The Thirteen Principles of Witchcraft

The Council of American Witches (now defunct) adopted the 13 Principles of Witchcraft in April of 1974. Although many modern-day Witches are unfamiliar with the C.A.W., the Council's principles are widely adhered to just the same. They are as follows:

1) We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross-quarters.

2) We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3) We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4) We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity – as masculine and feminine – and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.

5) We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, Inner Planes, etc. – and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6) We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

7) We see religion, magick, and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it – a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft – the Pagan Way.

8) Calling oneself a Witch does not make a Witch – but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.

9) We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.

10) Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that it's institutions have claimed to be 'the only way', and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.

11) As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

12) We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as Satan, or the Devil, as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the sufferings of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

13) We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

[The above principles are now in the public domain.]

What Is Space Clearing? - Using Feng Shui To Space Clear

Many have asked how to incorporate Feng Shui into a routine practice

  Space clearing is a cleansing, and purifying of the energy in a home or business by working with feng shui energy. Everything that has taking place in a home, or business is energetically recorded in the walls, ceilings, floors, furnishings, and even the air. Take a look at your home or business and imagine if the place has never been cleaned from the day it was built. The buildup of dirt, dust,

cobwebs, and trash would be overwhelming. You wouldn't feel welcome, and relaxed. It's probable that you and anyone who entered the home would feel irritable, depressed, nervous, exhausted, and wanting to leave as soon as possible. Since many homes or businesses have never been space cleared there may be quite a buildup of psychic residue. Jane Alexander said, "most of us are living in the psychic equivalent of a rubbish dump."

Space clearing is somewhat different than the clearing of clutter in harmony with feng shui, as well as focusing on specific areas such as your front door and doormat with feng shui in mind.

Most homes and businesses can be easily space cleared. I will give you ideas and tips about space clearing your home or business below that will help guide you with space clearing your own space using feng shui.

When Is Space Clearing Recommended?

While anytime we can clear the energies of our homes or businesses there are certain times when space clearing is highly recommended using feng shui.

• If everyone in the home is bickering or fighting. The irritability level is very high.
• After an illness-especially major surgery or caring for a loved one who has been ill for a while.
• When a job has been lost, a divorced finalized, or major changes in one's life.
• When you feel professionally, or personally stuck in your life.
• Feeling tired, and drained of energy, and you notice when you leave the home your energy level rises.
•  If you purchase a foreclosed home, or business.
• Items you bought from an estate sale, pawn shop, and garage sale items especially if the items come from a home going into foreclosure.

• When there has been a robbery, or worse in the home or business. (Please note there are truly some places that the fear is so extreme the bad energy just can't be cleansed)

Space Clearing Preparation and Tools

Before you space clear your home you want to do some preparation first. Take time to think about how you would like the overall energy to be in your home or business. If things have been very slow and stagnant you would want the energy to be flowing again. If things have been so hectic, and chaotic you would probably want your home to be calmer, and slower paced. You might want the energy to be more uplifting, or more relaxed. Remember energy goes where intention flows so just take some time to think about how you would like your home to feel.

The day before space clearing you want to clean your home. If you have so much clutter and it's hard to clean please know that space clearing will break up the stagnant energy and get things moving again.

Be sure to get the trash out of the home by emptying all garbage cans.

You will want to make sure the day of space clearing you have fans off (ceiling fans, or stationary fans), TV and radio off, no machinery (dishwasher, washer, dryer) going. You want to take any jewelry off. If your wedding ring can't, or you won't remove it that's perfectly fine. You just don't want to be decked out in head to toe with jewelry.

Tools:

The most important tools you will need is your intention, and your hands. These are the best tools for feng shui. There are other tools that you can use, but they are not necessary. Do what feels best for you.

• Anything that breaks up the energy; it can be your hands, drum, or using two sticks banging them together.
• Candle(s) you can light a candle when you begin your space clearing ceremony. If you like a lot of candles by all means light up those candles!
• Salt - you can use sea salt, or honestly you can use regular table salt. Salt is best used for homes where there has been a lot of weeping, or sadness. The salt will be very grounding.
• Smudge stick (if using a smudge stick you will want to disconnect your smoke detector, as nothing will cause you to lose your concentration faster as a smoke detector going off). There are all kinds of smudge sticks out there and finding one you feel comfortable with is the best one for you to use.
• Bell - A bell that has a beautiful tone can be used. There are some "experts" who swear you must use "their" bells. This is not the case. Find a bell that makes you feel good and you'll be ringing in the freshly cleared space.

When to NOT Space Clear

While Space Clearing can be done anytime there are a few exceptions when NOT to space clear.

Don't space clear when you are pregnant. It's not that anything bad will affect the baby. It's just the energy level may be low, and it would be best if you have a friend you are close to that could space clear your energy if it's needed.

• It is not recommended to space clear at night. It is much better to clear the space during the daylight.
• Never space clear the energy of another person’s home or business without their permission. Many people have had great success space clearing their own home and may decide to do a relative a favor while the relative is at a doctor's appointment or visiting with friends. The change which may really be needed will not be welcome when the person comes back home. They will not feel comfortable in their own home. It could be as traumatic as a person out of their home while shopping and come home with all their furniture changed without their permission. If you are living with someone in their home who is against space clearing for fear that you are welcoming unwelcome spirits, or whatever reason they may have you have to honor them by not doing a space clearing ceremony. The best thing you can do is help them clear their clutter which is a form of space clearing. If they are also afraid to let things go you can just keep your area clutter free, and as clean as possible.

Space Clearing Technique Using Feng Shui

The technique I am writing about is a technique I've used many times working in harmony with feng shui energy and found to be very effective. However, nothing is written in stone and feel free while space clearing to go with what you feel your home or business needs. After you have space cleared your home a few times you will know exactly what is most effective for your environment.

• Find a table near your front door where you can put down your tools; candles, smudge stick, salt, bell. You will begin at your front door, so it will be easy as you go on to the next step.
• Open a window even if it's just a crack for a 'visual' of the stagnant energy leaving the home. Don't worry that you're going to send bad vibes, or energy into the neighborhood. All the negative energy will be transmuted into the light. You will also not be removing any love, or great memories from your home. Space clearing will remove just the bad or sad energy from the home. And remember there is nothing to fear as you will not invite any negative spirits into your home while space clearing.
• If you have candles, feel free to light them now.
• Begin at the front door. Mentally let your home know your intentions for space clearing. You may ask your guides, angels, gods, goddesses and any unseen helpers to be with you at this time.
• Begin to clap using your hands, drum, or two sticks together that will break up the energy. Walk around the perimeter of each room clapping. You can go clockwise, or counterclockwise. Whatever feels the best for you. You may notice in some areas the clapping has a muddled sound. This is stagnant energy which seems to build up the most in corners (and most likely where you will find cobwebs as they seem to be strongest where there is stagnant energy) Some rooms you may clap in and the sound is the same. The rooms that tend to have the most muddled sound go clap the perimeter again until the sound changes. Walk around clapping until you return to the front door. If you have two levels, you will want to clap on both levels. If you have a basement, be sure and walk around as best you can and clap the perimeter.
• **When finished clapping wash your hands very well. This is very important before you begin the next step.
• If you are using a smudge stick now is the time to light it. You may want to have a bowl underneath to catch any embers that come off the stick. Smudge yourself first. Begin at the front door and follow the same pattern you did as clapping with the smudge stick. You may notice some areas the stick will smoke very strongly, and other areas there will be just a small stream of smoke. The stick seems to know what areas need the strongest smudging. When you are finished smudging you may want to place the stick in a bowl and let it burn out on it's own near a window, or you can extinguish the stick in a bowl with some sand.
• If you are using salt you can place some in a bowl. Begin at the front door and toss a little at the door so only great energy will come into your home. There are many ways you can work with salt. Some people just take a small amount and twirl it around in a vortex pattern in the middle of each room. Some people will want to line each room with some salt, and some people just take salt and toss is in each room letting it land anywhere. Do whatever feels best for you and have fun tossing the salt around.
• Again, at the front door take your bell and begin to ring the bell. You will follow the same pattern that you did with the clapping, smudging, and salt. You will find you may want to just ring once and wait until the tone is gone before ringing it again. You may just walk around ringing the bell to what feels best for you. Some homes need just a little ringing here and there. Other homes need a lot of ringing. When you are finished ringing the bell and back at the front door make a figure eight (infinity sign) with the bell. You can then say, "all is well" "thank you", or whatever statement you will feel is best to thank your home and your cleared space.

Congratulations you have just space cleared your home! You may notice changes instantly, or it may take a few days for the energy to settle. Space clearing is very powerful, and yet very soothing at the same time.

Keeping Your Home In Feng Shui Harmony Using Space Clearing Maintenance

Once you have space cleared your home you can do some space clearing maintenance. It's very simple and can be done anytime you want to refresh the energy of your home.

• when you vacuum, or anytime you clean your home
• play uplifting music
• bring in fresh flowers
• open windows or doors in your home

The more in tune you are with your home, the more it will open to you and let you know exactly what it needs. Continue to use these steps and your home or business will be brought into feng shui harmony.

Predecessor Energy and Feng Shui

Predecessor energy is energy events that are recorded into ceilings, walls, floor, furniture, and even the air. If you've ever walked into a room after an argument took place you can 'feel' the tension in the air. That argument has left predecessor energy. Have you ever noticed a building that always has a new business only to fail a short while after opening? Have you noticed some of the same homes in your area the owners are getting divorced, gain weight, or get sick, and put the home up for sale only to have the new owners experience that same things previous families had experienced? If there was anything bad that took place like a robbery in the home, or worse the energy can feel very uncomfortable. This is predecessor energy. Even if you move into a new home there is predecessor energy left by the workers whether it's tension and arguments or feeling great about the pride they put into the home. Predecessor energy doesn't have to be bad, or negative. The Chinese believe predecessor energy is like wearing another person’s shoes. If they are successful, the new 'shoe' owners will be successful. If the previous 'shoe' owner was ill, lost their job, or filed for bankruptcy chances are very great that the new 'shoe' owners will experience the same future.

There are many ways to remove negative predecessor energy using feng shui and add your own energy by Space Clearing incorporating feng shui as mentioned above.

A Common Misconception About Those Of Us That Are Witches

The Myth of Witches

Over the years of being classified a "witch" due to my Pagan beliefs and being a High Priest in a coven, I have gotten a ton of requests about myself performing magic and/or spells for other people.

First of all, we witches don't run around advertising to do spells and magic for others.  Those that you see that do so, well, in this author's opinion, they are hustlers and con artists, that are out to play with people's emotions and money.

Upon some seekers who may reach out to me, if they are sincere and realize what all is encompassed in helping them reach a goal through magic or spell work, then I may consider their request. Not for a set fee, or any fee.  All such requests are open for donations only if one feels obliged to offer such.

Now to the misconeption.  Many people, thanks to the media, think that we witches live by magic, spellwork and ritual first in all that we do.  That is incorrect.  As a last resort, I turn to magic, spells or ritual to help in aiding the results of something I may dealing with. 

We do not lived "Charmed" lives as the television show of that name professes we may.  Nor, for those of you who remember, do we live the lives of Samantha in the series "Bewitched."  Basically, we live normal lives. We certainly don't get up in the morning, planning our whole day, based upon the art of witchcraft. (No, we DO NOT look like the person in the image I am including!).

There is a second misconception as well. I know, I only have "A" in the title, however, the other is just as important from my perspective. Witches can be female or male.  A "warlock" is NOT a male witch.  Any who may be curious can do a Google search and find a reputable source to find what a warlock really is.

The Different Types Of Animal Totems: Appearances, Messages, and Impact For Witches, Pagans & Native Americans

How The Different Kinds Of Animal Totems Vary

Throughout our lives we encounter various animal totems dropping in. The appearance of such animal totems will vary in where they show up, how they show up and above all, what their message may be to us. It is up to the individual to understand what the meaning and message may be. Once that is done, we can work with how it will affect us on various levels.

The particular animal totem species that appears also signifies a message and meaning. Here we are not going into the details of the animal totem species, but the types of animal totems.

Below you will find the descriptions of the various animal totems. This is basic information that has been shared with me over the years from the wisdom and experience of others.

Keep in mind that all animal totems are unique in nature and their set parameters that research shows may not always be how a particular animal totem will interact with you on your spiritual levels as well as on daily experience levels.

Journey Animal Totem

This one works with you for a period of time. It could be days, weeks, months, a year or more, however long it takes for you to walk the path the totem is trying to show you. You'll find during this time that the animal is always showing up in your life, whether it be in pictures, on TV, in person, etc. It's like you can't seem to get away from it! You might also find a time where you have more than one animal appearing in your life and then find out that they are all teaching a similar message. You recognize something is going on here. Chances are it is a big lesson you need to learn. A Journey totem can come and go from your life over the years. Maybe you have changed paths and are working with a different animal and then all of a sudden your old buddy reappears. They are there for a lesson.

Lifelong Animal Totem

This one works with you throughout your whole life, much like a guardian angel does. It is always there for you and reminds you of your connectedness. Whereas our guardian angel is usually with us when we are born, our Life animal totem can enter at any time during our life and then stay with us. The messages your Life totem brings are somewhat like reminders - reflecting your inner spiritual nature.

Message Animal Totem

This one usually brings you a message of self-growth or spiritual importance. Not to say the others don't, but this totem animal brings specific messages and then may leave you. It's like getting a wake-up call or a slap in the face sometimes. It tends to make its presence felt at an unusual time or place, and its impact is almost always very powerful. Whether you listen to its message or not is up to you.

Finding Your Animal Totems and Power Animals

Are Altar Tools Necessary When Performing Magic, Witchcraft and Spell Work?

My family tradition is one of training, training and more training. Even if you live a philosophy that you ARE the magic, physical practice is part of that YOU. And few are born fully aware of how one fully uses all the gift from the gods.  Magical tools...either natural or more formal ones, like wands and athames, created for magical use in Wicca, are simply tools to train the witch. Not to mention that there are many schools of magical training, numerology, runes, languages, the elements, symbols, etc., that are wonderful to know from a historical point of view or to simply expand one's knowledge of magic.  It all adds up to becoming the ultimate magical tool.

As others say - tools are not really needed to work magic.  If you can wake up one morning, decide that you are a witch, and begin working magic in your mind...all blessings to you.  If one records one's successes and failures and one's records prove one's success is not wishful thinking or self delusion...then one is a truly gifted natural witch.

Most of us need to educate and exercise our magical muscles. One of these ways is by using tools, especially if you are trained from childhood in magical thinking because some magical principles are too complex for a younger mind. Not to mention we are tactile beings. One can be in love with one's mate without ever touching them, one can grieve without shedding a tear, one can have a theoretical knowledge of skydiving but no one would argue that knowledge and experience are not the same things.  All these things are knowledge with different shades of understanding. Why would one want to limit one's education?

Another use for tools is that they keep one grounded. It is perfectly possible to do magic in one's head but few can do that for long periods of time without losing perspective. Then, there is the fact that most people do not have complete control over or even clear understanding of how one’s mind or emotions work. The result being that these things often lie to us. If I ask you to close your eyes for ten years and remember the color blue - you would have to be an extraordinarily remarkable person to open your eyes and not be surprised that your memory was slightly off the reality. However, if you were allowed to open your eyes to refresh the memory, the memory has a better chance of recording accurately.

This is the same if you type for years and suddenly do not have access to a keyboard. Ten years later your fingers and mind will remember how to type.  The same about bike riding and roller skating.  If you are the magic, that means the whole you, your body and physical practice, is an integral part of your magical ability.

I was taught to begin with tools using a philosophy of sympathetic magic. That like images attract like images, even those symbolic tools gathered in nature; stones, leaves, feathers, shells, flowers, herbs, barks, water, soil, salt - used with pictures, handwriting samples, mementos of those we work for. Then one can learn to do it without these things.  Even still, I return to the tools occasionally to stay grounded,or to learn a new discipline just to expand my magical knowledge or for the shear joy of learning.

Out In The Woods - Maiden, Mother and Crone

Out for a walk in the woods one night
I did behold an awesome sight
Around a cauldron their cloaks held tight
Three hooded figures, and a stag to the right

The sat there silent, the stag as well
As if they were waiting, in that leafy dell
The moon came out and without a word
The all stood up with one accord

They dropped their cloaks and merged into one
The Maiden, the Mother and the Crone
The stag came to her and knelt at her side
Paying homage to his Lady as she stroked his side

It was a wonderful sight as the bright moon shone
But, when I looked again they both had gone
I have returned many times at night to that wood
In the hope's that I'd see them.  I wish I could

Combination Pagan Banishing Ritual

Banishing What You Wish

Random Example of a Banishing Altar Set Up

Tools:

• 2 candle sticks(silver) 
• 1 dark blue candle 
• 1 white candle 
• 1 small portable altar table (you may use your regular altar as well)
• Rue oil 
• Business oil 
• Small incense burner 
• Charcoal 
• Banishing and success incense 
• Scared water in a glass bottle 
• Silver chalice 
• Pendant with moonstone and Triple Goddess image 
• Athame 
• 3 gold $1 coins (can be silver coins if no gold is available) 
• Small offering dish 
• 1 tiny salt cellar 
• Blessed sea salt 
• Water

Preparation:

Make sure all tools are clean and handy for before you begin ritual. Layout altar as  you wish. In the past I have used a dark blue candle, Stand the bottle to right side of altar table for the God. On the left are the chalice, white candle, and moonstone pendant (hanging) for the Goddess. Altar table is center slightly up between two candles. Everything is placed to form a semi-circle as if on larger table. Once things are set up as you like begin.*

Ritual: 

Cast a circle as is your custom. You may make this process as complicated or as simple as you wish. Take a moment to just breathe for 3-5 breaths in the circle concentrating on your chosen  task. Then when you are composed and ready, begin. When I last performed this ritual last I had a double purpose for this spell. First, to banish the negative energy that seems to be causing obstacles as of late. Second, to bring a better financial atmosphere to my work life. Sort of an out with the old and in with a more  prosperous new.

I first cleansed my new altar table and meditated on it's purpose. When a felt it was time I continued with the banishing/money spell. For this working I addressed Dagda, Danu, Brighid, and Cerridwyn. I hadn't planned on Cerridwyn when first preparing for this spell. However, when the time came her name found its way into my working, and I have long since learned to not snub a deity when it wants to be counted.  I included her as a welcome guest. Looking over my correspondences I find she is useful for spells dealing with change, new endeavors, magical powers, and knowledge. All of which play a part in what my intended goal was.

This is an ideal ritual for ones living with non-pagans in the household,  simple, quick, and all spoken parts done in whispers. But feel free to add or enliven as suits your need. For me discretion is usually the order of the day.

Upon Completion Of Ritual:

After I completed my working I let the candles burn for 15-30 minutes. The incense I was allowed to burn out in the small burner; which sits inside a Terra Cotta bowl--both lined with sand for safety. I left the altar set up over night.

*Note: Since I often work under the handy cap of being a solitary I light my candles, and incense as part of my set up. This goes for anything else in a  ritual that would be a job divided up to other members during the rite. We solitaries only have two hands during a working. So everything must be set up, or at least in the circle in easy reach.

Hint: Keeping your chalice full/fresh each day on your altar is supposed to draw prosperity and good fortune to you. Use the cleanest water you can--spring, filtered, etc. I've found it to be a simple offering to the Lady that brings a nice energy of well-being to my room.

Note: For instructions on forming a pagan circle for rites & rituals visit my blog post:  https://www.dalehyde.org/2021/01/a-wiccan-ritual.html

Erecting A Mirror Shield To Protect Against Negativity And Evil

Venturing out in the real world with out a shield to protect you is like unprotected sex, if you are real lucky, you won't catch anything, but there are all kinds of "goodies" you may catch if you aren't lucky! And nothing is so tempting to a psychic vampire as an unprotected person. So how do you go about shielding yourself? Well, here is how to build a mirror shield that will send back any negativity sent to you, and also allow you to remain hidden if you wish.

Sit in a comfortable chair for this exercise, and allow your arms to hang. Do not cross your legs, or your arms. Crossing either short circuits your energy, and while an effective method of keeping someone from influencing your energy temporarily, is not an effective method of control on a long term basis. Now visualize yourself surrounded by a ball of pure energy, this ball surrounds you but remains further out than you can touch, and no matter what is in your hands, the ball expands so it is never pierced from within. If you were to look from the outside at this ball, you would see yourself, for it is a highly polished, reflective mirror. Now this mirror is just like the one in a police station, the kind that is a window on one side and a mirror on the other. So you can see out, but remain hidden. I want you to program this ball of energy to "hide" you so your energies do not give you away - all you do is visualize such "programming" being fed into the ball. Now you are surrounded and hidden.

Now lets add the defensive capabilities beyond hiding. Visualize the ball now having the capability to reflect anything thrown against it back at the sender, a "return to sender" function you can also program, and initially make it 3 times as hard and strong, and 3 times as fast as sent. You can use any factor of protection you like, I call this the "bounce back factor" - think of it as 10 to the nth power, so 10 to the 3rd power is 10 times 10 times 10, or 1000 times as hard and fast. Now, if that doesn't do it for you, just keep increasing the power!!! Your only limit is your own visualization power, so the sky is the limit! Make your shield as hard, strong, and fast as you like.

One further point - what good is such a shield if it isn't around you all the time, and does it go into the earth when you walk, or around the bed when you sleep? Of course it does, merely "see" it doing so, and it will. And if you see it up all the time, it will be! You may have to reinforce the visualization in the beginning, but soon it will be second nature for your shield to be there, then just check occasionally to see if it needs any bolstering. Presto, now you may go anywhere and be safe!

Ancient Healing Chants and Spell

Some simple chants for healing are available in an old book by Ray Buckland. They come from old Etruscan magic according to him. They can be done on any day of the week and you should light candles and incense while you chant.

You should use your regular ritual candles (just do your circle as you normally would, if you do it at all) and add to the set-up a royal blue candle. Carve into the candle the healer's tree symbol (you'll find that in either of Scott Cunningham's Wicca books: Guide for the Solitary or Living Wicca).

As for the herbs/incense which would be appropriate, I'll list some common kitchen and wild/garden type ones after the chants. While you chant, use the candle to focus yourself and visualize the sick person vigorous and healthy, doing whatever it is s/he likes to do most. If you have a picture of the sick person, it's a good idea to have it on the altar, too. You can either chant the phrases 9 times or until you feel satisfied. You can do this daily whenever you have the time and it doesn't take a terrible lot of prep time except to grab the components, clear your mind and get your focus.

Here are several chants you can use.  Pick the one that seems to fit you best.  These five are intended to help bring about full recovery.

1. Per il bene che ti ho voluto 
2. A folletta di Norcia va ti a raccomodare 
3. Che la fortuna mi voglia ridare 
4. Sarei sempre il padrone 
5. Mezzo di questa vada avral

Now the list of common healing herbs. You'll be able to get a lot of these from your kitchen, a garden or wild place or from a health food store in the form of teas or oils.

• Allspice (not the blended stuff; you can usually get the whole seeds at the grocery store) 
• Apple ( a couple on the altar, perhaps; and bonus if you can get them in for the sick person to eat afterward ;-)) 
• Bay - take a whole leaf and mark it with the healer's tree; tuck it somewhere in the sick person's room, under his/her pillow if you can or put it in a little blue mojo bag for him/her to wear over his/her heart) 
• Blackberry - you might even consider doing a spell paper with the juice for ink 
• Carnations (on the altar and maybe you can take them after blessing and have them in his/her room?) 
• Cinnamon 
• Eucalyptus (you can get this dried in the floral department of a lot of stores) 
• Fennel 
• Flax (you can get the seeds at most health food stores or whole foods places) 
• Gardenia 
• Garlic 
• Ginseng 
• Golden Seal (very available in a lot of "herbal vitamin" sections at places like Wal-Mart and K-Mart) 
• Ivy (would be good as an altar dressing if you want to go that far or maybe 
• get a potted one to perk up his/her room?) 
• Lime (check around; the grocery store might have the dried peels in the spice section) 
• Mint (peppermint especially) (dried flakes in the grocery store) 
• Oak 
• Pine 
• Rose 
• Thyme 
• Tobacco 
• Violet 
• Willow 
• Wintergreen
  

Full Moon God or Goddess Meditation and Spell for Protection, Banishing and More

A Goddess Or God Meditation To Use or Build Upon For Spell Work and Magic

Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Full moons are good times for protection magic, banishing negativity from ones life, etc.
.
Step one: Make sure you have prepared the area you plan to use including your altar. Have all your tools handy. I take a cleansing bath before I begin.

Step two: Decide your intent and cast your circle.

Step three: .Sit or lay in a comfortable position within your circle. Slowly breathe in and out until you accomplish a steady rhyme . Let your mind clear and become still with each breath. When you are clear raise your hand or athame - pointing at the moon. Say...

I draw down the power of the Moon(insert name of Goddess of choice) into myself. 
I merge with Her power and wisdom, and the eternal essence of the Goddess.

Remember to intone the words and let them resonate with intent and power.

You will feel the energy fill your hand/athame. Bring the energy into your chest/heart and feel it glow blue and silvery. Its power and energy filling you with every breath. Just let yourself feel the energy for several breaths as you relax and let it cleanse, heal, and fill you.

Step four: You are ready to begin your meditation/ritual at this point. You may use the energy for other workings--healings, protection, banishing, etc. Remember that full moon magic may take one full moon cycle to complete itself.

Recite the below mantra and envision as described:

"Divine Light"* Meditation Mantra.

I am created by Divine Light. 
I am sustained by Divine Light. 
I am protected by Divine Light. 
I am surrounded by Divine Light. 
I am ever growing into Divine Light.

Picture the light of the Divine Light encompassing you. It will heal, nourish and awaken you. Also, you can picture this light and repeat this mantra when you want to help someone else. Picture the light passing from you into the person you are healing.

Meditate for as long as you feel necessary. You can also add a vision quest, or do a working at this time.

Step five: When you feel done/ready you may end the meditation. Have some food and drink. Thank the Guides for their presence. Close the circle. Ground the any residual energy. Clean up the area.**

Tools:

• 1 White candle 
• Incense of choice--cinnamon or sandalwood
• Besom/broom 
• Athame/wand, or use hand 
• Spring water 
• Small hand fan

*Note: "Divine Light" Meditation is taken from the book Divine Light Invocation by Swami Sivananda Radha which I recommend for everyone's library.

**You may leave candle and incense burning. Just be certain that they are in a place where they can't start a fire, especially out of reach of pets and children, and don't leave the candle unattended. Accidents can happen.

As with any spell or magic that I share, it can be used "as is" or modified to fit your specific needs or methods.

Note: For instructions on forming a pagan circle for rites & rituals visit my blog post:  https://www.dalehyde.org/2021/01/a-wiccan-ritual.html

Pagan Work Related Discrimination

The Silent Pagan In Reference To Employment

Pagan Discrimination - Flickr Creative Commons

I have been Pagan for most of my life.  I have enjoyed a large following and a wonderful and great group of friends online over the years.

Not to brag, but if I were to link to one of your articles you would get views.  That is simple fact that has been traced due to my followers on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ along with other sites.

Links and back-links will bring a site up in Google search and other search engines as well.  These links and backlinks are valued and well sought after by many as the more views you have the more successful you are online.  This applies to simply having a great following or selling something you may be offering.  The higher you rank with the search engines the more you will make from the increased views.

Now, here I am a Pagan witch who writes on various platforms including this blog. I used to link to the company I work for and provided back-links as well.  Analyses were done and it it was traceable that these such things worked to bring my employers website up in the searches.

However, about two years ago, I was told to drop all links and back-links as it may be offensive to some that I am Pagan.  I was further instructed to make sure I did not mention the company in anything I wrote about nor associate it with me at any level due to my Paganism.

What is intriguing to me is that most of the folks I know in the same business are Pagan minded on many levels and never had a problem with me being a Pagan or a witch.  I still am friends with very many work related folks.  By that I mean folks that are in the same business as I.

On Facebook I show my work as "Self-Employed" as I can not allude to the company I work for.  I had to drop all Linkedin content and links as well.  On Instagram I simply do not mention work.  It is sad that one has be in compliance with such a policy to keep one's job.

All said and done, I do not let it pull me down and I sincerely feel that the "company" has only hurt itself with such demands.  I can not and will not let anyone, nor a company tell me I can not be me or that I can not be Pagan.

How To Ward Off Evil Or Negative Energies Using A Witch Bottle And Other Pagan Practices

Why Use A Witch Bottle?

A Witch Bottle "Guarding" Our Door

Recently I was asked how and why does one make a Witch Bottle to be used to ward off evil and/or negative energies from neighbors. Well, there are a few ways of making one and what the bottle contains deals with the working of the bottle. But basically you fill a vessel, a bottle or a jar or whatever with things to trap and repel malignant and negative intentions that are coming toward you.

Traditional witch bottles made for use with this problem used urine (one's own), blood (one's own), nails and screws to impale and drown the evil. You can use salt water, pins, red wine and rosemary if you're not quite up to the nastier version, however.

You place all of these items into the container. Also you can use almost anything that feels right to you. You basically want something to trap the energies (the vessel), to impale them (needles, pins, nails, thorns, etc.), drown them (wine, water, urine, etc.) and something of your own because you're the intended target (blood, hair, etc.). Add something that's repellent, like herbs (rosemary, sage, etc.) to keep evil away.

Then bury in the farthest place in your yard or in a place where it's not likely to be found or bothered. Incantations aren't necessary but you can either make one up or find some online.

There are some additional steps that can be taken as well that work in conjunction with the witch bottles for the problem mentioned above with neighbors. Below is my  preferred order of the various steps. These can be done in any order, some or all of them.

• First, I'd do a thorough cleansing with some sage smudge to clear out any of the negativity that's already gotten through.

• Then create an energy barrier (however you choose to do it. I cast a permanent circle but if that's not your way, do it how you feel comfortable) around the entire perimeter of your home. Concentrate on making it strong enough to repel anything negative coming at you while allowing good in.

• Then make some witch bottles, as described above, and bury them in your yard, especially on the side where they live.

• Then you can place some copper pennies in your window sills and doorjambs, along with sprinkling some cayenne pepper and sea salt across all entry ways.

Doing the above will certainly have you putting up some good wards to begin with to protect you from such negative energies traveling your way from neighbors.