefoundonmostWitchaltars.Saltedwater
representslife(saltitselfsymbolizessemen,asisdetailedinaninterest
ingessaybyErnestJones,titledTheSymbolicSignificanceofSalt).Baptismal
water,or"HolyWater",isnothingmorethansaltandwater.Thedishes
youusecanbeofanytype.Somepeopleevenuseseashellsas
containers.

Duringritualsitisusualtodrinksomewine(orfruitjuice,ifalcohol
isnotpossible).Totoastthegods,alibationisalwayspouredfirst.When
meetingoutdoorsthiscansimplybepouredontheground.Butwhen
indoorsthebest,andusual,wayistopourtheofferingintoadish;the
LibationDish.Lateraftertheceremonythedishcanbetakenoutside
andthewinepouredoutontheground.Likethesaltandwaterdishes,
thelibationdishcanbeofanytype.

ThewinegobletsofthePriestandPriestessstandonthealtar;those
oftheothercelebrantsareplacedonthegroundattheirfeet.Againthe
gobletcanbetosuityourself.Itcouldbesimplyaglassoritcouldbea
decorativedrinkinghorn.Thelattercanbemadefromcowhorns
(obtainablefromhandicraftstores,suchastheTandyLeatherCompany
chain),withstandseitherseparateorattached,madefrombentsilver
orcopperwireorfromwood.SomeWitchesrefertotheirgobletasa
"chalice"but,tomymind,thissmacksoftheeucharisticcupofChristianity
soItendtoavoidit.

SomeWitchesdonotcaretohavedeityfiguresontheiraltar.The
majority,however,do.Youcanseekoutactualstatues,thoughgood
onesarenoteasytocomeby(copiesofBoticelli's"BirthOfVenus"
irreverantlyknownas"VenusOnaHalfShell"!areidealfortheGod
dess).ManyWitchessearchforyearstofindastatuettethatexactlyfits
thementalimagetheyhaveofthedeity.Antiquestoresandfleamarkets/
swapmeetsseemtobethebestplacestolook.SomeWiccansusesym
bols,suchasaseashellfortheGoddessandanantlerfortheGod.Ihave
seencandlesused,alsovariouschesspieces,rocks,plants,etc..One

24:1Buckland'sCompleteBookofWitchcraft

possibilityispictures.Ihaveseenbeautifuldeity
representationsmadebydecoupagingappropriate
coloredpicturestoattractivepiecesofwood.Ifyou
havethetalent,ofcourse,thereisnoreasonwhyyou
shouldn'tsculptordrawyourownfigures.

MAGICKANINTRODUCTION

Magickwillbedealtwithindetaillater,inLesson
Eleven.Thereyouwilllearnallthemanyandvaried
formsofmagickandtheirworkings.However,hereI
wouldliketotakeaquicklookatsomeoftherudiments
ofmagick;thebasics.

FirstamongtheseisTIMING.Youmayknowthat
theMoonisfrequentlyassociatedwithWitchcraft,but
youmaynotknowwhy.Oneofthereasonsisthatthe
phasesoftheMoonareimportanttotheproperwork
ingofmagick.Takingthetwomainphases:thetime
fromtheNewMoon,throughtheFirstQuarter,tothe
FullMoonisknownastheWaxingMoon.Fromthe
Full,throughtheLastQuarter,totheNewisknownas
theWaningMoon.WhentheMoonisgrowinginsize,
itiswaxing;whenitisdecreasinginsize,itiswaning.

Full

U
I

o

z

X

a

m

FirstQuarter

LastQuarter

I

Z

o

New

Basically,constructivemagick(forgrowth)isdone
duringthewaxingcycleandmagickfordestructionis
doneduringthewaningcycle.Constructivemagick
wouldincludesuchthingsaslove,success,protection,
health,fertility.Destructivemagickwouldinclude
suchthingsasbindingspells,separation,elimination,

extermination.Thereisacertainelementofsympa
theticmagickjustinthistimeofworking.Forexample,
astheMoongrows,sogrowstheopportunity(or
whatever)forwhichyouareworking.Or,astheMoon
dwindles,sodeclinesthebadhabityouaretryingto
overcome,orthewartyouaretryingtoremove.

ThesecondbasicofmagickisFEELING.You
mustwantwhateveryouareworkingattoreallyhap
pen.Youmustwantitwithallyourbeing.Youmust
puteveryinfiniteparticleofpowerintothatdesire,
thaturgefortheacttocometopass.Forthisreasonitis
usuallyfarmoreeffectivetodomagickforyourself
thantodoitonsomeoneelse'sbehalf.Itisseldomthat
anotherpersoncanfeelasintenselyaboutsomething
astheonedirectlyconcerned.Thisstrong"feeling"is,
ineffect,theraised"Power"usedinmagick.Asanaid,
abooster,toyourpowertherecanbeusedanumber
ofamplifiers.OneoftheseisChantandanotheris
Rhyme.Therhythmicchantingofaspell,withasolid,
regularbeat,candomuchtointensifyyourfeeling
and,thereby,increaseyourpower.Similarly,dancing
canraisethepowerandsocananumberofothertreat
ments,includingsex,allofwhichwillbediscussedin
detailinLessonEleven.

Oneotheraspectmightbementionedhere.When
performingmagickitisadvisabletohaveacleanbody.
Thismeanscleansedexternallyandinternally.Bathe
thebody(withaspoonfulofseasaltaddedtothe
water.Thiscanbeboughtatmostsupermarketsor,
failingthat,athealthfoodstores).Alsopreparethe
innerbodybytheremovaloftoxins.Thisisdoneby
fastingfortwentyfourhoursbeforeworkingmagick.
Noalcohol,nonicotineandnosexualactivity(more
specificdetailslater).

Wheneverdoingmagick,alwaysconsiderthe
WiccanRede.Willyouractionharmanyone?Ifthe
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HOWTOCONSTRUCTANALTAR

1.ThisLessondealswithBeliefs.Examineyourpresentbeliefsonreincarnation.Doyouhaveany
pastlife
memories?

2.Construct/drawanaltartable.Indicatewhatwillbeplacedonit,andshowtheirarrangement.

ALTAR

3.Constructadiagramofatemplewhichwouldbeidealforyourneeds.Indicatetheareawhichwo
uldbest
reflectyouraffinities(outside,inside).Whatactualitemswouldyoulikeittocontain?Maketh
isarealistic
layoutofwhatyourtemplewillactuallybelike.

TEMPLE

4.Listsomeexamplesofmagickalworkingsappropriateforyourneedsyouwoulddoduringthewaxi
ngcycle
oftheMoon.

5.ListexamplesofmagickyouwoulddoduringthewaningcycleoftheMoon.

LESSONTHREE
TOOLS,CLOTHINGANDNAMES

WORKINGTOOLS

Theworkingtoolsaredictatedbythetraditionto
whichyoubelong.InGardnerian,forexample,there
areeightworkingtoolswhichincludeAthame(knife),
Sword,Wand,Scourge,Cords,WhiteHandledKnife
andPentacle.IntheSaxontraditiontherearefewer:
Seax(knife),SwordandSpear.Ifyouarecreating
yourowndenominationthenyoucandecideforyour
selfwhichtohaveandwhichnottohave.Alltools,
aftertheyhavebeenmade,arerituallycleansedand
purifiedbeforeuse,toremoveanynegativevibra
tions.Theyarethenpersonallychargedandconse
crated.Detailsforthisaregivennextlesson.Fornow,
asyoufinishmakingeachtool,wrapitinapieceof
clean,whitelinenandstoreitawaysafelyuntilyouare
readyfortheconsecration.

KNIFE

EveryWitchhasapersonalknife.Inmanytraditions
thisiscalledanaihamk(pronounced"athamay").In
theScottishtraditionitisayagdirkandintheSaxona
seax("seeax").Theknifeusuallyhasasteel,double
edgedblade,thoughoneexceptionisintheFrosts'
tradition,whereitisasingleedgedbrassknife.It
mightbeworthquotingfromAngloSaxonMagicbyDr.
G.Storms(GordonPress,NY1974),anannotated
translationofvariousancientAngloSaxonmanu
scripts:

"Ironmanifestlytakesitspowerfromthe
factthatthematerialwasbetterandscarcer
thanwoodorstoneformakingtools,and
secondlyfromthemysteriouswayinwhich
itwasoriginallyfound:inmeteoricstones.
Itneededaspecialistandaskilledlaborerto

obtaintheironfromtheoreandtoharden
it.Indeedwefindmanypeoplesregard
theirblacksmithsasmagicians...among
themWaylandstandsoutasthesmithpar
excellence.Thefigureofthiswondrous
(Saxon)smithsymbolizingatfirstthemar
velsofmetalworking...wasmadethesub
jectofheroiclegend."

Soiron,orsteel,wouldseemtobethebestmaterial
touse.

Thesizeoftheknifeshouldbetosuityourself;
whateverfeelscomfortable.Thisisyourpersonaltool
amagicaltoolandassuchissomethingveryspecial.
Itwillnotdo,then,tosimplygotoastoreandbuya
readymadeknife(thoughmoreonthatlater).The
bestthing,byfar,istomakeyourownfromscratch.Of
course,noteveryoneiscapableofthisbut,forthose
whoare,letmestartbylookingathowtomakeone.

Ifyoucan'tbuyasuitablepieceofsteel,useanold
fileorchiselandworkwiththat.Whateversteelyou
have,itisgoingtobehardsoyourfirstjobwillbeto
softenitforworking.Heatthesteeltillitisadullred.If
youhavenootherwayofdoingit,layitontheburner
ofagasorelectricstove.Youmayhavetoleaveit
there,withthecontrolturnedfullon,forseveralhours
butitwilleventuallyheatuptoadullred.Onceithas
reachedthatcolor,turnofftheheatandletitcool
downnaturally.That'sallthereistoit.Itwillnowbe
softenedandeasiertowork.

Markonthemetal,withapencil,theshapeyou
wantittobe(seeFigure3.1).Withapoweredbandsaw
(ifyouhaveone),orasimplehacksaw,cutoutthepro
fileandfileoffanyroughedges.Thenstartshapingthe
bladeforsharpness.Agrindingwheelwouldcomein
handyhere,thoughyoucanworkwithroughand

29


smoothfiles.Thebladeisgoingtobedoubleedged,soyouareaiming
foradiamondshapedcrosssection(seeFigure3.2).Finishofftheblade
withtwogradesofwetanddrypaper.

Nowyourbladewillneedtobehardenedandtempered.Heatitup
again,thistimeuntilitisredhot.Thentakeholdofitwithapairofpliers
andplungeitintoabowloftepidwater(notcold,orthebladewillcrack)
oroil.Allowittocooloffthencleanitwithwetanddrypaper.

Next,totemperit,reheatthebladetoadullred.Againplungeit,
pointdownwards,intothetepidwateroroil,movingitupanddownin
theliquid.Cleanitwithwetanddrypaper,thenheatitupagain.Watch
thebladecarefullythistimeasitchangescolor.Itwillgotoabright,light,
strawcolor,thentoamediumstrawcolor.Immediatelyplungetheblade
intowaterandletitcooloff(don'tletitgetpastthestrawcolor;itwould
goontoblue,thenpurpleandgreen).Watchthepointasthatwillchange
colorfirst.Atthefirstsignor"blueing"onthepoint,plungetheblade
intothewater.NOTE:Thecolorsappearquickly.Keepthepointthe
furthestfromtheheat.

Oncethebladeiscoldtakeitoutsideandplungeitintothegrounda
coupleoftimes.Nowyouhave

Movedthebladethroughthe
Heateditwith
Plungeditinto
andShowedittothe

AIR,

FIRE

WATER

EARTH.

Forthehandle,taketwopiecesofwood.Drawaroundthetang(the
handlepartoftheblade)oneachofthepiecesofwood(seeFigure3.3and
3.4).Thenchiseloutthemarkedsections,eachonetohalfthethickness
ofthetang.Whenfinished,thetwopiecesofwoodshouldlaytogether

^

Figure3.2

Figure3.1

Figure3.3

Figure3.4

LessonThree:Tools,ClothingandNames/31

perfectlywiththetanginsertedbetweenthem.Whenyouaresatisfied
theyfitwell,slightlyroughentheinsidewoodandthenspreadagood
epoxyresinglueallover.Putthetanginplace,pressthetwowooden
handlehalvestogetherandclamp.Whenclamping,putonthepressure
slowlysoastogiveabetter"spread"totheglue.Leaveclampedforat
leastthreedays.

Whenremovedfromtheclamp,drawaprofileofthehandleyou
wantonthewoodandstartcutting/carvingittoshape.

Sometraditionscallforcertainsignstobecarvedonthehandle.
Evenifyoursdoesnot,youmaywishtoaddsomedecoration.Iwould
certainlyrecommendatleastputtingyourCraftname(describedlater)
ormonogramonit.Youmightalsoliketoetchsomethingontheblade.
Thisisnottoodifficulttodo.

MARKINGINMETAL

Meltsomebeeswaxandcoverthebladewithit.Thencutintothe
waxwithasharpinscribingtool(asharpenednailwilldothetrick),in
thewayyouwanttheinscriptiontolook.Makesurethatyougoright
throughthewaxtoexposethemetaloftheblade.Thenpouroneither
sulphuricacid,iodine,orasimilaretchingagent.Leaveforafewminutes
thenholdunderrunningwater.Theacidwilleatintothemetal"etching"
itwhereyouhaveinscribedbutthewaxwillprotecttherestofthe
blade.Afterwashingofftheacid,cleanoffthewaxandyouhaveyour
etchedknife.Itwouldobviouslybeagoodplantopracticefirstonsome
scrapmetalofthesametypeastheblade,tojudgetheexactamountoftime
toleavetheacidbeforeflushingitaway.

Itispossibletopurchasean"etchingpen".Thislookslikeaball
pointpenbutcontainsacidformarking.Itwillworkonsteel,brass,
aluminumandcopperandhasreplaceablecartridges.Onesuchpenis
manufacturedbytheFowlercompanyandshouldbeobtainablefrom
anyhardwarestore.

Analternatetoetchingistoengravetheblade.Thisdoesn'tgiveas
solidamarkingastheacidetchingbutisnonethelesseffective.Engravingis
donejustlikewritingwithapenorpencil,butyouuseanengravingtool
instead.Youcanpurchaseoneinahobbystoreor,asmentioned,simply
sharpenanailtoafinepointonagrindstone.Aproblemmanypeople
haveinengravingisinhavingthetoolslipandscorethemetalinthe
wrongplace(itisnecessarytobeardownhardonthetool,tomakean
impression,socontrolisnottooeasy).Onewaytoavoidthisistoplacea
pieceoftransparenttapeonthebladeandmarkguidelinesonitfirst
withapen.Thensimplyfollowthelineswiththeengravingtoolthe
tapewillbenobarrierandwillstopthetoolfromslipping.

Amotorizedengravingtool,suchasaDremel,doesavery
goodjob.

Therearemanywho,forwhateverreason,arenotabletomakea
knife,asdescribed.Don'tworry;youcanadaptanexistingknife.The
mainpointisthatthereshouldbesomethingofYOUintheathame.So,
getaknifewithadoubleedgedblade(orgetonewithasingleedged
bladeandthengrindand/orfilethesecondedgetoit),suchasahunting

32IAuckland'sCompleteBookofWitchcraft

knife,andremovethehandle.Handlesarefittedina
varietyofways.Somescrewon/offdirectly;some
haveapommelattheend,thatscrewson/off;some
areevenrivetedon.Howeveryouhavetodoit,remove
thehandle.Nowreplaceitwithoneofyourownmaking.
TodothisyoucaneitherfollowthedirectionsIgave
above,formakingahandle,oryoucanpatternitafter
thehandleyouhaveremoved(SeeFigure3.5).

Again,ifyouwishyoucancarvethehandleor
etchthebladewithyourCraftname(inoneofthe
magickalalphabetsdetailedlater)oryourMagickal
Monogram.Sometrulybeautifulathameshavebeen
madeandadapted.Ihaveseen,forexample,an
eighteenthcenturyshortbayonetadaptedtobecome
amagnificentathame.Ihavealsoseenhandlesmade
fromdeerhooves.Startworkonyoursnow.

InsometraditionsoftheCraft(e.g.Gardnerian)
theknifemayonlybeusedintheCircle,forritualuse.
Inothertraditions(e.g.Scottish)theWitchisencouraged
tousethetoolasoftenaspossible,thefeelingbeing
thatthemoreitisused,themoremana(or"power")it
willacquire.

SWORD

TheSwordisnotessential;theknifecanalways
substituteforit.ButwhileeveryindividualWitchhas
anathame,manycovensliketohaveacovensword
oneforthewholegroup.Theswordisusuallyusedfor
markingtheCircleatthestartofthemeeting;being
usedbythePriest/essorwhoevercaststheCircle.It
canbemadeinthesamewaythattheknifeis,oryou
canpurchaseone.Therearecertainlymanycom
paniesthatofferreplicasofancientswords,these
days.Ifyoudecidetogetareadymadeone,againdo
someworkonityourself.Infact,sinceitisacoventool,
itisniceifthewholecoveneithergettogethertomake

oneorjoininengravinganddecoratingit.
OTHERTOOLS

OtherritualtoolsaretheWAND,STAFF,BELL,
BURINorWHITEHANDLEDKNIFE,CORD(S).
Whichoftheseyouusenone,some,allwilldepend
onthepathyoudecidetofollow.Ifyoufollowoneof
theestablishedtraditionsthenitwillhavebeendecided
foryou.Ifyouarestartingfromscratch,thenitmay
takeyouawhile(weeks,months,perhapsevenyears)
todiscoverwhichyoureallyneedandwhichyou
don't.

IfyouwantaWANDthereareseveraloptions
available.Somesaythatitmustbeofrowanwood,
otherssayofash,orwillow,hazel...youcantake
yourpick.ThetroublehereisthatalotofCeremonial
MagickhasgotmixedupwithWitchcraft(notjustin
thecaseofthewand,butwithothertoolsandother
aspectsoftheCraftalso).Forexample,somepeople
swearthat"thewandmustbeexactlytwentyone
incheslong,cutfromavirginhazeltree(onethathas
neverbornefruit),inthehourofMercuryontheday
ofMercury(Wednesday),etc.,etc.,etc."Otherssim
plygooutandbuyalengthofwooddowelfromtheir
localhardwarestoreandpaintitgold!Thefactthat
bothwandscanworkequallywellshouldshowthat
therealmagickcomesnotfromthetoolbutfrom
withintheMagicianor,inthiscase,theWitch.The
wand,then,ismerelyanextensionoftheoperator.As
such,makeyourwandwhicheverwayfeelsrightfor
you.Ifyoufeelyouneedtoinscribeitwithmystical
signsandsymbols,doso.Don'tworryaboutwhat
othersmaysayofwhatyoudo.AsIsaidinthe
Introduction,thereisnooneandonlyonerightway.
Ifitworksforyou,thenitisright.Asasuggestion
(only)forawand,twentyoneinchesiscertainlya

REMOVABLEPOMMEL

"STOREBOUGHT"KNIFE

CARVEDWOODENHANDLEWITH

HOLEDRILLEDTHROUGHFOR

SCREWEDTANGTOPASSTHROUGH


Figure3.5

LessonThree:Tools,ClothingandNames/33

convenientlength.Anothersuggestionisalengthequaltothelength
fromyourelbowtoyourfingertips.Whicheverwoodyouuse,taperit
slightlyfromthebasetothetip.Youcanmarkit,ifyouwish,byengrav
ingorevenbywoodburning.Paintit,stainit,orleaveitplain.Decora
tivebandsofsilverorcoppercanlookattractive.Sometraditions(e.g.
Frost's)drillthelengthofthewandandinsertametalrod.

WhatIsaidforthewandappliesequallytotheSTAFF.Thestaffcan,
ineffect,bealargewandandisusedassuchinsuchtraditionsasthe
Scottish(PectiWita).Ihaveseensomewonderfulstaffs,decoratedwith
leather,feathers,gems;carvedandengraved.Allwererightfortheir
particularowners.Agoodlengthforastaffisequaltotheheightofits
owner.Hardwoodseemspreferabletosoftwood,anditshouldbewell
seasonedandasstraightaspossible.

TheBELLisusedbysomeandIhave,infact,includeditinthe
ritualsinthisbook.Forcenturiesithasbeenthoughttohavecertain
magickalqualities.InmybookPracticalColorMagick(LlewellynPublica
tions,1983)Italkaboutvibrationsofsound.Theclear,highpitchofa
smallbell,usedinritual,cancausevibrationsthatcan,inmanyways,
supplementthepowerraisedandalsocreateharmonyamongthose
present.Chooseasmallhandbellwithanotethatispleasant.Some
bellsespeciallycheaplyproducedonescanhaveaharshnoteto
them;avoidthese.Ifyouwishtoengravethebell,doso.Or,ifithasa
woodenhandle,youmightwanttoworkonthat.

TheBURINissimplyanengravingtoolusedtomarkthenameor
sigil(symbol),ritually,onyourmagickaltools.Sometraditions(e.g.
Gardnerian)borrowfromCeremonialMagickanduseaWHITEHILTED
KNIFEinthesameway.Ipersonallydonotseetheneedtoregardthis
instrumentasaritualtool,intheCraft,anymorethanIwouldafileor
hacksaw.However,ifyoufeelyouwantthisaspartofyourcomplement,
byallmeansincludeit.Aburinissimplyanengravingtoolwithahandle,
andcanbemadebyfittingasharpenednail,orsimilar,toawoodenhandle
inthesamewayasyoufittedtheathamebladetoawoodenhandleusing
thetwopiecesofwood.

Sometraditions(e.g.Alexandrian)useCORDSofdifferentcolors
todenotethedegreeofthewearer.Butthemoreimportantuseofcords
isintheworkingofmagick.Iwillthereforeleavedetailsofcordstilla
laterlesson,whenIdiscussmagickand,specifically,CordMagick.

DRESS

ManycovensandcertainlythevastmajorityofSolitaryWitches
worknaked...referredto,intheCraft,asskyclad"cladonlybythe
sky".Thiscertainlyseemsapreferredandrecommendedpractice.But
therearetimeswhen,perhapsduetotemperature,youmaywishtobe
robed.Itmayevenbethatyoujustprefertoberobedmostofthetime
anyway...that'sallright.

Robescanbeassimpleoraselaborateasyoulike.Iheregiveyou
instructionsformakingasimpleone.Thosemoreadeptwithaneedle
thanIammayelaboratetotheirheart'scontent.

Anytypematerialwilldo,thechoiceisuptoyoupolyester(ifyou

InarecentdiscussiononWitchcraft,theques
tioncameup'WhatproofistherethatWitches
alwaysworkednaked?Isthistradition,oris
itarecentinnovation?'

Therearecertainlymanyearlyillustrations
ofnakedWitchesanointingthemselvespre
paratorytotheirdeparturefortheSabbat,but
therearealsoillustrationsofWitchesatthe
Sabbatwhoareclothed.ForinterestIdidalittle
researchtoseehowmany,ifany,suchearly
illustrationsshowedtheWitchesactuallynaked
attheSabbat.Theresultwasfairlyconclusive.

HansBaldungGrun,thesixteenthCentury
German,didanynumberofWitchillustrations
(WitchesatWorkandWitches'Sabbat
aretypical)allshowingnakedparticipants.
AlbrechtDurer'sTheFourSorcerersisof
nakedWitches.TheDouceCollection,Bodleian
Library,Oxford,containsanillustrationof
TheWitchesSabbatOntheBrackenwith
manyoftheparticipantsnaked.Practicallyall
ofGoya'spaintingsofWitchesshowthem
naked(TwoWitchesFlyingOnaBroom
beingtypical)andespeciallyinterestingisthe
1613(Paris)editionofPierredeLancre's
TableaudeI'inconstancedesmauvais
angeswhichshowsagreatgatheringof
Witcheswithacircleofdancingnudesinone
partandanudemotherpresentingherequally
nakedchildtotheHomedGodinanother
part.

Itwouldseem,then,thattherewasnohard
andfastrule.Asisfoundtoday,somecovens
onlystripwhenworkingmagickbutother
wisewearlooserobes.Othercovensarenaked
throughouttheirrites.

WitchcraftAncientandModem

1970

Throughoutthefifteenthcenturyapopular
headdressforwomenwasthetall,conical
'duncehat';sometimeswithabrimbutmore
oftenwithout.Bytheearlysixteenthcentury
thiswasnolongerthefashionatcourtorin
thelargecitiesandtowns.Thefashion,indeed
theactualhatsthemselves,eventuallyfound
theirwayouttothevillagesandfarms.Partof
thepurgingbythenewreligionwastoshow
thattheOldReligionwasoutdated.Witches
werethereforepictured,atthistime,wearing
thedemodeheadgeartheywere'behind
thetimes';outoffashion.

RaymondBuckland,Llewellyn1971


must!),silk,cotton,wool.Consider,though,itsweight:
willitbetooheavyandhot,ortoolightandcool?Also
considerhoweasilyitcreasesandwrinkles.Willit
stretchtoomuch?Isitwashable?Willititch?Since
Witcheswearnothingundertheirrobes,thislastisa
seriousconsideration!

Measureyourselffromwristtowrist,witharms
outstretched(Figure3.6,measurementA),thenfromthe
napeofthenecktotheground(measurementB).You
willneedtobuymaterialofAwidthbytwiceBlength.
Takethematerialandfolditinhalf,asinFigure3.6.If
thematerialhasan"outside"andan"inside",foldit
insideout.Nowcutoutapiecefromeachside,as
indicated.YouwillbeleftwithwhatyouseeinFigure
3.7;amoreorless"T"shape.

Theexactdimensionsofthecutswilldependon
you.Leaveenoughforafullsleeveat"x"butdon'ttake
ituptomakeittootightunderthearmat"y".Irecom
mendyouexperimentwithpaperfirst(patternpaper
canbepurchasedfrommaterialstores).At"z"cutan
openingforyourhead,asshown.Sewwhereindicated:
alongthebottomofthesleevesanddownthesides.
Allthatremainsistoturnitrightsideoutagain,tryit
onandhemittoaconvenientlength(e.g.aninchorso
abovetheground).Ifyouwishtoaddacowlhood
therewillbeplentyofmaterialavailablefromthat
initiallycutoff.Eitherapointedoraroundedhood
isappropriate.

Addacordaroundthewaistasafinishingtouch.
SomewearamagickalcordbutIamoftheopinion
thatamagickalcordisforworkingmagick,notfor
holdingyourrobe(thingsweredifferentduringthe
persecutions,whenitwasnecessarytohideone's
magicaltools.Itisnotnecessarynow).

Thinkcarefullyaboutthecolorofyourrobe.It
usedtobethatmostWitchesworewhiterobes,butI'm
gladtoseemoreandmorecolorappearingatfestivals.
InSaxonWitchcraft,thePriest/esswearseitherwhite,
purpleordeepgreenandtheothersweargreens,
browns,yellowsandblues,thoughthisisnotahard
andfastrule.Combinationsofcolorscanbeattractive,
ofcourse,ascanabasiccolortrimmedwithsilveror
gold,orwithasecondcolor.SomefewWitchesdo
wearblackbut,whileacknowledgingittobeavery
"powerful"color(infactanoncolor),Ipersonally
thinkthatitplaysupthemisconceptionofequating
WitchcraftwithSatanismand,ifonlyforthatreason,
shouldbeavoided.WeareareligionofNature,solet's
usethecolorsofNature...thebrightandthesombre
earthcolors(thereisactuallyverylittleblacktobe
foundinnature).Butagain,inthelastinstanceitis
yourchoice.

JEWELRY

Insometraditionscertainjewelryisusedtosignify
rank.Forexample,inGardnerianWitchcraftfemale
Witchesofalldegreeswearanecklace(signifyingthe
CircleofRebirth);theThirdDegreeHighPriestess
wearsawidesilverbracelet,withcertainspecific
inscriptions;theHighPriestwearsatorquelikegold
orbrassbracelet(againwithcertainsignsonit);and
theQueenwearsacrescentmooncrownofsilverand
asilverbuckledgreengarter*.Inothertraditionsdif
ferentcustomsrule.

GenerallymanyWitchesthoughfemalesespecial
lywearaheadband.

Necklacesandpendantsareverypopular,including

Figure3.6

Figure3.7

*Nota"garterbelt",asonewriteroncereported!

LessonThree:Tools,ClothingandNames135

necklacesofacorns,beans,woodenbeadsorsimilar.Rings,oftenbearing
inscriptionsordepictionsofthedeities,arealsoverypopular.Certainly
therearesomeverytalentedWitchjewelerswhoproduceincredibly
beautifulitemsthatdeservetobedisplayed.

ButsomepeoplefeelthatjewelryhasnoplaceintheCircle.There
aresomewhofeelthatitisahindrancetotheraisingofpowerthough
inalmostaquarterofacenturyofpracticeIhaveneverfoundthistobe
true.However,Idorespectthosewhodofeelthisway.Iftheytruly
believethatitrestricts,thenitwillrestrict.So,decideforyourself
whethertoencouragetheuseofjewelry;whethertolimititsuse;
whethertouseittodenoteposition;whethertoprohibititaltogether.

HORNEDHELMET

WherethePriestandPriestessmayeachwearabandofcopperor
silver,withacrescentmoon,sun,orsimilar,atthefront,thePriestmay
wearaHornedHelmetatcertainriteswherehespecificallyrepresents
theGod,andthePriestessmaywearaGoddessCrownatcertainrites
whereshespecificallyrepresentstheGoddess.Thesearenotdifficult
thingstomake.Infactherearetwoorthreepossiblewaystomakethe
HornedHelmet(youmightevenbeabletopurchaseone,ifyousearch
hardenough.Replica"Vikinghelmets"aremadethesedays).Oneway

HornedHelmetofaHighPriest


istotakeastainlesssteelorcoppermixingbowloftherightsizetofit
yourhead.Youmayhavetosqueezethesidesinwardsslightlytomakeit
moreofanellipsethanacircle.Anyhandle,hookorhangingring
shouldberemoved.Taketwocowhornsandinsertandgluewood
blocksintheirmouths(seeFigure3.8).Nowdrilltwoholesthroughthe
bowl,oneoneitherside,andputscrewsthroughfromtheinside,into
thewoodblocksinthehorns.Putsomeepoxygluebetweenthehorns/
woodblocksandthebowl,also,tohelpholdthemfirm.Thebottomof
thehorns,wheretheyjointhebowl,canbeboundwithleathertocover
andhidethejoin.

Anotherpossibilityistomakealeatherhatandattachhorns.Basic
patternsforhatscanbepurchasedinanydepartmentstoreorpiece
goodsstore.Mostoftheminvolvecuttingsegmentsandsewingthem
together.Youcanfastenthehornsasdescribedabove,butyouwillneed
alargesquareorcircular"washer"ontheinside,againstwhichtotighten
thescrews.

Yetanotherwayistomakeanopencopper(orothermetal)circlet
fortheheadandattachthehornstothat.Inalloftheabove,antlersmay
beusedinlieuofcowhorns.Itwillbenecessary,however,todrillahole
inthebaseoftheantlertoacceptthescrew.

INSCRIPTIONS

Ihavetalkedaboutengravingandetchingyourworkingtoolsand
puttingyourCraftnameonthem(moreonyournameandhowto
chooseit,later).Thereareanumberofdifferent"MagickalAlphabets"
thatcanbeusedforthis.*Mostpopulararevariousoftherunicalphabets
andtheThebanformofwritingfoundinCeremonialMagick.Let'slookat
runesfirst.

ThewordRunemeans"mystery"or"secret"inEarlyEnglishand
relatedlanguages.Itiscertainlyheavilychargedwithovertones,andfor
goodreason.Runeswereneverastrictlyutilitarianscript.Fromtheir
earliestadaptationintoGermanicusagetheyservedfordivinatoryand
ritualuses.TheSeaxWicausearunicalphabetwhichisasfollows:

V

A

r

N

B

c

H

D

M

E

r

F

X

G

N

H

0,Q

NG

K
p

R

GH

1r
ST

EA

U

AE

v

I,J

w

OE

K

N

X

r

L

M

YZ

TH

Figure3.8

SEAXWICARUNICALPHABET

TherearetobefoundmorevariationsofRunes
thananyotheralphabet,itseems.Adoptedby
WitchesandMagiciansalikeRunicservedas
averypopularformofoccultwriting.There
arethreemaintypesofRunes:Germanic,
Scandinavian,andAngloSaxon.Theyeach,
inturn,haveanynumberofsubdivisions/
variations.

LookingfirstattheGERMANIC,thereare
basicallytwentyfourdifferentrunesemployed,
thoughvariationsmaybefoundindifferent
areas.AcommonnamefortheGermanic
Runesisfuthark,afterthefirstsixletters
("th"isoneletterf>).IntheSCAN
DINAVIAN(DanishandSwedishNorwegian,
orNorse)arefoundsixteenrunes,againwith
(innumberable)variations.

TheANGLOSAXONRunesvaryinnum
ber,anywherefromtwentyeighttothirty
one.InfactbytheninthCentury,inNorthumbria,
wefindthirtythreerunes.Acommonname
fortheAngloSaxonRunesisfuthorc,again
fromthefirstsixletters.

TheTree:TheCompleteBook

ofSaxonWitchcraft

RaymondBuckland,

SamuelWeiser,NY1974

*Theseformsofwritingarealsousedinthemakingofcharmsandtalismansandwillbediscussed
further,inthatcontext,inalaterlesson.


Itwillbenoticedthatanyoftheglyphscanbe
writtenbackwards(sometimesreferredtoas"mirror
writing").Iftherearedoublelettersinaword(e.g.
merry;boss)thenoneofthedoubleletterswouldbe
reversed,givingthemirrorimage:

MERRY=|X|M^f*f\

boss=&p**ir1

Withthesinglesymbolsfor"th"and"ng",forexample,
youcanwriteafiveletterwordlike"thing"withonly
threesymbols:pj^
Examplesofnamesinrunes:

DIANA=HIY\K
MERLIN=MMF*TI+
NAUDIA=tKhHIK
ISSBIA=|iP1&|f

THRENG=f>f*fvl


AninterestingMAGICKALMONOGRAMcan
bemadeupbysuperimposingonerunicletterover
another,foryourCraftname.Forexample,"Diana"
wouldbe

ThefirstletteroAalreadycontainsthesecond\LJ
Addingthethird:pwouldgivevW~fH
Nowtoaddthefourthpgivesi>2p=p<.
Andthefifthnîsthesameasthethird,soit

isalreadythere.SotheMagickalMonogramfor
DIANA

iSH

Thatsingleglyphcontainsthewholename,withall
itspower.

Anotherexample:

MERLIN=f><|+|\/|+f*+f^+|+\=f^

InthisinstanceIhavetakenthelibertyof"lifting"

thecenteroftheE\\fitnus:\^\

sothatitwillfitexactlyovertheMpjthus:(ICXj

Itisalwayspossible,also,toreversealetter(anyletter)
sothattheMonogramwillnotbeclumsy.Theaimisto
makeitassimpleaspossibleyettoincorporateallof
theletters.PracticewithMonograms.Aimtogetthem
downtothesimplestsigilpossible.

Onethingtorememberinwritingrunes:dokeep
thecharactersupright.

.MMr>N"r

Onereason(apartfromjustbeingincorrecttoslope
them)isthatitcancauseconfusion.Forexample,in
theSeaxWicarunes,aslopingNrunewouldlooklike
aG.

TheTHEBANalphabetisusedquitealotinthe
Craft.InGardnerian,forexample,itisusedforwrit
ingtheHighPriestess'snameonherbracelet.Itisan
attractiveformofwriting.Therunesareangular,
withnocurves,becausetheywereusedforcarving
intowoodandstone.ButtheThebanwaswrittenon
parchment,aswellasbeingengravedandetchedon
talismans,socouldbemoreelaborate.TheTheban
AlphabetisdepictedinFigure3.9.1willspeakmoreon
thisalphabet,andseveralothers,inthelaterlessonon
charmsandtalismans.


\inâ

Q

v

M

R

W

c

H

N

Signifyingthe
endofasentence

D

7Ify1/

IJ

O

T

Y

K

y3\yj?

%i%\x

u

\\\T%\

...Toknowaperson'snameistohaveahold,
apower,overthem.Fortoknowthenameisto
beabletoconjurewithit.SirJamesFrazertells
thestoryofIsisobtainingthemostsecret
nameofRa,thegreatEgyptiansungod,so
thatshemightuseittomakeherselfagoddess.
ShefashionedaserpentfromthespittleofRa,
andtheearthonwhichitfell,andlaiditinhis
pathsothatitbithim.Hecriedoutforhelp
from'thechildrenofthegodswithhealing
wordsandunderstandinglips,whosepower
reachethtoheaven...AndIsiscamewith
hercraft,whosemouthisfullofthebreathof
life,whosespellschasepainaway,whose
wordmakeththedeadtolive.'Ratoldherhow
hehadbeenstungwhileoutwalkingandIsis
said,'Tellmethyname,divineFather,forthe
manshalllivewhoiscalledbythisname.'Ra
toldhermanyofthenamesbywhichhewas
known,allthetimegrowingweaker.Isis,
however,refusedtohealhim,repeating"That
wasnotthynamethatthouspeakestuntome.
Ohtellitme,thatthepoisonmaydepart;for
heshalllivewhosenameisnamed.'Finally
RagaveIsishistruenameandshecausedthe
poisontoflowaway;andshebecame'the
queenofthegods,shewhoknowsRaandhis
truename'.


RaymondBuckland,
LlewellynPublications,St.Paul,MN1971

Figure3.9:THEBANALPHABET

YOURWITCHNAME

Youarestartingyourlifeanew(ineffect).Whynotstartitwitha
nameofyourchoosing,then,ratherthanonethatwasgiventoyouby
yourparents(andwhichyoumaynotcaretoomuchfor)?ManyWitches
chooseanamewhich,theyfeel,reflectstheirpersonalityor,insome
way,describestheirinterestsorfeelings.Namesareimportant.Itusedto
bethat,toknowsomeone'snamewastohaveapoweroverthemforif



youknewthenameofyourenemyyoucouldconjure
withit.InBorneo,theDyaksbelieveverystronglyin
thepowerofaname.Amother,there,willnevercall
herchildhome,afterdark,usinghisrealnameincase
anevilspiritshouldlearnthenameandcallthechild
itself.Themotherwillonlycallthechildbya"nick
name".YourWitchnameneednotbekeptasolemn
secretbutatleastrespectit.Useitonlywithother
Witchesor,atleast,onlywiththoseclosetoyou.

Ofcourseyoumaybequitehappywithyour
regular,givenname.Ifyouwanttousethatasyour
Witchnamealso,thatisfine.However,checkitout
numerologically,asdescribebelow,beforeyoumake
afinaldecisionSomeWitchestakenamesfromhis
toryormythology,especiallythosenamesassociated
withtheirbranchoftheCraft(WelshnamesinWelsh
traditions;SaxonnamesinSaxontraditions,etc.).
Othersmakeupnames.Youwillbecalledbyyour
nameonly;itisnotusedwiththeprefix"Witch...",as
in"WitchMorgan"or"WitchHazel"(!),assometimes
foundincheapnovels.

Insometraditionstheprefix"Lady",oreven
"Lord",isused.InGardneriantheHighPriestessis
alwaysreferredtoas"Lady..(Name).."When
speakingdirectlytoher,itisalsopropertosay"My
Lady".Sheistheonlyonesocalled,inthattradition,
andnomaleinGardnerianisevercalled"Lord...
(Name)..."

Whichevernameyouchoose,orfeelespecially
drawnto,checkouttoseeifitisinfactrightforyou.
Youdothisthroughnumerology.Thereareanumber
ofdifferentsystemsofnumerology.Thebelowis
probablythemostcommonlyused.Followitstep
bystep.

1)FindyourBirthNumberbyaddingthedigitsof
yourdateofbirth,e.g.IfyouwerebornJune23rd
1956,yournumberwouldbe

6.23.1956=6+2+3+1+9+5+6=32
Bringthatdowntoasingledigit:3+2=5
Then5isyourBirthNumber.
Note:Besuretoincludethe"19"oftheyear
(1956).Therearestillpeoplealivewhowere
borninthelate1800'sanditwon'tbelongbefore
weareintothe2000's,soitisimportant.

2)FindtheNameNumberofthenameyouhave
chosen.

Thisisdonebyequatingallthelettersofthe
alphabetwiththefirstninenumbers:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

z

SupposeyoulikethenameDIANA.Usingthe
abovechart,D=4,1=9,A=1,N=5,andA=1.
ThereforeDIANA=4+9+1+5+1=20=2.Butyour
BirthNumberwas5.ForyourWitchNameyoushould
aimforanamethatmatchesyourBirthNumber.Inthe
aboveexample,youcoulddothisbyaddinga"3"let
tertoDIANA:aC,LorU.Soyoucouldhave,perhaps,
DICANA,DILANAORDIANAU,allofwhichwould
thenaddupto5.Ifyoudon'tcareforanyofthose,
thinkagainofanotherpossiblenameandcheckit
out.

Itmaytakeawhiletofindaname,orchoiceof
names,thatyoulikeandthatarenumerologicallycor
rect,butitiswellworthit.Perhapsthebestmethodis
togetanassortmentofappropriatelettersandkeep
rearrangingthemuntilyouhitanattractivecombina
tion(fromtheabove"Diana"example,NAUDIAmight
beapossibility).Iwillbelookingmoreatnumerology
inLessonNine.

WhydoesthenamehavetomatchyourBirth
Number?BecauseyourBirthNumberisunchanging.
Peoplecanchangetheirnames,addresses,etc.,but
theycannotchangetheirdateofbirth.Bychoosinga
newnamethatmatchesthatBirthNumber,youare
thenaligningyourselfwiththatsamevibration;the
vibrationofthemomentyouchosetobeborn.

AsImentionedabove,thereareseveraldifferent
systemsofnumerology.Thisisprobablythemost
popularand,Ihavefound,themostaccurate.Butif
youfeelmorecomfortablewithadifferentsystem,
thenuseit.Theimportantthingis,whicheversystem
youuse,attuneyournewnametoyourBirthNumber.


LessonThreedealswiththemakingofyoursup
plies.Decidehowyouwillmakeyourtools.What
materialswillyouuse?Youcanmakeyourown
oradaptanexistingtool.Illustratewhattoolsyou
plantouse.

2.Explainhowyouintendtomake/obtainyour
athame.Whatwillyoudotomakeitspecifically
yours?

3.Whatspecialnamewillyouchoose?

Determinethenumbervalueofyourgivenname
andyournewnameusingnumerology.

123456789
ABCDEFGHI
JKLMNOPQR
STUVWXYZ

5.Designyourrobe.Whatcolor,fabricwillyou
use?Whatwereyourreasonsforthesechoices?
Makeanillustrationordiagramofyourrobe
below.

ROBE

LESSONFOUR
GETTINGSTARTED

RITESOFPASSAGE

A"RiteofPassage"isatransitionfromonestateoflifetoanother.
Birth,marriageanddeathareexamples.VanGennep,aFlemishanthro
pologist,wasthefirsttosolabelsuchrituals,in1909.ThemainRiteof
PassagethatyouwillbeconcernedwithisthatofInitiation.Itisimpor
tantthatyoubeaware,andhavesomeunderstanding,ofthedifferent
partsoftheinitiationritualanditssymbolism.

Initsmostgeneralsense,initiationdenotesabodyofritesandoral
teachingsarrangedtobringaboutaverydefinitechangeinboththe
religiousandthesocialstatusofthepersonundergoingtheritual.There
isacatharsis:aspiritualcleansing.Thepersonbecomes,ineffect,another
person.Thecentralthemeofaninitiation(anyinitiation,whetheritbe
Witchcraft,primitivetribalorevenChristian,inform)iswhatistermeda
Palingenesis:arebirth.Youareendinglifeasyouhaveknownittothis
pointandarebeing"bornagain"...andrebornwithnewknowledge.

Allinitiationritualsfollowthesamebasicpattern.Andthisis
worldwide:Australianaboriginals,Africans,Amerindians,Eskimos,
PacificIslanders,Witches,ancientEgyptians,GreeksandRomans,to
namebutafew.Allincludethesamebasicelementsintheirrites.

FirstcomesaSEPARATION.Withmanypeoplesthisisaliteral
separationfromfriendsandespeciallyfromfamily;fromalltheyhave
knownsofar.Oftimesthereisaspecialhut,caveorbuildingofsome
sort,wherethenovicesaretaken.Theretheybegintheirtraining.

ACLEANSING,externallyandinternally,isthenextimportant
part.Withsomeprimitivesthismightincludecompleteremovalofall
bodyhair.Itwouldcertainlyincludeaperiod,orperiods,offastingand
ofsexualabstinence.Incertainareastherearealsovariousdietary
taboospriortofasting.

ASYMBOLICDEATHisoneofthemajorpartsofinitiation,though
someprimitivesdonotrealizethatitwillbeonlysymbolicandfully
expecttoactuallybeputtodeath.Withsometribesitdoesincludeactual
dismemberment;perhapscircumcision,tattooing,theamputationofa
fingerortheknockingoutofatooth.Ritualscourgingisanother,more
common,symbolicformofdeath.Orthedeathcouldtaketheformofa
"monster"perhapsthetribe'stotemanimalswallowingtheinitiate.

41

Atypicalinitiationceremonyistheonefoundin
GardnerianWitchcraft.Itisinfourparts.The
firstpartisknownastheChallenge.TheInitiate
isaskedifshereallydoeswanttogothrough
withit.thismayseemasimpleandneedless
question.Butfromfirstmakingcontactwitha
covenitmayhavetakenanywhereuptoayear
forthewouldbeWitchtoreachthepointof
initiation.Thistimeisnecessary,fromtheCraft's
pointofview,tosortoutthewheatfromthe
chaff;thosewhoaresincerelyinterestedinWitch
craftasareligion,asopposedtothosewho
haveallthewrongideasbelievingittobe
Devilworship,lookingforwildorgies,want
ingtojoin"justforkicks",etc.,etc..Soafterthe
verylongwaitingperiod,duringwhichshehas
beenreadingandstudying,theInitiateisatlast
thereonthethreshold.ShelooksabouttheInner
Sanctumforthefirsttimeattheflickering
candles,thesmokingincense,thestemfacedPriest
pointingasworddirectlyather.Itmayseema
littleominoustoher;alittlefrightening.Itwould
besmallwonderifshethenandtheredecidedshe
wouldnotbothergoingthroughwithitafter
all...perhapsshe'dtakeupmacrameinstead!If
suchshouldbeherdecisionsheisfreetoturn
aroundandwalkaway.Butafterthelongwaiting
periodtherearefew,ifany,whodecidethatway.
So,afterthechallenge,theInitiateisblindfolded
andboundandledintotheCircle...Thereisan
OathofSecrecytakenbytheInitiate,inthe
majorityoftraditions.Oncethishasbeentaken
theblindfoldcanberemovedand,shortlyafter
wards,thecords.Itisstrictlyanoathofsecrecy.
Thereisnorepudiationofanypreviousreligion.
Therearenocrossestospitupon,nopactstosign
inblood,nogoat'sbuttockstokiss!Aftertheoath
comestheShowingoftheTools.Eachcovenhasa
numberofsocalled"workingtools".Theseare
presented,onebyone,totheInitiatebythe
Priest.Aseachoneispresenteditsuseisexplained
and,toshowshehasunderstoodtheexplana
tion,theInitiatelaysherhandsbrieflyonthe
tool...AttheendoftheceremonytheInitiateis
taken,bytheHighPriest,aroundtheCircleto
thefourcardinalpoints.Ateachofthesesheis
PresentedtotheGodswhoarebelievedtobe
therewitnessingtheeventasanewlymade
PriestessandWitch.

AnatomyOftheOccult
RaymondBuckland,SamuelWeiser,NY1977


After"death"theinitiandthenfindshimselfin
thewomb,awaitinghisnewbirth.Insomesocietieshe
findshimselfinahutwhichrepresentstheworld.
Heisatitscenter;heinhabitsasacredmicrocosm.The
initiateisinthechthonianGreatMotherMother
Earth.Thereareinnumerablemythsofgreatheroes,
godsandgoddesses,descendingintoMotherEarth
(rememberthemythoftheSeaxWicaGoddess,
giveninLessonTwo)andtriumphantlyreturning.
Withinthatearthwombtheyinvariablyfindgreat
knowledge,foritisoftenthehomeofthedeadwho,
traditionally,canseeintothefutureandtherefore
knowallthings.Thereforetheinitiates,byvirtueof
beinginthewomb,willlearnNEWKNOWLEDGE.
ThisisunderscoredintheCongo,forexample,
wherethosewhohavenotbeeninitiatedarecalled
vanga("theunenlightened")andthosewhohave
beeninitiatedarethenganga("theknowingones").

Afterreceivingthisnewknowledge,theinitiateis
REBORN.Ifhehasbeenswallowedbyamonster,he
mayeitherbebornfromitordisgorgedfromitsmouth
(themouthisoftenasubstituteforthevagina).In
someAfricantribeshewillcrawloutfrombetween
thelegsofthewomenofthevillage,whostandina
longline.Heisnowgivenanewnameandstartshis
newlife.Interestinglyenoughthereareseveralparal
lelsofthisrenamingtobefoundintheRomanCatholic
Church:anewnameistakenatconfirmation;on
becominganunawomantakesanewname;anew
nameisgiventoanewlyelectedPope.

OnexcavatingatPompeii,therewasfoundavilla,
namedthe"VillaofMysteries".Thiswaswhereevery
oneinancientItalyoriginallywenttobeinitiatedinto
theOrphicMysteries.IntheInitiationRoomitself
therearefrescoespaintedaroundthewallsshowinga
womangoingthroughthevariousstagesofinitiation.
Inthisinstancethesymbolicdeathwasascourging.
Partoftherevelationofknowledgecamefromthe
initiandscrying*withapolishedbowl.Thefinalscene
showsher,naked,dancingincelebrationofhernew
birth.Thescenesaretypicalofthepalingenesisof
initiation.

ThefullinitiationintoWitchcraftcontainsallthe
aboveelements.Thereisnotquitetheliteralsepara
tion,atthestart,butyouwill,ofcourse,haveseparated
yourselffromothersinthesenseofabsorbingyour
selfinyourstudiesoftheCraft.Youwillalsospend
muchtimealone,meditatingonwhatyouareaboutto
undertake.Youwillcleanseyourself,bybathingand
fastingonlybread,honeyandwaterareallowedfor

twentyfourhourspriortotheactualinitiationand
bysexualabstinence.

Attheritualitself,ratherthananyrigorous
symbolicdeathordismemberment,youwillexper
ienceablindfoldingandbinding,whichsymbolize
thedarknessandrestrictionofthewomb.Asyouare
"born",theserestrictionswillfallfromyou.Youwill
gainnewknowledgeascertainthingsarerevealedto
you,andthenreceiveanewname.Youwillbe
welcomedtoyournewlifebyyourbrothersand
sistersoftheCraft.Thefullinitiationisaverymoving
experiencemanyclaimittobethemostmovingof
theirentirelives.

Theusualprocessisthatyoufindacovenand,
afteratrialperiod,areacceptedintoitandinitiated.
Butsupposingyouarestartingfromscratch;agroup
offriendswhoaregoingtoformtheirowncovenand,
basically,starttheirowntradition?Howdoesthefirst
persongetinitiated,sothats/hecaninitiatetheothers?
Similarly,ifyouareaSolitary,notwantingtojoina
group,howdoyougoaboutit?Theansweris,through
SelfInitiation.

SomeyearsagothemajorityofWitches(myself
included!)frownedontheveryideaofaselfinitiation.
Wedidn'tstoptothinkof(a)whatmighthavebeen
doneinthe"oldtimes",forthoselivingmilesfromany
coven,or(b)howdidthefirstWitchgetinitiated?
Todaysomeofusatanyratearemoreenlightened.

TheSelfDedicationisexactlythatitisadedicat
ingofoneselftotheserviceofthegods.Itdoesnot
containalltheelementswehavementionedabove,
butisnonethelessamovingexperience.Afullcoven
initiationmayalwaysbetakenatalaterdate,ifyouso
desireofcourse,butnotethatitwouldnotbemanda
toryjustamatterofpersonalpreference.

Aquestionoftenaskedis,"Howvalidisselfinitia
tion?"Tosometraditionsitisnotvalidatall(though
onemightquestionthewhole"validity"ofthose
traditionsthemselves!).Certainlyyoucouldn'tself
initiateyourselfasaGardnerian,forexample.Butthe
pointhereis,howvalidisittoYOU?Ifyouaresincere;
ifyouwishtobecomeaWitchandtoworshiptheold
gods;ifyouhavenoulteriormotives...TTISVALID,
anddon'tlistentoanyonewhosaysitisnot.

Obviouslyifyouwanttobepartofaparticular
traditionandthattraditionhasitssetinitiationrite(as
withGardnerian,asIjustmentioned),thenyoumust
gothroughthatparticularritetojointhattradition.But
noonetraditionhastherighttosaywhatiscorrector
incorrectforanother.Itseemstomethatfartoomany

*SeeLessonNineDivination.

LessonFour:GettingStarted143

peoplegethungupona"lineofdescent"who
initiatedwhom,andthroughwhom?ratherthan
gettingonwiththebusinessofworship.Oneofthe
oldestofthemoderntraditionsistheGardnerianand
that(initspresentform)isonlyaboutthirtyfiveyears
old,asofthiswriting.Notveryoldwhenwelookatthe
wholepictureofWitchcraft.SoifaGardnerianinitia
tion(forexample)canbeconsidered"valid",thenso
canyours.

CIRCLES

ARomanambassadorinaforeigncountrywould
drawacirclearoundhimselfwithhisstaff,toshowhe
shouldbesafefromattack;theBabyloniansdrewacir
cleofflouronthefloorroundthebedofasickman,to
keepdemonsaway;GermanJews,intheMiddleAges,
woulddrawacircleroundthebedofawomanin
labor,toprotectherfromevilspirits.Theuseofacircle
tomarktheboundaryofanareawhichissacred,is
veryancient(e.g.Stonehenge).Butthecirclenotonly
keepstheunwantedout,italsokeepsthewanted
theraisedpower;themagickalenergyin.

Thedimensionsofthecircledependentirelyon
whoisdrawingitandforwhatpurpose.InCeremonial
Magick,wheretheMagicianisconjuringentities,the
exactnessofthecircle(andeverythingwithinit)is
critical.Butthereistheotherendofthescale,asit
were.Intheolddays,whenthevillagerswouldget
togethertogivethankstotheirgods,theywouldsimply
markaroughcircleontheground,usuallyverycrudely
drawn,anduseitwhetheraccurateornot.Itspurpose
wasmerelytodesignateaspacetobehallowedforthe
rites;aplace"special"forthatpurpose.Yourcircle
doesnothavetobeaspainstakinglyaccurateasthe
CeremonialMagician's(thoughmoreonthisinLesson
ElevenMagick),yetitisdrawnwithacertainamount
ofcareandexactness.TheCovenCircleisninefeetin
diameter;theIndividual'sCircleisfivefeet.Thedraw
ingoftheCirclestarts,andfinishes,intheEastandis
alwaysdrawnclockwise,ordeosil.Ifyouaremeeting
outdoors,thentheCircleisactuallymarkedonthe
groundwiththesword,asthePriest/esswalksaround.
IndoorstheCircleshouldfirstbemarkedonthefloor
withalengthofwhitecord,withchalk,orifyouhave
apermanenttempleitcanbepaintedinwhitepaint.
ButthePriest/esswillstillwalkaroundwiththesword,
startingandfinishingintheeast,"marking"itand
directingpowerintoitthroughthepointofthesword.

OnthelineoftheCirclestandfourwhite,unlit

candles;oneinthenorth,oneintheeast,oneinthe
southandoneinthewest.Ifyouwish,theremaybe
additionalcandles,alreadylit,betweenthesefour.
TheyshouldstandaroundtheCirclebutoutsidethe
line.Theywouldbetherepurelyforextraillumina
tion,ifrequired.

Thefirstritualperformed,always,iswhat,in
SaxonWitchcraft,iscalledERECTINGTHETEMPLE.
Othertraditionscallit,variously,OPENINGTHECIR
CLE,CASTINGTHECIRCLE,orsimilar.Inthisritual
theCircleandallwithinitisproperlypurifiedand
consecrated.FornowIwilljustdealwithcastingaCir
clesufficientforyourSelfDedication/Initiation.Pre
sumingthatyouhavenotyetevenmadeyourathame,
thiscastingisofthemostbasic.Youwillneedyour
altarfurniture:candle,censer,gobletordrinking
horn,saltandwater,libationdishand(ifyouwish)
figuresrepresentingthedeities.Thereshouldbewine
inthegoblet.

SELFDEDICATION

Thisritualshouldbeperformedduringthewax
ingmoon,asclosetothefullmoonaspossible.Forthe
ritualIwouldsuggestyoubecompletelynaked,
wearingnojewelryofanykind.

Alongwiththerestofthealtarfurniturethere
shouldbeasmalldishofanointingoil(seeLessonThir
teen,page198forrecipe)standingbetweenthewaterand
thesalt.

Thealtarissetupinthecentersothat,whenyou
standinfrontofit,youarefacingeast.TheCircleis
indicated(bycord,chalkorpaint)aboutyou.Sit,or
kneel,beforethealtarwithyoureyesclosed.Concen
trateyourthoughtsonseeing,inyourmind'seye,
yourselfenclosedinaballofwhitelight.Directyour
energiestomakethatlightexpandtocompletelyfill
theCircle.Holditforamomentandthenrelax.Open
ingyoureyes,standandmovetotheeast.Pointyour
rightforefinger(left,iflefthanded)downattheCircle
line.WalkslowlyaroundtheCircle,deosil,"drawing"
theCirclethroughthepowerbeingdirecteddown
yourarmandoffyourpointingfinger(figure4.1A).
Whenyouhavebeenallthewayaround,returntothe
altar(figure4.1B).Lightthealtarcandleandthein
cense.Nowtakethealtarcandleand,movinground
thealtar,lighttheeastcandlefromthealtarcandle.
Continueandlightthesouth,westandnorthcandles
(figureA).Continueonbacktotheeastthenbackto
standinginfrontofthealtar,andreplacethealtarcan
dle(figureB).Now,againconcentrateyourenergies


downyourarmandfingerandplacethetipofyourforefingerinthe
salt.Say:

"SaltisLife.LetthisSaltbepureandletitpurifymylife,asI
useitinthisRite,dedicatedtotheGodandtheGoddess*in
whomIbelieve."

Nowtakethreepinchesofthesaltanddropthem,oneatatime,intothe
water.Stirthewaterthreetimesround,deosil,withyourfingerand
say:

"LettheSacredSaltdriveoutanyimpuritiesinthisWaterthat
togethertheymaybeusedintheserviceofthesedeities;
throughouttheseRitesandatanytimeandinanywayImay
usethem."

Takethebowlofsaltedwatertotheeastand,walkingdeosil,sprinkleit
onthelineoftheCircle.Replaceitonthealtar;takeupthecenserand,
againfromtheeast,goaroundtheCircleoncemore,swingingthe
incenseburneralongitsline.Returntothealtarandreplaceit.
Say:

Thereareseveralwaysofcreatingatem
poraryCircle.Oneistopermanentlymarkthe
Circleonasecondarypieceofcarpetthatcan
berolledupandputawaybetweenrituals,
andunrolledandlaiddownovertheregular
floorcoveringwhenneeded.Anotheristo
haveasixtotwelveinchwidelengthof
materialintheformofacircle,withtheritual
Circlemarkedonit.Thiscanalsobetakenup
andlaiddownwhenneeded.Theadvantageis
thatitisfarlessbulkythanacompletecarpet
andsomucheasiertostore.

"TheSacredCircleisaboutme.Iamhereofmyownfreewill
andaccord,inPeaceandinLove."

Dipyourforefingerintothesaltedwaterandmarkacrossinacircle
onyourforehead,inthepositionofthethirdeye(betweentheeye
brows).ThenmarkaPentagramyônyourchest,overyourheart.
Say:

"InowinvitethegodstowitnessthisRiteIholdintheir
honor."

Holdyourhand,withfingerpointingup,highinsaluteasyounow
say:

"GodandGoddess;LordandLady;FatherandMotherof

AllLife,
GuardmeandguidemewithinthisCircleandwithoutit,
Inallthings.Somoteitbe."

KissyourhandtotheLordandtheLady,thentakeupthegobletandspill
alittleofthewineontheground(orintothelibationdish)asanoffering
tothegods,withthewords:

"TheLordandtheLady!"
Takeadrinkandthenreplacethegobletonthealtarwiththewords:

"Youmayinsertthenamesofthedeitiesyouhavechosen,ifyouwish.


"NowistheTempleerected.Ishallnot
leaveitbutwithgoodreason.
Sobeit."

Sitorkneelbeforethealtar,headbowed,andmeditate
forafewminutesontheGodandtheGoddess,the
CraftandwhattheOldReligionmeanstoyou.Then
standandliftbothhandshighabovethealtarand
say:

"LordandLadyhearmenow!

Iamhereasimplepaganholdingtheein

honor.
FarhaveIjourneyedandlonghaveI

searched,
SeekingthatwhichIdesireaboveallthings.
Iamofthetreesandofthefields.
Iamofthewoodsandofthesprings;
Thestreamsandthehills.
Iamoftheeandtheeofme."

Loweryourarms.

"GrantmethatwhichIdesire.

Permitmetoworshipthegods

Andallthatthegodsrepresent.

MakemeaLoverofLifeinAllThings.

WelldoIknowthecreed:

ThatifIdonothavethatsparkofLove

withinme,
ThenwillIneverfinditwithoutme.
LoveistheLawandLoveistheBond.
AllthisIhonoraboveaughtelse."

Kissyourrighthandandholdithigh.

"MyLordandLady,heredoIstandbefore

you,
Nakedandunadorned,todedicatemyself

tothinehonor.
EverwillIprotectyouandthatwhichis

yours.
Letnonespeakillofyou,foreverwillI

defendyou.
YouaremylifeandIamyours,
Fromthisdayforth.
IacceptandwilleverabidebytheWiccan

Rede:
'An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt'.
Sobeit."

Takeupthegobletandslowlypourtheremainderof
thewineontotheground,saying:

"Asthiswinedrainsfromthegoblet(horn),
Solettheblooddrainfrommybody
ShouldIeverdoaughttoharmthegods,
Orthoseinkinshipwiththeirlove.
Somoteitbe!"

Dipyourforefingerintheoilandagainmakethesign
ofthecrossinacircleonyourthirdeye,andthePenta
gramoveryourheart.Then,also,touchtheoiltoyour
genitals,rightbreast(nipple),leftbreast,andthen
genitalsagain.(ThislastformstheSacredTriangle,
symbolizingthedrawingofpowerupfromtherootof
thatpower).Say:

"AsasignofmyrebirthItakeuntomyselfa

newname.
HenceforthIshallbeknownas..(Name)..,
FormylifewithintheCraft.
Somoteitbe!"

Nowsitcomfortablyand,witheyesclosed,meditate
onwhattheCraftmeanstoyou.Itmaywellbethat,at
thistime,youwillreceivesomeindicationthatyouare
indeedintouchwiththegods.Butwhetheryoudoor
not,justletyourfeelingsforthem,andfortheOld
Religion,flowfromyourbody.Luxuriateinthefeeling
of"cominghome";ofhavingfinallybecomeonewith
theOldReligion.

Whenyouhavefinishedmeditating,ifyoufeel
likesingingordancingorcelebratinginanyother
way,goaheadanddoso.Then,whenyouareready,
standandraisebothhandshighandsay:

Ithankthegodsfortheirattendance.

AsIcamehereinloveofthem,Inowgo

myway.
LoveistheLaw,andLoveistheBond.
Sobeit!TheTempleisnowclosed."

TheaboveisadaptedfromtheSeaxWicaRite

ofSelfDedication.

AlthoughIhavenotyetgiventhefulldetailsof
theregularERECTINGTHETEMPLERitual(norhad
youconsecrateyourtools)Iwilldivertforamoment
tofollowthisSelfDedicationwithafullcovenInitia
tionCeremony,forthesakeofcompletenessonthis

46/Auckland'sCompleteBookofWitchcraft

subject.NextlessonIwillcontinuefromwhereIhereleftoff.

COVENINITIATION

Aswithalloftheritualsinthisworkbook,theyarepresentedas
patternsblueprintswhichyoumayeitheradoptoradapt.Youwillsee
thatthisInitiationRitecontainsalloftheelementsIhavepreviously
discussed.Ifyoudecidetowriteyourown,Iurgeyoutofollowthe
generalpattern.

InthisceremonyIhavewrittenitasforaPriestinitiatingafemale.It
canobviouslybeadaptedforreversaloftheroles(invirtuallyall
traditionsmaleinitiatesfemaleandfemaleinitiatesmale).

ItisusualfortheInitiatetobenakedinthisrite.Ifthecovenusually
worksnakedthen,ofcourse,thisisfine.However,ifthecovenisusually
robedthentheInitiateshouldeitherbetheonlyonenakedorshould
weararobethatcanbeopeneddownthefrontasandwhenindicated
(evenrobedcovensusuallywearnothingundertheirrobes).

TheInitiationcantakeplacewithallthecovenpresent;withonlythe
Priest,PriestessandInitiate;orwithPriest,Priestess,oneortwoassistants
andtheInitiate.Thecovenshoulddecidewhichmethodtheyprefer.
ThebelowritualiswrittenforPriest,Priestess,twoassistants(whomI
shallcallMAIDENandSQUIRE)andInitiate.Inadditiontotheusual
altarfurniture,thereisadishofanointingoilbetweenthewaterandthe
saltandared,ninefootlengthofcordandablindfoldonthealtar.The
Priestess'sGoddessCrownandthePriest'sHomedHelmetrestbeside
thealtar.TheInitiatewearsnojewelryofanykind,normakeup,and
waitsinaroomoutsidetheTempleRoom.Anointingwillbedoneasdes
cribedintheSelfDedication.AKelticCrossinacircleisdrawnslightly
aboveandbetweentheeyes,inthepositionoftheThirdEye;aPen
tagram"îsdrawnovertheheart;aninvertedtriangleismarkedby
touchingthegenitals,rightbreast,leftbreastandgenitalsagain.

TheERECTMGTHETEMPLEritualisperformedintheusualmanner
(seenextlesson).Thebellisrungthreetimes.

Priestess:"Lettherebenonewhosufferloneliness;nonewhoarefriend
lessandwithoutbrotherorsister.Forallmayfindloveand
peacewithintheCircle."

Priest:"Withopenarms,theLordandLadywelcomeall."

Squire:"Ibringnewsofonewhohastraveledfar,seekingthatwhich
weenjoy."

Maiden:"Longhasbeenherjourney,butnowshefeelsanendis
near."

Priest:"Ofwhomdoyouspeak?"

Squire:"Ofshewho,evennow,waitsoutsideourTemple,seeking
entry."

Priestess:"Whocausedhertocomehere?"

Maiden:"Shecameherself,ofherownfreewill."

Priest:"Whatdoessheseek?"

Maiden:"SheseekstobecomeonewiththeLordandtheLady.She
seekstojoinwithusinourworshipofthem."


Priestess:"Whocanvouchforthisperson?"

Squire:"Ican.Asherteacher*Ihaveshownherthe
ways;pointedherintherightdirectionand
setherfeetuponthepath.Butshehaschosen
totakethisstepandnowbidsyougive
herentrance."

Priest:"Canshebebroughtbeforeus?"

Squire:"Indeedshecan."

Priestess:"Thenletitbeso."

SQUIREtakesCordandathame;MAIDENtakesblind
foldandcandle.Theygo,clockwise,aroundCircleto
theeastandthereexittheCircle,tTheygooutofthe
Temple,totheInitiate.MAIDENblindfoldsherwhile

SQUIREbindsher(seeillustration).Withinitiatebetween
them,theyapproachthedoortotheTempleRoom.
SQUIREbangsondoorwithhandleofathame.

Priest:"Whoknocks?"

Squire:"Wereturnwithonewhowouldjoinour

number."
Priestess:"Whatishername?"

Initiate:"Mynameis...(GivenName)...Ibegentry."
Priestess:"EnterthisourTemple."

ThethreeentertheTempleRoomandstandoutside
theCircle,intheeast.MAIDENholdsthecandle;
SQUIREtheathame.Thebellisrungonce.

METHODOFBINDINGFORANINITIATION

1.NinefootredcordisloopedoverInitiate'sleftwrist,behindher
back.Atmidpointofcord,asinglereef,orsquare,knotistied.

2.Initiate'srightarmislaidwristoverwrist,overleftarmand
anotherknotistied.Note:Armsformbaseoftriangletohead
(seeilustration):

3.TwoendsofcordaretakenupandaroundeithersideofInitiate's
head,crossinginfront.

4.Loopingoneendonaroundthebackofthehead,thetwoendsaretied
withabowattherightshoulder.

^

ThispartshouldobviouslybeplayedbythepersonwhohasbeenworkingwiththeInitiateuptoth
ispoint.
tSeedetailsforenteringandexitingacastCircleinLessonTen.



Priest:
Initiate:

Priestess:
Initiate:

Priestess:

"...(Name)...,whydoyoucomehere?"

"ToworshipthegodsinwhomIbelieveand

tobecomeonewiththemandwithmy

brothersandsistersoftheCraft."

"Whatdoyoubringwithyou?"

"IbringnothingbutmyTrueSelf,naked

andunadorned."

"ThenIbidyouenterthisourCircleof

WorshipandMagick."

SQUIREadmitsthemtotheCircle.Theystandjust
within,stillintheeast.PRIESTandPRIESTESSmove
aroundtothem;PRIESTcarryingthecenserand
PRIESTESSthesaltedwater.

Priest:"ToenterthisourSacredCircle,Ihereduly
consecrateyou,inthenamesoftheGodand
theGoddess."

IfInitiateisrobed,thePRIESTESSopenstherobe
whilethePRIESTsprinklesandcensesher,thenclosesit
again.PRIESTandPRIESTESSreturntothealtar,
followedbySQUIRE,INITIATEandMAIDEN.PRIEST
andPRIESTESSstandinfrontofaltar,whileSQUIRE
andMAIDENmoveroundtofarside,opposite,with
INITIATEbetweenthem.TheyfacePriestandPriest
ess.Bellisrungtwice.

Priestess:"IspeaknowfortheLady.Whyareyou

here?"
Initiate:"IamheretobecomeonewiththeLordand

theLady;tojoininworshipofthem."
Priest:"IamhewhospeaksfortheLord.Who

madeyoucomehere?"
Initiate:"Nonemademecome,forIamhereofmy

ownchoosing."
Priest:"Doyouwishanendtothelifeyouhave

knownsofar?"
Initiate:"Ido."
Priest:"Thensobeit."

Withhisathame,SQUIREcutsalockofInitiate'shair
andthrowsitonthecenser.SQUIREandMAIDEN
leadINITIATEaroundCircletotheeast.

Maiden:"Hearken,allyeattheEastGate.Hereisone
whowouldjoinus.Welcomeherandbring
herjoy."

Theymoveontothesouth.

Squire:"HearkenallyeattheSouthGate.Hereisone
whowouldjoinus.Welcomeherandbring
herjoy."

Theymoveontothewest.

Maiden:"HearkenallyeattheWestGate.Hereis
onewhowouldjoinus.Welcomeherand
bringherjoy."

Theymoveontothenorth.

Squire:"HearkenallyeattheNorthGate.Hereis
onewhowouldjoinus.Welcomeherand
bringherjoy."

SQUIREandMAIDENleadINITIATEbacktostand
behindaltaragain,facingPriestandPriestess.PRIEST
andPRIESTESSplacetheircrownsontheirheads
and,takinguptheirathames,standsidebysidewith
theirrightarmsholdingthekniveshighinsalute.
SQUIREringsbellthreetimes.

Maiden:"Now,then,mustyoufacethosewhom
youseek."

MAIDENremovesInitiate'sblindfold.

Maiden:"Behold,inthesetwopriestsdoweseethe

gods.Andinthatknowthatweandthey

arethesame."
Squire:"Asweneedthegods,sodothegodsneed

us."
Priest:"IamhewhospeaksfortheGod.Yetare

youandIequal."
Priestess:"IamshewhospeaksfortheGoddess.Yet

areyouandIequal."

PRIESTandPRIESTESSlowertheirathamesandpre
sentthebladestotheINITIATE,whokissesthe
blades.

Initiate:

Priest:
Initiate:
Priestess:
Initiate:

"IsalutetheLordandtheLady,asIsalute

thosewhorepresentthem.Ipledgemylove

andsupporttothemandtomybrothersand

sistersoftheCraft."

"KnowyoutheWiccanRede?"

"Ido.An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt."

"AnddoyouabidebythatRede?"

"Ido."

LessonFour:GettingStarted/49

Priest:"Wellsaid.Letyourbondsbeloosedthatye
maybereborn."

SQUIREuntiescord.MAIDENleadsINITIATEaround
tostandbetweenPriestandPriestess.MAIDENthen
returnstoherplacebesideSquire.

Priestess:"Thatyoumaystartlifeafreshitisonlymeet
andrightthatyoustartwithanameofyour
ownchoosing.Haveyousuchaname?"
Initiate:"Ihave.Itis...(CraftName)..."
Priest:"Thenshallyoubeknownbythatname
henceforth,byyourbrothersandsistersof
theCraft."

PRIESTtakesupanointingoil.IfInitiateisrobed,
PRIESTESSopensrobe.PRIESTanoints(Cross,Penta
gramandTriangle)andsays:

Priest:"WiththisSacredOilIanointandcleanse
thee,givingnewlifetooneoftheChildren
oftheGods.Fromthisdayforthyoushallbe
knownas...(CraftName)...,withinthisCir
cleandwithoutit,toallyourBrothersand
SistersoftheCraft.SoMoteItBe."

All:"Somoteitbe!"

Priestess:"Nowyouaretrulyoneofus.Asoneofus
willyoushareourknowledgeofthegods
andoftheartsofhealing,ofdivination,of
magickandofallthemysticarts.Theseshall
youlearnasyouprogress."

Priest:"Butwecautionyouevertorememberthe
WiccanRede.An'itharmnone,dowhatthou
wilt."

Priestess:"An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt.Come
now,...(Name)...,andmeetyourkindred."

INITIATEsalutes*PriestandPriestessthenmoves
aroundtosaluteandgreetalltheothersintheCircle.If
theinitiationhasbeentakingplacewithouttheother
covenmembersbeingpresent,theynowreturntothe
Circletojointhecelebrants.Ifitisthecovencustomto
presentanewcomerwithanygift(s)thismaybedone
atthistime.Bellisrungthreetimes.

Priest:"Nowisittrulyatimeforcelebration."

FeastingandmerrimentfollowtilltheTempleis
closed.

Nextlessonyouwillconsecrateyourtools,sothat
theymaybeusedinfuturerituals.

WhenoneWitchsalutesanother,itiswithanembraceandakiss.


1.HowdidyouprepareyourselffortheInitiation?

IfyouarejoininganexistingCoven,describethemembers,PriestandPriestess,andgoalsoftha
tCoven.
WhyareyoujoiningthatparticularCoven?

INITIATIONRITUAL

COVENMEMBERS

GOALSFORCOVEN

LESSONFIVE
COVENSANDRITUALS

COVENSANDDEGREES

Throughouthistorytherehavebeenindividual,
or"Solitary"Witches...Witcheswhoworked(and
frequentlylived)alone.Therearestillmanytoday
whofeelmorecomfortablethatwayandIwilllookat
themspecificallylaterinthisbook.Butthemajorityof
Witchesworkingroups,knownascovens.Theorigin
ofthewordisindoubt.MargaretMurray(TheWitch
CultinWesternEurope)suggestsit"isaderivativeof
'convene'."

Thecovenisasmallgroup;usuallynomorethan
adozen.The"traditional"sizeisthirteen,though
thereisabsolutelynoreasonwhythatparticularnum
bershouldbeadheredto.PersonallyIhavefoundthat
themostcomfortablenumberisabouteight.Oneof
thethingsthatgovernsthenumberofpeopleinthe
covenisthesizeofthecircleinwhichtheyholdtheir
rituals.Bytradition,again,thisisninefeetindiameter,
soitcanatoncebeseenthatthenumberofpeople
whocancomfortablyfitinitsconfineswillbelimited.
Butthisisreallyputtingthecartbeforethehorse.In
actualfactyoushouldbasethesizeofthecircleonthe
numberofpeople,nottheotherwayaround.Toarrive
attheidealsize,allshouldstandinacirclefacing
inwardsandholdhands.Thenmoveslowlyoutwards,
witharmsoutstretched,untilyourarmsareextended
asfaraspossible.TheCircleshouldthenbeofasize
thatwilljustcomfortablycontainyouall.Whetherthat
meansitwillbesevenfeet,eightfeet,tenfeetsix
inchesorfifteenfeetindiameterdoesn'tmatter.What
isimportantisthatsuchacirclewillcontainthegroup
comfortably,withoutfearofbreakingtheboundaries
evenwhendancinground,yetalsowillnothaveany
excessspace.

Acovenisasmall,closeknitgroup.Infact,the

membersofyourcovenfrequentlybecomecloserto
youthanthemembersofyourownfamily,hencethe
Craftisoftenreferredtoasa"familyreligion".Andfor
thisreasonyoushouldchooseyourfellowWitches
carefully.Itisnotenoughthatyouallhaveaninterest
intheOldReligion.Youmustbethoroughlycompat
ible;completelycomfortableandateasewithone
another.Togettothispointusuallytakestimeandfor
thisreasonyoushouldn'trushtoformacoven.

StudytheCrafttogetherwithyourfriends.Read
alltheWitchcraftbooksyoucanlayhandson,discuss
themandquestiononeanother.Ifyouknowofany
initiatedWitches,orcancontactauthorswillingtocor
respond,don'tbeafraidtoaskthemquestions.

Don'tbesoseriousaboutallthisthatyouhaveno
senseofhumor.Religionisaseriousbusiness,yes,but
thegodsknowhowtolaughandWitcheshavealways
believedinenjoyingwhattheydo.Covenrituals
shouldnotbeundertakenlightly,ofcourse,butif
somebodymakesamistake(orsitsonacandle!),don't
beafraidtobehumanaboutitandhaveachuckle.
Religiousritesshouldbeperformedbecauseyouwant
toperformthemandbecauseyouenjoyperforming
them,notbecauseyouhavetoperformthem(wecan
leavethattotheotherfaiths!).

HIERARCHYANDPRIESTHOOD

Thegroupneedsaleader,orleaders.Theleaders,
aspriestsforthegroup,willberepresentingtheGod
andtheGoddess,soonemaleandonefemaleleader
wouldseemtobetheideal.IntheSaxontradition(and
somefewothers)thesearedemocraticallychosenby
thecovenmembers:theyleadforayearandthen
thereisareelection(ifreelected,theirtermsrunning
concurrentlyornot,theyareknownintheirsub

53


sequenttermsasHighPriest/ess,toindicatethis
experience).Suchasystemhasthedistinctadvantage
of(a)precludinganyegotripsandpowerplaysby
thepriesthood,(b)givingeveryonewhowishesa
chancetoleadthegroupandhavetheexperienceof
runningacovenand(c)allowingthosegoodatthejob
tobereinstated,whileconverselyallowingtheremoval
ofanywhoabusetheirposition.

However,inmanytraditionstherearefound
degreesystemssystemsofadvancementthrough
promotionandintheseitisimpossibletobealeader
withoutbeingoftherequisitedegree.Regretably
thesesystemsdofrequentlyleadtopowerplays("I'm
ahigherdegree...ergo'better'...Witchthanyou
are!")andalltheramificationsoffavoritism/abuse/
selfglorification.Letmehastentoaddthatthisisnot
alwaysthecase.Itissimplythatthereisalwaysthe
potential.Therehavebeenmanycovensthathave
existedveryhappilyforyearswithsuchasystem.

Inmostdegreesystemsyouareinitiatedintothe
FirstDegree.Let'slookattheGardneriantraditionasa
typicalexample.There,intheFirstDegree,youpar
ticipateintheritualsaspartofthe"chorus",asitwere,
andlearnfromyourElders.Youmustremaininthat
degreeforatleastayearandaday.Whentakentothe
SecondDegreeyoucanthenbemoreactiveinthe
rituals.Forexample,afemaleGardnerianoftheSecond
DegreecanevencasttheCirclefortheHighPriestess.
However,shecannotinitiateanyone.Afteratleasta
yearandadaythere,itispossibletothenbetakento
theThirdDegree,iffoundready.AsaThirdDegree
WitchaGardnerianfemalecanbreakawayandforma
newcovenifshesodesires.Shewouldthenrunthat
coven,initiatingwhomevershewished,withnointer
ferencefromheroriginalHighPriestess.Covens,you
see,areautonomous.Ofcourse,theThirdDegree
Witchdoesnothavetobreakawayandstartafresh.
Manyofthatrankarequitecontenttostayinthe
originalcoven,wheretheyareregardedas"Elders".

Differenttraditionshavedifferentsystems:some
havemorethanthreedegrees;someinsistonalonger
minimumtimebetweensteps;somehavethePriest
withequalpowerstothePriestess.

WhatsortofapersonshouldaPriest/essbe?
WhenIwasoriginallyinitiated,bytheLadyOlwen
(GeraldGardner'sHighPriestess)inPerth,Scotland,
in1963,shegavemeanoutlineofwhatareallygood
covenleadershouldbe.Idon'tknowwhotheauthor
was,butthisiswhatitsaid:

TheLoveOfthePriestandthePriestess
Youmaycometothemforafewmoments,

thengoawayanddowhateveryouwill;

theirloveisunchanging.
Youmaydenythemtothemselvesorto

yourself,thencursethemtoanywhowill

listen;theirloveisunchanging.
Youmaybecomethemostdespisedof

creatures,thenreturntothem;theirlove

isunchanging.
Youmaybecometheenemyofthegods

themselves,thenreturntothem;their

loveisunchanging.
Gowhereyouwill;stayhoweverlongyou

willandcomebacktothem;theirlove

isunchanging.
Abuseothers;abuseyourself;abusethem

andcomebacktothem;theirloveis

unchanging.
Theywillnevercriticizeyou;theywillnever

minimizeyou;theywillneverfailyou,

becausetothemyouareeverythingand

theythemselvesarenothing.Theywill

neverdeceiveyou;theywillneverridicule

you;theywillneverfailyou,becauseto

themyouareGod/Goddessnature,to

beservedandtheyareyourservants.
Nomatterwhatbefallsyou,
Nomatterwhatyoubecome,
Theyawaityoualways.
Theyknowyou;theyserveyou;theylove

you.
Theirloveforyou,inthechangingworld,

isunchanging.
Theirlove,beloved,isunchanging.

AnonWitch(someonenotinitiated)isreferred
toasacowan.GenerallycowanscannotattendCircles,
thoughsometraditionsdohaveallowancesforsuch
visitors.Ipersonallythinkcowansshouldbeabletosit
inatthereligiousrites(nottheworkingofmagick,
however),ifallofthecovenareagreeableandifthe
covenworksrobedratherthanskyclad.Whatbetter
waytolearnofthetruespiritoftheOldReligionandto
determinewhetherornotitisthepathsought?Italso,
incidentally,isexcellentPublicRelations,helping
straightenthepopularmisconceptions.

Participationisveryimportantinreligion.Oneof
thedetractionsofChristianity,Ithink,isthefactthat
theaverageworshipperislittlemorethanaspectator.

LessonFive:CovensandRituals155

Sittinginthe"audience",asitwere,s/hecanonlywatchmostofthe
ritualalongwiththerestofthecrowd.HowdifferentintheCraftwhere,
asamemberofthecoven"family",youarerightthereinthemiddle,
takingpart.

Expoundonthisidea.Asmuchaspossiblegivedifferentcoven
membersthingstodo.Ateachmeeting(oronarotatingsystem)have
onepersoninchargeoftheincense;anothertoseethatthewineis
toppedup;anothertoturnthepagesofthebook,etc..Allaresupposedly
equalintheCircle;theritualleaders(covenPriestandPriestess)arejust
that...leaders,notrulers.PRIESTHOODISLEADERSHIP,NOTPOWER.
Youwillfindthattheritualsinthepagesthatfollowarewrittento
includeasmanypeopleaspossible.

OnceinitiatedyouareaWitchandPriest/ess.TheCraftisareligion
ofpriesthood,whichishowitispossibleforSolitariestoconducttheir
ownrites.Imightsayawordhereabouttitles.Everyoneinitiatedisa
Witch,butinnoneofthemajortraditionsisthewordusedasatitle,asI
mentionedbrieflyinLessonThree.Inotherwords,youarenotknownas
"WitchLema"or"WitchScire",orwhateveryourname.Youaresimply
"Lema"or"Scire".Sometraditionsdousethetitles"Lord"and"Lady"
however.InGardnerian,andinSaxon,theHighPriestess(only)is
referredtoas"LadyFreyan"(orwhateverhername)and,whenspeak
ingtoher,youwouldusethephrase"mylady".Butnoneoftheother
femalesissoaddressed.Asstated,intraditionsotherthantheseboth
"Lord"and"Lady"seemtobeappliedindiscriminately.Idon'tknowif
thereisanyhistoricalprecedentforthisbut,aswithsomanythings,it
doesn'treallymatter...it'sagainacaseofwhatsuitsyou.

Iamgoingtocompletelybypassanydiscussionofthetitles"Queen"
or"King".Covensareautonomousandthereareno"leadersofallWitches"
recognizedinWicca,regardlessofoccasionalclaimstothecontrary.

COVENSTEADSANDCOVENDOMS

Thenamegiventothehomeofthecoven(theplacewhereitalways,
ormostoften,meets)istheCovenstead.WithintheCovenstead,of
course,isfoundtheTemple.TheCovendomtraditionallyextendsforone
league(approximatelythreemiles)inalldirectionsfromtheCoven
stead.Thisistheareawhere,traditionally,thecoven'sWitcheslive.It
usedtobethatoneCovendomcouldnotoverlapanother,soone
Covensteadwouldneverbecloserthansixmilestothenext.Thesedays
thoseoldboundariesareseldomhonored.However,youshouldstill
refertoyourowncovenmeetingplaceastheCovensteadand,ifyou
wish,youcanthinkofanydistanceuptohalfwaybetweenyourCoven
steadandthenext,astheCovendomradius.

Covendom

THEBOOKOFRITUALS

TheCraftwasoriginallyapurelyoraltraditionnothingwasever
writtendown;allwaspassedonbywordofmouth.Butwiththestartof
thepersecutionsWitchesandcovenshadtogointohidingand,con
sequently,startedtolosetouchwithoneanother.Sothattherituals


wouldnotbelost,theWitchesbegantowritethemdown.
Noteverything;justthebasicrituals.Sincetheywere
havingtomeetinsecret"intheshadows",asitwere
thebookinwhichtheriteswerekeptbecameknown
as"TheBookofShadows".Itisstillcalledthattoday.

Itusedtobethattherewasjustonesuchbookfor
eachcoven.Individualcovenmembersmightalso
keepabookinwhichtheykeptnotesontheirown
specialty(e.g.herballore;astrology;healing)butthere
wasonlytheonebookwhichcontainedalltherituals
andthatwouldbeinthesafekeepingofthePriestor
Priestess.Thiswasobviouslydonesothattherewould
belesschanceofthebookbeingdiscoveredbythose
antagonistictotheCraft.

InrecentyearsithasbecomecommonforallWitches
tohaveaBookofShadows,witheverythingcontained
therein.Youshouldstartyourownbook,then.Itis
possibletobuyblankpagedbooksinstationeryand
officesupplystoresandthesearefine.Sometraditions
holdthatthebookmusthaveablackcover;otherssay
green;othersbrown.Again,itisuptoyou.

ManyWitchesliketomaketheirownbookfrom
scratch,usingparchmentforthepagesandbinding
thefinishedproductintooledleather,orevenbet
weencarvedwoodencovers.Puttingtogethersucha
bookcanbealaborofloveandcertainlygivesplenty
ofscopeforfreeartisticexpression.Handbindingis
notdifficulttodo.Thereareseveralbooksavailableon
it(HandBookbindingbyAldrenA.Watson,BellPublish
ing,NY1963,isone).Ifyoudecideononemaincoven
book,inadditiontoanyindividualWitch'sbook,then
severalpeoplecanworkonthatcovenone.

Youmayfeelfreetodoyoursasyouwish.Ihave
seensomereallybeautifulbooks,withelaborately
decoratedpages,includingilluminatedlettering.Of
course,ifyouprefersimplicitythatisallrighttoo.Your
bookshouldreflectYOU.Onepointworthbearingin
mindthebookistobeused;theritualstobereadinthe
Circle.Don'tmakethewritingsoelaboratethat,inthe
flickeringcandlelight,youcan'treadwhatiswritten!

Asyoucometothedifferentritualsinthiswork
book,copythemintoyourownbook.Bythetime
you'veworkedthroughthisentirebookyourBookof
Shadowswillbecomplete.

CONSECRATIONOFTOOLS

Thetoolsyouhavemadeplusanyjewelryyou
mightmakecarryavarietyofvibrations.Beforeusing
yourtools,therefore,itisnecessarytorituallycleanse

themandtodedicatethemtotheworkyouwillbe
usingthemfor.Thisisdonethrougha"sprinklingand
censing".Whenyouchargeyoursaltandthenmixit
withthewater,itbecomes,inessence,"HolyWater".
Togetherwiththesmokeoftheincense,thisactsasa
spiritualcleansingagent.

Thefirstthingyouwillconsecratewillbeyour
knife,orathame,sinceyouwillneedthatforregularly
castingtheCircleandforgeneralritualwork.The
ConsecrationRitualthatfollowsiswrittenforthe
athame.Yousimplychangethewordingtoapplyto
anythingelseyouhappentobeconsecrating(e.g.
sword,talisman).Theconsecrationonlyneedbedoneonce.
Itdoesnothavetoberepeatedeverytimeyouhave
aCircle.

StartbycastingyourCircle,asdetailedinLesson
ThreeSelfDedication.Goasfarasthelines:"Nowis
theTempleerected.Ishallnotleaveitbutwithgood
reason.Sobeit."Nowcontinue:

ConsecrationRitual
Takingupyourknife,holdithighinsaluteandsay:

"GodandGoddess;LordandLady;Father

andMotherofAllLife.
HeredoIpresentmypersonalToolforyour

approval.
Fromthematerialsofnaturehasitbeen

fashioned;
Wroughtintotheformyounowsee.
Iwouldthatithenceforthmayserveme
Asatoolandweapon,inthyservice."

Placeitonthealtarandstand,orkneel,forafew
momentswithheadbowed,thinkingbackoverthe
constructionoftheknife(sword,talismanorwhatever)
andwhatyoudidtopersonalizeit;tomakeittruly
yourown.Thendipyourfingersinthesaltedwater
andsprinkletheknife.Turnitoverandsprinklethe
otherside.Nowpickitupandholditinthesmokeof
theincense,turningitsothatallpartsofitgetthoroughly
censed.Say:

"MaytheSacredWaterandthesmokeof
theHolyIncensedriveoutanyimpuritiesin
thisknife,thatitbepureandcleansed,ready
toservemeandmygodsinanywayIdesire.
Somoteitbe."

Holditbetweenthepalmsofyourhandsandconcen
trateallyourenergiesyour"power"intotheknife.


Thensay:

"Ichargethisknife,throughme,withthe
wisdomandmightoftheGodandGod
dess.Mayitserveuswell,keepingmefrom
harmandactingintheirservice,inallthings.
Somoteitbe."

Ifyouareconsecratingotherthingsatthistime,repeat
theabovewitheachoftheminturn.Thenclosethe
Circleasfollows.Raiseyournewlyconsecratedathame
inyourrighthand(left,iflefthanded)andsay:

"Mythankstothegodsfortheirattendance.
Maytheyeverwatchoverme*,guarding

andguidingme*inallthatIdo.
SoBeIt."

Keeptheconsecrateditemonyourperson,wher
everyougo,fortwentyfourhoursfollowingthecon
secration.Thensleepwithitunderyourpillowfor
threeconsecutivenights.Fromnowonyouwilluse
yourathameasindicatedintheritualswhichfollow.It
isyourownpersonaltool.Thereisnoharminletting
someoneelsehandleit,justtolookatit,butdonot
lendittoanyoneforuseinoroutoftheCircle.

Timenowtolookattheopeningandclosing
ceremonies,asperformedbyacoven,withtheappro
priatetools.IntheSaxontraditionwecalltheserites
ERECTINGTHETEMPLEandCLEARINGTHE
TEMPLE.Preferringthesetermstoothers,suchas
"OpeningandClosingtheCircle",Iwillusethem
here.

Theritualsinthisworkbookarewrittentoutilize
anumberofpeopleinthecoven.Don'thesitateto
modifythemformoreorlesspeople.WhereIhave
indicated"PRIEST/ESS"itmeansthewords/action
maybeperformedbyeitherone.Otherwiseoneorthe
otherwillbespecified.

ERECTINGTHETEMPLE

TheCircleismarkedoutonthefloor.Thereisacandle
ateachofthefourquarters;yellowtotheeast,redto
thesouth,bluetothewest,greentothenorth.The
altarissetupinthecenteroftheCirclesothat,when

facingit,youarefacingeast.Onthealtarareoneor
twowhitealtarcandles,thurible,dishesofsaltandof
water,bell,deityfigures(optional),bowlofanointing
oil,gobletofwine(orfruitjuice),libationdish,sword
(ifyouhaveone)and/orpriests'athames.
CENSERERlightstheincenseandthealtarcandles
(nottheCirclecandles)andthenleavestheareato
wait,withtherestofthecoven,inthenortheastern
quarter.

PRIESTandPRIESTESSentertheCircle,fromthe
east(justonthenorthernsideoftheeastcandle)
aswillall,whentheycomeinandmovetostand
beforethealtar,facingeast.PRIESTringsbellthree
times.

Priest/ess:"BeitknowntheTempleisabouttobeerec
ted;theCircleisabouttobecast.Letthose
whodesireattendancegatherintheeast
andawaitthesummons.Letnonebehere
butoftheirownfreewill."

PRIESTandPRIESTESSeachtakeanaltarcandleand
movearoundthealtar,deosil,andacrosstotheeast.
PRIESTESSlightstheEastCandlefromtheoneshe
carries.

Priestess:"HeredoIbringlightandairinattheeast,to
illuminateourtempleandbringitthebreath
oflife."

Theymoveonroundtothesouth,wherethePRIEST
lightstheSouthCandle.

Priest:"HeredoIbringlightandfireinatthe
south,toilluminateourtempleandbring
itwarmth."

Theymovetothewest,wherethePRIESTESSlights
theWestCandle.

Priestess:"HeredoIbringlightandwaterinatthewest,
toilluminateourtempleandwashitclean."

Theymovetothenorth,wherethePRIESTlightsthe
NorthCandle.

Priest:"HeredoIbringlightandearthinatthe
north,toilluminateourtempleandto
builditinstrength."

*"us"ifmorethanyourselfintheCircle.



Theymoveonaroundtotheeast,thenbacktothealtar
andreplacetheircandles.PRIEST/ESS*takesupthe
sword(orathame)and,returningtotheeast,now
walksslowlyaroundtheCirclewithswordpoint
followingthemarkedline.Ass/hewalks,s/hecon
centratespowerintotheCircleline.Whencompleted,
s/hereturnstothealtar.Thebellisrungthreetimes.
PRIESTplacesthepointofhisathameinthesalt
andsays:

Priest:"AsSaltisLife,letitpurifyusinallwayswe

mayuseit.Letitcleanseourbodiesand
spiritsaswededicateourselvesintheserites,
tothegloryoftheGodandtheGoddess."

PRIESTESStakesuptheSaltdishandusesthepointof
herathametodropthreeportionsofsaltintothe
water.Shestirsthenowsaltedwaterwiththeathame
andsays:

Priestess:"LettheSacredSaltdriveoutanyimpurities
inthisWater,thatwemayuseitthroughout

ENTERINGANDLEAVINGTHECIRCLE

AtnotimeduringtheworkingofmagickshouldtheCirclebe
broken.AtothertimesitispossibletoleavetheCircleandreturn,
thoughthisshouldalwaysbedonewithcare,andnomorethan
absolutelynecessary.Itisdoneinthefollowingmanner.

LeavingtheCircle

Withathameinhand,standingintheeast,makeamotionas
thoughcuttingacrossthelineoftheCircle;firstonyourrightand
thenonyourleft(seeFiguresAandB).Youmaythenwalkoutofthe
Circle,betweenthelines.Ifyoulikeyoucanimaginethatyouhave
cutagateway,ordoorway,intheeastthroughwhichtopass.

Reentry

WhenyoureturntotheCircle,walkbackinthroughthatsame
easterngatewayand"close"itbehindyouby"reconnecting"the
lineoftheCircle.Actuallythreecircleswereoriginallycastone
withthesword,onewiththesaltedwaterandonewiththeincense
soyouhavethreelinestoreconnect.Youdothisbymovingyour
bladebackwardsandforwardsalongthelines(seeFigureC,).
Incidentally,thisiswhythebladeoftheathameisdoubleedged.It

issothatitwill"cut"ineitherdirection,inthisandsimilarmagi
calactions.

Tofinish,you"seal"thebreakbyraisingyourathameand
movingthebladetodescribeapentagram.Startatthetopand
bringitdowntothebottomleft.Then,moveitacrosstotheright,
slightlyupwards;straightacrosstotheleft;downtothebottom
rightand,finally,backuptothetop(seefigureD).

Thenkissthebladeofyourknifeandreturntoyourplace.
NormallyoncetheCirclestartsnooneshouldleaveuntiltheClear
ingtheTemple.TheCircleshouldnot,therefore,bebrokenunless
absolutelynecessary(suchaswhensomeonereallyhastogotothe
bathroom!).Ifthepersoncuttingoutistobegoneforsometime,
thens/heshoulddostepsAandB,passthrough,thendostepC
fromtheoutside,totemporarilyclosetheCirclewhiletheyare
gone.Onreturning,s/hewillthenneedtocutthroughagain(at
thesamespot;stepsAandB,passthroughandcloseasusualwith
stepC,followedbystepDtosealit.

Note:ONCEMAGICKWORKISSTARTED,THECIRCLEMUST
NOTBEBROKEN.

*Inthelighthalfoftheyear,thePriestess;inthedarkhalf,thePriest.


theserites."START

PRIESTtakesupThurible;PRIESTESStakesupSaltedWater.Theyagain
moveroundthealtartotheeast.Startingthere,theyslowlywalkclock/

wisearoundtheCircle,PRIESTESSsprinklingthesaltedwateralongthe/

lineofthecircleandPRIESTpassingcenseralongitsline,tilltheyreturn/

totheirstartingpoint.Theythenreturntothealtarandreplacethetools.^

PRIESTdropsapinchofsaltintotheoilandstirsitwithhisfinger.He
thenanointsthePriestess(Note:ifrobed,theKelticCrossinCirclealone
isused.Ifskyclad,thePentagramandInvertedTrianglefollow).

Priest:"IconsecratetheeinthenamesoftheGodandtheGoddess,/

biddingyouwelcometothistheirTemple."/^^

Theysalute,thenPRIESTESSanointsPriest,withthesamewordsand
salute.Theythenbothmove,together,roundtotheeast,PRIESTESS
carryingtheoilandPRIESThisathame.Therehemakestwo"cuts"
acrossthelineoftheCircle,thusopeningit(seeFiguresAB).i

Onebyonethecovenersenter.Astheydosotheyareanointed"^""7Z7

themalesbythePriestessandthefemalesbythePriestandgreeted's'

withthewords:jL'

Priest/ess:"IconsecratetheeinthenamesoftheGodandoftheGod
dess,biddingyouwelcometothistheirTemple.Merry
Meet."/

TheCOVENERSmovearoundtostandallaboutthealtar,asfaraspossible

alternatingmaleandfemale.Whenthelasthasbeenadmitted,the/

,_/.

PRIESTclosestheCirclebydrawinghisathameacrossthelineagain,"

connectingthetwo"broken"ends.PRIESTESSsprinklesalittleoftheoil

thereandPRIESTraiseshisathameanddrawsapentagramtosealit(see

illustration).Theythenreturntothealtar.Thebellisrungthreetimes.f

_/V

Priest/ess:"Mayyouallbehereinpeaceandinlove.Webidyouwelcome."x/\^

LetnowtheQuartersbesalutedandthegodsinvited."/"^v%\

I'VA
TheCOVENERclosesttotheeastturnsoutwardandmovestostand
facingtheEastCandle,withher/hisathameraised.S/hedrawsan
invokingpentagram(seediagram)andsays:

Covener:"AllhailtotheelementofAir;WatchtoweroftheEast.Mayit
standinstrength,everwatchingoverourCircle."

S/hekissesthebladeofher/hisathameandreturnstotheCircle.The
CovenerclosesttothesouththenturnstofacetheSouthCandle.With
athameraised,s/hedrawsaninvokingpentagramandsays:

Covener:"AllhailtotheelementofFire;Watchtowerofthesouth.May
itstandinstrength,everwatchingoverourCircle."

S/hekissesthebladeofher/hisathameandreturnstotheCircle.


TheCovenerclosesttothewestthenturnstofacethe
WestCandle.Withathameraised,s/hedrawsanin
vokingpentagramandsays:

Covener:"AllhailtotheelementofWater;Watchtower
oftheWest.Mayitstandinstrength,ever
watchingoverourCircle."

S/hekissesthebladeofher/hisathameandreturnsto
theCircle.TheCovenerclosesttothenorththenturns
tofacetheNorthCandle.Withathameraised,s/he
drawsaninvokingpentagramandsays:

Covener:"AllhailtotheelementofEarth;Watchtower
oftheNorth.Mayitstandinstrength,ever
watchingoverourCircle."

S/hekissesthebladeofher/hisathameandreturnsto
theCircle.PRIEST/ESSraisesathameanddrawsa
pentagram,saying:

Priestess:

All:
Priest:

"AllhailthefourQuartersandallhailthe
Gods!WebidtheLordandLadywelcome
andinvitethattheyjoinwithus,witnessing
theseritesweholdintheirhonor.Allhail!"
"Allhail!"
"LetussharetheCupofFriendship."

PRIESTtakesthegobletandpoursalittleofthewine
ontotheground,orintothelibationdish,sayingthe
namesofthegods.Hethentakesadrinkandpasses
thegoblettothePriestess.Shedrinksandpassesitto
thenearestCoveneronherleft,whodrinksandpassesit
ontothenext.ThegobletgoesallaroundtheCircle
untilallhavedrunkanditisreturnedtothealtar
(Note:itisnotnecessaryforeveryonetopourlibations;
justthefirstpersoninthiscase,thePriest).Bellis
rungthreetimes.

Priestess:

All:

"NowareweallhereandistheTemple
erected.Letnoneleavebutwithgoodreason,
tilltheTempleiscleared.SoMoteItBe."
"SoMoteItBe!"

ErectingtheTempleisdoneatthestartofevery
meeting.Itis,basically,theconsecrationofboththe
meetingplaceandoftheparticipants.Themeeting
beitEsbat,Sabbat,orwhatevercontinuesfromthis

point.Then,attheendofeverymeeting,thereisthe
ClearingtheTemple.

CLEARINGTHETEMPLE

Priest/ess*:"Wecametogetherinloveandfriendship;
letuspartthesameway.Letusspreadthe
lovewehaveknowninthisCircleoutward
toall;sharingitwiththosewemeet."

PRIEST/ESSraisessword,orathame,insalute.ALL
COVENERSraisetheirathames.

Priest/ess:"LordandLady,ourthankstoyouforsharing
thistimetogether.Ourthanksforwatching
overus;guardingandguidingusinall
things.LoveistheLawandLoveisthe
Bond.Merrydidwemeet;merrydowe
part;merrymaywemeetagain."

All:"Merrymeet;merrypart;merrymeetagain."

Priest/ess:"TheTempleisnowcleared.SoMoteIt
Be."

All:"SoMoteItBe!"

ALLkisstheirathameblades.Theythenmoveabout
theTempletokissoneanotherinfarewell.

ESBATSANDSABBATS

TheregularmeetingsofWitchesarecalledESBATS.
Itisatthesethatanyworkisdone(e.g.magick,healing).
Mostcovensmeetonceaweek,butthereisreallyno
hardandfastrule.ThereshouldcertainlybeaCircleat
leastonceamonth,atthefullmoon.Sincetherearethirteen
fullmoonsintheyearthen,obviously,therewillbeat
leastthirteenmeetingsintheyear.InadditiontotheFull
moons,manycovensalsocelebratethenewmoons.

AndinadditiontotheEsbatstherearethefes
tivalsknownasSABBATS(fromtheFrenchs'ebattre,to
revelorfrolic).Thereareeightofthese,spacedmore
orlessequidistantthroughouttheyear.Theyare,the
four"GreaterSabbats":Samhain(pronounced"soe
in",thoughthevastmajorityofWitchesmis
pronounceit"Samain"),Imbolc(pronounced"Jm
bulk"),Beltane(pronounced"B'ydt'n")andLughnasadh
(pronounced"Loon'sar")tandthefour"LesserSab
bats":SpringandAutumnEquinoxandSummerand
WinterSolstice.MargaretMurray,inGodoftheWitches,

^Dependingonthetimeofyear.

tYouwillfindmuchdisagreementonthesubjectofpronunciation.Don'tworrytoomuchaboutit.

LessonFive:CovensandRituals/61

pointsoutthatthetwomostimportantSamhainand
Beltanecoincidewiththebreedingseasonsofboth
wildanddomesticanimals.Thepaganfestivalswere
laterexploitedbytheChristianChurch.Forexample
ImbolcbecameCandlemasandLughnasadhbecame
Lammas.

OneachoftheeightSabbatsadifferentceremony
isperformed,appropriateforthetimeofyear.Onceor
twiceintheyeartheSabbatdatemaycoincidewitha
fullornewmoon.WhenthathappenstheEsbat
normallydoneonthatdategiveswaytotheSabbat.

EssentiallySabbatsarelookeduponasatimefor
rejoicingandcelebration.NoworkisdoneataSabbat,
unlessthereissomeemergencysuchasahealing.
Here,then,aretheceremoniesfortheEsbatsand
theSabbats.

ESBATRITE

HereisabasicEsbatritualthatcanbeusedevery
week,ifyoumeetthatoften.FortimesoftheFull
Moon,includetheFullMoonRite(below)where
indicated.SimilarlywiththeNewMoonRite.

TheErectingtheTempleisperformed.

Priest/ess:"Oncemorewemeettogether,onewith
another,toshareourjoyoflifeandtore
affirmourfeelingsforthegods."
Covener:"TheLordandtheLadyhavebeengoodto
us.Itismeetthatwethankthemforallthat
wehave."
2nd"Theyalsoknowthatwehaveneedsand

Covener:theylistentouswhenwecalluponthem."
Priest/ess:"ThenletusjointogethertothanktheGod
andtheGoddessforthosefavorstheyhave
bestoweduponus.Andletusalsoaskof
themthatwhichwefeelweneed;remem
beringalwaysthatthegodshelponlythose
whohelpthemselves."

Thenshouldfollowthreeorfourminutesofsilence
whileeach,intheirownway,givesthanksorrequests
thehelpofthegods.*Bellisrungthreetimes.

Priest/ess:"An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt."
All:"An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt."

Priest/ess:"ThusrunstheWiccanRede.Rememberit
well.Whateveryoudesire;whateveryou


wouldaskofthegods;whateveryouwould
do;beassuredthatitwillharmnoonenot
evenyourself.Andrememberthatasyou
give,soitshallreturnthreefold.Giveof
yourselfyourlove;yourlifeandyou
willbethricerewarded.Butsendforthharm
andthattoowillreturnthriceover."

Herethereshouldbemusicandsong.Ifyouhavea
favoritesong,orchant,totheLordandtheLady,useit.
Orsomeonemayproducesomethingextemporane
ously.Ifyouhaveinstruments,playthem.Ifnot,atthe
veryleastclaphandsandchantthenamesoftheGod
andtheGoddess.Enjoythisforafewminutes.

Priest/ess:"BeautyandStrengthareintheLordand
theLadyboth.PatienceandLove;Wisdom
andKnowledge."

[IftheEsbatistakingplaceateithertheFullortheNew
Moon,thentheappropriatesegment(below)isinsertedat
thispoint.OtherwisegodirectlyintotheCAKESAND
ALEceremony.]

FULLMOONRITE

PRIESTESSstandswithherlegsapartandherarms
raisedupandout,stretchingtothesky.PRIESTkneels
beforeher.AlltheCOVENERSalsokneel.ALLraise
theirarmshigh.

Covener:"WhentheMoonridesonhigh,

Asshecrossesthesky,

Andthestarsonhergowntrailbehind,

ThenweWiccansbelow

Arewithloveallaglow,

Justtoseehersobrightlyenshrined."
Covener:"OnthenightofFullMoon,

Aswesingtothetune

OftheLadywhowatchesabove,

Weraisehighoursong

Assheglidesbysostrong,

Andwebaskinthelightofherlove."

ALLlowertheirarms.PRIESTrisesandkissesPriest
ess,thenkneelsagain.

Priest:"Lovelylady,youhavebeenknownbyso
manynamestosomanypeople.

*Inpaganismgenerallyitisthoughttobefarmoreefficacioustospeak"fromtheheart"rathert
hanreadasetprayer,parrotfashion,fromabook.


Aphrodite,Kerridwen,Diana,Ea,Freya,
Gana,Isis,andmanymorehavebeenyour
names.Yetdoweknowyouandloveyouas
...(Name)...*,andinthatnamedoweadore
youandworshipyou.WithyourLordby
yourside,dowegiveyouduehonorand
inviteyoutojoinwithusonthis,yourspe
cialnight."

PRIESTstandsand,withhisathameorwand,if
useddrawsapentagramabovethePriestess'shead.
ACOVENERringsthebellthreetimes.

Priest:"Descend,myLady,descendwepraythee,
andspeakwithusyourchildren."

PRIESTkneelsagain.PRIESTESSspreadsherarms
outtohercoven.Ifshefeelssomoved,shemaynow
speakorallowthegodstospeakthroughher.Ifshe
doesnot"feelthespirit",shemaysimplyrecitethe
following:

Priestess:"IamShewhowatchesoverthee;
Motherofyouall.

KnowthatIrejoicethatyoudonotforget
me.Topaymehomageatthefullofthe
Moonismeetandrightandbringsjoyunto
yourselvesevenasitdoestome.Knowthat,
withmygoodLord,Iweavetheskeinoflife
foreachandeveryoneofyou.
Iamatthebeginningoflifeandatitsend;
TheMaiden,theMotherandtheCrone.
Whereveryoumaybe,ifyouseekmeknow
thatIamalwayshere,ForIabidedeep
withinyou.

Look,then,withinyourselfifyouwould
seekme.

IamLifeandIamLove.
Findmeandrejoice;forloveismymusic
andlaughterismysong.
BetruetomeandIwilleverbetruetoyou.
SoMoteItBe."

PRIESTESSfoldsherarmsacrossherbreastandcloses
hereyes.Thenfollowsamomentortwoofsilence
beforegoingintotheCakesandAleCeremony.

NEW,orDARKMOONRITE

PRIESTESSstandswithheadbowedandherarms

acrossherbreast.COVENERSstarttomovedeosil
roundtheCircle,chantingthenameoftheGoddess.
Theymovearoundcompletelythreetimesthenstop.
PRIESTstandsbeforePriestess.

Priest:

Covener:
Covener:
Covener:
Covener:

Covener:

Priest:

"Darkisthenightaswereachthisturning

point.Hereisatimeofdeath;yetatime

ofbirth."

"Endingsandbeginnings."

"Ebbingandflowing."

"Ajourneydone;ajourneyyettostart."

"LetushonornowtheCroneMother

darksomeanddivine."

"Letusgiveofourstrengthandinreturn

seerebirth."

"Behold,theLadyofDarkness;Mother,

Grandmother.Oldyeteveryoung."

PRIESTESSslowlyraisesherheadandspreadsher
armsoutwardsandupwards.ALLkneel.

Priestess:"Hearme!Honormeandlovemenow
andalways.

Asthewheelturnsweseebirth,deathand
rebirth.Know,fromthis,thateveryendis
abeginning;

Everystopafreshstartingpoint.
Maiden,Mother,Crone...Iamallofthese
andmore.Wheneveryouhaveneedofany
thing,calluponme.I,andmyLord,are
hereforIabidewithinyouall.Evenatthe
darkestoftimes,whenthereseemsno
singlesparktowarmyouandthenight
seemsblackestofall,Iamhere,watching
andwaitingtogrowwithyou,instrength
andinlove.

Iamshewhoisatthebeginningandtheend
ofalltime.
SoMoteItBe."

All:"SoMoteItBe!"

PRIESTESSfoldsherarmsagain.Thereisamoment
ortwoofsilence,thenfollowstheCakesandAle
ceremony.

ThereisaceremonyknownasCAKESANDALE.
Thisactsasthe"connectinglink",asitwere,between
theritualisticpartofthemeetingandtheworking/
socialpart...thesittingandtalkingonCraftandnon

*ThenameyourcovenusesfortheGoddess.

LessonFive:CovensandRitualsI63

Craftmatters;discussionofmagick,healing,divina
tion;considerationofpersonalorcovenproblems,
etc.Thesethingsallcomeaftertheworship.Honoring
thegodsisfirstandforemostinWicca.

Sometraditionscallthisceremony"Cakesand
Wine",others"CakesandAle".*Thelatterisperhaps
moreindicativeofthe"common"originsofthereligion
(peasantsandserfswouldseldom,ifever,gettodrink
wine.Alewastheirlotandtheywerehappywithit).
AtWiccancovenmeetingstoday,however,evenif
retainingthe"Ale"inthetitleoftheceremony,Witches
drinkwhattheyprefer:ale,beer,wine,fruitjuice.

Suchaceremonyisfounduniversally,invarious
forms,asathankingofthegodsforthenecessitiesof
life;thankingthemforthefoodanddrinkweneedin
ordertolive.

Aplateofcakes(orcookies)restsontheAltar,
besidethegoblet.Wine(orwhatever)isinthegoblet.

CAKESANDALE

OneCOVENERisresponsibleforkeepingthe
gobletfilled.Atthestartofthisritehefillsitand
says:

Covener:

Priest:

"Nowisthetimeforustogivethankstothe
godsforthatwhichsustainsus."
"Sobeit.Mayweeverbeawareofallthat
weowetothegods."

PRIESTESScallstwocovenersbyname,onemaleand
onefemale.Theycomeandstandbeforethealtar.The
FEMALEtakesthegobletinbothhandsandholdsit
betweenherbreasts.TheMALEtakeshisathameand
holdsthehandlebetweenhistwopalms,withthe
bladepointingdown.Heslowlylowersthepointinto
thewine,withthewords:

Male"Inlikefashionmaymalejoinwithfemale,

Covener:forthehappinessofboth."
Female"Letthefruitsofunionpromotelife.Let
Covener:allbefruitfulandletwealthbespread
throughoutalllands."

HEraisesathame.SHEholdsgobletforhimtodrink,
thenHEholdsitforhertodrink.Gobletisthenpassed
aroundtheCircleforalltodrink,PriestandPriestess
drinkinglast.

MALEcovenertakesupplateofcakesandholdsthem
beforehim.FEMALEtoucheseachofthemwiththe
pointofherathame,andsays:

Female"Thisfoodistheblessingofthegodsto

Covener:ourbodies.Letuspartakeofitfreely.And,

asweshare,letusrememberalwaystosee

toitthataughtthatwehavewesharewith

thosewhohavenothing."

SHEtakesacakeandeatsit,thentakestheplateand
offerstothemale,whotakesandeats.Thecakesare
passedaroundtheCircle,PriestandPriestesstaking
last.MALEandFEMALEcovenersreturntotheir
placesintheCircle.

Priestess:"Asweenjoythesegiftsofthegods,letus
rememberthatwithoutthegodswewould
havenothing."

Priest:"Eatanddrink.Behappy.Shareandgive
thanks.SoMoteItBe."

All:"SoMoteItBe!"

ALLnowsitand,ifdesired,individualgobletsmaybe
filledandageneralrepastenjoyed.Thisisagoodtime
fortalkanddiscussion;foradviceandquestioning.Ifit
isanEsbatandmagickistobedone(seecominglessons),
thenthisisagoodtimetodiscussallaspectsofwhatis
tobedoneandhow.If,however,thereisnofurther
business,thengeneralconversation,withmusicand
songanddanceifyouwish,maycontinuetillitis
decidedtodotheCLEARINGOFTHETEMPLE.

NextlessonIwillgiveyouthefourmajorSabbat
rituals:Samhain,Imbolc,BeltaneandLughnasadh.


Aleisafermentedliquorsimilartobeer.Theprincipleisextractedfromseveralsortsofgrai
n,mostcommonlyfrombarley,afterithasundergonetheprocessofmalting.

1.DescribeyourCoven.Whatkindofadegreesystemdoyouhave?

DescribewhereyourCovensteadislocated.WhereisyourCovendom?Howfardoesitextend?Drawa
map
ifyoulike.

3.DescribeyourBookofShadows.

Itisenjoyabletobeabletoreferbacktospecialceremoniesinyourlife.Forthisreasonitis
helpfultohavea
taperecordingorwrittenaccountofthesehappenings.RelateheretheeventsinyourConsecration
of
ToolsCeremony.

5.PracticedrawingaPentagram.


6.WhatarethedatesoftheEsbatsandSabbatsthisyear?Whatriteswillyoutakepartin?

LESSONSIX
SABBATS

AsImentionedinthelastlesson,thereareeight
Sabbatsinthecourseofayear.Thesearetimestocele
brate;torejoicewiththegodsandhaveagoodtime.
Nowork(magick)isdoneataSabbat,unlessthereis
someemergencysuchasahealingdesperatelyneeded.
Butthereismuchfeastingandmerriment.

Intheolddays,beforethepersecutions,many
differentcovenswouldcometogethertocelebrate.
TheremightbeasmanyasseveralhundredWitches,
fromwidelyscatteredcovens,allcongregatinginone
placetogivethankstothegodsandtocelebratethe
Sabbat.InthesemoderntimesIhaveseensimilar
gatheringsthoughnotforaspecificSabbatsuchas
the"PanPaganFestival"heldinMichiganin1981,
wherenearlyeighthundredWitchesandpaganswere
inattendance.Butwhetheryoucanjoinforceswith
othersoryoucelebrateasasinglecovenorevenasa
SolitaryWitch(moreonthislater)thekeywordis
"celebration".

AstheGoddessishonoredwiththephasesofthe
moon,soistheGodatcertainofthephasesofthesun.
Thesearethe"LesserSabbats"thatoccurattheSum
merandWinterSolsticeandtheSpringandAutumn
Equinox.Thefour"GreaterSabbats"aremoreinthe
natureofseasonal,ratherthanspecificallysolar,fes
tivalsandarethereforetimesforgeneralcelebration
withbothGodandGoddessdulyhonored.

JanetandStewartFarrar,intheirbookEightSab
batsforWitches(RobertHale,London,1981),suggesta
deeperleitmotiffortheHomedGod,withaduality
whichtheytermtheOakKingandtheHollyKing.*
AlthoughIseemuchmeritinthis,Iamgoingto"stick
tobasics",asitwere,andleaveyoutoelaborateasthe
spiritmovesyou.

Insimpleterms,wecanthinkoftheGodpre

dominatinginthewinter(the"DarkHalf"oftheyear)
andtheGoddesspredominatinginthesummer(the
"LightHalf"oftheyear).This,ofcourse,goesbackto
whatIoutlinedinthefirstlessonoriginatingwith
therelianceonsuccessinthehuntinthewinterand
nourishmentofthecropsinthesummer.Butthereis
moretoitthanthat,evenwithoutgettingintothecom
plexitiesofOakandHollykings.Inneitherhalfofthe
yearshouldyouthinkoftheonedeitybeingsupreme
beingtherewithouthisorherpartner.Thekeywordis
predominant.Inotherwords,theemphasisisonthe
onebutnottothetotalexclusionoftheother.Itshould
alsoberemembered,ofcourse,thateachdeityaswith
everyindividualbearstheattributesofbothmale
andfemale.

Sabbatsstart,asdoallCirclerituals,withthe
ErectingtheTemplerite.Youshouldfollowthiswitha
FullorNewMoonritual,ifappropriatefortheSabbat
date(ifthesabbatfallsataquarterpoint,thenomit
this).Thencomestheparticularsabbatritual,which
leadstoCakesandAle.Thisisthenfollowedbygames
and/orentertainmentandfeasting.

InthesuggestedgreaterSabbatritualsthatIgive
below,youwillfindageneralpatternwhichyoumay
wanttofollowwhenwritingyourownrituals.Itstarts
withaPROCESSIONAL.ThencomesaHYMNtothe
deity.NextisanENACTMENToftheseasonalmotif,
followedbyaDECLARATION(thesetwosegments
giveyouwidescopeforexpression.Theenactment
cantakemanyforms,fromasoloperformancetofull
covenparticipationinaminiplay,mimeordance).
SincetheDeclarationis,ineffect,anexplanationofthe
meaningandsignificanceoftheparticularsabbat,
thenitispossibletocombineitwiththeEnactment,as

Thisisanexcellentbookandshouldbestudiedbothforthisinterestingtheoryoftheirs,onad
ualityoftheHornedGod,andforthestructuringandcompositionofsabbatritualsas
awhole.

67


intheformofamimeordanceaccompaniedbynarration.Thencomesthe
IITANYaleadandresponsefollowedbyDANCE/SONG/CHANT.
IfOFFERINGSareappropriate(asatharvesttime)thentheyshould
comebeforeCakesandAle.

SincewethinkoftheGodpredominatinginthedarkhalfoftheyear
andtheGoddessinthelighthalfoftheyear,thenthechangeoversfrom
onetotheothershouldbeincludedasasignificantpartoftherites,
occuringatSamhainandatBeltane.Here,then,aresuggestedritualsfor
thefourGreaterSabbats,startingwithSamhain.ThefourLesserwillbe
givennextlesson.

Note:

Itisniceto"dressup"thealtarandCircleforsabbats.Should
youchoosetouseanaltarclothatthesetimes,itshouldbeof
thesamecolorasthecandlesor,alternatively,usethealtar
clothinthecolorindicatedbutwithwhitecandles.

SAMHAINGreaterSabbat

Thisisthetimeofyearforgettingridofweaknesses(intheolddays
thecattleleastlikelytomakeitthroughthewinterwouldbecutfromthe
herdandslaughtered).CovenersshouldbringintotheCirclewiththem
asmallpieceofparchmentonwhichtheyhavewrittendownweak
nessesorbadhabitstheywouldliketolose.

TheouteredgeoftheCirclemaybedecoratedwithautumnal
flowers,branches,pinecones,smallpumpkins,etc..Thereshouldbe
flowersonthealtar.Thealtarcloth/candlesshouldbeorange.The
HornedHelmetrestsbesidethealtar.Inthenorthquarterstandsa
cauldroncontainingmaterialforafire(regularkindling,iftheCircleis
outside,oracandleoraSternoburner,ifmeetinginside).

TheErectingtheTempleisperformed.ThismaybefollowedbyFull
MoonorNewMoonrite,ifappropriate.Bellisthenrungthreetimesbya
coveneractingasSUMMONER.

Summoner:"Haste!Haste!Notimetowait!

We'reofftotheSabbat,sodon'tbelate!"
Priest/ess:"TotheSabbat!"
All:"TotheSabbat!"

"Danceandsong,asanessentialpartofthe
religioushuntingceremony,isalmostuniver
saleventoday.TheYakutsofSiberia,for
instance,andmanyAmericanIndianand
Eskimotribes,alwaysdancebeforehunting.
Dance/rhythmisthefirststeptoekstasis
the'gettingoutofoneself.Whenthedanceis
fortheincreaseoffood,thedancersfrequently
imitatethemovementsoftheanimals,orthe
growingoftheplants,whichtheyaretryingto
influence....theMaskedDanceratFour
neauduDiable,Dordogne,isdepictedplaying
someformofmusicalinstrument.Thismight
indicatearitualsimilartothatoftheprimitive
Semang,oftheMalayanjungle,whotoday
enactthehuntingofthecoconutapethrough
anactionsong.Itisperformedpartlyfor
entertainmentbutmainlyformagickalinfluence
overtheapeinthefuturehunt.Theperform
ancegoesthroughthestalkingoftheapetothe
actualkilling,byblowpipe.Aninteresting
point,however,istheinclusioninthesongof
theape'sfeelingsandthereactionsofitsfamily
toitsdeath."

'WitchcraftfromtheInside
'RaymondBuckland,Llewellyn,MN1971

WithPRIESTandPRIESTESSleading,thecovenmovesdeosilaround
theCircle,walkingordancingaseachfeelsmoved.Itisappropriateto
carrysmalldrumsortambourines,togiveabeat.Covencirclesasmany
timesastheywish.Atsomepoint,astheymovearound,PRIEST/ESS
shouldstartsingingahymntothegods(thiscanbeanythingfromasim
plerepetitivechantingofthenamesofthegodstoaspontaneoussongof
praise,orcanbeoneofthesongsorchantsgiveninAppendixD).All
canjoininastheprocessioncontinues.Ifitispreferred,thecovencan
circleanumberoftimesthencometoahaltandstartthesingingwhile
standinginplace.

Priest:"Nowisatimeofchange.Nowdoweleavethelightand

LessonSix:SabbatsI69

enterthedarkness.Yetdowedosogladly,
forweknowittobebuttheturningofthe
mightyWheeloftheYear."
Priestess:"Atthistimeoftheyearthegatesbetween
theworldsareopen.Wecalluponour
ancestors,ourlovedones,topassthrough
andjoinwithusatthistime.Weinvite
themtodelightincelebrationwiththose
theylove."

Thenfollowsanenactmentofaseasonalmotif.This
canvarygreatlyandmaybebasedonanyofanumber
ofthemes,includinglocalbeliefsandpractices.Here
aresomeexamples:lifedeathnewlife;deathof
theoldkingandcrowningofthenew;theturning
wheeloftheyear;thekillingoffofthoseanimals(cattle)
thatwouldnotsurvivethewinter;returnofthedead
torejoice,briefly,withtheliving;gatheringofthehar
vestandstoringforthewinter;thecreationofthe
world,withchaostransformedtoorder.Thisenact
mentcantaketheformofaplay,mimeordance.Atthe
endoftheenactment,thebellisrungseventimes.
Thenoneofthecovenersspeaks:

Covener:"Weareatthecrackoftime,forthisday
belongsneithertotheoldyearnortothe
new.Andasthereisnodistinctionbetween
theyears,soistherenodistinctionbetween
theworlds.Thosewehaveknownand
loved,inagespast,arefreetoreturntous
hereinthismeetingplace.Reachout,each
andeveryoneofyou,inyourownway,
andfeelthepresenceofoneyouhave
knownandthoughtlost.Fromthisreunit
inggatherstrength.Know,allofyou,that
thereisnoendandnobeginning.Allisa
continuousturning,aspirallingdancethat
goesandreturns,yetmoveseveron.In
thatturning,Samhainisthesacredfestival
markingtheendofthesummerandthe
beginningofwinter:atimetocelebrate;a
timetowelcometheGodashestartshis
journeydownthetunnelofdarknessthat
bearsthelightofourLadyatitsend."

Priest/ess:"TheOldYearends."

All:"TheNewYearbegins."

Priest/ess:"TheWheelturns."

All:"Andturnsagain."

Priest/ess:"FarewelltoOurLady."

All:"WelcometoOurLord."

Priest/ess:"GoddessSummerdrawstoaclose."

All:"GodWintersetshisfootuponthepath."

Priest/ess:"Hailandfarewell!"

All:"Hailandfarewell!"

PRIESTandPRIESTESSleadcoveninadance
aroundtheCircle.Thismaybefollowed,oraccom
panied,byasongorchant(seeLessonTwelveand
AppendixDfordances,songsandchants).PRIESTESS
takesupHornedHelmetandstandsbeforealtar.

Priestess:"GraciousGoddess,wethanktheeforthe
joysofsummer.
Wethanktheeforallthybounty;
Thefruits,thecrops,theharvest.
ReturnagainastheWheelturns
Andbewithusoncemore.
EvenasourLordacceptsthemantle,
Walkwithhimthroughthedarkness,
Tocomeagainintothelight."

PRIESTstandsandfacesPriestess.SHEholdsHelmet
highoverhishead.ACovenerstandsbythecauldron,
withfireready.

Priestess:"HeredoIdisplaythesymbolofour
Lord:
HewhorulesDeathandthatwhichcomes

after;
TheDwellerintheDarkness;
TheHusband/Brotherofthelight.
Mayheguardusandguideusinallthatwe

do,
WithinandwithoutthisCircle.
WithourLadyathisside,mayheleadus

throughhardship
Andbringus,withhope,intothelight."

PRIESTESSplacesHornedHelmetonPriest'shead.
Asshedoes,COVENERlightsthecauldronfire.

Covener:"NowisourLordamongus.

Speak,forweareyourchildren."
Priest:"Behold,Iamhewhoisatthebeginning

andattheendoftime.
Iamintheheatofthesunandthecoolness

ofthebreeze.
Thesparkoflifeiswithinme,asisthe
darknessofdeath.



ForIamhewhoistheGatekeeperatthe

endoftime.
Lorddwellerinthesea,
Youhearthethunderofmyhoovesupon

theshore
AndseethefleckoffoamasIpassby.
MystrengthissuchthatImightliftthe

worlditselftotouchthestars.
YetgentleamI,ever,asthelover.
Iamhewhomallmustfaceatthe

appointedhour,
YetamInottobefeared,forIambrother,

lover,son.
DeathisbutthebeginningofLife,
AndIamhewhoturnsthekey."

PRIESTESSsalutesPriest.OnebyoneotherCOVEN
ERSmovearound.Iftheywishto,theymayplacean
offeringonthealtarorbeforeit.Theythenembrace
and/orkissthePriestandmoveonbacktotheirplaces.
Astheypasstheburningcauldron,theythrowintoit
theirpieceofparchmentlistingtheirweakness.PRIEST
standsforamomentandmeditatesonhispositionfor
thecominghalfyear.HethenremovestheHelmet
andreplacesitbesidethealtar.Bellisrungnine
times.

ThenshallfollowtheceremonyofCakesandAle.After
thattheClearingtheTempleisperformedsothatthereis
plentyofroomforfun,gamesandentertainment
(whichmaystilltakeplacearoundthealtar,ifdesired).
Theeveningconcludeswithafeast(usuallyapotluck
affair,withdishesbroughtbythecoveners).

BELTANEGreaterSabbat

TheouteredgeoftheCircle,andthealtar,maybe
decoratedwithflowers.Thealtarclothandcandles
shouldbedarkgreen.Acrownliesbesidethealtar.
Thismaybeacrownofflowersoritmaybeasilver
crowndecoratedwithsilvercrescentmoonsorsimilar.
Inthenorthquarterstandsacauldroncontaining
materialforafire(regularkindlingoracandleora
Sternoburner).IntheeastquarterisaMaypolethe
Circlemaybedrawnextralargetoaccommodateit.

TheErectingtheTempleisperformed.Thismaybe
followedbyFullMoonorNewMoonRite,ifappro
priate.ThebellisrungthreetimesbyaCoveneracting
asSummoner.


All:"TotheSabbat!"

WithPRIESTandPRIESTESSleading,theCOVEN
movedeosilaroundtheCircle,walkingordancingas
eachfeelsfit,withsmalldrumsortambourinesgiving
abeat.Circleasmanytimesasyouwish.PRIESTand
PRIESTESSstartsingingahymntothegodsandall
joinin.Eventuallyallhaltandsingingends.

Priest:"TheLordhasreachedtheendofhis

journey."
Priestess:"TheLadysetsherfootuponthepath."

Thenfollowsanenactmentofaseasonalmotif(e.g.
triumphantreturnoftheGoddessfromtheworld
betweenlives;creativity/reproduction;startofoneof
thebreedingseasonsforanimals,bothwildand
domestic;dancingabouttheMaypole;drivingofcat
tlebetweentwofirestoensureagoodmilkyield).Bell
isrungseventimes.

Covener:"Thegatesswingbackandforthandall
mayfreelypassthrough.
OurLordhasreachedtheendingofhis

journey,
TofindtheLadyawaitinghim,withwarmth

andcomfort.
Thisisatimeforjoyandatimeforsharing.
Therichnessofthesoilacceptstheseed;
Andnowisthetimethatseedsshould

bespilled.
Togethernessbringsjoyandabundance

fillstheearth.
Letuscelebratetheplantingofabundance;
TheturningoftheWheel;
TheseasonoftheLady.
Letussayfarewelltothedarkness
AndcrygreetingstotheLight.
LordandLadybecomeLadyandLord
AstheWheelturnsandwemoveever
on."
Priest:"TheWheelturns."

All:"Withoutceasing."

Priestess:"TheWheelturns."
All:"Andturnsagain."

Priest:"FarewelltoourLord."


All:

"WelcometotheLady."

Priestess:

"GodWinterendshisreign."

All:

"AsGoddessSummerturnstofacethe

light."

Priestess:

"HailandFarewell!"


All:

"HailandFarewell!"

PRIESTandPRIESTESSleadcoveninadanceabout
theCircleleadingtotheMaypole.EachoftheCOVEN
ERStakesaribbonanddancesaroundthepolewithit,
intertwiningonewithanother.Thisiscontinuedtillall
ribbonsaretiedaroundthepole,symbolizingthe
unionofmaleandfemale;thejoiningofalltogether.A
suitablechant/songtosingwhiledancingisfoundin
theGardnerianbook.ItisGeraldGardner'sversionof
aRudyardKiplingpoem:

"Oh,donottellthepriestsofourArt

Fortheywouldcallitsin.

Butweshallbeinthewoodsallnight

AconjuringSummerin.

Andwebringyougoodnews,bywordof

mouth,
Forwomen,cattleandcorn;
Nowisthesuncomeupfromthesouth,
Withoakandashandthorn."

PRIESTandPRIESTESSreturntothealtar.PRIEST
ESSstandswithheadbowedandarmscrossedonher
breast.PRIESTtakesupthecrownandholdsitover
herhead.

Priest:"OurLord,withtheladyathisside,

HasbroughtusthroughtheDarknessto
theLight.

Itwasalongjourneythatwasnoteasy.

Yetdidthegodsshowstrength

And,throughthem,didweallgrowand
prosper.

Nowmaytheybothcontinue.

NowmaytheLady,withherLordather
side,

Moveondownthepath,

SpreadingherLightanddrivingoutDark
ness."

PRIESTESSmovestostandwithlegsastrideandarms
upandoutstretched.PRIESTlowersthecrownonto
herhead.Ashedoessothecauldronfireislitbyoneof
thecoveners.

Covener:"NowisourLadyamongus.

Speak,Lady,forweareyourchildren."

PRIESTESSlowersherarmsandspreadsthemwide
tohercoveners.

Priestess:"IamshewhoturnstheWheel,
Bringingnewlifeintotheworld
Andbeckoningthosewhopassalongthe

ways.
Inthecoolnessofthebreezeyouhearmy

sighs;
Myheartisintherushingofthewind.
Whenyouthirst,letmytearsfalluponyou

asgentlerain;
Whenyoutire,pausetorestuponthe

earththatismybreast.
WarmthandcomfortdoIgivethee
Andaskfornothinginreturn
Savethatyouloveallthingsevenasyour
self.
KnowthatLoveisthesparkofLife.
Itisalwaysthere;alwayswithyouifyou

butseeit.
Yetyouneednotseekafar,forloveisthe

innerspark;
Thelightthatburnswithoutflicker;
Theamberglowwithin.
Loveisthebeginningandtheendofall

things...
AndIamLove."

PRIESTkissesPriestess.OnebyoneCOVENERS
movearoundtokissPriestessandtolaytheirofferings
onthealtar.Whenallhavereturnedtotheirplaces,
PRIESTandPRIESTESSjoinhandsandleadthemina
dance(assinglesorcouples)aroundtheCircle.As
theycometothecauldron,theyjumpoverit.After
severaltimesaroundtheyhalt.Thebellisrungthree
times.ThenshallfollowtheceremonyofCakesandAle.
AfterthattheClearingtheTempleisperformedsothat
thereisplentyofroomforfun,gamesandentertain
ment(whichmaystilltakeplacearoundthealtarif
desired).Theeveningconcludeswithafeast.

IMBOLCGreaterSabbat

Thisisthe"FeastofLights".Itisanotherfirefestival,
sothereisagainacauldroncontainingthemakingsof


afirestandinginthenorthquarter.Besideitliesa
besom(broomstick).Thisisthemidpointofthedark
halfoftheyear;thehalfwaypointintheGod'spre
dominence.Butalthoughitisinthatsegmentofthe
year'scycle,yetitisverymuchafestivaloftheGod
dess(particularlyBrigid,Brigantia,Brideandother
variations).

Besidethealtarrestsa"crownoflight"acirclet
ofcandles*.Thealtarclothandcandlesshouldbe
brown.

riate.BellisrungthreetimesbyCoveneractingas
Summoner.


All:"TotheSabbat!"

WithPRIESTandPRIESTESSleading,theCOVEN
movesdeosilaroundtheCircle,walkingordancing.
Circleasmanytimesasyouwish.PRIEST/ESSstartsa
hymntothegodsandalljoinin.Finally,allhaltand
stopsinging.

Covener:

2nd

Covener:
Priest:
Priestess:

"NowhasourLordreachedthezenithof
hisjourney."

"NowdoesheturntofacetheLady."

"Thoughaparttheyareone."

"Theyareboththeshadowandthelight."

Thenfollowsanenactmentofaseasonalmotif(e.g.the
midpointinthesun'swinterjourney;sweepingout
theoldandstartinganew;therunningofthepriestsof
theLupercalia,attheancientRomanfestival;thepre
parationofseedgrainforgrowinginthespring;the
invitingoftheGoddessofFertilitytoenterintothe
houseandlodgetherein).Bellisrungseventimes.

Covener:"OurLordnowhasreachedmidjourney.
AheadheseesthelightofourLady,
AndthestartofLifeanew,afterthisperiod

ofrest.
ThiswasthefirstfestivaloftheKeltic

year.
Thisisthetimewhenspringlambsare

born

Andewescomeintomilk.

Springitselfisscentedinthedistance

AndthoughtsareontheGoddessasmuch
asontheGod.

Burn,now,theevergreenstheivy,mistle
toeandholly;

Therosemaryandthebay.

Clearouttheold,thatthenewmayenter
in."

Priest/ess:

"Lighttodark."

All:

"Darknesstolight."

Priest/ess:

"Lighttodark."

All:

"Darknesstolight."

Priest/ess:

"FarewellLady;welcomeLord."

All:

"FarewellLordandwelcomeLady

Priest/ess:

"Allhail!"


All:

"Farewell!"

Priest/ess:

"Farewell!"

All:

"Allhail!"

PRIESTandPRIESTESSleadcoveninadanceabout
theCircle.Thismaybefollowed,oraccompanied,bya
chantorsong.

PRIESTESSstandsbeforethealtar,witharmscrossed
onherbreast.PRIESTkneelsbeforeherandkissesher
feet.Hethentakesupthecrown,stands,andplaces
thecrownonherhead.Hethendancesdeosilaround
theCirclethreetimes.Ashepassesthecauldronon
thesecondcircuit,acovenerlightsthekindling(candle,
orwhatever).AsPRIESTcomestothecauldrononhis
thirdcircuit,hejumpsoverit.Hethencomeson
aroundandstopsbeforethePriestess.Withataper,
fromthealtarcandle,helightsthecandlesonthe
Priestess'scrown.PRIESTESSopensherarmsand
standswithlegsapartandarmsraisedhigh.

Priest:"Allhail,OurLadyofLight!"

All:"Allhail,OurLadyofLight!"

Covener:"Welcome,thricewelcome,TripleGod
dessofLife."
Covener:"MotheroftheSun,wewelcomethee."
Covener:"GoddessofFire,weinvitetheein."

PRIESTandPRIESTESSmoveroundtothecauldron.
COVENERhandsbesomtothePriestess.Shehands
besomtothePriest,withakiss.PRIESTgoesdeosil
aroundtheCircle,"sweepingout"thatwhichisno
longerneeded.Whenhereturnstothenorth,he


"Caremustbetakenwiththis.ThereisnotonlythedangerofsettingfiretothePriestess'shai
r,butalsoofburningherwithhotwax.Miniaturecakecandles,orcutdowntapers,are
best,withcarefullydesigned,cuppedholders.Thirteencandles(thenumberofmoonsintheyear)
isthenumbertohave.


returnsthebesomtothePriestess,withakiss.She
thengivesittothefirstCovener,withakiss.COVENER
sweepsaroundtheCircle.Thisisrepeatedwithall
Coveners.Whenallhavedone,PRIESTandPRIEST
ESSreturntoaltar.Bellisrungthreetimes.Thenshall
followtheceremonyofCakesandAle.
ment(whichmaystilltakeplacearoundthealtarif
desired).Theeveningconcludeswithafeast.

LUGHNASADHGreaterSabbat

Summerflowersareonthealtarandaroundthe
Circle.Thealtarclothandcandlesshouldbeyellow.
priate.TheBellisrungthreetimesbyCoveneracting
asSummoner.


We'reofftotheSabbatsodon'tbelate!"
All:"TotheSabbat!"

WithPRIESTandPRIESTESSleading,thecovenmove
deosilaroundtheCircle,walkingordancing.Circleas
manytimesasyouwish.PRIEST/ESSstartsahymnto
thegodsandalljoinin.Finallyallhaltandstop
singing.

Covener:"Thepowersoflifeanddeathareheldby

thegods."
Covener:"GreatisthepoweroftheMightyOnes."
Covener:"Godisoldyetyoung."
Covener:"Andthepowerishis."

Thenfollowsanenactmentofaseasonalmotif(e.g.
Deathandrebirthofthegod,leadingtoagreatharvest
thinningofplants,towardabetterharvest;strength
andtesting;killingofoldergodbyyoungergod,with
funeralgamestohonorthedeadone).Bellisrung
seventimes.

Covener:"InthemidstofourLady'sruledowe
rememberherbrother/lover/husband.

Greatishispowerthroughhisunionwith
theGoddess.

Andthroughhisdeathandrebirth,asthe

youngerson,
Istheharvestassuredandthepower

passedon,
Togrowandspreadwidetoallheloves.
RemembertheLord,yetinhimeversee

theLady.
PraisetheLadyand,throughher,the
Lord."
Priest:"BlessedbetheLadyoftheCircle."

All:"AndblessedbeherLord."

Priestess:"Maythesurplusbedrawnfromtheland."
All:"Thatthebodymaybefilledwithstrength."

Priest:"PowertotheLord."

All:"AndpowertotheLady."

Priestess:"Lettheoldwane."
All:"Thattheyoungmaywaxanew."

Priest:"EverturnstheWheel."

All:"Everonward."

PRIESTandPRIESTESSleadthecoveninadance
abouttheCircle.Thismaybefollowed,oraccom
panied,byasongorchant.

ALL,exceptPriestandonemaleCovener,sit.PRIEST
thendancesaround,deosil,betweentheseated
covenersandthelineoftheCircle.MALECOVENER
dancesaroundwiddershins,betweenthecovenersand
thealtar(inotherwords,oneoutsidethering,going
clockwise,andoneinside,goingcounterclockwise).
Astheypasseachothertheystrikehandsoverthe
coveners'heads.Covenersmay,iftheywish,clapthe
beatforthemtodanceto,shouting"Lugh!"atthe
strikingofhands.Theycircleandstrikehandstwelve
times.AtthetwelfthstrikethePRIESTdropstothe
groundandCOVENERjumpsovertheseatedonesto
runoncearoundthecircle,deosilnow,alongthe
Priest'spath.ReturningtothePriest,hehelpshimto
hisfeetandtheyembrace.Allcheerandcometo
theirfeet.

Priest:"LadyandLord,wethankthee,

Forallthathasbeenraisedfromthesoil.
Mayitgrowinstrengthfromnowtill

harvest.
Wethanktheeforthispromiseoffruits

tocome.
LetthepowerofourLord
Beineachandeveryoneofus
Atthistimeandthroughouttheyear."

All:"SoMoteitbe."


Thebellisrungthreetimes.ThenshallfollowtheceremonyofCakesand
Ale.AfterthattheClearningoftheTempleisperformedsothatthereis
plentyofroomforfun,gamesandentertainment(whichmaystilltake
placearoundthealtarifdesired).Theeveningconcludeswithafeast.


TheSabbatsareholidays,atimetocelebrateandrejoicewiththeGods.ListtheeightSabbatsan
dthedates
theyfallonthisyear.DescribewhateachSabbatcommemoratesandrelatehowyoucelebratedeach
one.

2.Makeup(create,write)ahymnorsongappropriateforaritual/occasionofyourchoice.

3.Createyourownversionofafavoriteritual.

4.DescribeyourEnactmentofaseasonalmotifandtheDeclarationfromafavoriteSabbatritual.

LESSONSEVEN
MEDITATION,DREAMSANDTHEMINORSABBATS

MEDITATION

Let'stakeabriefrespitefromthesabbatsandlookatmeditation.Inits
presentformmeditationhascometotheWesternworldbywayofthe
East.Forcenturiestheeasterninitiateshaveknownofthepowerandthe
advantagesofregularmeditation.Theyhaveusedit,developingitintoa
fineartthroughwhichtheyhavelearnedtocontrolthemind,overcome
sickness,separatethemselvesfromproblemsandfears,developpsychic
abilitiesandexpandphilosophyandknowledgeofUniversalLaw.

Today,intheWesternworld,thereisanevergrowingawarenessof
thesebenefitsofmeditation.TMTranscendentalMeditation,Yoga,
SilvaMindControlalltheseandmanymorearenowcommon,turn
ingupineverydayconversationsnotonlyamongWiccansandother
occultists,butamongordinary,everydayfolk.Thetroubleisthat,inlis
teningtotheseconversations,itquicklybecomesobviousthatmanyare
meredabblersinthisrealm.Manyareconfused."Whichtechniqueis
best?""WhyamIgettingnothingoutofit?""AmIdoingitright?"

So,whatismeditation?Quitesimplyitisalistening...listeningtothe
HigherSelfor,ifyouprefer,theInnerSelf,theCreativeForce,the
HigherConsciousness;eventhegodsthemselves.Itcanbeallofthese.
Properlyused,meditationopensthedoortoindividualgrowthandper
sonaladvancement.Ofallthetechniquesofadvancementinthepsychic
andspiritualfields,meditationisbyfarthemosteffective.Coinciden
tally,itisalsothemostsimple.Anditcanbepracticedaloneorina
groupsetting.

Thelate,renownedpsychicEdgarCayce,inoneofhisreadings
(#28113),saidthat"Meditationisemptyingselfofallthathindersfrom
thecreativeforcesrisingalongthenaturalchannelsofthephysicalman
tobedisseminatedthroughthosecentersandsourcesthatcreatethe
activitiesofthephysical,mentalandspiritualman;properlydone
(meditation)mustmakeonestrongermentally,physically...wemay
receivethatstrengthandpowerthatfitseachindividual,eachsoulfor
greateractivityinthismaterialworld."Inshort,meditationisamethod
wherebywecanimproveourlivesmaterially,physically,mentallyand
spiritually.AswiththeEasternMaster,youtoocandisciplineyourmind,
controlyouremotions,overcomeillness,solveproblemsandbeginto

79

CROWN(Pituitary)

THIRDEYE(Pineal)

...,

THROAT(Thyroid)

HEART(Thymus)

SOLARPLEXUS(Lyden)
SPINE(Adrenal)

LUMBAR(Gonads).

Figure7.1

THECHAKRAS

andtheglandstheycoincidewith


createyourownreality.Youonlyneedtohavethe
desireandbewillingtoexpendtheeffort.

HOWMEDITATIONWORKS

Tounderstandhowmeditationworkswemust
examinehumanmakeuponaconsciousleveland
mustalsorealizethatwearespiritualaswellasphysical
beings.Thephysicalandspiritualbodiesareconnected
atthevitalcenters,knownbytheirSanskritname
Chakra(seeFigure7.1).Inmeditationthemysterious
psychicenergycanbesentupthroughthesecenters.
ThisverypotentforceiscalledtheKundalini,or
"SerpentPower".Asthismightyforcebeginstoflow
withinyou,thesevitalpsychiccentersthechakras
begintoopeninsuccessiveorder.

Onaconsciouslevel,considerthetotalconscious
nessasasortofsandwich.Ononesideyouhavethe
ConsciousMind.Thisisthemindthatisconcerned
withyoureverydayworldandactivitiesandyour
physical/materialbeing.Itisyourwakingstateofcon
sciousness.Ontheothersideofthesandwichiswhat
iscalledtheHigherConsciousness,ortheSuper
Consciousness.ThisisyourHigherSelfMind.Itis
concernedwithyourspiritualwellbeingandretains
yourUniversalMemory.Inthecenteristhatwhichis
oftencalledtheSubconsciousMind.Itispassiveandis
largelysubordinatetotheconsciousmindprimarily

becauseithasbeenmadeso.Itrulestherealmofthe
involuntarybodyfunctions;memory;reflexactions;
andservesastheconnectingpassagewaybetween
yourconsciousandsuperconsciousminds.

Asthevitalforcesbegintoflowthroughthe
nervoussytem,theindividualachievesasenseof
wellbeingandpeace.Thesubconsciousbeginsto
clearitselfofthenegativeandundesiredpatternsof
feelingsandtheimagesthathavebeenprogrammed
intoitthroughyourlifetime.Thecosmicforceofthe
Kundaliniverynaturallyoperatesinacalm,relaxed,
contemplativeatmosphere.Asthesuccessionofopening
chakrascontinues,yourawarenessandperceptionof
lifeflowscontinuallyfromwithin.Youareledtodo
therightthingattherighttime.Anewvibrancy
permeatesyourbeing.

Meditationallowsyoutolearntocontrolthe
restless,materiallyorientedconsciousmindandre
programthesubordinatesubconsciousness,inorder
thatyoumayfunctionfromyourspirituallyoriented
higherconsciousness.Itopensupthechanneltoyour
HigherSelf.

TECHNIQUE

Manypeoplefailintheirmeditationbecause
eithertheyareusingthewrongtechnique,orthey
simplydonothaveatechnique.Masterteachersof

LessonSeven:Meditation,DreamsandtheMinorSabbats181

easternphilosophiessuggestthatduringmeditationyoufocusyour
attentiononthe"thousandpetaledlotus"ofthethirdeye(seeFigure7.2).
Thisistheseventhandhighestchakra.Inthiswayyoureorientyourself
bytranscendingassociationwithyourgrossphysicalselfandyour
mentalidentificationsandyoubecomeawareofthetruesource.When
yousitinmeditation,withyourattentionfocusedonthethirdeye,you
liftyourselfaboveandbeyondtheconsciousandsubconsciouscaresof
thephysical.

Noticethatwhenyouarefeelingwellandalertyouareintouchwith
yourenvironmentthroughtheeyesandotherphysicalsenses.Your
focusisoutwardintothephysicalworld.Whenyouareinanegative
mood,ordepressed,noticehowyouwithdrawfromyourphysical
world.Youturnyoureyesdownandyourfocusreflectssubconscious
thoughtsandproblems.Thenexttimethatyoufeeldepressedormoody,
liftyoureyes;focusyourattentionoutwardandupwardabovethelevel
ofthehorizon.Beawareofyoursurroundingsandcommunicatewith
them.Youwillbegintofeelbetter.Yourgloomwillfadeandoptimism
willreturn.

Yousee,whenyouturnyoureyesDOWN,youtendtorelatetothe
subconscious.WhenyoulookSTRAIGHTOUTWARD,youtendto
relatetoyourconsciousmind,whichisorientedtowardsthegross
physical/materialworld.WhenyoulookUP,youtendtorelatetoyour
higher,spiritualconsciousnessandtherealmbeyondthephysical.

Thenaturaltendencytoplaceyourattentioninthemannerthatyou
focusyoureyes,isusedtoaidyourmeditationinwhatiscalledtheThird
Eyemeditationtechnique.Doyouwanttofocusonthehigherself?Then
byusingyournaturaltendencies,simplyfocusyoureyesandyouratten
tionupwardandinwardtothethirdeye;aspotaboutoneinchabovethe
browlineandoneinchinsidethesurfaceoftheforehead.

Figure7.2

POSTURE

Meditationshouldbecomfortableandsecure.Thereforeyour
postureshouldbecomfortableandsecure.Youmaychooseanyposition
youlikesolongasyoumakesuretokeepyourspinestraight.Ipersonally
recommendthatyousitinacomfortable,straightbackedchair.You
shouldbeabletositwellbackspinestraightwithyourfeetflatonthe
floor.Thechairshould,preferably,havearmstoitonwhichtorestyour
arms.Itneednothaveahighback,infactitisbetterifitdoesnot.You
mayprefertositorlayonthefloor.Ifyouchoosetositonthefloor,the
lotuspositionisnotrecommendedunlessyouareanadeptandcompletely
comfortablewithit.Youshouldselectalocationthatallowsyoutolean
againstsomethingforbacksupport.Thefloorsurfaceshouldbecomfor
tablysoft.Itishelpful,thoughnotabsolutelynecessary,toreducethe
presenceofmanmadefiberssuchasmetal,plasticandsynthetics,as
muchaspossible.Ideallyasoftsheepskinoraheavywoolenitem,such
asablanketorrug,couldbeusedforsittingorlyingon.Somepreferto
layflatontheirback,legstogetherandarmsattheirsides.Theonly
drawbacktothispositionisthatsomepeoplewilltendtofallasleep!


AREA

Theareachosenformeditationshouldbeaquiet
place,awayfromoutsidenoisessuchastrafficand
childrenatplay.Thebestplace,ofcourse,isyour
cleansedandconsecratedCircle.If,forsomereason,
youmustchooseanotherarea,itshouldbecleansed
andconsecratedinthesamemannerasyourCircle.

Someadeptsinsistthatthemeditatorfacethe
east.Incertaincasesitdoesseemtogiveaslight
benefit,butgenerallyspeakingthedirectionofphysical
orientationisofslightimportance.Ifyourareahasa
blankwallontheeastandawindowonthewest,you
willprobablyfeelfarmorecomfortablefacingthe
window.Theimportantthingistobeascomfortable
aspossible.

Removepossiblesourcesofdisturbancewhere
possible.Atickingclockor,worse,thediscordantring
ofatelephoneordoorbell,canbeshattering.Discon
nectthemifyoucan.Radiosandtelevisionsetsshould
beturnedoff,ofcourse.Clothingshouldbeloose,so
asnottoconstrictthebodyinanyway.Whynotwear
yourrobe,withnothingbeneathit?Betteryetroom
temperaturepermittinggoskyclad.

TIMEOFDAY

Thebesttimeformeditationisgenerallyamatter
ofpersonalconvenience.Formostpeopleitiseither
theearlymorningorthelateevening.Afewusually
thosewhoarehomeduringthedayfindmidafternoon
mostconvenient.Thereissomeevidencetosuggest
thataperiodclosetothehourofyourbirthisbest.
Certainlyastrologicalinfluencescannotbetotally
discounted.However,theslightadvantageofattuning
tothestarscanbemorethanoffsetbythenegative
influencessuchasnoisyneighborsorschedulingcon
flictswithotherrequiredactivites.Sochoosethetime
thatismostconvenientforyou.Theimportantthingis
thatyoudomeditateandthatyouconsistentlymeditate.
So,whatevertimeyouchoose,sticktothatsametime
everyday.

PERSISTENCE

Tosucceedandremainsuccessfulinmeditation,
youmustmeditateconsistently.Somerecommend
fifteentotwentyminutes,twiceaday.Ifeelthatone
fifteenminuteperiodissufficientasaminimum.Butbe

consistentinthetimeofdayandthelengthoftime
devotedeachday.Youcannotbesuccessfulonan
occasionalbasis.

METHOD

Sitcomfortably,relaxingthebodyasmuchas
possiblewithoutslumpingorallowingthespineto
curve.Helploosentightmusclesbydoingthefollow
ingexercises:

1:Allowtheheadtofallforwardonthechest.Breathe
deeplyinandoutthreetimes.Returntotheup
rightposition.

2:Allowtheheadtotipfullybackwards.Breathe
rightposition.

3:Tiptheheadasfaraspossibletotheleft.Breathe
rightposition.

4:Tiptheheadasfaraspossibletotheright.Breathe
rightposition.

5:Allowtheheadtofallforwards,thenmoveitina
circle,counterclockwise,threetimes.

6:Repeatthelastexercise,movingtheheadclock
wisethreetimes.Returntotheuprightposition.

7:Breathein,throughthenose,withanumberof
short,sharpintakesuntilthelungsarefull.Holdit
amoment,thensuddenlyexhalethroughmouth
witha"Hah!"sound.Dothisthreetimes.

8:Breatheinslowlyandfully,throughtheright
nostril(holdtheleftoneclosedifnecessary),feel
ingthestomachballoonoutasyoudoso.Holdita
moment,thenexhaleslowlythroughthemouth,
flatteningthestomachasyoudoso.Thisexercise
movesallthestaleairfromthebottomofthe
lungs.Dothisthreetimes.

9:Repeatthelastexercise,thistimebreathingin
throughtheleftnostrilandoutthroughtheright
nostril.Dothisthreetimes.

Now,withyourbodyrelaxingandbreathing
normallybutdeeply,concentrateyourthoughtsuntil
youcanimagineyourwholebodyencasedinaglobe
ofwhitelight.Feeltheluminousenergychargingyour
wholebody.

Nowfocusyourattentiononyourtoes.Com
mandthemtorelax.Letthetensionandtirednessmelt

LessonSeven:Meditation,DreamsandtheMinorSabbats/83

awayfromthem.Repeattheprocesswiththeballsofthefeet,thearches,
theheels,theanklesandsoon.Completelyrelaxtheentirebody,section
bysection.Calves,knees,thighs,groin,buttocks,spine,stomachand
chestcavity,shoulders,upperandlowerarms,wrists,hands,neck,
throat,chin,jaw(letthejawsagandhangslightlyopenifyoufeela
tendencyforittodoso),eyes,cranialareaandscalp.Relaxeverymuscle,
vein,nerveandfiberasyoumoveupyourbody.Finishyourrelaxation
techniqueattheforehead.Thenyouneedonlytofocusinwardtoyour
thirdeye.

Withyourattentionfocusedatthethirdeye,letyoureyesrollup,if
youcan.Godeeperandeverdeeperintothethirdeye.Abandonthe
unrealmaterialworld;theegoself.Itisonlywhenthematerialisticego
selfistranscendedthatyoucanfindthedoortotheinnerkingdomand
yourhigherself.Giveyourselftoit...yieldtothemagneticpullfrom
above.Youdon'tneedtoprayorvisualizetomakeanythinghappen.Just
relaxandletyourselfflowinwardandupwardtowardthehigherpower.
Whateversensation,innerlightorsound,comesyourway,moveintoit
andthroughtothesourcefromwhichitcomes.Don'tbecomefascinated
orfrightenedbythephenomena.Don'tbecomedeludedintothinking
youare"becomingpsychic".Whateveryousee,giveyourselftoitand
moveeverupward,everinward,intoandthrough.

Youmayhaveadifficulttimekeepingtheconsciousmindstillat
first.Yourconsciousnessislikeaspoiledchild,constantlydemanding
attention.Onceitbeginstobecomedisciplinedyouwillbegintonotice
positiveresults.Youmaynothavedramatic,earthshakingexperiences,
butyouwillbegintonoticeadeepeningofintuition.Youwillbeginto
"know"thingsthatyouhavenotknownbefore.Thisisproofthatyour
meditationisworkingandthepoweroftheKundaliniiswaking.

Whenyoufirstbegintomeditateyouwillfinditdifficulttositstill
formorethanafewminutesatatime.Yourmindwantstowander,your
bodywantstofidgetandmayevendevelopagreatitchdemandingtobe
scratched!Itwilltakealittletimebutyouwilldiscoverthatyouarethe
masterofyourbodyandmind.Ignoretheitch.Tellyourconsciousmind
tositdownandshutup!YOUareverybusywithmoreimportant
business.Theitchwillgoawayandyourconsciousmindwillbecome
disciplinedtositquietlyasideasyouattunetoyourhighernature...IF
YOUREMAINPERSISTENT.Remember,youletyourmindandyour
emotionsrunyouraffairsallofyourlife.Nowyourmindandemotions
mustlearnthattheyworkforyou.Itmaytakeafewlessons,buttheywill
learn.Staywithit.Youareembarkingonthegreatestvoyageofyour
life.

Groupmeditationcanbringenormoussatis
faction.Theinteractionofeachperson's
vibrationsworkinacomplementarymanner
resultingintremendouspsychicachieve
ment.Whenmeditatingaloneyoumay,once
inawhile,experiencean'offday.Thisis
neverthecasewithgroupmeditation.Infact,
forthisreason,manypeoplewillonlymedi
tatewithagroup.

Ingroupmeditation...thegroupshould
seatthemselvesinacircleandshouldgo
throughtheirbreathingandlightexercisesin
theirowntime.Atthecompletion,byevery
one,ofthechakracolorreinforcement,the
whiteelectriclightshouldbeextinguished,or
blindsdrawn,andthecircleshouldthenbe
illuminatedbyabluelight.Inthegroupin
whichIwork,weuseaWestinghouse100
watt'Colortone'floodlight.Itisavailable
justabouteverywhereandisidealforthe
purpose.Thisbluelightshouldremainon
throughoutthemeditation.

PracticalColorMagick

RaymondBuckland,Llewellyn,1983

ENDINGYOURMEDITATIONPERIOD

Foryourphysicalwellbeingitisimportantthatyouendeach
meditationperiodwithareawakeningofthephysicalandconscious
selves.Thisshouldbedoneinthereverseordertothemethodfor
relaxation.Asyourconsciousnessbeginstopullawayfromthethird
eye,directittoexpanduptheforeheadtothetopofthehead.Then,step
bystep,proceeddownthroughthebody:cranialarea,eyes,backofthe


head,face,jaw,tongue,neck,throat,etc..Command
eachinsuccessiontoawakenrefreshed,vibrantand
healthy.Shoulders,upperandlowerarms,wrists,
hands,upperback,chest,chestcavity,stomach,sides,
lowerback,groin,awakenrefreshed,relaxedand
vibrantwithlife.Buttocks,thighs,knees,calves,ankles,
heels,arches,ballsofthefeet,toes.Gothroughall
partsofthebody.Commandeachandeverymuscle,
vein,fiberandnervetoawakenhealthy,refreshedand
vibrant.Youwillbepleasantlysurprisedathowmuch
betteryouwillbegintofeelafteryourmeditation.You
willfeelanimmediateinnersatisfactionandatremen
douspeaceofmind.Throughmeditationyouwill
discoverthatnotonlyisyourspiritualconsciousness
awakening,butyouarealsorevitalizingthephysical
self,asyoubegintotapthegreatcosmicforcesthatare
yourbirthright.

DREAMS

Whatisadream?Aredreamsimportant?Atfirst
glancesomeoneunfamiliarwiththemmighttakelittle
noteofsomeseeminglytrivialshredofahalfremem
bereddream.Theapparentlysillyanticsdepictedin
somedreamsappearlittlemorethanthedoodlingof
anoffdutyhead!Othermorebizarreandfrightening
eventscausethedreamertowishthathemighthave
nomoreofthem.Ineithercasetheindividualislikely
togivelittleimportancetothesestrangevignettes
fromtheunknownworldofsleep.

Butmodernresearchcontinuestoexplorethe
dreamworldwithintensity.Aredreamsimportant,
tellingyouthingsthatcouldbetoyouradvantage,orare
theysimply"nighttimemovies"toentertainyourun
consciousmindwhileyourconsciousrests?According
toresearchdata,youaveragesevendreamperiods
eachofuptofortyfiveminutesdurationeverynight
ofyourlife.Scientistshavealsodeterminedthat
dreamingisvitaltothestateofyourwellbeing.
Sleepinglaboratorysubjects,onhavingtheirdream
periodsinterruptedoverextendedperiods,developed
emotionalstress.Butthescientisthasfocusedonthe
phenomenaandfailedtoinvestigatethesource.He
hasworkedfromtheoutsidein.

THESOURCE

Toeffectivelydealwiththedreamyoumustun
derstandwhereitoriginatesandwhy.Obviouslyitis
notaproductoftheconsciousmind;itoccursduring

thesleepstate,whentheconsciousmindisatrest.The
subconsciousmindispassiveandnotcapableoflogic
orthoughtdevelopment,soitcannotbetheoriginator
ofthehighlycomplexandelusivedream...thesub
consciouscanonlyputoutwhathasbeenputin.So
wheredoesthatleaveus?Thedreamiscomplex,well
orchestratedandimaginative.Theonlypossiblesource,
apparently,iswhatJungtermedthe"unconscious",or
"higherspiritualmind".Wenowknowthispartofour
mindorconsciousnessastheSuperConscious.

Aredreamsimportant?Themerefactthatthey
occurgivesthemacertainimportance.Nofacetof
yourexistenceistotallytrivial.However,whenyou
considerthesourceofyourdreams,thegreatimpor
tanceofthembecomesincreasinglyclear.Formany
peoplethedreamstateistheonlymediumavailableto
thehighermindforittoreachtheconsciousness.Thus
everynightitisbusytryingtogetitsmessageacross.
Yourhigherselfisexpendingalotoftimeandeffortin
formingandtransmittingdreams;theleastyoucando
istrytounderstandwhatthemessageis.

DREAMINTERPRETATIONANDSYMBOLOGY

Youhaveprobablyspentcountlesshourstrying,
unsuccessfully,todeciphertheseeminglysenseless
riddlesofyourdreams.Youarepuzzledwhenadream
ofattendingAuntMinnie'sfuneralprovesnotinthe
leastpropheticas,tenyearslater,AuntMinnieisstill
goingstrong.You'retotallybaffledatintimateexchanges
withpeopleyouwouldn'tnormallygonear.Youare
amazedatdreamingofdoingthingsthatarephysically
impossibleinyoureverydaylife.Youendupwith
totalfrustrationinyourattemptstomakeanysenseof
thestrangegoingsoninyourelusivedreams.Yetyou
stillfeelthatsomewheretheremustbeananswer...
butwhere?Whatisthekey?

AsanelementoftheUniversalConsciousness,
yoursuperconsciousawarenessistotallyversedin
UniversalSymbolism.Sincethesuperconsciousmind
tendstospeakinitsownlanguage,yourdreamscan
beexpectedtocontainsomeofthislanguageof
UniversalSymbols.Buteventhoughithasitsown
language,thesuperconsciousmindisawarethatyou
willrespondbesttothosesymbolswithwhichyour
consciousmindismostfamiliar.Thereforeitwilluse
termsandsymbolsfromyoureverydaylife.Oftimesitwill
usethesymbolismfromrecenteventsthatarefreshin
yourmemory.Theseimpressionsfromyourpersonal
physicallifearecalledPersonalSymbolism.


UniversalSymbolismincludesthosethingsthat
remaintrueforallhumankindthroughouttheages.
Includedarecolors,numbers,formandsexualidentity
(i.e.maleandfemale).Theycomefromthesupercon
sciousnessandthereforearetimeless.Acaseinpoint
istransportationtheuniversalsymbolofspiritual
advancement.Asmaterialtechnologyhasadvanced,
theapplicationofsymbologyhaskeptpace.Sotranspor
tationmaytakeoneofthemodernformsofconveyance,
suchasrockets,planes,steamships,trainsorauto
mobiles,oroneofthetimelessmodesofridingonthe
backofananimalorwalking.

Itwouldbeimpossibletolistalltheuniversal
symbolshere,butageneralsamplingisgiveninthe
sectiononUniversalSymbols.

INTERPRETINGYOURDREAMS

TheeminentpsychologistCarlJungoncestated:
"Nodreamsymbolcanbeseparatedfromtheindividual
whodreamsit."Keepthisthoughtinmindasyou
studythefollowingconcepts.Noticethatalmostallof
theuniversalsymbolshavevariousshadesofmeaning.
Infact,someevenhavecontradictorymeanings.The
interpretationofsuchsymbolscanonlybedoneby
YOU,thedreamer,throughconsiderationofyour
ownfeelingstowardsthedream,thesymbolandyour
ownintuition.

Thedreamisacomplexandalmostlimitlesscom
binationofsymbols.Itcanbeanalytical,judgemental
ortherapeuticinnature.Themajorityofdreamsare
analytical.Thatis,theyprovideameansforthehigher
selftocommentonyoureverydaylifeandyourspiritual
development.Itwillanalyzehowyouarerelatingto
yourenvironmentandyourfellowmanandwoman.
Asmallpercentageofyourdreamsareofaprophetic
nature,towarnandprepareyouforfutureevents(the

percentageofpropheticdreamsvariesgreatlyfrom
onepersontoanotherbutitisestimatedthatperhaps
onedreamintwentyconcernsthefuture.Don'tim
mediatelyjumptotheconclusionthatwhatyoudream
aboutbrotherBob,orcousinMary,isanindicationof
somethingthatisabouttohappentohimorher.Itmay
bebutfarmorelikelyisnot).Alongwiththis,inciden
tally,itshouldbenotedthatinvariablytheprinciple
charactersinyourdreamareactuallyrepresenting
YOUorsomeaspectofyou.Sowhenyoudreamof
yoursisterSuzyarguingwithyouaboutsomething,
youareactuallyseeingarepresentationofaninner
conflictonepartofyouatoddswithanotherpart
(perhapsyourmaleaspectagainstyourfemaleaspect)
withtheimageofsisterSuzybeingusedsimplyasa
recognizableformthatyoucanaccept.

Againdependingontheindividual,thenumber
oftherapeuticdreamsvariesfrompersontoperson.It
simplydependsontheneedoftheindividual.Ifaperson
hasastrongfeelingofinferiority,theirtherapymaybe
todreamofbeingapowerful,capableandattractive
person.Inthisway,theHigherSelfiscompensating
forthedreamer'spsychologicallack.Ifapersonhasa
strongfeelingofsuperiority,theymightbetakendown
apegortwobyadreamthatdepictshimorherasa
weak,defenselessandinferiorperson.Thusthedream
oftenattemptstoovercomecharacterdefects.

Propheticdreamswillonlyoccurwhenthein
dividualneedstobepreparedforaneventinthe
future.Eventhoughyoumaynotconsciouslyremember
it,thedreampreparesyou,subconsciously,forthe
shockthatistocome.Notallprecognitivedreamsare
ofsignificantevents;somemayevenappearquite
trivial.Buttheyareimportantjustthesame.Theypro
gramandpreparethesubconsciousandconscious
minds,overaperiodoftime,todealwiththefuture
eventsandsituationsinapropermanner.

Itwouldbeimpractical,ifnotimpos
sible,tolistalloftheUniversalSymbols
here.However,thefollowinglistpro
videsthebasicsandgivesyouanideaof
theirfunction.Fromthisyoucanbeginto
developyourownlist.

UNIVERSALSYMBOLS

Abundance:Desireforindependence.

Accident:Somethingunplanned.

Actor/Actress:Desireforrecognition.

Adultery:Guilt.

Airplane:SeeTransportation.

Altar:Selfsacrifice.

Anchor:Stability.Sometimesadesirefora
permanenthome.

Anima:Thefeminineaspectoftheindivid
ual.Guidetotheinnerworld.The
Goddess.Receptive,prospective
andnurturing.

Animal:Dependsonyourfeelingsforthe
particularanimal(fortypicalmean
ingseethespecifictype).Ahelp
fulanimalnormallyrepresentsthe
instinctiveself.

Animus:Themasculineaspectofthein
dividual.Uncompromisingcon
viction.Force.TheGod.

Apple:Desire.

Arrow:Pleasure;festivity.
Auction:Promiseofabundance.
Automobile:SeeTransportation.
Baby:Crying:frustratedplans.

Laughing:plansfulfilled.

Sleeping:Waitingperiod;patience.
Ballon:Frustration.

Basement:Aplaceofrefugeorretreat.
Battle:Internalconflict.
Bells:Fulfillmentofplans;joy.
Bicycle:Hardworkwillbringplanstofrui
tion;alsoseeTransportation.
Birds:Usuallytranscendencefromone

stateofbeingtoanother.
Birth:Transitiontonewphase,ornew


aspect,ofself.

Bridge:Overcomingdifficulties;achange.

Broom:Theabilitytosweeporcleanup.

Bull:Animalnature;stubbornness.

Burial:Endofaphase;timetotakeanew
direction.

Candle:Constancy.

CaneorCrutch:Theneedofsupport.

Capital(CityorTown):Thecenter.Also
seeCities.

Castle:Ambition.

Cave:Aplaceofretreatorrefuge;aneed
fortimetothinkandmeditate.

Circle:Totality;perfection;infinity;theAll;
theCollectiveUnconsciousness.

Cities:Gatheringsofconsciousness.If
significantlyplaced,itcanrepre
senttheAnima.

Climbing:Theselfmasteryprocess;raising
consciousness.

Clock:Thepassageoftime;theneedto
takeaction.

Clothes:Attitudes;personality.

Coffin:SeeBurial.

Colors:Thesymbolicmeaningofcolorisa
fascinatingstudyinitsownright.I
onlywishtotouchlightlyonthe
subjecthere,togiveyouthebasic
ideaofthemeaningsofindividual
colorsinyourdreams.Thefollow
inglistisnotinclusivebutwill
giveyoutheprimarycolors:
REDstrength,health,vigor,sex
uallove,danger,charity
ORANGEencouragement,adapt
ability,stimulation,attraction,
plenty,kindness
YELLOWpersuasion,charm,con
fidence,jealousy,joy,comfort
GREENfinance,fertility,luck,

energy,charity,growth
BLUEtranquility,understand
ing,patience,health,truth,
devotion,sincerity
INDIGOchangeability,impulsive
ness,depression,ambition,
dignity
VIOLETtension,power,sad
ness,piety,sentimentality

Cradle:Potentialforadvancement.

CrossingtheRiver:Afundamentalchange
ofattitude.

Crying:Emotion;usuallyasadevent.

Crystal:Unionofmatterandspirit.

Curtains:Concealment;adornment.

Darkness:Thespiritworld;thesubcon
scious;turninginward.

Death:Theendofsomething;opportunity
fornewbeginnings.

Dog:Loyalty;laziness;anger.

Eating:Needfornewinterests;stimula
tion.

Evening:Descendingintothesubconscious
world.

Eye:Perception;selfexamination.

Falling:Failingtoliveuptoexpectations.

Fish:Transcendencefromonestateofbeing
toanother.

Fire:Anger;purification;abundanceof
energy.

Flowers:Contentment;pleasure.

Flying:SeeTransportation.

Girl:Immaturefeminineaspect.

Glass:Perception;beingabletosee(some
timesintothefuture).

Graduation:Initiation;completingaphase.

Hair:Thought.Greyorsilverhairindicates
wisethought.

Hammer:Powertodriveforward.

HelpfulAnimal:Theinstinctiveself.

Highway:Thepath;thewayahead.

Horse:WHITEHORSESymboloflife
(theKelticGoddessEponawas
oftendepictedonawhitemare);
prosperity.

BLACKHORSEChangeoffor
tunes.

WILDHORSEuncontrolledin
stinctiveurges.

WINGEDHORSEtranscendence
fromonestateofbeingtoanother.

House:Thesymbolofpersonalityandcon
sciousinterestfromthespiritual
view.Theparticularroomrepre
sentsparticularinterest:
BATHROOMCleansing;elimin
ationoftheundesired.
BASEMENTplaceofrefuge,re
treat,concealment.
BEDROOMplaceofrestand
recovery.

DININGROOMplaceofsus
tenance;refortification.
KITCHENaplacetopreparethe
sustenance.

LIVINGROOMplaceofsocial
izing.

Ice:Coldnessofcharacter;frigidity;rigid
ity.

Illness:Boredom,delay.

IndividualSelf:The"real"you;theinner
you;theallwise,allpowerful
spiritualself.

Jail:Confinement;frustration;inability
toact.

Journey:SeeTransportation.

JudgeorJury:Yourconscience.

Key:Theanswertoaproblem.

Kiss:Satisfaction;completion.

Ladder:Abilitytoclimb(notethelengthof
theladder).

Left(asinsideordirection):Thesubcon
sciousside;sometimesthewrong
sideordirection;thelogicalside;
thescientificside.

Light:Hope.

Lines:Brokenlinesrepresentthefeminine
aspect.Solidlines,themasculine
aspect.

Lizard:Transcendence.

Lock:Frustration;security.

ManorMale:Animus,themasculineaspect.
Theageindicatesthematurityor
lackofitintheindividual.

Mask:Falsehood;deception;concealment.

Mirror:Needtoreconsider.

Mother:Haven;comfort.

Nakedness:Real;true;withoutfalseattitudes;
exposed;natural.

Night(especiallymidnight):Greateststrength
ofthesuperconsciousness.

Noon:Thegreatestclarityofconscious
ness.

Number:Ininterpretingnumbersyou
shouldfirstofallexaminetheir
balanceorlackofbalance.EVEN
numberssignifybalanceandhar
mony.ODDnumberssignifyim
balanceanddiscord.Inconsider
ingthefollowingdefinitions,note
thatalargernumberismadeupof
acombinationofsmallernumbers:
ONEthebeginning;thesource;
theego.

TWOduality;themaleandfe
male;positiveandnegative.
THREEthetrilogy:father,mother
andchild;past,presentandfuture.
Completionofthefirstplane.
FOURthematerialuniverse;con
sciousness,realityandlaw;physi
calpower,initiative,religionand
spiritualevolution.ItisThreeand
One.

FIVEthenumberofWo/Man.It
representsmaterialism,expan
sion,change,understandingand
justice.ItisThreeandTwo.
SIXthenumberofcooperation
andbalance.Itrepresentsinterac
tionbetweenthematerialandthe
spiritual;mentalandphysical.It
signifiespsychism,peaceandcom
pletionofthesecondplane.Itis
twiceThree.

SEVENCompletion;oldage;en
durance;evolutionandwisdom.
Thesevenstagesofspiritualtrans
formation.FourandThree.
EIGHTthenumberofdissolution
andseparation.Thelawofcyclic
evolutionandinvention.Fiveand
Three.

NINErebirthandreformation.
Intuition;travel;karmaandcom
pletionofthethirdplane.Three
timesThree.

ZEROthecircle.Infinity;theuni
verse;theAll.

Ocean:Opportunity;spirituality.

Owl:Wisdom;needforfurtherevaluation.

Pearl:Joy.Brokenstringofpearlsmisunder
standing.

Pirate:Suspicion.

Prison:SeeJail.


Pyramid:Thirstforknowledge;seeking.
Railroad:Asetpathtofollow;seealso

Transportation.
Rainbow:Greathappiness;opportunity.
Reading:Learning;gaininginknowledge;

perceiving.
Riding:SeeTransportation.
Right:Theconscious;correctness;the

artisticside.
Ring:Completion;loyalty.
River:Spirituality;aboundary.
Rocket:SeeTransportation.
Rocks:Theunchangingself.
Rodents:Transcendenceoralessthan

niceperson;distrust;betrayal.
RollerSkates:SeeTransportation.
Roses:SeeFlowers.
Ruins:Failureofplans.
Sacrifice:Overcomingpride.
School:Aplaceoflearning;aneed

tolearn.
Scissors:Distrust.
Sea:SeeOcean.
Selfimage:Theinnerorspiritualself.The

ageindicatesmaturityorthelack

ofit.
Sex:Unionofopposites;unionofmale

andfemaleprinciples;satisfac
tion;completeness.
Shadow:Thesubconscious;insubstantial

ity.
Ship:SeeTransportation.

Skeleton:Thebasics;therootofaproblem.

Snake:Spiritualwisdom;transcendence
intoastateofwisdom.

Snakebite:Infusionofwisdom(bitesare
notusuallypainfulindreams).

Soldiers:Force;power;regimentation.

Spade:Penetration;cutting;toughwork
liesahead.

Sunrise:Clearingofconsciousness;awaken
ing.

Sunset:Needtoprotectassets.

Swan:Beauty;comfort;satisfaction.

Sword:Penetratingandcutting;conflict.

Table:Support;aplatformforpresentation.

Telescope:Needtogetclosertosubject.

Thief:Lossorfearofloss;insecurity.

Thunder:Anger.

Towns:SeeCities.

Touching:Themanneroftouchandyour
feelingaboutitisimportant.Touch
ingnormallyrepresentsthelaying
onofhands,usuallyhealing.On
rareoccasionsitmaymeanacurse.
Canbecomfort;security.

Trains:SeeTransportation.

Transcendence:Achievingfullrealizationof
theindividualself.

Transformation:SeeTranscendence.

Transportation:Spiritualadvancement.The
moreefficientthemode,themore
effectiveandrapidistheadvance
ment.Therocketwouldbethe

mostrapidandthehighesttravel
ing.Crawlingwouldbeamong
theleasteffective.Atrainisforce
fulanddirect,butisconfinedby
narrowtracks.Acarisfairlyeffi
cientandmaneuverable.Theair
planeismoreefficientthanthecar
ortrainandriseshigherthanany
surfacemodeoftransport.Roller
skatesaremoreeffective(faster)
thanwalking,butrequireasmoother
surfaceandmoreeffort;etc..

Traveling:Theactofspiritualadvancement.

Tree:Thelifeprinciple;psychicgrowth
anddevelopment;success.

Tunnel:Hiding;beingafraid.

Turning:Changingordeveloping.SeeLeft
orRight.Turninginacirclerepre
sentslackofprogress.

Twins:Egoandalterego.

Umbrella:Shelter.

Veil:Insecurity.

Volcano:Sexualenergy;emotions.

Wall:Frustration;inability.

Watch:SeeClock.

Water:Spirituality;emotion.

Wedding:Culminationofplans;happi
ness;success.

Witch:Supernaturalability;wisdom.

Woman:Theanima.Heragerepresents
maturityorlackofit.

Wreath:Selfpity.

REMEMBERINGDREAMS

Theobviousfirststepindreaminterpretationis
torememberthem.Ifyouhavedifficultyinremem
beringyourdreams,theprobablereasonisthatyou
haveignoredthemforsolongthesubconsciousno
longertriestobringthemtoyourconsciousmemory.
Ifthisisthecase,youmustprogramyourselfto
remember.Thiscanbedonethroughaffirmation.
Duringmeditation,andjustbeforegoingtosleep,
tellyourselfveryfirmly:"IWILLREMEMBERMY
DREAMS".Dothisthreetimes.Releasethecommand.
Thenagaintellyourself,veryfirmly,threetimes:"I
WILLREMEMBERMYDREAMS".Releasethethought.
Thenforthethirdtime,repeatthethreecommands:"I
WILLREMEMBERMYDREAMS".Soyouinstruct
yourselfninetimesinall.

Thesecondstepininterpretationisrecordingthe
dreams.Placeapadandapencilbyyourbedforthis
purpose.Thisveryact,initself,reinforcesthecom
mandtoremember.Whenyoufirstawakeneven
beforethateyeopeningcupofcoffee!jotdownnotes
onwhatyouremember.Don'tworryabouttryingto
geteverythinginperfectorderatthispoint.The

importantthingistocapturewhatyoucan,evenifyou
onlyhavetimetomakeafewbriefnotes.Youwillfind
thatlateronyouwillbeabletorecallmoreofthe
detailsofthedream.Thenwritedownallthedetails
thatyoucanremember.Describethepeople,their
identities,occupations,clothes,thestateoftheiremotions
andtheiractivities.Noteyourattitudetowardsthem
andtheirattitudestowardsyou.Describeeverything
yousee,feelandhear.Payspecialattentiontothenum
bersofthingsandtheircolors.Itisallimportant.Then
trytoarrangeyournotesintheorderinwhichthey
weredreamed.

Onceyouhavecompletedyournotesandorgan
izedthemyoucanbeginthetaskofinterpretation.
Firstofall,examinethedreamtoseeifitfitsanyofthe
eventsoftheprecedingday.Thiswillexplainafewof
yourdreams.Ifthistestfails,thenyoumustdetermine
whetherthedreamisliteralorsymbolic.

ALITERALdreamisoneinwhichthemaindream
characterorimageisarealpersonorthinginyourlife,
oronyourmind,atthetime.Iftheliteralinterpreta
tionmakessense,youmayhavefoundthekey.When
theliteralinterpretationfailstomakesense,thedream
isobviouslysymbolic.


ASYMBOLICdreamisoneinwhichthedream
characterandimagescannotbetakenliterally,asareal
personorthing.Thentheimageisthatofanaspectof
you,thedreamer.Thentheancientwisdomofthe
UniversalSymbolsshouldbeapplied.

Asyoufirstbegintoworkwithsymbology,you
maystillhavedifficultyunravelingthetangledthreads;
youmayonlydecipherpartofthemystery.Don't
worryaboutthisforitisquitenaturalinthebeginning.
Continuetoaffirmthatyouwillremember.Continueto
faithfullyrecordallofthedetailsthatyoucan.Asyou
do,youwillfindthatthesymbolswillgraduallybegin
toclear,asyouandyourhigherselfdevelopadialogue
thatyoucanconsciouslyunderstand.Thehidden
symbolinonedreamwillsuddenlyberevealedin
another.Whenthisbeginstohappenyoushouldstart
tocompileyourownpersonalDreamDictionary.Takea
notebookthatisnotusedforanyotherpurposeand
divideitintoalphabeticalsections.Asyoudiscover
themeaningsofnewsymbols,writethemdown.Soon
youwillfindthatyouhaveanextensivesetofpersonal
symbolswhichwillpermitnearlytotalinterpretation
ofallyourdreams.

PERSONALSYMBOLS

Manypublishedbooksondreaminterpretation
providethereaderwithhundredsofsymbolsand
simplifiedinterpretation.OtherthanlistingsofUni
versalsymbols,suchbooksaretotallymisleading.Each
ofushashisorherownuniquepersonalsymbology,
basedonourexperiencesinthislife.Forexample,two
elderlyladiesdreamofacat.Oneoftheladieshas
livedaspinsterlifesharedwithasuccessionofcats
thatshehaslovedandpampered.Thesecondladyhas
averytraumaticmemoryofawildcatwhichscratched
herseverelyduringherchildhood.Itisobviousthata
singleinterpretationof"cat"willnotsatisfyboth
dreamers.Tothefirstlady,thecatisawarm,loving
companion.Tothesecond,thecatisanevil,dangerous
creaturethatbringspain.Therefore,itisnecessaryfor
thedreamertoanalyzethesymbolfromthestandpoint
ofhisorherownpersonalfeelings.

THEREPETITIVEDREAM

Manydreamsarerepeatedinordertoemphasize
theirmeaningortoinsurethattheyarenoticed.This
mayormaynotbeobvioustothedreamer.Usually
dreamscomeinaseriesofthree.Sometimestheir
symbologywillbequitesimilar.Atothertimesyou

mayrecordthreedreamsofentirelydifferentsymbology,
butuponinterpretationfindthattheunderlyingtheme
foreachisalmostidentical.Ineithercasethesourceof
thedreamisattemptingtoinsurethatthemessage
getsthroughandisunderstood.Adreamrepeated
overdays,weeksorperhapsmonths,indicatessome
thingthatyouhavenottakenactionon.Onceyou
understand,andrespondto,thedream,throughaction
orachangeinattitude,thedreamwillceasetooccur.
Generallytherecurringdreamisoneofthefollowing:

a)Precognitiveorprophetic.

b)Compensationforanimproperattitude.

c)Theresultofatraumaticincidentwhichhasleft
anegativeimpression.

GROUPDREAMS

Amongthemorespirituallyadvancedisan
occasionaltendencytoactivelyshareorparticipatein
adreamwithsomeoneelse.Inthesecases,thetwo
peopleareverymuchintunewithoneanotherona
psychicoremotionallevel.Itdoesnotmeanthatthey
are"soulmates",destinedforoneanother.Rather,
theyareinharmonyatsomelevelsinthisparticular
timeoftheirlivesandareundergoingsimilaradjust
mentsonthespiritualplane.Interpretationofthe
dreamshouldbedonethesameaswithanordinary
dream,butwiththe"other"personinthedreaminter
pretedasanaspectofyourself.

DREAMSversusOUTOFBODYEXPERIENCES

Thememoryofoutofbodyexperiences(OOBEs)
hasthesameelusivequalityasthedream.Conse
quentlyitisoftendifficulttoseparatethetwo.One
markeddifferenceisthesensationofawareness.Ina
dream,thevisualawarenessoftheselfisinonedirec
tiononly.Aswithphysicalsight,you"see"onlywhat
isinfrontofyou.IntheOOBE,however,youraware
nessisallencompassing.Youseenotonlywhatisin
frontbutalsowhatisbehind,above,belowandonthe
sidesallatthesametime.Donotattempttointerpret
anOOBEasyouwouldadream.

RITUALScontinued

LastlessonIdetailedthefourMajor,orGreater,
Sabbats.Nowwe'lllookatthefourMinor,orLesser,
Sabbats:SpringEquinox;SummerSolstice;Autum
nalEquinoxandWinterSolstice(orYule).Inactual



facttheterms"Major"and"Minor",or"Greater"and"Lesser",aremis
nomersforeachisasimportantastheother.

SPRINGEQUINOXSABBAT

Lettherebeabundleofspringwildflowerslyingonorbesidethe
altar.TheCovenersmaywearflowersintheirhairiftheywish.Onthe
altarliesthePriapicWand,awoodenorearthenwarebowlfilledwith
soilandalargeseedofsomekind.Alsoon,orunder,thealtarisasheetof
parchment,orpaper,andawritinginstrument.Thealtarclothand
candlesshouldbelightgreen.

TheErectingtheTempleisperformed.Thebellisrungthreetimes.

Priest:
Priestess:
All:
Priest:

Priestess:

"BlessedbeallwithinthisCircle."

"MerrymeetweatthisSpringtimeRite."

"Merrymeet."

"BrothersandSisters,hearmywords.

AwakeandgreettheSpring.

Lord!Lady!Hearus,forwearehere.

Weareheretocelebratewithyouandforyou.'

"Welcome,welcomebeauteousSpring!

Welcomethetimeforbirth.

Welcomethetimeforplantingseeds."


ThePRIAPICWANDisnamedafterPriapus,
theRomanCodofprocreation.InAsiaMinor
hewasequatedwithPan,thenaturedeityof
Greece,andwasconsideredtheoffspringof
AphroditeandDionysus.Hepresidedover
thefecundityoffieldsandflocks,overtherais
ingofbees,thecultureofthevineandover
fishing.Heprotectedorchardsandgardens,
wherehisphallicimagewasprominently
displayed.

ThePriapicWandis,ineffect,arepresenta
tionofaphallus(penis).Althoughonlyused
inafewrituals(ifyousodesire),youwill
needone.Itshouldbeabouttwentyoneinches
inlengthoverallwiththelasteightornine
inchescarvedintheshapeofamaleorgan.An
alternatedesign,whichrepresentsthephallus
symbolically,isawandendinginapine

COVENERS,withPRIESTandPRIESTESSleading,takeuptheflowers
anddancedeosilaroundtheCircle.Astheydance,theybenddownto
droptheirflowersonthelineoftheCircle,tillthewholecircleis
decoratedwiththeflowers.Iftheywish,theymaysingastheydance.
Whenthedancingstopsthebellisrungthreetimes.

Priest/ess:"Springtimeisseedtime.Nowisthetimeforeachofusto
plantthatwhichheorshewishestocometoflower."

Covener:"Springtimeisforhopesanddesires;fornewideas;for
balanceandinspiration."

Priest/ess:"Letusnowmeditateonthatwhichwewishtobringforth.
Letusconsiderourhopesandopportunitiesanddirectour
energiestoone,ormore,thingswewouldstartuponthe
roadoflife."

Allsitand,inascomfortableapositionaspossible,meditate.Thinkof
whatseedofanideayouwouldliketoplant,thatitmaygrowintoan
opportunity.ItmightbeaqualitylikePatience,orPerseverence,orit
mightbetheopportunitytodoorcreatesomething.Itmightbesome
thingnotforyourselfbutforanother[Note:Youarenothereworking
"magick"I'lldealwiththatfullyinalaterlessonbutsimply"planting
aseed"inyourmindthatyoucannurtureandletgrow.Likeallseeds,it
willneedtending,attentionandcare,tohelpitdevelopandfinally
bloom.]Whensufficienttimehaselapsedthebellisrung.PRIEST/ESS
takestheparchmentandpenandwrites,atthetop,his/her"seed"(tryto
concentrateitintoasfewwordsaspossible).Theparchmentispassed
aroundtheCircleandalladdtheir"seeds".Whenitisreturned,PRIEST/

;1
1

(3


ESSlightstheparchmentfromthealtarcandleand
holdsitsothatasitburnstheashesfallintothebowlof
earth.Ass/hedoesso,s/hesays:

Priest/ess:"LordandLady,receivetheseourseeds.
Letthemgerminateinourmindsandour

hearts.
Letthemprosperandgrowtomaturity,
Forwewillcareforthemandencourage

theminyourname."

Takingherathame,PRIESTESSmixesashesintothe
soil.Shethenmakesanindentationinthecenterand
laysdowntheknife.PRIESTtakesupPriapicWand
anddancesthreetimesaroundtheCirclewithitheld
aloftoverhishead.Thefirsttimeroundhedances
slowly,thesecondtimefasterandthethirdtimevery
fast.ReturningtothePriestess,heholdsouttheWand
verticallybeforehim.

Priestess:"BythepoweroftheraisedWanddoththe
Seedfindthefurrow.
BlessingsbeuponthishandsomeWand."

Shekissesthetipofit.

Priestess:"Allhonortoit.Mayitbeeverthus."

PRIESTlaysdowntheWandandtakesuptheseed
fromthealtar.Heholdsitforamomentbetweenthe
palmsofhishands,concentratinghisenergiesintoit.
HethenpassesittotheCovenernexttohim,whodoes
thesame.TheseedispassedaroundtheCircleinthis
fashiontillitreturnstoPriest.PRIESTESSthentakes
upthebowlfromthealtarandholdsithigh.

Priestess:"Ofoldwouldwecelebratebytogether
plantingtheseed,onewithanother.Here
dowesymbolizethatact,invenerationof
ourLadyandourLord."

PRIESTESSturnstofacePriest,bringingdownthe
bowlandholdingitbetweenherbreasts.

Priest:"TheseritesofSpringbelongtousall;

TousandtotheGods.
Thisisatimeofjoyandatimeforplant
ing."

Heplacestheseedinthehollowedspaceandcloses

thesoiloverontopofit.

Priest:"ThisseeddoIplaceinthewombofthe

Earth
ThatitmaybecomeapartofthatEarth,
ApartofLifeandapartofus."

PRIESTandPRIESTESSkiss,andPRIESTESSreplaces
bowlonaltar.TheythenmovearoundtheCircle,kiss
ingandhuggingeachoftheCoveners.Bellisrung
threetimes.

ThenshallfollowtheceremonyofCakesandAle.
ment.Theeveningconcludeswithafeast.

SUMMERSOLSTICESABBAT

Thealtarclothandcandlesshouldbewhite.The
Circlemaybedecoratedwithsummerflowers,fruits,
greenbranchesorwhateverisfelttobeappropriate.
IntheSouthquarterstandsacauldronfilledwith
water,withanaspergillumbesideit.Onthealtarisan
extra,largecandle,unlit.Besideoronthealtaristhe
Priest'sHornedHelmet.TheErectingtheTempleisper
formed.TheBellisrungthreetimes.

Covener:"Ceaseallsorrows!"

Covener:"Ceaseallstrife!"

Covener:"Thisdayisforliving."

Covener:"Forlivingthislife."

PRIESTplacesHornedHelmetonhisheadandstands
infrontofaltar.Hetakesextracandle,lightsitfrom
regularaltarcandleandthenraisesithighinhisright
hand.COVENERSraisebothhandshighandcry:

All:"Hail,Lord!HailtheSunGod!Hailthe

light!"

WhilePriestremainsinthecenter,PRIESTESSgoesto
standbesidethecauldron.COVENERSjoinhands
anddancearoundtheCircle,deosil.Astheymove
around,PRIESTESSsprinklesthemwithwaterfrom
thecauldronastheypass.All(includingPriestand
Priestess)sing*:

All:"ComestheLordoftheGreenwood,Green

wood,

*TheLordOftheGreenwoodbyTaraBuckland1985SeeAppendixDformusic.

LessonSeven:Meditation,DreamsandtheMinorSabbatsI'91

ComestheLordoftheGreenwood,Green
wood,

wood

TocourttheLadyfair.

Intheheatoftheirpassion,passion,

Intheheatoftheirpassion,passion,

Intheheatoftheirpassion,passion

Thegrainshallriseagain.

wood,

wood,

wood

TocourttheLadyfair."

Attheendofthesongthebellisrungseventimes.
PRIESTreplaceslitcandleonthealtarthenhedances
slowlytwelvetimes,deosil,aroundtheCircle.Ashe
goes,hesaysthefollowing,whichcovenersrepeat
afterhim(linebyline):

Priest:"IamHewhoistheLordandtheLight."

All:"YouareHewhoistheLordandthe

Light."
Priest:"IamHewhoistheSun."

All:"YouareHewhoistheSun."

Priest:"Letyourloveshineasdoesmyradiance."

All:"Weletourloveshineasdoesyourradi

ance."
Priest:"Letyourlovespreadthroughoutthe

world,asdoesmylight."
All:"Weletourlovespreadthroughoutthe

world,asdoesyourlight."
Priest:"Togetherwiththesunwemustalso

knowrain."
All:"Togetherwiththesunwemustalso

knowrain."
Priest:"Sotogetherwithjoywemustalsoknow

pain."
All:"Sotogetherwithjoywemustalsoknow

pain."
Priest:"IamtheLifeandIamtheHope."

All:"YouaretheLifeandyouaretheHope."

Priest:"IamtheDeathandtheLifeanew."

All:"YouaretheDeathandtheLifeanew."

Priest:"Withoutmetherecanbenothing."

All:"Withoutyoutherecanbenothing."

Priest:"Withme,youcanhaveallthatyoude

sire."
All:"Withyou,wecanhaveallthatwede

sire."
Priest:"IamHewhoistheSun."

All:"YouareHewhoistheSun."

Priest:"IamHewhoistheLordandtheLight."

All:"YouareHewhoistheLordandthe

Light."
Priest:"AsIgivelightandlifetoyou,soisitmeet

thatyoushouldgivetoothers.Letusall
shareallthatwehavewiththosewho
havenothing."

Returningtothealtar,PRIESTassumestheGodposi
tion.LedbyPRIESTESS,Covenersmovearoundto
bowbeforePriestandtolayanoffering*athisfeet.

Priest:"Nowmayyouknowthetruejoyofgiving.

Sobeit."
All:"Sobeit."

Priest/ess:"WeWiccansgivethankstotheMighty
Ones

Fortherichnessandgoodnessoflife.

Astheremustberainwiththesun,

Tomakeallthingsgood,

Somustwesufferpainwithourjoy,

Toknowallthings.

OurloveiseverwiththeGods,

Forthoughweknownottheirthoughts,

Yetdoweknowtheirhearts

Thatallisforourgood.

MightyOnes,blessusnow.

Keepusfaithfulinthyservice.

Wethankyouforthecrops;

Forlife;forlove;forjoy.

Wethankyouforthatspark

Thatbringsustogetherandtoyou.

HelpustolivewithLove

AndwithTrustbetweenus.

Helpustofeelthejoyoflovingyou

Andoflovingoneanother."
All:"Sobeit!"

Thebellisrungthreetimes.Thenshallfollowthe
ceremonyofCakesandAle.AfterthattheClearingthe
Templeisperformedsothatthereisplentyofroomfor

"Offeringscanbetosuitthegiver.OnecovenIknowgivesofferingsofmoneywhicharethendona
tedtocharity.Anothergivesofferingsoffoodandclothingwhichisgiventothe
needy.Theofferingshouldbesomethingofasacrificeonthepartofthegiver;itisnotjusta
tokengiving.


fun,gamesandentertainment.Theeveningcon
cludeswithafeast.

AUTUMNALEQUINOXSABBAT

Thealtarclothandcandlesshouldbered.The
Circleshouldbedecoratedwithautumnflowers,
acorns,gourds,pinecones,cornsheaves,etc..Abowl
offruit(apples,pears,peachesandwhatever)isonthe
altar.Offerings(seefootnotetopreviousritual)liearound
thealtar.

Priest/ess:"Nowdoweenjoythefruitsofourlabors."
Covener:"Nowdowecelebratetheharvest."
Covener:"Aswesowedinthespring,nowdowe

reap."
Priest/ess:"Nowletuspayourduesandenjoyour

justrewards."

Thebellisrungthreetimes.ALLjoinhandsandmove
slowlydeosilabouttheCircle.Asimpledancestep
(seeLesson12)oralightskippingstepmaybeused,if
desired.Thecovengoesaroundthreetimes.Asthey
movearoundthePRIEST/ESSsays:

Priest/ess:"HereisthebalanceofDayandNight.
Atnopointdoestimestandstill.
Everdoesthewheelturnandturnagain:
Childrenarebornandgrow;ageadvances.
Deathwillcometovisitassurelyasthesun

dothrise.
SinceDeathisinevitable,greethimasa

friend.
Remember,heitiswhoopensthedoor
Thatleadsforwardintolife.
Lifetodeathanddeathtolife:
Balanceandharmony;evermovingon."

Whenthecirclingstops,thePRIESTtakesupthebowl
offruitandmovesaroundtheCirclegivingafruitto
eachcovener.Atthegivingthereisanembraceanda
kissandtheCovenersays:

Covener:"IgivethankstotheGodsforthissignofa
joyfulharvest."

PRIESTendsbygivingafruittothePriestessthenshe,in
turn,givesthelastonetothePriest.Thebellisrung
seventimes.Allthensitandenjoytheirfruit.Atthistime
therecanbehappyconversation.Whenallhaveeaten,

thebellisrungthreetimesandallstandagain.

Priest:"Althoughtheseasonofplentydrawstoa

close,yetaretheGodseverwithus.Our
Lordwatchesoverus,asdoeshisLady."

Priestess:"Tothegoodseasonsthathavealready
passed."

All:"TheLordandtheLadygiveblessings."

Priest:"Tothebeautyofautumnandtothose

friendswetreasure."

All:"TheLordandtheLadygiveblessings."

Covener:"Peace,joyandlovetotheworld."

All:"Tothatdowegiveourblessings."

Priest:"Howistheground?"

All:"Wellcaredfor."

Priestess:"Howarethecrops?"

All:"Beautifulandplentiful."

Covener:"Whatareourlives?"

All:"TheharvestoftheGods."

Priest/ess:"Whilstweenjoythefruitsofourlabors,
theharvestofourlives,letusnever
forgetthosewhoarenotsofortunate."

Covener:"Weoffer,here,aportionofourfortunes
togowhereitmaybeneeded."

All:"Somoteitbe."

Priest/ess:"ThenmaytheLordandtheLadybless
theseofferings,blessthegiversandbless
thosewhowillreceive."

Thebellisrungthreetimes.Thenshallfollowthe
ceremonyofCakesandAle.AfterthattheClearingthe
Templeisperformedsothatthereisplentyofroomfor
fun,gamesandentertainment.Theeveningcon
cludeswithafeast.

WINTERSOLSTICESABBAT

Thealtarclothandthecandlesshouldbepurple.
TheCirclemaybedecoratedwithholly,mistletoe,ivy,
etc..Thereisacauldroninthesouth,filledwithkind
ling.ThePriest'sHornedHelmetisbesidethealtar.
Shorttapers(oneforeachCovener)lieonthealtar.
Thebellisrungthreetimes.PRIESTsitsorkneelsin
thecenteroftheCircle.

Covener:"BlessedaretheGodswhoturnthemighty

wheel."
Covener:"Welcome,thricewelcome,toYule;the

turningpointofwinterisuponus."
Covener:"Hereisanendtothesolaryear."

Covener:"Buthere,too,isanewbeginning."
Priestess:"Brothers,Sisters,Friends.Letusshow
ourlovebysendingforthourpowerand
ourstrengthtohewhoistheSunGod.At
thisturningoftheyear'stide,letusjoin
ourenergieswithhis,thathemaybereborn
toascendoncemoreuntohisrightful
place."

COVENERSandPRIESTESSjoinhandsandcircle,
deosil,chanting:

All:"Turn,turn,turnthewheel.

Roundandround;arounditgoes.
Theflamethatdied,itnowdothheal.
Return,return,returntolife.
Welcomesunlight;farewellstrife.
TheSunLorddies;theSunLordlives.
Deathopenshandsandnewlifegives.
Turn,turn,turnthewheel.
Theflamethatdied,itnowdothheal.
Roundandround;arounditgoes."

Thismaybekeptupforaslongasdesired.Then,while
stillcircling,PRIESTESSsays:

Priestess:"LetuskindlefreshfiretolightourLord

uponhisway."
Covener:"Fireforstrength!"
Covener:"Fireforlife!"
Covener:"Fireforlove!"

AstheypassthealtarPRIESTESSfirst,theneach
Covener,takesupataperandlightsitfromthealtar
candle.ContinuingaroundtheCircle,whenthecauldron
isreachedthetaperisthrownin,tolightthekindling
andthenaddtoit.Whenallhavethrownintheir


tapers,circlingstopswithPriestessbeforethealtar.
ShetakesuptheHornedHelmetandmovesaroundto
standbeforethekneelingPriest.

Priestess:"Mayallourpower,Witchesall,strengthen
thenewbornLord."

PRIESTESSplacesHornedHelmetonPriest'shead.
Hecomestohisfeetandraiseshishandshigh.

Priest:

'Life!Love!IamtheSunLord!"

Helowershishandsthenmovesslowlyaroundthe
Circlespeaking,asthoughtalkingtoeachindividual
covenerashemovesaround.

Priest:"IfellintodeepdarknessanddeathI

knew.
YetwasIofstarseed.
Onthetailofacomet
Irentthevelvetdarknessofeverlasting

light.
Ablazewithglory,Iwasreborn,
Tostartagaintheperennialcycleofguard
ianship
Thatevermoredrivesmethroughdeath

andbirthalike.
WiththecompanionshipofourLady
Ifaceintothewind,

Knowingthatweflyuponwingsoftime,
Throughtimelessworlds,together."
Covener:"Allhail,theSunGod!"
All:"Allhail,theSunGod!"*

Covener:"AllhailthedeathandbirthofYule."
All:"Allhail!"

Bellisrungseventimes.PRIESTandPRIESTESSjoin
handsandleadcovenersinadanceabouttheCircle.
Bellisrungthreetimes.

AfterthattheClearingoftheTempleisperformedsothat
ment.Theeveningconcludeswithafeast.

*Heremayalsobeinsertedan"Allhail,...(Name)..."theparticularnameofthedeityusedby
thecoven.


1.Relateanyexperiences,insightsthathavecometoyouwhilemeditating.

Listbelowsomerecurringthemesorsymbolsinyourdreams.Trytointerpretsomeofyourmorepow
erful
dreams.Describethemhere.BesuretokeepaspecialDreamJournalnexttoyourbed.

3.ListthefourMinorSabbatsandtellwhateachcommemorates.RelatehowyoucelebratedeachMin
or,or
Lesser,Sabbat.

LESSONEIGHT
MARRIAGE,BIRTH,DEATHANDCHANNELING

HANDFASTING

HandfastingistheWiccanwordforthemarriagecere
mony.UnliketheChristianform,wherethemanand
womanarelockedtogether"tilldeathdouspart"
(eveniftheylatergrowapartandeventuallycometo
almosthateoneanother),theWiccanceremonyjoins
manandwoman"forsolongasloveshalllast".When
thereisnolongerlovebetweenthem,theyarefreeto
gotheirseparateways.

ThesedaysmostcoupleswritetheirownHand
fastingceremony.IheregivetheSeaxWicariteasan
example.Youmayliketouseitasitis,orjustasabasis
foryourownideas.Readitcarefully.Inadditionto
beingverybeautiful,Ithinkyouwillfindthatitmakes
agreatdealofsense.

HANDFASTINGRITE

Thisriteshouldbeperformedduringthewaxing
oftheMoon.TheAltarmaybedeckedwithflowers
andflowersstrewnabouttheCircle.Ifthecovennor
mallywearsrobes,forthisriteitissuggestedthatthe
BrideandGroomatleastbeskyclad;preferablythe
wholecoven.

ItistraditionalintheSeaxWicafortheBride
andGroomtoexchangerings.Theseareusually
goldorsilverbandswiththecouple's(Craft)names
inscribedontheminrunes.Theseringsrestonthe
altaratthestartoftherite.ThePriapicWandisalsoon
thealtar.

TheErectingtheTempleisperformed.PRIESTand
PRIESTESSkiss.

Covener:"Therearethoseinourmidstwhoseekthe

bondofHandfasting."
Priestess:"Letthembenamedandbroughtforward."

Covener:"...(Groom'sname)...istheManand...
(Bride'sname)...istheWoman."

BRIDEandGROOMmoveforwardtostandfacing
PriestandPriestessacrossthealtarBrideopposite
PriestandGroomoppositePriestess.

Priestess(toGroom):"Areyou...(Name)...?"

Groom:"Iam."

Priestess"Whatisyourdesire?"

Groom:"Tobemadeonewith...(Bride'sname)...,

intheeyesoftheGodsandtheWicca."
Priest(toBride):"Areyou...(Name)...?"

Bride:"Iam."

Priest:"Andwhatisyourdesire?"

Bride:"Tobemadeonewith...(Groom'sname)...,

intheeyesoftheGodsandtheWicca."

PRIESTESStakesupswordandraisesithigh.PRIEST
handsPriapicWandtoBrideandGroom.Theyholdit
betweenthem,eachwithbothhands.

Priestess:"LordandLady,herebeforeyoustandtwo
ofyourfolk.Witness,now,thatwhichthey
havetodeclare."

PRIESTESSreplacesswordonaltar,thentakesher
athameandholdsthepointofittoGroom'schest.
Groomrepeatsthefollowing,linebyline:

Priestess:"Repeatafterme:T,...(Name)...,docome
hereofmyownfreewill,toseekthepartner
shipof...(Bride'sname)....Icomewithall
love,honorandsincerity,wishingonlyto
becomeonewithherwhomIlove.Always
willIstrivefor...(Bride'sname)...'shappi
nessandwelfare.HerlifewillIdefend

97


beforemyown.Maytheathamebeplunged
intomyheartshouldInotbesincereinall
thatIdeclare.AllthisIswearinthenames
ofthegods*.Maytheygivemethestrength
tokeepmyvows.Somoteitbe.'"

PRIESTESSlowersherathame.Priestthenraiseshis
athameand,inturn,holdsittothebreastoftheBride.
Sherepeatstheoath,linebyline,afterhim:

Priest:"Repeatafterme:1,...(Name)...,docome

hereofmyownfreewill,toseekthepartner
shipof...(Groom'sname)....Icomewithall
love,honorandsincerity,wishingonlyto
becomeonewithhimwhomIlove.Always
willIstrivefor...(Groom'sname)...'shap
pinessandwelfare.HislifewillIdefend
beforemyown.Maytheathamebeplunged
intomyheartshouldInotbesincereinall
thatIdeclare.AllthisIswearinthenames
ofthegods*.Maytheygivemethestrength
tokeepmyvows.Somoteitbe.'"

PRIESTlowerstheathame.PRIESTESStakesupthe
tworingsandsprinklesandcensesboth.Shehands
theBride'sringtotheGroomandtheGroom'sringto
theBride.Theytakethemintheirrighthands,remain
ingholdingthePriapicWandwiththeirlefthands.

Priest:"Asthegrassofthefieldsandthetreesof

thewoodsbendtogetherunderthepressures
ofthestorm,sotoomustyoubothbend
whenthewindblowsstrong.Butknow
thatasquicklyasthestormcomes,so
equallyquicklymayitleave.Yetwillyou
bothstand,strongineachother'sstrength.
Asyougivelove;sowillyoureceivelove.
Asyougivestrength;sowillyoureceive
strength.Togetheryouareone;apartyou
areasnothing."

Priestess:"Knowyouthatnotwopeoplecanbe
exactlyalike.Nomorecananytwopeople
fittogether,perfectineveryway.There
willbetimeswhenitwillseemhardtogive
andtolove.Butseethenyourreflectionas
inawoodlandpool:whentheimageyou
seelookssadandangered,thenisthetime
foryoutosmileandtolove(foritisnotfire
thatputsoutfire).Inreturnwilltheimage
inthepoolsmileandlove.Sochangeyou

Priest:

All:


angerforloveandtearsforjoy.Itisno
weaknesstoadmitawrong;moreisita
strengthandasignoflearning."
"Everlove,helpandrespecteachother,
Andthenknowtrulythatyouareone
IntheeyesoftheGods
AndoftheWicca."
"SoMoteItBe!"

PRIESTtakesPriapicWandfromcoupleandreplaces
itonthealtar.BRIDEandGROOMeachplaceringon
theother'sfingerandkiss.TheythenkissPriestand
Priestessacrossthealtar,thenmovedeosilaboutthe
Circletobecongratulatedbytheothers.

ThenshallfollowtheceremonyofCakesandAle
followedbygamesandmerriment.

AsIsaidatthebeginningofthislesson,inmany
religionsmarriageismeanttobealifetimepartner
ship.Eventhoughitmayturnoutthatafterafewyears
acouplefindtheyarereallyunsuitedtooneanother,
theyarestuckfortherestoftheirlives.Thisinvariably
leadstogreatunhappinessforhusband,wifeandany
children.AlthoughWitchesmostcertainlydonot
encouragecasualpartnerships,theydorecognizethe
factthatsomemarriagesjustdonotworkoutideally.
Whenthisisthecase,andwhenallattemptshavebeen
madetosettleanydifferences,thentheywilldissolve
thepartnershipwiththeoldceremonyofHandparting.
This,ofcourse,isneverundertakenlightly.

HANDPARTINGRITE

Beforetheceremonythecouplewillsitwiththe
PriestandPriestessandworkoutafairdivisionof
theirproperty,plusprovisionforsupportofany
childrenofthemarriage.Ascribewillmakenoteof
thisandtherecordwillbesignedbyall.Ifeitherhus
bandorwifearenotavailablefortherite(byreasonof
relocation,illhealthorwhatever),thenaWitchofthe
appropriatesexmaystandinforthemissingparty.
Theritewilltakeplaceinthisfashiononlyifthereisa
signedagreementfromthemissingparty,together
withthemarriagering.

TheErectingtheTempleisperformed.Priestand
Priestesskiss.

Covener:"...(Husband'sname)...and...(Wife's
name)...,standforth."

Namesusedforthegodsmaybeinsertedhere.

LessonEight:Marriage,Birth,DeathandChanneling199

HusbandandWifestandbeforethealtar,Husband
facingPriestessandWifefacingPriest.

Priestess:"Whyareyouhere?"

Husband:"IwishaHandpartingfrom...(Name)..."

Priest:"Whyareyouhere?"

Wife:"IwishaHandpartingfrom...(Name)..."

Priestess:"Doyoubothdesirethisofyourownfree

will?"
Husband&Wife:"Wedo."
Priest:"Hasasettlementbeenreachedbetween

youregardingthedivisionofpropertyand

(ifappropriate)careforthechildren?"
Husband&Wife:"Ithas."
Priest:"Hasthisbeendulyrecorded,signedand

witnessed?"
CovenerScribe:"Ithas."

Priest:"Thenletusproceed,rememberingthat

westandeverbeforethegods."

HUSBANDandWIFEjoinhands.Theyrepeatthe
following,linebyline,speakingtogether.

Priestess:"Togetherrepeatafterme:T,...(Name)...,
doherebymostfreelydissolvemypartner
shipwith...(Spouse'sname)....Idosoinall
honestyandsincerity,beforetheGods,
withmybrothersandsistersoftheCraftas
witnesses.NolongerareweasOne,but
nowareTwoindividuals,freetogoour
separateways.Wereleaseallties,oneto
theother,yeteverwillweretainrespect
foroneanother,aswehaveloveandrespect
forourfellowWiccans.Sobeit.'"

Priest:"HandPart!"

HUSBANDandWIFEreleaseeachother'shands,
removetheirmarriageringsandgivethemtothe
Priestess.Shesprinklesandcensesthem,saying:

Priestess:"InthenamesoftheGodsdoIcleanse
theserings."

Shereturnsthemtothecouple,todowiththemas
theywish.

Priestess:"Nowareyouhandparted.Letallknow
youassuch.Goyourseparatewaysin
PeaceandinLoveneverinbitterness
andinthewaysoftheCraft.Somoteit
be."

All:

'Somoteitbe.'

ThenshallfollowtheceremonyoftheCakesand
AleandtheClearingtheTemple.

GenerallyspeakingWitchesareveryopenminded
people,especiallywherereligionisconcerned.They
havenohardandfast"Commandments";nocatechisms.
Theyfeelthatallshouldbefreetochoosethereligion
thatbestsuitsthem.Itwouldseemobviousthatthere
canbenoonereligionforall.Temperamentsdiffer.
Someloveritualforitsownsake;otherslookforsimpli
city.Allreligionsleadinthesamedirection,simply
takingdifferentpathstogetthere.Witchesfeelthatall
shouldthereforebefreetochoosetheirownpath.
AllincludingtheWitches'ownchildren.Achild
shouldnotbeforcedtofollowaparticularreligionjust
becauseitisthereligionoftheparent(s).Forthis
reasonmostWitchparentstrytogivetheirchildrenas
wideaviewofreligionaspossible,thatthechildmay
makeafreechoicewhenready.Itisnaturallyhoped
thatthechildwillchoosetheCraft,butitisnotforced.
Farbetterthatthechildbehappyinareligiondifferent
fromtheparentthanthats/hebecomeareligious
hypocrite.

FortheabovereasonsthereisnoCraft"baptism".
Instead,inasimpleceremony,theparentsaskthe
godstowatchoverthechildandgiveher,orhim,wis
dominchoicewhenolder.Thechildwillbefully
initiatedonlywhenoldenoughtodecideforher/
himself.Theexactagewill,ofcourse,varyfromone
childtoanother.Untilthattimethechildshouldcer
tainlybeencouragedtoparticipateinCirclesandto
"getthefeel"oftheCraft.Whenready,thentheinitia
tionwillbeconductedbythePriestandPriestess,or,if
theysowish,bytheparentsactingasPriestand
Priestess.

InvirtuallyallbranchesoftheCraft,anyonemay
leaveatanytime,shouldtheysowish.Theyarealso
freetoreturnagain,atanytime,shouldtheysodesire.
Therewouldbenoneedforasecondinitiation.

BIRTHRITE(orWiccaning)

Thismaybeperformedatanyoftherituals,prior
totheceremonyofCakesandAle,oritmaybedoneasa
riteinitself,precededbyErectingtheTempleandthen
followedbyCakesandAleand,ofcourse,Clearingthe
Temple.


Priestesskiss.

Covener:"Thereisanadditiontoournumber.Letus
giveher/himduewelcome."

PARENTSmovetostandacrossthealtarfromthe
PriestandPriestess.Theyholdthebaby.

Priest:

"Whatisthenameofthechild?'

Parentsgivethechild'snamethenamebywhichit
willbeknownintheCircleuntiloldenoughtochoose
itsownname.

Priest:"Wewelcomeyou,...(Name)..."

Priestess:"Welcome,andmuchlovetoyou."

PRIESTandPRIESTESSleadPARENTSandchild
threetimes,deosil,aroundtheCircle.PARENTSthen
"offer"thechildtheyholdthechildoverthealtar.

Parents:"Wehereofferthefruitofourlovetothe
gods.Maytheywatchoverher/himass/
hegrows."

PRIESTESSdipsherfingersinthesaltedwaterand
gentlywipesthemoverthebaby'sface.Motherthen
passesthechildthroughthesmokeoftheincense.

Priestess:"MaytheLordandtheLadyeversmile
uponyou."

Priest:"Maytheyguardyouandguideyouthrough

thislife."

Priestess:"Maytheyhelpyouchoosethatwhichis
rightandshunthatwhichiswrong."

Priest:"Maytheyseethatnoharmbefallsyou,or

othersthroughyou."

Priestess(toparents):"Wechargeyouboth,inthe
namesoftheGodandoftheGoddess,to
leadthischild,withlove,throughthehigh
waysandbywaysoflife.Teachhim/herthe
waysoftheCraftthats/hemaylearntohonor
andrespectalllifeandtoharmnone."

Priest:"Teachher/himoftheLordandtheLady;

ofthislife,ofallthatwentbeforeandwhat
maycomeafter.Tellthetalesofthegods
andteachthehistoryofourCraft.Teach
her/himtostriveforthatperfectionwhich
alldesireand,whenthetimeisright,


hopebutdonotpressthats/hejoins
withusandbecomestrulyoneofour
belovedfamily."
Parents:"Allthiswillwedo.Sodowepledge."
PriestandPriestess:"Webidwelcometo...(Name)..."
All:"Welcome!"


BecauseoftheCraftbeliefinreincarnation,death
isatimeforcelebrationratherthangrief.Deathsignifies
thecompletionofalearningperiod...theindividual
has"graduated"andwillbegoingontootherthings.
Thisshouldbecelebrated.Sorrow,then,isasignof
selfishness.Wearesorryforourselves,thatwehave
beenleftbehind,withouttheloveandcompanionship
ofonedeartous.

Therearenohardandfastteachingsonwhat
shouldbedonewihthebodyafterdeath.Afterall,it
wasonlyashellforthespirit,orsoul,thatinhabitedit
andhasnowgoneon.ManyWitches(Ithink,probably
themajority)favorcremation;othersleavetheirbodies
tohospitals.Itisapersonalchoice.Few,ifany,Witches
seethesenseoftheelaborateand(fortherelatives)
expensivetrappingsoftoday'sfunerals.

CROSSINGTHEBRIDGE(atdeath)

Thisritemaybeperformedatanyoftheother
rituals,priortotheCakesandAle,oritmaybedoneasa
riteinitself,precededbyErectingtheTempleandfollowed
byCakesandAleand,ofcourse,ClearingtheTemple.

Priestesskiss.Asinglelongnoteissoundedonahorn,
byoneoftheCoveners.

Covener:"Thehornissoundedfor...(Nameof
DeceasedWitch)."

All:"Sobeit."

Priestess:"Thattoday...(Name)...isnotwithus,here
intheCircle,saddensusall.Yetletustry
nottofeelsad.Foristhisnotasignthats/he
hasfulfilledthislife'swork?Nowiss/he
freetomoveon.Weshallmeetagain,never
fear.Andthatwillbeatimeforfurther
celebration."

Priest:"Letussendforthourgoodwishestobear

her/himacrosstheBridge.Mays/hereturn
atanytimes/hemaywish,tobewithus
here."


ALLtaketheirathamesandpointthemataspotbehind
thealtar,facingthePriestandPriestess.Theyimagine
thedeadWitchstandingonthatspot,lookingasthey
bestrememberherorhim.Theyconcentrateonsend
inglove,joyandhappinessfromtheirbodies,along
thelineoftheathame,intotheimaginedbody.This
continuesforafewmoments.ThePriestesssignalsthe
endbyreplacingherathameandsaying:

Priestess:

All:

"WewishyoualltheLoveandHappiness
wemay.Wewillneverforgetyou.Donot
youforgetus.Wheneverwemeethere,
youarealwayswelcome."
"Somoteitbe."

ALLnowsitandifanypresentwishtospeakofthe
deceased,theymaydoso.Ifnooneelse,thenatleast
thePriestand/orPriestessshouldspeakreminiscen
tlyofthedeadWitch,rememberingespeciallythe
goodandhappytimes.Thenshallfollowtheceremony
ofCakesandAle.

THEINTUITIVEPROCESS

Theword"psychic"meansthatwhichpertainsto
thespiritorhigherconsciousness.Theword"occult"
meansthatwhichishiddenfromtheuninitiated.In
fact,thereisnothinghiddenormysteriousaboutyour
beyondthephysicalabilities.Theyareapartofevery
singleoneofus.Justasweeachhavearmsandlegs,
fingersandtoes,sodoweeachhavebeyondthe
physicalabilities.Theseabilitiesareverymuchin
evidenceinsomepeoplebutliedormantawaiting
recognitionandutilizationinothers.Andjustas
physicalabilitiesdifferinindividuals,sodothesepsy
chicabilities.Bytestingyourphysicalstrengthindif
ferenttasks,youfindwhatyouarecapableofandwhat
youarenot.Soitiswithyourpsychicstrength.You
needtotestit,toexerciseandattempt,inordertofind
outyourtruecapabilities.

Let'slookfirstatChannelingthetappinginto
thecollectiveconsciousnessinordertoobtainneeded
information.

CATEGORIESOFCHANNELING

Theabilitytochannelinformationfallsintotwo
generalcategories;thePHYSICALandtheMENTAL.

Physicalchannelingisthatwhichrelatesto,orhas
aneffecton,physicalobjects.Thiswouldincludepsy
chometry,pendulum(radiesthesia),tealeafreading
(tasseography),cardreading(cartomancy),etc..

Mentalchannelingisthatwhichdealswithimpres
sionsreceivedonsomelevelofconsciousawareness.
Includedinthementalcategoryareclairvoyance
("clearseeing"),clairaudience(hearing),clairsen
tience(sensing)andtelepathy(thoughttransference).
Theabilitiestofunctioninprecognitive(knowing
beforetheevent),retrocognitive(aftertheevent)and
presenttimeframes.

Afurtherdivisionofchannelingshouldbenoted.
Thatis,thedifferencebetween"trance"and"conscious"
channeling(thetranceconditioncanbefurtherdivided
intodeep,mediumandlightstates).Generallyspeak
ing,theterm"trance"indicatesthelackofconscious
activityonthepartofthepsychic,or"Channel".Ina
deeptrance,theChannelisnotconsciouslyawareof
whatisoccurringduringtheprocessandwillnot
retainanymemoryoftheevent.Inamediumorsemi
trancestate,theChannelusuallyhassomeconscious
awarenessofwhatoccursandretainssomememory.
Inthiscase,theconsciousmindactsasanobserverbut
doesnotactivelyparticipateinthechannelingofthe
information.Inalighttrancetheknowledgeduring,
andlatermemoryof,theeventismorepronounced.
However,theconsciousmemorystillfunctionsonly
asanobserverandtakesnoactivepart.

Inthecaseofconsciouschanneling,thePsychic's
consciousawarenesscan,andoftendoes,activelypar
ticipate.Notonlyarethehigherlevelsofconscious
nessreceivingandassimilatinginformation,butthe
consciousawarenessisreceivingandanalyzingdata
onthephysicallevel(suchasphysicalmanifestation
ofemotionalresponse,includingbodylanguage,facial
expressionandvoiceinflection).

CLEARINGTHECHANNEL

TobecomeaChannel,youmustremovethedebris
thatblocksorimpedestheflowofinformation.You
mustridyourmindofalloftherubbishaccumulated
throughoutyourlifetimesothatacleanenvironment
existsinwhichtodevelopthosepowerslatentwithin
you.Youmustovercomeyourinhibitions,falsevalues,
uncertainties,indecisionandcriticismofothers.Some
majorconsiderationsareasfollows:

1:ControllingthemindToclearthewayforthehigher


mind,youmustlearntocontrolandfocusthecon
sciousmind.Considerhowyouseemtohavea
thousandthoughtsrushingaboutatanygiven
moment.Thisshowshowyouscatteryourenergies,
givingonlyasmallpercentageofyourenergyto
anyoneideaoractionatatime.Ifyoulearntocontrol
yourmentalenergiesandgiveundividedattention,
youhavetheforce;thepowertoachieveanygoal,
thePowerofcreation.

2:RemovingemotionWorry,fear,anger,envy,rush
andnoiseareasmuchapoisontoyourspiritualsys
temasarsenicwouldbetoyourbody.Truespiritual
qualitiesentirelyeliminatethesepoisons.Totalfaith
leavesnoroomforworry.Unrestrictedloveallows
noroomforhate,envy,angerandgreed.

3:SelfexaminationAsatruthseeker,youshould
continuallyexamineyourself.Youmustdetermine
youridealsandbeliefs.Youmustachieveclearand
concisedeterminationofwhatisrightandwrong
foryou.Justasyoucannotjudgeanother,youcan
notbejudgedbyanyotherthanyourself.Youmust
determineyourambitionsandanalyzeyourmoti
vation.Youmustdetermineyourgoalsanddefine
themclearly.Youcannotcompleteajourneywithout
aspecificobjective.Forexample,youwouldn't
merelygotoacertaincitytovisitafriend.You
wouldgotoaspecificstreet,aspecificbuildingand
aspecificapartment.Notonlymustyoudefineyour
objectives,youmustalsoplacetheminpriorityand
pursuethemaccordingly.Asyouselect,prioritize
andpurs\ieyourgoals,youmustadheretothecreed
"An'itharmnone..."

4:Possessiveness.Oneofthemostdifficultobstacles
formanytoovercomeispossessiveness.Our
possessions(peopleandthings)ruleuswhileonly
pretendingtobeourslaves.Theydemandourtime
andmoney.Theytieusdowntoaspecificplaceand
complicateourlivesseverely.Theybringjealousy,
greed,envyandhate.Thisdoesnotmeanthatwe
shoulddenyourselvesourpossessions.Weare
meanttopossessallthings,shareallthingsandto
havepoweroverallthings.Butwearenotmeantto
havepoweroveroneortwothingstotheexclusion
ofallothers.Consideryourfeelingsconcerning
yourpossessions.Whoisthemasterandwhothe
slave?Learntotransformpettypossessivenessinto
thegreatspiritualfeelingofsharingandunity.

5:LoveYoushouldlearntotrulylove.Manymiscon
ceptionsexistconcerningthissubject.Itistoooften
viewedasaratherselfishemotionoraslust.You

mustlearnofthehigherlove;unselfishlove.You
shouldlearntolovewellenoughtoreleasepeople
andthingsratherthantoclingtothem.Yourlove
shouldbeunderstandingandforgiving.Youneed
torealizethateachindividualhashisownpathto
follow,hisownexperiencestoassimilate,inorder
tofullydevelop.Youmustlethimtreadhisown
pathathisownpace.Youshouldgivelove.You
shouldbelove.Youmustlearnempathyforall
andsympathyfornone.
6:MeditationFinally,youmustmasterthesilencein
whichthehigherselfspeaks.AsIdiscussedinthe
previouslesson,itisthroughmeditationthatyou
learntoconcentrateandfocusyourattentiononthe
higherlevel.Thedailysessionofmeditationclears
theclutteredmindandproducestheclearchannel
thatcanbeusedatwill.

Asyoucontinuetoworkwiththesixstepsout
linedabove,thechannelwillgraduallybegintoclear,
andbitsofinformationwillstarttofilterthrough.
Usuallytheprocessissogradualthatyoumaynot
evendetectitatfirst.Manytimestheinitialcluesare
bitsofknowledgethathavenoconsciouslyknown
source.Theymaybecompletelynewideas,concepts
orrealizationofnewtruths.Channelopeningcanalso
beexpressedinwhatseemstobeanimprovedmemory.
Inanycase,itisseldomdramatic.Youwon'tsuddenly
"becomepsychic"!...butgradually,overaperiodof
time,newtruths,newknowledgeandnewawareness
becomeyours.

Thechannelingofintuitiveinformationshould
beanormalstateofawareness.Asyoudevelop,you
willfindthatyoucannotalwaysturnitonandoffat
will.Itisfrequentlyquiteinvoluntary.Youmaymeet
someoneforthefirsttimeandrealizethatyou"know"
thingsaboutthem.Youmaysenseconditionsintheir
pastorfuture.Youmay"see"thingsorpeopleconnec
tedwiththeirlives.Atothertimesyoumaywantto
knoworsensethingsbutfindnoimpressionswhat
soever.Intime,asyouuseyourabilitiesandexercise
them,youwillfindthattheinformationisbecoming
moreandmoreavailable.Eventuallyyouwillfindthat
youcancalldowninformationalmostatwill.

LISTENING

Onewaytohelpyourdevelopmentistomakeapractice
oflisteningtothoseinnerurges.Forexample,suppose
youhaveaparticularroutethatyoualwaystake

LessonEight:Marriage,Birth,DeathandChanneling/103

returninghomefromwork.Oneafternoon,asyoureachacertaininter
section,youfeeltheinclinationtoturndownacertaintreelinedlane.Of
coursetheconsciousmindbeginsimmediatelytoargue,"Youdon't
havetime.Thefamilyisexpectingyou;thelawnmustbemownbefore
dark;etc.,etc.."Ignoretheconsciousmindandlistentothatinnerurge.
Turndownthelane.Thereisareason.Youmayfindabeautifulpondora
floweredyardorhillsidethatfillsyouwiththejoyofnatureandgives
youaneededspirituallift.Ontheotherhand,youmaynotseemto
noticeanythingworthwhile.Youmaytakethealternateroutehomewith
nonotableexperience.Youmayneverhearoftheterribleaccidentthat
occurredattheintersectiontwoblocksdownattheexacttimethatyou
wouldhavedriventhrough!Whetherapparentornot,THEREISA
REASON!

EXTERNALFOCALPOINTS

ThePendulumIfyouareseekingtheanswertoaparticularquestion,
itisoftenhelpfultouseanexternalobjectasafocus,inordertoeliminate
outsideinfluencesandconsciousminddistortion.Theuseofsuchan
objectdoesnotaffecttheinformationinanyway.Itmerelyoccupiesthe
individual'sconsciousnessandfocusesawarenessonaparticularpoint.
Onesuchfocusingdeviceisthependulum.Thisallowsyoutoobtaina
simple"Yes","No"or"Notyetdetermined"answertothequestion.

Thependulumitselfshouldbemadeofnaturalmineralproducts.
Theweightshouldbeattachedtoasmallchainaboutnineincheslong
(thechainmaybeofalmostanymaterialexceptanimalproducts).The
preferredmaterialwouldbemetalsuchasgold,silver,brassorcopper.
Aluminumisnotrecommendedbecausetheelectricalprocessusedin
itsmanufacturemaybedisruptivetoyourauricfield.

A"YES/NO"answercard,asshownintheillustration(Figure8.1)
mayalsobeused.

Tousethependulum,placetheanswercardonaflatsurfacesuchas
atableordesk.Seatyourselfcomfortablyinfrontofit.Clearyourmind
ofallextraneousthought.Ifyoudesire,sayasmallprayersuchasthe
SeaxWicaPsalmgiveninLessonTwo.Askthegodsforprotectionand
guidanceinreceivingtrueanswers.Holdthechainwithyourrighthand
(left,iflefthanded)aboutseveninchesfromtheweight.Suspenditover
thecenteroftheanswercard,abouthalfaninchoffthesurface.Holding
thependulumsteady,askyourquestion.Makesureitisonethatcanbe
answered"Yes"or"No".Donottrytomakethependulumswing.Youwill
findthatalthoughyoutrytoholdyourhandstill,theweightwillswing
backwardsandforwardsalongoneofthelinesonthepaper,thusgiving
ananswertoyourquestion.Youdonotneedtoaskthequestionaloud;
youcanjustthinkit.

Shouldthependulumswingaroundinacircle,ornotswingatall,
theneitheryourquestionwasambiguousinwhichcaseyouneedto
rephraseitorelsetheanswercannotbegivenforsomereason.

Thependulumcanbeusednotonlytoanswerquestions,butalsoto
locateobjectsandpeople,inthemannerofadowsingrod.Thejoyofthe
pendulum,however,isthatitcanbeusedfromthecomfortofyourown

Figure8.1


home.Theideabehindthisisthatthependulumindi
catesonasmallscalewhatishappeningonalargescale,
oratadistance.Foranyofthesethingsfollowinga
trail,findingalostobject,searchingforwater,oreven
diagnosinganillnessitisaswelltouseapendulum
withadefinitepointtoit.Sitatatablewithamapbefore
you,oftheplacetobedowsed.Thelargerthemap's
scale,thebetter.Movethependulumslowlyacross
themap,inthesamepatternyouwouldfollowifyou
werewalkingonthespot.Whenyou"reach"thesiteof
thematerialforwhichyouaresearching,thependulum
willindicateitbyswingingrapidlyinacircleorspinning
around.Whenlookingforalostperson,orstolen
property,youcanfollowasimilarprocedure.Forsome
thinglost,drawaroughsketchofthearea,thehouseor

room,whereyouthinkitwaslost.Againmovethepen
dulumsystematicallyabout,whileconcentratingyour
thoughtsonthemissingobject.Againitwillrotateto
indicatewheretheobjectis.Analternatemethodisto
holdthependulumovertheanswercardand,witha
fingerofyourotherhand,pointtothesketchmapand
ask"Isithere?...Isithere?..."etc..

Tofollowatrail,movethependulumslowlyalong
theroadsasshownonthemap.Ateachcrossroadsask
thependulumwhichistherightroadtotake.Inthis
manneryoucaneasilytracearoutetakenfrompointA
topointB.

Formoreonthependulum,seePracticalColor
MagickbyRaymondBuckland(LlewellynPublications,
1983).

Thesteps,inlearningtopsychometrize,
areeasyonesrequiringonlypracticewith
patience.Takeeightortensamplesofdif
ferentsubstances:clothofvarioustypes,
leather,fur,wood,metal,stone,etc..Sit
quietlyand,takingoneobjectatatimein
yourhands,concentrateonit.Feelitstex
ture.Thinkofitsorigins.Trytopicturethe
treefromwhichthewoodcame;theanimal
fromwhichthefurcame,andsoon...
workattheobjectsregularly,spendingas

longasyoufeelcomfortableoneachobject
butalwaysgoingrightthroughthecom
pleteset.Itmaybethatyouwillgetvery
definiteimpressionsrightaway.Butifyou
donot,continueasfollows.

Afterafewweeksoftheinitialexer
cise,placeeachoftheobjectsinseparate
envelopes.Havealltheenvelopesthesame
sothat,outwardly,thereisnowayoftell
ingonefromanother.Numberthem.Go
throughtheconcentrationagainregularly,

thistimetryingtopickupaclueregarding
thecontentsoftheenvelope.Youmay
guesstheobjectitselforyoumaygetan
impressionofitsoriginsthesortofthing
onwhichyouwereconcentratingbefore.
Writedownyourimpressionsinanotebook,
againstthenumbersontheenvelopes.
Afterafewdays,orweeks(dependingon
howoftenyoupractice),youmayshowa
scoresomethinglikethis:

ACTUAL

ENVELOPE

GUESSES

CONTENT

NUMBER

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

COTTON

A

silk

cotton

silk

wool

cotton

cotton

cotton

SILK

B

cotton

silk

velvet

silk

silk

cotton

silk

VELVET

C

wool

feather

bamboo

velvet

wool

velvet

oak


SNAKESKIN

D

ivory

feather

snakeskin

oak

feather

snakeskin

feather

SEASHELL

E

oak

ivory

shell

ivory

shell

shell

ivory

WOOL

F

shell

oak

velvet

wool

wool

iron

wool

IVORY

G

feather

shell

ivory

ivory

ivory

shell

shell

CLAY

H

iron

iron

clay

velvet

feather

clay

clay

IRON

1

velvet

snakeskin

ivory

iron

silk

bamboo


iron

BAMBOO

J

oak

velvet

bamboo

oak

bamboo

oak

oak

OAK

K

oak

wool

oak

oak

oak

bamboo

bamboo

FEATHER

L

clay

wool

cotton

velvet

snakeskin

feather

feather

Youcanseethatthereisacertainpat
ternemerging.Bytheseventhtry(inthis
example)youcangetfiftypercentcorrect.
Othersareveryclose.Forinstance,the
twowords'Oak'and'Bamboo'arefre
quentlyconfused;asare'Snakeskin'and
'Feather'.

Keeponwiththesesealedevelopes.
Thenintroduceothers.Whenyoufeel
youarekeepingagood,consistentscore,
tryyourhandatotherunsealedobjects.A

friend'sring,forinstance.Aletter,aphoto
graph,awatch.Asyouholdtheobjects,
startbythinkingoftheminthemselves.
Thenaskyourself,whohashandledthem
most?Wheredidtheycomefrom?When
weretheymade?Practiceallthetime.
Suchanitemasacoinhasusuallypassed
throughtoomanyhandstohavegathered
anypositiveaura.Concentratemoreon
objectsofanindividualnature.Whenever
possible,checkontheresultsyouachieve

andkeepawrittenrecordofthem.Inthis
wayyoucanwatchyourprogress.

Theaboveexercisescanbedonequite
wellinagroup.Youcanevenarrangetwo
teamsandseewhichisthemoreaccurate.
Otherexercisesandtestswillsuggest
themselves.Keeptrying.Don'tbedis
couraged...andkeepthosenotes.

APocketGuidetotheSupernatural

RaymondBuckland,AceBooks,1969


PsychometryAllphysicalmaterialhasmemory.Itisnotthememory
ofaconsciousawareness,butistheretentionofmanifestedenergywith
whichthematerialhascomeintocontact.Further,ifapersontouchesa
particularobject,acosmiclinkisestablishedbetweenthetwothatwill
existatleastaslongasthehumanlivesandoftimeslongafter.Thus,if
youtouchachair,anotherpersonwithdevelopedchannelingabilities
could"read"youwhens/hecomesincontactwiththatchair,regardless
ofwhereyoumighthappentobeatthetime.TheChannelcould"see"
intoyourpast,presentandevenfuturejustaseasilyasifyouwere
physicallypresent.

Psychometry,then,isthereceptionofimpressionsfromaphysical
object.Theimpressionsmaycomeintheformoffeelings,scenes,
thoughtforms,color,emotions.Theymaycomesinglyorincombination.
Whateverthought,feeling,orsensationyoureceiveshouldbecare
fullyrecorded.

Topracticepsychometry,beginwithsmallitemssuchasjewelry,
thatcanbeeasilyheldinthehand.Somethingofthenatureofakeepsake,
thathasbeenincontactwithitsownerforlongperiodsoftime,isbest.
Theconcentrationofenergyisstrongerbecauseofboththephysicaland
emotionallinkthatwasestablished.

Asalwaysinusingtheintuitiveprocess,themindshouldbecleared
beforestarting.Now,holdtheobjectlightlybetweenthehands.Feelthe
energyorvibrationsthatemanatefromit.Whatdoyoufeel?Istherea
coldness;awarmth;atinglingsensation?Whatcolor(s)doyousense?
Whatscenescometoyou?Doyoufeelanykindofemotion?Again,have
noexpectations;bepurelyreceptive.Feel;listen;lookintothethirdeye.
Moveintoanyperceptionsthatyoufind.Examinethemandbecomeone
withthem.Thenrecordthem,exactlyasreceived.Don'tletyourconscious
mindinterfere.Somepeoplefindtheyarebetterabletogettheirresults
holdingtheobjectinoneparticularhand,ratherthaninbothhands;
someholdittotheforehead,overthethirdeye;someholditoverthe
heart.Experiment.Seewhichisbestforyou.

INTERPRETINGCHANNELEDINFORMATION

ThegreatestproblemfacingtheChannel(andsometimesthesub
ject)isinterpretation.Aswithdreams,theinterpretationisbestdoneby
thesubject.Ifyouarechannelinginformationonyourself,theproblem
isminimized.Butifthereadingisforsomeoneelse,youmustbe
extremelycareful.Theinformationshouldbepresentedexactlyasitis
received.

Muchofchanneledinformationdealswiththefuture.Thisisbecause
thepastispast.Itiswhattheindividualdoesfromthispointonthatis
important.Sinceyouaremasterofyourowndestiny,youmustaccept
theconsequencesofyourownactions.Therefore,nothingispredeter
mined.Anyinformationofthefutureisonlyintherealmofprobability,
basedoncurrentconditions,andmaybechanged.Anindicateddisastrous
relationshipcanbeavoidedeitherthroughavoidanceoftherelationship
itselforthroughachangeofattitudes,concerningtherelationship,on

Thereisgoodevidencetoshowthatapictor
ialmethodisresortedtoverylargelybythe
spiritsmediumsseeingwhattheydescribe,
veryoften,whenthemoredirectauditory
methodisnotresortedto.Thespiritpresents
somehowtothemindofthemediumapicture,
whichisdescribedandofteninterpretedby
themedium.Oftenthisinterpretationisquite
erroneous,resemblingadefectiveanalysisofa
dream.Becauseofthisthemessageisnot
recognized,yetthesourceofthemessagemay
havebeenperfectlyveridical.

Letusillustratethismorefully.Suppose
youdesiretotellaChinese,whospeaksnota
wordofEnglish,togetacertainobjecta
watchfromthenextroom.Itwouldbeuse
lessforyoutosaytheword"watch",because
hewouldnotknowwhatthewordmeant.
Probablyyouwouldtapyourwrist,pretendto
windthewatch,lookatthehands,etc.,intry
ingtoconveytohimyourmeaning.Ifthis
werenotrecognizedyouwouldhavetheutmost
difficultyintellinghimtogetthewatchfrom
thenextroom.

Nowsupposetheseantics,orsomewhat
similarones,wereresortedtobyaspiritinhis
attempttoconveytheword"watch",perhaps
toremindthesitterofaparticularpocket
watchheusedtocarryinhisvestpocket.The
spiritmightwellproceedasfollows:
Medium:'Hetapshisstomachandlooksata
spotoverhisleftside.Heseemstowishto
conveytheimpressionthathesufferedmuch
fromboweltrouble,perhapsacanceronthe
leftside.Yes,heseemstobetakingsomething
awayfromhisbody;evidentlytheyremoved
somegrowth.Nowheisexamininghishand.
Heislookingintently.Nowheisdoingsome
thingwithhisfingers.Ican'tseewhatitis;
alittlemovement.Washeconnectedwith
machineryinlife?Nowheispointingtothe
door...'etc..

Suchaninterpretationofthefacts,while
describinghisactions,iswhollymisleading
astoitsinterpretation.Thesymbolismhas
beenwhollymisconstruedand,inasmuchas
thesubjectprobablyneverdiedofcancer,had
noboweltrouble,underwentnooperation,
andwasneverconnectedwithmachinery,it
ishighlyprobablethatthemessagewouldbe
putdowntotallytothemedium'ssubconscious
imagination,oreventoguessingorconscious
fraud!Yet,itwillbeobserved,themessage
wasinitsinceptioncompletelyveridical,the
faultlyinginthesymbolism,misinterpreted
bythemedium.

AmazingSecretsofthePsychicWorld

RaymondBuckland&HerewardCarrington
ParkerPublishingCo.,1975


thepartofthepersonsinvolved.Aphysicalillnesscan
beavoidedbycorrectingtheprobablecause,suchas
animproperdiet,balancingtheemotionalstate,etc..
NOTHINGHASTOBE!Thechanneledinformationis
merelystatingthat,asconditionsexistatthemoment,
thisistheprobableresult.Iftheindividualdesiresa
differentoutcome,itiswithinherorhispowertobring
itabout.WECREATEOUROWNREALITY.

TheAuraThe"body"ofWo/Manisactually
composedofsevendistinctelements.Thefirstthree
(solid,liquidandgas)formthephysicalbody.The
fourthelementiscalledtheEthericbodyandinter
penetratesthephysical.Generallytheethericbody
extendsbeyondtheconfinesofthephysicalbodyby
aboutaninch.Nextistheastralbody.Itextendsseveral
inchesbeyondtheethericbody.Then,beyondthe
astralbody,aretheMentalandSpiritualbodies.Due
totheirelasticity,andthespeedatwhichtheyfunction,it
isimpossibletodefinephysicallimitsfortheselast
two.

Althoughthevibrationsofthenonphysicalbodies
aretoohigharatetobedetectedbythephysicaleye,
theenergypatternsthatemanatecanbeseenbythe
adept.Theseenergypatternsarewhatisknownasthe
Aura.Usuallytheenergyoftheethericbodyisdetected,
or"seen",firstbecauseofitsdenseness.Asyourpercep
tionsimproveyoucanbegintodetecttheenergythat
radiatesbeyondtheethericbody.Oftenitcanbeseen
flowing,ebbingandspirallingmuchliketheNorthern
Lights.Thecolorsdetectedareusuallyindicativeof
theperson'sstateofbeing.Thus,apersonwitha
deeplyspiritualstatemayexhibitblueandlavender.A
persondeeplyinlovemayshowpink,etc.(seeColor
under"Symbolism"intheDreamsectionofLessonSeven).
Youshouldbecautionedabouttryingtoseewhat
anotherpersonsees.Ifyouandafriendarereading
auras,don'tbesurprisedifoneofyoudetectsblueand
theotherdetectsyellow.Neitherofyouisnecessarily
wrong.Individualsensitivitiesaredifferentandyou
aremoresensitivetocertainvibrationswhileyour
friendismorereceptivetoothers.

Anystateoftheindividual'sbeingcausesreactions
intheaura.Emotionalstateswillprimarilyaffectthe
color.Physicalconditionsnotonlyaffectcolor,but
alsocausepeculiaritiesinthepatternsoftheaura,
suchasvortexes,holesandsometimesdarkspots.You
shouldbecarefulinyourtreatmentofinformation
concerningauras.Youmaythinkthatsomeonehasa
physicalproblembecauseofwhatseemstobeadefect


intheiraura.Askhimifhehasaprobleminthatpar
ticulararea.But,ifhedeniesit,droptheissue.What
mayappearserioustoyouatthetime,couldbejusta
minorirritationthatisnearlyhealed.Rememberthe
powerofsuggestionisstrongandcouldturnouttobe
verydamagingtosomepeople.

FindinglostobjectsHowoftenhaveyouspent

minutes,hoursorevendays,inafranticsearchfor
somelostitem?Whetheryouabsentmindedlymis
placedityourself,orwhethersomeoneelsemovedit
withoutyourknowledge,it'snotnecessarytowastea
lotoftimeandenergysearchingforit.Inthefirst
place,ifyouarefilledwithpanicandfearlosingthe
item,itmightbethatyouhavealessontolearnabout
possessiveness.Inthesecondplace,ifitistrulymis
placedneitherlogicnoremotionisgoingtobeof
muchhelp.Ofcourse,ifyoumoveeverythinginthe
house(assumingitisinthehouse),asystematicsearch
mayeventuallylocateit.Buteventhoughtheconscious
mindcan'treadilyfindit,thereareaspectsofyourself
thatcan.Allyouneeddoislistentothem.

Firstofall,calmdown.Closedowntheconscious
mind.Ridyourselfofemotion.Onceyouarecom
pletelycalmandatpeace,simplyfollowyourinner
urges.Don'tthink!Move;walk;beguidedfromwithin.I
oncefoundtwokeysthrownintothecenterofan
overgrownfieldusingthistechnique.Ihadnotseen
wherethekeyswerethrown,yet,followingmyinner
guidance,Iwalkedtoacertainspot,leanedoverand
placedmyhandwithinthreeinchesofthemissing
keys!

Therearetimeswhenthelostremainslost.In
variablyatthesetimesthereisalessontobelearned.
Ourhigherselvessometimeschoosethismethodto
causeustoconsiderourplacementofvalues,ortoset
inmotionaneededseriesofexperieneces.Atother
times,the"help"maybeexternal.Perhapsourspirit
guides,inconsortwithourhigherselves,createthe
conditionsforthatmuchneededlesson.

Thependulumofcourse,isanexcellentmeansof
discoveringthatwhichislost,aswasdescribedabove.
Donotoverlookit.

SENSORYDEPRIVATION

Asanaidtodeveloping,orproducing,extra
sensoryperception,recentstudiesassociatedwiththe
DepartmentofDefenseandtheSpaceProgramhave
turnedtowhatiscalledSensoryDeprivation.Thetheory

LessonEight:Marriage,Birth,DeathandChanneling/107

isthatournormallivingpatternshaveconditionedustoseekacertain
degreeofsensation(whethermental,physicaloremotional)duringall
wakingmoments.Ifthewakingsensesareeliminatedandbodymove
mentisrestricted,thebodyrelaxes,mentalandemotionaltensionssub
sideandtheconsciousnessachievesunparalleledfreedom.Laboratory
studieshaveuseddivingtanks,wherethesubmergedtestsubjectwas
keptinaweightlessandmotionlesscondition.Documentationofsuch
testsrevealsthatextrasensoryphenomena,includingimagery,occur.

THEWITCHES'CRADLE

Deprivingthephysicalsensesbyexternalmeansisinnowayanew
idea.ForcenturiestheArabianDervisheshavedangledfromarope
aroundthewrist;Hindushavesatfordays,weeksorevenmonths,ina
Lotusposition,andmembersoftheCrafthaveusedadeviceknownas
the"Witches'Cradle",toseparatetheconsciousnessfromthephysical.

ThereareseveralvariationsoftheWitches'Cradle.Twoareillus
trated.Allperformthesamebasicfunctionofisolatingthepersonfrom
her/hisphysicalenvironmentandmakephysicalmovementallbut
impossible.Undertheseconditions,theconsciousnessisloosedfrom
physicalbondageandbecomesfreetoroambeyondthephysical
horizon.

Asillustrated(Figure8.2)inthefirstcradlethepersoniswrappedin
amummylikeshroudofleatherorcloth.Thearmsarefasteneddownin
straightjacketfashion.Leatherstrapsholdthebodyintheironframe
whilealeatherhoodshutsoutsightandsound.Theheadisheldinplace
byaleatherstraporironband,asshown.Thecradleissuspendedbya
singleropesothatitcanswingandrotatefreelytogivecompletedis
orientationwiththeground.

Thesecondvariation(Figure8.3)issuspendedbytheleathersleeves.
Theleathersheathwascushionedwithfur(modernversionsusefoam
rubber)forcomfort.Thecrossbarissuspendedbyayoketoasingle
rope,againtoprovidegrounddisorientation.Noticethatinbothcases
thespineiskeptstraight.NotonlydidtheCradleproducesensory
isolation,whichaidedfreeingoftheconsciousness,italsoaidedthe
projectionoftheconsciousnessbeyondthephysicalbody...astral
projection.

Itisnotnecessary,norrecommended,thattheindividualusethe
Cradle,undernormalcircumstances.Suchadeviceshouldonlybeused
undertheclosesupervisionofsomeonewhoiscompletelyknowledge
ableinitsuse.Theessenceofitsbenefitscanandshouldbeused,
however.Aproceduretoinducetheproperconditionsforfreeingthe
consciousnessisoutlinedinthemethodofmeditationgiveninLesson
Seven.Thesemeditationprocedures,ifproperlyandconsistentlyused,
canalsoprovidedeprivationofthesenses,comfortofthebodyand
eliminationofthesenseswhichwillfreetheconsciousness.

Figure8.2

:1

Figure8.3

BasedonthoseinMinnesotaMinutescope


1.WriteyourownHandfastingCeremony.

2.KeepalogofBirthRites(Wiccaning)andCrossingtheBridgeRitesbelow.

2.KeepalogofBirthRites(Wiccaning)andCrossingtheBridgeRitesbelow.

Listthemethodsyouhaveusedtoclearyourintuitivechannel.Whatwereyourpersonalimpediment
s
(blocks)forchanneling?Keeptrackofchanneledinformationbelow.

Listsomeofthemeansbywhichyouhavedevelopedyourpsychicabilities.Whathavebeentheresu
ltsof
thesetechniquesused?


LESSONNINE
DIVINATION

Tothelaypersonitseemsalmostmagickalthatanyone
canactuallyseeintothefuture;candivinewhatisgoing
tohappen.Thedictionary(Webster's)definesdivination
as"theartofforetellingfutureevents,ordiscovering
thingssecretorobscure,bytheaidofsuperiorbeings(the
gods?),orbycertainrites,experiments,observations,
etc."Accordingtothis,then,whatweseeontelevision
orreadinthenewspaperastheweather"forecast"
should,morecorrectly,bereferredtoastheweather
"prediction"!Bethatasitmay,divinationisauseful
toolandhasadefiniteplaceintheCraft.

Thereareagreatmanywaysofseeingintothe
future..."seeingintothefuture"?Morecorrectly:
beingawareoftheforcesatworkthatwillbringabout
aprobableresultinthefuture.Wecreateourown
reality.Nothingispredetermined;nothinghastobe.If
theindividualdesiresadifferentoutcome,itiswithin
herorhispowertobringthatabout.

TAROT

AsaWitch,howareyouabletoseeintothe
future?Well,wehavealreadydealtwithchanneling
andwithsuchatoolasthependulum.Butoneofthe
mostcommon,andmostpopular,toolsusedby
WitchesandnonWitchesalikeistheTarot(pro
nouncedtarrow,torhymewith"narrow").Thetarot
belongstothatformofdivinationknownascarto
mancydiviningwithcards.Thetarotcardsarethe
oldestknownofdecks;theirexactoriginlonglost.The
mostpopulartheoryisthattheywerebroughtinto
EuropebytheGypsies;probablyoriginatingasdid
theGypsiesthemselvesinIndia.Theearliestknown
deckdatesfromthefourteenthcentury.

Thetarotdeckitselfconsistsofseventyeightcards,
intwoparts.ThesepartsarecalledtheMinorArcana

andtheMajorArcana.TheMinorArcanaismadeup
offiftysixofthecardsdivided,again,intofoursuitsof
fourteencardseach.ItisfromthisMinorArcanaofthe
tarotthatoureverydayplayingcardsstem.Thetarot
suitsareSWORDS,PENTACLES(sometimescalled
Coins),WANDS(orStaves)andCUPS.Theirmodern
counterpartsareSpades,Diamonds,ClubsandHearts
respectively.Eachsuitnumbersone(orAce)through
TenwithaPage,Knight,QueenandKing.Atsome
stageintheirlaterdevelopmenttheKnightdropped
outandthePagebecameknownastheJack,orKnave.
TheMajorArcana,otherwiseknownastheTrumps
Major,hastwentytwocards;eachanallegoricalfigure
ofsymbolicmeaning.Thesefiguresare,bymany
occultists,attributedtothetwentytwolettersofthe
Hebrewalphabet:

1MAGICIAN

Aleph

2HIGHPRIESTESS

Beth

3EMPRESS

Gimel

4EMPEROR

Daleth

5HIEROPHANT

Heh

6LOVERS

Vav

7CHARIOT

Zain

8JUSTICE

Cheth

9HERMIT

Teth

10WHEELOFFORTUNE

Yod

11STRENGTH

Kaph

12HANGEDMAN

Lamed

13DEATH

Mem

14TEMPERANCE

Nun

15DEVIL

Samekh

16TOWER

Ayin

17STAR

Peh

18MOON

Tzaddi

19SUN

Qoph

20JUDGEMENT

Resh

21WORLD

Shin

FOOL

Tav

222


Unfortunatelytheoccultistscannotagreeonthis.
WhileMacGregorMathers,forinstance,attributesthe
cardsasIhaveshown,PaulF.CaseputstheFoolatthe
beginning,thusmovingthemallupone:


FOOL

1MAGICIAN

2HIGHPRIESTESS
etc.

Aleph

Beth

Gimel

Tofurthercomplicatetheissue,A.E.Waiteand
PaulCasegivethenumber8toStrengthand11toJus
tice,whilevirtuallyeveryotherwriteranddeckshows
8tobeJusticeand11Strength!

Manywritersonthetarotfrightenawaywould
bestudentswiththeirneedlesslyveiledandloftydes
criptionsandinterpretations.Onesuchwritersays,of
theMajorArcana,"Theirsymbolismisatypeof
shorthandformetaphysicsandmysticism.Hereare
truthsofsosubtleanddivineanorderthattoexpress
thembadlyinhumanlanguagewouldbeasacrilege.
Onlyesotericsymbolismcanrevealthemtotheinner
spiritoftheseeker".Hedoes,however,goonto
expresstheminhumanlanguageandImustconfess
thatIintendtodothesame!

Howdothecardsworkandhowaretheyused?
Aswithalltoolsofdivinationthetarot,crystalball,
tealeaves,etc.theyaresimplyafocalpointforyour
ownpsychicpowers;aplaceboforchanneling.A
goodpsychiccoulddealoutadeckofblankcardsand
giveareading.Socouldyou,withalittlepractice.But
whynotstarttheeasyway?There'snoreasonwhy
youshouldn'tusethesetools,thesefocalpoints,ifit
willmakethingseasier.

Therearemanypossiblespreads,orlayouts,for
thecards.Everyoneseemstohaveherorhisfavorite.
InthislessonIwillexaminetwoorthreesothatyou
cantrythemandchooseone,ormore,thatismost
comfortableforyou.

MostlayoutscallforaSignificator...acardtorepre
sentthepersonforwhomyouarereading(andthat
personforwhomyouarereadingoryourself,ifyou
arereadingforyourselfisknownastheQUERANT).
Manybookssuggestspecificcards,e.g.QueenofSwords
ifyouarereadingforanolder,darkhairedwoman.
IGNORETHESESUGGESTIONS.Everyoneisan
individual.Ifyoureadfortwodifferentwomen,bothof
whomjusthappentobeolderanddarkhaired,thesame
cardwillnotnecessarilyberightforbothofthem.To
selectyourSignificator,STUDYYOURQUERANT.
Lookintohereyes;holdherhands;attuneyourselfto

her(orhim,ofcourse).Thengothroughallthecardsin
thedeck,untilyoufindtheonewhichyoufeelisrightto
representher.Youmaygothroughthedeckseveral
timesbeforesettlingonjusttherightcard,oryoumay
pickitoutimmediately.

Takethatcardandgivetherestofthedecktothe
Querant.Sheshouldhandlethemandshufflethem,
concentratingonanyspecificquestionorproblemshe
mayhave.Afterafewmomentsofthis,havehercut
thecards,withherlefthand,totheleft,intothree
separatepiles:

~\l.

Youpickupthepiles:themiddleonefirst,then
placetherighthandpileontopofit,thentheremain
inglefthandpileontopofthem:

Nowspreadthecardsacrossthetable,facedown.
HavetheQuerantpickten(10)cards,oneatatime,at
randomfromtheseandplacetheminapile,stillface
down.Thesearethetenyouwillbeusingforyour
reading.

Thefirstspread,orlayout,wewillconsiderisone
ofthemostpopular,yetisveryaccurate.Itisthe
AncientKelticSpread:


Ideals

Influences
atworkI

Significator

Immediate
future

Obstacles2
I

Basic

self

Past

5

Final
outcome

10

Hopes&
Fears

9

House

8

Self

7

LessonNine:Divination1113

LaytheSignificator(thecardyouchosetorepre
senttheQuerant)faceupinthecenterofthetable.
Thiscardshows,orindicates,the"front"thatthesub
jectputsup.Itshowsthetypeofimpressionthatshe
likesotherpeopletohaveofher.Thisisthencovered
bythefirstcardtheQuerantpicked,laidfacedown
ward.Thisisknownas"whatcoversher".Crosswise
onthesetwocardsisplacedthesecondoneshepicked.
Thisis"whatcrossesher".Thethirdcardisplaced
above"whatcrownsher"andthefourthbelow
"whatisbeneathher".Totherightgoesthefifthcard
"whatisbehindher"andtotheleftthesixth"whatis
beforeher".Theremainingfourcardsareplacedin
orderoveronthefarright,oneabovetheother:
seventh,eighth,ninthandtenth"herself","her
house","herhopesandfears"and"thefinalout
come",respectively.

Thecardsarethenturnedoveroneatatimeas
yougivetheindividualinterpretationswhichIwill
dealwithbeloweachbeinglookedatinitsparticular
position.

Toelaborateonthemeaningsofthedifferent
positions:thefirstcard(whatcoversher)showsthe
generalatmospherethatexistsaroundthesubject,or
aroundtheparticularquestion/problemthatshehas
asked(notnecessarilyaloud;itisthequestion/problem
shewasconcentratingonwhilsthandlingthecards
andshufflingthem).Thesecondcardshowswhat
forcesandinfluencesareworkingagainsther.Itmayeven
show,orindicate,anactualpersonwhoishindering,
or"crossing"herinsomeway.Cardnumberthree
showsherideals;whatsheisaimingforthoughshe
maynotgetthere(thatwillbeindicatedincardnumber
ten).Numberfourshowstherealwoman(orman);
theQuerant'sunconsciousself;heractualbasis.Five
showswhathasalreadytakenplace.Itcouldbeeither
theimmediatepastoritcouldshow,ingeneralterms,
herwholepastlife.Six,ontheotherhand,showswhat
isimmediatelycomingintoeffect;thenextsixtotwelve
monthsatmost.

Sevenshowsmoreofthesubjectherself;how
shewillfaregenerallyinlifeandespeciallyinthe
immediatefuture.Eightdealswithherclosefriends,
whetherbloodrelativesornot.Nineisherhopesand
fearsandtenshowsthefinaloutcomeforher.

Itcanbeseenthatsomecardswillconfirmothers.
Thereshouldbesimilarities,forexample,between
cardsfourandseven;similaritiesintwoandnine.The
wholeshouldgivesomeindicationofwhattoexpect
fromcardten.Shouldthemajorityofthecardsbe

fromtheMajorArcana,thenyoucanbesurethatthe
forcesinvolvedarepowerfulones.Anychangeswill
befairlydrasticchanges;anysetbackswillbesevere
setbacks;anyadvancementswillbeverymajorad
vancements.

INTERPRETATION

Buthowdoyouinterpretthecards?Thereare
bookswrittenonthetarot,mostofwhichofferpossible
interpretationsforeachcard.Youmightpurchaseone
ofthem(IwouldrecommendoneofEdenGray's:
eitherTheTarotRevealedorACompleteGuideTothe
Tarot).Readthroughthebook,togetanideaofthe
traditionalinterpretations...then,PUTTHEBOOK
AWAY.OnceagainletmestressthatNOTWOPEOPLE
AREALIKE.Ifyouarereadingfortwodifferentpeople
andthesamecardhappenstocomeupinthesame
positionforbothofthem,itishighlyunlikelythatit
willhavethesamemeaning(theinterpretationfound
inthebook)forbothpeople.Theyareeachindividuals;
itwillmeansomethingdifferentforeachofthem.

How,then,doyouinterpret?Gobyyourinstincts;
yourfeelings;yourintuition.Asyouturnovereach
card,thinkofthepositionthatitoccupies.Forexample:
position#6theimmediatefuture.What,oftheillus
trationonthecard,strikesyoumostforciblyasyou
turnitfaceup?Invariablyonethingonesmallpart
oftheoveralldesignwill"hityoureye"first.Think
ofwhatthatobject,colororsymbol,canmeanin
relationto(inthisexample)theQuerant'simmediate
future.Forexample,supposeyouareusingaRider
Waitedeck(Iwilldiscussthedifferentdeckslater)and
youturnupthe"Death"card(SeeFigure9.1).Doesthis
meanDeathisinthenearfuture?No!Theinterpreta
tiongiveninonebookis"transformation;change.
Sometimesfollowedbyorprecedingdestruction.
Sometimesbirthorrenewal."Itcouldmeanthedeath
ofanidea,orajobperhapsleadingto"rebirth"ina
newjob(incidentally,Ishouldmentionherethatit
willhelpimmeasurablyifyoudisregardthetitlesonthe
MajorArcanacards."Death"isnotnecessarilydeath;
"Justice"isnotnecesasrilyjustice;the"Devil"not
necessarilythedevil,andsoon).

Butgoingbyourmethod,therearefarmore
possibilities.Youmightbestruckbythesmallboatin
thebackgroundandassociateitwithtravel.Oryou
mightbeimpressedbythesunrising(orsetting?)be
tweenthetwotowersontheright;ortheroseonthe
banner;orthebishoplikefigure...therearesomany


thingswhichmightstrikeyouforcibly.Youwillfinditisadifferentthing
eachtimeyoureadthecards,givingadifferentandthereforefarmore
personalreadingforeachindividual.So,don'tgobythebook...use
yourownpowers.

Ininterpreting,youmightkeepinmindthattheSwordssuitis
usuallyassociatedwithtroublesandmisfortunes(alsowiththeelement
ofAIR);Cupsassociatedwithloveandhappiness(WATER);Wands
withenterpriseandgloryandsex(FIRE);andPentacleswithmoney
(EARTH).Thisdoesnotmeantosay,ofcourse,thateverySwordcard
(forexample)turneduphastoreflecttroublesandmisfortunes!These
aregeneralassociations,sojustkeeptheminmind.

YoushouldalsotrytheTreeofLifespread,toseehowyoulikeit.It,
also,usestencardsplustheSignificator:

Figure9.1

LessonNine:Divination/115

1Querant'shighestintelligenceIdeals
2CreativeForce
3Life,Wisdom
4Virtues;goodqualities
5Conquest
6Health
7Love;lust

8Arts,Crafts;Procreation
9Imagination;Creativity
10Earthlyhome

Averyusefullayout,especiallyforaquickread
ing,istheSeaxWicaPathspread,whichuseseight
cards(pickedbytheQuerant)andtheSignificator:

4

7

8

SSignificator

1Innerself

2Goals(Ideals)

3Past

4Family

5Health

6Religion

7Friends

8Finaloutcome(future)

Practiceasmuchasyoucan.Readforeveryone
peopleyouknowwellandpeopleyoudon'tknowat
all.Don'tbeafraidtosaywhatyousee,yetusealittle
discretioninphrasingit.Forexample,ifyoushouldsee
death,orsomebadaccidentapproaching,DONTsay
"You'regoingtodie"!Tellthepersonthat,astheforces
areatpresent,itwouldbewisetoexerciseextreme
cautioninthenearfuture;thereisthepossibilityofan

accident.Andthat'sallitisapossibility.Wecanalter
whatliesahead.

Donotreadforthesameperson(orforyourself)
ontoofrequentabasis.Agoodruleis,examinethe
cardsusedinthereadingtoseehowmanyofthe
MajorArcanaarepresent.Ifthereareseveral(four,
fiveormore),therearestrongforcesatwork.Things
areunlikelytochangemuchinthenextmonth,so
thereisnopointindoinganotherreadingforthatlong
(unlessitistoexamineatotallydifferentquestion,of
course).Iftherearefew,ornone,oftheMajorArcana,
thentheforcesarelightandchanging,anditmightbe
welltoreexaminethesituationinaboutaweek.

Thereisatremendousvarietyoftarotdecks
available.Atlastcounttherewereclosetotwohundred
fiftydifferentonesonthemarket!Thebestknownis
theRiderWaitedeck,anditiscertainlyagoodonefor
thebeginner(orfortheexperiencedreader).Its
advantageliesinthatithasadifferentfullpicturefor
everycard;MajorandMinorArcana.Manydeckshave
nosymbolismfortheMinorArcana...fortheThree
ofSwords,forexample,therearesimplythreeswords;
FourofSwordsfourswords,andsoon.Withthe
RiderWaitedeckthereisawholescene,incorporating
threeswords,ontheonecard,andthenatotallydifferent
sceneincorporatingfourswordsonthenext,andso
on.Thisobviouslygivesmuchmoretoworkwith.

Anotherfinedeck,basedontheRiderWaite,is
theMorganGreer.InfactI,personally,preferthis
decktotheWaite.Forachangeofpaceandsome
trulyexcitingsymbolismIwouldhighlyrecom
mendtheThoth(pronounced"toeth")deck,which
wasdesignedbyAleisterCrowley.Trymanyofthem.
Findyourownfavorite.

SCRYING

Scryingisafascinatingpracticeinthatitenables
youtoliterally"see"thefuture(orpresentorpast).
Almostanyreflectivesurfacecanbeusedforscrying
(pronouncedtorhymewith"crying").Acrystalball
andagazingmirroraretwoofthebest.Let'slookatthe
crystalballfirst.

Thecrystalshouldbewithoutflawnoscratches
onitssurfaceorbubbleswithin(thenewacrylic
plexiglass"crystals"workquitewell,butscratchvery
easily).Resttheballonabackgroundofblack.Ablack
velvetclothisideal.Thiscan,inturn,restonatablein
frontofyouorcancoveryourhand(s)ifyouwishto
holdthecrystal.Thisblackbackgroundistoensure


thatyouseenothingaroundtheballtodistractyouasyougazeintoit.
Initiallyyoushouldworkalone,inaroomthatisquietanddark.Your
temple,ofcourse,istheidealplace.Havejustonesmalllight,preferably
acandle.Placethelightsothatyoudonotseeitreflecteddirectlyinthe
crystal.Burnapleasantsmellingincense,sinceitwillhelpyouconcen
trate.Workinaconsecratedcircle,atleasttobeginwith.Later,ifyou
shouldwanttousethecrystalelsewhere,youcansimplyimagineyour
selfsurroundedby,andcompletelyencompassedin,whitelight;though
eventhenIwouldstronglyadvisecastingasmallcircleaboutyourself
withyourathame.Startbysayingsomeprotectiveprayer(suchasthe
SeaxWicaPsalm),thenasktheLordandtheLadyfortheirguidanceand
theirprotection.

Nowsitandgazeintothecrystaltryingtokeepyourmindblank.Thisis
noteasyandwilltakesomepractice.Donotstareattheballunblinking;
thiswilljustcauseeyestrain!Gazeblinkingyoureyesnaturally,as
necessary.Donottrytoimagineanythingintheball.Justtrytokeep
yourmindblank.Afterawhile(anywherefromtwototenminutes)it
willseemthattheballisfillingwithwhitemistorsmoke.Itwillgradually
growmoreandmoredenseuntiltheballseemsfullofit.Then,again
gradually,thesmokewillthinandfade,leavingbehindapicture
almostlikeaminiaturetelevisionpicture.Itmightbeinblackand
whitebutismorelikelytobeincolor.Itmightbestilloritmightbe
moving.Itmightbefromthepast,presentorfuture.Also,itisverylikely
tobeasymbolicpicture,requiringsomeinterpretationmuchlikea
dream.

Initiallyyouhavenogreatcontroloverwhatyousee.Youmustjust
takewhatcomes.Asyoubecomemoreadept,youmaymeditatefora
fewmomentsbeforegazingonwhatyouwishtosee.Then,whenyou
starttogaze,clearyourmindandtrytokeepitblank.Mostpeopleseem
capableofsuccessatscrying.Ifyougetnothingthefirsttimeyoutry,
thentryagainthenextnight,andthenthenext.Itmaytakeaweekor
morebeforeyougetanything,butkeeptrying.Donot,however,tryfor
morethanabouttenminutesorsoateachattempt.

Ifyoucan'tobtainacrystal,itispossibletousearegularconvex
magnifyingglasslens.Polishedcarefullyandlaidontheblackvelvet,it
willworkalmostaswellastheball.Whicheveryouuse,ballorlens,keep
itpurelyforyourscrying.Letnooneelseuseitorevenhandleit.Keepit
wrappedinacloth(itsblackvelvetorapieceofblacksilk)anddonot
permitsunlighttostrikeit.Itistraditionalto"charge"thecrystalbyholding
ituptobestruckbythelightofthefullmoon,onceamonth.

Ablackgazingmirrorseemstoworkbetterforsomepeoplethana
crystal.Itisnotdifficulttomakeoneforyourself.Youneedapieceof
glass,freeofflawsandimperfections.Makeitopaquebycoatingone
sidethreetimeswithasphaltum.Tomaketheasphaltumsticktotheglass,
firstcleantheglasswellwithturpentine,thenlayontheasphaltwitha
camelhairbrush.

Amucheasiermethodissimplytospraythebacksideoftheglass
withagoodblackenamelpaint(itmaynotseemverymagickal,butdon't
forget,themirrorismerelythefocalpointforyourconcentration.The


actual"images"areprojectedbyyourpowers;theydo
notcomefromwithinthemirror,orcrystal,itself).A
concaveglassistheideal.Itissometimespossibleto
findaconvexglassfromanoldclockface,inanantique
store,andsimplyreverseitsothatitisconcave.

Placetheglassinaframe.Theshapeisnotim
portant:round;oval;rectangular;square.Carve,or
paint,ontotheframethenamesoftheLordandthe
Lady,inrunesoroneoftheothermagickalalphabets
(seeLessonTwelve).Asyouaredoingthisindeed,
throughoutthewholeoperationofmakingthemirror
concentrateyourthoughtsonthepurposeofthemirror
...theprojectionofscenesfromthepast,present
andfuture.

Consecratethemirrorinyourcircle,usingthe
consecrationritualgiveninLessonFive,naturallysub
stitutingtheword"mirror"for"knife".Whennotin
use,keepthemirrorwrappedinablackcloth.

Togiveyouaneasystarttoscrying,before
investinginaballormakingamirror,tryitwithaglass
ofwater.Justtakearegular,clearwaterglassandfillit
withwater.Gazeintothatinthesamewayasdescribed
above.Itshouldworkquitewell.

SAXONWANDS

TheSaxonWandsareverygoodforobtaininga
direct,promptanswertoaquestion.Inawaytheyare
similartotheOrientalIChing,thoughfarlesscom
plicated.

Sevenwandsareneeded.Thesearemadefrom
wooddowel.Thereshouldbethree,eachnineinches
inlength;andfour,eachtwelveinchesinlength.
Oneofthetwelveinchwandsshouldbemarked,or
decoratedinsomeway,astheWITANwand.Actually,
youcandecorateallofthewandswithrunesand
symbols,ifyouwish,butmakesuretheWitanwand
standsoutfromtheothers.

KneelinglaytheWitanwandonthegroundbefore
you;horizontally"across"you.Taketheothersix
wandsandholdthemoutovertheWitanwand.Close
youreyes,andholdingthembetweenyourtwohands,
mixthemtogetherwhileconcentratingonyour
question.Keepingtheeyesclosed,gripthewandsin
yourrighthand(lefthandiflefthanded);takeholdof
thetipofonewandwiththefingersoftheotherhand;
concentrateforamomentlongeronyourquestion,
thenopenyourrighthand.Allthewandswillfallto
thegroundexcepttheoneheldnowbythefingersof
yourlefthand.Openyoureyes.

i:IfthereshouldbemoreLONGwandsthanshort
wandsontheground,thentheanswertoyour
questionisintheaffirmative.

ii:IftherearemoreSHORTwandsthanlongwands
ontheground(excludingtheWitanwand)then
theanswerisinthenegative.

iii:Ifanywand(s)touchtheWitanwand,itmeans
theanswerwillbeaverydefiniteone,withstrong
forcesatwork.

iv:Ifanywand(s)areofftheground(restingon
others),circumstancesaresuch(forcesstillwork
ing)thatnodefiniteanswercanyetbegiven
regardlessof(i)or(ii).

v:IfallthewandspointtowardstheWitanwand,
thenyou(orthepersonforwhomyouareasking)
willhaveadefiniteroletoplayinthedetermina
tionofthequestion.

vi:IfnoneofthewandspointtowardstheWitan
wand,thenthematterwillbedeterminedwithout
your(theQuerant's)interference.

Aswiththecrystalandthetarotcards,don'tlet
anyoneelseuseyourwands.Theyareyourpersonal
instruments.Keepthemwrappedinablackcloth.

CHEIROMANCY

Palmistry,orCheiromancy(pronounced"kiero
mansy"andnamedafterLeichdeHamong/Louis
Hamon,thefamousnineteenthcenturypalmistwho
alsowentunderthenameof"Cheiro")isanother
popular,yetaccurate,wayofdivining.Itwascommon
duringMedievaltimesandisknowntohaveexisted
whenGreeceandRomewereattheirheight.Fromthe
scatteredinformationwehaveofKelticEurope,there
issomereasontobelievethatthere,too,thehandwas
consideredtoreflectitsowner.Aswithothertypesof
divination,thereisafixedsetofmeaningstolearnin
thiscase,themapofthehandandthemeaningofthe
lines.Thereisalsotheneedforsomecarefullyapplied
intuition.

Thehandchangesthroughoutyourlife.Thelines
youseeinyourpalmnowarenotquitethesameas
werethereayearago,andprobablyverydifferent
fromfiveyearsago.Althoughyourhandgivesan
outlineofyourlife,itisonlyatentativeoutline.You
yourselfwillhavethefinaldecisiononthecourse
yourlifewilltake.Whetheryouwantthepositionor
not,youarethecaptainofyoursoul.


Palmistry,likeadoctor'sexamination,isstrictlya
diagnosticreading.Itcanpointouttheforcesthat
operatewithinyourself,orwithinanother,anditcan
pointoutthelogicalresultsofthoseforces.Youcan
acceptthemastheyare,orbegintochangethem.As
withthetarot,beverycarefulinyourphrasingofwhat
youseeinaperson'spalm.Somelinesmayshowa
particularareainwhichyoursubjecthasveryserious
problems.Thisshouldbepresentedas"anareaof
possibleweaknessandsomethingforwhichyou
shouldbeparticularlywatchful".Onafewoccasions
youmayencounterthatparticularcombinationof
lineswhichindicatesaprematuredeath.Ifthisisthe
case,don'tblurtoutwhatyousee.Rather,emphasize
theneedforgreatcareinthefuturetoavoidillness,
accidents,violence,orwhatevertherestofthehand
mayseemtoimplyaspossiblecauses.Doremember:
palmistryisonlydiagnostic;itisneverafinalpro
nouncement.Asapalmist,yourattitudeisofgreat
importance.Nevertryto"secondguess"yoursubject
byaddingonthespotobservationsandfactsyoumay
knowbeforehandbutwhicharenotshowninthe
palm.Ifyouarereadingthepalm;readthepalmand
onlythat.Ideallyyoushouldknownothingwhat
soeverofthepersonyouarereading.Theirhandsand
yourintuitionshouldbeenough.

Anytimeyouaremeetingsomeoneforthefirst
time,youcanpickupatentativeandoftenveryuseful
firstimpressionoftheirpersonalitybyunobtrusively
glancingatthelinesoftheirhand.

FIRSTOBSERVATIONS

Differentpalmistshavedifferentwaysofworking,
forthisisaveryindividualart.Somewillexplaineach
steptothesubject,discussingthereasonforevery
observation.Otherswillmerelyreportwhattheysee.
Thefollowingisbasedontheformermethodof
operation,althoughanywayofreadingthepalmis
likelytofollowasimilarpattern.

Theshapeofthehandsisusefultonoteatfirst,
althoughyoushouldmentionitlastandinthecontext
ofyourotherobservations.Generallyapersonwith
long,articulatehandsandfingerswilltendtowards
thecontemplativeandtheartistic,whilstonewith
short,broadhandsandfingerswilltendtoenjoy
doingthingsandenjoyinglifewithoutparticular
concernfordeepermeanings.

Forarighthandedperson,thelefthandshows
whatshewasbornwithandthecourseherlifewould

havetakenhadthingsgoneastheywere,unchanged,
fromthetimeshewasborn.Thisindividual'sright
handshowswhatshehasdonewithherlifesofar.
Someonewhohasconstantlytriedtoimprovetheir
lotandavoidedleaningonothersislikelytohave
quiteadifferencebetweentheirtwopalms(fora
subjectwhoislefthanded,therolesofleftandright
arereversed).Itisbesttobeginwiththehandthat
showswhatonewasbornwithandwhatisstillinthe
unconsciousmind.

Ifthelinesofthehandaredeepandclearthey
indicateapersonwhoexperiencesandunderstands
muchofthejoyandpainherlifewillencounter.If,
however,thelinesofthepalmarefaintandverylight,
theirownerwilltendtobesuperficialandcolorless.
Shewouldgainmuchbygettingoutandenjoying
life.

Alinewhichisintheformofa"chain",indicatesa
weaknessinthatwhichthelinesymbolizes.Amultitude
oflinesindicateaverycomplexperson.

THELINEOFLIFE

TheLifelineisthemajorlineofthehand.It
indicates,ingeneralterms,somethingofthecourse
yourlifewilltake.Astheillustrationshows,theLife
linecurvesaboutthethumb.Attheverybeginningit
usuallyisjoinedwiththelineoftheHead,andthe
pointatwhichtheLifeandHeadlinesseparateindicates
therelativetimeatwhichyoubecomeemotionallyin
dependentofyourparents.Ifthetwolinesarenever
incontactatthebeginning,averyindependentsortof
personisindicated.

TheLifelineistheonlyoneonthehandwhich
canbedividedintoanapproximatescaleofyearsand,
assuch,canbeusedtoforetellmajoreventstowithina
yearorsooftheirhappening.Takingasoftpencil,
divideyourLifelineintothreeequalsectors.Thefirst
sector(includingthatportionwhichismergedwith
theHeadline)willcountfortwentyfiveyearsandcan
besubdividedaccordinglyasyoureadapalm.The
samewillapplyforthesecondandthirdsectors,
thoughthethirdshouldbealittlecondensed.

Adeep,clearLifelinerunningsmoothlyaround
itsfulllengthbetokensarich,fulllifewithgoodhealth
throughout.Alinewhichisintheformofachain
showsprobablepoorhealth.Ifthelineischainedinits
latterportions,thesubjectshouldbewareofbadhealth
inherlateryears.

AparalleltotheLifeline,onthesideoftheMount


ofVenus,showsusefulluckandnaturalvitalitywork
ingforthesubject.Thisisalwaysagoodsign.

Onmostpalmsyouwillnotethattherearea
numberoftinylineswhichrunfromthelineofthe
HeadtotheLifeline.Eachoftheseindicatesagoalof
somekindthatwillbeattained.Ifyouworkoutthe
abovetimescalecarefully,youshouldbeabletotell,
withintwoyears,whenamajoreventwillhappen.
Whatwilltheybe?That,unfortunately,isbeyond
palmistry!

AbouttwothirdsofthewaydowntheLifeline
will,attimes,beatriangleformedbytwoshort,minor
linesandapartoftheLifelineitself.Ifthistriangle
(whichcanbeofvaryingsize)ispresentthenatalent
ofsomesortispossessedsomekindofartfrom
whichthesubjectcangainconsiderablepersonal
satisfaction.Ifthetalentisnotimmediatelyapparent
toher,lethersearcharoundalittleandexamineher
interests.Itwillbethere.

Anangleorsuddenchangeofdirectioninthe
Lifelineshowsthattherewillbeachangeofcoursein
thelife.Calculateandnotetheapproximatedate.Care
shouldbetakenatthistimeinlife,forthemannerof
livingwillchangeradically.Similarly,abranchinthe
lineofLifeindicatesthat,atthepointintimewherethe

branchoccurs,thesubject'slifecantakeoneoftwo
majorcourses.Itisatimeforconsiderationandcareful
planning.

AbreakintheLifelinewillmeantrouble,andif
thebreakoccursinbothhandsitcanbefatalunless
greatcareistaken.If,however,anewlinebegins
outsidethebreak,orisparalleltotheLifelineand
continuesunbrokenalongtheMountofVenus,the
troublewillnotbetoodrastic.

THEHEADANDTHEHEART

NotetherelativelengthsoftheHeadandHeart
lines,forthiswilltellwhetherthesubjecttendstowards
thingsintellectualorwhethersheleansontheemotions
andtheirveryusefuladjunct,intuition.Formany
peopletheselinesarenearlyequalinlength;forothers
therewillbemoreorlessdifference.Herethepalmist
shoulduseherorhisownjudgementastohowimpor
tantthisdifferencewillbe.

THELINEOFTHEHEAD

ThelineoftheHeadshows,byitslengthand
depth,theintellectualcapabilityofthesubject.AsI

SATURN

JUPITER

APOLLO

MERCURY

VENUS


mentionedabove,thelinesoftheHeadandHeart
shouldalwaysbeconsideredtogether,forthetwocan
giveinsightintotheveryimportantrelationshipbe
tweenthemindandtheemotions.Along,deepand
clearHeadlineshowsaclear,strongintellectthatcan
beofgreatvaluetothepersonpossessingit.Ifthe
Headlineisverylongbutslantsdownwardsrather
thanacross,youwillhavethecaseofsomeonewho
hasquiteahighintelligencebuttendstouseitforthe
wronggoals...s/hemaybealongthe"lefthandpath".
Suchapersoncanbequitepowerful.Guidethemto
betterthingsifyoucan,butdon'tcrossthem!

Onrareoccasionsyouwillmeetsomeonewhose
HeartandHeadlinesjointoformasingledeepline
thatcutsdirectlyacrossthepalm.Suchapersonis
alwaysaninterestingstudy,forheretheheadand
heartareunitedandfewbarrierscanstandbeforeone
whoseintellectandintuitionaresoinline.Suchan
individualwillprobablybeagenius,whetherornot
s/heknowsit(theyusuallydo!).However,theyshould
alwayskeeptightcontrolandclosedisciplineontheir
mind,forherethereisbutaslightbarrierbetweenthe
strong,controlledmindandtheuncontrolledchaosof
mentalunbalance.Theyarelikearacecarwithavery
powerfulengine:magnificentperformanceispossible,
butgreatcaremustbetaken.

THELINEOFTHEHEART

ThelineoftheHeartshows,byitslengthand
depth,thestrengthofyouremotionalandintuitive
capabilities.AsImentionedbefore,itshouldalways
beconsideredalongwiththeHeadline,astherelation
shipbetweenthesetwoisanimportantone.

SomeonewhohasalonganddeepHeartlineis
likelytofeeldeeplyboththegoodandthebad,thejoy
andthesorrow,ofhisorherlife.Theemotionswillbe
importanttosuchaperson,andjudgementandhunches
arelikelytogivevariableresults.

Itisinterestingtonotethatnowadaysmanywill
haveastrongerHeartlineontheleft(orunconscious)
handthanontheright(orconscious).Insuchacase
theHeadlinewillbebetterdevelopedintheright
hand.Thereasonissimplemoderncivilization,for
betterorworse,emphasizestheintellectoverthe
heart.But,forthissamereason,youwillinvariably
findthataftercomingintotheCraftanddeveloping
morefromtheCraftteachingsandphilosophies,your
righthandHeartlinewillmovebacktothatsame
strengthofthelefthand.

THELINEOFFATE

ThelineofFate(sometimescalledthelineof
Luck)doesnotoccurineveryone'shand.Itslength
anddepthwillshowjusthowmuchgoodfortuneyou
mayhave.Forsomethislinewillrunstronganddeep
fromthewristtothemiddlefinger.Forsuchaperson
luckseemstocomereadilyandfreely,andtheywill
seemtodowellwithnoapparenteffort.Forthegreat
majority,however,theFatelinewillbeweakornon
existent...any"luck"willonlycomethroughhard
work.

ThelineofFatecangiveyousomeveryvaluable
insightsintopersonalityflawswhicharenotusually
apparentonthesurface.Forexample,thelinemaybe
deepandunbrokenuptothelineoftheHeart,then
breakordisappearentirelyatthatpoint.Aperson
withsuchlineswouldletemotionsobstructmuchof
thegoodfortunethatwouldnormallycometheirway.
Whetherornottheyrealizeit,worry,fear,temperand
thelikewouldbelimitingthem.Alittleadviceonthis
pointcanbeveryvaluableindeed.

Similarly,aFatelinebreaking,orterminating,at
thelineoftheHead,indicatesanindividualwhogets
intheirownwaybybeingovercautiousandthinking
thingsovertoomuch.Whentheyhavefinallymade
uptheirmind,theopportunityispastandnothingis
gained.Eachoftheseproblemscanbeovercomeby
watchingforthemandcorrectingthembeforethey
doharm.

SomeonewhoselineofFatestartsoveronthe
MountoftheMoonwillprobablyhaveapeacefuland
pleasinglife.Theoldtraditionisthatheorshewillbe
"happywithouttrying".Ifthelinestartsatthewristlets,
wealthwillbeinherited,orarewardingcareergained.
IfthelineofFatebranchesnearthebottom,withone
branchrunningoverintotheMountoftheMoon,
goodfortunewillcomeintheformofamarriageor
otherattachment.

THEMARRIAGELINE(S)

TheMarriagelinesoccur,appropriatelyenough,
abovethebeginningoftheHeartline.Thesubjectwill
probablyhavemorethanonesuchline;possiblyas
manyasfourorfive.ThesocalledMarriagelinesdo
notnecessarilyindicatesomanymarriagesperse.
Theyare,rather,themarkersoflovesthatstirtheheart
deeply.Theywillbesweetorbittersweetepisodes
rememberedthroughoutlife.Eachindividuallinewill



show,byitsdepthandlength,justhowdeeplysome
onelefttheirmark.Averyapproximatetimescalecan
bederivedbynotingwhethertheMarriagelinein
questionisneartheHeartline(indicatingearlyinlife)
ornearthejointofthefinger(laterinlife).

THEWRISTLETS

TheWristletsatthebaseofthehandcanbeavery
generalindicationofhowlongthelifewillprobably
last.Eachcomplete,wellformedWristletshowsa
completeandfulltwentyyears.ButtheWristletswill
changeconsiderablythroughoutlife,andchoicesand
wayoflivingwillbethefinalfactorindeterminingjust
howlongthislifewillbe.

THEMOUNTOFVENUS

Thethumbanditsbaseareundertheinfluenceof
Venus.Thebase,orMountofVenus,cangivean
interestingpictureofthewarmth,kindnessandaffec
tionwhichareinthesubject.Ifthemountiswarm,
rounded,fullandfirm,sheisunderVenus'best
influences:pleasingasafriend,delightfulinlove,and
apersonwhosekindnesstoothersalwaysbringsa
warmresponse.

If,however,theMountofVenusisthin,dryand
leathery,sheisapersonwhoiscoldandthinlipped,
toleratinglittlewarmthtowardsothersandreceiving
littleornothinginreturn...butdon'ttellherthis!
Say,instead,thatsheshouldloosenupandlearnto
likeothers.

OftenyouwillnotethatVenus'Mountiscrossed
bymanyverticalandhorizontallines.Herewillbea
personwho,forallelsethatherpalmsays,isnotas
sereneassheappearsonthesurface.Underneath
therearecrosscurrentsofemotionwhichshefeels
deeply,butwhichshekeepshidden.

THEMOUNTOFTHEMOON

Frommostancienttimes,ofcourse,theMoonhas
beenlinkedwiththepsychic.Andthushasitbeenin
palmistry.Atriangleonthismountwillindicatesome
naturaltalentintheoccult.Anylineswhicharisehere
willhaveinthemahintofunconsciousmagickandof
itscloserelation,lovebetweenmanandwoman.

LinesreachingtowardstheMountoftheMoon
fromaroundtheedgeofthehandwillbeaprediction
ofjourneysbyseaorair.

Finally,thefirmnessandfullnessofthismount
indicatesgenerallyjusthowwellthesubjectcancom
binepracticalitywithimagination.

THEFINGERS

Asshowninthediagram,eachfingerisassociated
withanastrologicalsignandisanindicatorofthe
good,orbad,aspectsofthatsign.Atthebaseofthe
fingeristhemountassociatedwiththesignofthe
finger(e.g.IndexFinger=MountofJupiter).Thefull
nessorthinnessofthemountshowshowstronglythat
particularsignaffectstheindividual.

Asthediagramshows,eachfingeris,inturn,
dividedintothreesectionstoshowtherelativespiritual,
intellectualandmaterialdevelopmentundereachof
theastrologicalsigns:Jupiter,Saturn,Apollo(theSun)
andMercury.If,forexample,thelowestdigitofthe
smallfinger(Mercury)isnoticablylargerandmore
developedthanthefinger'sothertwodigits,then
therewouldbestrengthespeciallyinmanagement
andsalesmanship.Similartraitscanbederived,using
judgementandintuitionwiththeastrologicalcharacter
isticsbelow,foreachoftheothersigns.

IndexFinger(JUPITER)

Thematriarch/patriarchimage;the"boss";com
mander;leader;executive.

Principletraitsofthissignarepride,ambitionand

confidence.
MiddleFinger(SATURN)

Thewiseoldwo/man,oftenapersonificationofold

ageandtheveryendoflife.

Principletraitsofthissignarewisdom,solitude,

shyness,melancholyandsolitarybleakness.
ThirdFinger(APOLLO)

TheSun;allthingsbrightandgood.Thearts;

medicine.

Theprincipletraitofthissignisloveofbeauty.
SmallFinger(MERCURY)

Sharpnessandquicknessofmind;cleverness;

shrewdness.

Principletraitsofthissignarebuoyancy;friendliness;

skillinmanagementandcommerce.

Studyyourownhandsandseeifyoucanform
sometentativeconclusions.Rememberthatevery
signwillhaveitsowngoodtraitsanditsbadones.
Spendsometimereadingabouttheabovesignsinone
oftherecommendedbooksonastrology.But,above
all,readthepalmsofothersusingknowledgebacked


byintuition,forthisisthebestwaytolearn.
TEALEAFREADING

Tealeafreading,orTasseography,isaperennial
favoriteofthedivinatoryarts.Itcanbefairlyeasily
learned.ForbestresultsuseChinatea,brewedinapot
withoutastrainer,ofcourse.Theteaispouredintoa
cupwhichshouldhaveawidetopandsmallbase.Do
notuseacupwithanyformofpatternontheinside
itcouldbeveryconfusing!

Thesubjectshoulddrinktheteabutleavesuffi
cientinthebottomofthecuptodistributetheleaves
aroundthesideswhenturned.Askhertotakeholdof
thehandleandrotatethecupslowly,threetimes
clockwise,allowingtheremainsoftheteatocomeup
totherimofthecupandsotobedistributed.Thenshe
istoinvertthecupcompletelyonitssaucer.

Takingupthecupfromthere,youcanbeginyour
divination.Youaregoingtointerpretthevariousshapes
andformsmadebythetealeavesonthesidesandbottom
ofthecup.Todothis,withsomesortofaccuracy,there
isatimescaleyoumustremember.Therimofthecup,
andclosetotherim,representsthepresentandthe
comingtwoorthreeweeks.Asyoumovedownthe

sides,soyougofurtherintothefuture.Theverybottom
ofthecupistheveryfardistantfuture.Yourstarting
pointisthehandleofthecup.Thisrepresentsthesub
ject,sothatsymbolsclosetothehandleaffecther
directly,whilesymbolsontheoppositesideofthecup
mayonlyhaveapassingeffect.

Ifthesymbolsyouseeareparticularlywelldefined,
thensheisverylucky.Thelesswelldefined,theless
decisiveandmorepronetohindrance.Starsdenote
success;trianglesfortune;squaresmeanprotection;
circlesmeanfrustration.Straightlinesindicatedefinite
plans;wavylinesuncertainty;dottedlinesmeana
journey.Anynumbersyouseecouldbeindicatorsof
years,months,weeks,daysorhours.Usuallyifyousee
themintheupperhalfofthecupyoucanthinkintermsof
hoursordays;inthelowerhalf,weeks,monthsoryears.
Lettersaretheinitialsofpeopleofimportancetothe
subject,betheyfriends,relativesorbusinessassociates.

Aswithmostformsofdivination,youshould
interpretwhatyoufeelaboutwhatyousee,ratherthan
goingbyhardandfast"meanings".Asastart,however,
herearethetraditionalinterpretationsofsomeofthe
mostcommonsymbols.Youmayfinditinterestingto
comparethemtothesymbologyusedindreaminter
pretation(LessonSeven).

ANCHOR:Endofajourney.Safelanding.
Successfulendtoabusinessorpersonal
affair.Problemunexpectedlysolved.

ARROW:Disagreement.Antagonism.In
structionsforajourney.Aletter.

BELL:Goodnews.Awedding.

BIRD:News,whichcouldbegoodorbad.
Possiblejourney.Companionship.

BOAT:Travel.Endofafriendship.

BOTTLE:Celebration.Success.

BRIDGE:Travelabroad.Partnership.In
troductiontonewfriendsorbusiness.

BROOM:Endofaproblem.Changeof
jobs.Domesticity.

BUTTERFLY:Insincerity.

CAMEL:Longjourney.Temporaryreloca
tion.

CAR:Localtravel.Introductiontonew
businessassociates.

CANDLE:Innovation.Suddennewidea.

CASTLE:Legacy.Unexpectedfinancial
luck.Goodliving.

CAT:Femalefriend.Domesticproblems.

CHAIR:Entertainment.Relaxation.

CHURCH:Marriage.Seriousillness(not
death).

CLOVER:Goodfortune.Unexpectedsuc
cess.

CROSS:Hardship.DiscomfortMisfortune.

CROWN:Honors.Credit.Promotion.

CUP:Love.Closefriendship.Harmony.

DAGGER:Danger.Tragedy.Business
complications.

DOG:Friendship.Companionship.

ELEPHANT:Adviceneeded,preferably
fromanoldfriend.

FAN:Indiscretion.Disloyalty.Infidelity.

FLAG:Defensenecessary.Warning.

FLOWER:Unhappyloveaffair.

GATE:Opportunity.Possibilityofadvance
ment.

GUN:Trouble.Argument.Adultery.

HAMMER:Hardwork,whichwillbe
rewarded.

HAND:Friendship.Helpwhenneeded.
Advice.

HARP:Contentment.Ease.

HEART:Loveorlover.Confidant.

HORSE:Work.

HORSESHOES:Goodluck.Startofanew,
successfulenterprise.

HOUSE:Security.Authority.

KEY:Opportunity.

KITE:Exercisecaution.Thinkbeforeact
ing.

KNIFE:Treachery.Duplicity.Misunder
standing.

LADDER:Advancement.Opportunities
taken.

MAN:Stranger.Visitor.Helpfromunex
pectedsource.

MUSHROOM:Disturbance.Com
plicationsinbusiness.

PALMTREE:Abreathingspace.Arest
period.Temporaryrelief.

PIPE(Smoker's):Thoughtandconcentra
tionahead.Investigateallpossibilities.

SCISSORS:Quarrels,usuallydomestic.
Doubledealing.

SNAKE:Anenemy.Apersonalhurt,or
anaffairedecoeur(loveaffair).

TREE:Goalachieved.Comfort.Rest.

UMBRELLA:Temporaryshelter.

WHEEL:Advancementthrougheffort.
Money.

WINDMILL:Bigbusinessdealings.

Aformoftasseography,knownasGeomancy,can
bedoneusingdirtorsand.Markacircle,aboutthree

feetindiameter,onthegroundandhavethesubject
throwahandfulofdirtintoit.Youtheninterpretthe


symbolsmadebythedirtinthesamewaythatyou
wouldthetealeaves.Similarly,onasmallerscale,
drawacircleonasheetofpaper.Blindfoldyour
subjectandletherfillthecirclewithrandomdots,
withafelttipmarkerorsimilar.Thesedotscanthen
beinterpretedinthesamemanner.Forbothofthese
youwouldneedtomakeamarkwherethesubject
stands/sits,toindicatetheequivalentofthecup
handle.

NUMEROLOGY

YouhavehadabriefintroductiontoNumerology
inLessonThree.Pythagorassaid,"Theworldis
builtuponthepowerofnumbers".Heitwaswho
reducedtheuniversalnumberstothenineprimary
ones.Anynumber,nomatterhowhigh,canbesore
duced.Forexample,thenumber7,548,327wouldbe
7+5+4+8+3+2+7=36,inturnfurtherreducedto
3+6=9.Inthiswayallnumberscanbereducedtoa
singleoneand(againasyousawinLessonThree)
letters/wordsalsocanbesoreduced.

Thenumbersthenhavecertainoccultvalues
attachedtothemandareeachassociatedwithoneof
thenineplanets.Forexample,1thelettersA,J,S
(seeLessonThree)isassociatedwiththeSun.Itsignifies
leadership,creativity,positiveness.Thesevalues
andassociationswillbedealtwithfullybelow.

Throughnumerologymanythingscanbedis
covered.Forinstance,thetypeofjobforwhichyouare
bestsuited;thegeographicallocationlikelytobethe
mostharmoniousforyou;themarriagepartnermost
suitedtoyou.

FromLessonThreeyouknowwhatyourBIRTH
NUMBERis.Thisnumbershouldalwaysbeconsidered
whendecidingupondatesforimportantevents.It
representstheinfluencesatthetimeofyourbirth.Itis
similarto,andinmanywayswillcorrespondwith,
yourLeftHand(seeCheiromancyabove).Itwillalso
tiein,inmanyways,withyourNatalHoroscope.

SupposeyourBirthNumberis1.Thenthesign
ingofcontractsshouldbedoneondateswhichalso
reduceto1.YourplanetarysignistheSun,aFiresign.
Youwouldthereforebehappiestmarriedtosomeone
whosesigniscompatible,i.e.anotherFiresignoran
Airsign:Sun,Jupiter,Mars,UranusorMercury
numbers1,3,9,4,5.

Thenumbers,theirplanetsandsigns,areas
follows:

1:SunFire
2:MoonWater
3:JupiterFire
4:UranusAir
5:MercuryAir

6:VenusEarth
7:NeptuneWater
8:SaturnEarth
9:MarsFire


NAMENUMBER

Thesingleprimarynumberobtainedfromthe
numericalvaluesofthelettersofyournamegivesyou
yourNameNumber.Youcansee,then,thatitisvery
muchhitandmissastowhetheryourgivenname
willagreewithyourBirthNumber.Thisiswhywe
takeanewnameintheCraft;sothatwecanhavea
NameNumberinperfectbalancewithourBirth
Number.Let'slooknowatthevalueattachedtothe
primarynumbers.

1:SUNLettersA,J,S

Verymuchthedrivinglifeforce.Aleader.Ambitious.
Tendstobeimpatient.Theexplorer.Theextrovert.
Automaticallyassumescommand.Frequentlya"big
brother"or"bigsister".Verystrongfeelingseither
fororagainst.Wouldnotknowinglyhurtanyone
butmightnotrealizeher/hisownstrength.Can
standbeingpraisedandisentitledtoit.Praisecan
spurtogreaterthings.

2:MOONLettersB,K,T

Sensitive,domestic.Tendstobeemotionaland
easilyinfluencedtotears.Hasafertileimagination.
Veryfondofthehome.Patriotic.Acceptschanges
insurroundings.Preferstolivenearthewater.
Oftenpossessesmusicaltalentsandwouldmakea
verygoodpsychic.

3:JUPITERLettersC,L,U

Theinvestigator;thescientist;theseeker.Aninterest
inthematerialratherthanthespiritual.Ideason
religionfrequentlychange.Hasagreatsenseof
humor.Notgreatlyinterestedinmoney.Verytrust
ing,yetlikestoknowthe"why"andthe"how".

4:URANUSLettersD,M,V

Inclinedtoappearstrangeandeccentricbecause
s/heisusuallyaheadofher/histime.Veryinterested
intheoccult;inpsychicresearch.Inclinedtoanything
outoftheordinary.Strongintuitivetendencies.Can
bebitinglysarcasticifcrossed.Believesinliberty
andequality.Canusuallypredicttheprobableout
comeofactionsandbusinesses.

5:MERCURYLettersE,N,W

Active,bothphysicallyandmentally.Inquiring,
exploring.Fondofreadingandresearching.Goodat
languages.Wouldmakeaverygoodteacher,writer,
secretary.Makesfriendseasily.Usuallymethodical
andorderly;adeptatsimplifyingsystems.

6:VENUSLettersF,O,X

Gentleandrefined;pleasantandsociable.Usually
goodlooking.Naturalpeacemaker;abletosoothe
ruffledfeelings.Oftenexperiencesdifficultiesin
financialfields.Excellentasahostorhostess.Friendly
andagreeable.

7:NEPTUNELettersG,P,Y

FrequentlypossessesE.S.P.Extremely"psychic".
Introvert.Althoughs/hedoesnotsaymuch,s/he
usuallyknowsagreatdeal.Mysterious.Ofteninter
estedinpsychology,psychiatry,chemistryand
botany.Knowledgeableinastrologyandallfieldsof
theoccult.Fondoffishing.Inclinedtotakefromthe
"haves"andgivetothe"havenots".

8:SATURNLettersH,Q,Z

Inclinedtobecoldandpessimistic.Notmuchsense
ofhumor.Oftenslowgettingoffthemarkbutusually
endsupaheadofthegame.Successful,especially
wheremoneyisconcerned.Frequentlyconnected
withmining,realestateandthelaw.Alsowith
cemeteriesandpawnshops.Believesthathard
workneverkilledanyone.Oftenprepossessedwith
thoughtsofthepast.

9:MARSLettersI,R

Veryemotional.Canbeextremelyjealous.Active,
thoughrulesbytheemotions.Tiedverymuchto
familybackground.Loyal.Apttobesuspiciousof
strangers.Impulsive.Tendstobeafraidoftheun
known.Oftenassociatedwithsurgery,physicaland
mentalillnesses.

Youareallsetnowtostudyafriendfromthe
Numerologicalpointofview.Supposeyourfriendis
namedJaneDoe(notveryoriginal,perhaps,butit
serveswellforanexample).ShewasbornonJune23,
1947.Sheisplanningonmovingintoanewapartment
inTrenton,NewJersey,sometimeinFebruary1986.
Whatcanyoutellherandadviseher?Takeitstepby
step:FirstofallworkoutherBirthNumber:

June23,1947=6+2+3+1+9+4+7=325

ThenherNameNumber:

JANEDOE=1+1+5+5+4+6+5=27=9

Armedwiththesetwoimportantnumbers,what
canyousay?Firstofalllookatthewomanherself
number9.Shecanbeveryemotionalandveryjealous.
Shetendstobeimpulsive;istiedverymuchtoher
familybackground;issuspiciousofstrangersandafraid
oftheunknown.Fromtheselasttwofactsyouknow


thatithastakenherquitealotofsoulsearchingto
reachthedecisiontomoveintoanewapartment.At
thesametime,beingimpulsiveshefeelsthathaving
madethedecisionthesoonershemakesthemovethe
better.Hernewapartmentwillinsomewayreflecther
familybackground.Perhapsinthewayitisdecorated,
perhapsinthetypeofbuildingitisin.Shouldshe
decidetohavearoommate,youshouldsuggest
someonewhoseNameNumberiscompatiblewith
herfiresign,i.e.someonewiththeNameNumber1,3,
4,5or9.

Nowtolookatwheresheismovingandwhen.

TRENTONNEWJERSEY
2955265555159157=77=14=5

Thenumberofthegeographicallocationisthe
sameasherBirthNumber.Thisshouldbeanideal
placeforher.Onewhichwilltrulygiveherthefeeling
of"home".

SheplanstomovesometimeinFebruary1986.Feb
ruaryisthesecondmonth:

2+1+9+8+6=26=8

Youneed,then,toaddadaywhichwillbringthe
totalto5,toagreewithherBirthNumber.February6,
15or24are,then,themostpropitiousdays:

2.6.1986=32=5
2.15.1986=32=5
2.24.1986=32=5

Youcouldevengoontosuggesthowshemight
decoratetheapartmentsofarascolorsareconcerned,
forthereisanaffinityofcolorsandnumbers:

PRIMARYCOLORS

1RED6INDIGO

2ORANGE7VIOLET

3YELLOW8ROSE

4GREEN9GOLD
5BLUE

SECONDARYCOLORS

1brown,yellow,gold6allshadesofblue
2green,cream,white7lightshadesofgreen
3mauve,violet,lilac
4blue,gray
5lightshadesofany
color

andyellow
8darkgray,blue,purple,

black
9red,crimson,pink

Youwouldliketogiveherarecordalbumasa

housewarminggift?Hertasteinmusiccanbetaken
fromNumerology.AccordingtoCheirooneofthe
greatestofNumerologistsaswellastheforemost
Palmistnumber1peoplelikeinspiring,martial
music,asdonumber3andnumber9people.Number
2and7peoplepreferwindandstringinstruments:the
violin,thecello,harp,guitar,clarinetandflute.Number
4people,togetherwithnumber8,enthuseoverchoral
arrangements,organsandreligiousmusicgenerally.
Number5peoplelikesomethingalittledifferent,beit
"psychedelic",hardrockorDixieland.Number6
peoplearetheromantics,preferringsweetmusicwith
liltandrhythm.

Itispossibletogoonandon.Youcancheckyour
healthbynumerology.Youcanpickoutthemost
effectiveherbalcures,thepotentialwinnerofahorse
raceorbaseballgame,andsoonandsoon.Numerol
ogyisafascinatingscienceandonewhichcangive
youendlessentertainmentalso.

ASTROLOGY

Astrologyisperhapsoneofthemostpopularof
theoccultsciences;theonemostusedby"thewo/
maninthestreet".Althoughstaunchlydenyingany
seriousbeliefinsuchmatters,nineoutoftenpersons
areunabletoreadadailynewspaperormonthly
magazinewithoutavidlyscanningthehoroscopesto
seewhattheday/week/monthholdsinstoreforthem.
Itisuselesstopointouttothesepeoplethatthe
majorityofthesehoroscopesare,byvirtureoftheir
generality,completelyworthless.Inwhatfollowswill
beseentheelementsthatmakeatruehoroscopea
verypersonalthing,applicableonlytotheonefor
whomitiscast.

Theindividualhoroscope,ornatalchart,the
onethatinterpretsthemotionsoftheheavenlybodies
intermsoftheperson'slifecomesundertheawe
somesoundingheadingofgenethliacalastrology.The
chartisactuallyamapofhowtheplanets,sunand
moon,appearedatthemomentofbirth.

Eachplanethasaparticularinfluenceonthe
personbornandalsoaparticularinfluenceonthe
otherplanets,dependingonproximity.Toerect,or
drawup,thischartfortheindividual,certainthings
mustbeknown.Firstly,thedateofbirthday,month,
year.Secondly,theplaceofbirthgeographicalloca
tion.Andthirdly,thetimeofbirththeactualhour,
preferablytothenearestminute.Whyareallthese
necessary?


FromtheEarth,thesunseemstodescribeagreatcircleinitstravels.
ThispathiscalledtheEclipticandtheanglethatitmakesatanymoment,
asitrisesabovetheeasternhorizon,iscalledtheAscendant.Thisname,
ASCENDANT,isalsogiventothesignofthezodiacthatisrisingata
giventime.Everyfourminutestheascendingsignisatadifferentangle
overthehorizon.Itcanthereforebeseenthattoobtainthecorrectsign
andecliptic,atthemomentofbirth,thetimeandplaceofbirthmustbe
accuratelyrecorded.

Asthesunmovesthroughouttheyear,itpassesthroughtwelve
differentareasofskyandconstellations.ThesearetheHousesofthe
zodiac,andlikethehandofawatch,sweepround.Thedividinglines
betweentheHousesareknownasCusps.Thesuntakesroughlyamonth
topassthrougheachoftheHouses,whichareasfollows:

ARIESMarch21throughApril19
TAURUSApril20throughMay19
GEMINIMay20throughJune20
CANCERJune21throughJuly22
LEOJuly23throughAugust21
VIRGOAugust22throughSeptember22
LIBRASeptember23throughOctober22
SCORPIOOctober23throughNovember21
SAGITTARIUSNovember22throughDecember21
CAPRICORNDecember22throughJanuary20
AQUARIUSJanuary21throughFebruary19
PISCESFebruary20throughMarch20

Infact,thesedatesdovaryfromyeartoyear,soitisnecessarytocheck
theyearinquestionwhenthedateison,orcloseto,thecusp.

Inplanningthismapoftheheavens,somehelpisneededin
establishingthepositionsheldbytheplanetsatthemanydifferenthours
andminutesthathavepassedwiththeyears.Theastrologer'saidsfor
thisaretheEphemerisandtheTableofHouses.TheEphemerisgivesthe
positionsoftheplanetsatthedifferenttimes,whiletheTableofHouses
givesthecorrectionswithregardtotheplaceofbirth;thegeographical
location.Measurementoftimeisgiveninwhatisknownassiderealtime,
measuredbythestarsratherthanthesun.Thestarsappeartomove
aroundtheskyatafasterratethanthesun,andthismustbeallowedfor
inthecalculationofsiderealtime.

Working,then,fromtheEphemeris,youmustfirstcalculatethe
siderealtime(shownas"S.T.")atthemomentofbirth.Ifbornbefore
noon,thenecessaryhoursandminuteswillbesubtractedfromtheST.
givenfornoonintheEphemeris.Ifbornafternoon,thehoursand
minuteswillbeaddedtotheS.T.givenintheEphemeris.Andjustto
roundthingsoffnicely,anextratensecondsperhour(knownasthe
accelerationoninterval)mustalsobesubtractedoradded.Withaperson
born,forexample,inNewYork,furtheradjustmentwouldbenecessary
sincetheephemeridesuseG.M.T.asstandard(e.g.5:45pminNewYork
wouldbe10:45pmatG.M.T.)

ExampleApersonbornat11:45amonAugust31,1934,inNew

Thezodiacasweknowitisacombinedinven
tionoftheEgyptiansandBabylonians.
Above:AnancientEgyptianmapofthesky,
the'ZodiacofDenderah'.

//"^jri'l'%*fori,

**.*ft'jg

AstrologyoriginallydevelopedinMesopota
miaandwasmoreconcernedwithkingsand
peoplesthanwiththedestiniesofindividuals;
Above:atabletgivingastrologicalforecasts
incuneiformwriting,derivedfromobser
vationsofthemoon.

From"Man,Myth&Magic"


York,wouldhavetheS.T.10hours35mins54sees
(4:45pmatG.M.T.).Theaccelerationoninterval
wouldbe1times4%(hoursafternoon)seconds.The
S.T.forthemomentofbirthwouldthenbe:

lOh35m54s
+4h45m0s
+48s

15h21m42s

ThenextstepwouldthenbetoconvertthisGMT
STtoNewYorkSTbyconversionofthedegreesand
minutesoflongitudeintominutesandsecondsof
time.Thiscanbedonebysimplymultiplyingbyfour
andaddingifthelocationiseastofGreenwich,orsub
tractingifwestofGreenwich.Intheaboveexample,
NewYorkis74westofGreenwich.Multiplybyfour
andsubtractfromtheST:

15h21m42s
4h56m0s


lOh25m42s=localSTforNewYork

Fromlongitudethemoveisanaturalonetolatti
tude.FromtheTableofHousescanbefoundthe
ascendantsforthelocalSTjustcalculated.Thelat
titudeforNewYorkis4043TST(northoftheEquator).
LookingattheTableofHousesforNewYork,you
wouldfind:

S.T.

ASC

h

ms

o

TO,'

10

2542

22

35

2235'Scorpio

Now,atlast,youcanstarttofillinoneofthose
fascinatinghoroscopeblanks.Alinemaybedrawn,
throughthecenter,connectingthedegreeofthe
Ascendant,ononesideofthechart,withapoint
exactlyoppositeontheotherside.Thispointopposite
iscalledtheDescendant.AlsointheTableofHouses
willbefoundtherelatedmediumcoeli(M.C.)its
oppositepointistheimumcoeli(I.C.)themidpoint
atrightanglestotheconnectedAscendantand
Descendant.Theselines/pointsarealsomarkedon
thechart.Thechartisnowdividedintoitsfour
quadrants.

Thenextstageindrawingthe"map"isthefilling
inofthehouseboundaries.TheAscendantisthestart
ofthefirsthouse,andfromtherewillbefoundtwelve
houses(seeFigure9.2).

ThepositionsoftheSun,Moonandtheplanets
arefoundthus:fromtheEphemerisfindthepositions
fornoon,onthebirthdate,ofSaturn,Neptune,Jupiter,
UranusandPluto.Thesearetheslowerplanets.These
positionscanbeputstraightontothechart.Theyare
shown,asareallplanets,onthechartandinthetables,

Figure9.2


bytheirsigns.Thesetraditionalsignsare:

SUNOSATURNti

MOONDURANUSffl

MERCURY9NEPTUNEV

VENUS9PLUTOE

MARS6EARTH
JUPITER2f

TheSignsoftheZodiacareshownthus:

ARIEST
TAURUSV
GEMINIH
CANCER
LEO^
VIRGOTff

LIBRAE
SCORPIOTTl
SAGITTARIUSX
CAPRICORNV5
AQUARIUS**
PISCESX

ForthefasterplanetsSun,Moon,Venusand
Mercuryalittlemorecalculationmustbedoneto
allowfortheirmovementsbetweennoonandthe
actualbirthtime.Forabirthtimeafternoon,lookup
theplanet'smotionatnoon.Fromthelogarithmic
tablesintheEphemeris,findthelog.ofthemotionand
toitaddthelog.oftheintervalafternoon(abirthtime
of6:30pmwouldgiveanintervalofsixandahalf
hours).Thenconvertthetotallog.backtodegrees.
Younowhavethedifferenceinpositionoftheplanet
atnoononthebirthdateandcanaddthistothenoon
positiontheEphemerisshows.Hadtheactualbirth
timebeenbeforenoon,thenyouwouldhavelookedup
theplanet'smotionatnoononthedaybeforetheactual
birthdateandproceededasabove.Shouldtheplanet

inquestionbemarked"R"inthetablesmeaning
thatitisretrogradethenyouwouldsubtractthe
movementonintervalfromthenoonposition.One
wordofwarning:donotforgettoconvertGreenwich
STtolocalSTwhenfillinginthepositionsofthe
planets.AchartatthisstagemaylooklikeFigure
9.3.

Beforeyoucanattempttointerpretahoroscope,
youmustknowwhatthevariouspositionsofthe
planetsmeaninrelationtooneanother:theirAspects.
Twoplanets,onerisingandtheothersetting,180
apart,aresaidtobeinOpposition.Thisistraditionallya
badaspect.Twoplanetswithinapproximately10of
eachotherareinConjunction,whichcaneitherbegood
orbaddependingonwhichtheplanetsare.Planets
90apartaresaidtobeSquare,anotherbadaspect;
while60apart(Sextile)isagoodaspect.Finally,ofthe
mainaspects,120apartisextremelygoodandgoes
bythenameTrine.Obviously,inthesepositionsa
certainamountofleewayispermissible,andthisis
usuallyintheorderof10to12forConjunctionor
Opposition,androughly7forSextile.Theseallowances
aretheOrbs.

INTERPRETATION

Interpretationofahoroscopeisthehardestpart
asitisinanyformofdivination.Theinterpretation
beginswithlistingthevariousaspectswhichappear;
therelationshipoftheSuntotheZodiac;therelation
shipoftheMoon;theAscendant'sposition;risingand

Figure9.3


settingplanets;positionsaboveandbelowthehorizon;
relationshipsoftheplanetstothehousesandtothe
Zodiacsigns;theDecanates.Alltheseaspectsmustbe
studiedandexplained.Examplesofwhatmightbe
foundare:"MarsSquarewithSaturn;Jupiterandthe
SuninOpposition,orJupiterSextilewithMercury".
MarsSquarewithSaturnwouldindicateacertain
amountofcallousnessduetoMars'ruthlessnessand
impulsiveness,togetherwithSaturn'sseclusionand
introversion.JupiterandtheSuninOppositioncould
meanasomewhatselfcenteredpersongivento
extravagance,duetotheforcefulnessanddetermina
tionoftheSunwiththeexpansivewealthofJupiter.
JupiterSextilewithMercurywouldbegood,showing
determinationandknowledgewithjudgement.

Theplanetsthemselveshavecertainqualities:
Air,Water,FireandEarth.Traditionally,Gemini,
AquariusandLibraaretheAirsigns;Cancer,Scorpio
andPiscesaretheWatersigns;Aries,LeoandSagit
tariustheFiresignsandTaurus,VirgoandCapricorn
theEarthsigns.Airsignsaresupposedlyintellectual,
enlightenedandarticulate;Watersignsemotional;
Firesignszealousandfervent;Earthsignscautious,
basicandpractical.Inmoredetail,thesignsagain,by
tradition,asisalmostallinterpretationofastrology
areassociatedwithparticularattributes:ARIESisvery
muchaleaderorpioneer.Thereisacertainamountof
impatienceinthissign,duetoambition.TAURUSis
thehardworkergreatstrength,andproudofit,
alongwithperseverance.GEMINIisadaptable;knowsa
littleaboutalotofsubjects,hasagiftforlanguages,
diplomacyandtact,butissomewhatsuperficial.
CANCERisextremelysensitive,afolloweroftradi
tion,agreathomelover.LEOistheextrovert,fullof
selfconfidence,withanabundanceofpersonality,a
greatsenseofthedramatic,andagreatcapacityto
love.

VIRGOisthecritic;tidyandconservative,yet
alwayscharmingandpopular.Virgoisthebestof
plannersandorganizers;intellectualandextremely
analytical.LIBRAhasintuitionandforesight,ispeace
lovingandhasagreatsenseofjustice.SCORPIOhas
tenacityanddetermination,greatselfcontrol,buta
rathertoofineopinionoftheself.Attimesseemsa
contradictiontoher/himselfjealousanddemanding.
SAGITTARIUSknowsnofear.Kindandcanbegentle,is
alsodirectandoutspoken.CAPRICORNisambitious
andverymaterialistic,hasafearofinadequacyand
indigence,andiseithergreatlydepressedorincredibly
happy.AQUARIUSisaplanner,alwayslookingahead.

Honest,kind,yetdifficulttounderstand.Independent
intheextreme,s/hehasverygoodjudgement.PISCES
issensitive,noble,kindandgentle,yetcanbevague
andinclinedtobetoooptimistic.Selfsacrificingand
sympathetic,Piscesisanexcellentdiplomat.

SATURNisinhibited,persevering,cautious;often
taciturn,reserved.Saturnisassociatedwiththelaw,
mining,printing,dentistry,buildingandrealestate,
secondhandbooks,agricultureanddeath.URANUS
isexcitableanderratic,alittletooforcefulandinclined
tobesarcastic.Ithasanaffinitywithnature,also
technicalobjects.Todowithelectricians,inventors,
astrologers.Verymuchoftheoccult.NEPTUNEis
inclinedtomysticism,alsotoindividuality.Knowsbut
doesnotsay.Canbeofverydoubtfulcharacter,
capableofmurder,rape,etc.Sometimesvague;
sometimesconfused.Associatedwitheatingplaces,
bars,prostitution,narcotics,navigation,theocean,
nursing,advertising.PLUTOisgenerallyassociated
withchildren;youth.Leaders,wantingthingstheir
ownway,dislikinglaws.Plutoisassociatedwithhobbies,
sports,outdoorlife,actorsandactresses,politicians.
JUPITERistheplanetofharmony,ofeducation,law,
moralsandreligion,faith,goodhumor.Truthcomes
beforeanythingwithJupiter.Knowledge,theability
toselfeducate,learningthroughreading,areallof
Jupiter.Moneyedpeoplecountwiththisplaner
bankers,judgesandecclesiastics.

TheSUNisfirstandforemostamasculineplanet,
fullofvitality.Ithasdeterminationyetmuchkindness,
alotofheart,andiscapableofgreatlove.Itisan
authorityfigure,movingeverforward.TheMOON,
conversely,isafemininefigure;verysensitive,emotional,
domestic.Aloverofwater,patrioticandinterested
inpublicwelfare.MERCURYisquickwitted;an
extremelyactivemind,goodforresearch,exploration,
analysis,judgement;goodforwriters,teachers,orators.
VENUSisagain,ofcourse,feminine;verymuchof
love.Todowithfriendship,physicalattraction,feeling,
peacemaking,pleasures;associatedwithmusicians,
jewelers,actors,dressmakers,artistsandnurses.MARS
isforaction,withgreatenergyandcourage.Maybe
brutalandmaybejealous;frequentlythecauseofsexual
problems.Impulsive,loyal,fearfuloftheunknown;
associatedwithsoldiers,surgeons,sportspeopleand
craftspeople.

EachofthetwelveZodiacsignsisspokenofas
being"ruled"byoneoftheplanets.Whatthismeansis
thatthereisacloseaffinitybetweenthetwo.Wherea


planetisclassedasbeing"watery"or"fiery",sothe
signorsignsthatitrulesareofthattype.Thesign
AriesisruledbytheplanetMars.Taurusisruledby
Venus.GeminibyMercury;CancerbytheMoon;Leo
bytheSun;VirgobyMercury;LibrabyVenus;Scorpio
byMars;SagittariusbyJupiter;CapricornbySaturn
AquariusbySaturn(someastrologerspreferUranus)
andPiscesbyJupiter(againsomesaybyNeptune).
Generallyitcanbesaidthatafierysignwouldnotget
alongwellwithawatersign,norwouldawatersign
getalongwithanairsign.Anairsign,however,would
dowellwithafiresign,andsoon.

Let'snowlookatthetwelvedivisions,theSpheres
ofInfluence,onthechartandseewhateachisconcerned
with.Theyarenumberedonthechart.Thefirstoneis
theSphereinfluencingthephysicalappearance;the
body.Theseconddealswithmoney;gainingorlosing,
investingetc.ThethirdSphereisthatofcommunications
andtransportation,letterwritingandtransport.Also
itdealswithrelativesandcloseneighbors.Thefourth
sphereistheoneofhomeandproperty.Itdealswith
thebirthplace,withrealestate,minesandunderground
places.Italsodealswithaman'smotherorawoman's
father.Pleasure,love,sex,amusement,education,
appearinthefifthSphere.Sensualpleasures,especially,
arehere.InthesixthSphereyouwillfinddomestic
animals,healthandconditionsaffectingthehealth.
Clothingservantsandphysicalcomfortarealsohere.

TheseventhSphereofInfluenceshows,ina
woman'schart,thehusband;inaman'schart,thewife.
Partners,generally,arehere.IntheeighthSphereare
losses,includingdeath.Lossofmoneyandpossessions
ishere;alsodetailsofwillsandlegacies.Theninth
Spherecoversreligion,spiritualthings,journeysto
otherlandsandrelativesbymarriage.ThetenthSphere
coversyourjob,yourbusinessaffairs,honors,earnings.
TheeleventhSpherecoversyourfriendsandacquain
tances,hopesandfears,andwishes.Thetwelfth
SphereofInfluenceshowsanyconfinementsyoumay
encounterprison,deportation,exile.Itshowsenemies
andalso,strangely,largeanimals.

Fromtheabove,then,youcanreallystarton
interpretation.ForexamplePiscesontheAscendant.
ThisfirstHousedealswithphysicalappearance.
Piscessensitive,noble,kindandgentleindicates
thatthepersonwillbeofshorttomiddlestature,of
palecomplexion,withhighcheekbones,lighthairand
eyes.InthesixthHouseyoufindtheMoon.Thesixth

Sphere,youknow,istheoneofhealthandphysical
comfort.TheMoonissensitive,emotional.Youcould
say,then,thatthepersonmightbepronetoemotional
upsets;nervousbreakdowns.Theymightalsoenjoy
servingothers,sincetheHousealsodealswithservants.
IntheninthHouseisJupiter,theplanetofharmony.
Hedeals,asyouhaveseen,witheducationandreligion.
TheninthHouse,inwhichheappears,istheone
coveringreligionandspiritualthings.Thismustsignify
greatsuccessforthepersoninreligiousaffairs;alsoin
philosophicalandlegalaffairs,sinceJupiteralsodeals
withthese.Theinterpretationwouldfollowaround,
takingtheHousesoneafteranother.ThentheAspects,
whichyoulisted,wouldbeinterpretedaccordingto
theassociationforthevariousplanets.

Itmaybeseen,fromtheabove,thatalthough
someverygeneralcharacteristicmightbeimmediately
givenforapersonbornataparticulartimeofyear,
certainlynogreatandaccuratedetailscanbegiven
withouthavingmoreinformationonboththebirth
timeandthebirthplace,andconstructinganatalchart
themapoftheplanetsatthetimeandplaceofbirth.

Ihavetalkedofanatalchart,ahoroscopeofthe
timeofbirth,showingwhatthelifewillholdingeneral.
Similarchartscanbemadeforpracticallyanypurpose.
Theycanbeplottedtoshowwhatmightbethe
influencesforaparticularyear,orotherperiodof
time.Theycanbeplottedforcountries,ortowns,
ratherthanforindividuals.Theycanbeplottedto
showthemostpropitioustimeforlayingthecorner
stoneofanewbuilding;formarriage;money;health;
businessindeedforpracticallyanypurpose.There
aremanythousandsofbusinesspeoplewhohavea
professionalastrologerdrawupachartforthecoming
businessyearandfollowitsindicationsscrupulously.
Theyreturnyearafteryearandseemmorethan
satisfied.Theytaketheirhoroscopesseriously,asthey
shouldbetakeniftheastrologerknowsher/hisjob.

Whenadailynewspaper'shoroscopesaysthat
Mondaymorningisgoingtoseemlongandwearing
toallpersonsbornbetweenApril20andMay20,then,
althoughitmayturnouttobeamazinglyaccurate,you
mayrestassuredthatnochartsweredrawn,notables
consulted,noplanetarypositionsinterpreted.Yetitis
thisdrawingcalculatingandinterpretingwhichmakes
thesubjectsointeresting.

FIRESCRYING

Anotherformofdivination,sometimesusedby


Witches,isscryingintoafire.Makeafireofdriftwood,
ontheseashore,aftersunset(ifyouarefarfromthe
seashorethenyoucanuseanyold,weatheredwood,
suchasfromanoldbarn,orthelike).Whenthewood
hasbeenwellburnedandisbeginningtodiedown,
layonitacedarlog,ajuniperlogandthreegood
handsfulofsandalwoodchips.Lettheseburnwell.
Then,asthefireagainbeginstodiedown,gazedeep
intothedyingembers.Intheseembersyouwillsee
scenesofthepast,presentandfuture.Youmayseethe
actualscenes,butitismorelikelythatyouwillsee


symbolicscenesthatneedinterpreting.Thisscrying
fireissometimesreferredtoasthe"FireofAzrael",
andwasdescribedbyDionFortuneinherbookThe

SeaPriestess.

Therearemany,manyformsofdivinationfar
toomanytoincludehere.AnupcomingLlewellyn
PracticalMagickSeriestitle,byme,isPracticalDivina
tion,andwillcoveragreatmanyofthem,knownand
notsowellknown.


1.AfteryouhavemadeapersonalstudyoftheTarot,decidehowyouwillspreadthecards.What
methodworks
thebestforyou?

WhatTarotcardswereyouinitiallyattractedto?Listthem,andtellwhatsignificanceeachcard
hasfor
you.

3.Onseparatepaper,makeaprintofeachofyourpalms.Watchhowyourhandschangefromyearto
year.(To
makeaprint,pressyourhandinsilkscreenink,paint,orothercoloredsubstanceandpressasfl
ataspossible
onthepage.)

RelatesomeofyourexperienceswithCheiromancy.Whatmajorobservationsdidyoumakewhenyoufi
rst
beganstudyinghands,andhowaccuratewereyourimpressions?
Whatdidyouseeinyourownhands?

4.Constructyourownnatalhoroscope.Listthebasicinterpretationsofeachplanetastheyseem
tofit
yourperson.

LESSONTEN
HERBALISM

HERBALLORE

TraditionallyWitcheshaveagreatknowledgeofherbsandtheir
healingproperties.Withthepresentmovementbacktonature,andthe
desireforsurvivalinthismodernage,thatknowledgecouldtodaystand
usinverygoodstead.ItcouldbeimportantthatWitchesonceagainbe
theWiseOnesofHerbalMedicine.AlthoughIdonotsuggestthatyou
throwawayyourBlueCross/BlueShield/Medicare,orwhatever,Ido
believethattherearemanywaysinwhichyoucanmakeuseoftheold
cures,bothforyourselfandforothers.Itis,however,legallynecessary
formetopointoutthattheinformationinthislessonissimplymy
opnion,inregardtoherbsforhealth,togetherwiththeresultsofmy
researchintothehistoryoftheiruse.Iamnotengagedinrendering
professionalmedicaladvice.Suchadviceshouldbesoughtfroma
competentprofessionalperson.

Herbalmedicinegoesbackthousandsofyears.Itderivesfrom
Wo/Man'sneedsforhealthandstrength;curesforillsandthemending
ofwounds.Manyoftoday'smedicineshavecomefromthisprimitive
botanicalcompilation.Somehavebeendiscardedforstronger,supposedly
morecertain,syntheticdrugswhileothersarestillused,inmanypartsof
theworld,intheirnaturalform.

Throughouttheagesmysterioushealingpowershavebeenattributed
tocertainwildplants,flowersandherbs.Socalled"NatureDoctors"
(Witches)ofthepastwerefamiliarwiththesenaturalremedies.Un
fortunatelyuntil"science"putsitsstampofapprovalonsuchancient
herbalremedies,mostmoderndaydoctorsscoffatthefolklorecures
reportedthroughthecenturies.Sometimes,however,doctorsrediscover
theseancientremediesandhailthemastheoutcomeofmodernresearch
andscience!Forexample,WilliamWithering,anEnglishdoctor,isolated
aningredientfoundintheleavesofthefoxglovedigitalis;oneofthe
mostimportantofheartremedies.YetforcenturiesWitcheshadpre
scribedateabrewedfromthefoxgloveleavesforweakhearts.Dr.
Cheney,ofStanfordUniversity,"discovered",andproved,thatraw
cabbagejuicehelpedhealstomachulcersknowledgeagaincarriedfor
hundredsofyearsbytheWitches.

Thegatheringandpreparingofherbsisaspecializedwork,butone

135

Witchesbringinga
ShowerofRain.



whichanyoneofaverageintelligencemaysafelyunder
takewithpropertraining.(Therearealsospecial
storehousesandlaboratoriesthatcatertotheHerbalist
bysupplyingcrudeherbs,tincturesandallkindsof
preparations.Thesewillbelistedlater).

IthasbeensaidthattheWitch,asanaturalhealer,
shouldbeapsychologist,tostudythecharacterand
symptologyofthepatient.Sheshouldalsobeastudent
ofanatomyandphysiology,inorderthattheworkings
ofthebodybeknown.Inaddition,sheshouldbea
dietician,tostudythemostsuitabledietsforthepatient;
andapersonofgeneralknowledgeabouthersubject
andpeopleingeneral.Iwouldcertainlyrecommend
thatthestudentstudyanatomyandphysiologytogain
aworkingknowledgeofwhatisinvolvedinacure.

Beforeyougocollectingherbs,decideonjustone
ortwospeciesforeachtripout.Mostimportant,find
thebesttimeofdaytocollectthem.Forthisreferto
oneofthebetterherbals,suchasCulpeper's(see
SuggestedReadingattheendofthislesson).Having
selectedwhatplantsyourequire,pickonlythoseparts
whichyouwillbeneedingfordryingandprocessing,

otherwiseyouwillnotonlybetakinghomewastemat
ter,butyouwillalsobestuntingthegrowthofnext
year'scrop.

Beforepickingplants,checkverycarefullyfor
theirvariousattributestomakesureyouhavethe
rightone.Manydifferentplantshavesimilarities,
enoughtocauseconfusion.Youcannotspendtoo
muchtimestudyingillustrations,photographs,etc.,to
learntorecognizethemanydifferentspecies.When
collectingherbs,makesureyoudonotdamagethe
plantsasyoupickthem.Makethemupintosmall
bundles.Donotcrushtheplants,asthiswilllimitthe
amountofgoodnessyouwillgetfromthem.

Whenselectingplants,alwaystrytorefertothem
bytheirLatinnames,fortheseneverchange.Ifyou
usethecommonnames,youcanbecomegreatly
confused,sincemostherbshavemanydifferentcommon
names.Dependingonwheretheherbisfound,it
couldhaveasmanyastwentydifferentnamesby
whichitisknownlocally.ButeachplanthasonlyONE
Latinname.Inthevariousherbalsthisisusuallyprinted
initalics,andmaybepronouncedasitisread.To"ease
youingradually",asitwere,throughoutthislessonI

_.:i

TraditionallyWitchesalwayscuttheirherbswithasmall,sickleshapedknifeknownasaBoleen.
Itispossibletomakeoneforyourself.Justfollowthesame
generalprinciplesgivenfortheathame,inLessonThree.Don'tforgettoconsecrateitanduseit
onlyforcuttingherbs.

LessonTen:Herbalism1137

willactuallyusethemostcommonnamefollowedby
theLatin.However,rememberthatPLANTSSHOULD
ALWAYSBEREFERREDTOBYTHEIRLATINNAME
FORPOSITIVEIDENTIFICATION.

GETTINGTHEMOSTOUTOFHERBS

Manymedicinalpreparationshavebeenwasted
orspoiledsimplybecausetheuserdidnotprepare
themorusethemtobestadvantage.Thisnaturally
discouragesmanypeoplefromtryingherbsagain.
Sincemostherbsaremildinaction,itisimportantthat
THEYBEGIVENSUFFICIENTTRIALFORRESULTS.
Certainherbsmustbepreparedrightandadministered
correctlyinordertoderivebenefits.Forinstance,
Bonesetherb(Eupatoriumperfoliatum):aHOTinfusion
shouldbetakenonretiring,toinduceperspiration.In
themorning,theCOLDinfusionshouldbetakenasa
mildlaxative.PowderedSlipperyElmBark(Ulmus
fulva)issoothingtothebowelswhentakenasan
enema.Itisuseless,however,ifthebowelsarenot
flushedcleanbeforeinjectionofthebotanicalsolution.
AweakinfusionofHops(Humuluslupulus)removes
thearomaticproperties.AstrongerinfusionofHops
removesthebittertonicproperties.Adecoctionremoves
theastringentproperties.Eachoperationgivesa
differentresult.Aplantdoesnotyieldthesameprin
ciplesby,forexample,decoctionasbyinfusion.By
decoction,theextractiveresinousandbitterprinciples
areobtained;whilebyinfusionalargequantityof
aromaticandvolatileprinciples,essences,etc.,are
extracted.

Whataretheseterms:"decoction","infusion",
etc.?Theyarethewaysthatherbsaretreatedafter
collectingthem.Comminution;Extraction;Perculation;
Filtration;Clarification;Digestion;Expression.Iwill
takeeachoftheseinturnandexamineit.

Comminutionisthereductionofherbstosmallparticles.
Allsubstancestobeusedthiswaymustbefreefrom
allmoisture.Herbscontainingvolatileoilsshouldnot
besubjectedtohightemperatureduringthedrying
process.Therearemachinesavailableforthecutting
andmillingofherbsbuttheoldPESTLEandMORTAR
arestillfavoritesintheCraft.

Thefirstoperationinthedryingofherbsistocut
themupintosmallpartswhenfresh.Someherbs(e.g.
Rue/Rutagraveolens,Peppermint/Menthapiperita,Tansy/
Tanacetumvulgare)needtobedriedatthelowesttemper
aturepossible.Others(e.g.Yanow/Achilleamillefolium,

GroundIvy/Nepetahederacea)shouldbedriedquickly.

Nospecialdryingequipmentisneeded.Justfollow

themethodIgivebelow.

1:Selectandcollecttheherb(s)youdesire.Collecton

adryday.

2:Tietheherbsinsmallbundles,intwos,sothatthe

pieceofstringjoinsthebundles.Hangthebundles

overaclothesline,bythisstring.Note:itisimportant

thatatnightand/orwhenevertheweathergetsdamp,

youhangthebundlesindoors.Iftheherbsgetdamp

duringthedryingprocesstheywillmildew.

Ifyouarecollectingonlyleavesorflowersfroma
plant,thenputtheminamuslinbagtodry.Nottoo
manyineachbag,otherwisetheairwillnotgetthrough
them.Generallyherbswilltakefromthreedaystoa
weektodry.Itisimportantthattheyaredry.Movethe
bundlesaroundeachdaysothattheygetalotofsun.If
thereisnosunandyouhavetodrythemindoors,
keepthematauniformtemperatureofabout65to
70F.

3:Whenthebundlesaredry,passtheherbsthrough
ameatmincer/grinder.Usecoarsecuttersfirst,followed
byfineones.Ifproperlydried,theherbsshouldcome
outinmoreorlesspowderform.Putthemincansor
bottleswithscrewtopsandkeepinthedark.They
maybekeptthiswayforseveralyearswithoutlosing
theirnaturalcolorormedicinalproperties.

Extraction.Thechiefmethodsusedintheextraction
oftheactiveprinciplesofherbsare:

(a)DECOCTIONappliedwhentheactiveprinciples
consistofextractivematterreadilytakenfromthe
plantbutnotdamagedbyboilingwater(e.g.Chamomile/
Anthemisnobilis,Gentian/Gentianalutea,Broom/Spartium
scoparius).

(b)INFUSIONappliedtoobtaintheextractsby
meansofhotwater,onlyinthiscaseboilingwaterisnot
used.Infact,insomecasesevencoldwaterisutilized.

(c)MACERATIONthisisaprolongedinfusion
usingalcohol,ordilutealcohol.Itconsistsofsteeping
thematerialinaclosedvesselforadefiniteperiod,
shakingitatintervals.Thismethodisusedforthe
extractionoffluidextractsortinctures.

Percolationisthemostperfectmethodofobtaining
thesolublepartsofremedies.Itconsistsofallowing


menstruumtoslowlytricklethroughacolumnof
materialinasimilarwaytotheprocessofcoffee
percolation.

Filtrationistheprocessbywhichliquidsareseparated
fromsubstancesmechanicallysuspendedinthem.
Theeasiestmethodisbyusingfilterpaper.

Clarificationistheprocessofclarifyingasubstance
afterprocessing,asinthecaseofhoney,syrup,lards,
etc.,andisdonebymeltingandskimmingorfiltering
throughasuitablematerial.

Digestionisasimpleprocessofprolongedmacera
tion,ataconstanttemperatureofabout100F.

Expressionisthemethodwherebythejuicesofherbs
areextractedbypressingthem;actuallysqueezingthe
remedyoutoftheherb.Twopressuresarenormally
used:asimplescrewpress,similartoaprinter'spress,
orahydraulicpressasusedinlargelaboratories.

SIMPLES,SYRUPS,SALVES,
POULTICESANDPOWDERS

TouseHerbSimplesthathavebeenfinelyground
orchopped,steepaheapedteaspoonfuloftheherbto
eachcupofhot(notboiling)waterfortwentyminutes.
Takeonecupbeforeeachmealandoneongoingto
bed.

RootsandBarks.Rootsshouldbesimmeredforover
halfanhour,toextracttheirgoodness.Donotboil
heavily.

FlowersandLeavesshouldneverbeboiled.Steep
theminhot(notboiling)waterfortwentyminutes,

keepingthemcoveredsoastokeepintheoilwhich
mightevaporate.

PowderedHerbsmaybemixedwitheitherhotorcold
water.Usehalfateaspoonfulofpowderedherbtoa
cupfulofwater,followedbydrinkingaplainglassof
water.Herbstakeeffectquickeriftakeninhotwater.

NEVERUSEANALUMINUMUTENSILTOBOILHERBS
ORWATERTOBEUSEDWITHTHEMasthismetal
damagesthefineoils,etc.,containedintheherbs.

TOMAKESYRUPS:Asimplesyrupcanbemadeby
dissolvingthreepoundsofbrownsugarinapintof
boilingwater.Boiluntilthick.Youmaythenaddthisto
anysubstance.Malthoneyandbees'honeycanalso
beusedasasyrupifdesired.Tomakeaherbsyrup,
simplyaddthecutherbs,boiltoasyrupyconsistency,
strainthroughadoublecheeseclothandbottle.If
corked,thiswillkeepindefinitely.

TOMAKEHERBSALVES(ointments):Usefreshherbs
wheneverpossible.However,driedherbscanbeused
iffresharenotavailable.Besuretheherbiscutupvery
finelyanduseonetooneandahalfpoundsofcocoa
fat,lard,oranypurevegetablefat,andfourouncesof
beeswax.Mixtogether,cover,andplaceinthehotsun
(ortheovenwithaverylowheat)foraboutfour
hours.Strainwithafinesieveorcloth.Whensetitwill
befirmandreadyforuse.Ifyouwanttoputitinto
containers,dosowhileitisstillhotandletitsetinthe
containers.Donotremelt.

TOMAKEPOULTICES:Itisbesttohavetheherbsina
crushedform.Mixwithwaterandcornmealtomakea
thickpaste.Iffreshleavesareused,placethemdirectly
ontheaffectedpart(s).Poulticesareverygoodfor
swellings,enlargedglands,etc.Neverreuseapoultice

CAPACITY

MASS

Oneminim(min)

Oneounce(oz)=437.5grains

Onefluiddrachm(fl.drm)=60minims

(avoirdupois)

Onefluidounce(fl.oz)=8fldm

Onepound(lb)=16oz(7,000grains)

Onepint(O)=20floz

Onegallon(C)=8pints

APOTHECARIES'


WEIGHTSANDMEASURESOFMASS

Onegrain(gr)

Oneounce(oz)=8dr(480gr)

Onescruple(ei)=20gr

Onepound(lb)=12oz(5,760gr)

Onedrachm(dr)=3ei(60gr)

LessonTen:Herbalism/139

onceused.Alwaysreplacewithafreshone.
Thefollowingpoulticescanbeusedsafely:

SlipperyElmUsefultocombinewithotherherbsto
makeagoodpoultice.

LobeliaandSlipperyElmOnethirdpartLobeliaand
twothirdsSlipperyElm.Excellentforbloodpoison
ing,boils,etc.,alsoverygoodforrheumatism.
CharcoalandHopsWillquicklyremovegallstone
pain.

CharcoalandSmartweedGoodforinflammationofthe
bowels.Whenusingforhealingoldsoresandulcers,
addpowderedEchinacea,GoldenSealorMyrrh,ora
smallamountofallthree.

PokeRootandCommealExcellentforinflamedbreast.
BurdockLeafThispoulticeiscoolinganddrying.A
poulticeofthepowderedrootwithsalteasesthepain
ofawoundfromananimal,suchasadogbite.
PlantainExcellentpoulticetopreventbloodpoison
ing.

NettleandWintergreenFordissolvingtumors.
CarrotsandGoldenSealAppliedtooldsores,will
healrapidly.

SageForinflammationofanytype.
HyssopWillremovediscolorationfrombruises.

Poulticesshouldbeappliedashotaspossibleand
bechangedassoonastheheathasdissipated.Itisuse
lesstoreusethesamepoultice.

COMPOSITIONPOWDER:Acompositionpowder
isagoodmedicineforcolds,flu,cramps,rheumatism,
beginningoffevers,etc.Everyhomeshouldhave
theseonhand;theyaresafeandeffectiveforevery

one.Infeversandcolds,giveacupofteamadefrom
thepowdereveryhouruntilperspirationtakesplace.
Thiswillclearthebodyoftoxinsandbringthefever
down.Hereareafewselectedformulaewhichare
veryeffective:

4ozBayberry
2ozGinger
1ozWhitePine
1drCloves

1drCayenne

Useallpowderedherbs.Steep1teaspoonfulinwaterfor15
minutes,keepingcovered.Drinktheclearliquidafterthe
sedimenthasbeenstrained.

2ozPulverizedBayberryBark
1ozPulverizedGinger

VzozPulverizedPinusCanadensis
1drCloves
1drCayenne

Dose(adult):oneteaspoonfulinhotorcoldwater,sweetened
ifrequired.

LesspungentCompositionPowder(!):
1ozfinelypowderedWildThyme
1ozpowderedMarjoram
1ozfinelypowderedPimpernellaSaxifrage
1ozfinelypowderedPleurisyRoot
1ozpowderedCinnamon.

Dose:oneteaspoonfulintheearlystagesofcolds,disordered
stomach,scarletfeverorsimilartroubles.

HERBSIMPLES

ThefollowinglistofHerbSimplesisforgeneral
guidance.HerbSimplesincludeflowers,barksand
thewholeplant,dependingonthepart(s)generally
usedasamedicine.Thereareaboutfivehundred
HerbSimplesavailableandthesearegenerallysupplied
inweight(perounceorpound).Forlistoftermssuch
as"Pectoral","Astringent",seelaterinthislesson.

AGRIMONYAtonic,mildlyastringent.Usedforcoughs,
relaxedbowelsandloosenessofthebowels.

ANGELICAAstimulantandaromatic.Usedforkidneys
andtoinduceperspiration.

ASHLEAVESUsedingoutyconditions,arthritis,etc.

AVENSHERBTonicandstyptic.Usedinloosenessof
bowels,etc.

BALMCoolinginfeversandinducingmildperspiration.

BALMONYAntibilious,tonicanddetergent.Usedin
casesofchronicconstipation,indigestion,jaundiceand
wormsinchildren.

BLACKBERRYLEAVESAtonic,usefulincasesofbowel
looseness.

BLACKCURRANTLEAVESArefrigerant,usedincases
ofsorethroat,coughs,catarrh.

BLADDERWRACKusedinabathforarthritisandrheu
maticconditions.

BLUEMALLOWPectoral.Forcoughsandcoldsgenerally.

BONESETMildlaxative,tonic;relievesfeverand


painsinthebones.

BORAGEUsefulinchestcomplaints.

BROOMUsedinsomebladdercomplaints,especiallyin
gallstones.

BUCHUAstimulantusedinurinaryaffectionsandin
flammationofthebladder.

BUCKBEANAgoodtonic,usedforlivertroublesand
skindiseases.Alsoforarthritis,etc.

BUGLOSSExpectorantandtonic,usedincasesofinflam
mation.

BURDOCKUsedforpurifyingtheblood.

BURRMARIGOLDForgoutyconditions.

GREATERCELANDINEForeyeinfections,alsocases
ofjaundice.

CHAMOMILEUsedincasesofnervoushysteriaandall
nervouscomplaintsinwomen.

CLEAVERS(sometimescalled"Clivers")Atonicand
refrigerant.Iscoolinginfevers.Usedingraveland
gallstones.

CLOVESTheoilofclovesisaremedyforsluggishdiges
tion.Twodropsonateaspoonfulofsugaristhebestdose.
Asacurefortoothacheitisaspecificremedy.Thearea
shouldbepaintedwiththeoil.

COLTSFOOTForallasthmaticcomplaints.Asmoking
mixturemadewithit,mixedwithotherherbs,isuseful
forasthma.

DAMIANAAtonicfornervousanddebilitatedpersons;
alsousedasasexualstimulant.

DANDELIONROOTGenerallydried.Theleavescanbe
eateninsalads.Thewhitejuicefromthestemcureswarts
andwartygrowthsinashorttime.Theroot,bakedand
ground,makesgoodcoffee.

ELDERLEAVESUsedinurinarytroublesandastreat
mentforcolds.Theberriesareusedwithotherherbsfor
coldsandcoughs(driedberriesareoftenusedinstead
ofcurrants).

EYEBRIGHTUsedforweakeyesandasageneraltonic
fortheeyes.Frequentlyusedinacompound.

GOLDENSEALAwonderfulcatarrhremedyandtonic.
Thetinctureshouldbeusedwithcareandshouldbe
takeninonedropdoses,withwateronly.

GROUNDIVYWhilstnotreallyanivy(thecommon
nameofwhichisAlehoof),thisisagoodremedyfor
rheumatism,indigestionandkidneycomplaints.

LUNGWORTForcoughsandallchestaffections.

MARIGOLDThisisanotherremedythatshouldbein

everyhome.Asanointmentitwillcuremanyskintroubles;

asatinctureitisfarbetterthaniodinetohastenthehealing

process.Theflowersandleavescanbeusedinsalads.
MOUSEEARAgoodremedyforwhoopingcough.
NETTLES(thewellknownstingingnettles)usedfor

purifyingtheblood.
PILEWORTAsitsnamesuggests,forthetreatmentof

piles.OftenusedwithWitchHazel.Itscommonnameis

LesserCelandine,thoughithasnorelationtotheGreater

Celandine.
PLANTAINAcoolingherb.Freshleavescanbeusedasa

relieffrominsectbites,ifappliedatonce.Usedalotwith

otherherbsforbloodmedicines.
RASPBERRYLEAVESAverywellknownmethodof

bringingabouteasychildbirth.BlackberryandStraw
berryleaveshavesimilarpropertiesbutRaspberryleaves

areconsideredthebest.
SENNALEAVESTheseactinasimilarfashiontoSenna

Pods.Theleavesareusuallytakenwithgingertocure

constipation.
SLIPPERYELMUsedasaskincleanserandtonic.Aspecial

invalidfoodismadefromthebark,whichcanbedigested

bytheweakestdigestiveorgansandcannotbevomited.

Insoap,itisanexcellentskinsoother.
TANSYThefreshleavescanbeusedinasalad.Thedried

herbisusedforhysteria,morningsicknessandforthe

expulsionofwormsinchildren.
VALERIANTherootisusedtocureinsomniawithouta

druggingeffect.Alsousedforcuringpainsinmanyparts

ofthebody.
VIOLETCanalsobeusedinsalads.Thoughttobeacure

forcancerousgrowthsoftumorswhenusedwithred

cloverheads.
WITCHHAZELUsedforcheckingbleedingpilesand

bleedingfromwounds.Thepreparedliquidisusedfor

mostthingsandcancertainlybeusedonallcuts,sprains,

bruises,etc.

Theabovelistisashortonebutshouldbeofuse.
Again,Istronglyrecommendthatthestudentstudy
oneofthebetterherbalsforgreaterunderstanding.It
isobviouslyimpossibletogiveanallencompassing
coverageheretothethousandsofherbsthatexist.

DEFINITIONOFMEDICALACTIONS

Youwillfindthefollowingmostusefulwhen
referringtotextbooksonthesubject:

ALTERATIVEProducingahealthfulchangewithout

perception.
ANODYNERelievespain.

ANTHELMINTICAmedicinethatexpelsworms.
APERIENTGentlylaxativewithoutpurging.
AROMATICAstimulant;spicy.

ASTRINGENTCausescontractionandarrestsdischarges.

ANTIBILIOUSActsonthebile,relievingbiliousness.

ANTIMETICStopsvomiting.

ANTILEPTICRelievesfits.

ANTIPERIODICArrestsmorbidperiodicmovements.

ANTHIIICPreventstheformationofstonesintheurinary

organs.
ANTIRHEUMATICRelievesandcuresrheumatism.
ANTISCORBUTICCuresandpreventsscurvy.


DEFINITIONOFMEDICALACTIONS(Continued)

ANTISEPTICAmedicinethataimsatstoppingpurifi
cation.

ANTISPASMODICRelievesandpreventsspasms.

ANTISYPHILITICHavingeffectorcuringvenereal
diseases.

CARMINATIVEExpelswindfromthebowels.

CATHARTICEvacuatingfromthebowels.

CEPHALICRemediesusedindiseasesofthehead.

CHOLAGOGUEIncreasestheflowofbile.

CONDIMENTImprovestheflavoroffood.

DEMULCENTSoothing;relievesinflammation.

DEOBSTRUENTRemovesobstruction.

DEPURATIVEPurifiestheblood.

DETERGENTCleansingtoboils,ulcers,wounds,etc.

DIAPHORETICProducesperspiration.

DISCUTIENTDissolvesandhealstumors.

DIURETICIncreasesthesecretionandflowofurine.

EMETICProducesvomiting.

EMMENAGOGUEPromotesmenstruation.

EMOLLIENTSoftensandsoothesinflamedparts.

ESCULENTEatableasafood.

EXANTHEMATOUSRemedyforskineruptionsand
diseases.

EXPECTORANTFacilitatesexpectoration(coughing).

FEBRIFUGEAbatesandreducesfevers.

HEPATICAremedyfordiseasesoftheliver.

HERPATICAremedyforskindiseasesofalltypes.

LAXATIVEPromotesbowelaction.

LITHONTRYPTICDissolvescalculiintheurinary
organs.

NATURATINGRipensandbringsboilstoahead.

MUCILAGINOUSSoothingtoallinflammation.

NAUSEANTProducesvomiting.

NERVINEActsspecificallyonthenervoussystem;stops
nervousexcitement.

OPTHALMICUMAremedyforeyediseases.

PARTURIENTInducesandpromoteslaboratchildbirth.

PECTORALAremedyforchestaffections.

REFRIGERANTCooling.

RESOLVENTDissolvesboilsandtumors.

RUBIFACIENTIncreasescirculationandproducesred
skin.

SEDATIVEAnervetonic;promotessleep.

SIALOGOGUEIncreasesthesecretionofsaliva.

STOMATICStrengthensthestomach.Relievesindiges
tion.

STYPTICArrestsbleeding.

SUDORIFICProducesprofuseperspiration.

TONICAremedywhichisinvigoratingandstrengthening.

VERMIFUGEExpelswormsfromthesystem.

HERBSINMATERIAMEDICA

HereisashortlistofherbsinMateriaMedicaso
thatyoucanhaveatleastafewforeasyreferenceuntil
obtainingafullherbal.Thelist,obviously,isfarfrom
completeandthefullmedicalpropertiesofeachherb
arenotgiven.Foracompletepictureuseoneofthe
herbalslistedattheendofthislesson.Inmostcases

theherbsgivencanbetakenasatea,orcanbe
obtainedinpillortabletform.Thesearethemostcom
monherbs,whichwillproveofvaluetothebeginner.
Allherbsmentionedhereareperfectlysafeatall
times,andareNOTpoisonous.

HERB

AGRIMONY(agrimoniaeupatoria)
ALLHEAL(stachyssylvatica)
ANGELICA(angelicaatropurpurea)
DEADNETTLE(lamiumalbum)
ASHTREELEAVES(fraxinusexcelsior)
AVENS(geumurbanum)
BALM(melissaofficinalis)

BALMONY(cheloneglabra)
BARBERRY(berberisvulgaris)
BAYBERRYBARK(myricacerifera)
BLESSEDTHISTLE(carduusbenedictus)
BOGBEAN(menyanthestrifoliata)

BONESET(eupatoriumperfoliatum)
BROOM(spartiumscoparius)

BURDOCK(arctiumlappa)

ACTION

Alterative,tonic,diuretic
Antispasmodic,hepatic,nervine
Aromatic,tonic,stimulant
Antiseptic,astringent,tonic
Antifat,diuretic,stringent
Astringent,tonic,stomachic
Antispasmodic,nervine,diuretic

Laxative,tonic,vermifuge
Removesjaundice
Astringent,stimulant,vulinary
Antiscorbutic,hepatic,stomatic
Antiscorbutic,stomatic

Cathartic,emetic,vermifuge,laxative
Diuretic,tonic,diaphoretic

Antiscorbutic,aromatic,antispas
modic,tonic

USE

Chestdiseases,coughs.

Colic,gout,liver.

Heart,spleen,kidneys.

Bruises,sciatica,gout.

Dissolvesfattytumors,ringworm.

Hearttonic,promoteshealing.

Actsonliver,restorestheskin,
generalhealer.

Constipation,jaundice,indigestion.

Stopscanker;generaltonic.

Gout,arthritis,rheumatism.

Purifierofblood,skindiseases,giddiness.

Createsappetite,excitesthebile,good
forgout.

Forasthma,colds,dyspepsia,debility.

Asapoulticeforbrokenbones.Purifies
thewholesystem,curestumorsif
perseveredwithoveraperiod.

Allkidneytroubles,antidotetomercury
poisoning,usefulinallskincom
plaints.


HERBSINMATERIAMEDICA(Continued)

HERB

CASCARASAGRADA(rhamnus

purshiana)
CATMINT(nepetacataria)

GREATERCELANDINE(chelidonium

majus)
CLEAVERS(galiumaparine)

REDCLOVER(trifoliumpratense)

ACTION

Aperient,tonic

Antispasmodic,nervine,sudorific,

carminative
Acrid,alterative,cathartic

Antiscorbutic,diuretic,refrigerant

Antiscorbutic,nervine,tonic

DANDELION(taraxacumleontodon)Antispamodic,nervine,pectoral,

vermifuge

GARLIC(alliumsativum)

Antispasmodic,nervine,vermifuge

HEARTSEASE(polygonumperscaria)Balsamic,pectoral,vulnerary

HOPS(humuluslupulus)Diuretic,pectoral,laxative,tonic

PENNYROYALfmentfzapulegium)

RUE(rutagraveolens)

SCULLCAP(Scutellarialateriflora)

SOLOMON'SSEAL(convollariamulti
flora)
TANSY(tanacetumvulgare)

VERVAIN(verbenaofficinalis)

WOODSAGE(teucriumcanadensis)

YARROW(achilleamillefolium)

Aromatic,carminative,stimulant
Diuretic,vermifuge,tonic
Diuretic,nervine,tonic
Balsamic,demulcent
Emmenagogue,vermifuge
Diuretic,tonic
Diuretic,tonic
Astringent,sudorific,tonic

USE

Constipation,butshouldnotbeusedall
thetime.Safeforyoungorold.

Forremovingfemaleobstructions,for
hysteria,giddiness.

Externallyitisgoodforsluggishtumors.
Asanointment,goodforpiles.

Oneofthebestherbsforskindiseases.
Improvesthecomplexion,opensthe
porestoremovetoxins.

Bestbloodcleanser.Ateamadefrom
theflowersisanexcellenttonicfor
childrenandweakpersons.

Saferemedyforallinternaldisorders.
Theroot,whenbakedandground,is
madeintoadrink.

Manyvirtues.Tocleartheblood,for
whoopingcough.Willclearconsti
pationandcleansethebowels.

Tasteless,butapowerfulbloodcleanser.
Usefulforfits,pleurisy,itching.

Bloodcleanser,strengthensthebile.
Apillowstuffedwithhopswillcure
insomnia.

Usefulforfemalecomplaints.Forcool
ingthebloodofthestomach.

Verygoodforfemaledisorders.Best
whenmixedwithotherherbs.

Nervouscomplaints,excitability.Will
quiethystericalpersons.

Bruises.Helpscirculation.

Disagreeabletothetastebutveryuse
fulinfemalecomplaints;kidneys,etc.

Generaltonic.Forupsetstomachs,
giveninlargedoses.

Removalofobstructionsinliverand
bladderareas.

Cleansingoftheskin,openingofthe
poresandremovingobstructions.

Herbalismisalongstudyanditwillpaythe
seriousstudenttostudyallthebookslistedattheend
ofthislesson,soastofindthephysiologicalactionsof
thevariousherbs.Intrueherbalismwedonotuse
herbsofapoisonousnatureifatallpossible.However,
oneherbwhichcanbeusedtogoodeffectisRhus
Toxicodendron(PoisonOak;PoisonIvy).Thisherb
tinctureshouldNOTbeusedinternally,butinexternal
applicationsitisexcellentforallfibrositis,rheumatism
andalliedpains.Afootbathwithafewdropsofthe

tinctureinitwillrelievetiredfeetatonce.

Itshouldberememberedatalltimesthatalthough
theprevioussymptomsofadiseasemaydisappear,
youmusttakestepstopreventarecurrenceofit.Most
diseasescomeonfromalongstandingtroubleinthe
systemandthesymptomsofthediseasearethebody's
wayofexpellingwastematterinsomeformoranother.
Rememberthatdiseaseswillnotgrowinhealthytissues,
thereforetakestepstoseethatcorrectfeedingisunder
takeninorderthatthebodyremainscleansed.

BOTANICALSLISTEDUNDERTERMS


ALTERATIVESAgentswhichtend
graduallytoalteracondition.Altera
tivesareoftencombinedwithbotanicals
listedunder"Aromatics","Bitter
Tonics"and"Demulcents".Among
botanicalsthatmaybeclassedas
Alterativesare:

AmericanSpikenardrt.orberries

Bittersweettwigs

BlackCohoshrt.

BlueFlagrt.

BlueNettlert.

Burdockrt.

Condurangort.

Echinaceart.

Guaiacraspings

OregonGrapert.

PipsissewaIvs.

Pokert.

PricklyAshbk.

RedCloverfls.

Sarsaparillart

Sassafrasrt.

Stillingiart.

WildSarsaparillart.

YellowDockrt.

YellowParillart.

ANTHELMINTICSorVermifuges
Medicinescapableofdestroyingor
expellingwormswhichinhabitthe
intestinalcanal.Anthelminticsshould
onlybeadministeredbyaphysician.

ArecaNuts

Balmonyhb.

Koussofls.

MaleFern

MeliaAzedarachbk.

Pomegranaterind,bk.orrt.

PumpkinSeed

Spigeliart.

Wormseedhb.

Wormwoodhb.

ASTRINGENTSTemporarilytighten,
contractorincreasethefirmnessof
theskinormucousmembrane.They
areoftenofvaluetocheckexcessive
secretions.Theyareusedasexternal
washes,gargles,lotions,mouthwashes,
etc.Astringentsmaybemadevery
strong,usingmoreoftheherband
boilinglonger.Theymaybe"watered
down"tothestrengthdesired.

STRONGASTRINGENTS:

Agrimonyhb.

Alumrt.

Barberrybk.

Bayberrybk.

BeechDropshb.

Bearberrylvs.

Bethrt.

BlackAlderbk.

BlackCherries

BlackOakbk.

BlackWillowbk.

Butternutbk.

Buttonsnakert.

CatechuGum

Chocolatert.

Cinquefoil

Congort.

Cranesbillrt.

Fleabanehb.

Goldenrodhb.

Hardhackhb.

Hawthorneberries

Healallhb.

Hemlockbk.

Hickorybk.

JambulSeed

Kolanuts

Logwood

Lycopusvirginicus

MaidenHairFern

MountainAshbk.

Pileworthb.

Potentillahb.

PurpleLoosestrifehb.

QueenoftheMeadowhb.

Rattlesnakert.

Redrt.

Rhatanyrt.

Sagehb.

Saniclert.

SampsonSnakert.

Shepherd'sPursehb.

Sumbulrt.

Sumachbk.orrt.

Tormentilrt.

WaferAshbk.

WaterAvensrt.

WaterLillyrt.

WhiteAshbk.

WhiteOakbk.

WildIndigobk.

WitchHazeltwigs

MILDASTRINGENTS:

Blackberryrt.
BlackBirchlvs.
Celandine
GermanRue
RosaGallicaPetals
St.John'sWort
SweetFernhb.

BITTERTONICSUsedfortem
porarylossofappetite.Theystimulate

theflowofsalivaandgastricjuices,
assistingintheprocessofdigestion.

Augosurabk.

Balmonyhb.

Barberryrt.andbk.

Bayberrylvs.

Blackberrylvs.

BlackHawbk.

BlessedThistle

Bogbeabhb.

Boldolvs.

Cascarillabk.

Chamomilefls.

Chirettahb.

Columbort.

Condurangort.

Dandelionrt.

Fringetreebk.

Gentianrt.

Goldensealrt.

Goldthreadrt.

Hopfls.

Mugworthb.

Quassischips

SabattiaAmer.Centuryrt.

Serpentariart.

TurkeyCornrt.

WildCherrybk.

Wormwoodhb.

YellowRootrt.(Xanthorrhiza)

CALMATIVESAgentsusedfortheir
mildcalmingeffect.Generallytaken
asawarmtea,uponretiring.

Catniphb.
Chamomilefls.
Fennelseed
Hops
Lindinfls.

CARMINATIVESandAROMATICS
Substancesofafragrantsmellthat
produceapeculiarsensationofwarmth
andpungencyonthetastebuds.
Whenswallowed,thereisacorres
pondingimpulseinthestomachwhich
iscommunicatedtootherpartsof
thebody.Aromaticsareusefulto
expelgasfromthestomachandin
testines.Theyarechieflyusedto
makeothermedicinalformulaemore
palatable.

Allspiceunripefruit
Aniseseed
Angelicaseed
CapsicumFruit
Carawayseed
Cardamonseed


CARMINATIVES/AROMATICS(Continued):
Catniphb.
Celeryseed
Cinnamonbk.
Clovesbuds
Corianderseed
Cuminseed
Eucalyptuslvs.
Fennelseed
Gingerrt.
Lovagert.
Mace
Melilotfls.
Mustardseed
Nutmeg
Pepperminthb.
Spearminthb.
Valerianrt.
WildGingerrt.

CATHARTICSAgentswhichpro
moteevacuationfromthebowelsby
theiractiononthealimentarycanal.
Catharticscanbedividedintotwo
groups:(1)LAXATIVES,orAPER
IENTS,areagentswhicharemildor
feebleintheiraction.(2)PURGATIVES
areagentswhichinducecopiousevac
uation.Theyaregenerallyusedfor
morestubbornconditionsinadults,
orusedwithotheringredientstomod
ifyorincreasetheiraction.Neither
laxativesnorpurgativesshouldbeused
whenappendicitisissuspectedor
duringpregnancy.Catharticsshould
onlybeusedforoccasionalconstipa
tion.

AgarAgar

Aloes

Barberrybk.

BlueFlagrt.

Buckthornbk.

Butternutinnerbk.

Cascarabk.

Cassiafistula

Castoroil

Culver'srt.

Jalaprt.

Karayagum

Manna

MayappleorMandrakert.

Pyslliumseed

Rhubarbrt.

Senna(Egyptian)lvs.

Senna(American)

Sennapods

Tamarindpulp

DEMULCENTSSubstancesusually
ofamucilaginousandblandnature,

takeninternallyfortheirsoothing
andprotectivecoatingproperties
(forexternaluse,seeEMOLLIENTS).
Maybeusedtoallayirritationof
membranes.Theyhavebeenused
forcoughsduetocommoncoldsand
torelieveminorirritationofthe
throat.Themildestandmostsooth
ingdemulcentsaremarkedwith**.

AgarAgar

Arrowrt.

CheesePlanthb.

Coltsfoothb.

Comfreyrt.**

CouchGrassrt.

Flaxseed**

GumArabic**

IcelandMoss

IrishMoss

Karayagum

Licoricert.

Marshmallowrt.andlvs.**

Okrapods**

Oatmeal**

Psylliumseed

Quinceseed

Sagort.

Saleprt.

Sassafraspith

Sesamelvs.

SlipperyElmbk.**

Solomon'sSealrt.

Tragacanthgum

DIAPHORETICSAgentswhichtend
toincreaseperspiration.Theyare
commonlyusedasanaidinthereliefof
commoncolds.Diaphoreticsactmost
favorablywhenadministeredhot,
beforebed.Botanicalsmarkedwith**
areoftenreferredtoasSUDORIFICS
agentswhichcausecopiousperspir
ation.

AgueWeedhb.**

Angelicart.

Balmhb.

BlessedThistlehb.

CanadaSnakert.

Catniphb.

Chamomilehb.

Elderfls.

Gingerrt.**

Guaiacraspings

Hyssophb.**

Lindenfls.

Lobelia

Mtn.Mint(Koellia)hb.

Pennyroyal**

Pleurisyrt.

PricklyAshbk.

Ragworthb.

Sassafrasbk.orrt.

Senegart.

Serpentariart.**

SpiceBushorFeverBushtwigs

Thymehb.

WaterEryngort.

WoodSagehb.

Yarrowhb.

DIURETICSAtermusedformedi
cinesorbeverageswhichtendto
increasethesecretionofurine.The
fastestactionisgenerallyobtainedby
liquiddiureticstakenonanempty
stomach,duringtheday.Physical
exertionretardstheeffectsofdiuretics.
Theyareoftenusedwithdemulcents,
suchasMarshmallowrt.,CouchGrass,
etc.,fortheirsoothingqualitieswhen
irritationispresent.

BearberryorUvaUrsilvs.

Bilberrylvs.

Broomtops

Buchulvs.

Burdockseeds

ButtonSnakert.

CanadaFleabanehb.

Cleavershb.

CopaibaBalsam

CornSilk

Cubebberries

DogGrassrt.

DwarfElderbk.

Elecampanert.

GravelPlantlvs.

HairCapMoss

HorseTailGrass

JumperBerries

KavaKavart.

Maticolvs.

PareiraBravart.

Parsleyrt.

PrincessPinelvs.

SevenBarks

Stonert.

WaterEryngort.

WhiteBirchlvs.

WildCarrothb.

EMOLLIENTSAgentsgenerallyof
oilyormucilaginousnature,used
EXTERNALLYfortheirsoftening,
suppleorsoothingqualities.

Comfreyrt.

Flaxseedmeal

Marshmallowlvs.orrt.

Oatmeal

Quinceseed

SlipperyElmbk.


EXPECTORANTSAgentsusedto
induceexpulsionorloosenphlegm
ofthemucousmembranesofthe
bronchialandnasalpassages.Expector
antsoftenarecombinedwithdemul
centsasingredientsincough(dueto
cold)medicines.Strongactingexpec
torantsaremarkedwith**.

Asafetidagum
BalmGileadbuds
BalsamorTolu
Bethrt.

Benzointinctureorgum
Bloodrt.**
Cocillanabk.
Coltsfoothb.
Comfreyhb.
Elecampanert.
Grindeliahb.
GumGalbanum
Horehoundhb.
Ipecacrt.**
Licoricert.
MaidenhairFernhb.
Marshmallowrt.
Mulleinhb.
Myrrhgum
Pleurisyrt.
Senegart.**
SkunkCabbagert.
SlipperyElmbk.
WildCherrybk.
YerbaSantahb.

NERVINESAgentswhichtendto
abate,ortemporarilyrelax,nonserious
nervousirritation,duetoexcitement,
strainorfatigue.

Asafetidagum
Betonyhb.
Catniphb.
Chamomilefls.
Hopfls.
NerveRoot
Passionfls.
Scullcaphb.
SkunkCabbagert.
Valerianrt.
Yarrowhb.

NERVESTIMULANTSNervestimu
lantsareusefulforatemporary"lift"
whenhealthconditionsdonotpro
hibitcaffeine.

Cocoabeans
Coffeebeans
Guarana
YerbaMate
Tealvs.

CoffeeandGuaranaareuseful
forsimpleheadachescausedbyaggra
vation.Cocoaisoneofthemostnutri
tiveofallbeverages.

REFRIGERANTS
ingbeverage.

Boragehb.
Burnethb.
Licoricert.
Melissahb.
Pimpernelhb.
Rasberryfruit
Tamarindpulp
WoodSorrelrt.

Generallyacool

SEDATIVESOftenusedbywomen
fortheusualminordiscomfortsinci
dentaltoimpendingmenstruation
(notfordelayedmenstruation).

BlackCohoshrt.
BlackHawbk.
Catniphb.
Chamomilefls.
Crampbk.
Motherworthb.
SquawWeed
Yarrowhb.

STIMULANTSToquickenorincrease
variousfunctionalactionsofthesystem.
Stimulantsrefusetoactinthepresence
ofanexcessofanimalfoodsandnever
actasquicklyonpersonswhocon
sumealotofalcohol.

Angosturabk.
Bayberrylvs.
BlackPepper
BloodRoot
Bonesethb.
Camphorgum
CanadaSnakeRoot
Capsicumfruit
Cascarillabk.
Cassenalvs.

CayennePepper
Cinnamonbk.
Clovesfruit
Cocashrt.
Damianahb.
FeverFewhb.
Fleabanehb.
Gingerrt.
GoldenRodhb.
Horseradishrt.
Hyssophb.
Jaborandirt.
Maticolvs.
Mayweedhb.
Motherworthb.
Muirapuama
Mustard
Nutmeg
Paraguaytea
Pleurisyrt.
Pennyroyalhb.
Pepperminthb.
PricklyAshbk.
QuakingAspenbk.
Sarsaparillart.
Serpentariart.
Spearminthb.
SummerSavoryhb.
SweetGum
SweetShrubbk.
Vervainhb.
WhitePepper
Wintergreen
Yarrowhb.
YerbaMatelvs.
YellowRoot

VULNERARYAnapplicationfor
minorexternalwounds.Almostany
greenplantthatdoesnothaveirrita
tingconstituentsisusefulforminor
wounds,becauseofitschlorophyll
content.Applicationsaregenerally
mosteffectivewhenthefreshherb
isapplied.

AllHealhb.

BloodStaunchorFleabanehb.
Calendulahb.
Centauriahb.
Clown'sWoundworthb.
Healallhb.(Srophulariamarilandica)
HealingHerborComfreyhb.andrt.
HorseTailGrass
LiveForeverlvs.
Marshmallowhb.orrt.
Plantainlvs.

SelfHealorHealAllhb.(Prunella
vulgaris)


VITAMINSINHERBS

Vitaminsaremanufacturedwithinplantsand
dependtosomeextentonthehealthandvigorofthe
plant.Thecontrollingfactorsarethevarietiesandthe
conditionsunderwhichtheplantsaregrown.Cultivated
plantsdependalmostentirelyonchemicalfertilizers.
Seaweedsaresuppliedwithalmostunlimitedelements
tofeedon.Botanicalsgrowinginthewildstategenerally
thriveonlyinvirginsoils,orinsoilsthatcansupply
theirnecessities.Whenasoilbecomesdepleted,these
botanicalsmoveon,(viasuckers,creepers,seeds,etc.)
orareeventuallycrowdedoutbyneighboringplants.

Plantvitaminsarefareasiertodigestthanvitamins
andmineralsoffishoranimalorigin.

VITAMINA:Neededfornightvisionandfunctioning
ofcellsofskinandmucousmembranes.VitaminA
isstoredinthebody,butunderstressandstrain,a
surplusisrapidlydissipated.

BotanicalSourcesAlfalfaherb;Annatoseed;Dandelion;
Lamb'sQuarters;Okrapods;Paprika;Parsley
herb;Watercress.

VITAMINB1(Thiamine):Neededforgrowthandmain
tainingnormalappetite.

SourcesBladderwrack;Dulse;Fenugreek;Kelp;Okra;
WheatGerm.

VITAMINB2(Riboflavin):Neededfornormalgrowth
ofchildren.Goodnutritionofadults.

SourcesBladderwrack;Dulse;Fenugreek;Kelp;Saffron.

VITAMINB12:Essentialfornormaldevelopmentofred
bloodcells.B12alsoactsasagrowthfactorfor
childrenandhelpsputweightonunderweight
children.

SourcesAlfalfa;Bladderwrack;Dulse;Kelp.

VITAMINC:Neededforhealthyteethandgums;
preventsscurvy.VitaminCisdestroyedbyheat,
cooking,lowtemperaturesandoxidation.This
vitaminisnotstoredinthebody;afreshsupply
mustbeprovideddaily.

SourcesBuffaloBerry;Burdockseed;Capsicum;Colts
foot;Elderberries;Marigold;Oregano;Paprika;
Parsleyherb;RoseHips;Watercress.

VITAMIND:Neededforbuildingandkeepinggood
bonesandteeth.Preventsrickets.Alimitedamount
isstoredinthebody.

SourcesAnnatoseed;Watercress;WheatGerm.

VITAMINE:Abundantinmanyplants'seeds.The
needforVitaminEhasnotbeenfullyestablished,
butisessentialforfullandpropernutrition.

SourcesAlfalfa;AvenaSativa;Bladderwrack;Dandelion

leaves;Dulse;Kelp;Linseed;Sesame;Watercress;

WheatGerm.
VITAMING(B2):Essentialinpreventingadeficiency

disease.
SourcesHydrocotyleAsiatica.
VITAMINK:Necessaryinthephysiologicalprocessof

bloodclotting.
SourcesAlfalfaherb;Chestnutleaves;Shepherd's

Purse.
VITAMINP(Rutin):Believedtobeofbenefitinstrength
eningtinybloodvessels.
SourcesBuckwheat;GermanRue;Paprika.
NIACIN(anotherBcomplexvitamin):Preventspellagra.
SourcesAlfalfaleaves;Blueberryleaves;Burdockseed;

Fenugreek;Parsleyherb;Watercress;WheatGerm.

THEARTOFPRESCRIBINGMEDICINE

Inprescribingmedicinethefollowingcircumstances
shouldalwaysbekeptinmind:AGE,SEX,TEMPERA
MENT,HABIT,CLIMATE,STATEOFSTOMACH,
IDIOSYNCRASY.

AGEForanadult,supposethedosetobe1drachm.

Then:

Upto1yearwillrequire1/12(or5grains)
Upto2yearswillrequireVs(or8grains)
Upto3yearswillrequirelM(or10grains)
Upto4yearswillrequirexk(or15grains)
Upto7yearswillrequireVs(or1scruple)
Upto14yearswillrequireVz(orxlzdrachm)
Upto20yearswillrequire%(or2scruples)
Above20thefulldose1drachm.
Above65theinversegradationoftheabove.

SEXWomenrequiresmallerdosesthanmenandthe
stateoftheuterinesystemmustneverbeover
looked.

TEMPERAMENTStimulantsandpurgativesmore
readilyaffectsanguinepersonsthanphlegmatic
ones;consequentlytheformerrequiresmaller
doses.

HABITSKnowledgeoftheseisessential.Thosewho
habituallyusestimulantssuchassmokersand
drinkersrequirelargerdosestoaffectthem,while
thosewhohabituallyusesalinepurgativesare
moreeasilyaffected.

CLIMATEMedicinesactdifferentlyonthesamein
dividualsinsummerandwinter,andincountries/
regionsofdifferentclimates.Generally,thewarmer
theclimate,thesmallertherequireddose.


STATEOFSTOMACH:IDIOSYNCRASYTheleast
activeremediesoperateveryviolentlyonsome
individualsduetoapeculiarityofthestomachor
dispositionofthebody,unconnectedwithtemper
ament.Thisstatecanbediscoveredonlybyacci
dentortime.

Inprescribing,youshouldalwayssoregulatethe
intervalsbetweendosesthatthenextdosemaybe
takenbeforetheeffectofthefirsthasaltogetherworn
off.Ifthisisnotdonethenthecureis"alwayscom
mencingbutneverproceeding".Itshouldalwaysbe
keptinmind,however,thatmedicinessuchasDigitalis,
Opium,etc.,areapttoaccumulateinthesystemand
therewillbedangerifthedosesaretooclosetogether.
DOSESMUSTALWAYSBEMEASUREDNEVER
GUESSED.

Thefollowinglistofexplanationsshouldgive
yousomehelpwhenreadingmanytextbooksand/or
writingformulaeandprescriptions:

Abbreviation

RRecipe

F.S.A.FiatSecondum

Artem

Meaning

Take

Letitbemadeorprepared

M.

Misce

Mix

MSD

Miscaesignada

Mixthemedicine,deliveritwith
instructionsinwritingto
patient

M.F.Mixt.

Miscefiatmix
tura

Toformaliquidmixture

Div

Divide

Divide

Sol

Solve

Dissolve

Fasc

Fasciculus

Anarmful

Man.j.

Manipulus

Ahandful

Pugilj.

Pubillusor
Pugillum

Apinch

Cyatj.

Cyathus

Aglassful

Cochj.

Cochlear

Aspoonful

Gutt.

Gutta

Adrop

No.1,2,3,

etc.

TheNo.ofpieces,written").,
jl.,jll.,JUL,"etc.

Ana

oraa

Ofeaach

P.Ae


Partesoequales

Equalparts

Q.S.

Quantum

Sufficit

Asmuchassuffices

Q.L.

Quantumlibet

Asmuchasyoulike

Q.V.

Quantum
volueris

Asmuchasyoulike

lb.

Libra

Apound

oz.

Uncia

Anounce

Dr.

Drachmaor
dram

Adrachmaordram

Scr.

Scrupulus

Ascruple

Gr.

Granum

Agrain

Pil

Pilulae

Apillorpills

Pot

Piotorpotassa

Potion

Pulv

Pulvis


Powder

Pulv

Pulvisfactus

Powdered

Tine

Ext

Chartul

Collyr.

Collut.

Decoct.

Garg.

Haust.

lams.

Mist.

Ss.

zz

OIorOi

E.A.

A.c.

P.c.

Tusurg

H.s.

SOS

Prooc

=part

M.D.

Addendua

Agit.vas

Ante

Applic

AquaFervens

Cat

Dies

Dictus

Durdolor

Grad

Adlib

Sinemora

2r
5

Tinctura

Extractum

Chartula

Collyrium

Collutorium

Decoction

Gargarisma

Haustus

Infusum

Mistura

Semisses

Zingiber

ExAqua
Antacibum
Postcibum
Tussalurg.
Horasomni

Pro.occula
oep

Agitatovase
Appliceteur
Cataplasm

Durantedolore
Gradation
Adlibitum

Tincture

Anextract(usuallyfluid)

Smallpaper

Eyewash

Mouthwash

Decoction

Gargle

Adraught

Aninfusion

Mixture

Half

Ginger

OnePint

Inwater

Beforemeals

Aftermeals

Whenthecoughistroublesome

Atbedtime

Asrequired

Fortheeyes

Equalparts

Tobeusedasdirected

Tobeadded

Shakethevessel

Before

Lettherebeapplied

Boilingwater

Poultice

Dateorday

Spokenof

Whilethepainlasts

Bydegrees

Atpleasure;asyouplease

Withoutdelay;urgent

Annualherb

Biennialherb

Perennialherb

Flowersperfect

SOMESIMPLETREATMENTS

Remember,preparationsshouldNOTbeboiledinaluminum
vessels.Usecopperorearthenwareor,betterstill,
Pyrex,soasnottocontaminatethemedicines.Now
herearesomesimplerecipesyoucanuseforpractice
(orforreal!).Ifyouareunabletogathertheherbs
yourself,seethesourcelistattheendofthislesson.

MEDICINALDRINKS

Forlossofappetiteanddebility:
WoodBetony1oz
Barberrybark1oz
Bogbean1oz

Boilinhalfagallonofwaterfor15minutes.
Sweetenwithhoneyandleavetocool.Thenstirin2
teaspoonfulsofgoodBrewersYeast.Letthewhole
standfor12hours.Skimoffthetopandbottlethe
remainder,donotusefor24hours.
Dose:ad.lib.


ForDiarrhea:
Equalparts

Cranesbillherb
Bayberrybark
Shepherd'sPurse

Mixwith4pintsofwater.Simmerfor1520
minutes.Sweetenwithhoney(notsugar).
Dose:Vzwineglassad.lib.

MEDICINALSYRUPS

Foracough:

BloodRoot,crushed

3oz.

Steepingoodvinegaroraceticacidfor2weeks.
Strainandadd\r/zlbsofgoodhoneyandgentlysim
merdowntotwothirdsthevolume.
Dose:Vzteaspoonful.

Forahacking,irritatingcough:
Ipecacuansyrup1oz.
Sassafras(bruised)1oz.
Aniseed2oz.
Honey4oz.
AmericanValerian2oz.
BlackOats2oz.
Water2quarts

Boilthewholefor30minutesandthenadd1pint
ofspiritsofwine.
Dose:Vzwineglassfulwhenthecoughisatitsworst.

MEDICINALDECOCTIONS

Forclearingthebloodofimpurematter.
SasaparillaBruisedDecoction:
BruisedHondurasSasaparilla2oz.
BoilingWater1quart

Simmerfor30minutesthensweetenwithhoney.
Dose:1gill,3timesaday.

Forcoughsandallpulmonarycomplaints.
BalmofGileaddecoction:
BalmofGileadbuds1teaspoonful
Rainwater1pint

Mixandinfusefor30minutes.

NOTE:Inalldecoctionsandremedieswhere
nopreservingagent(suchasbrandyorhoney)
isused,theremedymustnotbekeptlongerthan
afewdays,otherwiseitmayturncloudy,indica
tingthatitisuselessasmedicine.

Astimulatinggargle:

EqualpartsSumachberries
Goldenseal

Simmerfor15minutes.Strainandadd1drachm
ofBoracicacidtoeverypint.

MEDICINALTEAS

Forremovinggripingpainsandirritation.Excellent
forchildren(Vztablespoonful).

CatnipTea:

Catnipleavesandflowers1oz.
BrownsugarVzoz.
Milk1tablespoon
BoilingWater1pint

Infusefor25minutesthenstrain.Theteamade
withtheCatnipleavesandflowersandwateronlycan
beusedasaveryeffectiveenema,tocleansethe
bowels.

Toincreasemenstruation;todestroyalltypesof
worms:

Tansyleaves1oz.

Brownsugar1tablespoon

BoilingWater1pint

Infusefor30minutesandstrain.
Dose:Vzwineglassful,occasionally.

Aneyewash,goodforgranulatedeyelidsandin
flamedeyes:

Tine.HydrastisCan1oz.

Tine.Sanguinaria1dr.

BoracicacidVzdr.

Shakewelluntilmixed.
Dose:10dropsofthecompoundinVztumblerof
water,asaneyewash.

MEDICINALMIXTURES

Forcasesoffaintness,hysteria,debilityandallnervous
cases.

Nervemixture:

Tine,ofPimpernelVzoz.

MintWater(Menthsvirdis)IV2oz.

Tine.Valerian1dr.

Comp.Tine.CardamonVzoz.

Mixwell.
Dose:2tablespoonsful,3timesaday.


Coughmixture:

SyrupofIpecacuana2dr.
SyrupofSquills2dr.
Tine,ofBloodroot2dr.

Mixwell.
Dose:1toIV2teaspoonsfuladay,orwhencoughis
bad.

Sexualinvigorator:

FalseUnicornV2oz.
Tine.St.John'sWortV2oz.
Tine.DamianaVzoz.

Mixwell.
Dose:30to60drops,every6hours.

OINTMENTS

Forgrowthsofamalignantnature,piles,ringworm,
etc.

Goldensealointment:
Goldensealroot2oz.
MethylatedSpirits1oz.
Glycerine1oz.
Water1oz.

BruisewelltheGoldensealroot,thenaddtothe
otheringredientsandmixwell.Letthewholestandin
awarmplace,closelycorked,foraweek.Thenpress
outalltheliquidandthoroughlyincorporatethis
residuewith4oz.lard,inaliquidstate.Pourinto
screwtopjars.

WITCHES'PHARMACOPOEIA

Oneoftheusualmisconceptionsthatcowans
(nonWitches)haveoftheCraft,isthatweboilupall
sortsofevilingredientsinourcauldrons!Howdidthis
warpedbeliefcomeabout?Well,itwasbecauseofthe
manylocalcommonnamesgiventoordinaryherbs.
Anherb,perhapsbecauseofitssuggestiveappearance,
wouldacquireapicturesquename.Thenamewould
stickand,beforelong,betakenatitsfacevalue.Dragon's
Bloodisanexcellentexample.Thisgumresinwas
giventhenamebecauseofitsreddishbrowncolor,

similartodriedblood,andbecauseitcomesfromsuch
plantsasCalamusdraco,Dracoenadraco,Pterocarpus
draco,etc.,namedaftertheconstellationDracothe
Dragon,oftheNorthernHemisphere.ItisNOTthe
actualdriedbloodofadragon,thoughmanypeople
believeitis!

Herearesomeotherherbs,togetherwiththeir
localnames,sothatthenexttimeyoucomeacrossan
oldrecipecallingfor,say,thetongueofahorseandthe
eyeofacat,you'llknowwhatwasreallymeant.

WICCANNAME

Adder'sMouth
Adder'sMeat
Adder'sTongue
Ass'sEar
Bear'sEar
Bear'sFoot
Beehive
Beggar'sTick
Bird'sEye
Bird'sTongue
BlackBoyResin
BloodyFingers
Bull'sEyes
Bull'sFoot
Calf'sSnout
Catgut
Cat'sEye
Cat'sFoot
Cat'sFoot/Paw
Cat'sMilk
ChickenToe

COMMONNAME

StitchWort

DogstoothViolet
Comfrey
Auricula

StinkingHellbore
SnailPlant
Cockhold
FalseHellebore
EuropeanAsh

Foxglove
MarshMarigold
Coltsfoot
Toadflax
HoaryPea
StarScabious
CanadaSnakeRoot
GroundIvy
Wartwort
CrawleyRoot

LATINNAME

Stellariamedia
Microstylisophioglossiodes
ErythroniumAmericanum
Symphytumofficinale
Primulaauricula
Helleborusfoetious
Medicagoscuttellata
Bidensfrondosa
Adonisvernalis
Fraxinusexcelsior
Xanthorrhoeaarborea
Digitalispurpurea
Calthapalustris
Tussilagofarfara
Linariavulgaris
Tephrosiavirginiana
Scabiosastellata
Asarumcanadense
Nepetaglechoma
Euphorbiahelioscopia
Corallorhizaordontorhiza


WICCANNAME

COMMONNAME

LATINNAME

Cock'sComb
Cow'sTail
CrowFoot
Devil'sMilk
Dog'sTongue
Donkey'sEyes
Dove'sFoot
Dragon'sClaw
Dragon'sEye
Duck'sFoot
FairyFingers/Gloves
FleshandBlood
FoxTail
Foal'sFoot
Frog'sFoot
Goat'sBeard
Goat'sFoot
Hare'sFoot
Hedgehogs
HorseTail
HorseTongue
Hound'sTongue
Jew'sEar
Lamb'sTongue
Lizard'sTail
Lizard'sTongue
Mother'sHeart
MouseEar
MouseTail
NegroHead
OldMan'sBeard
OxTongue
Rabbit'sFoot
Shepherd'sHeart
SnakeHead
SnakeMilk
Snake'sTongue
SquirrelEar
StagHorn

StinkingGooseFoot
SwineSnout
Toad

Unicorn'sHorn
Wolf'sClaw
Wolf'sFoot

YellowRattle
CanadaFleabane
Cranesbill
Wartwort

CowagePlant
Cranesbill
CrawleyRoot

AmericanMandrake
Foxglove
Tormentil
ClubMoss
Coltsfoot

BulbousButtercup
VegetableOyster
AshWeed
Clover

ScouringRush
Hart'sTongue
VanillaLeaf

FungusonElderorElm
RibwortPlantain
BreastWeed

Shepherd'sPurse
MouseBloodWort
CommonStonecrop
VegetableIvory
FringeTree
Bugloss
FieldClover
Shepherd'sPurse
Balmony
BloomingSpurge
Adder'sTongueFern
WhitePlantain
ClubMoss

Dandelion
Toadflax
FalseUnicorn
Lycopodium
BugleWeed

Rhinanthuschristagalli
Erigeroncanadense
Geraniummaculatum
Euphorbiahelioscopia
Conoglossumofficinale
Mucunapruriens(seeds)
Geraniumsylvaticum
Corallorrhizaodontorrhiza
Nephaliumloganum
Podophyllumpeltatum
Digitalispurpurea
Potentillatormentilla
Lycopodiumclavatum
Tussilagofarfara
Ranunculusbulbosus
Tragopogonporrofolius
Aegopodiumpodograria
Trifoliumarvense
Medicagointertexta
Equisetumhyemale
Scolopendriumvulgare
Liatrisodoratissima
Pezizaauricula
Plantagolancelolata
Saururuscernuus
Sauroglossum
Capsellabursapastoris
Hieraciumpilosella
Sedumacre

Phytelephasmacrocarpa
Chionanthusvirginica
Anchusaofficinallis
Trifoliumarvense
Cabellabursapastoris
Cheloneglabra
Euphorbiacorollata
Ophioglossumvulgatum
Goodyearrepens
Lycopodiumclavatum
Chenopodiumfoetidum
Taraxacumdensleonis
Linariavulgaris
Helgoniasdioica
Lycopodiumclavatum
Lycopusvirginicus


SOURCES

Belowarelistedsomesourcesforherbsandherbalpreparations.ThelistisasuptodateasIca
nmakeitbutit
isalwayspossiblethatsomeofthecompanieslistedmayhavegoneoutofbusiness.

APHRODISIAPRODUCTSINC.
45WashingtonStreet,
Brooklyn,NY11201

THEHERBSOCIETYOFAMERICA
300MassachusettsAvenue,
Boston,MA02115

INDIANABOTANICALGARDENS
Hammond,IN46325

THEHERBSTORE
P.O.Box5756,
ShermanOaks,CA91403

KIEHLPHARMACY
109ThirdAvenue,
NewYork,NY10003

GOLDENGATEHERBRESEARCH
P.O.Box77212,
SanFrancisco,CA94107

EDWARDSHEALTHCENTER
480Stationroad,
Quakertown,PA18951

ATLANTISRISING
7915S.E.Stark,
Portland,OR97215

THEMAGICKALCHILDE
35West19Street,
NewYork,NY10011

BOTANICA
Box88,
StationN,
Montreal,CanadaH2X3N2

THESOCIETYOFHERBALISTS
CulpeperHouse,
21BrutonStreet,
BerkeleySquare,
LondonW.l,England

InThomasMiddleton'splaytheWitch(1612)thecharacter
Hecateismadetostuffthemouthandnostrilsofanunbaptised
childbeforeboilinghimforhisfat(l).Sherecountsthematerialsas
sheusesthem:

Hecate:'Themagickalherbsaredownhisthroat;
Hismouthcramm'dfull,
Hisearsandnostrilsstuff'd;
Ithrustineleoselinumlately,
Aconitum,frondespopuleasandsoot.
Thenslum,acorumvulgaretoo,
Pentaphyllon,thebloodoftheflittermouse,
Solanumsomnificumetoleum.'

Afearsomeconcoctionitseemsuntilexamined.The

eleoselinumisnothingmorethancommonparsley;aconitum
isahardyherbaceousplantusedinternallyaswellasexternallyin
thetreatmentofrheumatismandneuralgia.Frondespopuleasare
theleafbudsofthepoplar;siumisthewaterparsnipandacorum
vulgareiscalamus,usedfordisordersofthestomach.Pentaphyllon
istheGreeknameforthecinquefoil;aflittermouseis,ofcourse,a
bat.TheSolanumfamilyincludessuchasthepotato,bittersweet,
eggplantandothers;somnificumprobablyindicatesoneofthenight
shadespeciesofsolanum.Theoleumwasinallprobabilitytheoil
usedtobindthesevariousinnocuousingredients.


RaymondBuckland,LlewellynPublications,1971


Tellwhatsomeofyourpersonalusesandsuccesseswithherbshavebeen.Listwhatyou'vetriedan
dwhat
resultswereobserved.

Listyourpersonalsupplyofherbsthatyouhaveonhand.Whatusedoeseachherbhave(whatmedic
inal
valueisitreportedtocontain/exhibit)?

3.Listyourfavoriterecipes,decoctions,infusions,etc.onthispage.

4.Tellhowyougatheredyoursupplyofherbs(whereandwhen).listanygoodsuppliersyouhavef
ound.

Whatbooks,herbals,orothersourceshaveyouusedinyourherbalwork?Aretherelocalexpertsy
ouhave
talkedwith?Whathaveyoulearned?

LESSONELEVEN
MAGICK

NOTE:

THISISANIMPORTANTLESSONFORTHESTUDENT.

Donotrushthroughit.Readandstudyitcarefully.Readit

severaltimesover.Youshouldbecomethoroughlyfamiliarwith

itscontents.

Witchcraftisfirstandforemostareligion.WorshipoftheLordandthe
LadyisthereforetheprimeconcernoftheWitch.Magickissecondaryto
thatworship.

Yetmagickdoesplayapartinmost,ifnotall,religions(inRoman
Catholicism,forexample,transubstantiationispuremagick).Asinother
religions,then,soinWitchcraftwefindmagickbut,Ireiterate,asa
secondaryaspect.

Initself,magickisapractice.Ifallyouwanttodoistoworkmagick,
thenyoudon'tneedtobecomeaWitchtodoit.Anyonecando
magick...or,atleast,canattempttodoit.SuchapersonisaMagician.

Therearemanydifferentformsofmagickdozens;perhapseven
hundreds.Somecanbeverydangerous:inCeremonialMagick,for
example;whentheMagicianisconjuringandworkingwithvarious
entities,mostofwhomaredecidedlyantagonistictowardstheMagician.
SometraditionsoftheCraftdotendtoleantowardsthisaspectof
CeremonialMagickintheirworkings,forwhateverreason,anddoin
factconjurevariousbeings.Butthiscanbedangerous.Notonlythat,but
tomyminditistotallyunnecessary.Itisalittleliketryingtohookupa
1,000voltpowerlinetorunatransistorradio!Whytaketheriskwhena
simplelittlebatterywilldothejobjustaswellandwithoutthedanger?
ThemagickIwilldealwithinthisbook,althoughquiteaseffectiveasany
other,isSAFE...youcannotgethurt.

Butwhat,exactly,is"Magick"?Itisoneofthosewordsthathave
differentconnotationsfordifferentpeople.FirstofallIamnottalking
aboutstage"magic"conjuring,orprestidigitation.Pullingrabbitsout
ofhatsandsawingyoungladiesinhalfispureillusion.Indeed,todif
ferentiatebetweenthisandothertruemagick,thatofWitchcraftandthe
occultworldisspelledwithafinal"k"Magicktheoldspelling.Magick

155

WhatisWitchcraftbutthehumancontrolof
naturalforcesthroughasupernaturalpower?
...Withfastingandincantation,withcon
juring,mensnarethatpoweranduseit
withoutactuallyknowingwhatitisthatthey
use.SoWitchcraftisthescienceofthatpower,
withinwhosecultallmysteriesmergeand
mingle.

WitchesStillLive
ThedaKenyon

NeverdoMagick"justtoseeifitworks"it
probablywon'torjusttoprovetosomeone
thatitdoes.Doitonlywhenthereisareal
need.Itishardworkwhenyoudoitproperly.


Illustration1

Illustration2

PrimitiveManworksmagicallybyimagining
whathewants.Hesitsand'sees'himself
huntingananimal.He'sees'himselfattackit
andkillit.He'sees'himselfthenwithfood.
Sometimes,tohelphimseethesethings,he
drawspictures.Hepaintsapicture,orcarves
amodel,ofhimselfhuntingandkilling.Allof
thisispartofwhatiscalled'sympathetic'
magic...TohelpYOU'see',orvisualize,
therearesomeexercisesyoucando.Thefirst
iseasy.

Takeapicturefromamagazinelet'ssay
itisofahouse.Lookatitcarefully,Studyit.
Seeallthedetailsofthehouseandoftherestof
thepicture.Seetheshapeoftheroof;the
windowsandwheretheyare.Seethedoor(s)
andthefrontsteps,ifthereareany.Seethe
gardenandthefence,ifthereisone.Seethe
roadwayoutsidethehouse,andanypeople
whomightbeinthepicture.

Nowtearthepictureinhalf.Takeoneof
thehalvesandlayitonasheetofwhitepaper.
Lookatit.Visualizethemissinghalfof
thepicture.Seeitwhole.Seeallthedetails
asyourememberthem.Youcanthencheck
withtheotherhalfofthepicturetoseeif
you'recorrect(seeIllustration1).

Youcandothissortofexercisewith
moreandmorecomplicatedpictures,tillyou
areabletovisualizealldetailseasily(see
Illustration2).

/

\

\'lI'\'xI,',

Nowtakeapictureoftheperson(thiscan
beusedforhealing,amongotherthings)...
Youneedtostudyittillyoucanseehimorher,
inalldetail,withoutthepicturebeingthere.
Youneedtobeabletosee,tovisualize,himor
herdoingwhatyouwantthemtodo...See
itconcentrateonit.

Illustration3

TheEverydayPracticeofVoodoo

BokoGede,CBEBooks,CA1984

LessonEleven:Magick/157


doneforgoodpurposesislabeled"WhiteMagick";thatdoneforevil
purposes,"BlackMagick".Thesetermshavenoracialconnotations.
TheycomefromtheearlyPersianconceptsofGoodandEvil.Zoroaster
(Zarathustra)decidedthatofallthemany,untilthen,goodspiritsor
devi,therewasactuallyonlyonewhowasaZZgood.ThiswasAhura
MazdatheSun;theLight.Nowifyouhaveanallgooddeitythen
youneedanallevilopposite(youcan'thavewhiteunlessyouhave
blackasacontrast),sotherolewasgiventoAhrimantheDarkness.
Theotherminordevibecame"devils".Thisconceptofallgood/allbad
waspickeduplaterinMithraismandthenmovedwestintoChristianity.
SofromPersiadowegetthebasicideasforWhiteMagickandBlack
Magick.

Sinceanyonecandomagick,therecanbeWhiteMagiciansand
BlackMagiciansthosetryingtohelpothersandthosetryingtoharm
them.ByvirtueoftheCraftbeliefinretribution,ofcourse,youcannot
havea"BlackWitch";itwouldbeacontradictioninterms.

AleisterCrowleydefinedmagickas"theartorscienceofcausing
changetooccurinconformitywithWill".Inotherwords,makingsome
thinghappenthatyouwanttohappen.Howdowemakethesethings
happen?Byusingthe"power"(forwantofabetterword)thateachofus
haswithin.Sometimeswemustsupplementthatpowerbycallingonthe
gods,butformostthingswecanproduceallthatweneedourselves.

PHYSICALBODY

Tobeabletoproducepower,though,wemustbeingoodshape.A
sicktreebearslittlefruit.Keepyourselfingoodphysicalcondition.You
don'thavetorunfiveortenmilesaday,orhavetoliftweightstodothis.
Justseetoitthatyoudonotgetgrosslyoverweight(orunderweight,for
thatmatter).Watchyourdiet.Cutdownonthejunkfoodandtrytokeep
a"balanced"diet;thoughwhatisbalancedforonepersonmaynotbeso
foranother.Trytosticktonaturalfoods.Avoidsugar(aptlyknownas
"thewhitedeath"!)andbleachedflour.Eatplentyofvegetablesand
fruit.Idon'tsuggestyoubecomeavegetarian,butdon'toverindulgein
meat.You'llknowifyouareingoodshapebecauseyoullfeelgood.

Cleanliness,beforeworkingmagick,isimportant.Itisgoodpractice
tocleansetheinnerbodybyfasting.Eatanddrinknothingbutwater,
honeyandwholewheatbreadfortwentyfourhoursbeforehand.No
alcoholornicotine;nosexualactivity(thislatterisespeciallyimportant
whenpreparingforsexmagick,seebelow).Beforetheritual,bathein
watertowhichhasbeenaddedatablespoonfulofsalt;preferablyseasalt
(thiscanbepurchasedatmostsupermarketsorathealthfoodstores).

CIRCLE

Whatsortofmagickisdone?Mainlyworksof
healing,thoughnotalways.Afewexamples
mightbeinorder.Anyoneofthem,lookedat
separately,couldbedismissedwiththeword
"coincidence".Coincidence,however,isa
veryhandywordandmuchusedwhenever
somethingappearsunusual,incredible,orat
alldifficulttounderstand.Whenalargenumber
ofexamplesareproduced,'coincidence'itself
becomesalittlestrained.Witcheshavedone
sufficienttoprovetothemselvesthatitisnot
coincidence.Whetheranyonebelievesthem
ornotisunimportanttheybelieve.


RaymondBuckland,LlewellynPublications,
St.Paul,MN1971

TheCircleitselfisimportant.Whenmagickistobedone,theCircle
mustbeconstructedwithmorecarethanmightotherwisebethecase.
Dimensionsmaybeasgivenintheearlierlesson,buttheCirclemustbe
verycarefullycastandconsecratedattheErectingtheTemple.Makesure


thepointofthesword,orathame,followsthelineofthecircleexactly.
ThepersoncastingtheCircleshoulddirectasmuchpersonalenergy
downthroughtheinstrumentandintotheCircleaspossible.Givea
good,thoroughsprinklingandcensing.MagickisdoneattheEsbatCircle,
ofcourse,sotheEsbatand/orFull/NewMoonceremonywillbeconducted,
followedbytheCakesandAle.Atthislatterthecovenwilldiscussfully
whatwork(magick)istobedoneandexactlyhowitistobedone.Then
justbeforeactuallystartingtheworkletthePriest/essoncemorego
aroundtheCirclewithswordorathame,toreinforceit(secondsprinkling
andcensingnotnecessary,however).Afewmomentsshouldthenbe
spentmeditatingonthewholepictureofwhatistobedone.Asyouwill
see,below,intheactualworkingofthemagickyouwillbeconcentrating
ontheendresultbutfornow,rightatthestart,meditateonallthatistobe
accomplished.

ENTRYANDEXIT

AtnotimeduringtheworkingofmagickshouldtheCirclebe
broken.AtothertimesitispossibletoleavetheCircleandreturn,
thoughthisshouldalwaysbedonewithcareandnomorethan
absolutelynecessaryinthefollowingmanner:

LeavingtheCircle

Wihathameinhand,standingintheEast,makeamotionasthough
cuttingacrossthelinesoftheCircle,firstonyourrightandthenonyour
left(Figure11.1AandB).YoumaythenwalkoutoftheCircle,between
thelines.Ifyoulikeyoucanimaginethatyouhavecutagateway,or
doorway,intheEast,throughwhichtopass.

SomeWiccansstartthecutatthegroundononesideandcomeup
totheirfullheight,overinacurve,andthendownallthewaytothe
groundagainontheotherside,asthoughcuttingoutalarge,complete
doorway.Thisisnotreallynecessarysincetheveryactofcuttingacross
thelinesoftheconsecratedCircle,withtheathame,issufficientto
openit.

Reentry

WhenyoureturntotheCircle,walkbackinthroughthatsame
Easterngatewayand"close"itbehindyouby"reconnecting"thelinesof
theCircle.Threecircleswereoriginallycastonewiththesword;one
withthesaltedwater;onewiththecenser.Soyouhavethreelinesto
reconnect.Youdothisbymovingyourbladebackwardsandforwards
alongthelines(Figure11.1C).Incidentally,thisiswhythebladeofthe
athameisdoubleedgedsothatitwill"cut"ineitherdirection,inthis
andsimilarmagickalactions.

Tofinish,you"seal"thebreakbyraisingyourathameandmoving
thebladetodescribeapentagram.Startatthetopandbringdowntothe

Oldwoodcutof"RobinGoodfellow"anda
CircleofdancingWitches,raisingpower.

Figure11.1A

Figure11.1B

Figure11.1C

LessonEleven:Magick1159


bottomleft.Thenmoveitupanddiagonallyacrosstotheright;straight
acrosstotheleft;diagonallydowntothebottomright,andfinally,back
uptothetopwhereyoustarted(Figure11.1D).Thenkissthebladeof
yourathameandreturntoyourplace.

NormallyoncetheCirclestartsnooneshouldleaveituntilthe
ClearingtheTemple.TheCircleshouldnot,therefore,bebrokenunless
absolutelynecessary(suchaswhensomeonehastogotothebathroom!).If
thepersoncuttingoutistobegoneforsometime,thens/heshoulddo
stepsAandB(above),passthrough,thendostepCtotemporarilyclose
theCirclewhilstgone.Onreturning,s/hewillthenneedtocutthrough
again(atthesamespot;stepsAandB),passthroughandcloseasusual
withstepC,followedbystepDtosealit.

ONCEMAGICKWORKISSTARTEDTHECIRCLEMUSTNOTBE
BROKEN.

CONEOFPOWER

Figure11.1D

START

/

Weallhavepowerwithinourbodies.Itisthissamepowerthatcan
beusedforhealing;thatcanbeseenastheaura;thatcanmoveinanimate
objects;thatletsyouseethingsinacrystalballorinthetarotcards.Itisa
veryawesomepower,andwhenusedasyouareabouttolearn,one
whichcanchangeyourverylife.

Whenworkinginacoven,thepowercanbedrawnofffromthe
individualsandcontainedbytheconfinesoftheconsecratedCircle
blendedtogethertoformonemassiveinstrumentto"causechangeto
occurinconformitywithWill".Needlesstosay,thewillsofallthecoven
membersmustbedirectedtowardsthesameend.Whetherfromagroup
orfromanindividualWitch,thepowergeneratesandcollectsinthe
formofacone,overtheCircle.Oncesufficientpowerhasbeenpro
duced,thenthisConeofPowercanbedirected.

Wheneveryouareworkingmagick,makesurethatyouarenot
goingtobedisturbed.Youaregoingtobeputtingallyourenergies,all
yourconcentrationintotheworkyouaredoing.Youcannotdothisif,at
thebackofyourmind,youareworryingthatsomeonewilldiscoveryou,
thattheneighborswillcomplainaboutnoise,thatthetelephonewillring
(takeitoffthehook),orthatyouwill,insomeway,beinterrupted.
BESECURE.

DANCINGANDCHANTING

Thereareseveralwaysofbuildingupthepowerwithinyourbody,
beforereleasingit.Iwillstartbylookingatthemostcommonmethod:
thatofdancingandchanting.Dancingandchantingarefounduniver
sally,inancientcivilizations,andeveninprimitivesocietiestoday:the
Amerindian,theAfrican,theAustralian,andmanymore.

Inhisbook,WitchcraftToday,GeraldGardnergivesanexampleof
howmusicinthiscaseasimpledrumbeatcanaffectthemind:"They
toldmetheycouldmakemefightingmad.Ididnotbelieveit,sotheygot
metosit,fixedinachairsothatIcouldnotgetout.Thenonesatinfront

Is

/X

A

rx\


ofmeplayingalittledrum;notatune,justasteady
tomtomtom.Wewerelaughingandtalkingatfirst...it
seemedalongtime,althoughIcouldseetheclockand
knewitwasnot.ThetomtomtomwentonandIfelt
silly;theywerewatchingmeandgrinningandthose
grinsmademeangry.Ididrealizethatthetomtomming
seemedtobealittlequickerandmyheartseemedto
bebeatingveryhard.Ifeltflashesofheat,Iwasangry
attheirsillygrins.SuddenlyIfeltfuriouslyangryand
wantedtopulllooseoutofthechair;Ituggedoutand
wouldhavegoneforthem,butassoonasIstarted
movingtheychangedtheirbeatandIwasnotangry
anylonger."

Bydancingaroundinacircle,especiallytoa
regularbeatortherhythmofachant,youcansetthe
bloodcoursingthroughtheveins.Asthedance,and
thebeat,quickens,sodoesyourheartbeat.Youfeel
hotter;yougetexcited...thepowerbuilds.Most
Circledances,then,startfairlyslowlyandgradually
buildup,fasterandfaster,toaclimax.

Aspartofacoven,youcandancearound(deosil,
ofcourse)holdinghands,oryoucandanceindividually.
Butjoininghandsdoesjointheenergiesandhelp
buildupeveryone'spowertogether,evenly.Actual
stepsofthedancesandexamplesofsuitablemusicare
tobefoundinAppendixD.

Whattochantasyoudance?Youwantsomething
simpleandsomethingrhythmic.BysimpleImeannot
onlynoncomplexbutalsointelligible.Nomumbo
jumbo!Somecovensdancearoundchantingstrange
wordsthatnooneknowsthemeaningof.Howcan
youputfeelingintowhatyou'resayingifyoudon't
knowwhatyou'resaying?!Youareworkingmagickto
bringmoney?...thenchantaboutbringingmoney.
Whynotsomethinglike"LordandLady,we'reyour
Witches.Makeushappy;bringusriches"?Itmay
seemmundaneandnonmysticalbutit'saloteasierto
putfeelingintothat(andtorememberthewords)
thanitisintosomethinglike"...Lamach,lamach,
bacharous,carbahaji,sabalyos,barylos..."Notonly
isitsimpleandmoreintelligible,butitisrhythmic.
Thereisadefinitebeattoitthatyoucanputtoadance
step.Asyou'veseenfromGeraldGardner'sexperi
ment,thebeatisimportant;itcanreallyaffectyou.

Sotherearenosetwords,noreadymadechants
(no"Turntopage27,chantnumber33")foryou.
Magickmustsuittheindividual,ortheindividual
coven.Letthecovensitdowntogether,eitherduring
theCakesandAleorasaseparate,preEsbat,"business"
meeting,andworkoutexactlywhatyouwanttosay;

whichwordsyouwillallfeelcomfortablewith.Solitary
Witcheswillhavetodothisalone,ofcourse.

Remember:SIMPLICITYandRHYTHM.

FEELING

Feeling...perhapsthestrongestsingleelement
inthepracticeofmagick.Toproducethepower,you
mustfeelstronglyaboutwhatyouaretryingtodo.
Let'ssayacovenistryingtorelocateanoldmanwho
needstogetoutofahighcrimeneighborhood.Every
memberofthecovenmust:

(a)feelstronglythatitisrightfortheoldmanto
move,and

(b)knowwheretheyaretryingtomovehim.
Thecovenortheindividual,ifaSolitarymust

careabouttheoldmanasmuchasifheweretheirown
father.Theymustreallywanttohelphim.Thisiswhy
itiseasiertodomagickforyourselfandthereis
absolutelynoreasonwhyyoushouldn'tdomagickfor
yourselfthantodoitforsomeoneelse.Theperson
whowillhavethestrongestfeelingsaboutthecase,
thestrongestdesireforitssuccess,istheperson
primarilyinvolvedinthecase...andthatisthebest
persontodothemagickforit.

Getaclearpictureinyourmindofwhatyouwant
done.Think,especially,oftheendresult.Forexample,
supposingyouwanttowriteabestsellingnovel.Don't
thinkofyourselfdoingtheactualwritingofthenovel.
Rather,thinkofthenovelhavingalreadybeenwritten
(byyou,ofcourse),acceptedandpublishedandsee,
inyourmind,thefinishedbook.Seeitinitsdustjacket
(orasapaperback)inthebookstores;seeyourname
onit;seepeoplebuyingit;seeitonthebestsellerlist;
seeyourselfatautographparties.Getthispicture/
thesepicturesclearinyourmindandconcentrate
yourenergytothatend.Seeastreamofwhitelight,as
itwere(orhoweveryoumightwanttopicturethe
flowofenergy),comingfromyoudirectedbyyou
andleadingtothatendresult.

DON'TSEEATHINGWORKING
SEEITFINISHED!

Intheexampleusedearlier,don'tseetheoldman
movingoutofhispresentneighborhood;seehimliving
happilyinanewneighborhood.Thisisoneofthe
secretsofsuccessfulmagickthevisualizationofthe
endresult.


DRAWINGDOWNPOWER

InCeremonialMagickthereisatoolmuchused,
knownastheWand(orMagickWand).Severaltradi
tionsoftheCraft(e.g.Gardnerian,Alexandrian,Huson)
haveborrowedthisWandandothertoolsfrom
CeremonialMagick,yetIfeelthetoolitselfisun
necessary.WeoftheCrafthaveourowntoolthatcan
doallthattheMagician'sWandcando...itisthe
athame.TheWandisseenasaprojection,orextension,
oftheMagician'sarm;astoragecellandprojectorof
hispower.Theathameisallthattoo,sowhybother
withtheWand?

Ifyoushouldneedtoreinforcethepoweryouare
goingtoraise;ifyouperhapsfeel(andthismight
especiallybetrueofaSolitary)thatyoumaynotbe
abletoproduceenoughpowerforwhatyouwantto
accomplish,thenyoucan"drawdown"powerfrom
thegods,toaidyou.Asyoucompleteyourdancing,
andjustbeforereleasingthepower(seebelow),draw
yourathameandholdit,withbothhands,aboveyour
head.CallupontheLordandLady,bywhichever
namesyouuse,eithersilentlyorbyactuallycalling
theirnamesaloud,andfeelasurgeofenergycome
downyourarms,fromtheathame,andintoyour
body.Thenswingtheathamedown,topointoutand
awayfromyou,andreleasethepower.

RELEASINGTHEPOWER

Youraimistobuildupthepowertoashigha
pointaspossibleandthentoreleaseittocausethe
change/workthemagick.Thinkofitassimilartoa
child'sairrifle:hepumpsupthegunthemorepumps
hegivesit,thestrongerwillbetheforcethenaimsit
andreleasesthepowerbysqueezingthetrigger.You
are"pumpingup"yourpowerbydancingandchanting.
Nowtoaimandsqueezethetrigger.

Makesureyouhavepumpeduptomaximum.
Dancefasterandfasterandchantfasterandlouder,till
youfeelyouarereadytoburst.Then,stopdancingand
droptoyourknees(orflatonthefloor,orhowever
youfeelbest.Youwillfindthisbyexperimentation).If
necessary,drawdownthepower.Takeaim:getthat
pictureinyourmindandfocusit.Youwillfeelthe
powerwithinyouasyoufocus;youwillfeelthepower
tryingtoburstout.Holditaslongasyoucan,keeping
thatpictureinmind.Whenyoufeelyoujustcannot
holditanymore,releaseitletitburstoutofyouas
youSHOUTtheKeyWord.Ifyouareworkingfor
money,thenshout"MONEY!"Ifforlove,"LOVE!"If


foranewjob,"JOB!"

Inyourearlierdeliberations,duringCakesand
Ale,decidewhatistobetheKeyWord.Thisisthe
release;thesqueezingofthetrigger.AndSHOUTit
out!Don'tbeselfconscious;don'tworryaboutthe
neighbors;don'tthink"Whatwillpeoplethink?"...
justshoutitoutandreleaseallthataccumulatedpower.
Obviouslynoteveryoneinacovenwillreleaseatthe
sametime.That'sallright.Eachpersonreleasesass/heis
ready.Afterwardsyouwillprobablycollapse,completely
exhausted...butyouwillfeelgood!Takeyourtime
recovering.Haveaglassofwine(orfruitjuice)and
relaxbeforeClearingtheTemple.

Insometraditionsthepowerisdirectedbythe
covenersintothePriest/esswho,inturn,doesthe
actualreleasinganddirecting.Thiscanbequiteeffective,
thoughIhavefoundthatittakesastrongPriest/essto
properlyhandletheaccumulationofpowerandthe
direction,soIdonotgenerallyrecommendthis
method.

TIMING

Itisimportanttoknowwhentodoyourmagick.In
anearlierlessonItalkedaboutthephasesoftheMoon.
TheMoonisyourclockandyourcalendarforworking
magick.IftheMooniswaxing,thenthatisthetimefor
constructivemagickandthebesttimeisascloseto
theFullMoonaspossible.Ifitiswaning,thenthatis
thetimefordestructivemagickandthebesttimeisas
closetotheNewMoonaspossible.

Constructivemagickisthatwhichisforincrease.
Forexample,movinganoldmanfromabadneighbor
hoodtoagoodoneisdefinitelygoingtoincreasehis
happiness.Lovemagickisconstructive,asisthe
acquisitionofanewjob,wealth,success,health.

Destructivemagickisusuallyconcernedwiththe
endingofthings:aloveaffair;abadhabit;awayof
life.

Considertheproblemcarefullyanddecideon
thebestwaytowork.Forexample,ifyouwanttoberid
ofanoldgirl/boyfriendandgetanewone,doyou
worktoendtheoneortostarttheother?Ordoyoudo
both?Theanswercanbesummedupwith"THINK
POSITIVE".Inotherwords,asmuchaspossible,work
fortheconstructiveaspect.Ifyouconcentrateonget
tinganewgirl/boyfriendthenthatwillprobablytake
careoftheoldoneautomatically.Whenindoubt,
workattheWAXINGMoon.

ALWAYSREMEMBERTHEWICCANREDE:


"AN'LTHARMNONE,DOWHATTHOUWILT".Donot
doanymagickthatwillharmanyoneinanywaywhat
soever,orinterferewiththeirfreewill.Ifindoubt;
don'tdoit.

Itisoftenagoodidea,especiallywhenworking
onsomethingveryimportant(ofcourseyoushouldn't
bewastingyourtimeandeffortonanythingunimpor
tantanyway),suchasahealing,toworkatitovera
periodoftime.Forexample,youcoulddothework
onceaweekthroughouttheMoon'sphase.Let'ssay
thattheNewMoonfallsonJuly30thandtheFull
MoononAugust15th.Thenyoucouldstartyour
magickonAugust1st,repeatitonthe8thanddoafinal
workingonthenightoftheFullMoonitself,the15th.

Daysoftheweekcanplayaparttoo.Forexample,
FridayisalwaysassociatedwithVenuswho,inturn,is
associatedwithlove.SodolovemagickonaFriday,if
atallpossible.Thecorrelationofdaysandplanets,
withtheirgoverningofproperties,isasfollows.
Chooseyourdayforworkingmagickbasedonthese.

MONDAYMoonMerchandise;dreams;theft

TUESDAYMarsMatrimony;war;enemies;prison

WEDNESDAYMercuryDebt;fear;loss

THURSDAYJupiterHonor;riches;clothing;desires

FRIDAYVenusLove;friendship;strangers

SATURDAYSaturnLife;building;doctrine;protection

SUNDAYSunFortune;hope;money

CORDMAGICK

ManyWitchesandcovensworkCordMagick.
Forthisyouwillneedacord,orcingulumasitissome
timescalled,thatisninefeetlong(threetimesthree;
theperennialmagicknumber)andisredincolor(the
colorofblood;thelifeforce).Itisbesttomakeyour
ownbytakingthreelengthsofredsilk(orwool,nylon,
whateveryoupreferthoughnaturalmaterialsare
preferred)andyourselfplaitingthemintoone.Asyou
plait,concentrateonputtingyourselfyourenergies
intoitsothatitbecomesanotherpartofyou.Likeyour
athame,nooneelseshouldeveruseyourcordbut
you.Tieaknotateachendtokeepitfromunraveling.
Makesureitisninefeetlong.

Consecratethecord,whendone.Usetheconsecra
tiongiveninLessonFive,butusingthewords"Here
doIpresentmyCordforyourapproval...wouldthat
ithenceforthmayservemeasatool,inthyservice."
Sometraditionsusetheircordstiedabouttheirrobes
andwearthemallthetimeatCircles.Iwouldsuggest
youkeepyoursforstrictlymagickaluse,sinceitisa
purelymagickalinstrument.Whennotinuse,keepit
wrappedinapieceofcleanwhitelinenorsilk.

Onemagickaluseofthecordisasa"storagecell"

forthepower.Ratherthandancingaroundandworking
asagroup,thecovenwillworkasindividuals,sitting
andchanting,holdingthecordinhand(thesameis
obviouslydonebytheSolitary).Asthepowerstartsto
build,eachcovenerwilltakingherowntimeandig
noring,ormentallyseparatingherselffrom,theothers
pausefromtimetotimetotieaknotinhercord.The
firstknotistiedatoneend,withthewords"Byknotof
one,thespell'sbegun."Shewillthengobacktochant
ingoftimesswayingfromsidetoside,orbackand
forthuntilshefeelsitistimetotieanotherknot.This
istiedintheoppositeendwiththewords:"Byknotof
two,itcomethtrue".Thenbacktothechanting.Asshe
chants,shealsopictureswhatshewants...she"takes
aim",asIputitinReleasingthePower,above.Soitgoes
on;chantingandpicturing,thentyingaknot.Asthe
powerbuilds,moreknotsaretieduntiltherearenine
knotsinthecord.Theyaretiedinaparticularpattern
andwithappropriatewords.Thefirstknot,asIhave
said,istiedatoneend;thesecondattheotherend.
Thethirdistiedinthemiddle.Thefourthishalfway
betweenthefirstandthird;thefifthhalfwaybetween
thesecondandthird.Hereisthepatternoftying,
togetherwiththeappropriatewords:

ByknotofONE,thespell'sbegun
ByknotofTWO,itcomethtrue
ByknotofTHREE,somoteitbe
ByknotofFOUR,thispowerIstore
ByknotofFIVE,thespell'salive
ByknotofSIX,thisspellIfix
ByknotofSEVEN,events111leaven
ByknotofEIGHT,itwillbeFate
ByknotofNINE,what'sdoneismine

Atthetyingofthelast(ninth)knot,alltheenergy
isdirectedintothecordanditsknots,withafinal
visualizationoftheobjectofthework.Thepowerhas
beenraisedandisnow"stored"intheseknotsinthe
cord.Thereareoldwoodcuts,fromtheMiddleAges,
whichshowWitchessellingknottedcordstosailors.
Theyweresupposedtohavetiedupwindsinthe
cordssothatifthesailorneededawindforhisshiphe
justuntiedaknotandgotitoneknotforalight
breeze,twoforastrongwindandthreeforagale!

Whywouldyouwanttostoreaspell?Forsome
magick,thetimeforittohappenisimportant.Suppose,
forexample,thatyouwantsomethingconstructiveto
happenbutthemostpropitioustimeforittodoso
happenstobeclosetotheNewMoon.Doyoudoyour
constructivemagickduringtheWaxingMoon?No.
Youdoitearlyon,attheFullMoon,usingacord*.

jL

a,1*

*10..

t,a,

*i*a*

**fc9,*Q.*

Atofcft*4*J.

*Thisisnottosaythatallmagickisinstantaneous,ofcourse.Itisnot.Buttheclosertothe
eventyoucanworktheclimaxofyourmagick,thebetter;similartotheexampleofworking
weeklyfromNewtoFullMoon.



Nowthepoweristhere,properlyraised,butstoredfor
use.

Youhavenineknots.Althoughtheyarealltiedin
oneritual,thesemustbereleasedoneatatimeonea
dayfornineconsecutivedays.Releasetheminthe
sameorderinwhichtheyweretied,NOTthereverse
order.Inotherwords,onthefirstdayuntietheknot
thatwasfirsttied(atoneend);onthesecondday,the
secondknottied(attheotherend);andsoon.Inthis
fashion,thelastknotuntied,ontheninthday,isthe
ninthknotthatwastiedattheclimaxofthetyingritual
thetimeofgreatestpower.Eachday,beforeyou
actuallyuntie,doyourconcentrationonwhatisto
happen,rockingandagainbuildingpower.Then,as
youreleasetheknot,releasethepoweralsowitha
shout.

Anotheruseofthecordsisindancing,toraise
power.EachWitchholdsthetwoendsofhercord,
withthecenterloopedthroughthatoftheperson
oppositeherintheCircle:

Insteadofholdinghandstodancearound,thecovenis
connectedwiththeintertwiningcordslikethespokes
ofagreatwheel.

CANDLEMAGICK

InanearlierpartofthisbookIspokeofearlyWo/
Man'ssympatheticmagick;theconstructionofclay
modelsoftheanimalstobehuntedandthenthe
attackingoftheseclayfigures.Examplessimilartothis
canbefoundthroughouthistory:circa1200BCEan
Egyptiantreasuryofficialusedawaxfigureinacon
spiracyagainstRamsesIII;KingNectaneboII(350
BCE)foughtallhisbattlesaheadoftimeusingwax
figures.Forhundreds,ifnotthousands,ofyearspeople
ofallracesandreligionshavedonethissamesortof
sympatheticmagickusingcandlesratherthanclayor
waxeffigies.Notonlyarecandlesusedtorepresent
people,butalsotorepresentthings:love,money,
attraction,discord,etc.Byburningdifferenttypesof
candlesandmanipulatingtheminvariousways,much
magickcanbedone.

Thecandlescanbeofanysort,itisthecolorthatis
important.Forthisthefollowingtablesareimportant:

TABLE1ASTRALCOLORS

SunSign

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

BirthDate

January20February18
February19March20
March21April19
April20May20
May21June21
June22July22
July23August22
August23September22
September23October22
October23November21
November22December21
December22January19


PrimaryColor

Secondary

BLUE

Green

WHITE

Green

WHITE

Pink

RED

Yellow

RED

Blue

GREEN

Brown

RED

Green

GOLD

Black

BLACK

Blue

BROWN

Black

GOLD

Red

RED

Brown

WHITE

RED

LIGHTBLUE

DARKBLUE

GREEN

GOLD/YELLOW

BROWN

PINK

BLACK

PURPLE

SILVER/GRAY

ORANGE

GREENISHYELLOW

TABLE2SYMBOLISMOFCOLORS

Purity,Truth,Sincerity

Strength,Health,Vigor,SexualLove

Tranquility,Understanding,Patience,Health

Impulsiveness,Depression,Changeability

Finance,Fertility,Luck

Attraction,Persuasion,Charm,Confidence

Hesitation,Uncertainty,Neutrality

Honor,Love,Morality

Evil,Loss,Discord,Confusion

Tension,Ambition,BusinessProgress,Power

Cancellation,Neutrality,Stalemate

Encouragement,Adaptability,Stimulation,Attraction

Sickness,Cowardice,Anger,Jealousy,Discord


TABLE3DAYSOFTHEWEEK

Sunday

YELLOW

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday

WHITE

RED

PURPLE

Thursday

BLUE

Friday

GREEN

Saturday

BLACK

Candlemagickcanbedoneonyourregularaltar,but
sincemanyritualsrequirethatthecandlesbeleftset
upforaperiod,itmightbeagoodideatouseasupple
mentaryaltar.Thiscouldbeacardtable,coffeetable,
box,topofachestofdrawersalmostanything.You
willhaveawhitealtarcandle(withGodandGoddess
figuresoneitherside,ifyouwish).Infrontofthiswill
beyourcenser,waterandsalt.Thesearethebasics.

Nowlet'slookatatypicalcandleburningritual.
Theone"ToWintheLoveofAnother"makesagood
example.Ononeside(theleft)ofthealtarplacethecan
dlerepresentingthePetitioner(eitheryourselforthe
personforwhomyouaredoingtheritual).Onthe
othersideofthealtarplaceacandletorepresentthe
oneyouwishtoattract.

HereletmeinterjecttosaythatyoushouldNEVER
trytointerferewithanother'sfreewill.Thereforeyou
mustnotperformsucharitualasthis,aimedata
specificperson.Forthesecondcandle,useoneforthe
typeofpersonyouwishtoattract.Forexample,you
mightuseapinkcandleifyoudesiresomeoneloving
andaffectionate;aredoneforsomeoneenergeticand
sexuallystrong.OryoucoulduseaCancer(sunsign)
candleforsomeonesensitiveandhomeloving;aLeo
candleforaforcefulleader;aVirgocandleforsome
oneanalyticalandpainstaking.Withanyofthese,of
course,youcannotfindjustoneortwocolorsto
signifyallthatyoumightwantinalover,soyoumight
preferjusttogowithaplainwhitecandle.Whichever
youuse,youcanelaborateonyourdesireswhenyou
"dress"it(seebelow).ForthePetitioner'scandle(on
theleft),gobyTABLE1,accordingtobirthdate.

Thecandlesofthetwoprinciplesmustbe"dressed"
beforeuse.Thisisdonebyanointingthemallover
withoil.Ifyoucannotobtainspecialcandleanointingoil
thenordinaryoliveoilwilldo.Rubthecandlesfrom
thecenteroutwards(seeFigure11.2),concentrating
yourthoughtsonthepersonrepresentedasyoudoso.
Seeyourself(orthePetitioner)asyourubthefirstcandle.
Mentallynameit;sayingthatitrepresentsyou(her/
him).Forthesecondcandleyouwillnotbeusinga
name,ofcourse,butconcentrateyourmindonthe
attributesyouwishforintheunknownpersonyou
wanttoattract.

^4r

NexttoeachoftheseASTRALcandlesstanda
REDcandle.FromTABLE2youcanseethatRed=
Strength,health,vigor,sexuallove.TheseredOFFER
ATORYcandles,then,willensurethatyouareboth
attractedtooneanotherforthosereasonsyoualready
haveinmind.

Nowfortheactualattractionpart.Besideyour
ownAstralcandlestandaGOLDcandle.Againfrom
TABLE2,youcanseethatGold(orYellow)isfor
attraction,persuasion,charm,confidence.Sobyyour
charmandconfidenceyouaregoingtoattracttheperson
youwant;topersuadeherorhimtocometoyou.

Youraltarisnowsetuplikethediagramonthe
followingpage.

Theritualisstartedbydrawingacircleaboutyou
andthealtar,withyourathame,andconsecratingitas
usual.Nowmeditateforamomentonwhatyouwant
toachieve.

LightthecandlerepresentingthePetitionerand
say:

"Hereis...(Petitioner'sName)...Thiscandleisher/
him.Thisflameburnsasdoesher/hisspirit."

LessonEleven:MagickI165

God|
Figure

O

AltarCandle

o

O

n

\_JGoddess
Figure

Censer

Red
I

#iQ

petitionerQ

GoldQ


o
o

Red#2

ASTRAL

AltarDiagram

LightRED#1andsay:

"Theloveof...(Name)...isgreatandishere
shown.Itisagoodstrongloveandsoughtby
many."

LightASTRALcandleofthelovedesiredandsay:

"Thisistheheartofanother;onewhoms/hewill
loveanddesire.Ipictureher/himbeforeme."

LightRED#2andsay:

"Theloves/hehasfor...(Petitioner'sName)...
growswiththisflame.Itbumsasdoesthelight
andisforeverdrawntowardsher/him.Greatis
thelovethateachhasfortheother."

LightGOLDcandleandsay:

"Heredrawstheonetowardstheother.Suchis

theirlovethatallfeelitsattraction.Thiscandle

burnsanddrawsthemevernear.Powerfulis

thepersuasion.

Everdoeshefeelthepull;

Thethoughtofherisconstant.

Hisdaysarelongwithyearningforher,

Hisnightsarefilledwithdesire.

Tobeasone,together,isallthathewouldwish.

Tobeasone,forever,ishisimmediateneed.

Fornorestshallhefinduntil

Besideherhedoeslie.

Hereverywishhellmovetofill

Toserve,tolivenotdie.

Hecannotfightapullsostrong
Norwouldhethinktofight;
Hewishesbuttoridethestream
Toher,atjourney'send.
Wherethesungoesup
Shallherlovebebyher;
Wherethesungoesdown
Therewillhebe."

Sitforamomentbeforeextinguishingthecandles
(whichshouldbeblownout,notpinchedout).Repeat
theritualeveryday,movingtheASTRALandRED#2
candlesoneinchtowardsthePetitionereachtime.Continue
dailyuntilASTRALandRED#2finallytouchthe
PETITIONER.

Youshouldbeabletoseethesympatheticqualities
oftheaboveritual.Thisistypicalofcandleburning
magick.Thereisobviouslyinsufficientroominthis
lessontogiveyouallpossiblerituals.Youcanmakeup
yourownoryoumayprefertoturntomybook:
PracticalCandleburningRituals(LlewellynPublications,
1982),whichcontainsritualsfornearlythirtydifferent
needs.

Candleburningmagickcanbedonebyawhole
coven,withoneormorespeakingthewordsand
doingthelightingandmoving(wherenecessary)of
thecandles.

LOVEMAGICK

Thereisprobablymoreinterestinsocalled"love
philtres"and"potions"thaninanyotherformof
magick.Thevastmajorityofthese,however,belongin
therealmoffiction.Butthereareritualsthatdo


work.Oneofthebestknownandmosteffectiveistheoneinvolvingthe
useof"POPPETS".ThesePoppetsrepresentthelovers.Aswithany
sympatheticmagick,whatisdonetothepoppetsisdonetothelovers.

APoppetisaspeciallyprepared,clothdoll.Itisasimplerough
figurecutfromtwopiecesofcloth(Figure11.3).Whilstcuttingthecloth,
youshouldbeconcentratingonthepersonitrepresents.Itmaythenbe
workedonfurtherbyembroideringitwiththefacialfeatures;special
characteristics(e.g.beardandmoustache;longflowinghair).Even
astrologicalsignsofthepersonmaybeputon.Ifyouarenottoogoodat
embroidery,thenputtheseonwithamagicmarkerorpen.Nowsew
aroundthefigureleavingjustthetopopen(Figure11.4).Thefigure
shouldthenbestuffedwithappropriateherbs,againwhiletheactual
personisbeingconcentratedupon.Suchherbsasverbena,vervain,
feverfew,artemesia,yarrow,valerian,motherwort,rosebuds,elderor
damianacanbeused.ThesearetheherbsgovernedbyVenus.Thetop
maythenbesewnup.

Twofiguresarepreparedinthisway;onerepresentingthemale
andtheotherthefemale.Allofthispreparation,ofcourse,shouldtake
placeintheCircle,andcanbedonebytheindividualorbythe
wholecoven.

Sinceyouareseekingyour"idealmate"then,aswithcandleburning
(above),makethesecondfigurewithallthequalitiesthatyouseek.Itis
namelessbutagaincandisplayphysicaldesires(e.g.longblondehair)
andbemadewithallattributesinmind.Remember,thisisstrong
magick.Itisforapermanentrelationshipsodonotuseitjusttoobtaina
partnerforabriefaffaire.

Whenreadylaythepoppetsonthealtar,oneatthelefthandendof
yoursword,orathame,andoneattherighthandend.Theyshouldbein
frontoftheweapon.Alsoonthealtarlayapieceofredribbon,twenty
oneinchesinlength.

Petitioner:"OmightyGodandGoddess,
Hearnowmypleatoyou.
Mypleafortruelovefor...(Name)...andforherdesire."

PetitionertakesuponeofthePoppetsand,dippingherfingersintothe
saltedwater,sprinklesitallover.Shethenpassesitthroughthesmokeof
theincense,turningitsothatallpartsgetwellcensed.Whiledoingthis

shesays:

Petitioner:"InamethisPoppet...(Petitioner'sName)...
Itisherineveryway.
Asshelives,solivesthisPoppet.
AughtthatIdotoit,Idotoher."

PetitionerreplacesthePoppetandpicksuptheotherone.Sprinkling
andcensingit,shesays:

Twoclothoutlines

Figure11.3

Leaveopentostuff

Sewnaround

Embroidered{or

painted)with

identifyingastrological

Sun,Moonand

RisingSignsymbols

Petitioner:"ThisPoppetisherdesiredmate
Ineveryway.

Figure11.4


Ashelives,solivesthisPoppet.
AughtthatIdotoit,Idototohim."

PetitionerreplacesPoppet,thenkneelsbeforethealtar
withonehandrestinglightlyoneachPoppet.With
eyesclosed,shepicturesthetworepresentedpeople
slowlycomingtogether,meetingkissingandembracing.
Asshedoesthiswhichshouldnotbehurriedshe
shouldslowlymovethetwoPoppetsalongthelength
oftheswordtowardsoneanotheruntiltheyeventually
meet.Atthispointshemayopenhereyes,andholding
thePoppetstogether,facetoface,say:

Petitioner:"Thusmaytheybedrawn
Onetotheother,
Stronglyandtruly.
Tobetogetheralways
AsOne.

Nomoreshalltheybeseparated;
Nomorealone,
Buteverfasttogether
AsOne."

ThePoppetsshouldnowbelaidtogetherinthecenter
ofthealtar,withtheswordrestingacrossontopof
them.Forthenexttenminutesorso,thePetitioner(if
Solitary)orthewholecovenmaystarttodancearound
andworkmagick,intheusualway,directedtotheend
ofbringingthetwopeopletogether.

Asanalternative,thePetitioner/Covenmaysimply
sitinmeditationandconcentrateonseeingthetwo
peopletogetherhappy,laughing,enjoyingone
another'scompanyandobviouslyinlove.

ThisritualshouldbeperformedonaFriday,
duringtheWaxingMoon,andrepeatedonthefollowing
twoFridays.Ifthecalendarissuchthatitisimpossible
togetthreeFridaysinthewaxingphaseoftheMoon,
thendoitonaFriday,WednesdayandFriday.Always
aimtohavethefinalFridayritualasclosetotheFull
Moonaspossible.Betweenrituals,ifthealtarcannot
beleftsetupwiththetwoPoppetsonit(lyingunder
thesword),thentheyshouldbetaken(kepttogether,
facetoface)andwrappedinaclean,whiteclothand
putsomewherewheretheywillnotbedisturbed.

OnthefinalFriday,aftertheaboveritualhasbeen
performed,continueasfollows:

Petitioner:"NowmaytheLordandtheLady
Bindthesetwotogether,
AsIdobindthemhere."

ShetakesupthePoppetsand
bindstheredribbonseveral
timesaroundthetwo,tying
theendstogetheraboutthem.

Petitioner:"Nowaretheyfor
everone,

EvenastheGods
themselves.

Mayeachtrulybe
comeapartofthe
other

That,separated,they
wouldseemin
complete.

SoMoteItBe!"

TheboundPoppetsareplacedbeneaththesword
againandleftforafewmomentswhilethePetitioner
meditates(nodancingorchantingthistime).

Aftercompletionoftheritual,thePoppetsshould
bewrappedintheclean,whiteclothandkeptcarefully
wheretheywillneverbeunbound.

SEXMAGICK

Thisisoneofthemostpotentformsofmagick,for
herewearedealingverymuchwiththelifeforces.Dr.
JonnMumford,inSexualOccultism,statesthatthemost
importantpsychophysiologicalevent,inthelifeofa
human,istheorgasm.SexMagickistheartofusing
theorgasmindeed,thewholesexualexperience
formagickalpurposes.Successfulsexmagickinvolves
aninterplayoffourfactors:(i)allaspectsofextrasensory
perceptionareheightenedduringsexualexcitation;
(ii)immediatelybefore,duringandafterclimaxthe
mindisinastateofhypersensitivity;(iii)consistency
ofpeaksexualsensationsfacilitatesaccesstothe
unconsciousrealms;(iv)duringorgasmmanypeople
haveexperiencedtimelessnessandatotaldissolution
oftheego,accompaniedbysubjectivesensationsof
being"absorbedby"theirpartner.

Thesexactisobviouslythebestpossible,and
mostnatural,wayofgeneratingthepowerweneedfor
magick.Thewholecopulationprocessfollowsthe
patternofstartingslowlyandgraduallybuildingup,
gettingfasterandfaster,untilthefinalexplosionofthe
climax.WithintheCirclethiscanbedonebyasingle
couple,byawholecoven,orbyaSolitaryWitch,as
youwillsee.


Startoutasusualwithashortmeditationonwhat
youwanttoachieve.Thentakeuppositionswith
malesandfemales,inpairs,kneelingfacingoneanother
(IwilldealwiththeSolitaryinamoment).Witheyes
closed,allowyourhandstopassslowlyoveryour
partner'sbody,strokingandcaressing.Thisshould
notbehurriedandtheobject,ofcourse,istobring
aboutsexualarousal.Whenready,themanshouldsit
crossleggedwiththewomansittingontopofhim,
facinghim,andwithhispenisinsideher.Nowagentle
rockingbackwardsandforwardsshouldtakeplace.
Themanshouldtrytokeephiserectionyetnotclimax.
Atthispointtheconcentrationshouldmovetothe
objectofthemagick(whichwillalsohelpindelaying
orgasm);the"takingaim"part.Gettherequired
pictureinyourmindandfocusonit.Workonit,
generatingthepowerwithinyouyouwillcertainly
feelitbuildingandholdingofftheorgasmjustas
longasyoupossiblycan.Whenthemanfeelshecan
holdoffnolonger,heshouldallowhimselftofall
backwardssothatheislyingflatonthefloor.Ashe
climaxesheshouldreleasethepoweractuallyseeit,
inyourmind'seye,flashingawayfromyouinalineof
whitelight.Thewomanshouldstrivefororgasmatthe
sametime,ifnecessarystimulatingherclitoriswith
herfingerstoachieveit.Atcompletionshemayfall
(gently!)forwardstolieonherpartnerstillunited
forseveralminutes.

Ifthemalehasdifficultycontrollingejaculation,it
maybebetterforhimtolayflatonhisbackattheout
set(afterthecaressingstage)andforthewomanto
kneelastridehimandmoveasheindicates.

AsJonnMumfordputsit:"Ifoneconsidersthe
achievementoforgasmasanalogoustolaunchinga
rockettohittheMoon(i.e.theclimax),thenitisan
unequivocalfactthatsofarastheneuralpathwaysof
thenervoussystemareconcerned,themethodby
whichthesexualskyrocketislaunchedisofabsolutely
noconsequence.Allthenervoussystemisconcerned
withisthatcontactexplosionininnerspace.Thefiring
modality,beitmasturbation,homosexualityorhetero
sexuality,isirrelevent.Onlytheendresult(orgasm)is
importantandanyformofsexualbehaviorisbuta
meanstoanend."So,fortheSolitaryWitchtheansweris
masturbation;rememberingtoholdofftheorgasm
justaslongaspossible.Thelongeritcanbeheldoff,
themorepowerisgenerated.

Ofcoursetherearealternativesforcouples.It
mightbethatthewomanhasherperiod;thatthe

coupleareofthesamesex;thatthereissomeother
strongreasonwhyactualintercoursecannotbeindulged
in(andlet'strytolosetheVictoriancontinenceso
manyofusbecameimbuedwithfromearlyChristian
propaganda).Onealternativeismutualmasturbation.
Anotherisoralsex.ToonceagainquoteDr.Mumford:
"AnyrepugnancetooralsexamongWesternersisdue
towidespreadconfusionaboutthedifferencebetween
bodilysecretions(wasteproductsnolongerneeded)
andsexualsecretions(fluidsrichinnutrients)...
biochemistryhasdiscoveredthatfreshsemencon
tainsliberalquantitiesofcalcium,iron,phosphorous
andVitaminC*."Oralsexcanbeespeciallysuitable,
ofcourse,whenallchancesofpregnancymustbe
eliminated.

Ihavealreadyemphasizedtheimportanceof
bodilycleanlinessformagick.Wheresexmagickisto
beworked,itisespeciallyimportant.

SexMagickcanalsobeveryusefulasanadjunct
tosuchthingsasdivinationandastralprojection.If
beingusedasameansofchargingacingulum,then
thetyingoftheknotsshouldbedonewiththewoman
tyingthefirst,themanthesecond,andsoon.When
theninthknothasbeentied,thenthecordshouldbe
wrappedaround,tyingthecoupletogetherasthey
approachorgasm.

OnefinalwordonSexMagick.Itisonlyoneof
manywaystoworkmagick.Ifyoufeelitisnotforyou,
thendon'tuseit.It'sassimpleasthat.Nooneissaying
youhavetouseSexMagickifyouareaWitch;you
don't.Also,ifyouwanttouseitbutfeelyoucouldn'tin
afullcovensituation,thendoitonlyonanindividual
basis.TheimportantthingasinallofWitchcraftis
thatyoushouldfeelcomfortablewithwhatyouare
doing.Youshouldnotbecoercedintoanything.

BINDINGSPELL

Thisisusedtopreventsomeonefromgiving
awayasecret.Itisagainaformofsympatheticmagick.
Aclayorwaxeffigymaybeused,oraclothPoppet.In
ritualitisnamedforthepersonitrepresents.Then,
withappropriatewords,theWitchtakesaneedle
threadedwithatwentyoneinchlengthofredsilk,
andsewsupthemouthofthefigure.Shefinishesoff
bywindingthethreadallaroundthebodyofthe
figure.Theconcentrationisonthefactthattheperson
isunabletospeakontheforbiddensubjectwhatever
thesecretmaybethatisbeingsafeguarded.Attheend

*TheTantricfacialpackparexcellenceisliberalquantitiesoffresh,warmsemenupontheskin,
withspecialattentiontotheoilyareasoftheforeheadandnose.Asthesemendries,it
closestheporeswithanastringentactionandtightensthewrinkles,feedstheskincellsandthu
sleavesthefacerejuvenatedandsmooth.


oftheritualthePoppetisstoredawayinasafeplace,
wrappedinapieceofwhitecloth.Solongasthe
threadremainsinplace,thepersonrepresentedis
bound.

PROTECTION

Itispossibleforthenicestpersontohaveenemies.
Somepeoplemaybejealousofyou;misunderstand
you;justdislikethewayyoudoyourhair!Manypeople
havesaidtome:"Idon'tneedprotection.Idon'thave
anyenemies."Buttherearetheabovetype"enemies"
thatyouwouldn'tevenknowabout.Theymaywellbe
assweetaspietoyou,toyourface,butbebitterly
jealous,orwhatever,behindyourback.Howdoyou
protectyourselfagainsttheirnegativity?Howdoyou
protectyourselfincasesomewarpedindividualdecides
toworkmagickagainstyou?Youdon'twanttohurt
them,butyoucertainlywanttoprotectyourself.

Thebestwayiswitha"Witch'sBottle".Thisisan
ancientdefense,knownthroughoutfolklore.Itismade
onanindividualbasis.Theideaistoprotectyourself
and,atthesametime,sendbackwhateverisbeingsent
atyou.Youshouldneverbetheoriginatorofharm,
norseekrevenge,butyoucertainlycanprotect
yourself.

TomakeaWitch'sBottle,takearegularjarsuchas
a6ozinstantcoffeejar.Halffillitwithsharpobjects:
brokenglass,oldrazorblades,rustynailsandscrews,
pins,needles,etc.Whenthejarishalffilledwiththese
objects,urinateinittofillit.Ifawomanispreparing
herbottle,sheshouldalsotrytogetsomemenstrual
bloodintoit.Nowputthetoponthejarandsealitwith
tape.Itshouldthenbeburiedintheground,atleast
twelveinchesdeep,inanisolatedspotwhereitcan
remainundisturbed.Ifyouliveinacity,thenitwillbe
worthatripoutoftowntofindsomeremotespotto
buryit.

Solongasthebottleremainsburiedandun
broken,itwillprotectyoufromanyevildirected
againstyou.Thisapplieswhethertheevilisdirected
byanindividualorbyagroupofpeople.Notonlywill
itprotectyou,butitwillalsoreflectbackthatevilon
thesender(s).Sothemores/hetriestoharmyou,the
mores/hewillbeharmedher/himself.

Suchabottleshouldlastalmostindefinitely,but
tobeonthesafesideI'dsuggestredoingtheritual
onceayear.Withthepresentrateofhousingdevelop
mentyouneverknowwhenyourbottlemaybedug
uporinadvertentlysmashed.

FORMOFRITUAL

Asyoucanseetherearemany,manywaysof
workingmagick,farmorethanIcancontaininthis
onelesson.Ihavenotdiscussedthemagickofhealing,
butwilllookatthatinLesson13.

Don'tbeafraidtoexperiment,butdoplayitsafe.
NoneofthemagickIhaverecommendedisofthetype
thatinvolvesconjuringupsomeunknownandun
predictableentity.AVOIDTHATTYPEOFMAGICK.
Thatiswhereyoucanendupindeeptrouble.Wiccan
magickisjustaspowerful(perhapsmoreso)asany
othertype,whenproperlydone.

Letmerecapthebasicformofritualforthe
workingofmagick:

CasttheCirclecarefully.IfitisaregularEsbat
meeting,reinforcetheCirclebeforestartingthe
magick.

NeverbreaktheCirclewhilstworkingmagick.
Yourpowerwillleakoutandwhoknowswhat
mightbeattractedin.

Discusswhatistobedoneandensurethatevery
oneisquiteclearonhowitistobedone.Decideon
theexactwordingofanychantsandonthekey
wordforreleasingthepower.

Startwithashortmeditationinwhichyouseethe
wholestorythechangingpatternfromthepres
entsituationtothefinal(desired)situation.

Workupthepowerbyanyofthefollowing,ora
combinationofthem:

dance,chant,cords,sex,candleburning,pop
pets.

Takeaimseethefinishedproduct.

Releasethepower.

Thishasbeenanimportantlesson.Pleasestudyit
well.Youaregettingclosertothetimewhenyouwill
bepracticingallthatyouhavelearned.Perhapsthis
wouldbeagoodpointatwhichtostartafullreviewof
allthatIhavediscussedsofar.Gobackandreread
yourlessons.


IMPORTANTREMINDER

Inboththetextofthisandthenextlesson,andin
theexaminationquestions,Iuseexamplesof"love
magick".Pleasealwaysrememberthatlovemagick
directedataspecificindividualshouldneverbedone,
fortodosowouldbetointerferewiththatperson's
freewill.Youwouldbeforcingthemtodosomething


theywouldnotnormallydoandmaynotwishtodo.
Theonlysortoflovemagickpermissibleisthataimed
nonspecifically...tobring"someone"toyou,with
outknowingexactlywhoitwillbe.Butfarbettertojust
workonyourself,tomakeyourselfgenerallymore
attractive,thantotrytochangesomeoneelse.


1.WhatMagickalmethodsprovedtobemosteffectiveforyou?

2.Relatesomeofyourexperiences,aftereffects,fromworkingMagick.

3.Writeoutsomeofthechantsthathaveworkedwellinyourmagickalendeavors.

Drawapoppetthatyouwilluseinaritual.Whatwillyoustuffitwith.SeeCharms,SpellsandF
ormulasbyRay
Malbrough(Llewellyn)formoreonpoppets.

5.Drawyouraltararrangementsforcandlemagick.Whatcolorcandlesdoyouuseforspecificwor
kings?Keep
alogofthedatesonwhichyouhaveperformedritualsandtheresults.Watchforpatternsinplan
etary
influences,colors,daysoftheweek,etc.

6.IllustrateandexplainhowyouconstructyourCircleforMagickwork.

7.ExplainyourprocedureforDrawingDownthePower.

LessonTwelve:ThePoweroftheWrittenWord/177

theirownformofalphabet.ItwasknownasOgam
Bethluisnion.Itwasanextremelysimpleformandwas
usedmoreforcarvingintowoodandstonethanfor
generalwriting.Withacenterline,itlentitselfespecially
tocarvingalongtheedgeofastoneorapieceof
wood.

bIfsnhdtc%e*ia

~ininmii

juinnilinnv

ssr

aemffngstraoue*'

Jfc///f//////////f/|||mmi[in

OgamBethluisnion

EGYPTIANHEIROGLYPHICS

Manymagickalorders,pastandpresent,have
leanedheavilyonanancientEgyptianbackground.
Forthem,ofcourse,theEgyptianhieroglyphsare
idealasamagickalalphabet.SirWallisBudge'sbook,
EgyptianLanguage,isausefulreferenceworkhere.
BelowisabasicEgyptianalphabet:

J5idVei<=>99

ABGHVQiTI

Cfc


fe*|t

/v*****.

V

KLM

F

N

D

p

Tz

Q

C3S3j)6f%ZZ>
ShThKh

EgyptianHeiroglyphs

GoingbacktowhereIstarted,withthemagicians
oftheMiddleAges,wefindavarietyofmagickal
alphabets.Thesehavebeenculledfromvariousancient
grimoires(fromtheOldFrenchfor"grammar")the
magician'sbookofritualsextantinthelibrariesand
privatecollectionsofEuropeandAmerica.

THEBAN

TheThebanScript(alsoknownas"Honorian")
wasapopularalphabetandisusedextensivelyby
GardnerianWitches,amongothers.Ithasbeenreferred
toquiteincorrectlyas"TheWitches'Runes"(itis
notrunicatall,infact)andas"TheWitches'Alpha
bet".

A

"t

1

&

S

p

V

C

n

Q

3

D

T

f?

T

E

!

S

1?

F

T

T

^

G

Tf

u,v

X

H

7

X

T

U

If

Y

I

K

a

Z

Tt

L
M

Symboldesignatingn
thiendofastntact_

N

\

Theban

Alphabet

PASSINGTHERIVER

ThiswasusedalmostexclusivelybytheCere
monialMagicians,thoughoccasionallyyoumayfind
anindividualWitchusingitonatalisman.

*<

D

n

1

A

B

c

D

1

1

1

L

I,J

K

L

R

rcj

H

7At<>S

O,Q

STU,VWXY

PassingtheRiver


ANGELIC

Alsoknownas"Celestial"thisisanotheralphabet
usedalmostexclusivelybyCeremonialmagicians.

xrsnn^^^Ti

A*$

I,JKL

MNO,QPR

DUfIID^T

STU,VWXYZ

Angelic

MALACHIM

Sometimescalled"LanguageoftheMagi".Again,
usedalmostexclusivelybyCeremonialmagicians.

mwmrrtuftiyn

ABCDEFGH

JDJH^nXY

I,JKLMNO,QPR

Â*sKAA*KY

STU,VWXYZ

Malachim

PICTISH

ThePectiWita(moreonthisScottishtraditionin
Lesson15)havetwointerestingformsofmagickal
writing.Oneisavariationonrunesandtheotheris
basedontheoldandverydecorativePictishscript.
Botharepresentedhereforthefirsttimeever.

Aswithotherrunes,thePictishonesaremadeup
entirelyofsraightlines.Thewaytheyareputtogether,
however,requiressomestudy.Basicallytheyareused

withphoneticspelling.Thatmeans,spellingawordthe
waythatitsounds.TheEnglishlanguagehasaridiculous
numberofwordsspellednothinglikethewaytheyare
pronounced.Forexample,bough(thelimbofatree),
cough,through,though,thought...allhavetheough
spelling,yetallarepronounceddifferently!Spelling
thosewordsphoneticallytheywouldbe:bow,coff,
throoorthru,thoeandthot.ThisisthebasisofPectiWita
runes;thingsarespelledastheyarepronounced.
Nowwiththeexamplesjustgiven,throughcouldbe
eitherthrooorthru,solet'slookatthepronunciationof
vowelsounds."A"canbeaasinhat,oraasinhate."E"
canbeeasinletoreasinsleep."I"canbeiasinlitorias
inlight."O"canbeoasindotoroasinvote."U"canbeu
asincuporuasinlute.Byputtingthebarovertheletter
(a,e,T,o,u)wecanindicatethehardsoundandso
differentiatefromthesoftsound.Thisishowitis
indicatedinthePictishrunes:

A=X
E=<

or

or

<

i=A

or

A

o=0

or

u=v

or

V

Wecangoastepfurtherwiththeserunes.Vowels

arepronounceddifferentlywhenputwithan"R"(ar,

er,ir,etc.)orwithanothervoweland"R"(air,ear,ere,

our,etc).Toindicatethese,then,thesymbolîs

usedoverthevowel:

/\

^\=ar,ae,air;

<_=er,ere,ear,eir;

^=ir,ire;

/\

<^>=or,ore,our,ow;

\/=ur,ure.

Ifthissoundscomplicated,bearwithme.Youwill
findthat,withalittlepractice,itisreallyquiteeasy.[A
pointtorememberifyoujustcan'tgetitnomatterhow
hardyoutry,thenjustgoaheadandspelloutthe
wordssubstitutingruneforletterwithoutregardfor
phonetics.Butdogiveitagoodtryfirst,please.]

LESSONTWELVE
THEPOWEROFTHEWRITTENWORD

InthelastlessonIdealtwiththepowerofthe
spokenword;how,throughchantandrhyme,aCone
ofPowercanberaisedtoworkmagick.NowI'dliketo
lookatthepowerofthewrittenword.

AtthetimeoftheMiddleAges,whenthousands
werebeingmurderedonthechargeofWitchcraft,
thereweremany(includinghighdignitariesofthe
ChristianChurch)whoengagedinthepracticeof
magickquiteopenlyandunrestrained.Thereason
theywereabletoworksofreelyliesintheword
"practice".Witchcraftwasareligionandhencearival
toChristianity.Butmagick,oftheceremonialorritual
variety,wasonlyapracticeandthereforenocausefor
concernbytheChurch.Itwasalso,byvirtueofits
nature,averyexpensiveandlearnedpracticeand
consequentlyonlyavailabletotheselectfew.That
selectfewconsistedofahighpercentageofecclesiastics
whonotonlyhadthetimetodevotetoitspursuitbut
whoalsoinvariablyhadaccesstothenecessaryfunds.
Bishops,Archbishops,evenPopeswereknownto
practicethe"ArtMagick".GerberttheBishop,who
laterbecamePopeSylvesterII,wasregardedasagreat
magician.OtherpractitionersincludedPopeLeoIII,
PopeHonoriusIII,PopeUrbanV;Nicephorus,Patri
archofConstantinople;RudolfII,theGermanEmperor;
CharlesVofFrance;theCardinalsCusaandCajetan;
BernarddeMirandole,BishopofCaserta;Udalricde
Fronsperg,BishopofTrentandmanyothers.

Eachofthemagiciansworkedaloneandjealously
guardedhismethodsofoperation.Theyguardedthem
notfromtheChurchauthorities,butfromother
magicians.Toprotecttheirworksfrompryingeyes,
theyutilizedsecretalphabets.Manyofthesealphabets
areknowntodayandareusednotonlybymagicians
butalsobyWitchesandotheroccultpractitioners.
WhywouldWitchesbeinterestedinusingtheseforms
ofwriting?Some,perhaps,forthatsamesecrecy,but
themajorityforanotherverygoodreason...oneway

toputpowerintoanobjectistowriteappropriatewordsonit
whilstdirectingyourenergiesintothewriting.

Whenyouwriteinordinary,everydayEnglish
script,youinvariablydonotconcentrate.Youareso
accustomedtowritingthatyoucanalmostletyour
mindwander.Yourhandalmostguidesitselfasit
scribblesaway.Comparethistowritinginastrange
alphabetthatyoudonotknowwell.Thenyouhaveto
concentrate;youhavetokeepyourmindonwhatyou
aredoing.Soitisinthiswaybyutilizinganuncom
monformofwritingthatyoucandirectyourenergies,
yourpower,intowhatyouareworkingon.

RUNES

Magicianswouldusetheabovemethodfor
charging(withpower)everythingtheyneeded:their
sword,censer,wand,athame,bell,trumpet,trident,
etc.TheywouldevenwriteWordsofPowerontheir
robesandonaparchmenthat.Youhavealreadydone
somethingsimilarwhenmakingyourathame,by
carvingthehandleoretchingthebladewithyour
nameoryourMagickalMonogram.Thishelpedput
yourownpersonalpowerintotheinstrument.

ThewordRunemeans"mystery"or"secret",in
EarlyEnglishandrelatedlanguages.Itiscertainly
heavilychargedwithovertonesandforgoodreason.
Runeswereneverastrictlyutilitarianscript.From
theirearliestadaptionintoGermanicusagetheyserved
fordivinatoryandritualuses.

Therearemorevariationsofrunestobefound
thananyotheralphabet,itseems.Therearethree
maintypes:Germanic,ScandinavianandAngloSaxon.
Theyeach,inturn,haveanynumberofsubdivisions/
variations(seefollowingpage).

OGAMBETHLUISNION

TheearlyKeltsandtheirpriests,theDruids,had

175


n!*fc<XNiI<>

Fut/tarkgwhnij

p

zstbemI

GermanicRunes

$

Jo

DANISH

Futharkhnia.stbmIR

SWEDISHNORSE

i

LookingfirstattheGERMANIC,thereare
basicallytwentyfourdifferentrunesemployed,
thoughvariationscanbefoundindifferent
areas.AcommonnamefortheGermanic
runesisfuthark,afterthefirstsixletters('th'
isoneletter:J>).IntheSCANDINAVIAN
(DanishandSwedishNorwegian,orNorse)
arefoundsixteenrunes,againwith(innumer
able)variations.

TheANGLOSAXONrunesvaryin
number,anywherefromtwentyeighttothirty
one.InfactbytheninthCentury,inNorth
umbria,wefindthirtythreerunes.Acommon
namefortheAngloSaxonrunesisfuthorc,
againfromthefirstsixletters.

A'Celtic'formofrunesissometimes
employedbyGardnerianandCelticcovens.
The'Saxon'runesaretheonesfavoredbythe
SeaxWica.

TheTree,
TheCompleteBookofSaxonWitchcraft

RaymondBuckland
SamuelWeiser,NewYork1974

fut/t&rkhn/4stbm/R

ScandinavianRunes

Ruthwell

Vienna

Thames

fl\FPfchX?

vn\>pi*kxp

tnVFfchxp"

\i+\crr
+i4>$cri
illi

th

J

P

Ruthwell

Vienna

Thames

TBMJ*ir*HxFI>T^

mI


n3

AngloSaxonRunes

a&

enk

9st

F&kHMrXNI/kfNtFKI>IThPM

abcdefghi,jk1mno.qprstuvwx

yznggheaaeoeth

SeaxWicaRunes


Afinalnoteonthevowels.AsinHebrew,the
voweliswrittenabovetheline,inPictishrunes,rather
thanwiththeconsonants.Muchlikethis:Thevwelh
wrHtenabvetheline.(Phoneticallythiswouldbe:
Thevel%rHenabuvthelTn).

Hereare

thecompletePectiWitaRunes:

A


xX

AR,ARE,AIR

X

E

<

<

ER,ERE,EAR,EIR

<

I

A

A

IR,IRE/\

O

0

OR,ORE,OUR,OW

0

U

VV

ur,urey

B

k

K

K

si7

CH

4

D

A

L

A

Tf^

SH

b

F

2

M

A

vb

TH

9

G

3

N

A

wV

GH

3

H

E

P

r

Y^

NG

2

J

^

R

I

Z~\

Youwillnoticethatthereisno"C","Q"or"X".
Thereasonistheuseofthephoneticspelling.Inthe
Englishlanguage"C"iseitherpronouncedthesame
asan"S"(asincease)orthesameasa"K"(asinescape),
sothereisreallynoneedforthe"C".Similarly,"Q"is
pronounced"kw"(e.g.quick=kwik)and"X"ispro
nounced"eks"(e.g.eksaktli),sotheyareunnecessary.
Singlerunesaregivenfor"ch","sh","th","gh"and
"ng".Hereareoneortwoexamplesofphonetic
spellingsusingthese:

THING

TAUGHT

CHOOSE^^J7

QUICKLY^VASZ1A
COME^V/

Hopefullyyoucanseethatthisisreallynottoodiffi
cultandcanactuallybealotoffun.Afewmoreexamples
mighthelp:

"THESEAREEXAMPLESOFHOW
Phonetically:Thesareksamplsofhow

PectiWitaRunes:\?X\XhY^X2k

THEPECTIWITARUNESARE
Phonetically:thePektiWitarunsar

PectiWitaRunes:fr*T^Vf^t'f\X

USED.ASYOUCANSEE,THEYCAN

Phonetically:usd.Asukanse,thakan

PectiWitaRunes:XA.XKAX&7

ACTUALLYLOOKVERY

Phonetically:aktualiluk

ven

\Pt

PectiWitaRunes:KP"A4

ATTRACTIVE
Phonetically:atraktif.

PectiWitaRunes:P"bL^2

SomePectiWitansgojustonestepfurtherby
runningallthewordstogetherandusinga"+"toindicate
separations:

x<

F/++U7A^X+XXetc.

Warning:DONOTTRYTOSLANTYOURRUNES
(theseoranyotherones);KEEPTHEMUPRIGHT.


ThePictswerebetterknownfortheirelaborate"swirl"
styleofwriting.Thisismuchmorestraightforward
thantheaboverunesinthatitisnotdonephonetically,
andthevowelsarekeptonalevelwiththecon
sonants.ItissimplyamatterofsubstitutingthePictish
symbolfortheletter.Thesymbolsareratherelaborate,
however,andyouneedtobecarefulindoingthemto
avoidconfusion.Againsinglesymbolsareincluded
for"ch","sh","th","gh"and"ng".

A@

K\f>

u_y

Bl

Ly

VIf)

C^

Mft

w\$

Dg

Nf]

x*b

e(r

o()


Y^t

F<

pp

z

G%

Q(1

CH^

H6)

RJ3

SH|

Ifl

sS

THn

Je)

Tf

GHH
NG^

Hereare

afewexamples

ofusingthePictish

script:

"THEPICTSWERE

VERYCLEVERIN

THE

USE

OF

ô

ORNAMENTALDESIGN.

PICTISHARTWORKWAS

LATERADOPTEDBYTHE

KELTS,ESPECIALLYTHE
IRISHKELTS."


TALISMANSANDAMULETS

Atalismanisamanmadeobjectendowedwith
magickalpowers,especiallyforavertingevilfrom,or
bringinggoodluckto,itsowner.Inthissensearosary,
crucifix,St.Christophermedal,etc.,isatalisman.But,
asyouknow,themostpowerfulmagickisthatdoneby
thepersonaffected.Inthesameway,themostpower
fultalismanisoneactuallymadebythepersonwho
needsit.Atalismanmadebyonepersonforanother
canneverbeasstrongasapersonallymadeone.

Accordingtothemagickalorder,theHermetic
OrderoftheGoldenDawn,atalismanis"amagickal
figurechargedwiththeForcewhichitisintendedto
represent".Itissochargedby(i)inscription,and(ii)
consecration.Itcanbeofanyshape,butlet'sfirstlook
atthematerialofthetalisman.

Atalismancanbeofvirtuallyanymaterial
paper,silver,copper,lead,stonebuttraditionally
somesubstancesaremoreappropriatethanothers,
andtheirusewillimbuethetalismanwithmore
power.Forexample,asyouknow,thedaysofthe
weekareeachruledbyaplanet:SundaySUN,
MondayMOON,TuesdayMARS,Wednesday
MERCURY,ThursdayJUPITER,FridayVENUS,
SaturdaySATURN.Noweachoftheseplanetsis,in
turn,associatedwithametal:SunGOLD,Moon
SILVER,MarsIRON,MercuryMERCURY,Jupiter
TIN,VenusCOPPER,SaturnLEAD.

Fromthetableofcorrespondencesgiveninthe
lastlesson(forCandleburning)youknowwhatprop
ertiesaregovernedbythedaysoftheweekandcan
thereforecorrelatethosepropertieswiththemetals:

SUNDAYSun/GOLDIFortune,hope,money
MONDAYMoon/SILVER/Merchandise,dreams,theft
TUESDAYMars/IRONIMatrimony,war,enemies,prison
WEDNESDAYMercury/MERCURYIDebt,fear,loss
THURSDAYJupiter/TINIHonor,riches,clothing,desires
FRIDAYVenus/COPPER/Love,friendship,strangers
SATURDAYSaturn/LEADILife,building,doctrine,protection

So,forexample,knowingthatFridayisassociated
withlove(ruledbyVenus)andthatthemetaliscopper,
younowknowthatalovetalisman,forgreatesteffect,
shouldbemadeofcopper.

Mercurygivesabitofaprobleminthatitisaliquid
metal.Itcouldbeusedbycontainingitinaminiature
bottle,orsimilar,ofsomeothermetal,butitismore
usualandaloteasiertosubstituteeithergold,silver

orparchment(thesedaysaluminumisalsosometimes
substitutedformercury).Gold,silverandparchment
cansimilarlybeusedinplaceofanyoftheother
metalsiftheyareunobtainablebut,obviously,the
specificmetalwouldbethebesttouse.It'snotalways
easytofindjusttherightpieceofthecorrectmetal,but
don'tgiveuptooeasily.Handicraft/hobbystoresare
greatformanyofthem(copperespecially).Ihavealso
seensomeverycreativetalismans.Forinstance:en
gravedonasilverdollarorhalfdollar,whensilver
wascalledfor;onacopperpennyorevenonaflat
tenedcopperkitchenmeasuringspoon,whencopper
wascalledfor.

Havingchosenyourmetal,whatshouldyou
inscribeonit?Therearemanytalismanicdesigns
showninoccultbooks,takenfromsucholdgrimoires
asTheGreaterand.LesserKeysofSolomon,TheBlackPullet,
LeDragonRougeandsimilar.Butjustcopyingthese
designs,withoutknowingtheirmeaningsorsignifi
cance,andwithoutpersonalizingthem,iscompletely
useless.Youneedtoworkspecificallyforyourselfand
specificallyforyourproblem.Themostcommonform
atalismantakesisametaldiscwornonachainasa
pendant.Ononesideofthediscyouplacethepersonal
ization,andontheothersidetheobjective.Letme
giveyouanexample.

JaneDoewantstogetmarried.Shealreadyhasa
boyfriend,soloveisnotwhatsheisseeking.Looking
attheTableofCorrespondences,youseethatMars
rulesmatrimony.That'swhatsheneeds;atalismanto
bringmatrimony.ThemetalforMarsisiron.Janecan
eitherobtainanirondiscandengraveonthat,orshe
canoptfortheeasiergold,silverorparchment.

Onesidesheisgoingtopersonalize.Shewilldo
thisbyputtinghernameanddateofbirthonit.Tobe
morespecific,sheshoulduseherCraftname(ineither
runesoroneoftheothermagickalalphabets).She
couldalsoaddherMagickalMonogram;alsoher
astrologicalSunSign,RisingSign(Ascendant)and
MoonSign,plusrulingplanets.Thesecanallbe
arrangedonthediscasshowninfigure12.1.However,
thereisnospecialpatternthathastobefollowed;any
thingthatisaestheticallypleasingwilldo.Analterna
tiveisshowninfigure12.2.

Aseachofthesymbolsisengraved,orwritten,
Janeshouldconcentrateonherself;seeingherselfas
shebestlikesherselfcharming,happy,selfconfident.

Onthereversesideofthetalismansheshould
putsymbolstraditionallyassociatedwithmarriage:
weddingbells,flowers,rings,hearts,etc.Orshecould


placeasigil,constructedfromnumerologicalsquaresasfollows.

Fromnumerologyyouknowthatthenumerologicalvalueofthe
word"matrimony"is4+1+2+9+9+4+6+5+7=47=11=2(see
LessonThree).WenowconstructaMagickSquarecontainingallthe
numbers1through9(Figure12.3).Now,startingatthefirstletter(M=4),
drawasmallcircle,toindicatethestart,andthendrawalinetothe
secondletter/number(A=1).Followonto2andthento9.Therearetwo
9sinthewordsostopandstarttherewithsmalltriangles:[XJ
Continuethroughtothelastletteranddrawanothersmallcircletoindi
catetheend.

Atsquare2,thenumerologicaltotal(47=11=2),drawalarge
square.Thefinishedfigurewilllooklikefigure12.4.Transferredoffthe
squaresitwilllooklikefigure12.5.Whatyouseein12.5,then,isthesigil
forMatrimony.ThisiswhatJanemustinscribeonthereverseofher
talisman.Asshedoesso,sheshouldconcentrateherthoughtsonthe
marriageitself:seeherselfasabride;seeherselfandherhusband
exchangingrings;seetheHandfastingritualtakingplace,etc.Sucha
sigilwouldbefarmorepotentthanthetraditionalbells,heartsand
rings.

Incidentally,theMagickalSquareusedhasthenumbersarranged
insuchawaythat,nomatterwhetheryouaddthemacrossordown,each
linetotalsthesame.Thenthenumerologicaltotalofthethreecolumns'
totalequals9again(Figure12.6).

ThedayassociatedwithmatrimonywasTuesday.Thenthatisthe
dayonwhichJaneshouldmakehertalisman.Sheshouldalsoconsecrate
itonaTuesday...consecrationisthesecondaryrequirementforcharging
thetalisman.Shedoesn'thavetodoitonthesameTuesday,butbothdays
shouldbeduringthewaxingphaseoftheMoon.Theconsecrationshe
woulddowouldbeasgiveninLesson4.

Whateverthepurposeofthetalisman,followthesameprocedure:
(a)findthedayandthemetalassociatedwithyourdesire,(b)personalize
onesideoftheappropriatepieceofmetal,(c)takethekeywordand,
fromtheMagickSquare,findtheappropriatesigil,(d)inscribethesigil
onthereverse,concentratingasnecessary,(e)consecratethetalisman.

Oncethetalismanhasbeenmade,wearitonyourpersonforthree
daysandnights.Thiscanbedoneeitherbyfasteningittoachainand
hangingitaroundyourneck,orbycarryingitinasmallbagmadeofsilk,
hungaroundyourneck.Afterthethreedaysyoudonotneedtowearit
constantly,butcansimplycarryitinyourpocketorpurse.Youshould,
however,sleepwithitunderyourpilloweachnight.

AteachNewMoon,cleanthetalismanwithagoodmetalcleaner
(foraparchmenttalisman,justruboveritlightlywithagumeraser).For
copperIwouldrecommendwashingwithsaltandvinegar,andthen
rinsinginclearwater.AteachFullMoon,holdoutthetalismaninthe
palmofyourhandandexposeittotheunrestrictedlightoftheMoon.By
"unrestricted"Imeannotthroughtheglassofawindow.Eitheropenthe
windowortakeitoutside.Exposeitforaboutfiveminutesoneachside
whileconcentratingyourthoughtsontheoriginalpurposeofthetalis
man(ifitshouldhappentobecloudy,sothatyoudon'tactuallyseethe
Moonitself,thatisallright).

Shrt

Figure12.1

Figure12.2

4

9

2

3

5

7

8

1

6

Figure12.3

stopandstart
Finish

Figure12.4

Figure12.5

IS

15

=15

151515=45

45...4+5+9
Figure12.6

4

9

2

3

5


7

8

1

6

LessonTwelve:ThePoweroftheWrittenWord1183

Atalismancanalsobemadeintheformofaring.
UsuallysuchaformhastheObjectiveasthemain
engraving,withthePersonalizationaroundtheedge.
Itshouldbemadefollowingthesameprocedureout
linedabove.

AMULETS

Thedifferencebetweenatalismanandanamulet
isthatwhileatalismanishumanmade,anamuletis
natural.Abear'sclaw,arabbit'sfoot,afourleafclover;
theseareallamulets.Onethatisconsideredvery
muchaWitch'samuletisastonewithanaturalhole
throughit...obviouslytyinginwithfertility;thehole
beingsymbolicofthevagina.Soyoucannotmakean
amulet;youcanonlyadoptone.Ifyoutakeanamulet
andthenengraveandconsecrateit,asabove,thenit
becomesatalisman(or,ifyouprefer,a"talismanic
amulet"!).

SONGS,DANCESANDSABBATGAMES

Musicisthesourceofmanytypesofenjoyment.
Thereisthedeepsatisfactionthatcomesfromcreating
musicbyvoiceorinstrument,aswellasthepleasure
thatmaybefoundinlistening.Manypeopleprotest
thattheyarenotmusical.It'struethatthosewhoun
derstandmusiccanbeofmostvalue,butpersons
withoutmusicaleducationcanstilllearntosingfor
theirownpleasureandtoenjoybeautifulsongsand
stirringrhythms.Simplemelodyandclearlydefined
rhythmischaracteristicoffolkmusic.Mostofthe
songsandthemusicoftheCrafthavenoncomplex
melodiesandobviousrhythms.Songanddanceis
traditionallyassociatedwithWitchcraft.Infact,the
waltzwasoriginallyderivedfromanoldWitchdance
knownasLaVolta.

MostsingingcanbedoneintheCircle,however
theClearingtheTempleisusuallyperformedbeforeany
generaldancingorgamestakeplace,withtheexception
ofcourse,ofdancingfortheraisingofpowerwhen
workingmagick.Let'slookatpowerraisingdancing
first,then.

POWERRAISINGDANCE

InLessonElevenItalkedaboutrhythmanda
steadybeatandsaidthat"asacovenyoucandance
around,deosil,holdinghandsoryoucandancein
dividually..."Thesimplestdanceconsistsofthe

groupholdinghands,facinginwards,andmoving
clockwisearoundtheCirclewitharegularleftright
leftstep...butaseachfoothitstheground,bendthe
kneealittle.You'llfindthatthisgivesmoreofabounce,a
rhythm,toyourmovementaroundtheCircle.Amore
popularCraftstepisthe"doublestep",whichincludesa
slightrockingmovementbackontotherearlegand
forwardagainbeforeadvancing.Theactualmovements
wouldbeasfollows:

ftd

Startwiththeleftfootforwardto1thenfollow
with:

therightfootforwardto2(stillbehindtheleft).
Thenleftfootforwardto3

andrightfootforwardto4(Nowaheadoftheleft).
Nowleftfootforwardto5
andrightfootforwardto6andsoon.

Itmaylookalittlecomplicatedatfirstbutreally
it'snot.Tryit.You'llbesurprisedhoweasilyyou'llpick
itup.

Othereasystepsaretheleft,hop,right,hop,left,
hop,right,hop,etc.Ifyouhavedifficultywithanystep
thenjustdowhatcomesnaturallyandfitsinwiththe
music,chantorrhythm.Themainthingisthatyour
stepsshouldcomeautomaticallysothatyoucancon
centrateyourthoughtsontheactualmagick.

Analternatetoholdinghands,witharmsout
stretched,istolockarmsaroundwaistsoraround
shoulders,givingaverytight,closecircle.Another
waytojointogetheriswitharmsbentattheelbowand
linkedleftarmunderthearmofthepersontoyour
left.

Covenscanalsodanceindividually,astheSolitary
Witchmust.Thiscanbeastraightforwardmovement
aroundtheCircle,deosil,usingoneoftheabovesteps,
oritcanbeagradualprogressionspinningasyougo
(againspindeosil).Thespincanbeataconstantrate,
oritcanstartslowlyandgraduallybuildupspeed.


CAUTION:Mindyoudon'tgetdizzyandeitherfallon
thecandlesorbreaktheCircle.

TosumupIwouldsay:THESIMPLERTHE
DANCESTEP,THEBETTER,WHENWORKING
MAGICK.

Ifyouarechantingasyoudance,don'tbeafraidto
stampthefloor,hard,onthebeat.Itwillbothhelpyou
keeptherhythmandhelpbuildthepower.Asfor
singing,aswithallCraftsinging,don'tworryifyouare
nottoomusical.Ifyoudon'talwayshittherightnotes
itdoesn'tmatter...it'sthefeelingthatcounts.

GENERALDANCING

FundancinginoroutoftheCircle;notbeing
doneformagickincludesalloftheaboveandalso
elaborationsonthem."PairedSpinning"canbefun.
ThisiswheretwoWitchesstandbacktobackandlink
armsattheelbows.Theythengospinningroundand
roundtheCircle,sometimesonebendingforwardto
lifttheotherofftheground.

Apopulardanceisthe
Lufu(anoldAngloSaxon
wordmeaning"love").Itis
oftendoneatthestartofa
meeting,especiallyifthere
areseveralcovensceleb
ratingaSabbattogether.
Sometimesreferredtoas
the"MeetingDance",it
consistsofaleader(not
necessarilythePriest/ess;
anyonecanstartit)leadingThe"Lufu",or

achainofWitches,joinedMeetingDance

upalternatelymalefemale.Theleadertakesthechain
inatwistingdancearoundinalargecircleandthen
graduallymovesintowardsthecenter,inaspiral.
Whenthecenterisreached,theleaderdoublesback
roundandstartstoworkoutagain.Aseachperson
nowpassesthosegoingtheotherway,theykiss.The
linecontinuesonuntilithasunwoundagainand
everyonehaskissedeveryoneelse.

MUSICANDSONG

Ifthecovenincludesinstrumentaliststhatisfine.
Butifitdoesn't,don'tworry.Getadrumortambourine;
abongodrumisgood,orsomethinglikeanAmerindian
orHaitiandrumoraBodhran(Scottish/Irishhand
drum).TheoldnameforaWitch'sdrum,incidentally,

wastabor(pronounced"tayber").Adrumcanactually
bemadefairlysimply.

Justbeatingoutarhythmissufficient,especially
forpowerraising.Guitars,dulcimers,recorders,flutes,
harmonicas,panpipes,evenrattlessuchasmaracas,
areallgoodcoveninstruments.Thereareseveral
goodbooksofCraftandPaganmusicavailablethese
days.InAppendixDIincludesomeforyoutotry.

SABBATGAMES

AfterthereligiouspartoftheSabbatcomesthe
funandmerriment.Alongwithsinginganddancing
thereare,traditionally,games.Somecanbeplayed
beforetheCircleisopenedupandothersneedmore
room.Afewaredetailedhere.Youprobablyknow
manymoreyourself.

THECANDLEGAMEAllWitchesbutonesitina
circle,facinginwards.Thechosenonestandsoutside
thiscircle.Acandleislit.Iftheoneoutsidethecircleis
awomanthenthecandleisnowpassedbackandforth
aboutthecirclebythemen.Itdoesnothavetobe
passedinanyspecialdirection;itcanmovearoundor
backandforthacrossthecircleofWitches.The
womanrunsaroundtryingtoblowouttheflame,over
theheadsandshouldersofthoseformingthecircle.
Whensheissuccessful,sheandthemalewhowas
holdingitatthetimewillkissandthenchangeplaces.
Thenthewomenwillpassthecandlearound,withthe
manrunningaroundtryingtoblowitout.

WITCHES'WHISPERSEveryonesitsinacircle.One
personstartsbyaskingaquestion.Anyocculttype
questionwilldo,thoughitshouldbeonethatcallsfor
ananswerofseveralwords,ratherthanjusta"yes"or
"no"(e.g."Whenisthebesttimetoconsecrateatalis
man?").Thepersontotheleftofthequestionerthinks
ofananswerandwhispersitintheearofthepersonto
theirleft.Thatperson,inturn,mustwhisperthose
samewords(exactlyass/hethinkss/heheardthem)
tothenextpersonandsoonroundthecircle,each
personpassingonexactlywhattheythinktheyheard
whetherornotitseemstomakesense.Whenitgets
backtothequestioner,s/herepeatsthequestionout
loudandfollowsupwiththeanswerthatarrived.
Invariablytheanswergetssogarbledintheprocessof
beingwhisperedfromonetoanother,thatitis
extremelydistortedandveryhumorous.Youshouldn't

LessonTwelve:ThePoweroftheWrittenWord1185

consciouslytrytoalterwhatyoureceive;youwillfindthatitbecomesII

slightlygarbledallbyitself!Analternateisnottobotherwithaquestion|\

buthavesomeonestartpassingaroundonesimplestatement.Whenit[_

getsbacktotheoriginator,theycanrepeattheoriginalfollowedbywhatSent
wasfinallyreceived.

Received

PSYCHICGAMESGamestotestpsychicabilitiesareverypopular.For
example,formtwolineswiththecovensittingincouples,backtoback.
Eachpersonhasapieceofpaperandapencil.OnelineareSendersand
theotherlineReceivers.EachoftheSendersthinksofanobjectand
drawsasimplepictureofitonherpaper(simpleisbest:e.g.car,house,
moon).Shethenconcentratesonit.TheReceiverseachtrytopickup
whattheirrespectivepartnersaresendinganddrawitontheirpieceof
paper.Dothisthreetimes,thenswitchsothattheoriginalSendersare
nowRecieversandviceversa.You'llbeamazedathowsimilarmanyof
thepicturesare(SeeFigure12.7)

OUTDOORGAMES

Therearemanyoutdoorgamesthatcanbeadoptedforcovenuse.
Oneistosuspendabarrelhoop(ormakealargehoopofcardboard)ona
rope,fromatreeandtosetitswinging.TheWitchesthentaketurnstrying
tothrowaspearthroughthehoop,fromvariousdistances.Another
popularpastimeistargetarchery.

Aninteresting"game"isdowsing.Letsomeonehideaquarter
somewherein/ontheground(orinthehouse,ifinside).Tapeanother
quartertoaforkedstick,asa"witness",andtrytofindthehiddenone.
Severalpeoplecansearchatthesametime.Pendulumscanalsobeused
(seeLessonEight).Thequartergoestotheonewhofindsit,ofcourse.

I'msureyoucancomeupwithmanymoreexcitingandfungames
yourself.ThepointisthatSabbatsshouldbefun.Theyareatimefor
celebration.Thereligioussideisveryimportant,ofcourse,butfollowit
withfun,games,goodfoodanddrink;wineandale...whichbrings
meto:

Sent

Received

Sent

Received

HOMEMADEWINEANDALE;HOMECOOKEDBREAD

It'ssimplertojustgotothestoreandbuythenecessaryediblesfor
thenextcovenmeeting,butitcanbealotoffunmakingthem.Beloware
somesimplerecipesforwine,beer,breadandevencakesfortheCakes
andAlerite.

Figure12.7

COWSLIPWINEBoiltwopoundsofwhitesugarwithfivequartsof
waterand,whileboiling,pouroveraquartoftheyellowpartoffresh
cowslipflowers.Leavefortwentyfourhoursthenstrainandaddtwo
tablespoonsfulofyeastspreadonapieceoftoast.Leave,covered,forten
days,stirringtwoorthreetimeseachdayforthefirstfourdays.Then
strainandbottle.

BEEWINEIntoasyrupsolutionoftwotablespoonsfulofsugartoapint


ofwater,putaverysmallpinchoftartaricacidanda
pieceofyeastthesizeofadime.Startitoffatblood
heatandstandtheglassjarinawarmroomnearthe
windowandleaveittowork.Inadayorsotheyeast
willbegintogrowandcollectbubblessothatthelump
floatsupanddown(likeabee;hencethename).
Fermentationwillproceeduntiltheliquidisconverted
intoasweetwine,whichyoumayflavorbyadding
fruitjuice.Donotletitworktoolongoritwillbecome
sourandeventuallyturntovinegar.

TOMATOWINETakethestalksoffsomesound,ripe
tomatoesandcuttheminpieceswithastainlesssteel
knife.Thenmashthemwellandletthemdrainthrougha
hairsieve.Seasonthejuicewithalittlesaltandsugar
totaste,thennearlyfillajarwithit.Coverfairlyclosely,
leavingasmallholeforthefermentationtowork
through,andleaveuntiltheprocesshasended.Pour
offtheclearliquidintobottles,corkthemtightlyand
keepforsometimebeforeusing.

DANDELIONWINETheflowersmustbefreshly
pickedandthepetalsstrippedfromthem.Putagallon
ofthesepetalsintoatubandpouragallonoffreshly
boiledwateroverthem.Leave,covered,fortento
twelvedays,stirringnowandthen.Thenstrainthe
liquidintoapreservingpanandaddthreetofour
poundsofsugar,accordingtotaste.Alsoaddthe
thinlyparedrindofoneorangeandonelemon,plus
therestofthesetwofruitscutinpiecesbutwithout
anytraceofthewhitepithorthepits.Boilgently
togetherfortwentyminutesthenremovefromheat.
Afterithascooledtolukewarm,putinatablespoonful
ofbrewer'syeastandaquarterofanounceofcom
pressedyeastspreadonapieceoftoast.Coveragain
andleaveforacoupleofdays.Thenputintoacask,
bungitdownandbottleaftertwomonthsormore.

APPLEBEERPourfourgallonsofboilingwaterover
fourpoundsofgratedapplesinapanandstireachday
fortwoweeks.Thenstrainandaddtwopoundsof
sugar,twoouncesofrootgingerandalevelteaspoon
fuleachofcinnamonstickandwholecloves.Pourinto
acaskandbungtightlyatonce.Insixweeksitwillbe
readytobottle.

HONEYBEERBoilanounceofgroundgingerwith
halfagallonofwaterforhalfanhour,thenputitintoa
panwithapoundofwhitesugar,twoouncesoflime
juice,fourouncesofclearrunhoney,thejuiceofthree

lemonsandanotherhalfgallonofcoldwater.When
themixtureisjustlukewarm,addalargeteaspoonful
ofyeastspreadonapieceoftoast.Leavefortwelve
hoursandthenstrainthroughmuslin.Aftergivingit
anhourortwotosettle,carefullybottleit.

MEADDissolvefourpoundsofhoneyinagallonof
waterandaddanounceofhops,halfanounceofroot
gingerandtheparedrindoftwolemons.Boilthisfor
threequartersofanhour,pouritintoacasktothe
brimand,whenitisstilllukewarm,addanounceof
yeast.Leavethemeadtofermentandwhenthishas
ended,putinaquarterofanounceofisinglass(obtain
ablefromwinemakingsupplystores)andbungthe
casktightly.Insixmonthsitshouldbebottled.

TheaboveMeadrecipeisasimplebeekeeper's
one.Thefactthatmeadwasoriginallyaveryimportant
andcomplicateddrinkisshowninTheClosetOfSir
KenelmDigby,firstpublishedin1669,wherenoless
thantwentysixrecipesaregivenforit.Here,now,isa
recipeforSackMead.Ifmadeproperly(andthisis
somewhatmoreambitiousthantheaboverecipes)it
istheequalofanymeadfoundinTudortimes.

SACKMEADRequirements:awoodenvesselin
whichtomixthehoneyandwaterandcarryoutthe
fermentationforonemonthinaconstanttemperature
ofabout60F.Secondly,avesselsuchasasmallbarrel
inwhichtoplacethefermentedliquortomaturefora
matteroftwotothreeyearsbeforebeingdrunk.Thirdly,
asmallercontainer(suchasaglassjar)withadequate
seal,intowhichtoputacertainamountoftheoriginal
fermentedliquor.Thiswillbeusedfromtimetotime
totopuptheliquorinthebarrel.Inthecourseoftwo
tothreeyearsinthebarrel,theliquorshrinksanditis
necessarytohaveasufficientamountofsurplusliquor
tokeepthebarrelfullandsoexcludeair.Thissurplus
liquorshouldbeputasideatthebeginning,afterthe
firstmonth'sfermentation,andshouldbeabout10%
ofthewhole.Asthesealedglasscontainerisemptied
progressively,bytoppingupthebarrel,whatisleftin
thecontainermustbeputintoasmallervesselsothat
thisreserveisalwaysabletofillthecontainerinwhich
itiskept.Ifitislefthalffilleditwillprobablyvinegrate
andwouldthenspoiltheliquorinthebarrel.

Havingprovidedthevessels,itisnownecessary
tohavereadyfiveandahalfpoundsofgoodquality
honeytoeverygallonofwarmwaterwithwhichitisto
bemixed.Mixthetwotogetheruntilthehoneyis


dissolved.Obtainagoodqualitywineyeast(e.g.a
Sauterne,SherryorMalaga)andprepareyouryeast
beforemixingthehoneyandwater.Thispreparation
isdonebyputtingtheyeastinasmallglassvessel
andaddingsmallquantitiesprogressively(over
severaldays)ofaweaksolutionofhoneyandwater,
andkeepingtheyeastinawarmtemperatureof
about60Funtiltheyeasthasstartedtoferment.
Whenithasstartedtoferment,addthistothedis
solvedhoneyandwaterwhenthelatterisatabout
70F.Coverthefermentingvesselwithaloosecover
andclothsothataircanreachthefermentinghoney
andwatermixturewithoutallowinginsectsanddust
topenetrate.

Afteraboutaweek,theliquorshouldbeferment
ing,andattheendofamonththefermentationshould
haveceased.Theliquorshouldbestrainedoffcare
fully,leavingallleesaside,andplacedinthebarrel
whichshouldthenbefirmlysealedandonlyopened
occasionallytotopup,asexplained.

Thereis,usually,aconsiderabledangerofvinegra
tionifthehoneyisnotsterilizedinthefirstinstance.
Therefore,attheriskofacertainamountoflossof
quality,itistheusualpracticetoboilthehoneyand
waterinthefirstinstanceforaboutfifteenminutes.
Thiskillsanywildfermentsandensuresarelatively
sterile"must",towhichtoaddtheyeast.Thebarrel
andtheoriginalfermentingvesselshouldalsohave
beensterilized.

Thewholepointaboutusingwineyeastsisthat
theygiveamuchhigheralcoholcontentthanthe
ordinarybrewer'sorbaker'syeasts.

LOCUSTBEERGatherthelongblacklocustpods
andbreakthemintopieces.Placealayerinakegor
crock.Addripenedpersimmonsorslicedapples.
Coverwithboilingwater.Addtwocupsofmolasses.
Letsetforthreeorfourdaysbeforeusing,forbest
flavor.

NETTLEBEEROnlyyoungnettlesshouldbeusedfor
this.Twogallonsofthemmustbewashedwellandput
intoapanwithtwogallonsofwater,halfanounceof
bruisedgingerroot,fourpoundsofmalt,twoounces
ofhopsandfourouncesofsasaparilla.Boilforaquar
terofanhourandthenstrainoverapoundandahalf
ofcastorsugar.Stiruntilthesugardissolves,thenadd
anounceofcreamedyeast.Whenthebeerstartstofer
ment,putitintobottlesandcorktheseandtiedown

withstring.Thisbeerneedsnokeeping.

BREADANDCAKES

ACORNBREADNeed:2cupsmilk,2tablespoonsoil
orbutter,2teaspoonssalt,2tablespoonsdryyeast,4%
cupsacornflour(seebelow),xkcuphoney,Vscup
lukewarmwater.

Bestacornstouse:white,burrandchestnutoaks.
Collectinthefallwhenripe.

Tomakeacornflour:removeshells.Boiltheacorns
wholeforatleasttwohours,changingthewatereach
timeitbecomeslightbrownincolor.Afterthisboiling
theacornsshouldbedarkbrownincolor.Roastin
350ovenforonehour.Chopthemfinely,thengrind
inaflourorfoodgrinder.Dryagainintheovenfor
anotherhalfhour.Putthroughthegrinderagainat
leasttwice.

Scaldthemilk.Stirintheoilorbutter,honeyand
salt.Pourintoalargebowlandletcooltolukewarm.
Meanwhiledissolveyeastinthelukewarmwater.
Whenmilkmixtureislukewarm,addyeast.Gradually
stirintheacornflour.Coverthebowlwithatoweland
letrisefortwohoursinawarmplace.Kneadforten
minutes.Rolloutlikethickpastry.Rollupintheman
nerofajellyroll.Shapeintotwoloavesandplacein
greasedbreadpans.Letrise,covered,foranothertwo
hours.Bakeforfortyminutesinanovenpreheatedto
375.Removefromtheovenandbrushthetopsofthe
loaveswithoilormeltedbutter.

INDIANHOMINYBREADNeed:2cupscookedgrits,
2beateneggs,2tablespoonsmeltedbutter,2tea
spoonssalt,Vzcupmilk.

Addmilk,butterandeggstowarmgrits.Pourin
greasedpan.Bakeat375forthirtyminutes.Serve
hot.(Note:thincakesofthismixturemayalsobefried
onahotgriddle).

INDIANPUMPKINBREADNeed:1cupcornmeal,V2
cuppumpkin(cooked),waterenoughtomoisten
mixture.

Mixtheingredientsandworkuntilthedoughis
easytohandle.Formintoflatcakes.Cakesmaybe
bakedinagreasedpan(asbiscuits)orfriedquickly
overanopenfire.

IRISHOATCAKESNeed:3cupsoatmeal,1stickbutter,
V2teaspoonsalt,xkcupwater,V2teaspoonbakingsoda.


Preheatovento350.Mixtogether2cupsofoat
mealwiththesaltandbakingsoda.Meltthebutterand
addthewater.Stirthebutterandwatermixtureinto
theoatmixtureandblenduntilyouhaveadough.
Sprinkleyourworksurfacewiththeremainingoat
mealandturnthedoughontoit.Flattenthedough
withyourhandsandrollwithrollingpinuntilabout
xkinchthick.Useaverysmallcookiecutterorcutinto
smallsquaresandplaceonanungreasedbakingsheet.
Bakeintheovenforabouttwentyminutes,thenlower
theheatto300andtoastuntillightbrown.

SCOTCHOATCAKES(Mypersonalfavorite)Need:
Vacupbutterormargarine,1cupoatflour,xkcupbran,
1egg,1cupmilk,xkteaspoonsalt,tyiteaspoonbaking
powder,xkteaspooncreamoftartar.(Asweeterversion
canbemadebyalsoaddingxkteaspoonvanilla,V2
teaspooncinnamon,6teaspoonssugar).

Cutthebutterintotheoatflourandbran.Addthe
remainingingredientsandmixthoroughly.Preheat
ovento425.Dropthebatter,bywellroundedtable
spoonsful,ontoagreasedcookiesheet(or,forneater
cakes,dropintogreasedmuffinpans).Bake12to15
minutesoruntillightlybrowned.Servewithbutter
(andjelly,ifdesired).

CORNBREADNeed:2cupswhitemeal(coarse
ground),1cupflour,milk,1tablespoonsugar,4tea
spoonsbakingpowder,1egg,1teaspoonsalt.

Combinealldryingredients,thenaddeggand
enoughsweetmilktomakethinbatter.Pourinhot,
wellgreased,breadpans.Bakeinahotovenuntil
brown.

ACORNCOOKIESNeed:V2cupoil,Vzcuphoney,2
beateneggs,2cupsacornflour(see"AcornBread"
above),V2teaspoonalmondextract,cupdried,chopped
acorns.

Blendtheoilandhoney;beatintheeggs.Addthe
almondextract,acornflourandthechoppedacorns.
Dropthisbatterbyteaspoonsfulontoalightlyoiled
cookiesheetorshallowbakingpan.Bakeina375
ovenforfifteenminutes.

IMPORTANTREMINDER

InboththisandthepreviouslessonIusedexamples
of"love"magickandtalismans.Pleasealwaysremem
berthatlovemagickdirectedataspecificindividual
shouldneverbedone,fortodosowouldbetointer
ferewiththatperson'sfreewill.Youwouldbeforcing
themtodosomethingtheywouldnotnormallydo
andmaynotwishtodo.Theonlysortoflovemagick
permissableisthataimednonspecifically...tobring
"someone"toyou,withoutknowingexactlywhoit
willbe.Butfarbettertojustworkonyourself,tomake
yourselfgenerallymoreattractive,thantotrytochange
someoneelse.

1.WriteyournameinthedifferentstylesofRunes.Practicewritingaspecialsentenceinafavo
ritemagickal
writingstyle.

Decidewhatyouwanttomakeatalismanfor.Determinewhatmetal,whatplanetaryinfluence,andw
hat
inscriptionyouwilluse.Illustrateyourtalismanbelow.

3.Describeyourspecialamulet.Whereandhowdidyoufindit?Whatdoyouthinkthatitwillbe
best
usedfor?

4.Listanyfavoriterecipesforfoodsandbeverageswhichhavebeenasuccess.

5.ListtheCovengamesyouhavetriedandtheirresults.

LESSONTHIRTEEN
HEALING

ItisnecessaryformetoreiteratewhatIsaidatthestartofLesson
Ten:theinformationonhealingpracticesinthislessonissimplymy
opinion,togetherwiththeresultsofmyresearch.Iamnotengagedin
renderingmedicaladvice.Suchadviceshouldbesoughtfromacompetent
professionalperson.

InLessonTenyoustudiedtheuseofherbsinthehealingprocess
andlearnedthatWitcheshavelongbeenconsideredcommunityhealers.In
thislessonyouwillseesomeoftheotherformsofhealingusedinthe
Craft,pluslessobviousapplicationsofherbs.

THEAURA

Ibrieflytouchedontheaurainanearlierlesson.Torecapitulate,the
auraistheelectricalmagneticenergythatemanatesfromthehuman
body.Ourbodies,ofcourse,vibrate.Animalsandplantsdothesame,for
allthingsradiateenergy:achair,ahouse,atree,aflower,abird.Everything
isvibration.Soeverythinggivesoffanaura.Thisauracanmosteasilybe
seeninhumans,however(possiblyduetobrainactivity).

Theauraissometimesreferredtoastheodicforce.InChristianart,
fromthefifthtothesixteenthcenturies,itwasoftendepictedaroundthe
headsofpeoplebelievedtopossessgreatspiritualpower.Thereitwas
referredtoasahaloorgloria.Italsoappearedasaringofflamesaround
theheadsofMoslemprophets.Theheaddressesofpriests,kingsand
queenssymbolizetheaura.

TherearereferencestotheauraintheChristianBible.Insculpture,
thereisanexcellentexampleinthatofMichaelangelo'sfigureofMoses,
whichshowshimwithhorns.Thishasmystifiedmany.Thereasonfor
thehornsisthatintranslationthewordfor"horns"wasconfusedwith
theverysimilarwordfor"rays",soinfactMoseswasthoughtofas
"havingrayscomingfromhishead"...theaura.

AURICHEALING

Inaurichealing,yousetouttochangetheconditionofapersonby

193

In1858BaronKarlvonReichenbach,anindus
trialchemist,claimedtohavediscoveredcertain
radiationscomingfrommagnets,crystals,plants
andanimals,whichcouldbeseenandfeltbycertain
people(sensitives).In1911Dr.WalterKilner,
ofSt.Thomas'Hospital,London,devisedways
ofshowingtheseradiations.Onewaywasby
lookingthroughadilutesolutionofadyecalled
DICYANIN(aproductofcoaltar)andtheother
wasbyfirstlookingatabrightlightthrougha
strongalcoholicsolutionthenlookingatthesub
ject.Thislattermethod,however,provedtobe
verydangerous,causingdamagetotheeyes.
Kilnerdidperfecthisdicyaninmethodandpro
ducedwhatisknownasthe"KilnerScreen".

Buttheauraisbestseenwithoutartificial
aid.HaveyoursubjectstandagainstaDARK
backgroundandlook,directingyourgazeatthe
positionofthesubject'sthirdeye(betweenanda
littleabovetheeyebrows).Youmayfindithelp
fultosquintslightlyatfirst.Youwillbecome
awareoftheauraaroundher/hisheadthough,at
first,whenyoutrytomoveyourgazetolook
directlyatit...itwilldisappear!Don'tworry.
Youwilleventuallybeabletostudyitdirectly
but,tostartwith,justkeepyourfocusonthat
thirdeyeandlookattheauraperipherally.Ifyou
havenosuccesswiththesubjectagainstadark
background,thentryalightbackground;some
havesuccesswiththeone,somewiththeother.

Theaurawillbemostobviousaroundthehead,
unlessthebodyisnakedinwhichcaseitwillbe
seenclearlyallaround.Theentireauraiscalled
theAureole;theheadauraistheNimbus.You
maynoticethattotheperson'sleftthereis
generallyorangecolorandtotheirrightabluish
color.Ifyoumoveyourhandstowardsthebody
youwillfeelwarmthontheirleftandcoolnesson
theirright.Interestinglyabarmagnetgivescor
respondingsensations,withtheNorthendcool
andblueandtheSouthendwarmandorange.

Theauracanbefelt.Ifyoustandinfrontof
yoursubject,withyourhandsextendedoneither
sideofhishead,andthepalmsintowardshim,
youcanfeelit.Graduallymoveyourhandsin
towardsthehead.Asyouapproach(perhaps
aboutfourtosixinchesaway)youwillfeelatin
glingsensation,orawarmth,orafeelingofpre
ssurebuildingup.Moveyourhandsinandout
andgetthatsensation.
PracticalColorMagickRaymondBuckland,

LlewellynPublications,St.Paul,MN1983


visualizingaspecificcolorlightaroundthem.These
colorsarechosenaccordingtothepatient'sproblem.
Forexample,whendealingwiththenervoussystem
youwouldusevioletandlavendertoobtainasooth
ingeffect.Toinvigorate,you'dusegrassgreen.To
inspire,yellowsandoranges.

Whendealingwithdisordersofthebloodand
organsofthebody,useclear,darkbluestosoothe,grass
greentoinvigorateandbrightredtostimulate.

Whendealingwithcasesoffever,highbloodpressure
orhysteria,useblue.

Forcasesofchillorlackofsufficientbodilywarmth,
concentrateonred.

So,forexample,ifapersoniscomplainingoffeel
inghot,hasafeverandissweatingprofusely,youcan
helpimmeasurablybyconcentratingonseeingher
completelysurroundedby,andabsorbedin,ablue
light.Ifshehasastomachpain,thendirectasoothing
lightgreencolorthere.Forsomeonewithanervous
headache,seetheirheadsurroundedbyvioletor
lavenderlight.Forableeding,directcleardarkblue
lighttothecut.Keepupthesevisualizationsforas
longasyoucan.Igivemorespecificsbelow,inColor
Healing.

PRANICHEALING

PranichealingisdonebysendingPrana(the"vital
force")fromyourbodytothediseasedoraffected
parts,stimulatingthecellsandtissuestonormalactivity
andallowingthewastematerialtoleavethesystem.It
involvestheuseofpassesandthelayingonofhands.
WhatisPrana?Itisthevitalforcewhichunderliesall
physicalactionofthebody.Itcausescirculationofthe
blood,movementofthecellsandallmotionsupon
whichthelifeofthephysicalbodydepends.Itisa
forcethatissentforthfromthenervoussystem,byan
effortofthewill,whenyoudirecthealing(review
LessonOne,regardingProf.OttoRahnandDr.Harold
Burr).

YoureceivePranafromthefoodyoueat,the
wateryoudrinkandfromtheairyoubreathe.All
formsofforceandenergyrisefromthesameprimal
cause,anditisyourwillingnesstoincreaseyourown
supply,ANDSHAREIT,thatmakesyou"gifted"in
healing.Everyone,then,actuallypossessesthe"gift"
ofhealing.

HowcanyouincreaseyourPrana?Bydeepbreathing.
VISUALIZEenergyandstrengthflowingintoyour
bodyasyoubreathein.FEELit.Feelitgoingintoall

partsofyourbody.Feelittravelalongyourarmsand
downyourlegs.VISUALIZEtheloveoftheLadyand
theLordenteringyou.

Correctbreathingsetsupanequilibriumbetween
positiveandnegativecurrents.Itcalmsyournervous
systemandregulatesandslowsyourheartactivity,
reducingyourbloodpressureandstimulatingyour
digestion.BeforedoinganyPranichealing,dothe
followingdeepbreathingexercises:

1.(a)Slowlybreathein,throughthenose,toamental

countofeight,
(b)Slowlyexhale,throughthenose,toacount
ofeight.

2.(c)Slowlybreathein,throughthenose,toacount

ofeight.

(d)Holdyourbreathforacountoffour.

(e)Slowlyexhale,throughthemouth,foracount
ofeight.

In(d),asyouholdyourbreath,feelthelove,
energy,strengthandpoweryouhaveinhaledcirculate
throughoutyourbody.

In(e),breatheoutallthenegativitywithinyou.
Do"1"once,thendo"2"threetimes.

Nowyouarereadytostartyourhealing.Thisis
bestdoneintheCircle.However,ifthatcannotbeif
thepatientisunabletocometoyou,perhapsthrough
beinginahospitalorbeingbedriddenathomethen
atleastdrawacircleabouthim{andthebed,ifnecessary),
withyourathame,andfillthatcirclewithwhitelight
beforestarting.

Havethepatientlieonhisbackwithhishead
towardstheeast,ifpossible.Hisfeetshouldbetogether
andhisarmsathissides.Hedoesnothavetobenaked,
butitiscertainlybetterifhecanbe(better,infact,if
youbothare).Heshouldclosehiseyesandconcen
trateonseeinghimselfencompassedinaballofwhite
light.Youkneeltctheleftofhislegs,ifyouareright
handed;tohisrightiflefthanded(seeFigure13.1).
Reachingforwards,extendyourarmsandholdyour
handswiththepalmsinwards,atthetopofhishead,
aboutaninchawayfromactualcontact(Figure13.2).Take
adeepbreaththen,holdingthatbreath,bringthe
handssmoothlydownthelengthofthebody,one
handoneitherside,notquitetouchingtheskinthe
wholeway.Asyoucomeawayfromhisfeet,breathe
outandshakeyourhandsvigorouslyasthoughyouwere
shakingwateroffthem.Youare,inactuality,shaking


LessonThirteen:Healing1195

offthenegativitythatyouhavedrawnfromhim.Repeatthisprocess
ATLEASTSEVENTIMES,preferablymore.

Nowsitquietlyforamoment,seeingthepatientsurroundedin
whitelight.Whenyouhavegotyourbreath(youwillfindthiscanbe
quiteexhausting),thenrepeatthebreathingexercisesgivenabove"1"
onceand"2"threetimes.Nowforactualcontact.

Nowlayyourhands,gently,oneoneachsideofhishead,thumbs
restingonhistemples.Concentrate(eyesclosedifyouwish),sendingall
yourenergiesintohim;allthegoodnessandloveoftheLadyandthe
Lordchanneledthroughyouintohim,tomakehimwell.Whenyouhave
donethisforawhile,againsitbackandrelax,picturinghiminthe
whitelight.

Thenonceagaindoyourdeepbreathingfollowedbyplacingyour
handsover/onhisheartand,again,directingthePranicforceintohim.

Afteragainrestinganddoingthebreathing,layyourhandsonthe
specificareaofproblem(e.g.stomach;leg;shoulder)anddirectyour
energies.Afinalperiodofrestforyou,andpicturinghimwithinthe
whiteballoflight,completestheprocess.

Donotbesurprisedifyoufeelphysicallydrainedaftersuchaheal
ing.Thiswillgenerallybethecase.Ignorethosewhosaythatifyoufeel
drainedyouaredoingitwrong.Onthecontrary,feelingexhaustedisa
goodsignthatyouhavedonewell.

ABSENTHEALING

Itispossibletohealapersonwithoutthemactuallybeingphysically
presentintheCircle.Thiscanbedonebyusingoneofthemethods
giveninlessoneleven(dancing,chanting,cords,sex),takingthepower
raisedanddirectingitintothepersonwhoissick.Candlemagickis
especiallyeffective(seePracticalCandleburningRituals,RaymondBuckland,
LlewellynPublications).Bothauricandpranichealingcanalsobedone
usingagood,clearphotographoftheperson.SeealsoColorHealingand
Poppets,below.

Figure13.1

Figure13.2

COLORHEALING

IdealextensivelywiththissubjectinmybookPracticalColorMagick
(LlewellynPublications,1983)sowillgivejustabriefoutlinehere.Light
isradiantenergytravelingintheformofwaves.Therateofvibrationcan
bemeasuredinunitsknownasAngstromunits(A),measuringoneten
millionthofamillimeter.Forexample,thecolorviolethasawavelength
varyingfrom4000to4500A;indigofrom4500to4700;blue4700to
5100;green5100to5600;yellow5600to5900;orange5900to6200and
red6200to6700A.Yourbodyselects,fromthesunlight,whatevercolors
neededforbalance,thevibrationsbeingabsorbedintoyou.Theprinciple
ofhealingwithcolor(ChromopathyorChromotherapy;Chromopathyfrom
theGreek:fcromacolor;pathossuftering)istogivetheailingbodyan
extradoseofanycolor(s)lacking.Oneofthejoysofchromopathyisits
practicability.Itissomethinganyonecandowithnodanger,beingthe
useofanaturalelement.Theapplicationcanbedoneinavarietyofways,
asyouwillsee.Basically,theredendofthespectrumstimulateswhile


theblueendcalms.

Hereisalookatthespecificcolorsofthespec
trumonebyonetoseewhattheirpropertiesare.

RED:Awarming,invigoratingcolor,excellent

forthetreatmentofblooddiseases.
Anaemicpeopleneedthecolorred,as
dothosewithliverinfections.

ORANGE:Notquiteasharshasredyetcontains
manyofitsproperties.Itisespecially
goodfortherespiratorysystem;for
thosewhosufferfromasthmaand
bronchitis;alsoasatonicandalaxative.

YELLOW:Excellentforthebowelsandintestines.
Itisamildsedative;helpsremovefears
ofallkindsandgivesamentaluplift.It
isgoodforindigestionandheartburn,
forconstipationandpiles,alsofor
menstrualproblems.

GREEN:Thisisthegreathealer.Itisneutralfor

othercolorsandcanbeageneraltonic
andrevitalizer.Whenindoubt;use
green.Excellentforhearttroubles;
neuralgicheadaches;ulcers;coldsin
theheadandboils.

BLUE:Anantisepticandcoolingagent.Excel

lentforuseonallinflammationsin
cludingthoseofinternalorgans.Good
oncutsandburns;alsoforrheumatism.

INDIGO:Aslightnarcotic.Willremovethefears

ofthemindandreassurethoseafraid
ofthedark.Goodforemotionaldis
orders;deafness;especiallygoodfor
theeyes,evenforcataracts.

VIOLET:Goodformentaldisorders;forthe

nervoussystem;forbaldnessandfor
femalecomplaints.

DIRECTINGTHECOLOR

ItistheCOLORthatisimportant,soanything
thatwillproducecoloredlightwillserveyourneeds.
Thiscouldbecoloredglass,plasticorevencellophane.
Youdon'tevenhavetowaitforsunshine.Anylight
willdo,includingartificiallight.Ifyouhaveawindow
thatgetsalotofsunshinethencertainlymakeuseof
that.Tapeasheetofcoloredglass,plasticoreven
tissuepaperoverthewindowandhavethepatientsit
infrontofitsothatthecoloredlightfallsdirectlyon
her/him.Makesureitfallsonthetroubledarea(e.g.for
anupsetstomach,directyellowlightonthestomach

area).Concentratethelightontheareaforatleast
thirtyminuteseachday.Twoperiodsofthirtyminutes
(oneinthemorningandanotherintheevening)
wouldbebetter.Youwillnoticeadefiniteimprove
mentalmostfromthestart.

Ifyoudon'thaveaconvenientsunnywindow,
thenagoodsubstituteisaphotographicslideprojector.
Infact,inmanywaysitisbetterthanthewindowsince
youcanfocusonparticularareas.Fromphotosupply
storesyoucanobtainemptycardboardslidemounts.
Intotheseputsmallrectanglesofcoloredplasticor
acetate,sothatyouhaveasetofslidesoftheseven
primarycolors.

COLORCHARGEDWATER

Youcanturnordinarywaterintopotentmedicine
bychargingitwithcoloredlight.Fillaclearbottlewith
waterandtapeasheetofcoloredpaperoracetate
aroundit(ifyoucangetacoloredbottleoftheap
propriatecolor,allthebetter).Thenstandthebottlein
thewindowforsixtoeighthours.Evenifthesunisnot
shiningdirectlyonthebottle,itwillstillchargethe
water.Then,awineglassfulofthewater,takenthree
timesaday,willhaveasimilareffecttothehalfhourof
coloredlightapplication.

Ifyouarefeeling"down",orlistless,aglassfulof
redchargedwatereachmorningwillpepyouup.
Similarly,ifyouhavetroublesleepingatnight,aglass
fulofindigochargedwaterbeforebedwillrelaxyou
andhelpyoufallasleep.Allofthecolorscanbeused,
asinthecolorchartabove.Suchtreatmentiscalled
Hydrochromopathy.

DISTANTCOLORHEALING

Colorcanalsobeusedtodoabsenthealing.Again
youutilizeaphotograph(thebasicsympatheticmagick
principleof'likeattractslike").ThisisknownasGrapho
chromopathy.Makesurethatthereisnooneotherthan
thepatientinthephotographandalsomakesurethatthe
afflictedpartoftheperson(e.g.leg;stomach)isinthe
picture.Placethephotographundertheappropriate
coloredlightandleaveitthere.Alowwattagebulbisbest
forthis;perhapssomethinglikeanightlightbulb.You
willfinditeasiertoputthecoloredsheetoverthefront
ofthephotographthantotrytowrapitaroundthelight
bulb.Thebestwayistoputthephotoinaframe
togetherwiththecoloredacetateandthentostandthe
frameinfrontofthelightbulb,orthewindow.Giveit
thelighttreatmentforatleastthreehoursaday.

LessonThirteen:Healing1197

GEMTHERAPY

Youcantakesixdifferentbooksdealingwith
preciousandsemipreciousstonesandtheiroccult
propertiesandfindsixdifferentopinionsastowhich
dowhat.Thereasonforthisisthatthestonesare
usuallycorrespondedwithastrologicalplanetsand
signs.Thetroublethereis(asW.B.Crowexplainsin
PreciousStones:TheirOccultPowerandHiddenSignificance)
that"therearedifferentscalesofcorrespondences
andunderonecircumstanceonescaleshouldbe
applied,whilstunderanotheradifferentscaleholds
good...nonaturalobjectispureSun,pureMoonor
pureSaturn".

Thesafestwaytousestonesforhealing,then,isin
themanneroftheancientDruids:gobytheCOLORof
thestoneandapplythesameprinciplesusedinColor
Healingabove.

Forexample,youknowthatyellowisgoodfor
intestinalandboweldisordersandmenstrualproblems.
Fortheseproblems,then,wearayellowstonesuchas

yellowdiamond,jasper,topaz,beryl,quartz,amber,
etc.Thestoneshouldbeplacedontheafflictedarea
foratleastanhoureachdayandshouldbeworn,inthe
formofapendantorring,fortherestoftheday,
continuinguntilthecureisaffected.

In640BCENechepsworeajasperaroundhisneck
tocurehisqueasystomach.In1969BarbaraAnton(a
graduateGemologistfromtheGemologicalInstitute
ofNewYork)advisedafriend,whohadsufferedfrom
irregularmenstrualperiodsforyears,towearayellow
jasperpendant.Solongassheworeit,herperiodscame
regularlyonatwentyeightdaycycle.

Anygoodbookongemsandmineralswillgive
youfulldescriptionsofthemanyvarietiesofstones
availableinthefullspectrumofcolor.Rubies,emeralds,
sapphiresareobviousexamplesofred,greenand
blue,buttherearemanyotherequallyeffectiveyetfar
lessexpensivestonesavailable.Hereareafewstones,
togetherwiththecolorsinwhichtheycanbeobtained,
plussomeoftheancientbeliefsregardingtheir
properties.

AGATE(brown):Saidtohelpharden
gumsandprotectvision.

AMBER(Yellow;orange):Improves
pooreyesight;deafness;dysentery
andthroatafflictions;hayfever;
asthma.

AMETHYST(purpletoblueviolet):
Antidotefordrunkenness(!);gives
peaceofmind.

BERYL(green;yellow;blue;white):
Livercomplaints;diaphragm.

BLOODSTONE(greenandred):
Hemorrhages;nosebleeds.

CARNELIAN(red):Hemorrhages;
nosebleeds;purifiestheblood.

CHRYSOLITE(olivegreen;brown;
yellow;red):Fevers;nightmares.

CORAL(red;white):Stopsbleeding;
helpsindigestivedisorders;epi
lepsyinchildren;ulcers;scars;
soreeyes.

DIAMOND(white;blue;yellow):
Coughs;mucus;lymphsystem;

toothache;insomnia;convul
sions.

EMERALD(green):eyediseases(a
traditionaleyewashwasmadeby
simplysteepinganemeraldin
water);generalhealing.

GARNET(red):Anaemia;blooddis
eases.

JADE(green):Kidneydiseases;stom
achpains;bloodpurifier;muscle
strengthener;urinaryproblems;
eyediseases(eyewash,aswith
emerald).

JASPER(yellow;green):Stomach
problems;nervousness.

LAPIS(deepbluetoazure;violet
blue;greenblue)Lapislazuli;
LapisUnguis:Eyeproblems;helps
attunetohigherspiritualvibra
tions;vitality;strength.Lapisligur
ius:Cholera;rheumatism.

MOONSTONE(lightblue;resembles
Opal):"Watery"disturbances;

dropsy;givesstrength.

OPAL(redtoyellow;black;dark
green):Heart;eyes;bubonic
plague(!);givesprotectionand
harmony.

PEARL(white):Soothing;dissipates
anger.

RUBY(red):Pain;tuberculosis;colic;
boils;ulcers;poison;eyetroubles;
constipation.

SARDONYX(red;brownishred;
black):Mentalandemotionalef
fects;banishesgrief;bringshappi
ness.

SAPPHIRE(blueviolet):Eyes;boils;
rheumatism;colic.

TOPAZ(yellowtowhite;green;blue;
red):Vision;hemorrhages;bleed
ing.

TURQUOISE(blue;bluegreen;green):
Vision;promotesyouth.


POPPETS

InLessonElevenyoulearnedhowtoconstructaPoppet.ThereI
discusseditsuseforlovemagick.ButthePoppetcanalsobeusedfor
healingpurposesinfactthatisprobablyitsprimaryuse.

Thesameconstructionmethodisused:twooutlinescutfromcloth,
sewntogetherandmarkedwithidentifyingsymbolsandcharacteristics
(allwhilstconcentratingyourthoughtsonthepersonitrepresents).
However,thistimeyoushouldstuffthePoppetwiththeherbappropriate
fortheperson'sailment.ThatinformationyoulearnedinLessonTen.If
everindoubtastowhattouse,stuffthePoppetwithCalendula(also
calledMarigold,Marybud,HolibudCalendulaofficinalis),whichisa
cureall.

Identifyingsymbols

Incision,asreceived
bypersoninsurgery

Stuffedwiththeappropriate
healingherbs

HEALINGPOPPET

YoushouldnamethePoppet(asinthelovemagickexample),
sprinklingandcensingit,thenlayitonthealtar.

Shouldyoubeworkingforsomeonewhohashadsurgery,then
makeanincisioninthePoppetintheappropriateplace.Then,takingit
upfromthealtar,concentrateonthehealinganddirectyourpowerinto
thepatientasyousewuptheincision.

YoucandoAuricand/orPranichealingusingthePoppetinlieuof
theactualperson.OnceyouhavenamedandconsecratedthePoppet,
thenanythingyoudotoit,ofcourse,youdotothatperson.

MEDITATIONANDBIOFEEDBACK

Yes,meditationcanbeawayofhealing.Alwaysrememberthatwe
createourownrealitieswhetherconsciouslyor(moreoften)uncon
sciously.Solongaswearegoingtodothis,wemightjustaswellcreate
anenjoyableandhealthyreality.Inyourdailymeditation,seeyourself
fitandwell.Ifyouaresick,seeyourselfcompletelyrecovered.Remember

WeareallapartofNature,
notapartfromit.

RaymondBuckland

Everyoneisfamiliar,ifonlyfromfiction,with
thewaxfigurestuckwithpins.Suchafigure
istypicalofsympatheticmagickandisactually
oneoftheoldestformsofit.Thesamebasic
principlesstickinginpinstoinjurethe
victimcanbeappliedtoworkgood.For
example,amanmaybesufferingfroma
terriblebackache.TheWitchcouldtakesome
wax,orclay,andfashionafiguretorepresent
theman.Itwouldnothavetobeanexactlike
ness,infactitcouldbequiteacrude'ginger
breadman'typefigure.Butallthewhileitwas
beingmoldedshewouldkeepaclearpictureof
themaninhermind.Ifshehadaphotograph
ofhimwhichshecouldlaybesideheron
whichtoconcentrate,allthebetter.Whenthe
figurewasfinishedthenshewouldstickthree
orfourpinsinitsbackorwhereverthepain
happenedtobe.Whenstickinginthepinsshe
wouldtrynottothinkofthepainhewas
experiencing,foratthispointshewouldbe
merelyplacingthempreparatorytodoing
thehealing.

Thenextstepwouldbetoactuallyname
thefigurefortherecipient.Thiswouldbedone
bysprinklingandcensingitandsayingwords
totheeffect'HereliesJohnDoe,whoseeks
relieffrompain.AllthatIdotohimhereis
donealsotohisperson'.TheWitchwould
thenconcentrateashardasshecouldonthe
man,seeinghimasbeingfitandwell,without
thebackache.Onebyoneshewouldthen
drawoutthepinsthinking,andperhapseven
sayingwordstotheeffect,thatshewasdraw
ingthepainoutofhisbody.



1970

ANOINTINGOILRECIPE

Gatherfreshmint(IpreferCatmintNepeta
Cataria)andlooselyfillalargejarwithit.
Pourinanunscentedvegetableoiltofillthe
jar.Covertightlyandletstandfor24hours,
turningthejartostandupsidedownevery8
hours.Straintheoilcarefullythroughcheese
cloth,squeezingwell.Refillthejarwithfresh
mintandpourthesameoilbackin.Letstand
another24hours,turningevery8hours.
Repeatthisprocessoveratleastathreeday
period.Theoilresultingfromthefinalsqueez
ingisagoodanointingoilwiththefragrance
ofthemint.

LessonThirteen:Healing/199

(fromLessonEleven):"Don'tseeathingworking...
seeitfinished."

MeditationandBiofeedbackhavebeentested
experimentallybyscientistsandproventobebeneficial
inreducingbloodpressure,muscletension,controlof
painandincreasedsenseofwellbeing.Theprinciple
ofbiofeedbackisthatapersonwhoisprovidedwith
immediateknowledgeofher/hisinternalbodypro
cessescanlearntocontrolsomethatnormallyoperate
involuntarily.Thesubjectaimstoachievecomplete
relaxationandcanwatchherselfdothisthrougha
feedbackmeterwiredtovariouspartsofherbody
(biofeedbackinstruments,ofvaryingcomplexityand
price,areavailablefromanynumberofsources).She
triestoinduceanextremelycalmyetalertstateofcon
sciousnessthatischaracterizedbydistinctpatternsof
brainactivitycalled"AlphaRhythms".Whenshe
managestoproducealpharhythmsforaperiodoften
seconds,thenthealphastatehasbeenachieved.

Belowisacandleburningritualformeditation.
Youcanusethisasaleadintocreativelyvisualizing
yourself(orsomeoneelse)curedofanillness.

TOMEDITATE

AltarNo.1

Figure
Censer

AltarNo.2

Lt.
BLUE
No.1

Book

PETITIONER/MEDITATOR

Lt.
BLUE
No.2

Day
Candle

LightAltarCandle.LightIncense.LightDayCandle.
LightPETITIONER'SCandle(Petitioner=Meditator),
thinkingofyourself,andsay:

"Thiscandleismyself,burningsteady
andtrue."

LightLt.BLUECandles1and2andsay:

"HeredoIfindpeaceandtranquility.
Aplaceapart,whereImaysafely
meditateandgrowinspirituality."

Settleintomeditationinyourownparticularpattern
{e.g.asdetailedinLessonSeven:transcendental,man
trieyoga,orwhateveryouhavefoundtobebestfor
you).Duringyourmeditationenvisionyourself(or
another,ifworkingforsomeoneelse)completelywell
andhealed.Attheendofyourmeditation,extinguish
thecandlesintheoppositeordertothewayyoulit
them.

Hereisafurthercandleburningritual,thistime
specificallyforregaininggoodhealth.

TOREGAIN(ORRETAIN)GOODHEALTH

AltarNo.1

FigureAltarNo.2

Censer

'No.1RED

ORANGE

PETITIONER<

No.2RED
Jo.3RED

Book

LightAltarCandle.LightIncense.LightDayCandle.

Sitforafewmomentsthinkingofthestrength,health

andgoodnessoftheLadyandtheLordflowingback

intothebody.

LightPETITIONER'SCandle,picturingPetitioner,and

say:

"Hereis...(Name)...,inexcellenthealth.
TheblessingsoftheLadyandof
theLordbeuponherthatshe
mayprosper."

LightORANGECandleandsay:

"Thisflamedrawsallthatisgoodto
...(Name)...Itdrawshealthand
strengthandallthatshedesires."

LightREDCandles1,2and3andsay:


"Here,then,isthathealthandstrength,
threefold.Itisheretobetakeninto
...(Name)...'sbody,toserveherand
buildherastheLadyandtheLord
wouldwish."

Thensay:

Andinthebeginningwasiteverthus.
Thattoliveonemusthunt;tokill.
Thattokillmustonehavestrength.
Thatforstrengththeremustbeeating

andmovement.
Toeatandmovetheremustbehunt
ing.
Beweakandyoumayneverbestrong.
Bestrongandsoyoushallremain.
Butifyoubeweak;thenmustyouthink

strong;
Forthoughtisthedeed.
Andthinkingstrongyoucanthenhunt

andkillandeat.
Thus,thinkingstrong,youarestrong

andyoumove.
Thoughtbringsnotthefood,but

thought
Dothbringthemeanstoacquirethe

food.
Sobeit!

Strengthtothestrong!
Strengthtotheweak!
Maythearmliftthespear.
Maythearmhurlthestone.
Maythearmthrustthejavelin.
Maytherebestrength,always.
SoMoteItBe!"

Sitquietlymeditatingonthewonderfulgoodhealth
enjoyedandtobeenjoyedbythePetitioner.Sitthus
fortentofifteenminutes.Thenextinguishtheflames,
inthereverseordertothewaytheywerelit.Repeat
thisritualeveryFridayforsevensuccessiveFridays,
eachtimemovingtheredcandlesclosertothe
Petitioner.

ANIMALSANDPLANTS

Allthehealingmethodsoutlinedcanbeused,
equallyeffectively,onbothanimalsandplants.Never
forgetthatweareallapartofNature.Ifananimal,a

bird,aplant,atree,issickthenitisyourdutytotryto
aidit.Letusallliveinharmonywithnature.Weareall
onewiththeGods.

Inadditiontothemethodsofhealingdealtwithin
thislesson,IwouldrecommendallWitchesbecome
acquaintedwithasmanyotherpossibilitiesasthey
can.Itisnotnecessarytotrytolearneverythingin
detail,ofcourse,butitisgoodtoknowjustwhatsortof
healingcanbeaccomplishedwith,forexample,acu
puncture,radiesthesia,radionics,hypnosis,etc.

POSITIVETHINKING

Whatevermethodofhealingyouchoose,the
mostimportantthingtobearinmindisattitude.You
musthaveapositiveattitude.AsIemphasizedinthe
lessononmagick,youshouldpicturethecompletion,
theendproduct,ofwhatyouaretryingtoachieve.This
isespeciallyimportantinhealing.Ifthepersonhasa
brokenleg,seetheleghealed;seeher/himjumping
andrunningabout.Ifthepersonhasasorethroat,see
hershoutingandsingingandlaughing.Alwaysthink
positiveandsendoutpositiveenergies.


Iwouldespeciallyrecommendastudyofthefollow
ingbooks:

Aromatherapy:TheUseofPlantEssencesinHealing

RaymondLautic&A.Passebecq
TheCompleteBookofNaturalMedicines

DavidCarroll
TheBachFlowerRemediesNoraWeeks&VictorBullen
TheTwelveHealersEdwardBach

HandbookofBachFlowerRemediesPhilipM.Chancellor
AlphaBrainWavesJodiLawrence
TheScienceandFineArtOfFastingHerbertM.Shelton
PowerOverPainWithoutDrugsNealH.Olshan
YogiTherapySwamiShivanandaSaraswati
TheFootBook:HealingtheBodyThroughReflexology

DevakiBerkson
HomeopathicMedicineAtHomeMaesimundPanos&

JosephHeimlich
HelpingYourselfWithSelfHypnosisFrankS.Caprio&

JosephR.Berger
HealingWithRadionicsElizabethBaerlein&Lavender

Dower
TheoryandPracticeofCosmicRayTherapyD.N.Khushalini

&I.J.Gupta
ThePracticeofMedicalRadiesthesiaVernonD.Wethered
Acupuncture:TheAncientChineseArtofHealingFelixMann
HelpingYourHealthWithPointedPressureTherapy

RoyE.Bean


1.Relatesomeofyourexperiencesusingaurichealing.Whatweresomenoticeableresults?

2.Whatmethodsofcolorhealingworkbestforyou?Results?

3.Whatgemstoneshaveyouusedforhealing?Howdidyouusethem,andwhatresultswerenoticed?


4.Recordyourpersonallistofgemstonepropertiesasdiscoveredthroughexperimentation.

LESSONFOURTEEN
GETTINGSETUP

RITUALS

Aquestionfrequentlyaskedis"CanIwritemy
ownrituals?"Theansweris"Yes",albeitaqualified
yes.

TherearemanytalentedpeopleintheCraftand
theyshouldbeallowedindeed,encouragedto
developtheirtalents(thetwo,Craftandtalent,seem
somehowtoattractoneanother).Butbeforeyoustart
writingyourownrituals,workforawhilewiththe
onesIhavegivenyouinthisbook,astheyarewritten.
I'dsuggestworkingwiththemforayearatleast.Getto
knowthem.Feelthem.Livethem.Theyhavebeen
writtenbasedonagreatmanyyearsofexperience.
NotonlyCraftexperiencebutexperienceandknowl
edgeofmanyotheraspectsoftheoccult,anthropological
backgroundand,mostimportantly,knowledgeofthe
necessaryelementsofritual(seeConstructionofRitual
below).Everythingisthereforareason,sodon'tgo
choppingandchangingjustbecauseyouthink"it
soundsgood"!

Takespecialnoteofsomeoftheelementsinthese
ritualsgiven.

InERECTINGTHETEMPLEthisistheconstruction
andconsecrationofyourmeetingplace;yourTemple.
Itisoneofthebasics,ensuringpsychiccleanlinessof
theareaandoftheoccupants.Italsoincludestheinviting
oftheLadyandherLordtoattendandwitnessthe
ritestobeheldintheirhonor.

InCLEARINGTHETEMPLEyouhavetheneces
sarythankingoftheLadyandLordandtheofficial
terminationoftheproceedings.

InCAKESANDALEthereisthe"connecting
link"betweentheritual/worshippartofthemeeting
andtheworking/socialpart.Itisimportantinthatitis
founduniversallyandisreallytheculminationofthe


worship:thethankingthegodsforthenecessities
oflife.

Theabove,alongwiththeSelfDedicationand
theInitiation,arethemainingredients,thebasic
skeleton,ofWicca.

THECONSTRUCTIONOFRITUAL

Thedictionary(Webster)definesRITEas"aformal
actofreligion...areligiousceremony"andRITUAL
as"consistingofrites...themannerofperforming
divineservice".

Aformalactofreligion...weneedform;weneed
adefiniteconstruction.Ritualcanbereligiousoritcan
bemagickal.Ineithercaseitfollows,andhas,acertain
form.ThebasicsarewhatareknownasLegomena
(meaning"thingssaid")andDromena("thingsdone").
Inotherwords,whetherreligiousormagickalritual,it
musthaveWORDSandACTIONStogether;notjust
onewithouttheother.Itmustalsohave(i)anOpen
ing;(ii)aPurpose;(iii)a"Thanksgiving"(inthecase
ofaCraftreligiousritual);(iv)aClosing.

TheOpeningandtheClosingarealreadythere
foryoutheErectingtheTempleandClearingtheTemple.
Also,theThanksgivingisthereintheformofCakesand
Ale.Yourinterest,then,inconstructingritual(atthis
time),isfocusedonPURPOSE.

Whyareyouhavingtheritual?Whatisitfor?Isit
tocelebrateatimeoftheyear,seasonally(aSabbat)?Is
itanEsbat?Handfasting?BirthRite(Wiccaning)?Get
thepurposefirmlyinyourmindattheoutsetsothat
youknowwhereyouremphasiswilllie.

Lookatthefollowing,fromonetraditionofthe
Craft:

"TheHighPriestessrecitestheGoddess'
Charge.

203



TheHighPriestrecitestheInvocationto

theHornedGod.

Thecovendances,singing'Eko,Eko,Azarak,

...etc.'Theythenchantthe'Witches'

Chant'.

[AlltheaboveisfoundrepeatedatalloftheotherSabbat
Ritesofthisparticulartradition]

FinallytheHighPriestsays:

"BeholdtheGreatMotherwhohathbrought
forththelightoftheWorld.Eko,Eko,Arida.Eko,
Eko,Kernunnos.'"

That,basically,isthesumtotalofthisparticulartradi
tion'sSabbatrite.Now,thequestionis:whichSabbatis
it???

Theonlywordssaidatthisritethatarenotsaidat
theothersevenSabbatsaretheHighPriest'sfinal:
"BeholdtheGreatMotherwhohathbroughtforththe
lightoftheworld".

Nottokeepyouinsuspense,thisistheirImbolc
Sabbatrite...butwhowouldknowit?Ithasnothing,
inthe"wordssaid",toindicateacelebrationofthat
timeoftheyear.Bycontrast,lookatthefollowing
ImbolcSabbatrite,fromanothertradition:

Priestess:"NowhasourLordreachedthezenithof

hisjourney.
Itismeetthatwerejoiceforhim.
FromnowtillBeltaneisthepathahead

lessdark,
ForhecanseetheLadyatitsend."
Priest:"Iurgeye,Wiccansall,

TogivenowyourheartstoourLord

Woden.
LetusmakethisaFeastofTorches
Tocarryhimforwardinlight,
TothearmsofFreya."

...andsoitgoeson,alloftheritualcenteringonthe
importanceofthatspecialtimeoftheyear;thefactthat
Imbolcisthehalfwaypointthroughthe"darkhalf"of
theyear;halfwaybetweenSamhainandBeltane.No
onecouldtakethatparticularritualandperformitat,
say,theAutumnalEquinoxandexpectittofit.Yetthe
earlierquotedritual,fromtheothertradition,couldbe
performedatanytimeoftheyearanditwouldstillfit
in!Itisnot,therefore,agoodexampleofaseasonal
ritualespeciallyofaSabbatandcertainlyfallsfar
shortofwhatyoushouldbeabletoexpect.So,when
writingrituals,keepinmindfirstandforemostthe

PURPOSEoftheritual.

ThispurposemustalsobebroughtoutinTHINGS
DONEtheactionsofthecelebrants.Tolookfurther
atthesecondofthetraditionsabove,theparticipants
takecandlesandlightthemfromthePriest'sand
Priestess'candles.Theythenholdthemhighintheair
andcircleaboutthealtar.Sympatheticallytheyare
lendingstrengthandlighttotheGodatthetimeofhis
greatestneed.Again,therearenosuchactionsinthe
Sabbatriteofthefirsttradition.

PARTICIPATIONisimportant.TheCraftisa
familyreligioninthesensethatthecovenislikealarge
family.Thefamilyshouldbeabletoparticipatefreely
initsactivities.InChristianitythesocalledparticipants
aremorelikeanaudience.Theysitinalargebuilding
andwatchwhatgoeson,onlyoccasionallybeing
allowedtojoininthesingingandpraying.Whata
beautifulcontrastistheCraft,wherethe"family"of
thecovensittogether,equally,aboutthealtarand
allparticipate.

Keepthisinmindinyourrituals.Participation
isimportant.Includelinestobesaidbyothersthan
thePriestandPriestess,evenifitisonlyajoint"So
MoteItBe!"Ifyoucangetactions/gesturesforthem,
somuchthebetter.Everyoneshouldbeabletofeel
thattheyareapartoftheceremony(ratherthanapart
fromit).Youmightwanttoincludeagroupmedita
tionaspartoftheritual.Groupmeditationscanbe
extremelyeffective.Youmightalsowanttomakesong
anddanceanintegralpartoftheritual.Thereare
manypossibilities.

TheESBATritual,asI'vewrittenitinthisbook,
containssomeveryimportantelements.Perhapsthe
mostimportantoftheseisthepersonalpraying
askingtheGodsforwhatyouneedandthankingthem
forwhatyouhave.Thisshouldalwaysbeinthe
individual'sownwords.Howeverinadequatethe
Witchmayfeel,atexpressingher/himself,thefactthat
thewordscomefromtheheartisfarmoreimportant
thancorrectgrammarandsentenceconstruction.

TheMOONceremonies,aswritten,followthe
traditionalformofreverencetotheLadyandattention
toheridentificationinthepast,inotherareasand
othercivilizations.NotethattheGoddessisinvitedto
jointhegroupandspeak.Sheisnot"drawndown",in
thesenseofbeingsummonedorinvoked.Thetimes
whentheLadywillactuallyappeartothecovenare
indeedrareanditneedsanexceptionallystrong,
mature,Priestesstohandleit(unfortunatelythere
seemtobeveryfewsuchtoday).IfeelthatiftheLady

LessonFourteen:GettingSetUp1205

wishestoappeartothecoven(ortheLord,forthat
matter),thenshewillcertainlydoso.Butshewilldoso
whensheisreadyandnotjustbecauseshehasbeen
invoked/conjured/summoned!Whoarewetoorder
theLady?So,ifyoufeeldrawntowriteanewFullor
NewMoonCeremony,pleasekeepthispointinmind.

"GUARDIANSOFTHEWATCHTOWERS"

AsIhavementionedbefore,thereisagreatdeal
ofCeremonialMagickthat,overthecenturies,has
founditswayintosometraditionsoftheCraft.Most
ofithasgoneunrecognizedbyallbutafewCraft
practitioners.TheuseoftheWand,forexample,and
thewordathame;thewhitehiltedknifeandthePentacle,
etc.CeremonialMagick,asyouknow,involvesconjuring
entitiesanddemandingthattheydotheMagician's
bidding.Surprisingly,justsuchconjurationisfound
aspartofmanytraditions'ErectingtheTemple(or,Forming
theCircle,assomeofthemcallit).Includedintheir
ritualsiswhatisreferredtoassummoningthe
"GuardiansoftheWatchtowers",or"Guardiansofthe
FourQuarters".These"Guardians"areoftenassociated
withspecificentities,suchasDragonsorSalamanders,
Gnomes,SylphsandUndines.Itwouldseemobvious
thatherethegroupcouldbetreadingondangerous
ground.Infactthiswasverypointedlybroughthome
toonecovenwhoonceforgot(!)tobanishtheSala
mandersoftheSouthattheendoftheirrites.They
weresurprisedwhen,shortlyafterthemeeting,fire
suddenlybrokeoutinthesouthofthecovenstead!

Idonotrecommendthatyouindulgeinsummon
ingthese"Guardians".Surelytohaveinvited("invited",
not"commanded")theLordandtheLadythemselves
tobepresentandtowatchoveryouissufficient?What
betterprotectioncouldanyWitchask?So,ifyouhear
ofotherswhoincludesuchconjurationsintheirritual
preparation,younowknowwhatisinvolved.Should
youeverbepresentatsuchaCircleperhapsasa
guestthenIwouldstronglyurgeyoutomentally
erectaprotectivebarrierofwhitelightaroundyour
self...justtobeonthesafeside.

ORIGINS

Onefinalword;animportantone.Doshowthe
originofanyrituals.Iwouldsuggestthatyouconstruct
yourBookwiththeritualsasIhavepresentedthem
hereinthisvolume,forabase.Then(youmighteven
wanttomakeaseparatesection)youcanaddALTER
NATERITUALS.Thereyoucanplaceanyyouhave

writtenyourselforobtainedfromothersources.But
makesureyousayeitherwhotheyarewrittenbyor
whereyouobtainedthem.Inthiswayitwillbeobvious
tonewcomerstoyourcoven,atlaterdates,whathas
beenaddedandwhen.

Somepointstorememberwhenwritingrituals:
Donotchangearitualjustforthesakeof

change.
Ritualsshouldbeenjoyable;theyshouldnot

beachore.
Wordscanworklikemusic,forbuilding

power.
Simplicityisbetterthancomplexity.
Giveoriginsanddatesfornewmaterial.

FORMINGACOVEN

FindingMembers

Thefirststeptoformingacovenis,ofcourse,to
findsuitablepeople.Whateveryoudo,DONOTRUSH.
Acovenisafamily.Itisasmallunitofpeopleacting
togetherinPerfectLoveandPerfectTrust.Thatsortof
relationshipdoesnotcomeeasily.

Therearebasicallytwoapproachesyoucanmake,
dependingonyourcircumstances.Oneistheobviously
preferredroutethroughotherknownPagans.The
otheristhelongerrouteofweedingoutmerelypoten
tialPagans.Let'sexaminethem.

ThroughthemanyPaganandCraftfestivals
andseminarsheldacrossthecountrythesedays(see
listingsinthemanyandvariouspaganpublications,suchas
CircleNetworkNews),youcangettomeetandknow
otherpeoplefromyourareawhoare,atleasttosome
extent,knowledgeableaboutWicca.Youcanalsoseek
outthosewhoarefromyourareathroughContact
Listingsinthesevariouspublications.Youmighteven
wanttorunanadyourselfthere.Inthiswayotherscan
learnofyourdesiretoformacovenandcancontact
you.Letitbeknownthatyouarewillingtoconsider
applications.Isay"willingtoconsider"innowayto
inferthatyoushouldbealoof,butsimplybecauseyou
needtofindthosewithwhomyouaremostcompatible.
Youdonothavetoaccepteveryonewhoapplies.

Asampleadmightbewordedasfollows:

"Wiccancovenforming.Priest(ess)presently
consideringapplicationsfromthosewishingto
jointheCraft.Pleasesendphotographandfull
detailsto"


Iwouldsuggestusingapostofficeboxnumber,toensureprivacy.
Arrangeameeting,withthosewhorespond,onneutralground
perhapsatacoffeeshop,arestaurant,inapark,orsimilar,andmeet
themindividually.Gettoknowthemwell,overseveralsuchmeetings,
beforeeverinvitingthemtoyourhome.Findoutwhattheyknowofthe
Craft;whattheyhaveread;whattheythinkofwhattheyhaveread.Tryto
domorelisteningthantalking.

Ifyouhavetostartfromscratch,asitwere,youcanstartbychecking
outanylocalpsychicalresearchgroups,astrologygroups,meditation
groups,etc.DONOTgoboundinginloudlystatingthatyouarelooking
tomakepeopleWitches!Onceagain,domorelisteningthantalking.If
youarepatientyouwillfindthosewhoeveniftheydon'tknowwhat
Witchcraftactuallyis,oriftheystillharborsomeofthemisconceptions
aboutitareobviouslyCraftorientedandwillingtolistenandto
learn.

Youmaywellhavetotakethecircuitousrouteofformingyourown
"psychicdevelopment"group,asaclearinghouseforpossiblecoven
members.Youcouldbasesuchagrouponthematerialpresentedherein
LessonsSeven,EightandNineplusthesupplementaryreading.Through
suchagroupyoucouldthenslowlyweedoutthosewhoare,orbecome,
sympathetictotheCraft.Youwillprobablygetamotleycollectionof
people.GavinFrostbreaksthemdownintofourcategories:"The
enthusiastsfullofallthethingstheyaregoingtodoforyourgroup...
Theparasitestheworldisagainstthem;theyhaveamillionproblems
whichcanbesolvedonlyonthepsychicplane...Theknowitallswill
tellyoutheinstructionsyouaregivingthemarewrong...Theshining
onesifyouareluckyyouwillfind(oneortwo)whoarecandidatesfora
realcoven".Theselastmakeitallworthwhile.

Asbefore,meetallpotentialmembersonneutralgroundfirst.Pick
theirbrainstofindoutwhattheyknowandwheretheirsympathieslie.
Suggestbookstothembut,asmuchaspossible,getthemtoaskquestions
ratherthanpressinformationonthem.Alwaysrememberthatacoven
canstartwithasfewastwopeople(attheotherendofthescale,acovendoes
nothavetohaveamaximumofthirteen.Itcanbeasmanyasfitcomfortably
intotheCircleandworkcomfortablytogether).

Whatsortofpeoplearetoday'sWitches?First
ofalltheyarewhatmightbetermed'thinking'
people.Peoplewho,ratherthanacceptsome
thingorsomeoneelse'sword,willinvestigate
forthemselves;read,research,lookatthe
thingfromallanglesbeforereachingaconclu
sion.Theyarehousewives,clerks,teachers,
businesspeople,truckdrivers,soldiersall
sorts...

Astrologicallyspeakingweareonethird
ofthewaythroughthetwelfthhouseofthe
PisceanAge.Attheendofthishouseweenter
theAquarianAge.Thisis,then,theeveofthe
AgeofAquarius,anditisoneofgeneral
unrest.Ofdissatisfactionparticularlywith
religionandofsearchingfor'innerpeace'.
Therehas,overthepastfourorfiveyears,
beenatremendousrebirthofinterestinthe
occult,averitablerenaissanceofthinking.
Youngpeoplehaverealizedthattheydonot
havetofollowtradition;thattheyareableand
shouldbeabletothinkforthemselves.People
arelookingcriticallyatreligion;refusingto
acceptaparticularreligionjustbecauseitwas
thatofparentsandtheirparentsbeforethem
...Thereisthisconstantsearching,byyoung
andoldalike.Itisinthissearchingthatso
manydiscovertheWicca.Andthereactionis
invariablyoneofjoyousrelief'Butthisis
whatI'vebeenlookingfori'"

AnatomyoftheOccult

RaymondBuckland,

SamuelWeiser,NY1977

YOURCOVEN

Getyourcovenmembers,andpotentialmembers,toreadasmuch
aspossibleabouttheCraft.AllWitchesshouldhaveageneralunder
standingofthehistoryoftheCraft;whathasgonebefore;whathas
broughtustowherewearetoday.Youcanteachthemagreatdealfrom
thelessonsinthisbook,BUT...bewareofbecominga"Guru"!Inthe
idealcovenallareequalandallhavesomethingtocontribute.Don'tput
yourselforbetrickedintoputtingyourselfonapedestal"above"the
othercovenmembers.Agoodcoven/traditionshouldbebasedon
democracy;oncethecovenhasbeenformed(i.e.oncethereareatleast

LessonFourteen:GettingSetUp/207

twopeople),letallmajordecisionsbemadethrough
generaldiscussionandopenvote.

[Imustdigresshere,amoment,tocommentontradi
tionsthatoperatedegreesystems.Gardnerianisa
goodexample,thoughbynomeanstheonlyone.In
suchtraditionsthereisoften(notalways,certainly)a
professedequality,butonethatisonlyprofessed.The
HighPriestess,and/orQueen,isthebeginningand
endofeverything.Othersfallintodescendingorder
dependinguponthedegreeofadvancementattained.
Allthoseofthehighest(usually"Third")degreeare
classedas"Elders"andtheyaresupposedtobethe
decisionmakers,togetherwiththeHighPriestess.
Thisusedtoworkextremelywell,andtherewasmuch
meritinthesystem.Unfortunatelythisseemsnolonger
tobethecase.Thesedaysthereseemtobefewwomen
capableofhandlingthedifficultpositionofHigh
Priestess(andparticularlythepositionofWitch
Queen,or"QueenoftheSabbat").Therearesome,
yes,andthatdoesgiveushopeforthefuture.But
therearefartoomanywhogetontoanegotrip;who
handout"degrees"likeamotherdolingoutcandy,
andwhotrytogatherin,andpromote,asmany
followersaspossiblesimplysothattheycanclaim
"I'mamoreimportantHighPriestess/Queenthan
youare"!Itisunfortunatethatsuchattitudesbythe
fewhavesouredsomeofthesetraditionstothemany.
Iwouldurgeallnewdenominations,betheyeclectic
orwhatever,tobeconstantlyontheirguardagainst
suchdeviationfromthetrueCraftbeliefthat"weare
allspokesofthewheel;nooneiseitherfirstorlast".]

InadditiontoknowledgeoftheCraft'spast,it'sa
goodideatokeepuponthepresent.Suggestsubscrip
tionstosuchperiodicalsasCircleNetworkNews(P.O.
Box219,Mt.Horeb,WI53572)andLlewellyn'sNew
Times(P.O.Box64383,St.Paul,MN551640383).There
aremanyotherpublicationsbuttheyseemtogoinand
outofprintsoitisprobablyoflittleservicetolistthem
here.Fromthesetwo,whichseemtoremainfairly
constantyoucanlearnoftheavailabilityoftheothers.
Youmightprefertomake"covensubscriptions"all
sharethecostandpassaroundthemagazines.

Trytothink,aheadoftime,whatyourcriteriawill
be,fornewmembersofyourcoven.Forexample,I
haveheardofsomepeoplewhowillnothaveanyone
intheircovenwhoisphysicallyhandicapped!Tomy
mindthisdoesn'tmakesense,butitisobviouslya
personalconsideration.Thinkalso,then,ofwhatyour
responsewillbeifapproachedbypotentialcoveners

whoareofadifferentrace,age,sexualpreference,
sociallevel,etc.,etc.Some(many,Ihope)willsay
"Comeone;comeall!"butotherswillfindperhaps
longburiedprejudicessurfacingandhavingtobe
faced...andtheydoneedtobefaced.OnepointI
mightmentionhere:donottrytokeepoutpolice
officersandthelike,simplybecausetheyarelawmen.
ThereisnothingillegalabouttheCraftand,actually,
themorewecanimpressthisonthoseconnectedwith
thelaw,thebetter.So,farfromdiscouragingthem,
encouragethem.

Itmightbeagoodideatohaveapledge,orvowof
secrecy,thatnewmembersmustsign.Itshouldbe
simpleandbasicallystatethatthepersonwillnever
revealthenamesoftheothercovenmembers,even
shoulds/heleavethecovenatanytimeinthefuture.
Thisis,basically,arighttoprivacy.Thereis,ofcourse,
noneedforanydirethreatsofpunishmentforbreak
ingthisoath.

Thereisreallynolimittothenumberyoucan
haveinyourcoven,asIhavealreadymentioned.As
manyascanworkcomfortablytogetherisreallythe
criterion.Iwouldsuggestthatthetraditionalninefoot
circleisbestand,therefore,thateightortencoveners
isprobablythebestworkingmaximum.Getthegroup
toworktogetheronprojectssuchasthecoven'saltar,
sword,book,forexample.Whenitisnecessarytovote
onsomething,sofaraspossibleaimnotjustfora
majorityvote,butforcompleteagreementbyevery
one.Thisiscertainlyessentialonsuchdecisionsasto
whetherthecovenshouldworkrobedorskyclad.

Decide,asagroup,onthekindofcovenyouwant
tobe.AlwaysrememberthattheCraftisfirstand
foremostareligion,soyoucometogetherprimarilyto
worship.Youmayfeelthatthisisallyouwanttodo.
Fine.However,somegroupswillwanttoexploreand
usetheircollective"power";theywillwanttodo
healings,workmagick,dodivination,orworkon
individualpsychicdevelopment.Again,fine...though
suchworkmustalwaysbesecondarytothereligious
aspects.Evensuchaworkingcovenshouldnotfeel
thatishastodoworkateveryEsbat.Youshoulddo
work/magickONLYWHENTHEREISANEEDFOR
IT;thoughacertainamountofexperimentationis
understandableandacceptable.

Youmaywanttogiveyourcovenaname.Many
do.Examplesare:TheCovenoftheOpenForest;
CovenoftheNorthStar;CovenofOurLadyof
Rebirth;SandSeaCoven;CovenoftheComplete
Circle;CovenofFamilyWicca.Additionallymany


$>

Figure14.2

covensdesigntheirownindividualemblemsorinsignia,whichtheyuse
onnotepaperandputonflagsandbannersforCraftfestivals(see
Figure14.1).

Insometraditionsusuallythosewitha
degreesystemthereisasymbolforthein
dividualWitchtoputbesideher/hisname
anytimes/hesignssomething(Figure14.2).If
youfeelthedesireforsuchasymbol,even
thoughyourtraditiondoesnotsubscribetoa
degreesystem,IwouldsuggestthatinFigure
14.3.Thisistheinvertedtrianglesurmounted
bythepentagramandtheKelticcrossthe
linesofconsecrationmarkedonthebodyat
initiation(seeLessonFour).

Theremaybeaneedforcovenrules.Ifso,theseshouldbekeptas
simpleandasfewinnumberaspossible.Theymaycoversuchthingsas
invitingvisitorstoCircles;asuggesteddonationfromeachmemberto
coverthecostofwine,incense,charcoal,candles,etc.,atmeetings(no
onepersonshouldbeexpectedtocarrythecostofthesenecessities);
behaviorintheCircle(doyouallowsmokingornotIwouldstrongly
suggestnot);etc.Iampersonallysomewhatopposedtohardandfast
rules.Ifeel,andhavefound,thateverythingthatarisescanbedealtwith
throughgroupdiscussionanddecision.However,somepeoplefeelthe
needforamorestructuredformat,atleastinitially.Justrememberthat
anyrulesareforthegoodofthecoven.Theyshould,therefore,beflex
ible.Therearesocalled"Laws"listedintheGardnerian(andother)
BookofShadows.Anysensiblepersonreadingthesecanseethat(a)
theydatefrom,andareonlypertinentto,aprevioustime,and(b)many
ofthemareactuallycontradictorytothetenetsoftheCraft,includingthe
WiccanRede.GeraldGardnerhimselfhadsaidthattheywereonly
includedinthebookforinterest'ssake.ButsomeWiccansseemtotake
themasinviolable!Remember,thereisonlyonetrueWiccanLaw:"An'it
harmnone,dowhatthouwilt."

ESTABLISHINGACHURCH

Iamherediscussing"church"inthesenseof"abodyofpeople;
believerswithaninnercoreofleaders",ratherthanjustabuilding.Our
building,ormeetingplace(whichcanbeoutintheopen,ofcourse),is
our"Temple".

Unfortunatelytheword"church"hascertainChristiancon
notations,butIwilluseitforthemomentforthesakeofsimplicity.The
OldEnglishwordfor"church",incidentally,isciricepronounced"ki
reek".

Manycovens,ofvarioustraditions,haveestablishedthemselvesas
legalchurches.ExamplesareCircleWiccaofWisconsin,Churchof
WiccaofNorthCarolina,HouseofRavenwoodofGeorgia,Minnesota
ChurchofWicca,ArianhuChurchofWiccaofTexas.Therearemany,
manymore.TheobjectistoestablishtheCraftasalegallyrecognized
religion,fordespitetheFirstAmendment,unsympatheticauthorities


Figure14.1

LessonFourteen:GettingSetUp/209

cangiveonequiteahassle!Youmaywanttosoestablishyourown
group,but,bewarned,itcanbealong,drawnout,veryinvolvedaffair;
oftimesaveritablebattlewheretheIRSisconcerned.Statelawsvaryso
muchthatIcangivenocompletedetailshere,butyourfirstmove,
shouldyoudecidetogothisroute,istocheckwiththeInternalRevenue
Service,askingfordetailsonhowtoregisterasaNonProfitReligious
Organization.Theirpublication#557HowtoApplyforRecognitionof
ExemptionforanOrganizationisamust.

Onepossiblealternatethatmayprovelessofahassleistoassociate
yourselfwithsuchagroupastheUniversalLifeChurch,ofModesto,
California.(601ThirdStreet,Modesto,CA95351).Imentionthischurch
especiallybecausetheyhavealreadygonethroughnumerouslegal
battleswiththeIRS,havefoughtallthewayuptotheU.S.Supreme
Court,andhavewon!Theyhave"notraditionaldoctrine...asan
organization,(they)onlybelieveinthatwhichisright".Sosaystheir
literature."Eachindividualhastheprivilegeandresponsibilitytodeter
minewhatisrightsolongasitdoesnotinfringeontherightsof
others...(soundsalittlelike"An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt",doesn't
it?)...WeareactiveadvocatesoftheFirstAmendmentoftheUnited
StatesofAmerica".Inotherwords,youcanestablishyourselfasa
church,forlegalpurposes,throughassociationwiththeU.L.C.butstill
practiceyourownparticulardenominationofWitchcraftwithnochanges,
nomodifications,nocompromisesorrestrictions.

Ifyourdesiresshouldleaninthisdirection,don'trushit.Toestab
lishasachurchreallyonlymakessensewhenyouhavegrowntothe
pointofspawningseveralothercovensfromyourmotherone.Atthat
time,talkwithsomeofthosewhohavesoregisteredthemselves.See
whethertheadvantagesoutweighthedisadvantages.Istronglysuspect
that,formanyofyou,theydonot.

CRAFTGREETINGS

AsyouencounterotherWitchesyouwillfindcommonformsof
greetingsused.Thetwomostcommonare"BlessedBe"and"Merry
Meet".ThefirstoftheseactuallycomesfromtheGardneriantradition.
IntheirinitiationthePriestsaysthefollowingtotheInitiate:

Historydoesnotrecordanywhereatanytime
areligionthathasanyrationalbasis.Religion
isacrutchforpeoplenotstrongenoughto
standuptotheunknownwithouthelp.But,
likedandruff,mostpeopledohaveareligion
andspendtimeandmoneyonitandseemto
deriveconsiderablepleasurefromfiddling
withit.

LazarusLong

Neitherthiscourt,noranybranchofthis
government,willconsiderthemeritsorfallacies
ofareligion.Norwillthecourtcomparethe
beliefs,dogmasandpracticesofanewly
organizedreligionwiththoseofanolder,more
establishedreligion.Norwillthecourtpraise
orcondemnareligion,howeverexcellentor
fanaticalorpreposterousitmayseem.Were
thecourttodoso,itwouldimpingeuponthe
guaranteesoftheFirstAmendment.

FederalJudgeJamesA.Battin,

February1973,Rulinginfavorofthe

UniversalLifeChurchagainstthe

InternalRevenueService.

"Blessedbethyfeet,thathavebroughttheeintheseways.
Blessedbethyknees,thatshallkneelattheSacredAltar.
Blessedbethywomb,withoutwhichwewouldnotbe.
Blessedbethybreasts,erectedinbeautyandinstrength.
Blessedbethylips,thatshalluttertheSacredNames."

Sotogreetsomeonewiththewords"BlessedBe"istoimplyallof
theabove.

"MerryMeet"isanolder,morecommon,Pagangreeting.Infullitis
"(Maywe)merrymeet;merrypart;merrymeetagain".Todayitisusally
justgivenas"Merrymeet"onmeetingand"Merrypart"or"Merrypart;
merrymeetagain"onparting.Alloftheabove("Blessedbe"and"Merry
Meet/Part")areinvariablyaccompaniedbyahugandakiss.


CLOTHINGACCESSORIES

Sandals

Forthosewhowouldliketomaketheirown
sandals,hereisafairlysimplemethod:

Leaveabout2ins
beyondtheheel.
Moisten
andbend
toshape.

Sewwithwaxedthread

Cloak

Acloakisaniceaccessory.It'sthesortofthing
thatcanbewornbyskycladWitches,beforeandafter
Circle,ifnecessary,oritcancomplementaregular
robe.Thesimplestcloakissemicircular,hangingto
thegroundandwithahood,orcowl.Itisfastenedat
theneckandcanbeofanysuitablematerial.Aheavy
cloakforwinterandalightoneforspringandfallisa
goodidea.Thecolorcaneithermatchorcontrastwith
yourrobe.

YOUNGWICCANS

Thereareafewbooksavailable,forchildren,that
dotreattheCraftinapositivelight.Iwouldrecom
mendthefollowing:

TheWitchNextDoorbyNormanBidwell
ScholasticBookServices,NY1965

TheWitch'sVacationbyNormanBidwell

ScholasticNY1973
TheResidentWitchbyMarianT.Place

AvonBooks(Camelot)NewYork1973
TheWitchWhoSavedHallowe'enbyMarianT.Place

Avon/CamelotNY1974
TimothyandTwoWitchesbyMargaretStorey

Dell(Yearling)NY1974
TheWitchFamilybyEleanorEstes

Harcourt,Brace&World(VoyagerBooks)

NY1960

I'msurethereareothergoodbooksalso.Justlook
around.

Whenyouencounterbooks(ormagazineornews
paperarticles,forthatmatter)thatareantagonisticto
Witchcraft,andpromotethemisconceptions,don't
hesitatetowritetothepublishersandsetthematter
straight.Letmehereincludeanarticlethatappeared
intheSeaxWicaVoys(OfficialJournalofSaxonWitch
craft)intheImbolc1983issue,togetherwiththe
editorialcomment.

STANSLAYSTHEDRAGON

or,"PositivePublicRelations"

byRichardClarke

Recently,severalstudentsofChicagodecidedthatrather
thanallowthekidstogotrickortreating,therewouldbeabig
Hallowe'enpartysponsoredbythevillage.Fivesuchpartieswere
tofeature"BurningaWitch"inabigbonfire.

AreporterfortheChicagoTribunecalledStanModrzyk,Priest
oftheFirstTempleoftheCraftofWICA,ofChicagoHeights,and
askedhimhowhefeltaboutit.Stantoldhimhethoughtthere
wouldbeallsortsofHelltopayiftheysaidtheyweregoingtoburn
aJeworaBaptist,andimmediatelywrotetoallfivevillages,
severallocalpapers(includingtheTribune)andanattorney,say
ingthatmakingaWitchburning,evenineffigy,wasapoorlesson
forthekids,thatitsmackedofreligiouspersecutionandhewas
preparedtogotocourttostopsuchdemonstrationsiftheydidnot
callitoff.Bonfireswereokay,butnoWitchesinthem.

Atownmeetingwasheldbyonevillage,whichwasattended
bythe"villagefathers",severallocalresidents,representativesof
severallocalcovensandtheChannel7News(thelocalABC
affiliate).ThecontroversywaspickedupbybothTVandradio,as
wellasthelocalnewspapers,andatleastthreeofthefivevillages
agreedearlyonnottohaveWitchesintheirbonfires.Idon'tknow
ifeitheroftheothertwovillageswentonwiththeir"Witchburn
ing"(IunderstandtheyalsocalledthemoffEd.)butyoucanbetit
won'thappennextyear!

IfeelmembersofthePagancommunityhaveadutytospeak
upwhenincidentslikethisoccur.HistorytellsusthatWitches,or
atleastsomeaccusedofWitchcraft,wereburnedinthepast.History
alsotellsusthatquiteafewJewswereputingaschambersinthe
'40s.Ifanyoneweretomakeamunicipaldisplayof"gassingthe
Jew"therewouldbescreams,boycotts,legalactions,etc.,byevery
Jewishorganizationinthecountry.TheJewishDefenseLeague
wouldprobablyshowupandstopsuchademonstrationwith
physicalforceifnecessary.CanWitchesdoless?

Iamnotadvocatingviolence.Iamsayingthatweshouldstart

LessonFourteen:GettingSetUp1211

lookingoutforourselvesandfightingignoranceoftheCraft
whereverwefindit.Lettheworldknowthatthevariousformsof
Paganism,includingWitchcraft,arelegitimateformsofreligion;that
WitchesandotherPagansarepractitionersofareligionolderthan
Christianityandthatwedesireandexpectthesamerespectshown
tootherreligiousgroups.Therespectwillbeforthcoming...

TheVOYSheartilyapplaudsStanMadrzyk'sactionsandRichard's
followup.TheSeminary*hasalreadybeeninstrumentalinestablishing
religiousrightsforanumberofindividualstudents.Let'sALLworkforthe
religionwelove.WehavehadarticlesinpastissuesoftheVOYSonmis
representationoftheCraftontelevisionandinmovies.Wearehappyto
onceagaingivetheaddressesofTVnetworksandagenciesthatdealwith
broadcasters.Remember,whenwriting,tostateyourcaseclearlyand
calmlyandWITHOUTABUSE.

RB

ABCTV,1300AvenueoftheAmericas,NewYork,NY10019
NBCTV,30RockefellerPlaza,NewYork,NY10020
CBSTV,51West52ndStreet,NewYork,NY10019
PBSTV,485L'EnfantPlazaWestSW,WashingtonDC20024
ActionForChildren'sTelevision,46AustinStreet,Newtonsville,MA

02160
FederalCommunicationsCommission,1919MStreetNW,Washington

DC20554
NationalCitizen'sCommitteeforBroadcasting,1346Connecticut

Ave.NW,WashingtonDC20554
NationalAdvertisingDivision,CouncilofBetterBusinessBureaus,

845ThirdAvenue,NewYork,NY10022

*TheSeaxWicaSeminary.ThiswasfoundedandrunforoverfiveyearsbyRayBuckland.It
hadwelloverathousandstudentsworldwide.Itdidalotofgoodwork,especiallyinteachingthe

Crafttoagreatmanypeoplewhootherwisemightneverhavehadachancetoparticipate.

BREAKINGTHENEWS

AquestionIamoftenaskedis"HowdoItellmy
girl/boyfriendthatIamaWitch?"Ihearstoriesof
apparentlywonderfulrelationshipssuddenlyevapor
atingwhenthe"unsuspecting"partnerlearnsthat
her/hishithertoidealmatetobeisaWiccan(oreven
justinterestedintheCraft).Weknow,ofcourse,that
thereisnothingwrongwithbeingaWitch,orbeing
interestedinanyaspectoftheoccult.Thetrick,then(if
anytrickisneeded),seemstobeinthemannerin
whichthenewsisbroken."Guesswhat,Frank...I'm
aWitch!"isnottheway.PoorFrankwillchokeonhis
popcornthenrunforthehills.No,thebestwayis
througheducation.

Startbywaitingforanopportunetime(whens/
heisinamellow,talkativemood),thenleadthecon
versationintothesubjectoftheoccult...theoccult
generally.Ratherthanstatingyourinterests,askyour
partnerwhatknowledges/hehas.Ifnecessary,explain
thattheoccultisaverymuchmisunderstoodfield;
thatlatenightmoviesandcheapnovelsarelargely
responsibleforthemultitudeofmisconceptionsthat
abound.Thensay,"TakeWitchcraftforexample.
NowwhatdoyoubelieveWitchcrafttobe?"

Yourpartnerwillthengiveyouagoodideaof
whats/heknowsaboutthesubject.Itmaybeaccurate
oritmaynot.Thethingis,tothentakethatasa
jumpingoffpointtoexplainwhatWitchcraftreally
is...howitdeveloped;howitwasdistorted;itsre
emergence;thewayitispracticedtoday.Don'tbetoo
downonChristianityjustgivethefacts.Youwill
almostcertainlybeasked"Howcomeyouknowso
muchaboutit?"No,donotsay"BecauseI'maWitch!"
Thereisstillmoregroundworktobelaid.Simplystate
thatyoufindthesubjectveryinterestingandyouhave
takenthetroubletoreadagreatdealonit.

Thenextstepistogetyourfriendtoreadsomeof
thebetterbooksher/himself.Thoserecommended
throughoutthisworkbook,forexample.Ifthereisa
real"magick"betweenthetwoofyou,thens/hewill
beinterestedenoughinyourintereststoreadwhat
yousuggest.Andifthatmagickisn'tthere,thenit
doesn'treallymatterwhats/hethinks,doesit?

Fromthereyoucanthenelaborateonjusthow
interestedyouareandfinallyagainattheopportune
momentconfidethatyouare,indeed,aWiccan.
Incidentally,itseemsthetrend,thesedays(andIthink
it'sagoodtrend),tousetheword"Wiccan"rather
thantheolder"Witch".Itcertainlydoeshelpover
cometheinbredmisconceptions,toanextent.

If,afterdiscussionandreadingtheworthwhile
literature,s/heclingstothemisconceptions,pointedly
askwhys/hebelievesthatway.Itisnotusuallydif
ficulttobreakdownanyargumentsandshowthem
fortheillogictheyinvariablyare.However,if,inthe
finalanalysis,s/herefusestoacceptatleastyourright
toyourownbeliefs,thenyoushouldseriouslyconsider
callingoffthewholerelationship.Itisfinetodisagree,
butitistotallyunacceptabletohaveanyoneperson
trytoimposehisorherbeliefsonanotherordisallow
theothertherighttotheirownbeliefs.

Asafootnotetotheabove,ifyouareapproached
atanytimebysomeonewhohaslearnedofyour
interestoractivityintheCraft,neverstartouttryingto
defendyourposition.Alwaysputtheonusonthe
otherpersonbysaying"Whatdoyoumeanby'Witch
craft'?WhatdoyoubelieveaWitchtobe?"Thisway
youareinapositiontoseewhereyoustandandto
correcttheirviewsratherthantryingtojustifyyour
own.


CREATEYOUROWNRITUALS


RITUALS

1.Relatehowyoucametoform/joinyourCoven.Whatisitsname?HowdidyouestablishyourChurc
h/
Temple?

2.WhatreactionsdidyougetwhenyoutoldothersofyourWiccanactivities?Howdidyoudescribe
your
beliefs?

LESSONFIFTEEN
SOLITARYWITCHES

InthemajorityofWitchcrafttraditionsthereisnowaythatan
individualcanoperatemembershipinacovenismandatory.Most
traditionshaveasystemofdegreesofadvancementnotunlikethose
foundinFreemasonryandothersecretsocieties.Withsuchasystemitis
necessaryforaWitchtoadvance,withinthecoven,toaparticulardegree
beforebeingabletoevencastaCircle.Inordertoinitiateothersitis
necessarytoattainthehighestdegree.AsaFirstDegreeWitchtheycan
joinwiththerestofthecoveninworshipandintheworkingofmagick
butcandonothingalone.

Suchasystemisallverywell,andthoseinvolvedseemquitecon
tentwithit.Butitseemstomethatanimportantpointisbeingover
looked.Backinthe"olddays"oftheCraft,thereweremanyWitches
wholivedatafardistancefromanyvillageorevenfromanyotherpeopleat
all.YetthesewerestillWitches.Theystillworshipedtheoldgodsandstill
workedtheirownmagick.That,Ifeel,wasasitshouldhavebeen...and
asitstillshouldbe.Thereareoneortwotraditions,today,thatdosub
scribemoredirectlytotheoldways.IntheSeaxWica,forexample,there
isnotthedependenceonthecovensituation;thereistherealityofthe
Witchalone.

Themainpointhereisthatyoushouldnotbeexcludedfromthe
Wiccaforsuchareason.Justbecauseyoudon'tliveanywhereneara
coven;justbecauseyoudon'tknowofanyoneelsewithsimilarinterests;
justbecauseyouareanindividualistwhodoesn'tcaretojoinwith
others...thesearenoreasonswhyyoushouldnotbeaWitch.Solet's
lookatSolitaryWicca.

WhatarethemaindifferencesbetweenbeingacovenWitchand
beingaSolitary?

1.WithaCovener,theritualsareperformedbyagroupofpeople;
several(principallythePriestand/orPriestess)playingtheparts.
AsaSolitary,youdoeverythingyourself.

2.TheCovenmeetsinalarge(usuallynineft.diameter)circle.
TheSolitaryhasasmall,"compact"circle.

3.TheCovenusea"fullcomplement"oftools,dependingonthe
tradition.

225

WhatoftheWitchalone?Doesonehaveto
belongtoacoven?No,ofcoursenot.Thereare
manyloneWitches,whobelieveintheCraft
deities,whohavegreatherbaland/orhealing
knowledge,whoaretoallintentsandpur
posesWitches.

AnatomyoftheOccult

RaymondBuckland
SamuelWeiser,NY1977


TheSolitaryusesonlywhats/hefeelss/heneeds.

4.Covenmeetingsmust,toanextent,beheldwhen
mostconvenientforthemajority.

TheSolitarycanholdaritualwhenevers/hefeelslikeit.

5.ACovendrawsonallitsmemberstobuildaCone
ofPower.

ASolitaryhasonlyher/hisownpowertodrawon.

6.ACovenhasawidevarietyofknowledgeand
specialties.

ASolitaryhasonlyher/hisownknowledgeandspecialty.

7.ACovenisusuallyfairlysetinitsways.

ASolitarycanchangewithher/hismoods.

8.ACovenritualcanbecomealmosta"production"
orpageant.

ASolitaryritualcanhethebarestminimumofwords
andactions.

9.ACovenmustattuneitselfasone.

ASolitaryISone.

Therearemanyotherdifferences,ofcourse,but
theseareenoughtoillustratethepointthatthereare
bothadvantagesanddisadvantagestobeingaSolitary.
Generallyspeaking,thereismuchmoreflexibilityto
beingaSolitary,butthereisalsoamorelimitedstore
ofknowledgeandmagickalpoweronwhichtodraw.
Letmeelaborateontheabovepoints.

1.AsaSolitary,youdoeverythingyourself.

Youcanwriteyourownrituals,justforyou.But
youcanalsoadoptandadaptcovenones.Asan
exampleofwhatcanbedone,herearesomeofthe
ritualsfromthisbook(ErectingtheTemple;Esbat;Cakes
andAle;ClearingtheTemple),suitablymodified.Youcan
dothesamesortofthingwithmostoftheothers.
Comparethesewiththeoriginalsasyougo.

ERECTINGTHETEMPLE

Wiccanringsthebellthreetimes,facingeast.She
thentakestheAltarCandleandlightstheEastCandle
fromit,saying:

"HeredoIbringlightandairinattheEast,to
illuminatemytempleandbringitthebreathof
life."

Shemovesaroundtothesouthtolightthatcandle.

"HeredoIbringlightandfireinattheSouth,
toilluminatemytempleandbringitwarmth."

Tothewest:

"HeredoIbringlightandwaterinattheWest,
toilluminatemytempleandwashitclean."

Tothenorth:

"HeredoIbringlightandearthinatthenorth,to
illuminatemytempleandbuilditinstrength."

Shemovesonroundtotheeastandthenbacktothe
altar.ReplacingAltarCandle,shetakesupherathame
andgoesagaintotheeast.Withpointofathamedown,
shetracestheCircle,directingherpowerintoit.
Returningtothealtar,sheringsthebellthreetimes
thenplacesthepointofherathameintotheSalt,
saying:

"AsSaltisLife,letitpurifymeinallwaysImay
useit.LetitcleansemybodyandspiritasI
dedicatemyself,inthisrite,tothegloryofthe
GodandtheGoddess."

ShedropsthreeportionsofSaltintotheWater,saying:

"LettheSacredSaltdriveoutanyimpuritiesin
theWater,thatImayuseitthroughoutthese
rites."

ShetakesuptheSaltedWaterand,startingandfinish
ingattheeast,walksaroundsprinklingtheCircle.She
thengoesaroundagainwiththethurible,censing
theCircle.

Backatthealtar,shedropsapinchofsaltintothe
oilandstirsitwithherfinger.Shethenanointsherself
withit,saying:

"IconsecratemyselfinthenamesoftheGod
andoftheGoddess,biddingthemwelcometo
thismyTemple."

TheWitchnowmovestotheeastand,withherathame,
drawsaninvokingpentagram.

"AllhailtotheelementofAir;Watchtowerof
theEast.Mayitstandinstrength,everwatch
ingoverthisCircle."

LessonFifteen:SolitaryWitches/217

Shekissesthebladeoftheathamethenmovestothe
south,whereshedrawsaninvokingpentagram.

"AllhailtotheelementofFire;Watchtowerof
theSouth.Mayitstandinstrength,ever
watchingovermyCircle."

Shekissesthebladeandmovestothewestanddraws
aninvokingpentagram.

"AllhailtotheelementofWater;Watchtower
oftheWest.Mayitstandinstrength,ever

Shekissesthebladeandmovestothenorth,where
shedrawsaninvokingpentagram.

AllhailtotheelementofEarth;Watchtowerof
theNorth.Mayitstandinstrength,ever

Kissingtheblade,shereturnstothealtar,whereshe
raisesherathamehigh.

"AllhailthefourQuartersandallhailthe

Gods!

IbidtheLordandLadywelcomeandinvite

thattheyjoinwithme,witnessingtheseritesI

holdintheirhonor.Allhail!"

Shetakesthegobletandpoursalittlewineontothe
ground(orintothelibationdish),thendrinks,saying
thenamesofthegods.

"NowistheTempleerected.SoMoteItBe!"

ESBAT

Witch:"OncemoredoIcometoshowmyjoyoflife
andreaffirmmyfeelingsforthegods.
TheLordandtheLadyhavebeengoodtome.
ItismeetthatIgivethanksforallthatIhave.
TheyknowthatIhaveneedsandtheylistento
mewhenIcalluponthem.SodoIthankthe
GodandtheGoddessforthosefavorsthey
havebestoweduponme."

Then,inherownway,shegivesherthanksand/or
requestshelp.Shethenringsthebellthreetimes

andsays:

"An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt.Thus
runstheWiccanRede.WhateverIdesire;
whateverIwouldaskofthegods;whateverI
woulddo;Imustbeassuredthatitwillharm
noonenotevenmyself.AndasIgive,so
shallitreturnthreefold.Igiveofmyselfmy
life;myloveanditwillbethricerewarded.
ButshouldIsendforthharm,thenthattoowill
returnthriceover."

HeretheWitchmaysingafavoritesongorchant,or
playaninstrument.

Witch:"BeautyandStrengthareintheLordandthe
Ladyboth.
PatienceandLove;WisdomandKnowledge."

[IftheEsbatistakingplaceateithertheFullortheNew
Moon,thentheappropriatesegmentisinsertedatthispoint.
OtherwisegodirectlyintotheCAKESANDALEceremony.]

CAKESANDALE

Witch:"Nowisittimeformetogivethankstothe
godsforthatwhichsustainsme.MayIeverbe
awareofallthatIowetothegods."

Shetakesthegobletinherlefthandandherathamein
herrightandslowlylowersthepointoftheknifeinto
thewine,saying:

"Inlikefashionmaymalejoinwithfemale,for
thehappinessofboth.Letthefruitsofunion
promotelife.Letallbefruitfulandletwealth
bespreadthroughoutalllands."

Shelaysdowntheathameanddrinksfromthegoblet.
Replacingitonthealtar,shethentouchesthecake
withthepointoftheathame,saying:

"Thisfoodistheblessingofthegodstomy
body.Ipartakeofitfreely.Letmeremember
alwaystoseetoitthataughtthatIhaveIshare
withthosewhohavenothing."

Sheeatsthecake,pausingtosay:

"AsIenjoythesegiftsofthegods,letme


rememberthatwithoutthegodsIwouldhave
nothing.SoMoteItBe!"

CLEARINGTHETEMPLE

Witch:"AsIcameintomyTempleinloveandfriend
ship,letmeleaveitthesameway.Letme
spreadtheloveoutwardtoall;sharingitwith
thoseImeet."

Sheraisesherathamehigh,insalute,andsays:

"LordandLady,mythankstoyouforsharing
thistimewithme.Mythanksforwatchingover
me;guardingandguidingmeinallthings.
LoveistheLawandLoveistheBond.Merry
didIcomehereandMerrydoIpart,tomerry
comeagain.TheTempleisnowcleared.So
MoteItBe!"

Shekissesthebladeofherathame.

2.TheSolitaryhasasmall,"compact"Circle.

Thereisnoneedforthelarge,covensizeCircle
whenyouareworkingalone.Onejustlargeenough
foryouandthealtarisallyouneed...probablyfive
feetindiameterwouldbesufficient.WhenErectingthe
Temple,youwouldstillwalkallaroundthisCircleto
"draw"itwithyourathame,andtosprinkleandcense
it,butforaddressingthefourQuartersyouneedonly
turnandfacethedirections,fromyourplacebehind
thealtar.Whenworkingmagick,itiseasiertobuildup
powerinasmallerCircleanditisgenerallya"cosier"
feeling.

3.TheSolitaryusesonlywhats/hefeelss/heneeds.

Youprobablywon'tneedasmanytoolsasa
covenuses.Youmaydecidetousenomorethanyour
athameandacenser.Itisuptoyou;youhaveonly
yourselftoplease.Don'tforgetthatyoudon'thaveto
followalltheritualsinthisbookexactly,oreventhose
asoutlinedin(1),above[see(8),below,formore
onthis].

Examineasmanytraditionsasyouareable.See
whattoolstheyuseandwhy(itseemsthatsomegroups
usesomeitemswithoutreallyknowingwhytheydo!),
thendecideonwhichonesyouneed.Youwillfind
traditionsthatusebroomsticks,ankhs,wands,tridents,

etc.Youmayevendecidetoaddsomethingthatno
oneelseusesthePectiWita,forexample(aSolitary
tradition,asithappens),usearitualStaff,whichisnot
foundelsewhere.Don'taddsomethingjustforthe
sakeofhavingit,orjusttobedifferent.Usesomething
becauseyouneedtouseit;becauseyoufeelmore
comfortablewiththatparticulartoolthanwithanother
orthanwithoutitatall.

4.TheSolitarycanholdaritualwhenevers/hefeels
likeit.

AcovenmeetsfortheSabbatsandEsbats.The
datesfortheEsbatsarefixedatthemostconvenient
timesforthemajorityofmembers.AsaSolitary,you
canhaveanEsbatwheneveryoufeellikeit.Youcan
haveEsbatsthreeorfourdaysinarow,orgofrom
NewMoontoFullMoonwithoutoneatall.It'supto
youandhowyoufeel.Ifthereisasuddenemergency
perhapsahealingthatneedstobedoneyoucanget
intoitrightaway.Youdon'thavetodesperatelytryto
contactothersbeforeyoucangettowork.

5.ASolitaryhasonlyher/hisownpowertodraw
on.

Whenworkingmagick,acovengeneratesalotof
power.Workingtogether,thetotalpowerofthewhole
farexceedsthesumoftheparts.TheSolitarycandono
morethanusethepowers/hehas.Thisisafactand
shouldbeaccepted.Itisoneofthefewdrawbacksto
beingaSolitary.Butthisdoesnotmeanthatnothing
canbedone!Farfromit.ManySolitariesdoagreat
dealofexcellentwork,drawingonlyontheirown
resources.Agoodparallelmightbeseeninboat
racing,orsculling,whereyouhaveteamsofeight
oarsmen,four,twoorsinglerowers.Allpropeltheir
craftequallywell.Theonlydifferenceisthegreater
speedsattainedbytheboatswiththeincreasednum
bersofoarsmen.

6.ASolitaryhasonlyher/hisownknowledgeand
specialty.

Inacoventhereisanaccumulationoftalents.
OneWitchmightspecializeinhealing,anotherin
astrology,oneinherbalism,anotherintarotreading.
Onemightbeanexcellenttoolmaker,anotheragreat
calligraphist;oneawinemakerand/orseamstressand
anotherapsychicandpsychometrist.

LessonFifteen:SolitaryWitches1219

Asstated,theSolitaryhasonlyher/hisownknowledgeavailable.
This,then,isanotherdisadvantagebut,again,onethatmustbeaccepted.
Thereiscertainlynoreasonwhy,asaSolitary,youshouldnotbein
touchwithothers(WiccansandnonWiccans)whoareastrologers,tarot
readers,herbalists,etc.andtocalluponthemforhelpandadvicewhen
needed.Itisjustthatyoudon'thavethemreadilytohandthereinthe
Circlewithyou,availableatalltimes.

7.ASolitarycanchangewithher/hismoods.

AGardneriancovenrigidlyfollowstheGardnerianrites.AWelsh
KelticcovenrigidlyfollowstheWelshKelticrites.ADianiccovenrigidly
followstheDianicrites.Thisallgoeswithoutsaying.Evenaneclectic
covenwillgenerallysettleintorites,fromwhateversources,withwhich
itfeelscomfortableandwillstaywiththem.ButtheSolitaryisfree(freer
eventhanmosteclectics,ifonlybyvirtueofhavingonlyher/himselfto
please)todowhatevers/helikes...toexperiment,tochange,toadopt
andadapt.S/hecandoelaborate,ceremonialritesonedayandsimple,
plain,ingenuousritesthenext.S/hecandoGardnerianorientedrituals
onetime,WelshKelticthenextandDianicthenext.Thereistremendous
freedomfortheSolitary,whichIurgeyoutoenjoytotheutmost.Experi
ment.Trydifferenttypesandstylesofrituals.Findthosethatareexactly
rightforyou.

THEWARRIORQUEEN

IamtheWarriorQueen'.

TheDefenderofmypeople.
WithstrongarmsdoIbendthebow

AndwieldtheMoonAxe.
IamShewhotamedtheheavenlyMare

AndridestheWindsofTime.

IamGuardianoftheSacredFlame;

Thefireofallbeginnings.
IamtheSeaMare,thefirstbornoftheSea
Mother

AndcommandthewatersoftheEarth.

1amSistertotheStars

AndMothertotheMoon.
Withinmywombliesthedestinyofmy
people
TorIamtheCreatrix.
IamdaughtertotheLadywithtenthousand
names;
IamEpona,thewhiteMare.

TaraBuckland

8.ASolitaryritualcanbethebarestminimumofwordsandactions.

Thisfollowsonfrom(7),above.Youcanenjoyatrueeconomyof
ritual,ifyousodesire.Letmegiveyouanexample:

ERECTINGTHETEMPLE(Alternate)

TheWitchlightsthefourCircleCandlesfromtheAltarCandleand,
withtheathame,"draws"theCircle,directingpowerintoit.Shethen
sits,orkneels,beforethealtarandproceedswithameditationonthe
elements:

(Thisshouldbefamiliarizednotnecessarilywordforwordso
thatitcanbefollowedthroughwithouteffort)

"Youaresittinginthemiddleofafield.Thereislushgreengrassallaboutyou,
withagenerousscatteringofbrightyellowbuttercups.Somedistancebehind
you,andcontinuingwayofftoyourleft,awoodenrailfence,withotherfields
beyondit,stretchesofftoanotherdistantfence,beyondwhicharemorefields
leadingtothefoothillsofthemountainswhichyoucanseeinthefardistance.

Averylightbreezerufflesthetopofthegrassandyoucanfeelthewind's
gentlenessasitbrushesyourface.Cricketschirrupinthegrassand,fromthe
treesbeyondthehedgerow,youcanheartheoccasionalsongofabird.Youfeel
contented;youfeelatpeace.

Aswallowswoopsdownandsoarslowacrossthefieldnottwentyfeetin
frontofyou.Hewingsupandawayoverthetreestowardsthedistantmountains.A
grasshopperlandsonyourknee,thenalmostimmediatelyisgoneagain.

Yougettoyourfeetandstrollleisurelythroughthegrass,paralleltothe
hedgerow.Yourfeetarebareandthegrasslightlyticklesthemasyoumove

THELORD

Behold!IamHewhoisatthebeginningand

theendoftime.
Iamintheheatofthesunandthecoolnessof

thebreeze.
ThesparkoflifeiswithinMe
Asisthedarknessofdeath;
ForIamthecauseofexistence
AndtheGatekeeperattheendoftime.

Lorddwellerinthesea,

Youhearthethunderofmyhoovesupon

theshore
AndseethefleckoffoamasIpassby.
MystrengthissuchthatImightliftthe

worldtotouchthestars.
Yetgentle,ever,am1,asthelover.

1amHewhomallmustfaceattheappointed

hour,
YetamInottobefeared,forIamBrother,

Lover,Son.
Deathisbutthebeginningoflife
AndIamHewhoturnsthekey.

RaymondBuckland


along.Youwalkovertoyourrighttillyouareclosebeside
thehedge,thenadvancealongit.Reachingoutyourhandas
youwalk,yougentlybrushtheleaves;justcatchingthem
withyourfingertipsasyoumovealong.Thereisaslightrise
inthegroundaheadofyouandofftotheleft.Youleavethe
hedgerowandmovelightlyupthehillocktostandwhere
youcangazeaboutyouatallthebeautythatsurrounds
you.

Seeminglycomingallthewayfromthedistantmountains,
thebreezeyoufeltearlierisnowmoresteadyandyoufeelit
onyourfaceandarms.Itgentlyrufflesthetopsofthegrass
andcausesbuttercupstonodtheirgoldenheads.Youstand
onthehillockwithyourlegsspreadwideandslowlyraise
upyourarmstowardsthesky.Asyouraisethem,you
breatheindeeply.Youholdthebreathforamoment,then
graduallyreleaseit,bringingyourarmsbackdownto
shoulderlevel.Asyoureleasethebreathyousingoutthe
sound"Ah!"..."Aaaaaaaah!"

Youhearthesoundechoaway,rollingacrossthefields
towardsthemountains.Verysoonthewindreturnsyour
call.Abriskerbreezespringsupandcomesrushingacross
thefieldtowardsyou.Youstandexhilarated,yourhands
nowatyoursides.Then,onceagain,youraiseyourhandsin
greatarcsasyoubreatheindeeply.Againyoupause,then
partiallylowerthemtotheloudersoundof"Aaaaaaa
ah!"

Asecondtimethewindreturns,thistimeblowing
strongly;bendingthegrassandstirringthehedgerowoffto
yourside.Itblowsbackyourhairandfeelswarmagainst
yourcheeks.Forthethirdtimeyouraiseyourarmstothe
skyandcryouttotheair."Aaaaaaaah!"Andforthe
thirdtimetheairrepliesbysendingthestrong,rushing
windacrossthefields,bendingthegrassbeforeitandswirl
ingupandaroundyourbody;tuggingyourhairbackfrom
yourfaceandflutteringtherobesthatyouwear.

Asthewinddiesyouallowyourarmstofalltoyour
sidesandstand,withheadbowed,inthewarmthofthesun.
Breathingregularlybutdeeply,youfeelthestrengthofthe
sunasitshinesdownuponyoufromoutofthecloudless
bluesky.Slowlyyouliftyourface,witheyesclosed,and
baskintheradiancethatencompassesyou.Youbreathein
deeply,sensingthecleansingfireofthesunadvancing
throughyourbody,cleansingandpurifying.Asyoubreathe,
youfeelthevitalitybuildingwithinyou,fedbythosetime
lessflames.

Youbringyourhandsup,together,toyourchest,
cuppingthemasthoughholdingtheveryorbofthesun.
Youcontinueraisingthem,uptoyourfacethenonuphigh
aboveyourhead.Withpalmsopenandupward,youspread
yourarmsandreachup,absorbingthesun'sraysintoyour
body,thistimethroughyourhandsanddownthroughyour
arms.Feeltheenergiesripplingdownthroughyourbody,
downthroughyourlegs,allthewaytoyourtoes.Feelthe
firewithinyou.Feelthefire.

Nowyouloweryourarmsand,turningbacktowards
thehedgerow,youleavethehillockandcontinueonalong
thesideofthefield.Asyouwalkyoubecomeawareofanew
soundthesoundofarunningstream.Atinklingofthe
watersrushingoverandaroundpebblesandsmallstones

reachesyourearsanddrawsyouforward.Youreachthe
endofthehedgerowandseeasmallwoodsetbackbehind
it.Fromoutbetweenthetreesrunsthestream,bubbling
andbustlingonitswaytoitknowsnotwhere.Itcurvesout
andaround,torushoffanddisappearfromviewonthefar
sideofthehedgerowyoufollowed.

Youdropdowntoyourkneesandreachforwarda
handtofeelthewater.Itiscold,yetnotsocoldastoturnyou
away.Therushingwatermurmursprotestatthenewobstacle
andbubblesaroundandbetweenyourfingers,eagertobe
onitsway.Yousmileandsliptheotherhandinbesidethe
first.Youwriggleyourfingersandrejoiceintheinvigora
tingcoolnessofthewater.Yousplashyourfaceandfeelthe
colddropletstrickledownyourneck.Itisrefreshingand
energizing.Youcupyourhandsandraiseahumangrailof
divineessencefromthestream.Youbendandplungeyour
faceintoit,tocelebrateacatharsisofthefleshandofthe
spirit.Thewaterrefreshes,cleansesandpurifies.Itisagift;a
freelygivenpleasure.Yousighalongsighofcontentment.

Risingtoyourfeetagain,youmoveonalongtheedge
ofthetreesuntilyoureachthecornerofalarge,ploughed
fieldthatopensouttotheleft.Thesoilisnewlyturnedand
thescentofitisheavyintheair.Youwalkouttowardsthe
centerofthefield,breathingdeeplyandfeelingthegood
cleandirtoftheearthbetweenyourtoesasyouwalk.

Whenyoufinallyreachthemiddleoftheploughed
field,youstoopdownandsweepuptwohandsfuloftherich,
darkbrownearth.Itfeelsgood;itcommunicatesakinship
ofnature.Youfeela"groundingandcentering"ofyour
body,throughyourfeet,intotheearth.Itisasenseofcoming
home,orreachingthatwhichyouhavelongsought.

Youliedownontheearth,betweenthefurrows,eyes
closedandfacetowardsthesky.Youfeelthegentlebreeze
blowingoveryouandluxuriateinthewarmthofthesun.
Awayinthedistanceyoucanjustmakeoutthetinklingof
thestreamasyouabsorbtheenergiesoftheearth.Your
spiritsoarsandrejoices.And,insodoing,youhavetouched
ofalltheelements."


Youcanseethatthe"thingssaid"and"things
done"areallinthemind.Youmaywellfeelcomfort
abledoingallyourritesinthisway,thoughIdourge
youtoatleastcastyourCirclephysically.

Asapreliminarytothemeditation,above,you
mightwanttorereadthesectiononmeditationin
LessonSeven.Also,Iwouldsuggestincorporatingthe
breathingexercisesgiventhere,includingtheimagery
ofthewhitelight.

Forsuchaguidedmeditation,youmightliketo
recorditontape,aheadoftime,andthenplayitbackto
yourselfintheCircle.

9.TheSolitaryISone.

Thiscanbebothanadvantage(chieflyso,Ifeel)

SolitaryWitches/221

andadisadvantage.Anexampleofthelatter:ifaWitch
happenstohaveaveryshorttemperandhasbeen
badlyusedbysomeone,s/hemightpossiblybe
drivenbythoughtsofrevenge.S/hemightbetempted
tooverlooktheWiccanRede,rationalizingher/his
thoughtsandfeelingsinsomeway.However,unless
s/hecangetalloftheothercovenmembers,including
thePriest/ess,tofeelthesamewaythats/hedoes,s/he
candonothings/hemightlaterregret.Farmorelikely
isthatthecovenwouldcalmher/himandbringthe
problemintoperspective.TheSolitary,ontheother
hand,doesnothavethis"safetycatch".S/hemust,
therefore,beconstantlyonguardandalwayscarefully
andcloselyexaminethesituationbeforeworkingany
magick,givingspecialthoughttotheWiccanRede.

But,ontheothersideofthecoin,theSolitary
doesnothavetomakeanycompromisesinany
things/hedoes.TheSolitaryisonewithher/himself
andisautomaticallyattuned,withnodisharmony
ordistraction.

SotheSolitaryWitchisindeedareality.Don'tlet
anyonetellyouthat,becauseyoudon'tbelongtoa
covenandbecauseyouwerenotinitiatedbysomeone
(whowasinitiatedbysomeonewhowas,inturn,
initiatedbysomeone...andsoon,adnauseum),you
arenotatrueWitch.Tellthemtoreadtheirhistory
(andaskthemwhoinitiatedtheveryfirstWitch?!).
YouareaWitchandyouaresointhefinetraditionof
Witchcraft.MaytheGodsbewithyou.

ANDNOW

Youhavenowreachedtheendofthisroad.Ihopeyouhavefound
thejourneyworthwhile.Ihavetriedtoteachyoueverythingyouneedto
knowtobeagoodWiccanandtopracticeeitherasamemberofacoven
orasaSolitary.Ifyouhaveworkedthroughthisworkbookdiligently,
thenyouareactuallybettertrainednowthanmanyWitcheswhohave
practicedforyears.Manycomeintocovensthathavenoformaltraining
andthatseemtosimplystrugglealongfromonemeetingtothenext,
withnoonetherehavinganygreatknowledge.Ofcoursethisisnotto
saythat,evenifyouhaveabsorbedeverythinginthisbook,younow
knowallthereistoknowabouttheCraft...youdon't.Andnordo1.1
havebeenintheCraftforalmostaquarterofacentury,andhavebeen
studyingforfarlongerthanthat,yetIamstilllearning.TothatendIsug
gestthatyoukeepreadingallthebooksthatyoucan.Ihaveaddedafew
moreinarecommendedreadingsectionattheendofthisvolume.I
wouldalsourgeyoutorereadyourlessonsonceinawhile(I'dsuggest
onceayear).

Remember,therearemanyroadsthatleadtothecenter.Eachmust
chooseherorhisown.Sobetoleranttoothers.Don'ttrytoforceyour
waysonthem,norletthemforcetheirwaysonyou.Thankyoufor
beingagoodstudent.AlwaysremembertheWiccanRede:"AN'IT
HARMNONE,DoWhatThouWilt."

TheLordandtheLadybewithyouineverythingyouundertake.

APPENDIXA
WICCANDENOMINATIONS

Priortopublicationofthisbook,Iinvitedspokes
personsofanyandallWiccantraditionstoletmehave
basicinformationabouttheirparticulardenomination.I
hopedthatIcouldthenpresentthatinformationhere,
thusprovidingameansbywhichseekerscouldfind
therightpathforthemselves(oratleastnarrowdown
thechoice).Unfortunately(dareIsay,"typically"?)
fewrespondedandsomeofthosewhodidgavescant
detailsoftheirbeliefsandpractices.Tothosewhowere
kindenoughtoshare,Igiveheartfeltthanks.Itisdif
ficultforbeginnersintheCraftandevenformany
longtimepractitionerstofindaparticularformof
practicewithwhichtheycanfeelreallycomfortable.
UsuallyoneissodelightedjusttofindtheCraftatall,
thatonejoyouslyembracesthatinitialcontacteven
though,onlaterreflection,itdoesnotcontainallthat
onehadhopedandexpected.

Here,then,arelistedanumberofdifferentpaths
ofWicca,withadistillationofinformationontheir
beliefsandpractices.Forfurtherinformation,don't
hesitatetocontactthegroup.Anenclosed,stamped
addressedenvelopewouldbeappreciated,I'msure.

ALEXANDRIANWICCA

AtraditionfoundedbyAlexSanders,inEngland.
TheritualsarebasicallyGardnerianbuthavebeen
modifiedwithmanyJudeoChristianandCeremonial
Magickelements.Covensworkskyclad.Theeight
SabbatsareobservedandbothGodandGoddess
arehonored.

SandershimselfisuniqueintheCraftworldin
thatheclaimsthetitleofa"King"ofhisWitches
(detailsmaybefoundinJuneJohns'bookKingOf
theWitches).

Anattemptwasmade,afewyearsback,tocreatea
denominationknownas"Algard"ablendingof

AlexandrianandGardnerian.SinceAlexandrianis
alreadyblendedwithGardnerian,theredidn'tseem
muchpointtoitandIdon'tbelieveitcaughtontoany
greatextent.AlexandrianWiccaisnowfoundinmany
countriesaroundtheworld.

AMERICANCELTICWICCA

"TheAmericanOrderoftheBrotherhoodofthe
Wicca"covensstemfromJessicaBell("LadySheba"),
aselfstyledWitchQueen.Thetradition'sritesare
virtuallythesameastheGardnerian,thoughcovens
workrobed.TheyfollowthesamepracticeofGardner
iansinpreferringcouples;preferablyhusbandand
wife."Ceremonialmagickistheprimaryworkofthe
AmericanCeltictraditionanditisconceivedasbeing
themostpowerfulandancientmeansofpsychological
andocculttherapybywhichnormal,healthypeoplecan
undertakeaprogramofinitiationanddevelopment."

AUSTRALIANWICCA

TheCraftisaliveandwell"downunder"(asitis
invirtuallyeverycountryaroundtheglobe),with
Gardnerian,Alexandrian,SeaxWicaandothergroups
there.ThereisabranchofTheChurchoftheOld
ReligioninWesternAustralia.Unfortunately,promised
detailsofthisdenominationdidnotarriveintimefor
thiseditionoftheWorkbook.Hopefullyinfuture
editionsIcanaddpertinentinformation.Fornow,
interestedpersonscancontactCatherineClair,P.O.
Box80,LaneCove,NSW2066,Australia.

CHURCHOFYTYLWYTHTEG

Theirstatedpurposeis"toseekthatwhichisof
themostworthintheworld...toexaltthedignityof
everyperson,thehumansideofourdailyactivities

225


andthemaximumservicetohumanity...toaid
humanities'(sic)searchintheGreatSpirit'sUniverse
foridentity,fordevelopmentandforhappiness...to
relinkhumanitywithitselfandNature."

Itis,asitsnamesuggests,aKeltic/Welshtradition
andwasoriginallyorganizedbyBillWheeler,in
WashingtonD.C.in1967,as"TheGentlePeople."It
teachesthebalanceofnature,folklore,mythologyand
themysteriesandwasincorporatedasanonprofit
(religious)organization,inthestateofGeorgia,in
1977.

TheChurchhasan"OuterCircle"ofstudents,
whomaylearnthroughcorrespondence,together
withitsinnercore.Itisfoundinmanyareasofthe
UnitedStates.Forfurtherinformation,contactYTylwyth
Teg,P.O.Box674884,Marietta,GA30067.

CHURCHOFTHECRESCENTMOON

"TheChurchoftheCrescentMoonisacohesive,
smallgroupofhighlydedicatedindividuals...Each
PriestessandPriestmaintainsservicestotheGoddess
orGodsheorheserves,andtheGoddessesandGods
ingeneral.Therefore,theChurchoffersmanypathsto
theultimate'oneness'withtheabsolute."Thepurposes
oftheChurchoftheCrescentMoonincludeperpetu
ating"theuncorruptedreligionofancientIreland"
andproviding"informationandinstructionaboutthe
GoddessesandGodsingeneral,Irishcultureand
manyoccultsubjects."

AlthoughtheChurch,whichwasoriginallyorgan
izedin1976,statesthat"wedonotcallourselves
Wiccans..."Ihaveincludedtheminthispresent
work.Manyoftheirritualsareopentoguestsand
prospectivemembers.Furtherinformationmaybe
obtainedfromTheDirector,ChurchoftheCrescent
Moon,P.O.Box652,Camarillo,CA930110652.

CIRCLEWICCA

Circlewasbegunin1974bySelenaFoxandJim
Alan.ItsheadquartersareatCircleSanctuary,a200acre
Naturepreserveandorganicherbfarmintherolling
hillsofsouthwesternWisconsin.Circlecoordinates
CircleNetwork,"aninternationalexchangeandcontact
serviceforWiccans,NeoPagans,Pantheists,Goddess
Folk,Shamans,Druids,EcoFeminists,NativeAmerican
MedicinePeople,Seers,CeremonialMagicians,Mystics
andothersonrelatedpaths."Theypublishanannual
source,whichIrecommendtotheseeker,theCircle
GuidetoPaganResources.Ialsorecommendtheir
quarterlynewspaper,CircleNetworkNews.

Circlesponsorsavarietyofseminars,concerts
andworkshopsattheirhomebaseandaroundthe
country.Atleastonceayeartheyalsosponsoraspecial
programforWiccanandotherPaganministers,andat
SummerSolsticeholdtheNationalPaganSpirit
Gathering.

Circleisincorporatedasanonprofitspiritual
centerandisrecognizedasalegalWiccanChurchby
stateandfederalgovernments.Circlediffersfrom
manytraditionsofWiccainthatitismorealignedwith
Shamanismand,itseemstome,Amerindianways
thanwiththeWiccaofWesternEuropefoundinthe
majorityofCrafttraditions.Thisisnottodenigrateit
inanyway,foritisanexcellent,dedicatedandwell
organizedcenter.Furtherinformationmaybeobtained
fromCircle,P.O.Box219,Mt.Horeb,WI53572.

COVENOFTHEFOREST,FARANDFOREVER.

Thisisanewerdenominationandthereforenot
foundaswidelyspreadassomeoftheotherslisted.It
wasformedbyaPriestandPriestesswithcollective
experiencesinDianic,hereditarySpanish,Egyptian
andGardnerianWiccaplusQabbalism.Thereisgood
balancebetweenthemaleandfemaleaspects.The
group"seestheGoddessandGodfiguresasliving
representativesofevenmorefundamental,livingforces
whichmanifestonavarietyoflevels."Theirstated
purposeis"tomakeourselvesmorefitasvehiclesfor
theseforces,byinvokingthemto,inturn,balanceand
developourownnaturesandgrowclosertothe
Universe."

Theworshipisskycladandwithouttheuseof
drugs.Esbatsareheldateachmoonandthereis
emphasisontheBookofShadowsbeingpersonally
handwritten.Furtherinformationisavailablefrom
ElivriandGiselda,P.O.Box13804,UniversityStation,
Gainesville,FL32604

DEBORANWITCHDOM

"TheDeboranbranchiseclectic.Wemakelittle
ritualuseofnudity.Weworkwithbalancedpolarities
(GoddessGod;positivenegative).Whatweareaiming
forisareconstructionoftheCraftasitwouldbeifthe
BurningTimeshadneverhappenedasifWiccedom
hadcontinuedwithoutinterferencetothisday.We
useresearch,logicaldeductionanddivinationinthis
quest."

SabbatsareopentoguestsbutEsbatsareclosed.
CovenleadersarecalledRobinandMarion,withtheir
secondsincommandcalledtheMaidenandtheGreen

AppendixA:WiccanDenominations1227

Man.TheydonothaveFirst,SecondandThird
Degreesassuch,but"Apprentices,'sealedandsworn'
WitchesandElders."

"WeviewtheCraftasapriesthoodwithaministry
andourprinciplejob,asWitches,istohelpothersfind
pathwaystoreligiousexperienceandtotheirown
power."TheDeborantraditionhasbeeninexistence
foratleastsevenyears,asofthiswriting,andwas
foundedbyClaudiaHaldane.Furtherinformation
maybeobtainedfromErinnaNorthwind,Eregion
Grove,P.O.Box114,Naphant,MA01908.

DIANICFEMINISTWICCE

AtraditionstartedbyAnnForfreedomthatis
bothreligiousandpracticesmagick.Itincludesboth
femaleandmalepractitioners('Itisnotlesbianoriented
andnotseparatist"statesAnn),solopractitioners,
mixedcovensandallfemalecovens.

"DianicFeministWicceencouragesfemaleleader
ship,insiststhataPriestessmustbepresentfora
Circleritualtobeheldandinvolvesitspractitionersin
feministandhumanistissues."Groupsworkeither
skycladorrobed.Furtherinformationmaybeobtained
fromGoddessRising,2441Cordovastreet,Oakland,
CA94602

FROSTS'WICCA

ThisisoneofthemanyWelshbasedtraditions.It
wasoriginallyfoundedbyGavinandYvonneFrostin
theearly1970s.As"TheChurchandSchoolofWicca"
thematerialispresentedtostudentsbycorrespon
dence,thoughthecourseisvirtuallythesameasthe
materialpresentedintheirbookTheWitches'Bible.
Originally(inthebook)therewasnomentionofthe
Goddessatallandtherewerevarioussexualaspects
whichdismayedmanywhowereotherwisedrawnto
thetradition.Thelattersituationhasrecentlybeen
modifiedandthereisnowmentionoftheGoddess.It
isawidelyspreadtradition,foundthroughoutthis
countryandabroad.Forfurtherinformationcontact
TheSchoolOfWicca,P.O.Box1502,NewBern,NC
28560.

GARDNERIANWICA

ThiswasthefirstdenominationoftheCraftto
makeitselfknownpublicly(inthe1950s,inEngland).
Becauseofthat,manypeoplemistakenlythinkthatit
istheonly"true"Wicca.Itisnamedforitsfounder,
GeraldGardner,whoactuallylaunchedthetraditiona
fewyearsaftertheendofthesecondWorldWar.For

manyyearsGardnerwasaccusedofinventingthe
wholeconceptofWiccaandofgettingAleisterCrowley
towriteitsrituals.Todayhehasbeenprettywell
clearedofboththesecharges.TheGardnerianBook
ofShadowscannowbeseenasacompilationfrom
varioussources,muchofitactuallycontributedby
DoreenValiente.Foradetailedexaminationofthe
birthofGardnerian,seeJanetandStewartFarrar's
excellentbooksEightSabbatsforWitchesandThe
Witches'Way.

TheGardneriantraditionplacesemphasisonthe
GoddessovertheGod,withthefemalegenerally
laudedoverthemale.Ithasadegreesystemofadvance
mentanddoesnotallowforselfinitiation.Covens
workskycladandaimtohave"perfectcouples"
equalnumbersofmaleandfemale,paired.Covens
are,theoreticallyatleast,autonomous.Gardnerian
Wicaisfoundinmostcountriesaroundtheworld.

Todaytherearemanytraditionswhichbasetheir
ritesontheGardnerianones.Therearealsoalarge
numberofgroupswhocallthemselves"Gardnerian"
eventhoughtheirBooksofShadowsbearlittle
resemblancetoGardner'soriginal.Formoreinforma
tiononthistraditioncontactJoyceRasmussen,383
HarrisonStreet,CouncilBluffs,IA51501.(Ican
personallyvouchforthefactthatthislady'sBookis
thesameasGardner'sown).

GEORGIANWICCA

TheGeorgians,foundedbyGeorgeE.Patterson
in1970,werecharteredbytheUniversalLifeChurch
in1972,asTheChurchofWiccaofBakersfield.In
1980theywerecharteredasTheGeorgianChurch.

"TheGeorgiansareeclectic,muchbasedon
GardnerianAlexandrianplussomeEnglishtradition
alistandsomeoriginal...GodGoddessorientedbut
leanmoretowardstheGoddess."Theygenerallywork
skycladbutindividualgroupsorindividualsmaydo
astheywish.Theyarebothreligiousandmagickaland
celebratetheeightSabbats.Membersareencouraged
towriteritualsandtolearnfromallavailablesources.
MoreinformationmaybehadfromTheGeorgian
Church,1908VerdeStreet,Bakersfield,CA93304.

MAIDENHILLWICCA

A"traditional"Wiccangroupestablishedin1979
andhavingstrongtieswithTheCovenofRhiannonin
Manchester,England.

"OurmainfocusistheworshipofthegreatGod
dessandherConsort,theHornedGod...Ourcoven


doesnotlimitworshiptooneparticularculturalethnic
'tradition'.Rather,athoroughtraininginbasicGardner
ianWicaistaughtandmembersareurged,after
masteringthesebasics,tofindthatparticularmyth
cycleorpathconsistentwiththeirbeliefs."

FurtherinformationisobtainablefromDeidre,
Maidenhill,P.O.Box29166,Philadelphia,PA19127.

NORTHERNWAY

Anoninitiatorytraditionthatworksrobed."We
trytoemulateasauthenticandtraditionalrecreation
aspossibleofoldNorsegarb...OurGodnamesare
allOldNorse,notTeutonic.WedocastaCircle;wedo
not'callQuarters'...OurtraditionisNorse...the
group,however,isnothereditaryinthatmembers
neednotbeofanyparticularfamilyorethnicgroup."

TheNorthernWaywasfoundedin1980and
incorporatedin1982,inChicago.Itsreligionissome
timescalledAsatru.TheyobservethefourSolarFire
FestivalsaswellasthoseindigenoustotheNorse
religion.FurtherdetailsmaybeobtainedfromNorthern
Way,Inc.,NovaCoven,45S.LaVergneAve,Northlake,
II60164,(312)5620802.

NOVAWICCA

AneclecticgroupfoundedbytwoGardnerians.
TheyworkrobedatEsbatsandSabbatsandskycladat
initiations.TheGardneriandeitynamesareused,
though"workingpairsmayuseothersiftheywish."
Novahasadegreesystem,whichisveryfinelytuned,
andanindepthtraining,someclassesbeingopento
newcomers.GrandSabbatsarealsoopentointeres
tedpersons,atthecoven'sdiscretion.

Novaclassifiesitselfas"aMixedTraditional,
Teaching/TrainingCoven."Furtherinformationmay
beobtainedfromNimueandDuncan,6030W.
RooseveltRoad,OakPark,IL60304.

PECTIWITA

AScottishSolitarytraditionpassedonbyAidan
Breac,whopersonallyteachesstudentsinhishomeat
CastleCarnonacae,inScotland.Thetraditionisattuned
tothesolarandlunarchanges,withabalancebetween
theGodandtheGoddess.Meditationanddivination
playalargepartinthetraditionanditalsoteaches
severalvariationsonsolitaryworkingofmagick.In
formationisnotgenerallyavailableandMr.Breac
(who,asofthiswriting,isaboutninetyyearsold)is
notseekingfurtherstudents.*

SEAXWICA

Thistraditionwasfoundedbymyselfin1973.It
hasaSaxonbasisbutis,infact,anewdenominationof
theCraft.Itdoesnotpretendtobeeitheracontinua
tionorarecreationoftheoriginalSaxonreligion(see
notesinLesson2regardingthechoiceofdeitynames).Main
featuresofthetraditionarethefactthatithasopen
rituals{allofthemarepublishedandavailable),ithas
ademocraticorganizationthatprecludesegotrips
andpowerplaysbycovenleaders,therecanbeCoven
orSolitarypracticeandthereistherealityofSelf
InitiationinlieuofCovenInitiation,ifdesired.Covens
areledbyPriestand/orPriestessanddecideforthem
selveswhethertoworkskycladorrobed.TheSeax
WicaisfoundthroughouttheUnitedStatesandin
manycountriesaroundtheworld.MybookTheTree:
CompleteBookofSaxonWitchcraft(Weiser,NY1978)
givesthebasicsofthetradition.

InMargoAdler'sbook,DrawingDowntheMoon,
shemakesacoupleofincorrectstatementsthatIfeel
needtobeaddressed.SheclaimsthattheSeaxWica
wasoriginallystartedasajokeandfurtherstatesthatit
isaneclecticcollectionofbitsandpiecesfromvarious
sources.Sheiswrongonbothcounts(itisunfortunate
whenanauthordoesnotbothertoverifystatements
beforepublishingthem).

SinceIlefttheGardneriantraditionaftermore
thanadecadeofgreatactivityinit,inordertofound
andpromotetheSaxontradition,andsincetheSeax
Wicahasbeenmylifeforwelloveranotherdecade,it
shouldbeobvioustoanyoneofanyintelligencethatit
wasnotajoke!Farfromit;itwasverycarefullycon
structedasananswertothecorruption(aharshword
but,Ifeel,theappropriateone)thatseemedprevalent
insomesectorsoftheCraft,andinmuchofGardnerian
specifically,atthattime(Ihavenoreasontobelieve
thatthisisstillthecase).Farfromdrawingonother
sources,withtheexceptionofusingSaxondeitynames
allofthetraditionasIpresenteditwasnewandofmy
ownauthorship.Iwasparticularlycarefultostillhonor
myoriginalGardnerianoathandnottoincludeanyof
thattradition'ssecrets.

Happily,manypeoplefeltthesamewaythatIdid
atthetimeoftheSeaxWica'sinceptionandmany
havewelcomeditsince.TodaytheSaxontradition
flourishesandgrowsatasteadyrate.Detailsmaybe
foundinmybook,TheTree,mentionedabove.

*IamintouchwithAidanBreacandhope,sometimeinthefuture,tobeallowedtopresentthePec
tiWitateachingstoalargeraudience.

APPENDIXB
EXAMINATIONQUESTIONS

LESSONONE

Answerinyourownwords,withoutreferringbackto
thetext.Donotgoontothenextlessonuntilyouare
entirelyhappywiththepreviousone.Answerstothe
questionsaretobefoundinAppendixC.

1.Whichtwodeitiesweremostimportanttoearly
Wo/Man'sexistence?

2.Whatis"sympathetic"magick?Giveanexample
ofit.

3.WheredidPopeGregorybuildtheearlychurches
andwhy?

4.Whoorwhatwas"Jacko'theGreen"?

5.Whatwas"TheWitches'Hammer"andwho
wasresponsibleforit?

6.Whowastheanthropologist/Egyptologistwho,
inthe1930s,advancedthetheorythatWitchcraft
wasanorganizedreligion?

7.WhenwasthelastlawagainstWitchcraftrepealed
inEngland?

8.WhowasthefirstWitchtospeakupfortheCraft
(a)inEngland,(b)inAmerica?

9.WhatisaWitch'sonlyanimositytowardsChrist
ianity?

10.Doyouhavetobelongtoacoventobeableto
workaspell?

PLEASEREAD:

ChaptersOnethroughSixofWitchcraftFromthe
InsidebyRaymondBuckland.

Recommendedsupplementaryreading:

TheGodoftheWitchesDr.MargaretA.Murray

Witches:InvestigatinganAncientReligion

T.C.Lethbridge

TheDevilInMassachusettsMarionStarkey

LESSONTWO

1.StudythetwoGoddessmythsgiveninthelesson
andexaminetheirsymbolism.IntheSaxonmyth
ofFreya,whatdoesthenecklaceBrosingamene
represent?

2.Whatarethethreeessentialsofmagick?

3.HavetheChristianseverbelievedinreincar
nation?

4.AccordingtoCraftbeliefs,ifyoudoaninjuryto
someone(a)willyoubeabletowaittillafter
deathbeforebeingpunished?(b)doesthatmean
thesameinjurywillbedonetoyouinyour
nextlife?

5.Imaginethatyoushareanapartmentwitharoom
matewhoisnotintheCraft.Youhaveyourown
bedroombutmustsharekitchenandlivingroom.
Isitpossibletohaveyourowntemple?Ifso,
wherewouldbethebestplace?

6.Fromwhichdirectiondoyouentertheritual
Circle?

7.North,South,East,West...Blue,Green,Red,
Yellow.Whichcolorgoeswithwhichdirection?

8.Whichofthefollowingcouldbeusedforan
altar?

(a)Foldingmetalcardtable

(b)Woodenpackingcrate

(c)Twoconcreteblocksandapieceofplywood

(d)Treestump

229


9.Whatisthe"WiccanRede"?

10.Canyouuseaglassashtrayforacenser?

PLEASEREAD:Chapters1,2,3,5,6,8,9ofTheLost
GodsofEnglandbyBrianBranston.

WitchcraftTodayGeraldB.Gardner

LESSONTHREE

1.DoestheWitch'sknifehavetobeofanyspecial
length?

2.Youownanancientknifewhichyoubelievewas
onceusedtokillaman.Couldyouusethisas
anathame?

3.Canyouuseanunaltered,storeboughtknifefor
yourathame?

4.Whatarethetwoprinciplemethodsofmarking
metal?

5.IstheSwordnecessary,orcansomethingelse
besubstituted?

6.Whatisaburin?

7.JessicaWellswasbornMarch15,1962.Shelikes
thename"Rowena"andwouldliketouseitfor
herCraftname.Isthisagoodchoice?Ifnot,what
wouldyousuggestshedo?

8.ChooseyourCraftname.Checkitnumerologically.
Practicewritingitinvariousformsofmagickal
script.

9.Howwouldyouwritethename"GALADRIEL"
inSaxonrunes?WhatwouldbetheMagickal
Monogramforthisname?

PLEASEREAD:

Chapters7,8,9,10ofWitchcraftFromtheInsideby
RaymondBuckland.Chapters1thru5ofThe
MeaningofWitchcraftbyGeraldB.Gardner.

NumerologyVincentLopez

LESSONFOUR

1.Whatisthetermusedforthecentralthemeof
initiation?

2.Describe,briefly,thegeneralpatternofinitiation.

3.Whatisthemeaningoftheblindfoldingand
binding?

4.WhatistheWiccanRedeandwhatdoesitmean?

5.Isitusualforawomantoinitiateanotherwoman?

6.WriteashortessayonwhattheCraftmeansto
youandwhyyouwanttobeapartofit.

PLEASEREAD:

WitchcraftTodaybyGeraldB.Gardner

RitesandSymbolsofInitiation(BirthandRebirth)by

MirceaEliade


TheRitesofPassageArnoldVanGennep


LESSONFIVE

1.Ifyouhaveacovenwithelevenpeopleinitand
fourmorecomealongwhowanttojoin,can
they?Whatarethealternativespossible?

2.WhatcoloristhecoveroftheBookofShadows?
Canyoutypetheritualsandputtheminyour
book?

3.Howoftenshouldacovenmeet?

4.ThedateofyournextEsbatmeetingisalsothe
dateofthefullmoon.Whichofthefollowing
ritualsshouldyoudoandinwhatorder?

CakesandAle
ErectingtheTemple
FullMoonRite
ClearingtheTemple
NewMoonRite
EsbatRite

5.WhatarethenamesofthefourGreaterSabbats?

AppendixB:ExaminationQuestions1231

6.IsdancingpermittedwithintheCircle?

7.WhatisthemeaningoftheCakesandAlerite?
Whatisthesymbolismofloweringtheathame
intothegoblet?

PLEASEREAD:

Chapters6through12ofTheMeaningofWitch
craftbyGeraldGardner.


Aradia,GospeloftheWitchesCharlesG.Leland
TheWitchesSpeakPatriciaandArnoldCrowther

LESSONSIX

1.Acovenmemberwishestoworksomelove
magickatthenextCircle,whichhappenstobe
Imbolc.Canshedoso?Ifnot,whynot?Whencan
shedoit?

2.AtwhichSabbatsaretheGodandtheGoddess
honored?

3.Attheheightofthesummer,whichdeityissu
preme,totheexclusionoftheother?

4.IftheSabbatdatecoincideswithafullmoon,
whereabouts,intheceremonies,wouldyouper
formtheFullMoonRite?

5.WhichSabbatmarkstheshiftofemphasisfrom
GoddesstoGod?Whichmarkstheshiftback
fromGodtoGoddess?

6.IsYuleoneofthefourGreaterSabbats?

PLEASEREAD:

EightSabbatsforWitchesbyJanetandStewart
Farrar

SeasonalOccultRitualsWilliamGray

LESSONSEVEN

1.Briefly,whatismeditation?

2.Regardlessofhow,orwhere,yousit,whatisthe
mostimportantthingregardingyourposture?

3.Whatisthebesttimeofdaytomeditate?

4.Wheredoyoufocusyourattention?

5.Describe,briefly,threedreamsyouhavehadin
thepastmonth.Giveyourinterpretationofthose
dreams.

6.WhatisaPriapicWand?

7.Startadreamdiary.Recordallyourdreams.
Thereisnoneedtowritedownaninterpretation
foreachandeveryone,butatleastthinkabout
theirmeaningsasyourecordthem.

PLEASEREAD:

TheDreamGamebyAnnFaraday
TheSilentPathbyMichaelEastcott

DreamsCarlG.Jung

TheLlewellynGuidetoAstralProjectionMelita
Dennings&OsbornePhillips

LESSONEIGHT

1.IstheWiccahandfastingritealifetimejoiningof
themanandwoman?

2.AtwhatageisachildinitiatedintotheCraft?

3.Whatarethetwomaincategoriesofchanneling?

4.Giveatleastfiveofthemajorpointsyoumust
addressinordertoclearyourmindforchan
neling.

5.Youhavemislaidyourcarkeys.Youdon'tknow
whethertheyareinyourbedroom,livingroom
orkitchen,orattheoffice.Howdoyoulocate
them?Givetwomethods.

6.Youseealargebreakinyourfather'saura,inthe
areanearhisheart.Whatwouldyoutellhim
andwhy?

PLEASEREAD:

HowtoReadtheAura;HowtoDevelopPsychometry;
HowtoDevelopClairvoyanceallbyW.E.Butler
PracticalColorMagickbyRaymondBuckland



ThePrinciplesandPracticeofRadiesthesiaAbbe

Mermet

AmazingSecretsofthePsychicWorldRaymond

BucklandandHerewardCarrington

LESSONNINE

1.Aftertryingatleastthreedifferentspreadsfor
thetarot,anddoingatleastsixreadingswitheach
spread,writedownwhichofthespreadsyou
preferandwhy.

2.Imaginethatyouareinthemiddleofdoinga
tarotreadingforafriend,usingtheRiderWaite
deck.TheMajorArcanacard,"TheTower"
appearsinthepositionofTheImmediateFuture.
Whatinterpretationwouldyouplaceonit?(Itis
realizedthatmuchwoulddependontheothercards
aroundit.However,justgiveyourinterpretationfor
thisonecard)

3.Inthissamehypotheticalreading,theFinalOut
comeforyourfriendistheFiveofPentacles.
Whatisyourinterpretationofthatcardinthat
position?

4.Ifyoudonotownacrystalballbutwanttotry
scrying,whatcouldyouuseinitsplace?

5.Incheiromancy,whatisthedifferencebetween
thelefthandandtheright,forpurposesofinter
pretation?

6.Whenreadingtealeavesyouseeabellanda
horseshoelowdowninthecup,butbythehandle.
Whatdotheymean?

7.(a)WhatcanyousayaboutJohnF.Kennedy
(goingjustbythename)accordingtonumerol
ogy,(b)Bynumerology,wereNapoleanand
Josephinecompatible?

8.AnastrologicalchartshowsaPiscesascendant.
Whatcouldyousayabouttheperson?

PLEASEREAD:

TheBookofChangesbyJ.Blofeld
IChingbyR.Wilhelm


TheSeventhSensebyKennethRoberts

NumerologybyVincentLopez

TheNewAtoZHoroscopeMakerandDelineatorby

LlewellynGeorge
Palmistry,theWholeViewbyJudithHipskind

CrystalGazingT.Besterman
MedicalPalmistryMartenSteinbach
APocketGuidetotheSupernaturalRaymond
Buckland

LESSONTEN

1.Whataretherequirementsofagoodhealer?

2.Whyshouldyoualwaysrefertoplantsbytheir
Latinname?

3.Whatis:(a)aninfusion(b)clarification?

4.Namethreedifferentmethodsofpreparingherbs
formedicinaluse.

5.WhatwouldyouuseSlipperyElmfor?(Ulmus
fulva)

6.Whatdothefollowingtermsmean:(a)Carminative
(b)Expectorant(c)Rubifacient(d)Sudorific?

7.Iftheadultdoseofaparticularmedicineistwo
(2)drachms,whatdosewouldyougiveaseven
yearoldchild?

8.Whataretheabbreviationsforthefollowing:(a)
equalparts(b)aspoonful(c)shakethevessel(d)
aftermeals?

PLEASEREAD:

StalkingtheHealthfulHerbsbyEuellGibbons

TheHerbBookbyJohnLust

TheTree(SectiononHerbalLore)byRaymond

Buckland


CommonandUncommonUsesofHerbsforHealthful

LivingRichardLucas

TheHerbalistJ.E.Meyer

Potter'sNewEncyclopediaofBotanicalHerbs

AppendixB:ExaminationQuestions1233

CompleteHerbal
CompleteHerbal
HerbalManual

NicholasCulpeper

Gerard

H.Ward

LESSONELEVEN

1.Whatismagick?Howdoyouprepareforit(before
actuallysteppingintotheCircle)?Whendoyou
useit?

2.HowandwherewouldyoucreateaConeof
Power?

3.Writeachantto

(a)Bringaboutajustcourtdecision

(b)increasetheyieldofafarmer'sfields

(c)recoverstolengoods.

alsogivethekeywordforreleasingthepowerin
eachcase.

4.Ayoungwomanhasbeendesertedbyherhus
band(heranoffwithher"bestfriend").Sheisleft
withthreechildrenandapileofbills.Explain,in
detail,whatmagickyouwoulddoforher,includ
ingthemethod,thewholestoryyouplan(from
presenttofinaldesiredsituation),thechant,the
keyword.

5.Writeashortparagraphonwhychantsandrhymes
areimportant.

6.YouareaSolitaryWitch.Adearfriendcomesto
youaskingforhelp.Whatwouldyouadvise
(rememberwhoisthebestpersontowork
magick)?

PLEASEREAD:

PracticalCandleburningRitualsbyRaymond

Buckland

PracticalColorMagickbyRaymondBuckland

SexualOccultismJonnMumford
MagicalHerbalismScottCunningham
EarthPowerScottCunningham

LESSONTWELVE

1.Whatisatalisman?Howdoesatalismandiffer

fromanamulet?

2.Whattwomainactionsarerequiredtochargea
talismanwithpower?

3.Howdoyoupersonalizeatalisman?Whatwould
youputonatalismantopersonalizeitforaman
namedFrankHiggins(CraftName:Eldoriac),born
June27,1942?

4.MaryPagani(CraftName:Empira)wantsabetter
payingpositionwheresheworks.Thereisaposi
tionopeningupsoonandshewouldliketogetit.
Explainhowyouwoulddeterminewhattoput
onatalismanforhertoweartoensuregetting
thispromotion.Whenandhowwouldyoumake
it?Mary'sbirthdateisFebruary14,1954.

5.HenryWilsonisinlovewithAmyKirshaw.She
isnotinlovewithhim.Explainhowyouwould
determinewhattoputonatalismanforHenry,
andwhenandhowyouwouldmakeit.Henry's
birthdateisOctober12,1947,andAmy'sisJuly3,
1958.

6.Practicewritinginallofthemagickalalphabets
illustrated.Whyshouldyounottrytolearnany
ofthembyheart?

PLEASEREAD:

TheRunesandOtherMagicalAlphabetsbyMichael

Howard

HowToMakeandUseTalismansbyIsraelRegardie


TheBookofCharmsandTalismansSepharial
EgyptianLanguageSirWallisBudge

LESSONTHIRTEEN

1.Ayoungboyslippedfromapileofrockshewas
climbing,fellandbrokehisleftleg.Ithasbeenset
butistakingalongtimetomend.Whatwould
youdotohelpthemendingprocess,utilizing

(a)aurichealing

(b)gemtherapy

(c)graphochromopathy?

2.Inthecasedescribedinquestion1,deviseaway


ofaidingtheboy,magickally,usingamethodof
yourown,whichmaybebasedonthosegivenin
theLesson(e.g.avariationofsympatheticmagick).

3.WhatisPrana?Inpranichealing,whyisitneces
sarytoshakethehandsvigorouslyattheendofa
pass?Givetwomethodsofdoingpranichealing
whenthepatientisnotphysicallypresent.

4.Awomanhasahysterectomy.Describehowyou
wouldaidherrecovery,usingaPoppet.

5.Writeashortessayonhealing,reviewingwhat
youhavelearnedinlessons10,11,12and13.

PLEASEREAD:

ColorHealingbyMaryAnderson
HealingforEveryonebyE.Loomis&J.Paulson
IsThisYourDay?byGeorgeS.Thommen
TheArtofTrueHealingbyIsraelRegardie
PreciousStones;TheirOccultPowerandHidden
SignificancebyW.B.Crow

MagicandHealingC.J.S.Thompson
ColorTherapyLindaClark
HandbookofBachFlowerRemediesPhilipM.
Chancellor

HandbookofUnusualandUnorthodoxHealing
MethodsJ.V.Cerney

See,also,thelistattheendofthelesson.

LESSONFOURTEEN

1.Isitpermissableforyoutowriteyouownrituals?
Whatarethetwobasicstobearinmindwhen
writingthem,andwhatshouldbethefocusof
theritual?

2.WhatnameswillyougivetotheGodandthe
Goddessinyourrituals?

3.Whyisparticipationimportantinreligion?

4.Whereisthebestplacetofindpotentialcoven
members?

5.WhywouldanytraditionoftheCraftwantto
establishthemselvesasa"church"?Whatwould
bethefirststeptosoestablishingyourself?

6.OneSaturdaymorningyouhappentoseeapro
gramforchildren,ontelevision,whichdepictsa
WitchasanevilworshipperoftheChristian
Devil.Whatshouldyoudo?

7.YourmotherinlawhappenstofindyourBook
ofShadowsandyourathame.Sheimmediately
assumesyouareaservantofSatan!Whatwould
youtellher?

PLEASEREAD:

SeasonalOccultRitualsbyWilliamGray

Recommendedsupplementaryreading;
TheSpiralDanceStarhawk

APPENDIXC
ANSWERSTOEXAMINATIONQUESTIONS

LESSONONE

1.TheGodoftheHuntandtheGoddessofFertility.

2.Thebeliefthatsimilarthingshavesimilareffects
(likeattractslike).Anexamplewouldbetheearly
huntingmagickofprimitiveWo/Manwherea
claymodeloftheanimaltobehuntedwasfirst
attackedand"killed"inthebeliefthatthereal
huntwouldfollowthesamepattern.

3.PopeGregorytheGreatbuilthischurchesonthe
oldpagansites,hopingto"cashin"onthefact
thatthepeoplewereaccustomedtogotothose
placesinordertoworship.Anypagantemples
onthesiteswereeitherrededicatedtotheChristian
godorweretorndownandreplacedbyChristian
churches.

4."Jacko'theGreen"wasthenamegiventocarvings
whichrepresentedtheoldGodofHuntingand
ofNature.Theywerealsoknownas"Robinofthe
Woods"orbythemoregeneraltermof"foliate
masks."

5."TheWitches'Hammer"wasthebookMalleus
Maleficarum,whichdetailedhowtodiscoverand
interrogateWitches.Itwasthemainreference
bookofthepersecutorsduringthe"Burning
Times"andwasauthoredbytwoGerman
monks,HeinrichInstitorisKramerandJakob
Sprenger.

6.Dr.MargaretAliceMurray.

7.1951.

8.(a)GeraldBrousseauGardner
(b)RaymondBuckland

9.AWitch'sonlyanimositytowardsChristianity,
ortowardsanyotherreligionorphilosophyof
life,istotheextentthatitsinstitutionshave
claimedtobe"theonlyway"andhavesoughtto
denyfreedomtoothersandtosuppressother
waysofreligiouspracticeandbelief.

10.No,youdonothavetobelongtoacoventowork
magickTherearemanyWitcheswhoworkalone
(Solitaries).Therearealsomanypeoplewhoare
notWitcheswhoworkmagick(Magicians).

LESSONTWO

1.ThenecklaceBrosingamenerepresentsthebright
nessofthesun.Itsloss,therefore,bringsonfall
andwinter(Freya'sdescentintoDreun).Itsreturn
heraldsspringandsummer.

2.(i)Feelingthemostimportantingredient.You
mustreallywantthethingyouseekwithevery
fiberofyourbeing,(ii)Timingtyinginwiththe
phasesoftheMoon,(iii)Cleanliness.

3.Yes,theyhave.ItwaspartoftheoriginalChristian
teachingsuntilcondemnedbytheSecondCouncil
ofConstantinoplein553c.e.

4.(a)No.Youexperienceretributioninthislife,(b)
Notnecessarily.Youexperienceallthingsthrough
outyourmanylifetimes.Youmay,therefore,
havereceivedthesametypeofinjuryinanyone

235



ofyourpreviouslivesoryoumayinanyoneof
yourfutureones.

5.Yes,itispossible.Yourtemplecanbeinanyarea
anddoesnothavetobesetuppermanently.In
thissituation,thebestplacewouldprobablybe
inyourbedroom.

6.FromtheEast(thedirectionofsunrise).

7.NorthGreen;EastYellow;SouthRed;
WestBlue.

8.Theyallcouldbe,butthebestwouldbewithout
metal.InorderofpreferenceIwouldputthem
(d)(c)(b)(a).

9.An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt.

10.Yes,youcan.It'snotastheticallypleasing,how
ever,andyoucouldprobablyfindsomething
better,butitwoulddo.Tobesureitdoesn'tcrack
fromtheheat,youwouldbewelladvisedtofillit
withsandfirst.

LESSONTHREE

1.No.Itcanbewhateverlengthbestsuitsits
owner.

2.Yes,youcould.Theknifeitselfwasmerelythe
instrumentusedintheaction.Anynegativity
wouldhavegonetothemurdererher/himself.
Solongastheknifeisproperlycleansedand
consecrated,itcancertainlybeusedforan
athame.

3.No.Anyknifeshouldbeworkedonbyitsowner
insomeway.Ifyoucan'tmakeitfromscratch
thenperhapsyoucanmakeanewhandleforit.If
youcan'tevendothat,thenattheveryleastdo
someworkonitcarveyournameand/orMagickal
Monogramonit.Personalizeitinsomeway.
Then,ofcourse,youmustconsecrateit.

4.Engravingandetching.

5.Iwouldstronglyrecommendhavingaswordfor
covenuse,butitisnotmandatory.Theathame

canalwaysbeusedinlieuofthesword.

6.Aburinisanengravingtoolandisusedformarking
onmetal.

7.Jessica'sBirthNumberis9(3.15.1962
3+1+5+1+9+6+2=27=9);Rowenaisa4
NameNumber(R=9,=6,W=5,E=5,N=5,
A=l;9+6+5+5+5+1=31=4).Therefore,
Rowenawouldnotbeagoodchoiceinsofarasit
doesnotmatchherBirthNumber.However,she
couldmakeitfitbyaddinganother5letter.I
wouldsuggestaddinganother'E',thus:ROWEENA
=9+6+5+5+5+5+1=36=9.

8.Don'tforgettoincludethe'19'oftheyear(e.g.
2946)whenworkingoutyourBirthNumber.

9.GALADRIELXFITHMMf

MagickalMonogram:|ej

LESSONFOUR

1.Thewholeinitiatoryprocessisreferredtoasa
"RiteofPassage"buttheCentralTheme(which
iswhatIaskedfor)isaPALINGENESIS;arebirth.

2.InitiationgenerallyfollowsthepatternofSEPARA
TION;CLEANSING;SYMBOLICDEATH;NEW
KNOWLEDGE;REBIRTH.

3.Itrepresentsthedarknessandtherestrictionof
thewombpriortobirth.

4.Iaskedthisbefore,inLessonTwo'sexamination
questions,butIdowanttoimpressituponyou.
TheWiccanRedeis"An'itharmnone,dowhat
thouwilt".Itmeansthatyoucandoanythingyou
likesolongasyoudon'thurtanyone.AndIwould
remindyouthat"anyone"includesyourself.

5.No,itisnotusual.Normally(traditionally)aman
willinitiateawomanandawomaninitiateaman.
However,itwouldnotbewrongforamanto
initiateanothermanorawomananotherwoman.

AppendixC:AnswerstoExaminationQuestions/237

Infactthisisquiteoftendoneinthecaseofa
motherinitiatingherdaughterorafatherhis
son.

6.Thinkcarefullyaboutthisquestionandwritethe
essayasthoughIweregoingtoreadit.Thenput
itawaysafelysomwhere.Takeitouttoreadit
againinaboutamonth'stime.Seeifyoustill
agreewithwhatyousaidorifyouwouldalterit
inanyway.

LESSONFIVE

1.Yes,theycan.Thereisnomaximumnumberfor
acoven(thirteenhasbecomesomethingofa
"traditional"number,thoughthereisactuallylittle
evidenceforithistorically).However,atotalof
fifteenpeoplecouldbealittleunwieldy.Two
possiblealternativeswouldbe(i)forthefifteen
tosplitintotwocovens,withsomenewandsome
old(i.e.moreexperienced)ineachgroup,or(ii)
forthefournewcomerstosimplystarttheirown
covenfromscratch.

2.Green.No,theritualsshouldalwaysbewritten
byhand.Infact,onthetitlepageofmostofthe
oldBooksofShadowsthereisthenotation"By
theWitch...(Name)...,inherhandofwrite"{i.e.in
herownhandwriting).

3.Atleastonceamonth.

4.ErectingtheTemple;EsbatRite;FullMoonRite;
CakesandAle;ClearingtheTemple(ifitisthe
dateoftheFullMoonthentheNewMoonRite
wouldnotbedone,ofcourse).

5.Samhain;Imbolc;Beltane;Lughnasadh.

6.Itisnotonlypermittedbutisencouraged.Itis
especiallyusefulintheworkingofmagick.

7.Itisathankingofthegodsforthenecessitiesof
life.Theloweringoftheathameintothewine
gobletsymbolizesthejoiningofmaleandfemale
(theinsertionofthepenisintothevagina).

LESSONSIX

1.SinceImbolcisasabbat,no,shecannot.Except

foremergencyhealings,noworkisdoneatsab
bats,whichareforcelebration.Shewouldhave
toeitherwaitforthenextesbat,ordoaspecial
Circle,forworkingthemagick,sometimebefore
orafterthesabbatevening.

2.TheGodandtheGoddessarehonoredatevery
sabbat.Dependingonthetimeofyear,oneis
givenpreferenceovertheother(basicallythe
Goddessduringthelighthalfoftheyearandthe
Godduringthedarkhalf),butitshouldbe
rememberedthattheyareboththereatalltimes.
Neitherofthem"dies"andisgone.

3.TheemphasisisontheGoddessbutbearin
mindmyanswertoquestion2,sosheisnot
supreme"totheexclusionoftheother."

4.ErectingtheTemple;FullMoonRite;Sabbat
Rite;CakesandAle;Celebrations;Clearingthe
Temple.

5.(a)Samhain(b)Beltane.

6.No,itisoneoftheLesserSabbatstheWinter
Solstice;December21st.

LESSONSEVEN

1.Itisalistening.ListeningtotheHigherSelf
(InnerSelf;CreativeForce;HigherConscious
ness;theGodsThemselveshoweveryouwish
torelatetoit).Itdiffersfromprayerinthatprayer
isanaskingwhereasmeditation,asIhavesaid,is
alistening(perhapsevenlisteningtotheanswer
toaprayer).

2.Tokeepthespinestraight.

3.Therereallyisno"besttime",butyoushouldbe
consistentandmeditateatthesametimeeachday,if
possible.

4.OntheThirdEye.

5.Examineyourdreamscarefullywheninterpret
ingthem.Breakdowneachdreamintoitsvarious
componentparts.Payparticularattentionto
colors,numbers,animals,significantobjects,etc.


Don'tbetooquicktotakeyourdreamsliterally
andalwayskeepinmindthatthemaincharacter(s)
usuallyrepresentyourself.

6.Awandshapedlikeaphallus(penis)andusedin
variousfertilityrites.ItisnamedaftertheRoman
godPriapus.

LESSONEIGHT

1.No.Theypledgethemselvestoeachotherforas
longastheirloveshalllast.Whenthereisnolonger
lovebetweenthem,theyarefreetogotheir
separateways.

2.Whentheparticularchildisready.Thereisnoset
age;itdependsentirelyontheindividualchild.

3.PhysicalandMental.

4.Controllingthemind;Removingemotion;Self
examination;Possessiveness;Love;Meditation.

5.(a)Calmyourselfandridyourselfofallemotion.
Thensimplyfollowyourinnerurges;beguided
fromwithin,(b)Usethependulum,eitherwork
ingona"Yes/No"basisorwithsketchmapsof
thevariousroomsthekeysmighthavebeen
leftin.

6.Bewarethepowerofsuggestion.Donottellhim
whatyousee.Enquireabouthishealth.Ifheclaims
tobefeelingfine,thendropthesubject.Itmight
beagoodideatogethimtohaveafullmedical
ckeckup,butthisshouldbesuggestedinamost
subtlewaywithnohintofworry.


LESSONNINE

1.Don'trushyourworkingofthetarot.Themore
youuseit,thebetteryouwillfindyouareableto
interpretthecards.

2.Yourinterpretationyourfeelingiswhatcounts.
Speakingverygenerally,thiscardcouldshowa
probleminrelationships,particularlycloserelation
ships(familyandclosefriends).Itcouldbea
breakupinthehome,atwork,orwithaparticular

groupofpeople.Youmustdecide.Bearinmind
thepositionofthecardandrelatethattowhen
thisislikelytohappen.

3.Againtheinterpretationmustbeallyours.It
couldbeapessimisticoutlookoranoptimistic
one,dependingonwhatstrikesyouinthesym
bolismofthecard.Keepinmindtheposition
the"FinalOutcome"whichwouldindicatethat
yourinterpretationshouldbeveryspecific(This
samecard,appearinginadifferentposition,could
haveameaningwhichwas,toanextent,flexible.
Butinthisparticularpositionitmustbedefinite).

4.Thereareseveralpossibilities:aglassofwater;a
magnifyinglens;awatchglass;amirror...really
anyreflectivesurfacecouldbeused.Initially,
however,you'llfinditeasiestwithaclearsurface
againstablackbackground.

5.Thelefthandindicateswhatthepersonwasborn
withandthecoursethelifewouldhavetakenif
thingshadproceededunchanged.Therighthand
showswhathasbeenmadeofthelifetodate.
(Withalefthandedperson,thesearereversed).

6.Thesymbolsmeangoodnews,goodluckandthe
startofsomenewenterprise(possibly,though
notnecessarily,awedding).Beingnearthehandle,
theycloselyaffectthesubject.Beinglowdownin
thecup,theyareinthefuture;possiblyquitea
wayoff.

7.(a)JOHNFKENNEDY=16856255547

=59=14=5

Thereisapreponderanceof5s(infact,fiveof
them!),whichisalsotheNameNumberitself.
Number5peoplemakefriendseasilyandget
alongwellwithpersonsofalmostanynumber.
Theyarequickinthoughtandindecisions.

(b)NAPOLEAN=51763565=38=11=2

JOSEPHINE=161578955=47=11=2

Obviouslytheyweremostcompatible.

8.Thefirsthouserepresentsyourinteractionwith

AppendixC:AnswerstoExaminationQuestions/239

theworldandyourappearancehowothersseeyou.
WithPiscesrising,therefore,thepersonwillappearto
othersmoreasaPiscesthanwhattheirSunsignmaybe
(theSunrepresentsmoreoftheinnerself).Thisperson
appearssensitive,noble,kindandgentle,andis
probablyofshorttomiddlestature,ofpalecomplex
ion,withhighcheekbones,lighthairandeyes.

LESSONTEN

1Agoodhealershouldbeapsychologist,astudent
ofanatomyandphysiology,adieticiananda
personofgoodgeneralknowledgeabouthealing
andaboutpeopleingeneral.

2.TheLatinnameisunchanging.Localnamesare
justthatnamesbywhichplantsareknown
locally.Theycanthereforedifferwithgeographic
location.

3.(a)Appliedtoobtaintheextractsofaherbby
meansofhot,butnotboiling,water(insomecases
evencoldwatercanbeused).

(b)Donetoclarifyasubstanceafterprocessing,
bymeltingandskimmingorfilteringthrougha
suitablesubstance.

4.Comminution;Extractionbydecoction,infusion
ormaceration;percolation;filtration;clarifica
tion;digestion;expression.

5.Asaskincleanserandtonic.Aspecialinvalid
foodcanbemadefromthebark,whichcanbe
digestedbytheweakestdigestiveorgansand
cannotbevomited.Insoapitisanexcellentskin
soother.Itcanbeapplied,externally,asapoultice,
toirritatedandinflamedskinandwounds.Ithas
beenusedtomakerectalandvaginalsup
positories,enemasandavaginaldouche.Itisa
demulcent,diureticandemollient.

6.(a)Expelswindfromthebowels.

(b)Facilitatesexpectoration(coughing).

(c)Increasescirculationandproducesredskin.

(d)Producesprofuseperspiration.

7.Asevenyearoldchildwouldbegivenonethird
oftheadultdose.Sincetheadultdose,inthis
case,istwodrachms,thenthechild'swouldbe

onethirdoftwo,whichistwothirdsofadrachm
(or2scruples,or40grains).

8.(a)P.Ae.(b)Coch.j.(c)Agit.vas(d)P.c.

LESSONELEVEN

1.(a)"Theartorscienceofcausingchangetooccur
inconformitywithwill,"ormakingsomething
happenthatyouwanttohappen.

(b)Bybeingingoodphysicalcondition.Cleanse
yourselfbothoutwardlyandinwardly,aspre
scribedinthelesson.

(c)Whenthereisarealneedforit(andatan
esbat,notatasabbatunlessitisanemergency).

2.Bybuildingthepowerthroughchantingdancing,
sex,orhowever.Youdosointheconsecrated
Circle.Don'tforgettomakesureyouare"secure"
(i.e.unlikelytobeinterruptedbyanyoneor
anything).

3.Makesurethatyourchantsarerhythmicthat
theyhavearegularbeattothemandthatthey
rhyme.Examples:

(a)"LordandLady,hearmepray;
Judgeandjury,rulemyway."

(b)"Allthebasketsfilledwithgrain.
Atseason'sendaplenteousgain."

(c)"Thieveswhostolethingsinthenight,
returntomebymorninglight."

ThekeywordsIhaveshowninitalics.

4.Shemaywellbebetteroffwithoutthehusband,
sodon'tbotherwithtryingtobringhimback
(thatwouldbeworkingagainsthisfreewill,any
way).Concernyourselfwiththewife'simmediate
situation...shehasaneedforSECURITY.You
mustdecideforyourselfjustwhichmethodof
workingyouwilluse.Thinkcarefullyaboutthe
wholestory;howyouwishtoresolveit.Thinkit
throughfromthepresenttothefinaloutcome,as
youwishit.Composeasuitablechant,remem
beringtohaveasteadybeatandagoodrhyme.
Knowwhichis(are)yourkeyword(s)thekey
wordwillprobablybe"Security"orsimilar.

5.Referbacktothelessontoseeifwhatyouhave
rememberedisright.


6.Thepointhereisthatthebestpersontowork
magickisthepersonmostdirectlyinvolved;in
thiscase,thefriend.Sogetyourfriendtowork
forher/himself.Evenifs/hehasneverdoneany
suchworkbefore,youcaninstructonhowtodo
somethingsimpleyeteffective,suchascandle
burning.If,forwhateverreason,thefriendjust
cannotdotheworkalone,thenyoushoulddoit
(whichevermethod'youprefer)butwiththe
friendassistingyou.

LESSONTWELVE

1.Atalismanisahumanmadeobjectendowed
withmagickalproperties.Itcanbeforavarietyof
objectives:tobringluck,fertility,toprotect,to
drawmoney,etc.Itdiffersfromanamuletinthat
thelatterisanaturalobjectthathasbeencon
secrated.

2.Inscriptionandconsecration.Theinscriptionto
personalizetheobjectandtogiveitspurpose.
Theconsecrationtoformallychargeit.

3.Whileconcentratingontheperson,youwould
inscribeitwiththenameandpersonaldetails
suchasbirthnumber,sunsign,moonsign,
ascendant,rulingplanet,etc.Iwouldrecommend
usingoneofthemagickalalphabetsforthe
personalization.FrankHiggins'sunsignisCancer,
hisrulingplanetistheMoon.Sincewedon't
havehistimeandplaceofbirthwecan'tputhis
ascendantormoonsign.HisBirthNumberis4,
sothatcanbeincluded.HisCraftname,in
runes,is:MI"HPF*1^K

andhisMagickalMonogramis:

Allofthisinformationcanbeputonthetalisman
(youdon'thavetouserunes,youcanuseanyone
ofthemanydifferentmagickalalphabets),arranged
inanyorderyoulike,topersonalizeitforFrank
Higgins.

4.Firstofalldecidewhatyouaregoingtobework
ingfor.It'snotjustmoney.Shedoesn'tjustwant
onesinglepaymentofmoney.Shewantsabetter

5.

1.

fayingposition(whichis,ineffect,anincreasein
incomeandadifferent/betterposition).Your
keywordcouldbe"Promotion"or"Advance
ment"orsomethinglikethat.Itcouldevenbe
"Desires".Taking"Desires"asanexample,you
wouldworkonaThursdayandmakethetalis
manoftin(ifpossible)orparchment.Maryisan
Aquarius,withUranusastherulingplanet.As
withthepreviousquestion,wedon'tknowher
risingormoonsigns.Herbirthnumberiseight.

Onthereverseyouwouldputthesigilfor
"Desires":

Youwouldpersonalizeonesideofthetalisman
forHenry,withasunsignofLibraandruling
planetVenus.Youcanignorealltheinformationfor
AmyKirshawfor,asIhavetriedtoemphasize,
youmaynotinterferewithanother'sfreewill.
Thistalisman,then,canonlybedonetobringthe
loveof"another"toHenry.

TheTalismanwouldbemadeoncopperand
madeonaFriday.Onthereverseyouwouldput
thesigilforlove:q

Partofthepowerthatgoesintothetalisman
comesfromyourconcentrationonthewritingas
youdoit.Tobesomewhatunfamiliarwiththe
alphabetyouusethereforeensuresthatyouhave
toconcentrateonitsconstruction.

LESSONTHIRTEEN

(a)Startwithvisualizingawhitelightallaround
theboy,asacleansingandpurifyingagent,then
graduallychangethattoahealinggreenlight.Let
thegreenconcentrateontheareaofhisleftleg.
Finishoffwithalittlebluelight,toensureno
inflammationandpreventrheumatismfromlater
settingin.

(b)Workwithagreenstone(preciousorsemi
precious:e.g.emerald,jade,beryl,turquoise).
Laythestoneontheareaofthebreak,foratleast
anhoureachday,andthenseethathewearsitas
apendant,orinaring,therestoftheday.

(c)Useaphotographoftheboythatincludeshis
leftleg.Projectgreenlightontothephotograph,

AppendixC:AnswerstoExaminationQuestions1241

eitherbyacoloredlamporbyplacingthephoto
graphinaframewithagreencoloredfilterin
frontofit.

2.Therearemanyvariationsyoucandoonthe
methodsdescribedinthelesson.Onewouldbe
toprojectthecoloredlight,butontoapoppet
ratherthanontoaphotograph.Youcouldcom
binethiswithvisualizingthegreenauraaround
thepoppet'sleg.Inthiswayyoucouldcombine
thesympatheticpracticeofmakingthepoppet
(andthestuffingitwithhealingherbs)andthe
colorprojectionandaurichealing,alltothesame
end.Thinkofotherwaysyourself.

3.(a)Thevitalforcewhichunderliesallphysical
actionofthebody.

(b)Toremovethenegativitythatyouhavedrawn
offfromthebody.

(c)Onewaywouldbetoworkonapoppet.A
secondwaywouldbetoworkwithaphotograph.

4.Constructthepoppettorepresentthewoman,
withallherphysicalcharacteristics.Makesureit
includesthecutofthehysterectomy.Youcould
makeitofgreencloth,tohelpthehealingprocess.
Personalizeitwithhernameandastrological
signs.Stuffthepoppetwithchamomileforits
soothingqualitiesandforitsuseforfemale
complaints.Similarlyyoucouldusepennyroyal,
calendula,catmint,tansy,rue,etc.Followinga
ritual"naming"ofthepoppet,forthewoman,
youwouldthenrituallysewuptheareaofthe
hysterectomyincision,andvisualizeithealing
andthescardisappearing.Youcouldfinishoffby
leavingthepoppetwithgreencoloredlightpro
jectedontothearea.

LESSONFOURTEEN

1.NotonlyisitpermissablebutIwouldencourage
it.Bearinmindthatyourritualsmustcontain
wordsandaction"thingssaid"(legomena)and
"thingsdone"(dromena).Thefocusoftheritual
shouldbeitspurpose,bethatcelebration,thanks
giving,seasonal,orwhatever.

2.Thisisentirelyuptoyou.Choosethosenames
withwhichyoucanmosteasilyidentifyandfeel

completelycomfortable.

3.Youmaywellhaveyourownfeelingsonthis.
TheCraftisafamilyreligionandtobeableto
participatefreelymakesoneverymuchawareof
beingapartofthatfamily.Itdrawstheparticipants
together,sharingthereligiousexperience.

4.Thebestplaceiswithinthecurrentpaganscene.
Thereyouwillfindotherswhoareaware(or
haveatleastsomeknowledge)ofwhatWitch
craftreallyisandalsofindmanywhoareactively
lookingtojoinacoven.Contactcanbemadewith
suchpeoplethroughthecolumnsofthevarious
paganandCraftpublicationsandatthemany
festivalsheldacrossthecountry.

5.(a)ToproclaimthefactthatWiccaisareligion
andthatitshouldbetreatedtothesamerespect
asanyotherlongerestablished/acceptedreligion.
Italsoenablestheparticipantstolegallyperform
suchceremoniesasthoseformarriage,birthand
death,andcanleadtogreaterecumenicalinter
actionbetweenourselvesandotherfaiths.

(b)ObtainacopyoftheIRSbookletHowToApply
forRecognitionofExemptionForAnOrganization
(Publication#557).

6.Writetothestationputtingouttheprogram,the
networkheadquarters,ActionForChildren's
Television,FederalCommunicationsCommission,
NationalCitizen'sCommitteeForBroadcasting,
NationalAdvertisingDivisionoftheCouncilof
BetterBusinessBureausandtheindividualad
vertiserssponsoringtheprogram.Complain
aboutthewayWitchcraftwaspresentedonthe
showandgiveanoutlineofthetrueCraft.Refer
torespectablebooksonWitchcraft.Donotbe
abusive.Complaincalmlyandclearly.

7.Youwouldn'ttellheranything...notrightaway!
YouwouldaskherwhatshethoughtWitchcraft
tobe(andalso,ifnecessary,whatshethought
Satanismtobe)andproceedfromthereas
describedinthelesson.

APPENDIXD
MUSICANDCHANTS

Intheolddaystherewasmuchfestivityatthe
Sabbatmeetings.Thereweresongsanddancing,games
andfrivolity.Soitshouldbetoday.VictorAnderson
hasrecentlypublishedanoriginalcollectionofPagan
songs(ThornsoftheBloodRose,Anderson,California,
1970)writtenbyhimself.SomeCovenshavegathered
oldersongsanddances,ormadeuptheirownfortheir

ownuse.

Hereareafewsongs,chantsanddancestoget
youstarted.Begincollectingyourown.Don'tbeafraid
totakeanygoodruneyouhappentocomeacrossand
enjoy,andputyourownwordstoit.Becreative...
andhavefun.

WICCANHANDFASTING

WordsandMusicbyRayBuckland

C5

*dT

m

~Ar"

^

WeallstandintheCircleatlast,WitnessingtwowhowishtoHandfast.

Bothdoshowtheirlove;knowtheirtrueheart,hopingthattheyneverwillpart.

3.

4.

BrightfullMoonisshiningabove;
Shiningdown,spreadingtheirtruelove.
Allareskycladandev'ryoneglad.
Happinessabounds;noonesad.

Flow'rsrestonthealtarsogay,
FlowersaroundtheCirclelay.
Allthecovenissingingwithjoy,
Happyforthisgirlandthisboy.

"Wedesirethatwebemadeone
IntheeyesoftheGodsandev'ryone."
Runicinscriptionsonsilverband
Eachthenplacesontheother'shand.

"YourlifeI'llguardbeforemyown,
Disrespectne'erwillIcondone.
ThisathameI'llplungeinmyheart
ShouldIhurtyou;causeustopart."

Thentheykisseachotherwithjoy;
Nomorearetheyjustgirlandboy.
They'reunitedasone,yousee.
TTordandLadywesay:"Bless'dBe!'

243


DANCEINTHECIRCLE

MusicTraditional

WordsRayBuckland

r*Ft

W^^

^=r=F

GGDG

"CometotheCircle,dancewithme;DanceintheCirclewherewe'llbe

Ji*^L*ppJ__1.__.

^^__U__*__=3B^^_zb=aJ:_^_

.SrI.........(.rr.,.

>CGD7G

Inthemoonlightturninground,Dancingonthefairymound."

I

Sgggijj^[

GGGCD

Onetwothreefour;0netwothreefour.AlloftheWitchesdanceandsing.

D

Totheleft:

i

D

X

D'

G

Totheright;Turn,leaparoundthering.
if^_^|_^.__~L.._^r^.,._..^_^|J^J^..pi.

G""G

G

MoveroundtheCirclestartingslow.OnroundtheCircle,seethemgo!

CGD7'G

ThirteenWitcheshavingfun.Faster!'Tilthedanceisdone.

Theyallgorunning,leapinghigh
Overthebonfire,tothesky.
Happylaughter;giveandtake.
They'llbetheretilldaybreak.
Neverslowing;puffing,blowing;
Deosilcircle,roundandround.
Movingslow;movingfast;
Spin,jumpandhittheground.
HarktothesoundsofWitchcraftjoy!
Watchasthegirlspinswithherboy.
Happy,happypagansthey,
DancingintheWiccanway.

3.Afterthedancingtherewillbe
Plentyofhappymemories.
Thereisritual;therearerites;
Ceremonyallnight.
"WelovetheGod!WeloveGoddess!"
AlloftheWitchescryoutloud.
"Weareone!Wesharelove!"
Wiccanstheyallareproud.
Pray'rstotheLadyandherLord.
Thankstothembothwithblessingsstor'd.
PriestandPriestess;Witchesall;
Proudlytheycanstandtall.

AppendixD:MusicandChants/245

JOININTHEDANCE


ii

F

3B

^

Come!Joinusnow,thismerryband,aswegoadancing.

î*crr\rrj

^


s

We'reWitchesall,enjoyinglife;aroundtheCircleprancing.

Don'twasteyourtimesittingoutsidetheCircle'sSacredring.

3^

fnTTTin^

s

Come!Joinusnow,fullcovenstrong.Let'sdanceandthenlet'ssing.

i?

TJ^Ti^^^

Joininthedance,roundandround;we'llmakeyourstepseemlight.

W^=3=3=îh

Letyourselfgo,roundandround;danceallthroughthenight.

LovetotheLordandLadytoo;

LovetoalltheseWitches.
Wemaybepoor,orsoitseems,

Butwehavetheseriches:
Wehavesomuchbrotherlylove,

T'getherwitheachother.
Wehavethebesttogethernow;

Wife,husbandorlover.
Wenothinglackinourlives,

Solongaswekeepto
TheWiccanRede:"Harmnoone;

Whatyewill,thendo."

Come!Joinusnow,thismerryband,

Aswegoadancing.
We'reWitchesall,enjoyinglife,

AroundtheCircleprancing.
Don'twasteyourtimesittingoutside

TheCircle'ssacredring.
Come!joinusnow,fullcovenstrong;

Let'sdanceandsing.
Joininthedance,roundandround;

We'llmakeyourstepsseemlight.
Letyourselfgo,roundandround;

Danceallthroughthenight.

NIGHTOFMAGICK

AnJUotino

ffflljr



A

=

"Hum*

TheMoonbrokeouttoshineinfullBetweenthescurrying

PP

.Chorus

clouds,AndthestormdidrumblecloseonbyWithflashandthunderloud.It

.(ftjJJJ&=pl?\Jjppi^^to

wasanightofmagickAndancientsupernat'ralpow'r.The

jjrrr

s

&

pf=


kindofnightwhenspiritsroamaboutatmidnight'shour.

2.Below,ontimelessrollingdown,
AnancientCirclestrong;

Composedoftimewornstandingstones
Itsoriginlonggone.Chorus.

3.Thensuddenlyastrangeevent
Occurredforwhomightsee.

Aphantomlineofmeninwhite

Appearedacrossthelea.Chorus.

4.Fromwhencetheycamenoonecansay;
Theysuddenlywerethere.

Withchantinglowandsteadytread

Theymovedincenseredair.Chorus.

6.

Theycastnoshadowsastheypassed

IntotheCircle'sbound.

Nofacespeeredfromouttheircowls;

Nofootprintsontheground.Chorus,

Aflashofgoldensickledblades
Notheldbyhumanhand.
Inritualconclave,magickrites
Longpracticedbytheband.

7.

Then,asathousandtimebefore
Uponthishallow'dsite,
Thephantomsslowlyfadeaway;
Returningtothenight.

Chorus.

Chorus,


MusicTraditional

Âllegro

WEAREWITCHESALL

WordsbyRayBuckland

fc'fflr.rj'iJvîr^Tff;{)

Wesinganddanceandholdourrites,weliveandlovetogether.We

If(j;.Mj^J"1rt4

KF

*#


goskycladorwearourrobesifitischillingweather.A

**

i^F^

:^1rJT^pipjjj

boutthealtarwedodance;wepraisethegodsweloveAndeverdowe

^jfc..Chorus

**vrx\s*j>J

li

giveourthankstotheSunandMoonabove.We

_$k.

aretheCraft;lovetheCraft;

^jjtÛfnsrmf^^

WeareWitchesall.JoinusinourCircleforweareWitchesall,

jLj!Lgz

~

m

WalkintoourCircleandfeeltheloveabound,And

frtjftr^rJ"rr

meettheLordandLadywhodoguideusinourround.

"An'itharmnone,dowhatthouwilt";
ItistheWiccanRede.
Wefearnofoeforloveweshow,
Inthoughtandalsodeed.

Ourwordsofthanks,oursongsofpraise,
Weoffertheminpray'r.
Wesingtheirpraise,weasktheirhelp;
Weknowthattheyarethere.

Chorus:

AppendixD:MusicandChants1249

MusicbyW.T.Wrighton

SINGMEAWICCANSONG

WordsbyRayBuckland

F*tf~RP~F>FtRf

EbB*E*EbwEfB^

SingmeaWiccansongofLady;andofLordOf

candies,censer,water,salt;Athameandofsword.For

PiJtJiGrV'rWtltrrn

onlyinaWiccansongCanGodsbetrueadored.

SingmeaWiccansong

OfCirclesinmoonlight.

Ofdancingfeetandchantingrhymes

Andpowerraisedsobright.

ForonlyinaWiccansong

Canweallworshipright.

SingmeaWiccansong
Ofwinter,summer,fall,spring,
Ofseasonspassingjoyfully,
Theirpraiseswedosing.
CanwewithNaturering.

SingmeaWiccansong

OfLadyandofLord.

Ofcandles,censer,water,salt,

Athameandofsword.


CanGodsbetrueadored.

Chantsandroundscanbefun.Hereissomethingthatcanbe
sungaseitherasaround(asindicated)orsimplysungin
unisonasachant.Itissungtotheoldtune"WeWishYouA
MerryChristmas."

1.AllpraisetotheLordandLady;
Yes,praisetotheLordandLady.
Oh,praisetotheLordandLady,
Forwelovethemso.

Inhonorweallhold

OurSabbatRites;
ToworshiptheGods

Allourdaysandournights.

AllpraisetotheLordandLady;
Yes,praisetotheLordandLady.
Oh,praisetotheLordandLady,
Fortheyloveusso.


ABELTANEROUND

MusicbyArnold

WordsbyRayBuckland

1j1rojsIJQiJ

roundtheCircleallnightlong,The

1.jIJnJJliSiS

TheygreettheBeltaneseasonnew,They

ffI&&J^T^Fj^j^

LordandLady,LordandLady,They

ftJ/3fT&TTJ^

Witchesdanceandjoininsong.

ftrOf*

welcomeLordand

n

j^r^

La

dytoo.

^

E_l&C&/Jg

welcomeLordand

La

dytoo.


SIXPOWERRAISINGCHANTS

(1)Wearethechildrenofthenight.
Gentleareweyetfeelourmight.

(2)Singing,dancing,chantinglow.
Powerbuilding...letitgo!

(3)RoundandroundthisEsbatsite;
Powerbuildtoworkourrite.

(4)Brotherandsister,togetherwesing.
Directingtheforcesthatourwillsbring.

(5)Wearethespokesofthemightywheel;
Thispowerweraisethatallmightfeel.

(6)Deosilcircleroundabout;

Buildingthepower,letitgowithashout!


EARTHSITE
byTaraBuckland

Earthsite
Witches'rite
Merrymeet
Injoytonight!

Sacredground,
Newlybound.
Witnessto
Thepowerfound!

Somesimplechantsmakeupyourowntunesforthem.

ELEMENTS

East;air!South;fire!
West;Water!North;earth!
Danceround;jumphigher;
Born;live;Death;Rebirth!

WORKTHEMAGICK

Swingthecenser,lightthelight;
Circleroundinstarlitnight.
Chantthewordsandringthebell;
Workthemagick,weavethespell.

CIRCLEFAMILY

Mylotinlife'snomatter,
Howe'ermydieiscast.
Myfamily'stheCircle;
I'mwithmyownatlast.

POWERCONE

Circlemarkedupontheground;
Skycladfiguresmovinground.
Incenserisingtothesky;
Powerconenowbuildinghigh.
Dancing,chanting,gentlesound;
Witches'magickdothabound.

RECOMMENDEDREADINGLIST

Attheendofeachlesson'sexaminationquestions,I
listedbooksforfurtherreading.TheyarebooksI
especiallyrecommend.TothemIwouldaddafew
morethatyoumaywellfindofinterest.

ABRAHAM,KarlDreamsandMyths

ANGUS,S.TheReligiousQuestsoftheGraecoRoman

World
BOWRA,CM.PrimitiveSong
BRACELIN,J.L.GeraldGardner:Witch
BREASTED,J.H.DevelopmentofReligionandThought

inAncientEgypt
BUDGE,SirE.A.W.AmuletsandTalismans
ELIADE,MirceaBirthandRebirth;TheSacredandthe

Profane;Myths,DreamsandMysteries

FITCH,EdMagicalRitesfromtheCrystalWell
FRAZER,SirJamesTheGoldenBough
FREUD,SigmundTotemandTaboo
GARDNER,GeraldB.AGoddessArrives
GLASS,JustineWitchcraft,theSixthSenseandUs
HARRISON,JaneE.AncientArtandRitual
HOOKE,S.H.MythandRitual
LELAND,CharlesG.Aradia,GospeloftheWitches

ofItaly
LETHBRIDGE,T.C.GogmagogTheBuriedGods
SCIRE(G.B.Gardner)HighMagic'sAid
VALIENTE,DoreenWhereWitchcraftLives;ABCsof

Witchcraft;WitchcraftPastandPresent

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KjyF:fr"HI

PRACTICALCANDLEBURNINGRITUALS
Spells&cRitualsforEveryPurpose
RaymondBuckland,Ph.D.

Magickisawayinwhichtoapplythefullrangeofyourhiddenpsychicpow
erstotheproblemsweallfaceindailylife.Weknowthatnormallyweuseonly
5percentofourtotalpowers.Magicktapspowersfromdeepinsideourpsy
chewhereweareincontactwiththeUniverse'slimitlessresources.

Magickneednotbecomplexitcanbeassimpleasusingafewcandlesto

focusyourmind,asimpleritualtogivedirectiontoyourdesire,afewwords

togiveexpressiontoyourwish.Thisbookshowsyouhoweasyitcanbe.Here

isMagickforfun,MagickasaCraft,MagickforSuccess.Love,Luck,Money,

Marriage,Healing;Magicktostopslander,tolearntruth,tohealanunhappymarriage,toovercom
ea

badhabit,tobreakupaloveaffair,etc.

Magickwithnothingfancierthanordinarycandles,andthe28ritualsinthisbook(giveninbot
hChris
tianandOldReligionversions)cantransformyourlife.
0875420486,208pp.,5/4x8,illus.,softcover$7.95



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RAYMONDBUCKLAND

AprotegeofthelateDr.
GeraldGardner,intheearly
1960sBayBucklandintro
ducedGardnerianWiccato
theUnitedStates.Hespent
manyyears,publiclydefend
IingtheOldReligionandprob
ablydidmorethananyone
elseatthattimetostraighten
popularmisconceptions.In
1973,aftermorethanten
yearsasaGardnerian,he
introducedhisowndenomin
ationoftheCraftSeax
Wics(SaxonWitchcraft)
whichhassincegrownto
worldwidepractice.Ray
BucklandisaBritishborn
authorofnumerousbestsellingbooksonPracticalMagick,suchas
PracticalColorMagickandPracticalCandlebumingRitualsHeis
regardedasoneoftheleadingauthoritiesonWitchcraft,voodooand
thesupernatural.TodayRayBucklandhasretiredfrompublicworkto
concentrateonhisscreenwritingcareerandtomorefullyexplorehis
Gypsyheritage.

WiththediscoverythatneoWitchcraftorWkcaisnot
devilworship,thousandsofreligiousseekersaroundtheworld
havefinallycometorealizethatthisearthreligionmaywellbe
theanswertotheirneeds.Yetithasbeenalmostimpossibleto
gathertogetheralltheingredientsthatgotomakeupthis
religiouspractice;particularlyinaddressingspecificpersonal
needs.

NowalongcomesBuckland'sCompleteBookofWitchcraft;one
volumethatbringsitalltogether.InitRayBucklandteachesthe
history,practice,composition,formulae,themechanicsof
magick,herbology,divination.'..inshort,eachandevery
aspectofthepracticeofWicca.Andhedoesn'tjustpresentone
tradition.Hetakesanonsectarianapproach,andhealsoshows
howyoucanstructurethereligiontosuityourparticular
needs.Heinstructsonthecompositionofrituals,theestablish
ingofacoven(group),theputtingtogetherofasystemtosuit
youpersonally.HealsoaddressesSolitariesthosewhowould
ratherworkaloneandencouragesandinstructstheminthe
practiceoftheOldReligion.

Thisisaworkbook.Itispresentedintheformoflessons,
eachculminatinginparticipatoryexercisesthatarefunand
informative;idealforselfstudyorforagroup.Itistheperfect
bookfortheseriousstudent,thenewlyformingcoven,the
SolitaryWitchorsimplythecurious.Suchabookislong
overdue.

"IreadBuikland'sCompleteBookofWitchcraftwith
muchpleasure;somanybooksonthissubjectarecasual
orIrivializcthewholesubject...

.;.Thisbookcontainsenoughinformationandknow
howforallapproaches;thehistorical,thephilosophical
andthepragmatic...(It)reachesthesubjectfromall
sides,includinghow(andwhy)togetintoit,fromthe
beginningtotheadvancedstudent...it'sprobablygoing
to(andshould)displacemostofthepreviousbooksI've
seenonthesubject...quiteentertaining,asmuchfor
thearmchairenthusiastasforthepracticingoccultist."

MarionZimmcrBradley
TheMistsofAvalon

"InBuckland'sCompleteBookofWitchcraftRayBuck
landgivesanintegratedviewofessentialWitchcraft,
synthesizedbyhisveryextensiveknowledgeandillumi
natedbythegenialbreadthofhisownwisdom.Thuswe
haveherenotonlyanamplecourseon'howtobea
Witch'butalsoincidentallyasaneandjoyfulexposition
of'lifeandhowtoliveit'.ForWitchcraft,withitssenseof
unblemishedselfhoodanditsperceptionoftheunited
fabricofallexistence,hasvitaltruthstosharewithmany
whoholdtomoresophisticatedsystems."

MclitaDenningandOsbornePhillips

TheLlewellynPracticalGuideSeries

MagicalStatesofConsciousness

TheMagicalPhilosophySeries

'Tewbookshavebeensolongneeded,andanticipated,
asthisone:thefirsttotallycomprehensive,eclectic,and
sensibleguidetotheArtandthePracticeofModernWicca?:

IsayWicca'ratherthanWitchcraft',becauseitincludes
notonlytheCraftoftheWisebutgivesthereaderfirm
foundationsforunderstandingandlivingthereligious
andspiritualdimensionsthataretheessenceofthisborn
againOldReligionfortheModernWorld."

CarlLlewellynWeschcke
Publisher

"AmasterworkbyoneofthegreatEldersofthe
Craft.RaymondBucklandhaspresentedarichtreasure
troveofWiccanlore.Itisalegacythatwillprovidemagic,
beauty,andwisdomtofuturegenerationsofthosewho
seektheancientpathsoftheOldReligion."

EdFitch
MagicalRitesfromtheCrystalWell

fl7SMEDSDfl
51495>


780875M420509

$14.95US
$22.50CAN
St.Paul,MN551640383

PRINTEDINTHEUSA


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