A few points to note:
1) the phases of the sun used in the Archangelic images
(East:Dawn; South:Noon; West:Sunset; North:Midnight) are not the
same, nor are they as important to Wicca. Instead, the poles of day
and night are established: Night for the East-West axis and Day for
the North-South axis.
2)
themale-femalepolesareestablishedwiththemasculine
images (Herne and Cernunnos) attributed to the active Elements (Air
and Fire) and the feminine images (Aradia and Habondia) to the
passive Elements (Water and Earth). Note that one figure of each
gender stands in light, and one in darkness. This male-
female/positive-negative/active-passive polarity is central to
virtually all systems of magick, eg. the yin/yang symbol in oriental
systems. I may be betraying solar-phallic tendencies by these
assignments, and you may want to use different attributions: The
Maiden can be Air and the Mother switch to Water, with the Hunter
moving into Earth, for example. Heck, the dual God Forms should
perhaps be invoked in each quarter. eg. Venus/Adonis imagery in East
or South, Hertha/Herne in West, etc.
The Star Of David
The last lineof the Invocationrefers toa 'six-rayed star'and
the mental work calls for imagining a Star of David. This is not a
specifically Jewish symbol in this context. The six-pointed star, or
hexagram, is the Qabalistic symbol par excellence of initiation and
spiritual illumination. The upward-pointing triangle represents the
aspiration of the magician to the Gods, and the downward-pointing
triangle represents the divine power, flowing down to the world.
These meet at the moment of magick and the interlaced triangles
forming the hexagram symbolize the power of this meeting. Should you
prefer not to use the Star of David, you can replace the mental image
with any symbol showing the meeting of your soul and the power of the
Goddess. This can even be a private symbol, one that is meaningful
only to you. Alternatively, you can just envision the sphere of
white light from the Q-Cross, as a symbol of divine power. Replace
the words about the 'six-rayed star' with some descriptive form: 'the
seal of the Goddess,' or 'the sign of my Awakening,' or simply 'the
light Divine.'
101
WICCAN PENTAGRAM RITUAL
Rubric [Thisis a formof the riteincorporating the changesin
symbolism discussed above]
WICCAN CROSS Face East. Touch forehead. Say IO EVOE HERTHA
('Blessed be Hertha,' or other Name by which you worship the Goddess
as Creatrix) Touch solar plexus or genitals. Say IO EVOE CERNUNNOS
('Blessed be Cernunnos,' or other name by which you worship the
Horned God as the Earth) Touch right shoulder. Say EKO EKO AZARAK
('Hail, hail force of fire') Touch left shoulder. Say EKO EKO
AMELAK ('Hail, hail to the glory') Extend arms in form of a cross.
Say IO EVOE ('Blessed be.') Clasp hands upon breast and say 'So mote
it be.'
CIRCLE OFPROTECTION Tracepentagram in East. SayHERNE. Trace
circle of protection until facing South. Trace pentagram in South.
Say CERNUNNOS. Trace circle of protection until facing West. Trace
pentagram in West. Say ARADIA. Trace circle of protection until
facing North. Trace pentagram in North. Say HABONDIA. Finish tracing
circle, closing it in the East.
INVOCATIONOF THEGREAT GODS Return tocenter ofcircle and face
East. Extend arms in form of a cross. Chant:
Before me HERNE The Huntsman
Behind me ARADIA The Maiden
On my right hand CERNUNNOS, the Horned God
On my left hand HABONDIA, the Great Mother
About me flame the pentagrams
And above me shines the light of the Goddess.
Repeat the Wiccan Cross. Rather than performing this in the rather
measured cadences of Qabalistic Ritual, a form of dancing and
chanting more pleasing to the God-forms of Wicca might profitably be
devised.
102
On the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram
by Tim Maroney
The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram is one of the chief
rituals of Western Magick. It has been with us at least since the
Golden Dawn of the nineteenth century, and it has penetrated into all
the many Golden Dawn spinoffs, including Neo-Paganism. Yet there is
still no widely available, clear instruction. The directions of the
magical orders are mere mnemonics for those who are assumed to have
personal instructors. To formulate my personal approach to the
ritual, to aid any others who may be considering practicing the LBR,
and to satisfy the idle curiosity of any gawking onlookers, I have put
together this short discussion of the ritual and its symbolism and
performance.
A. Intent of the Ritual
The real action of a magick ritual takes place in the mind. Ritual
is a form of moving meditation. The effect is also primarily
psychological.* The LBR is a tool to facilitate meditation.
[*Not all players would agree with this statement. Many would say
that the effect of the LBR is a fortified and cleansed area on the
astral plane, which they think is as real as Hoboken, if not more so.
It doesn't really matter in practice.]
The experience of a proper LBR is pleasurable and soothing, yet
energizing and empowering. One is made at home in the mystical realm,
protected from lurkers and phantasms by strongly imagined wards. This
solace from mundane experience is a precondition for more serious
works of meditation or ritual, but it can also form a healthy part of
the life of the mind by itself.
B. The Ritual
I'll just reprint the description of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of
the Pentagram from Liber O, a publication of the occult order A.'.
A.'.
103
i. Touching the forehead say Ateh (Unto Thee), ii. Touching the
breast say Malkuth (The Kingdom), iii. Touching the right shoulder,
say ve-Geburah (and the Power), iv. Touching the left shoulder, say
ve-Gedulah (and the Glory), v. Clasping the hands upon the breast, say
le-Olahm, Amen (To the Ages, Amen).
vi. Turning to the East, make a pentagram (that of Earth) with the
proper weapon (usually the Wand). Say (i.e. vibrate) IHVH.
vii. Turning to the South, the same, but say ADNI. viii. Turning to
he West, the same, but say AHIH. ix. Turning to the North, the same,
but say AGLA. [Pronounce: Ye-ho-wau*, Adonai, Eheieh, Agla.]
x. Extending the arms in the form of a cross say, xi. Before me
Raphael;
xii. Behind me Gabriel; xiii. On my right hand Michael; xiv. On my
left hand Auriel;
xv. For about me flames the Pentagram, xvi. And in the Column stands
the six-rayed Star.
xvii-xxi. Repeat (i) to (v), the "Qabalistic Cross."
[* Modern scholarship has a different take on the pronunciation of the
Big Guy's name. I use "Yahweh" rather than the "Ye-ho-wau" of Liber
O because that's what the Catholic priests of my youth taught me to
say, and I've never been able to shake it off. Use whatever
pronunciation you prefer, or a different name altogether.]
C. Politics of the Ritual
With practice, you will no doubt come up with your own style of
performance, and your own different symbolism for ritual acts.
Different people do rituals as differently as actors play parts, even
though the lines and motions may be fundamentally the same. (The
alternative is an authoritarian, dogmatic horror which is alien to the
deep occult understanding of religion, but is still common in magical
groups.) Slavish imitation will get you nowhere in Magick
-- except, perhaps, to some high spiritual degree!
The Christianity -- or at least angelic monotheism -- of the ritual
symbolism may give a start to some. Many of us involved in occultism
have strongly negative feelings about Christianity. These are perhaps
justified, but there are a few saving graces here.
104
First, as with any ritual, you should feel free to make it yours, to
mess around with it. If you don't start to at least play with the
styles of a ritual after a while, you are probably not doing it very
well. It is perfectly legitimate to substitute cognate symbols at any
time. However, the saying in the martial arts is that one first
learns another's style, and after mastering it, moves on to create
one's own. For a beginner, it will be easiest simply to use an
existing ritual form in order to explore the meaning of a banishing
ritual.
Given that experience, which transcends any mere set of symbols, one
may devise a form more in keeping with the emergence of one's personal
style. For instance, Neo-Pagans use a highly reified form of the same
basic ritual in many of their traditions, but with non-Christian
deities, spirits, and heros at the quarters. Aleister Crowley wrote a
new version which made the performance more dancelike, and used the
names of Thelemic deities and officers rather than monotheist gods and
angels. My private version, called "Opening the Threshold", is
entirely atheistic and philosophical.
In any case, of those people who so abhor Christianity,how many have
looked at some of the practices of historical pagans in Europe, Asia,
Africa, and the Americas? No religion should ever be "accepted" by an
occultist. When using any religion's symbolism, the adept should cut
to its sacred poetical core, and discard the political dross. By this
standard, Christianity looks
about as good as any other religion. Without this standard, and by
factoring in historical excesses and power plays, almost all known
religions look just about as bad as Christianity.
In other words, someone who will happily use Norse gods, Arthurian
heroes, Taoist immortals, Voudoun loas, or what have you in rituals,
but will never touch a Christian angel, is guilty of the same
narrowness he or she probably imparts to the Christians.
105
The Vibration of God-Names
--------------------------
In the LBR, the vibration of the god-names "charges" or "enlivens"
the pentagrams in the air. This is difficult to describe, but easy to
recognize. There is a feeling of presence in one of these charged
warding images -- though not necessarily a feeling of true externality
or separate intelligence.
Weare told to "vibrate" the names. The description and illustration
of the "vibration" given in Liber O have been known to mislead people
into hilarious postures. What the picture most resembles is the
skulking monster from the movie The Mummy. To the modern eye, it is
remarkable how truly unclear a photograph can be.
I didn't learn how to vibrate a god-name until I signed up with yet
another occult order and was taught it in person. I wouldn't wish the
ensuing experience on anyone, so here is a description which I hope
will be adequate in print.
106
Vibration phase i -- The Sign of the Enterer (1-4)
--------------------------------------------------
1. Stand upright. Blow all the air out of your lungs. Hold your
arms straight out at your sides.
2a. Close your eyes and inhale nasally, imagining that the breath is
the name. The exact nature of this imagination differs from person to
person. Thus, you imagine yourself inhaling the name into your lungs.
2b. As you inhale, sweep your forearms smoothly and deliberately up
so that your fists rest on your temples.
3. Imagine the breath moving down through your torso slowly, and
through your pelvis, your legs, and finally to the soles of your feet.
(Don't do this so slowly that you are hurting for air when the name
reaches your feet!)
4a. The instant the inhaled vibrational name hits the soles of your
feet, imagine it rushing back up and out.
4b. Simultaneously, throw yourself forward, thrusting your left foot
forward about twelve inches (or thirty centimeters) and catching
yourself on it. Your hands shoot forward, together, like a diver.
You bend forward at the waist so that your torso winds up parallel to
the floor.
4c. The air in your lungs should be blown out through your nose at
the same time, but imagine the name shooting out straight ahead.
Steps 3-4 are known as the Sign of the Enterer, or of Horus. This
symbolizes powerful active energy. The Enterer should be something of
a "rush". The vibrational name is projected outwards into more
tangible manifestation -- in this case, in the pentagrams of the LBR,
which are charged by the force of the projected god-names.
It is highly inadvisable to omit the portion of step(4b) which reads
"catching yourself on it." But again, I have no desire to infringe on
your freedom of choice.
107
Vibration phase ii -- The Sign of Silence (5)
---------------------------------------------
5. Finally, withdraw into a standing position, left arm hanging at
your side, right forefinger on lips, left foot pointing ninety degrees
out from the body.
Step 5 is called the Sign of Silence, or of Harpocrates. This
Egyptian god was mistakenly believed (at the turn of the century) to
pertain to silence, because his finger or thumb was touching his lips.
This gesture is now believed to be a symbol of childhood; this
correction appears in the World card of Crowley's "Book of Thoth"
Tarot deck. Harpocrates was the god of the Sun at dawn, and so
symbolizes wonder, beauty, potential, growth. So, step 5 may be done
in this academically corrected light instead.
However, the "hush" gesture of the Golden Dawn Sign of Silence is
adequate for the modern occultist, even if deprived of A Divine
Identification. It is a common gesture, at least in the European
culture, meaning silence. Silence perhaps balances the ultra-active
Sign of the Enterer better than does the more scholarly
positive/active "Sign of Harpocrates the Rising Sun", and silence is
surely no alien concept to mystics.
The Invocation
--------------
The pentagrams are given form by the drawing, life by the vibration,
identity by the four-part prayer of steps (x) to (xiv). Some people
do very elaborate visualizations of angelic guardians on each of (xi)
to (xiv). Because of my tragic personal deficiencies, I am content
with strong feelings of presence, identity, and divinity in each of
the four directions.
A horizontal cross is built up step by step as you say, "Before me
Raphael", etc, with you at the center; and the position of your arms
forms a vertical cross, a renewal of the Qabalistic Cross from the
start of the ritual. You may feel a quite peculiar rising and
expansion when both of these crosses are formulated. One has become
the center of the geometry of the space, and it is like a little world
in itself, cut adrift from the mundane currents of everyday
experience.
108
Steps (xv) and (xvi) are when the real banishing takes place, during
"For about me flames the pentagram, and in the column stands the
six-rayed star." A great pulse of force is emitted during these steps,
imposing the personal will on the space and clearing it of all hostile
influences.
After this is done, the invoked "archangels" maintain the banishing
effect, guarding in all four directions. Of course this talk of
angels is all bullshit -- the importance lies in the psychological
effect. Whether there "really is" an archangel standing there
keeping out inimical spirits is not important. The "feeling of
cleanliness" is what matters.
Concluding Cross
----------------
The final Qabalistic Cross is an affirmation of the completeness and
symmetry of the ritual, and also a new self-consecration. This is
more efficacious than the previous Cross because it is done in a
banished environment.
One is now ready to do a formal invocation, an evocation, a
meditation, or whatever the overall purpose may be. The LBR is a
preliminary ceremony, although it has a beneficial effect in itself.
It can profitably be done as a stand-alone ritual, but you should move
on. The LBR should keep away the horrible ickies that turn so many
novices away from Magick. Its mastery is a first step to adeptship.
109
Mystical Pentagram
Brightstarr, Kathexis
The Mystical Pentagram is a technique which will enhance psychic
self- awareness. Practiced on a daily basis it will produce surprising
individual results. One of the features of this technique is that it
encourages personal development by allowing each entity to discover a
personal mantra which corresponds to the five elements.
To begin,you will needa table ofcorrespondences such as"777"
by Aleister Crowley. Look up the names of the gods and goddesses which
correspond to the air element. Pick a name which when chanted 'feels'
right for you. For example, Nu is the Egyptian lord of the firmament
and corresponds to air. If I were inclined towards egyptian deities, I
would chant the name Nu for several minutes to see what effect
transpired. If I felt relaxed, comfortable, and generally positive I
would inwardly know that this name would be in tune with my inner
self. Proceed to find correspondences for fire, water, and earth in
the same manner and finally for spirit since it is the aggregate of
the four common elements.
Once you have found a personalmantra or a chant consistingof
five names, vowel sounds, etc. You are ready to proceed with the
practical application of the Mystical Pentagram.
Assume your favorite meditation position, relax and begin to
breathe in a rhythmic pattern; ie. inhale count one, two, three, four,
exhale count one, two, three, four and so on. Continue to breathe in
such a manner for about five minutes so that a definite rhythm is
firmly established.
Visualize thefive psychiccenters. Memorize theirpositions so
that you become familiar with the positions.
Nextvisualize a brilliant white light forming a circle above
your head in the spirit center. Mentally draw a white light pentagram
within the circle of light. This should be an invoking pentagram.
If your mind shouldbegin to wander, gently bring it back and
vocally vibrate the mantra you have chosen for the spirit center. Let
your mind dwell on this center and intone your mantra several times
for at least five minutes.
110
Next seea shaft of whitelight radiate down throughyour skull
stopping at your throat near the adam's apple. See a circle of white
light begin to form and pulsate. Mentally draw an invoking pentagram
within the circle of light and vocally vibrate your chosen mantra for
the air center. Continue to stimulate this center for at least five
minutes.
Now see ashaft of white light radiate downthrough your torso
stopping at your fire center. This is located just above the navel.
See a brilliant white light begin to pulsate at this center and draw
an invoking pentagram within the circle of light. As your mind begins
to wander gently guide it back to he image of the glowing white
pentagram. Here vibrate your chosen fire mantra. Once this center is
stimulated the sensation is unmistakable. A mild tingling or vibration
of the solar-plexus area is physically experienced. Continue to dwell
on this center for at least five minutes.
See theshaft of whitelight pushdown tot thewater centerwhich
is located in the groin area. Here, too, a brilliant circle of white
light should be visualized. Again draw an invoking pentagram within
the circle of light. Intone the mantra for the water center and repeat
the sound several times for the next five minutes.
Having arrived thusfar, see the shaft of white light radiate
down through your legs stopping at the bottom of your feet which is
the earth center. Form a brilliant, white, pulsating circle of light
and draw an invoking pentagram within the circle. Intone your earth
mantra and vocally vibrate the sound several times during the next
five minutes.
When all ofthe energy centers havebeen stimulated, directthe
light energy from the spirit center to the earth center. As you exhale
see the light travel from the top of your head down through your body
to the bottom of your feet. As you inhale see the energy travel from
your feet up through your body up to the top of your head, the spirit
center. These circulations should be persisted for at least seven
complete circuits. See the energy cleanse and vitalize every part of
your being and expand your awareness to cosmic consciousness. As you
continue to repeat this technique each day you will begin to see and
feel a change in your psychic awareness and a marked improvement in
your health.
111
Don't become discouraged if you don't achieve results
immediately. This technique produces very positive effects but they
are cumulative in nature. Be gentle with your inner self however you
must also be persistent and keep the communication open. It is also a
good idea to perform this exercise at the same time each day in order
to allow your body cycles incorporate the energy flow in a natural
order.
Suggested reading:
The Art of True Healing-Israel Regardie
Energy Ecstasy-Bernard Gunther
112
BASIC SPELL CONSTRUCTION
Because of the very nature of Magick, each working should be highly
individualized and personal. Even if following a traditional spell,
it should be tailored to your specific needs to be most effective
for you. Understanding the basics of Spell Construction will enable
you to formulate your own specific, effective spells for any purpose
you desire.
Preliminary planning is necessary. The very first step is to decide
precisely what your desired end result is to be. Before you can
start, you must decide where you are going. You must be very
explicit.
It is important, also, that you choose your time carefully. You
should take into consideration all Astrological implications, energy
currents and Moon phases.
The Moon is the astronomical body closest to us and, therefore, has
a profound influence upon us, it is very important to choose a time
when the Moon is in an astrological sign which is appropriate for
your working. For example: Aries/Action - Enthusiasm, Taurus/
Renewal - Sensuality, Gemini/Communication - Curiosity, Cancer/
Emotion - Nurturing, Leo/Vitality - Determined, Virgo/Organizing -
Studious, Libra/Balance - Cooperation, Scorpio/Sexual -
Philosophical, Capricorn/Authority - Ambitious, Aquarius/Innovation
- Social, Pisces/Sensitivity - Idealistic.
Bear in mind that magickal workings for gain, increase or bringing
things to you, should be initiated when the Moon is Waxing (from
Dark to Full); when the Moon is Waning (from Full to Dark), it is
time for magickal workings of decrease or sending away.
The highest energy occurs at the Full Moon and, therefore, this is
the most powerful time for magickal workings. The New Moon is the
next most powerful time for Magick.
Whenever possible, follow Nature's natural Energy Currents. There
is a natural time for starting things (a planting time), for
maturing things (a growing time), for reaping things ( a harvest
time) and, of course, a time for rest and planning.
Flowing with these currents will make your magickal work much easier.
113
Remember to plan your project for a time of uninterrupted privacy.
It is important that you have no distractions. Generally speaking,
it is best to work as late at night as possible. A time when there
is less frantic energy is most appropriate. You might consider
Midnight or later.
In choosing a place to do your magickal working pay particular
attention to your needs, for you must be comfortable. Your place
should be private, quiet and secure. If at all possible, set aside
a special place for this purpose only. An unused room, a special
corner of your bedroom, a quiet, secluded spot in your garden. A
place that is yours. A place that you can come to whenever need
arises and that is as free from intrusion of others as possible.
Prior to the night of your magickal working, gather together the
things that you will need. All of the things used are tools. They
have no inherent magick. They are to help you create a mood. If
correctly made and used, they will trigger primitive responses from
deep within you. They should be chosen with care.
Consider the purpose of your ritual and choose your tools
accordingly. If your magick is to be sexual, your candles, oils,
incenses and so forth, should bring forth a sexual response. If the
desired result of your Magick is Tranquillity, then the tools should
make you feel calm, peaceful and serene. Any candles you might use
should not have commercially added fragrances as these may not be
appropriate for your working.
Prior to your ritual, prepare yourself and your equipment by any
means necessary to clean and purify. Historically, people have
fasted, followed meticulous and detailed bathing practices,
practiced chastity and used many other methods.
114
Most often a Ritual Bath is the preferred method. A bath frequently
utilizing candlelight, fragrant herbs, bath salts or sensuous oils.
A sumptuous hot bath, special bathing preparations and appropriate
lighting, combined, can create the soothing effect which will help
in the very important step of relaxing and clearing the mind
completely
of all mundane thoughts and experiences of the day. Your ritual
Bath should, also, begin to set the specific vibrations conducive to
your purpose into motion. You must not only cleanse and purify but
must, also, begin to create the type of energy necessary.
Once your purification process has been accomplished, you are now
ready to begin. Proceed to the special place you have previously
chosen in which to perform your magick. If at all possible, you
should make use of the primitive responses set into motion by a well
chosen piece of music. Your music should start slowly and build to
a rousing climax.
As you use your oils, light your candle or incense (or utilize any
other tool you have chosen), you should begin to further intensify
the energy that you have set into motion around you. A high degree
of intensity is vitally important.
The Altered State of Consciousness that you must reach is not a
meditative state. Anything that interferes with your ability to
concentrate upon, reach and control the high energy state necessary
to perform magick should be avoided. Such as, screaming children, a
sink full of dirty dishes, use of alcohol or drugs, etc.
Do not scatter your energy by attempting to do more than one
magickal working at a time.
Remember that Magick is the manipulation of energy, a thought is a
form of energy and a visualization is an even stronger form of
energy. Your visualization can be a method used to intensify
further and direct your will. Your visualization can be the method
by which you control the magickal energy you have produced.
You must know what you want. You must see it. You must feel the
high energy flow. You must direct it.
One of the most important elements in the practice of any form of
Magick is the Universal Law of Cause and Effect. This means that
whatever you do (or don't do) you cause something to happen.
The most important consideration is the Universal Law of
Retribution. This means that no matter what you do, it comes back
to you in like kind.
115
It is the nature of things that as you send something out it gains
momentum, so that, by the time it comes back to you, it is three
times stronger. If you do something nice for someone, someone will
do something nicer for you.
"As you weave and
spin your spell,
Three fold return
the tale will tell."
116
117
A CEREMONY FOR THE TROOPS IN THE GULF FOR SAFETY AND VICTORY
To be performed at the next Full Moon after Jan. 15th, or when war
breaks out
Introduction: This is not a ceremony for peace. Unfortunately, it
seems that peace isn't a viable option, and our warriors and the
warriors that are allied with us will go on the war path to engage the
enemy. In days of old, the Chiricahua Teneh invoked the energies of
White Painted Woman before going into battle. White Painted Woman was
not only the Maiden aspect of the Goddess, but also the one who taught
First Man and First Woman, Her children, the skills of battle. It is
She who will be addressed the most in this ceremony.
Preparations: Set up the shields (or candles: Black in the East, White
in the South, Yellow in the West and Royal Blue in the North) at the
four cardinal points, with the aid of a compass if possible. The Altar
is set up a little to the West of the center, for the sake of the
spirits of the warriors that have gone before. The altar cloth should
be Desert Camo, to bring to mind the uniforms of the warriors now
poised for battle. Two tan candles and a brown Maiden candle should be
burning on the altar, but there should be no other adornments save for
the usual tools. This is a solemn occasion. If robes are worn, they
should be desert tan or Desert Camo. If you can get hold of them, the
traditional Kaffiyeh scarves can be worn around the neck or as a belt
for your athames. (for circles with both a High Priestess and a High
Priest, the "F" in parentheses refers to what should be spoken by the
HPS, the "M" in parentheses means that which should be spoken by the
HP.)
HERE BEGINS THE CEREMONY
~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~~
PART ONE: ESTABLISHING THE SACRED GROUNDS
OFFICIANT (F): To all present, I bid you Ho'n'dah (welcome). Welcome
to the sacred ground, the place where the world is made one...the
special place, the place where we can remember ourselves.
PARTICIPANTS: Ho'n'dah! Welcome!
OFFICIANT (M): We come in a time of crisis, in a time when our
brothers and sisters have taken up arms against the enemy. The Pagans
of old have seen the war times again and again, and have when needful
fought valiantly and victoriously. It is time again to ask the Lady of
War, the One Who taught us the arts of battle in the first place, for
Her protection and for the blessings of quick and decisive victory!
PARTICIPANTS: Enju! Let it be so!
OFFICIANT (F): Let us make the circle and make the ceremony.
Drummer starts a slow (60-70 bpm) beat. The Officiant(s) and the(ir)
Acolyte walk to the intended perimeter of the circle, just in front of
the eastern shield. The Officiant (F) is given the Smudge Stick by the
Acolyte. She smudges the Eastern Quarter, saying:
OFFICIANT (F): Harmful ones of the East, Gan'n of the Eastern
Mountains, stay away from this sacred ground...leave and not return.
The process is repeated at the Southern quarter.
118
OFFICIANT (F): Harmful ones of the South, Gan'n of the Fiery Southern
Mountains, stay away from this sacred ground...leave and not return.
The process is repeated at the Western quarter.
OFFICIANT (F): Harmful ones of the West, Spirits of unquiet dead and
those conjured by the sorcerers of the Enemy, Gan'n of the Western
Mountains, stay away from this sacred ground...leave and not return.
The process is completed at the Northern quarter.
OFFICIANT (F): Harmful ones of the North, Thunder people of evil
intent, Gan'n of the Northern Mountains, stay away from this sacred
ground...leave and not return.
The Officiant (F) then passes the smudge stick back to the Acolyte (or
Male Officiant) who smudges hi/rself then smudges all participants.
S/he then takes the smudge stick back to the altar, placing it in its
bowl. The Acolyte takes the pouch of sacred meal off the altar, to
bring it to the Officiant
The Acolyte and Officiant(s) then walk to the Eastern Quarter. The
Officiant(F) throws a pinch of corn meal in the direction of the East,
then says:
OFFICIANT(F): Spirit keepers of the East, direction of the Sun's
rebirth, kindly ones of Air, come, see, and join in the ceremony!
PARTICIPANTS: Blessed Be!
The process is repeated at the South.
OFFICIANT(F): Spirit keepers of the South, direction of the Sun's
repose, kindly ones of Fire, come, see, and join in the ceremony!
The process is repeated at the West.
OFFICIANT(F): Spirit keepers of the West, direction of the Sun's
setting, brave warriors who have fallen in battle, blessed, mighty,
good and brave ancestors, kindly ones of Water, come, see and join in
our ceremony!
The process is completed at the North.
OFFICIANT(F): Spirit keepers of the North, direction of the Sun's
zenith, kindly ones of the Soil, come, see, and join in our ceremony!
The Officiant(s) then walk back to the East. The Acolyte joins them.
The Officiant(F) unsheathes her athame, points it to the sky, and
says:
OFFICIANT(F): Great Sky Father, Sun Father, Killer of Enemies, Lord of
Battle, Lord of the Hunt, Rain Lord, Eternal Hero, Father,
Grandfather, we welcome you to the Circle of Light, on this night when
we ask your blessing on the Warriors of our Nation. Come bless us,
come comfort us, come strengthen us, come enlighten us, come, see, and
join in the ceremony!
ALL: Hail, Sky Father! Hail, Lord of Battle! Come bless us, come
comfort us, come strengthen us, come enlighten us, come, see, and join
in the ceremony! Ho'n'dah! Blessed Be!
119
(The male officiant unsheathes his athame, then) The Officiant(M) then
says:
OFFICIANT(M): Great Mother, White Painted Woman, She Who taught the
Pagans puissance at arms, She who gives victory to Her beloved People,
Mother of Limitless Space, Mother of the Silver Moon, Corn Mother,
Grandmother Wisdom, we your children welcome you to the Circle of
Light, on this night when we ask your blessing on the Warriors of our
Nation. Come bless us, come comfort us, come strengthen us, come
enlighten us, come, see and join in the ceremony!
ALL: Hail, White Painted Woman! Hail, Bringer of Victory! Hail, Maiden
of Battle, She of Unlimited Strength! Come bless us, come comfort us,
come strengthen us, come enlighten us, come, see and join in the
ceremony! Ho'n'dah! Blessed Be!
(The Male Officiant then sheaths his athame then) The Officiant(s) and
the Acolyte then walks the circle around four times Deosil, once for
each of the four directions. The Officiant(f) traces the circle in the
air with the athame three times, then scatters more corn meal on the
next pass. The rounds begin and end in the Eastern Quarter. The
Officiant(s) and the Acolyte complete the rounds, then stand at
attention at the Eastern Quarter.
OFFICIANT(F): Four times the circle is drawn. It is good, and
unbroken. It is the boundary between Ordinary and Non-ordinary,
between sacred and more sacred still. I have done this! Enju!
ALL: ENJU! BLESSED BE!
THE CIRCLE IS COMPLETED. NO-ONE IS TO LEAVE IT ABRUPTLY, BUT AT A
SUITABLE LULL ONE WHO HAS NEED CAN CUT THEMSELVES OUT. CHILDREN AND
ANIMALS ARE EXCLUDED FROM THESE REQUIREMENTS.
THE CIRCLE IS BROKEN
~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~~~~
OFFICIANT(F): It is time to break the circle. We have joined here to
lend our support to our Warriors, as Pagans have done in war times
past. It is time to dismiss the Spirit Keepers, the great ones, who
have kept guard over this sacred spot.
The Officiant(s) face East.
OFFICIANT(S): Spirit keepers of the East, from the direction of the
Sun's rebirth, kindly ones of the Air, we bid you farewell. Blessed
be.
The Officiant(s) face North.
OFFICIANT(S): Spirit keepers of the North, from the direction of the
sun's Zenith, kindly ones of the Soil, we bid you farewell. Blessed
be.
The Officiant(s) face West.
OFFICIANT(S): Spirit keepers of the West, from the direction of the
sun's setting, blessed, mighty, good and brave ancestors, kindly ones
of watet, we bid you farewell. Blessed be.
120
The Officiant(s) face South.
OFFICIANT(S): Spirit keepers of the South, from the direction of the
sun's repose, kindly ones of fire, we bid you farewell. Blessed be.
The Officiant(s) return to face East.
Great Mother, Noble Father, Beautiful Lady, Mighty Lord, we thank you
for your presence and blessings here. Go if you must, but stay if you
can. Blessed Be.
The circle is then "sunken" by all assembled into the soil, to give
the energy released within to the Earth for healing if the ritual is
done outdoors. If indoors, the circle is broken by the Officiant(s)
walking the circle around four times Widdershins to disperse it.
THUS ENDS THE RITUAL.
Minerva Chihacou White Puma Pasekngavit 1/14/1991
121
Tool Blessing Ritual
A purification of objects for ritual use and their transformation into
magical items.
[The area is prepared by placing a quantity of each element in the proper
quarter, as well as preparing the altar in the usual way. If available, a
cauldron (empty) is placed in the center of the circle. Candles are placed
at each of the four corners and lit, progressing deosil from the east.
Salt and water are blessed, and the celebrants are purified with them. A
magic circle is cast, and watchtowers summoned. The god is then drawn down
as follows:
[The priest stands before the alter in the Osiris position, arms crossed
across chest and feet together. The Priestess kneels before him with face
and arms upraised.]
PS: Hephaestus, forger of magic,
descend upon this the body of thy priest and servant,
lend us the strength of your arms.
Prometheus, shape of man,
descend upon this the body of thy priest and servant,
lend us your fire and foresight
Morpheus, weaver of dreams,
descend upon this the body of thy priest and servant,
lend us your subtlety and vision
P: I am he, the shape-god,
forger, builder, artisan, smith.
With strength and craft I form the world.
[The Priest helps the Priestess to rise, and she stands in the center of
the circle in the god position, extending her arms outward and down, palms
facing forward. The Priest kneels before her with head bowed.]
Clotho, spinner of the strand of life
Descend upon this the body of thy priestess and servant.
Lend us your wheel of making.
Hecate, caster of spells,
Descend upon this the body of thy priestess and servant.
Lend us the power of your magic.
Aphrodite, goddess of love,
Descend upon this the body of thy priestess and servant.
Grant us eros, philos, aristos, agape.
PS: I am she, the weaver-goddess,
Painter, poet, sculptor, witch.
With art and love I form the world.
[The priestess extends her hands to the priest, and helps him rise. The
priest cups both hands and scoops from the cauldron, then offers to the
priestess.]
P: Drink now from the cauldron of Cerridwen, whose draughts bring
knowledge, peace, and life.
[The priestess sips from the cupped hands, after which the priest drinks.
The objects to be blessed are taken from the altar by the priest and moved
widdershins to the west quarter, and immersed in the water there.]
P: Spirits of the west, in water born
In cool waters cleanse these tools
And wash from them all hurt and harm
This I ask, this charge I lay,
By oak and ash and bitter thorn.
[The objects are moved by the priestess to the south quarter and moved
above the flames there.]
122
PS: Spirits of the south, in fire born
In shining flames purify these tools
And burn from them all impurities
This I ask, this charge I lay,
By oak and ash and bitter thorn.
[The objects are moved to the east quarter by the priest and moved through
the incense smoke.]
P: Spirits of the east, in sweet air born
In swirling winds polish these tools
And sweep from them all phantasm and illusion
This I ask, this charge I lay,
By oak and ash and bitter thorn.
[The objects are moved to the altar by the priestess, and placed upon the
pentacle.]
Ps: Spirits of the north, in cool earth born
In mother earth ground these tools
And take from them all spirits dark
This I ask, this charge I lay,
By oak and ash and bitter thorn.
[The person consecrating the tools now offers an impromptu or prepared
charge to the items, stating their purpose and mode of use. They are then
taken up by the priestess and moved to the east quarter.]
PS: Spirits of the east, from the bright air come,
Fill these tools with the swirling energies of the whirlwind
Make them float like the breeze
Spirits of air, hearken unto me,
As I do will, so more it be.
[The tools are now taken up by the priest and moved to the south quarter.]
P: Spirits of the south, from wild fire come,
Fill these tools with the burning energies of the flames
Make them glow with bright fire
Spirits of fire, hearken unto me,
As I do will, so more it be.
[The tools are now taken up by the priestess and moved to the west
quarter.]
P: Spirits of the west, from soothing water come,
Fill these tools with the calming energies of the warm rain
Make them flow like the tide
Spirits of water, hearken unto me,
As I do will, so more it be.
[The tools are now taken up by the priestess and moved to the altar.]
PS: Spirits of the north, from firm earth come,
Fill these tools with the ordering energies of the growing crops
Make them flourish like grapes on the vine
Spirits of earth, hearken unto me,
As I do will, so more it be.
[The priest takes the tools from the altar and steps backwards. The
priestess stands at the altar facing south towards the priest. The priest
extends his right arm in parallel to the ground, between he and the
priestess, with the tools in his hand.]
P: I am the god, ever desiring. I am the stag in the woods,
I am the sun in the noonday sky, I am the lover in the dark.
I offer passion, strength, devotion, and the swiftness of the hunt.
[The priestess extends her right arm in like fashion, and places her hand
over that of the priest.]
123
PS: I am the goddess, ever nurturing.
I am the tempting beauty of the maid,
I am the quiet strength of the mother,
I am the infinite wisdom of the crone.
I offer life, love, warmth, and the fruitfulness of the fields.
[Both step towards each other, and turn their hands and arms so the fingers
point upwards, and the palms facing their own chest, cupping the other's
palm between and holding the tools. They clasp each other with their left
arms.]
P&PS: Male and female, yin and yang, light and dark, action and stillness.
Apart we are forever incomplete, but together we form one.
In our joining we are blessed. In our union, the limitless energy
of universe is released and captured here.
P: As I do will
PS: As I do will
P&PS: As we do will, so mote it be.
[The priest and priestess kiss, then release grasps. If the number and
size
of the tools precludes them being held in one hand simultaneously, the
latter
charging section should be repeated for each. The tools are replaced on
the
altar.Cakes and wine are blessed and consumed, and a period of relaxation
and rest follows. The watchtowers are then dismissed, and the circle
opened.]
124
DEDICATION OF Altar And Athame
Durwydd MacTara (1990)
ALTAR
This Altar in the circle's center,
A focal point that only good may enter.
Erected to God and Goddess in strength,
Circular, it has neither breadth nor length.
Focal point in A Circle of Power,
A mighty lens for every Tower!
Sacred to Lord, Maiden, Lady, and Crone,
The foundation of many a powerful Cone!
Resting Place of Magick and its implements,
Let veneration and Love be our only sentiments!
A tool of will, powerful and free,
As it is willed, So Mote it Be!
ATHAME
Mighty Deities, Gracious Lady and Mighty Lord,
As I perform this ritual, Pray hearken to my word.
This tool, conceived in Mind of Air, (Point East)
Forged and formed in Fire of the South, (Point South)
Power tool for those who dare,
I CLAIM thee with my mouth! (Kiss blade)
Tempered with Water for Strength, (Point West)
Also dedicated to the Earth,in Power. (Point North)
Blessed be, entire in length, (Kiss Pommel)
As it partakes of every Tower!
By the Power of Cosmos, As above, (Point Up)
The Expression of Cosmos, is below. (Point Down)
Upon this instrument of Will and Love,
My Sacred Tie I bestow! (1 drop of blood on each side
and hilt)
This tool is dedicated to my service of Lady and Lord,
Please find this work beneficial and good.
Bound to thee by homage, decimation, effort and word,
Bound to me by words, will, and blood.
By the powers of earth, sky, star, and sea;
Such is my will, So mote it be!
125
BELTANE:Its History and Modern Celebration in Wicca in America
by Rowan Moonstone
The celebration of May 1st, or Beltane as it is known in Wicca
Circles, is one of the most important festivals of our religious year.
I will attempt here to answer some of the most often asked questions
about this holiday. An extensive bibliography follows the article so that
the interested reader can do further research.
1. Where does the festival of Beltane originate?
Beltane, as practiced by modern day Witches and Pagans, has its
origins among the Celtic peoples of Western Europe and the British
Isles, particularly Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
2. What does the word Beltane mean?
Dr. Proinsias MacCana defines the word as follows: "... the
Irish name for May Day is Beltane, of which the second element, `tene', is
the word for fire, and the first, `bel', probably means `shining or
brilliant'."(1) The festival was known by other names in other Celtic
countries. Beltaine in Ireland, Bealtunn in Scotland, Shenn do Boaldyn
on the Isle of Mann, and Galan Mae in Wales.(2)
3. What was the significance of this holiday to the ancients?
To the ancient Celts, it symbolized the coming of spring. It
was the time of year when the crops began to sprout, the animals bore
their young, and the people could begin to get out of the houses where they
had been cooped up during the long dark cold winter months. Keep in mind
that the people in those days had no electric lights or heat, and that
the Celtic counties are at a much more northerly latitude than many of us
are used to. At that latitude, spring comes much later, and winter lasts
much longer than in most of the US. The coming of fair weather and longer
daylight hours would be most welcome after a long cold and dark winter.
4. How did the ancient Celts celebrate this festival?
The most ancient way of observing this day is with fire. Beltane,
along with Samhain (Nov. 1), Imbolc (Feb. 1), and Lughnassadh (Aug. 1),
was one of the four great "fire festivals" which marked the turning
points of the Celtic year. The most ancient records tell us that the
people would extinguish all the hearth fires in the country and then
relight them from the "need fires" lit by the druids (who used friction as
a means of ignition). In many areas, the cattle were driven between two
great bonfires to protect them from disease during the coming year. It is
my personal belief, although I have no documentation to back up the
assumption, that certain herbs would have been burnt in the fires, thus
producing smoke which would help destroy parasites which might make cattle
and other livestock ill.
126
5. In what other ways was this festival celebrated?
One of the most beautiful customs associated with this festival was
"bringing in the May." The young people of the villages and towns
would go out into the fields and forests at Midnight on April 30th
and gather flowers with which to bedeck themselves, their families, and
their homes. They would process back into the villages, stopping at each
home to leave flowers, and to receive the best of food and drink that the
home had to offer. This custom is somewhat similar to "trick or treat" at
Samhain and was very significant to the ancients. John Williamson, in his
study, The Oak King, the Holly King, and the Unicorn, writes, "These
revelers were messengers of the renewal of vegetation, and they assumed
the right to punish the niggardly, because avarice (as opposed to
generosity) was dangerous to the community's hope for the abundance of
nature. At an important time like the coming of summer, food, the substance
of life must be ritually circulated generously within the community in
order that the cosmic circuit of life's substance may be kept in motion
(trees, flocks, harvests, etc.)."(3) These revelers would bless the fields
and flocks of those who were generous and wish ill harvests on those who
withheld their bounty.
6. What about maypoles?
The maypole was an adjunct to the festival of bringing in the
May. It is a phallic symbol, and as such represented fertility to the
participants in the festival. In olden days, the revelers who went into
the woods would cut a tree and bring it into town, decking it with
flowers and greenery and dance around it, clockwise (also called deosil,
meaning "sun-wise", the direction of the sun's apparent travel across
the face of the Earth) to bring fertility and good luck. The ribbons
which we associate with the maypole today were a later addition.
7. Why was fertility important?
The people who originated this custom lived in close connection with the
land. If the flocks and fields were fertile, they were ableto eat; if
there was famine or drought, they went hungry. It is hard for us today to
relate to this concept, but to the ancients, it was literally a life and
death matter. The Celts were a very close tribal people, and fertility of
their women literally meant continuity of the tribe.
8. How is the maypole connected with fertility?
Many scholars see the maypole as a phallic symbol. In this aspect, it is
a very powerful symbol of the fertility of nature and spring.
127
9. How did these ancient customs come down to us ?
When Christianity came to the British Isles, many of the ancient holy
sites were taken over by the new religion and converted to Christian sites.
Many of the old Gods and Goddesses became Christian saints, and many of the
customs were appropriated. Charles Squire says," An ingenious theory was
invented after the introduction of Christianity, with the purpose of
allowing such ancient rites to continue with a changed meaning. The
passing of persons and cattle through flame or smoke was explained as
a practice which interposed a magic protection between them and the powers
of evil." (4) This is precisely what the original festival was intended to
do; only the definition of "evil" had changed. These old customs
continued to be practiced in many areas for centuries. "In Scotland in
1282, John, the priest in Iverkething, led the young girls of his parish in
a phallic dance of decidedly obscene character during Easter week. For
this, penance was laid upon him, but his punishment was not severe, and he
was allowed to retain his benefice."(5)
10. Were sacrifices practiced during this festival?
Scholars are divided in their opinions of this. There is no
surviving account of sacrifices in the legends and mythology which have
come down to us. As these were originally set down on paper by Christian
monks, one would think that if such a thing had been regularly practiced,
the good brothers would most certainly have recorded it, if for no other
reason than to make the pagans look more depraved. There are, however, some
surviving folk customs which point to a person representing the gloom and
ill fortune of winter being ostracized and forced to jump through the
fires. Some scholars see this as a survival of ancient human sacrificial
practices. The notion that animals were sacrificed during this time doesn't
make sense from a practical standpoint. The animals which had been retained
a breeding stock through the winter would either be lean and hungry from
winter feed, or would be mothers nursing young, which could not be spared.
11. How do modern day pagans observe this day?
Modern day pagan observances of Beltane include the maypole
dances, bringing in the May, and jumping the cauldron for fertility. Many
couples wishing to conceive children will jump the cauldron together at
this time. Fertility of imagination and other varieties of fertility are
invoked along with sexual fertility. In Wiccan and other Pagan circles,
this is a joyous day, full of laughter and good times.
12. What about Walpurgisnacht? Is this the same thing as Beltane?
Walpurgisnacht comes from an Eastern European background, and
has little in common with the Celtic practices. I have not studied the
folklore from that region and do not consider myself qualified to write
about
it. As the vast majority of Wiccan traditions today stem from Celtic roots,
I have confined myself to research in those areas.
128
FOOTNOTES
(1) MacCana, Proinsias, Celtic Mythology, The Hamlyn
Publishing Group Limited, London, 1970, p.32.
(2) Squire, Charles, Celtic Myth and Legend, Poetry and Romance,
Newcastle Publishing Co., Van Nuys, CA, 1975, p.408.
(3) Williamson, John, The Oak King, the Holly King, and the
Unicorn, Harper & Row, NY, 1986, p.126.
(4) Squire, p.411.
(5) Hole, Christina, Witchcraft In England, Rowman & Littlefield,
Totowa, NJ, 1977, p.36.
BIBLIOGRAPHY Bord, Janet & Colin, Earth Rites, Fertility Practices
in Pre-Industrial Britain, Granada, London, 1982.
Danaher, Kevin, The Year in Ireland, The Mercier Press, Cork, 1972.
Hole, Christina, Witchcraft in England, Rowman & Littlefield,
Totowa NJ,1977.
MacCana, Proinsias, Celtic Mythology, The Hamlyn Publishing
Group, Ltd., London, 1970.
MacCulloch, J.A. Religion of the Ancient Celts, Folcroft Library
Editions, London, 1977.
Powell, T.G.E. The Celts, Thames & Hudson, New York, 1980.
Sharkey, John, Celtic Mysteries, the Ancient Religion, Thames &
Hudson, New York, 1979.
Squire, Charles, Celtic Myth, Legend, Poetry, and Romance,
Newcastle Publishing Co., Van Nuys, CA, 1975.
Williamson, John, The Oak King, The Holly King, and the Unicorn,
Harper & Row, New York, 1986.
Wood-Martin, W.G., Traces of the Elder Faiths of Ireland,
Kennikat Press, Port Washington, NY, 1902.
129
CASTING THE CIRCLE ONE
Set up : place a candle in each of the four cardinal directions.Lay the
rest of the tools on the altar cloth or near it. The altar can be on the
ground, a table, a rock or a stump. The altar should be in the center
or just north of center of the Circle. Light the six candles and the
incense, start the musicand begin the ritual.
THE RITUAL
Facing North, the High Priest and Priestess kneel in front of the
altar with him to her right. She puts the bowl of wateron the altar, places
the point of her athame in it and says:
"I exorcise thee, O Creature of Water, that thou cast out from thee
all impurities and uncleanliness of the world of phantasm; in the names of
Cernunnos and Aradia"
She then puts down her athame and holds up the bowl of water in both
hands. The High Priest puts the bowl of salt on the altar, puts his athame
in the salt and says:
"Blessings be upon this Creature of Salt; let all malignity and
hindrance be cast forth hence, and let all good enter herein;
whereforeso Iblessthee, thatthoumayest aidme, inthenames
of Cernunnos and Aradia."
He then puts down his athame and pours the salt into the bowl of water
the High Priestess is holding. The High Priest then stands with the rest of
the Coven outside the Circle. The High Priestess then draws the Circle with
the sword, leaving a gap in the Northeast section. While drawing the
Circle, she should visualize the power flowing into the Circle from off the
end of the sword. She draws the Circle in a East to North or deosil or
clockwise direction. She says:
"I conjure thee, O Circle of Power, that thou beest a meeting place of
loveandjoyand truth;ashieldagainst allwickednessand evil;
a boundary between men and the realms of the Mighty Ones; a
rampart and protection that shall preserve and contain the power that
we shall raise within thee. Wherefore do I bless thee and consecrate
thee, in the names of Cernunnos and Aradia."
The High Priestess lays down the sword and admits the High Priest with
a kiss while spinning him deosil and whispers"Bless Be" . He then admits a
women the same way. Alternate male female male. Then the High Priestess
finishes closing the Circle with the sword. She then names three witches to
help strengthen the Circle. The first witch carries the bowl of consecrated
water from East to East going deosil, sprinkling the perimeter as she/he
goes. They then sprinkle each member in turn. If the witch is male, he
sprinkles the High Priestess last who then sprinkles him. If female she
sprinkles the High Priest last, who then sprinkles her. The bowl is
replaced on the altar. The second witch takes the incense burner around the
perimeter and the third takes one of the altar candles. While going around
the perimeter, each person says:
130
"Black spirits and white,
Red spirits and grey,
Harken to the rune I say.
Four points of the Circle, weave the spell,
East, South, West, North, your tale tell.
East is for break of day,
South is white for the noontide hour,
In the West is twilight grey,
And North is black, for the place of power.
Three times round the Circle's cast.
Great ones, spirits from the past,
Witness it and guard it fast."
All the Coven pickup their athames and face the East with the High
Priest and Priestess in front, him on her right. The High Priestess says:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air;
I do summon, stir, and call you up to witness our rites and to
guard the Circle."
As she speaks she draws the Invoking Pentagram of Earth in the air
with her athame. The High Priest and the rest of the Coven copy her
movements with their athames. The High Priestess turns and faces the South
and repeats the summoning:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Lords of Fire; I do
summon, stir and call you up, to witness our rites and to guard
the Circle."
She does the same pentagram and then faces West and says:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Lords of Water, ye Lords
of Death and Initiation; I do summon, stir, and call you up, to
witness our rites and to guard the Circle."
She faces North with rest of the Coven and says:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, ye Lords of Earth; Boreas,
thou gentle guardian of the Northern Portals; thou powerful
God and gentle Goddess; we do summon, stir and call you up, to
witness our rites and to guard the Circle."
The Circle is completed and sealed. If anyone needs to leave, a gate
must be made. Using the sword, draw out part of the Circle with a
widdershins or counterclockwise stroke.Immediately reseal it and then
repeat the opening and closing when the person returns.
Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 1983
and Valiente, Doreen; "Witchcraft for Tomorrow"; Phoenix Publishing 1985
131
TECHNOLOGY AND THE CRAFT
Removing the Barriers to Spaceflight
Before the ritual begins, distribute paper and have an airplane-folding
session.
TECHNO-LESSON #1: Making Fire
He tries to light the fire with firesticks; She then enters, lights the
charcoal with the sacred Bic, and hands it to He, who lights the quarter
candles with it and hands it back to She, who lights the altar candles.
Bless the Elements (She)
By the oceans that fed our grandparents
And the oceans that will house our grandchildren
I bless and purify this being of water.
By the Earth from which our grandparents rose
And the Earth which our grandchildren will watch rise
I bless and purify this being of earth.
By the wood fires of our grandparents
And the fusion fires of our grandchildren
I bless and purify this being of fire.
By the airy realms our grandparents studied
And the airy realms our grandchildren will walk
I bless and purify this being of air.
Cast the Circle (He)
As the Moon cuts a Circle round the Earth
As the Earth cuts a Circle round the Sun
So I cut this Circle round us.
As the rains wash the mountains
As the oceans wash the beaches
So I cleanse this Circle and we within it with Water and Salt.
As the Moon charges the restless waters
As the Sun charges all that is green and growing
So I charge this Circle and we within it with Air and Fire.
Invoke Quarters (She)
I invoke thee, Mighty Ones of the East; bring us Your gifts of
wisdom; watch over us in this Circle. Come to us in the name of
Athena WiseWeaver! Hail and Welcome!
Iinvoke thee, MightyOnes of theSouth; bring us Yourgifts of will;
watch over us in this Circle. Come to us in the name of Brigid
SmithMistress! Hail and Welcome!
I invoke thee, Mighty Ones of the West; bring us Your gifts of
understanding; watch overus in thisCircle. Come tous in thename
of Poseidon ShipMaster! Hail and Welcome!
132
I invoke thee, Mighty Ones of the North; bring us Your gifts of
dedication; watch over us in this Circle. Come to us in the name of
Ptah CraftsMaster! Hail and Welcome!
We are now between the worlds.
ALL BREATH, GROUND AND CENTER
TECHNO-LESSON #2: Overcoming Physical Shortcomings
Chant: She Changes Everything She Touches
He & She begin the chant, She drumming. Her shoulder starts acting up; He
gets out the Casio (tempo -2, any 4/4 rhythm). For the chant, mix verses
as is pleasing.
She changes everything She touches and
Everything She touches, changes.
She changes everything She touches and
Everything She touches, changes.
We are the changers
Everything we touch can change.
Change us, touch us;
Touch us, change us.
Everything that dies is born again
In a new place, on a new day.
Everything that's lost is found again
On a new day, in a new way.
Io, Kore!
Io, Kore!
Io, Persephone!
TECHNO-LESSON #3: Supplementing Abilities
First, He & She 'argue' about who's going to lead it, jokingly asking if
anyone in Circle wants to do background music; then He gets pathworking
with music on audio tape. When pathworking is done, folks should still be
in light trance; the next thing is to concretize the working by
distributing pens so that people can put whatever they symbols they think
are appropriate on their airplanes.
POWER CHANT: A rising OM; which at peak leads into Countdown. At
"Liftoff", throw the planes upwards (when done, planes can either be kept
or HP/S should offer to see that they get burned.
(* Note *) (* Note *) Don't forget to Ground (* Note *) (* Note *)
133
GROUNDING CHANT:
Earth below us
Drifting, falling
Floating weightless
Coming home
TECHNO-LESSON #4: There is no Techno-Lesson #4.
CAKES & WINE, WITH DISCUSSION
Topics for Discussion:
(0) Why we invoked the particular guys
(1) Best and Worst side of technology
(2) Incorporating tech with Wicca
(3) Space Travel & Wicca: not leaving Her dead when we go
(4) More respecters of Earth involved with control of tech
(5) Whatever else ...
CLOSE (SHE)
I thankThee, Mighty Onesof the Northfor Your presenceat our rite,
and ere You depart for Your earthy realms we bid You Hail and
Farewell, in the name of Ptah CraftsMaster.
I thank Thee,Mighty Ones of theWest for Your presenceat our rite,
and ere You depart for Your watery realms we bid You Hail and Farewell,
in the name of Poseidon ShipMaster.
I thank Thee,Mighty Ones ofthe South forYour presence atour rite,
and ere You depart for Your fiery realms we bid You Hail and Farewell,
in the name of Brigid SmithMistress.
I thank Thee, MightyOnes of the Eastfor Your presence atour rite,
and ere You depart for Your airy realms we bid You Hail and Farewell, in
the name of Athena WiseWeaver.
134
(HE)
Fire, seal the Circle round; let it fade beneath the ground;
Let all things be as they were since the beginning of time. (3 times)
***** NOTES *****
Tools: (0) Athame(s) & cingula
Cup
Censer & Incense
Pentacle
Salt dish & salt
Altar & quarter candles
Libation bowl
Cakes & wine
Robes (optional, depending on participants)
God & Goddess symbols
SCRIPT
(1) Firesticks & Sacred Bic
(2) Paper and pens for paper airplanes
(3) Cassette deck and pathworking cassette
(4) Drum and Casio w/ rhythm generator
(5) Talking stick (optional)
by Skydancer & Triton
Proteus Coven, NYC
(c) 1987 Perihelion Press. Reprinted by permission.
135
WICCAN TOOL LIST MASTER
Equipment:
a Pentacle
6 candles; 1 for each direction, 2 for altar
chalice of wine
wand
scrounge of silken cords
small bowl of water
small bowl of salt
3 cords, one red, one white, one blue, 9' long each
white handled knife
individual athames
incense burner and incense
small hand bell
dish of cakes
sword
chalk
altar cloth any color
cauldron
tape recorder and tapes of appropriate music
veil for Great Rite of a Goddess color blue, green,silver or
white
For New or Dark Moon Esbat:
(For Samhain Sabbat replace wine with hard apple cider)
extra incense
an apple and a pomegranate
cauldron with a fire in it and/or a bonfire
crystal ball or other scrying tools
white tabard with hood for Priestess
For Winter Solstice (Yule):
cauldron with candle or oak bonfire
wreaths, 1 of holly and 1 of mistletoe
crowns, 1 of oak and 1 of holly
blindfold
sistrum
animal skull filled with salt
For Spring Equinox cords as described in preparations
hard boiled eggs
a bonfire ready to ignite or a taper
in the cauldron flowers
For Beltane Sabbat:
bonfire
For Initiations anointing oil
tub to bath the candidate in
towels
salts, herbs and oils to add to the bath
a blindfold
a shirt or other clothing that can be cut
a length of string to measure the person
two lengths of cord to bind the hands and feet
bonfire for warmth if needed
For Blessings anointing oil, wine
136
ALL HALLOW'S EVE
================
by Mike Nichols
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Halloween. Sly does it. Tiptoe catspaw. Slideand creep. *
* But why? What for? How? Who? When! Where did it all *
* begin? 'You don'tknow, do you?' asks Carapace Clavicle *
* Moundshroud climbing out under the pile of leaves underthe *
* Halloween Tree. 'You don't REALLY know!' *
* --Ray Bradbury from 'The Halloween Tree' *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Samhain. All Hallows. All Hallow's Eve. Hallow E'en. Halloween.
The most magical night of the year. Exactly opposite Beltane on the wheel
of the year, Halloween is Beltane's dark twin. A night of glowing jack-o--
lanterns, bobbing for apples, tricks or treats, and dressing in costume. A
night of ghost stories and seances, tarot card readings and scrying with
mirrors. A night of power, when the veil that separates our world from the
Otherworld is at its thinnest. A 'spirit night', as they say in Wales.
All Hallow's Eveis the eveof AllHallow's Day (November1st). And
for once, even popular tradition remembers that the Eve is more important
than the Day itself, the traditional celebration focusing on October 31st,
beginning at sundown. And this seems only fitting for the great Celtic New
Year's festival. Not that the holiday was Celtic only. In fact, it is
startling how many ancient and unconnected cultures (the Egyptians and
pre-Spanish Mexicans, for example) celebrated this as a festival of the
dead. But the majority of our modern traditions can be traced to the
British Isles.
The Celtscalled itSamhain, whichmeans'summer's end',according
to their ancient two-fold division of the year, when summer ran from
Beltane to Samhain and winter ran from Samhain to Beltane. (Some modern
Covens echo this structure by letting the High Priest 'rule' the Coven
beginning on Samhain, with rulership returned to the High Priestess at
Beltane.) According to the later four-fold division of the year, Samhain
is seen as 'autumn's end' and the beginning of winter. Samhain is pro-
nounced (depending on where you're from) as 'sow-in' (in Ireland), or
'sow-een' (in Wales), or 'sav-en' (in Scotland), or (inevitably)
'sam-hane' (in the U.S., where we don't speak Gaelic).
Not onlyis Samhaintheend ofautumn; itisalso, moreimportantly,
the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. Celtic New Year's
Eve, when the new year begins with the onset of the dark phase of the year,
just as the new day begins at sundown. There are many representations of
Celtic gods with two faces, and it surely must have been one of them who
held sway over Samhain. Like his Greek counterpart Janus, he would
straddle the threshold, one face turned toward the past in commemoration of
those who died during the last year, and one face gazing hopefully toward
the future, mystic eyes attempting to pierce the veil and divine what the
coming year holds. These two themes, celebrating the dead and divining the
future, are inexorably intertwined in Samhain, as they are likely to be in
any New Year's celebration.
137
As afeast of the dead, it was believedthe dead could, if they
wished, return to the land of the living for this one night, to celebrate
with their family, tribe, or clan. And so the great burial mounds of
Ireland (sidhe mounds) were opened up, with lighted torches lining the
walls, so the dead could find their way. Extra places were set at the
table and food set out for any who had died that year. And there are many
stories that tell of Irish heroes making raids on the Underworld while the
gates of faery stood open, though all must return to their appointed places
by cock-crow.
As a feast ofdivination, this was the night parexcellence for
peering into the future. The reason for this has to do with the Celtic
view of time. In a culture that uses a linear concept of time, like our
modern one, New Year's Eve is simply a milestone on a very long road that
stretches in a straight line from birth to death. Thus, the New Year's
festival is a part of time. The ancient Celtic view of time, however, is
cyclical. And in this framework, New Year's Eve represents a point outside
of time, when the natural order of the universe dissolves back into
primordial chaos, preparatory to re-establishing itself in a new order.
Thus, Samhain is a night that exists outside of time and hence it may be
used to view any other point in time. At no other holiday is a tarot card
reading, crystal reading, or tea-leaf reading so likely to succeed.
TheChristianreligion, withitsemphasisonthe 'historical'Christ
and his act of redemption 2000 years ago, is forced into a linear view of
time, where 'seeing the future' is an illogical proposition. In fact, from
the Christian perspective, any attempt to do so is seen as inherently evil.
This did not keep the medieval Church from co-opting Samhain's other motif,
commemoration of the dead. To the Church, however, it could never be a
feast for all the dead, but only the blessed dead, all those hallowed (made
holy) by obedience to God - thus, All Hallow's, or Hallowmas, later All
Saints and All Souls.
There areso manytypes of divinationthat aretraditional toHal-
lowstide, it is possible to mention only a few. Girls were told to place
hazel nuts along the front of the firegrate, each one to symbolize one of
her suitors. She could then divine her future husband by chanting, 'If you
love me, pop and fly; if you hate me, burn and die.' Several methods used
the apple, that most popular of Halloween fruits. You should slice an
apple through the equator (to reveal the five-pointed star within) and then
eat it by candlelight before a mirror. Your future spouse will then appear
over your shoulder. Or, peel an apple, making sure the peeling comes off
in one long strand, reciting, 'I pare this apple round and round again; /
My sweetheart's name to flourish on the plain: / I fling the unbroken
paring o'er my head, / My sweetheart's letter on the ground to read.' Or,
you might set a snail to crawl through the ashes of your hearth. The
considerate little creature will then spell out the initial letter as it
moves.
138
Perhapsthe mostfamous iconof theholiday isthe jack-o-lantern.
Various authorities attribute it to either Scottish or Irish origin.
However, it seems clear that it was used as a lantern by people who
traveled the road this night, the scary face to frighten away spirits or
faeries who might otherwise lead one astray. Set on porches and in
windows, they cast the same spell of protection over the household. (The
American pumpkin seems to have forever superseded the European gourd as the
jack-o-lantern of choice.) Bobbing for apples may well represent the
remnants of a Pagan 'baptism' rite called a 'seining', according to some
writers. The water-filled tub is a latter-day Cauldron of Regeneration,
into which the novice's head is immersed. The fact that the participant in
this folk game was usually blindfolded with hands tied behind the back also
puts one in mind of a traditional Craft initiation ceremony.
Thecustom of dressing in costumeand 'trick-or-treating' is of
Celtic origin with survivals particularly strong in Scotland. However,
there are some important differences from the modern version. In the first
place, the custom was not relegated to children, but was actively indulged
in by adults as well. Also, the 'treat' which was required was often one
of spirits (the liquid variety). This has recently been revived by college
students who go 'trick-or-drinking'. And in ancient times, the roving
bands would sing seasonal carols from house to house, making the tradition
very similar to Yuletide wassailing. In fact, the custom known as
'caroling', now connected exclusively with mid-winter, was once practiced
at all the major holidays. Finally, in Scotland at least, the tradition of
dressing in costume consisted almost exclusively of cross-dressing (i.e.,
men dressing as women, and women as men). It seems as though ancient
societies provided an opportunity for people to 'try on' the role of the
opposite gender for one night of the year. (Although in Scotland, this is
admittedly less dramatic - but more confusing - since men were in the habit
of wearing skirt-like kilts anyway. Oh well...)
To Witches,Halloween is oneof thefour HighHolidays, orGreater
Sabbats, or cross-quarter days. Because it is the most important holiday
of the year, it is sometimes called 'THE Great Sabbat.' It is an ironic
fact that the newer, self-created Covens tend to use the older name of the
holiday, Samhain, which they have discovered through modern research.
While the older hereditary and traditional Covens often use the newer name,
Halloween, which has been handed down through oral tradition within their
Coven. (This is often holds true for the names of the other holidays, as
well. One may often get an indication of a Coven's antiquity by noting
what names it uses for the holidays.)
139
With suchan important holiday, Witches oftenhold two distinct
celebrations. First, a large Halloween party for non-Craft friends, often
held on the previous weekend. And second, a Coven ritual held on Halloween
night itself, late enough so as not to be interrupted by trick-or-treaters.
If the rituals are performed properly, there is often the feeling of
invisible friends taking part in the rites. Another date which may be
utilized in planning celebrations is the actual cross-quarter day, or Old
Halloween, or Halloween O.S. (Old Style). This occurs when the sun has
reached 15 degrees Scorpio, an astrological 'power point' symbolized by the
Eagle. This year (1988), the date is November 6th at 10:55 pm CST, with
the celebration beginning at sunset. Interestingly, this date (Old
Halloween) was also appropriated by the Church as the holiday of Martinmas.
Ofallthe Witchcraftholidays, Halloweenisthe onlyonethat still
boasts anything near to popular celebration. Even though it is typically
relegated to children (and the young-at-heart) and observed as an evening
affair only, many of its traditions are firmly rooted in Paganism.
Interestingly, some schools have recently attempted to abolish Halloween
parties on the grounds that it violates the separation of state and
religion. Speaking as a Pagan, I would be saddened by the success of this
move, but as a supporter of the concept of religion-free public education,
I fear I must concede the point. Nonetheless, it seems only right that
there SHOULD be one night of the year when our minds are turned toward
thoughts of the supernatural. A night when both Pagans and non-Pagans may
ponder the mysteries of the Otherworld and its inhabitants. And if you are
one of them, may all your jack-o'lanterns burn bright on this All Hallow's
Eve.
140
**PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **
SAMHAIN (pronounced saw-an), commonly referred to as Halloween,
is a religious holiday celebrated by Wiccan and witch. The
festival traditionally is a feast for the gathering of the family
in love and remembrance. All the family including one's
ancestors.
Wiccans do not regard physical death as an end but merely one
more event in a continuing progress of the soul's in its path
toward fulfillment of divine destiny. Because of these beliefs,
it is only natural at this time of year to invite our beloved
ancestors to remember and to celebrate with us.
If you do not find these beliefs in conflict with your own
personal beliefs, please join us in the following ritual of
thanksgiving and remembrance.
Whether you join with us or not,
May you walk in the Light of the Lady
and know the Wisdom of the Lord.
Blessed Be.
The clergy and members of the United Wiccan Church.
***
After you have shared the bounty of your harvest with the
children of your neighborhood (candy, etc) and the house has
settled down for the night, disconnect or turn off your telephone
so that this state of serenity will continue uninterrupted.
Prepare a special feast of whatever foods reminds you of a special
departed friend or family member, or of past family gatherings.
While you are preparing this feast think of all of the good
times you had with them.
When the feast is prepared, set your holiday table with a special
place of honor for the departed friend or family member.
Decorate the table and room as you would for a holiday dinner
with the family, add those special things that are important to
you and your family (flowers, candles,etc.) If you have a
picture of the loved one, it is nice to place it at their place
at the table.
Speak to that special person and invite them to join you in this
celebration and time of remembrance. It is completely
appropriate to say grace or offer any prayer that you feel is
fitting.
THE FOLLOWING IS DONE IN COMPLETE SILENCE:
Serve the meal remembering to serve your honored guest (or
guests) first. If wine or other alcoholic beverages are served,
it is recommended that they be kept in moderation as you and your
guests need to have a clear head.
141
Now sit down to the table with your loved ones and enjoy your
feast. When you address them in your mind, always see them as
well. (Try not to say in your mind, "if you can hear me...", etc.).
After the meal, the time of silence is over. Do whatever you
normally do at a family holiday gathering (clear the table, play
games, sing songs, etc.). Enjoy the companionship.
When the evening is over, or in the morning if you wish to make
it an all night party, thank your invited guests for being with
you and for making your celebration a special one.
***
There are a few words of caution that we will offer.
1. If this ritual does not feel right for you, do NOT do it.
Follow your instincts.
2. Remember that crossing over does not necessarily change a
person, so if you could not get through a meal in peace with them
while they were alive, you will probably have the same problem with
their spirit.
3. Do not ask your guest to grant you wishes or do you favors.
It is rude to invite a guest and then make it obvious that a
favor is the reason they were asked, not because of love and
respect. Spirits do NOT like rudeness! Besides, spirits often
forget that you are limited in ways that they are not. If you
ask them for $1,000, it may come as an insurance settlement after
a painful break in your water pipe with all the delight in
cleaning up the mess from ensuing water damage.
142
SAMHAIN NOTES ONE FARRAR
The High Priestess wears her white tabard if she has one for the
opening ritual, with the veil thrown back.
After the Witches' Rune, the High Priest and High Priestess take up
their athames. He stands with his back to the altar, she faces him across
the cauldron, They then simultaneously draw the Invoking Pentagram of
Earth in the air with their athames, towards each other, after which they
lay down their athames he on the altar, she by the cauldron.
The High Priestess scatters incense on the charcoal in the cauldron.
When she is satisfied that it is burning, she stands still facing the High
Priest across the cauldron. She then declaims (if needed, ask a man to
bring one of the altar candles and hold it for her):
"Dread Lord of Shadows, God of Life, and the Giver of Life
Yet is the knowledge of thee, the knowledge of Death.
Open wide, I pray thee, the Gates through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones who have gone before
Return this night to make merry with us.
And when our time comes, as it must,
O thou the Comforter, the Consoler, the Giver of Peace and Rest,
We will enter thy realms gladly and unafraid;
For we know that when rested and refreshed among our dear ones
We will be reborn again by thy grace, and the grace of the Great
Mother.
Let it be in the same place and the same time as our beloved ones,
And may we meet, and know, and remember,
And love them again.
Descend, we pray thee, in thy servant and priest."
The High Priestess then walks around the cauldron and gives the High
Priest the Five Fold Kiss.
She returns to her place and pulls the veil of her tabard over her
face. She then calls on each woman, by name to come forward and give the
High Priest the Five Fold Kiss.
When they have all done so, the coven forms up around the circle,
alternating male and female with the Maiden next to the West candle. As
soon as they are in place, the High Priestess says:
"Behold, the West is Amenti, the Land of the Dead, to which many
of our loved ones have gone for rest and renewal. On this night, we hold
communion with them; and as our Maiden stands in welcome by the Western
gate, I call upon all of you, my brothers and sisters of the Craft, to
hold the image of these loved ones in your hearts and minds, that our
welcome may reach out to them. There is mystery within mystery; for the
resting place between life and life is Caer Arianrhod, the Castle of the
Silver Wheel, at the hub of the turning stars beyond the North Wind. Here
reigns Arianrhod, the White Lady, whose name means Silver Wheel. To this,
in spirit, we call our loved ones. And let the Maiden lead them, moving
widdershins to the center. For the spiral path inward to Caer Arianhod
leads to night, and rest, and is against the way of the Sun."
The Maiden should spiral into the center, taking three or four
circuits to do so. During this time, the coven should maintain absolute
silence and concentrate on welcoming their dead friends.
When she reaches the center, she faces the High Priestess across the
cauldron. They touch palms and the High Priestess says:
143
"Those who you bring with you are truly welcome to our Festival. May
they remain with us in peace. And you Maiden, return by the spiral path
to stand with our brothers and sisters; but deosil for the way of
rebirth, outwards from Caer Arianrhod, is the way of the Sun."
The women break contact and the Maiden returns to the West candle.
When she is there, the High Priestess says:
"Let all approach the walls of the Castle."
Everyone moves in and sits in a close ring around the cauldron. The
High Priestess renews the incense. Now is the time for communion with the
dead. When finished scrying, the cauldron is placed next to the East
candle.
The spirits of the dead must be thanked and released. The High
Priestess leads the rest of the Coven in saying:
"We thank you our friends for visiting here this night. We bid you a
pleasant repose in Caer Arianrhod. We also thank you, the Dread Lord of
Shadows for taking care of them and giving them comfort."
The next thing to do is the Great Rite in some form.
Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 1983
Transcribed to computer file by Seastrider
144
O.T.O. Samhain Ritual
Open the Temple in fire.
Banishing ritual.
Hierophant: Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Hierophant: Ve Gabolah.
Ring bell 5-5-5-5-5
Priest strikes staff upon ground 3-3-3 5-5-5-5-5 3-3-3
Return bell and staff to altar.
Hierophant: Let all adore the King of Fire.
All do the god form of
PUER, the fire of
NOX, facing Altar.
AUM
Hierophant picks up dagger and points Toward the East, standing in the
West.
(Fire with)
TETRAGRAMMATON TZABOATH (all repeat)
ALGA (all repeat)
BITOM (all repeat)
Hierophant: In the sacred names and letters:
OIP * TEAA * PDOCEE *
In thy name: IHVH TZABAVTH
Hierophant: I declare the sacred fire one and eternal
In all worlds seen and unseen.
(priest lights censer)
Hierophant: Glory be the light, eternal fortress
On the frontiers of darkness. Blessed Be.
(all repeat)
Priest drops more incense
in censer.
Hierophant: Hail those from the caverns of the dark. (sign of
enterer)
Bell: 3-3-3 5-5-5-5-5 3-3-3
(sign of silence)
145
Hierophant: O great and dreaded Lord of Shadows
He who is God of all Life & the giver
of life, It is Thee we invoke.
(all repeat last line)
Hierophant: Behold, the West is Ameti
Land of the Dead
To which many have gone for
rest and renewal.
OPEN WIDE THE GATES THROUGH WHICH ALL MUST PASS
LET THE SHELLS OF KINDERED SOULS RETURN THIS NIGHT
GUIDED BY THE SACRED FIRE SEEN IN ALL WORLDS
DESCEND UPON US, ALL ARE TRULY WELCOME TO OUR FESTIVAL.
MAY YOU REMAIN AMONG US TILL THE FIRST LIGHT OF DAWN...
IN PEACE AND HARMONY
APPROACH THE WALLS OF OUR CASTLE
(all repeat)
3-3-3 5-5-5-5-5 3-3-3
(put more incense in censer)
Hierophant: Hail those from the caverns of the dark.
(all repeat)
pick up contract at sacrifice;
KINDERED SOULS HERE THIS NIGHT, TO THEE WE GIVE OUR SACRIFICE
UPON THIS PAPER WE EACH HAVE WRITTEN A CONTRACT BINDING OF SOULS TO SOULS
SO INTO THE FLAMES & LET IT BE CONSUMED
IT IS BETWEEN YOU AND I, NO ONE ELSE.
as written, to bind the contract
drink of the blood.
....done
So mote it be (all repeat).
Others who desire a sacrifice may now do such; come forward one after
another.
all participating in the sacrifice
drop in 'contract' repeating as before
with wine then saying 'so mote it be'...
all should repeat after each sacrifice 'so mote it be'.
After last sacrifice; all raise hands upward, vibrating
AUM
Hierophant: Our sacrificing done, I proclaim this evening rite over
LOVE IS THE LAW, LOVE UNDER WILL.
(all repeat)
146
T W O W I T C H E S
A Modern Craft Fairy-Tale
=========================
by Mike Nichols
Once upon a time, there were two Witches. One was a Feminist Witch
and the other was a Traditionalist Witch. And, although both of them were
deeply religious, they had rather different ideas about what their religion
meant. The Feminist Witch tended to believe that Witchcraft was a religion
especially suited to women because the image of the Goddess was empowering
and a strong weapon against patriarchal tyranny. And there was distrust in
the heart of the Feminist Witch for the Traditionalist Witch because, from
the Feminist perspective, the Traditionalist Witch seemed subversive and a
threat to "the Cause".
The Traditionalist Witch tended to believe that Witchcraft was a
religion for both men and women because anything less would be divisive.
And although the Goddess was worshipped, care was taken to give equal
stress to the God-force in nature, the Horned One. And there was distrust
in the heart of the Traditionalist Witch for the Feminist Witch because,
from the Traditionalist viewpoint, the Feminist Witch seemed like a
late-comer and a threat to "Tradition". These two Witches lived in the
same community but each belonged to a different Coven, so they did not
often run into one another. Strange to say, the few times they did meet,
they felt an odd sort of mutual attraction, at least on the physical level.
But both recognized the folly of this attraction, for their ideologies were
worlds apart, and nothing, it seemed, could ever bridge them.
Then one year the community decided to hold a Grand Coven, and all the
Covens in the area were invited to attend. After the rituals, the singing,
the magicks, the feasting, the poetry, and dancing were concluded, all
retired to their tents and sleeping bags. All but these two. For they
were troubled by their differences and couldn't sleep. They alone remained
sitting by the campfire while all others around them dreamed. And before
long, they began to talk about their differing views of the Goddess. And,
since they were both relatively inexperienced Witches, they soon began to
argue about what was the "true" image of the Goddess.
"Describe your image of the Goddess to me," challenged the
Feminist Witch. The Traditionalist Witch smiled, sighed, and said in a rapt
voice, "She is the embodiment of all loveliness. The quintessence of
feminine beauty. I picture her with silver-blond hair like moonlight, rich
and thick, falling down around her soft shoulders. She has the voluptuous
young body of a maiden in her prime, and her clothes are the most
seductive, gossamer thin and clinging to her willowy frame. I see her
dancing like a young elfin nymph in a moonlit glade, the dance of a temple
priestess. And she calls to her lover, the Horned One, in a voice that is
gentle and soft and sweet, and as musical as a silver bell frosted with
ice. She is Aphrodite, goddess of sensual love. And her lover comes in
answer to her call, for she is destined to become the Great Mother. That
is how I see the Goddess."
147
The Feminist Witch hooted with laughter and said, "Your Goddess is a
Cosmic Barbie Doll! The Jungian archetype of a cheer-leader! She is all
glitter and no substance. Where is her strength? Her power? I see the
Goddess very differently. To me, she is the embodiment of strength and
courage and wisdom. A living symbol of the collective power of women
everywhere. I picture her with hair as black as a moonless night, cropped
short for ease of care on the field of battle. She has the muscular body
of a woman at the peak of health and fitness. And her clothes are the most
practical and sensible, not slinky cocktail dresses. She does not paint
her face or perfume her hair or shave her legs to please men's vanities.
Nor does she do pornographic dances to attract a man to her. For when she
calls to a male, in a voice that is strong and defiant, it will be to do
battle with the repressive masculine ego. She is Artemis the huntress, and
it is fatal for any man to cast a leering glance in her direction. For,
although she may be the many-breasted Mother, she is also the dark Crone of
wisdom, who destroys the old order. That is how I see the Goddess."
Now the Traditionalist Witch hooted with laughter and said, "Your
Goddess is the antithesis of all that is feminine! She is Yahweh hiding
behind a feminine mask! Don't forget that it was his followers who burned
Witches at the stake for the "sin" of having "painted faces". After all,
Witches with their knowledge of herbs were the ones who developed the art
of cosmetics. So what of beauty? What of love and desire?"
And so the argument raged, until the sound of their voices awakened a
Coven Elder who was sleeping nearby. The Elder looked from the Feminist
Witch to the Traditionalist Witch and back again, saying nothing for a long
moment. Then the Elder suggested that both Witches go into the woods apart
from one another and there, by magick and meditation, that each seek a
"true" vision of the Goddess. This they both agreed to do.
After a time of invocations, there was a moment of perfect stillness.
Then a glimmer of light could be seen in the forest, a light shaded deepest
green by the dense foliage. Both Witches ran toward the source of the
radiance. To their wonder and amazement, they discovered the Goddess had
appeared in a clearing directly between them, so that neither Witch could
see the other. And the Traditionalist Witch yelled "What did I tell you!"
at the same instant the Feminist Witch yelled "You see, I was right!" and
so neither Witch heard the other.
To the Feminist Witch, the Goddess seemed to be a shining matrix of
power and strength, with courage and energy flowing outward. The Goddess
seemed to be holding out her arms to embrace the Feminist Witch, as a
comrade in arms. To the Traditionalist Witch, the Goddess seemed to be the
zenith of feminine beauty, lightly playing a harp and singing a siren song
of seduction. Energy seemed to flow towards her. And she seemed to hold
out her arms to the Traditionalist Witch, invitingly.
From opposite sides of the clearing, the Witches ran toward the figure
of the Goddess they both loved so well, desiring to be held in the ecstasy
of that divine embrace. But just before they reached her, the apparition
vanished. And the two Witches were startled to find themselves
embracing each other.
And then they both heard the voice of the Goddess. And, oddly enough,
it sounded exactly the same to both of them. It sounded like laughter.
148
WICCA From My Point of View
by Lady Phoenix
I can give you a brief overview of Wicca. (I don't speak for all
Wiccans, only myself. There are some differences in the different
Traditions.)
Webelievethatthe ultimategodheadisunknowable. Thisdoesn't
make for a good working relationship with the deity, however. So, we break
it down into a Goddess and a God. Different Wiccans worship different
Gods/Goddesses. We can utilize *any* pantheon. Some worship Pan/Diana,
some Cernnunos/Aradia, Isis/Osiris, and many others.
We see our Goddess as being Triple Aspected -- Maiden, Mother, and
Crone, and she is reflected in the phases of the Moon -- Waxing, Full and
Waning. We see the God as the Lord of Nature, and he is reflected in the
seasonal changes. Like Jesus Christ, he dies for the land and the people,
and is reborn.
In general, we believe in reincarnation and karma. What you call
Heaven, we call the Summerlands. We don't believe that Hell exists (or
Satan either.) We believe that there should be balance in all things -
when the balance is disturbed, that's when 'evil' occurs. Fire, for
example is not 'evil'. It could be considered such when it becomes out of
balance, as in a forest fire, or house fire. Controlled fire is a useful
tool. Anger is not 'evil', but when unbridled can't help but lead to
negative things. When properly expressed and balanced with constructive
working to correct that which invoked the anger - it, too, can be a useful
tool.
We regard the Earth as our Mother, and try to have respect for Her
by not polluting her and try to live in harmony with Her and Her ways.
Womenreflectthe Goddess,Menreflectthe God,sotheWicca have
a Priestess and Priest to 'run' the religious services. We call our
services circles.
Thiswassortof an"Reader'sDigestCondensedVersion" ofWicca.
If you have any questions or want more detail on any of this, please let me
know. Thank you for asking.
Blessed be >>Phoenix<<
* Origin: InterVisioN "The ParaNormal Connection" 603-547-6485 HST
(1:132/123)
149
The following is an excerpt from "Witchcraft: The Old Religion"
by Dr. L. L. Martello.
Questions and Answers.
Q. What is the best way for one who is interested in the Old Religion to
make contact with a genuine coven? A. Subscribe to all of the Pagan and
Witchcraft publications. It's easier to get into a Pagan grove which often
acts as a backdoor to the Craft, since many are Wicca-oriented in their
worship and rituals. Fill out a Coven-Craft application form issued by
WICA. To obtain yours, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
WICA's address is Suite 1B, 153 West 80 Street; New York 10024,
Q. What are the major feast-days of Witches? Could you tell me more about
the origins of Halloween?
A. Most Anglo-American covens celebrate the following
holy days. The four major ones are Oimelc or Candlemas on February 2; May
Eve, Beltane, or Walpurgisnacht on April 30; Lammas on July 31 or August 1;
and of course Halloween or Samhain on October 31. The four minor Holy Days
are the two solstices: Yule, around December 22; and Midsummer, around June
21 or 22. The other two are the equinoxes: March 20-21 for spring and the
fall equinox on September 22 or 23. The following will help to give you
some idea of the origins of Halloween:
November Eve, All Hallows' Eve, the Gaelic fire festival of Samhain,
now generally called Halloween, represents the summer's end, when the Earth
Goddess turns over her reign to the Horned God of the Hunt, the transition
from life to death, from an agrarian time to one of hunting, from summer to
winter, from warmth to coldness, from light to darkness. It has been
Christianized into All Saints' Day, a time when the souls of the departed
wander the land and in some cases where the souls of the living temporarily
join their spirit brethren, a time for mediumship, remembrance of departed
loved ones, and celebration (as opposed to mourning) of the dead. The
Roman Goddess of fruits and seeds, Pomona, was worshipped on this day. The
stored fruits and seeds of the summer were then opened for the celebrants.
Apples and nuts were the main fruits. This was also the autumn harvest
festival of the Druids. They believed in the transmigration of souls
and taught that Saman, the Lord of Death, summoned those wicked souls who
were condemned to occupy the bodies of animals in the preceding twelve
months. The accused believed that they could propitiate Saman by gifts and
incantations, thus lessening if not eliminating their sentences. This was
also the time when the Druids lit huge bonfires in honor of Baal, a custom
continued in Britain and Wales until recent times. In Ireland October 31
was called Oidhche Shamhna, or Vigil of Saman. In his Collectanea de Rebus
Hibernicis, Villancey says that in Ireland the peasants assembled with
clubs and sticks, "going from house to house, collecting money, breadcake,
butter, cheese, eggs, etc., for the feast, repeating verses in honor of the
solemnity, demanding preparations for the festival in the name of St.
Columb Kill, desiring them to lay aside the fatted calf and to bring forth
the black sheep. The good women are employed in making the griddlecake and
candles; these last are sent from house to house in the vicinity, and are
lighted up on the (Saman) next day, before which they pray, or are supposed
to pray, for the departed soul of the donor. Every house abounds in the
best viands they can afford: apples and nuts are devoured in abundance; the
nutshells are burnt, and from the ashes many strange things are foretold;
cabbages are torn up by the root; hemp-seed is sown by the maidens, and
they believe that if they look back they will see the apparition of the man
150
intended for their future spouse; they hang a smock before the fire, on the
close of the feast, and sit up all night, conceal ed in the corner of the
room, convinced that his apparition will come down the chimney and turn
the smock; they throw a ball of yarn out of the window, and wind it on the
reel within, convinced that if they repeat the Pater Noster backwards, and
look at the ball of yarn without, they will then also see his sith or
apparition; they dip for apples in a tub of water, and endeavor to bring
one up in the mouth; they suspend a cord with a cross-stick, with apples
at one point, and candles lighted at the other, and endeavor to catch the
apple, while it is in a circular motion, in the mouth." Vallancey
concludes that these practices are the remnants of Druidism and will never
be eradicated while the name of Saman remains. In this brief passage we
will see the origins of many modern Halloween practices, such a trick or
treat, the Jack-o-Lantern, and apple bobbing. In the island of Lewis the
name Shamhna, or Saman, was called Shony. One writer in disgust described
"an ancient custom here to sacrifice to a sea-god, called Shony, at
Hallowtide." The supposed Christian inhabitants would gather at the Church
of St. Mulvay, each family bringing provisions and malt which was brewed
into ale. They chose one of themselves to wander into the sea at night up
to his waist. He then poured out a cup of ale calling upon Shony to less
his people for the coming year. "At his return," this writer says, "they
all went to church, where there was a candle burning upon the altar; and
then standing silent for a little time, on of them gave a signal, at
which the candle was put out, and immediately all of them went to the
fields, where they fell a-drinking ale, and spent the rest of the night in
dancing and singing. The ministers in Lewis told me they spent several
years before they could persuade the vulgar natives to abandon this
ridiculous piece of superstition." The name Saman shows evidence of
Druidism in the Irish. Another word, the name of a drink, is "lambswool."
It is made from bruising roasted apples and mixing it with ale or milk.
The Gentlemen's Magazine for May, 1784, says, "this is a constant
ingredient at a merrymaking on Holy Eve." Vallancey shrewdly traced its
etymological origin when he said, "The first day of November was dedicated
to the angel presiding over fruits, seeds, etc., and was therefore named La
Mas Ubhal,--that is, the day of the apple fruit,--and being pronounced
Lamasool, the English have corrupted the name to Lambs-wool." The angel
referred to of course is the Roman Goddess Pomona.
151
Q. Are these Holy Days the same throughout the world?
A. No. However, there are many universal similarities between all the pagan
religions. Names, dates, and days vary according to national origin.
For instance, one of the Holy Days still celebrated by many It alien and
some Sicilian traditions is the Lupercalia, on February 15. It has since
been Christianized into St. Valentine's Day on Feb. 14. Let me quote from
the WICA Newsletter: Ancient Roman festival honoring Lupercus, God of
Fertility. It was called dies februatus meaning 'day of expiation.' The
Lupercal --'wolf's grotto' --a cave on the western slope of Palatine Hill.
Near it was the ficus ruminalis, the fig tree under which Romulus and Remus
were found and nursed by a she-wolf. The Lupercai who celebrated this
yearly festival were made up of the Fabian who belonged to the Sabines and
the Quintilian Lupercai, the Latins. Later in honor to Julius Caesar, there
was added the Julian Brotherhood. They sacrificed a goat. Young neophytes
were brought in. The High Priest touched their foreheads with the bloody
knife. Then another priest wiped away the blood with wool dipped into milk.
The feast began with the celebrants clothed only in goat skins and carrying
(really hiding) thongs made from the same goat hides. They ran up and down
the streets of the city striking anyone who passed them. Women came
forward to be hit by the goat-thongs, believing it enhanced their own
fertility. This was also a symbolic purification of the land and of the
persons touched. This was on of the last Pagan rites to be given up
before Christianity completely dominated the country. It is still
celebrated today but in modern form, without the goat or any other kind of
sacrifice, but all wearing skins and goat horns in a special streghe
ritual."
Q. What are some of the Christian holy days that are based upon or borrowed
from ancient Pagan Religions?
A. You'll find many of them discussed in this book. However, briefly, here
are some of them. December 25 in ancient times was the day celebrated in
honor of the sun, deified in such figures as Mithra, Osiris, Horus, and
Adonis. It was also the feast day of Bacchus, Krishna, Sakia, and others.
The legends of these Gods were the same as those attributed to Jesus Christ
by the early Church. Pope Julius I in A.D. 337 made December 25 the
official day to celebrate Jesus's birth, following older traditions who
honored their founders on that date. It was also the ancient celebration of
the winter solstice. There is absolutely no record in the Bible or
elsewhere of when Jesus Christ was born. All of us are still paying
tribute to the ancient Gods and Goddesses by the names of our days of the
week.
English French Italian Spanish Planet GOD
Sunday Dimanche Domani Domingo Sun Mithra
Monday Lundi Lunedi Lunes Moon Diana
Tuesday Mardi Martedi Martes Mars Tiw
Wednesday Mercredi Mercoledi Miercoles Mercury Mercury
Thursday Jeudi Giovedi Jueves Jupiter Jove-Thor
Friday Vendredi Venerdi Viernes Venus Venus-Freya
Saturday Samedi Sabato Sabado Saturn Saturn
152
Two of the English names come from Old Saxon rather than Latin. Tiw's Day
became Tuesday in honor of the old Teutonic deity, Tiw or Tives. Wednesday
is named after the old Teutonic Norse God Wodan or Wotan. The Saxon word
for day is doeg. In olden times the days were called Jove's Doeg
(Thursday), Mercury's Doeg (Wednesday), Mar's <sic> Doef <sic> (Tuesday),
etc. Friday was the day when the ancients paid tribute to Venus--the love
day. When Christianity became dominant, Friday was no longer considered
lucky--Jesus was crucified on that day; also, the uninhibited sexual rites
dedicated to the love Goddess Venus was considered a great "sin." Besides
the days of our week our months are also named after the ancient deities:
January: From Latin Januarius, honoring Janus, a Roman God. He presided
over the Gates of Heaven, which the Christians later assigned to St. Peter.
The Anglo-Saxons called it Aefter-Yule, and prior to that Wolf-monat.
February: From Februus, another name for the God of purification Faunus,
thus fertility. The feast was held on February 15 (see Lupercalia) and was
called Februa. March: After Mars, God of War. Anglo-Saxons called it
Hraed-monat, rugged month, or Hlyd-monat, stormy month. A stormy March was
an omen of poor crops. A dry March indicated a rich harvest. April: From
Latin aperio "to open," like buds. Anglo-Saxons called it Easter-monat, in
honor of the Teutonic Goddess of the same name. She ruled spring and
light. The Romans dedicated this month to Venus, often referring to it as
Mensis Veneris instead of Aprilis. May: Named after Maia Majesta,
ancient Roman Goddess of Spring. Considered Vulcan's wife. Look up the
folklore regarding the May Day celebrations, bonfires, and other rites
celebrated throughout Europe. June: Named after the Roman Goddess Juno.
Called Sear-monat by Anglo-Saxons. Juno was Queen of Heaven and Guardian of
Marriage and ruled childbirth. June is still the most favored month for
marriage today. July: Originally called Quintilus, the fifth month. Old
Saxons called it Maed-monat,--"mead month"--the time to gather honey for
the drink called mead. August: Named after the Roman Emperor Augustus.
Was once called Sixtilis, the sixth month. September: Named after the
Latin number for seven, that being the month in the old calender <sic>.
Saxons called it Gerst-monat, barley month, as this crop was usually
gathered then. October: From octo, theeighth month in the old calendar.
Saxons named it Wyn-monat, "wine month." This was harvest time, and
Bacchhus and Dionysius and all the other ancient deities were honored. See
Halloween above. November: From the ninth month in old Roman calendar.
Saxons called it Blot-monat, "blood month." This was when the cattle and
sheep were slaughtered for food and sacrifices. December: Named after
the tenth month in the old calendar. It was consecrated to Saturn, and on
December 17 the great feast of Saturnalia began, lasting several days. It
coincided with the winter solstice and the Yule season. The Anglo-Saxons
called it Yule-monat, "midwinter month." It coincided with the winter
solstice and the Yule season. The Anglo-Saxons called it Yule-monat,
"midwinter month."
153
Wicca, Wicca, Who's Got the Wicca?
or
My Tradition, or Yours?
[An article which attempts to make sense of all the various Traditions,
Brands, Denominations, ect., which may confuse the unwary new-comer to Neo-
Paganism (Wicca in particular).]
By: Hurn
Greetings, and Bright Blessings... Welcome to this, the next in a
series of introductory pieces on Alternate Religions. Today, we shall
take a look at the many varied Traditions in the Wicca Family of Faiths.
Whilst there is, indeed, a large number of groups who profess one set of
tenants, or ideas; one soon begins to see why they may all be lumped
together as one Religion.
Obviously, to start, one must define Religion as it applies to these
groups of people. Next, a listing of some of the more Popular Traditions,
giving a basic description of each. Lastly, some comments on the "cords
which bind these groups together", ie. a discussion on the Underlying
Philosophies of the New Age Movement, Neo-Paganisms in particular.
I. What is a Religion?
A dictionary definition of religion looks something like:
Religion, n.; An organized system of Beliefs and/or Rituals,
centering on a Supernatural Being or Beings.
Everyone with me so far? Good. I think we can all agree on definitions
for "Beliefs" and "Supernatural", so the only sub-definition will be
"Ritual": any ordered sequence of events or actions, including
directed thoughts, especially one that is repeated in the 'same'
manner each time, and that is designed to produce a predictable
altered state of consciousness, within which certain magical or
religious results may be obtained.
Now, by using these definitions, the astute reader may realize that one
need not "believe" in anything in order to belong to a Religion, although
most 'established' churches Do require that one has conforming beliefs in
order to become 'accepted into' that Religion. One of the beauties of
the Pagan/NeoPagan/Wiccan Religion is that the majority of the sects do not
require one to have 'conforming' beliefs. One need not Believe in the
God/dess in order to worship them, and this is the key to being a New Age
type Religion.
New Age Religions acknowledge that there are many paths to Godhood,
and that each person should find his/her own way. Thus, while there is
communication and discussion between the diverse ways of Wicca, there is
generally no cause for religious persecution or Holy Wars. Also, there
are very little 'missionary' type efforts, since there is no Prime
Directive stating that everyone who does not believe a certain piece of
Dogma is Wrong, and will burn in Hell forever, unless saved, or made to
see the light.
Contrary to most religions, it is Not the shared set of Beliefs, or
154
similar Dogma which holds the Wiccan Religions together. Rather, it is the
Attitudes of the people involved, and their common Heritage which provide
the bonds of cooperation among the Pagan Peoples. These points of agreement
shall be further addressed following a brief list of some of the more
popular Traditions, with a description of each.
II. Traditions/Branches/Gatherings/Sub-Groups/Interpretations/ect.
[nb. This is not, by any means, an all inclusive list]
A. Gardnerian:
Started by G. Gardner, in England, in the mid 1950's, this Tradition
claims to have existed, in secret, since the Witch-Burnings began during
the Middle Ages. While there is some doubt as to whether or not it is as
old as it claims, there is no denying that the Gardnerian Sect has been one
of the most Influential of the Traditions. In fact, many of the groups
which follow were started by people who had been introduced to Paganism
and the Worship of the Lord and Lady as members of a Gardnerian group.
Characteristics:
A structured religion with definite hierarchy within each group (known,
as a Coven), but little to no Authority of one coven over another. Within
the coven, a Matriarchy exists, with the High Priestess generally being
considered the leader (there are, of course, exceptions to this, but these
descriptions are, for the most part, only generalizations based upon
information gathered from many sources).
The typicalGardnerian view of the God/dess is that of a Dominant Three-
Faced Goddess (Maid, Mother, and Crone) with a Male Consort (Who has 2
sides.. the Young Summer King, and the Old Winter King).
Ceremonies include a series of initiations into higher levels of the
Craft, various Holiday Celebrations (based, of course, upon the "Wheel of
the Year" calendar of Feast days.
B. Alexandrian:
Started about the same time as Gardner's, this tradition is fairly
similar, with a little more emphasis upon Ceremonial Magick. There are
numerous Covens in both US and Europe.
C. Dianic:
This is more of a Sub-class, rather than a particular Tradition. There
are several Feminist Traditions which are considered Dianic. This
sub-class tends to emphasize the Female aspect of the Goddess, sometimes to
the exclusion of the Male God. Some feel that these groups are rather
reactionary and self limiting. Be that as it may, the Dianic Covens tend
to be more politically active.
D. School of Wicca:
Headed by Gavin and Yvonne Frost, this School is the largest
correspondence school of Witchcraft in the US. Numerous Covens have
resulted from this School, although it is somewhat unconventional (if, that
is, anything dealing with Wicca could be called conventional). The Frosts'
views on Wicca as a religion do differ with the majority.. in that they do
not consider Wicca as "Pagan", but rather as Monotheistic.
155
E. Seax (or Saxon) Wicca:
Startedby Raymond Buckland, who wasoriginally a leader in promoting the
Gardnerian Tradition, as an alternative to the existing Covens. Unlike
most traditions, which consider the Coven group to be the normal unit of
division (ie. all ceremonies/Rituals = Group Rites), the Seax version has
provision for lone witches (often referred to as Solitaires). Another thing
which sets this particular brand apart is its non-reliance upon being
properly initiated into the Wiccan community. Many of the other groups
require that new members be brought to existing covens to be ceremonially
initiated into that Tradition, and that only after years of study within
the group is one ready to start a new coven. The Seax tradition,
recognizing that there may not be a friendly, neighborhood Coven, allows
for self-initiation, and Auto setup of a Coven.
F. Traditionalist (Welsh, Scots, Greek, Irish, etc...)
Like Dianic, this is a sub-class. Each Traditionalist group is based
upon the traditions, literature, myth, and folktales of that particular
geographic/demographic area. This is evident in the Names of the God/dess
used by individual groups.
III. Common ties/beliefs/Ideals/ect...
Asstated earlier, it's not doctrine/dogma similarities which tend to hold
these diverse groups together, rather, it is the common Ideals and feelings
expressed by the Pagan Peoples themselves. Here are some examples:
The Wiccan Rede: "An it harms none, do what thou will." is almost
universally accepted amongst the groups. Most groups tend to be
polytheistic, animists, pantheists, ect. One is not "converted" to Wicca,
rather, the new comer feels a sense of "Coming Home", or, more poetically,
"The Goddess calls to Her own". Nature plays a big part in most
Traditions, either as direct personification of the God/dess, or as
aspects of them. There is no counterpart to the Devil, as such, in the
Pagan religions... no personification of All Evil, rather, the choice is
there for all to make. However, there is the Law of Three Fold Return,
which states "That which thou dost send out shall return three fold", so
good begets good, and evil befalls those who are evil (a horrendous
understatement / simplification, but true).
Author's note:
Whew! That was a long haul of writing in one sitting... if there are any
big errors noticeable, mail me, and I'll make a second draft of this.. or
perhaps even expand it some.. (my time is limited in as far as when I have
opportunities to just sit down and write something like this, but I can
usually squeeze in some time, here or there.)
I hopethat this issomewhat enlightening... there aresome other files,
here, which give more basic explanations of the terms used.. (Witch, Coven,
Magick, ect..) ... I did assume a small amount of familiarity present
within the reader... if anyone wishes, I can append a Preface covering that
which was presupposed knowledge.
Blessed Be...
Hurn
156
BINDING A SPELL (Classic version)
Come ye as the charm is made!
Queen of heaven, Queen of hell,
Horned Hunter of the night
Lend your power unto the spell,
And work our will by magic rite!
By all the power of land and sea,
By all the might of moon and sun
I call the Earth to bind my spell.
Air to speed it well.
Bright as Fire shall it glow.
Deep as tide of Water flow.
Count the elements fourfold,
In the fifth the spell shall hold.
Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 1983
Valiente, Doreen; "Witchcraft for Tomorrow"; Phoenix Publishing 1985
157
Saxon Wicca Rites
From THE TREE: THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SAXON WITCHCRAFT by Raymond Buckland
copyright 1974 - Samuel Weiser Publishers
NOW OUT OF PRINT
posted for PAN, the ORIGINAL Psychic Awareness Network at 1-703-362-1139
by MATRIKA, co-sysop
Legend of Woden/Odin retrieving the Runes
The Snake came crawling and struck at none
But Woden took nine glory-twigs (pieces of wood on which were carved runic
inscriptions) and struck the adder so that it flew into nine parts
This quote shows how Woden/Odin was a master magician and drew his power
from the runes. To this day many Saxon Pagans work much of their Magic
with runes, inscribing them on candles in candle magick, incorporating them
into talismans or symbols of protection that they wear, carry or keep in
their homes (can also be for other purposes, etc. They can even be put
somewhere invisibly by tracing them with a scented oil. For example, a
rune or runic monogram (several runic letters overlaying one another) can
be inscribed on your place of business in Money in Abundance oil or some
other money - oriented oils of your own preference. For healing a rune or
runic monogram of healing can be written on the body of the patient with an
oil of Healing, after the regular transfer of Pranic energy or "laying - on
- of - the - hands" healing has occurred. (including use of crystals, if
that is so desired) Etc. etc. etc. Why are runes so important? For the
same reason that they were in Cabalistic Magick among the Jews and in
Sidha Yoga. In India among the Sidhis the Shakti or Feminine aspect of
DEITY (as Shiva is the male) has many aspects through which the world was
emanated - one of the more important aspects is MATRIKA SHAKTI or the power
of sound to create via the letters of the alphabet forming themselves into
Words. In both systems - Kabbalah and Sidha Yoga - it is believed that the
universe was created by words. This is reflected in modern New-Age work
with Affirmations used by such diverse sources as Marion Weinstein, Diannic
Witch, as described in her book POSITIVE MAGIC (phoenix Publishing) and the
Unity School of Christianity as well as the Religious Science and Christian
Science and Divine Science and all the other "science" churches. Shakti
Gawain, author of CREATIVE VISUALIZATION teaches it from the New - Age
perspective as well. It is through words we create out own reality and
right use of them for good and in loving ways is one of the most powerful
of Magicks. NOTE BY MATRIKA
158
From the old Norse Verse, Lay of the High one, stanzas 138, 139, and 141
Woden/Odin is speaking
" I know that I hung there
on the windy tree
swung there nights, all of nine
gashed with a blade
bloodied by Odin
myself an offering to myself
knotted to that tree
no man knows whither the root of it runs
None gave me bread
None gave me drink
down to the depths I peered
to snatch up runes
with a roaring screech
and fall in a dizzying faint
Wellspring I won
and wisdom too
and grew and joyed in my growth
from a word to a word
I was led to a word
from a deed to another deed
As you can see this legend, which in the original sources pre-dates
Christianity, has much in common with the legend of Jesus's
Crucifixion/Resurrection in the Newer religion - but then there are
similar themes in the story of Tammuz from the Middle East, the story of
Osiris in Egypt and in many other sources. The story of the fallen God who
is resurrected with great power and wisdom reflects the Shamans's
confrontation with his own death - either in a literal sense through
sickness or accident, or in a Psychological sense or by other means such as
the mild, natural hallucinogens used by the Native Americans and other
tribal peoples. (NOTE, I AM NOT ENDORSING THERE USE; THEY ARE COMPLETELY
UNNECESSARY - but nevertheless, this is the practice in some cultures,
where they know how to handle the power of these drugs and guide one safely
through the experience. It is important to note this is not done lightly
or playfully either and that the drugs they use are NATURAl substances, not
the harsher chemical ones abused in our modern society for recreational
use)
It also represents the natural cycles of the year - the grain grows
and is cut down or sacrificed only to be reborn again, the trees lose their
leaves and seem to die only to resurrected, (which is why the tree of
life/cross image developed) some animals hibernate and come back, etc.
etc. etc
Now here is the legend of the Goddess in the Saxon form as the search
by Freya for the necklace Brosingame - a silver circlet worn about her neck
as a chaplet. As with the Gardnerian Wicca legend of the descent of the
Goddess to the Underworld, it reflects the cycles of the year - when
fertility seems to sink into the earth and vanish during winter's barren
months only to have the Lady and her bounty return to us in the spring.
159
(Matrika's notes)
1. All day had Freya, most lovely of the Goddesses, played and romped in
the fields. Then did she lay down to rest.
2. And while she slept; deft Loki, the prankster, the mischief-maker of
the Gods; did espy the glimmering of Brosingame, formed of Galdra (magick)
Her constant companion. Silent as the night did Loki move to the Goddess's
side and with fingers formed over the very ages in lightness did remove the
silver circlet from about her snow white neck.
3. Straightaway did Freya arouse; on sensing it's loss. Though he moved
with the speed of the winds, yet Loki she glimpsed as he passed swiftly
from sight into the barrow (burial mound) that leads to Dreun. (land of the
dead, the underworld)
4. Then was Freya in despair. Darkness descended all about her to hide
her tears. Great was her anguish. All light, all life, all creatures
joined in her doom.
5. To all corners were sent the Searchers, in quest of Loki; yet knew
they. they would find him not. For who is there may descend to Dreun and
return again from thence?
6. Excepting the Gods themselves and, alzck, mischievous Loki.
7. So it was that, still weak from her grief, Freya herself elected to
descend in search of Brosingame. At the portals of the Barrow was she
challenged, yet recognized and passed.
8. The multitude of souls within cried joyfully to see her, yet could she
not tarry as she sought her stolen light.
9. The infamous Loki left no trail to follow, yet was he everywhere past
seen. Those to whom she spake held to Freya (that) Loki carried no Jewel
as he went by.
10. Where then was it hid?
11. In despair she searched an age.
Hearhden (also known as Heimdall) the mighty smith of the Gods, did arise
from his rest to sense the bewailment of the souls to Freya's sorrow.
Striding from his smithy, to find the cause of the sorrow, did he espy the
Silver Circlet where Loki Mischief-maker had laid it; upon the rock before
his door.
13. Then was all clear.
14. As Hearhden took hold of Brosingame (then did) Loki appear before him,
his face wild with rage.
15. Yet would Loki not attack Hearhden, this mighty smith whose strength
was known even beyond Dreun.
16. By wiles and tricks did he strive to get his hands upon the (silver)
circlet. He shape-shifted; he darted here and there; he was visible, then
invisible. yet could he not sway the Smith.
160
17. Tired of the fight, Hearhden raised his mighty club. Then sped Loki
away.
18. Great was the joy of Freya when Hearhden placed Brosingame about her
snow-white neck.
19. Great were the cries of Joy from Dreun and above.
20. Great were the thanks that Freya and all People gave to the Gods for
the return of Brosingame.
This tale and the Gardnerian legend of the descent of the Goddess into
the Underworld (told in the 2d degree initiation) and similar myths from
around the world, such as the legend of Kwan Yin's descent to the land of
death and her being expelled for spreading mirth and joy, show that women
also shared a very important role in the shamanism/priesthood of the
European Pagan traditions and also faced the ordeals - i.e. the physical or
psychological confrontation with death. And again, it reflects the times
of darkness and light in the year - the waxing and waning of the moon each
month and the waxing and waning of the sun each year from Yule or Winter
solstice to Mid-summer's night or Summer solstice when the light grows
stronger and the remainder of the year, when light grows weaker.
161
WICCAN SHAMANISM
by
Selena Fox
typed by Lewis for P.A.N.
508-795-7628
Shamanism exists intribal cultures aroundthe world and hasdone so
for centuries. Yet, in reading most anthropological texts on Shamanism,
there is little, if any reference made to shamanism in Europe. However
Shamanism has existed among the peoples of Europe not only in ancient
times, but also through the present day. During the Middle Ages, the Old
Ways largely disappeared from public view because of persecution. Yet they
were not eradicated but took a more underground existence. Today, there
are some of us of European ancestry that are bringing Shamanic ways rooted
in pre-Christian Europe back into the light.
Wiccan Shamanism is a term I began using several years ago in an
attempt to describe my own path of magick and spirituality in relation to
the other forms of Shamanism on the Planet. Wiccan Shamanism draws on the
Old but it is not simply an attempt re-construction and revival of the Old
Ways of tribal Europe. Wiccan Shamanism blends both the Old and the New to
suit the modern times in which we live. Although emphasis is on European
symbology and traditions Wiccan Shamanism is multi-cultural, incorporating
ways of other healers and magick workers from many places and eras.
What follows is a glimpse into Wiccan Shamanism as I know it and
practice it. While Jim,Dennis, and others who help with various aspects
of CIRCLES work may share many of these concepts, I speak here only for
myself - for at the heart of this spiritual approach is the idea that each
person must seek their own connection with the Divine, within their own
Self, rather than having me or anyone else do this for them. This is not a
path of a leader with followers, but a path where each becomes their own
leader.
***************************************************************************
I call to thePowers of the Four Quarters-- to Earth in theNorth which
is the Realm of the Physical Body and Material Plane, to Air in the East
which is the Realm of Thoughts and Intellect, to Fire in the South which is
the Realm of Will Power and Action, and Water in the West which is the
Realm of Emotions and Intuition. My Medicine Wheel is the Magick Circle
which connects the Four Quarters. The sacred places I frequent include a
high rock, a crystal clear spring fed pool n a hidden valley and a circle
of stones in a grove of Oak and Birch on a mound.
I am achannel between Planet Earth beneath myfeet and the Heavens
above my head. I become the World tree when I Shamanize, linking the
transforming Dark of the Underworld with the Awakening Light of the
Upperworld.
I am theCrystal LIght that isat the Center ofthe Circle and isthe
fifth Element Spirit. I seek always to act out of MY own Inner Self which
is at the enter of MY being, for my Inner Self in the Balance of all the
Elements, of my Female and Male sides, of my Lunar and Solar natures of my
intellect and intuition my Inner Self is my doorway into the realm where
All is One.
162
Isee the Circleof Life from theCenter. Iwatch the Seasons change
as the Wheel of the Year turns and I celebrate the 8 sabbats. I connect
with the dance of Night and Day, of Fair and Stormy Weathers, of the Waxing
and Waning Moon. I see the cycle of Birth, Growth, Maturity, Death, and
Rebirth in all of Nature. I examine the cycles of my own life and of the
lives of those who seek healing aid from me.
I amthe traveler between theWorld of Daily Lifeand the Otherworld
which is the land of Dreams, visions and Spirits. I am a Consciousness
Explorer. the Otherworldis as real and as important to me as the Day-to-Day
World. I bridge the Worlds rather than seeking to dwell solely in one or
the other. I journey into the Otherworld for a reason -- to bring back
healing and knowledge to apply to Daily Life, helping others, myself and
the Planet.
Isee the Divine in all things. My friends and allies include not
only humans but also plants, animals, rocks, winds, waters, fire, stars,
and other life forms. I commune with the Source some call "God" as both
Mother Goddess and Father God, for both aspects are necessary for the
Unity.
The main focus of my Shamanic work is Healing. I was calledto this
path as a young child in dreams and Out-of-Body experiences, but I didn't
begin my work until my adult years when I started Healing myself. To do
this I journeyed alone into the Pit of my Shadow Self and came face-to-face
with my problems and hang-ups; my doubts fears, disillusionments,
rejections, angers and hurts; with all MY false self images. Words can not
begin to express the misery, the utter despair the powerlessness I felt
during this time. Yet coming apart was essential; it enabled me to break
through the barriers which I had formed and let others form in my psyche
that had kept me from being one with my True Self. In the deepest
Darkness, I felt the Light of my own Inner Self beginning to shine through.
I focused on the Light and slowly emerged from the Pit, stronger and more
integrated than ever before and with the power to heal others as well as
myself. As a result of this transformation process, my life's work became
clear. I now help others from their own pits of negativity and become
whole again.
163
Yetmy work also extends tomore than Humankind; it involves bringing
Healing to the Planet as a whole. In my communing with the Land, I have
heard the cries of the Earth mother, sorrowing over the self-centered,
greedy, intolerant, and destructive behaviors of many of Her human
children, who are polluting the soiled, waters, and air; who are playing
power games with nuclear fire; and who are polluting the spiritual
atmosphere of the entire world with their narrow mindedness and hate. I am
deeply concerned about survival -- not of the Planer Herself for all the
humans in the world can not destroy Her even with all their weapons; She is
too strong and powerful for that to happen. What I am concerned about is
the survival of the human race. -- will we annihilate ourselves and many of
the life forms around us, or will we wake up in time to see the larger
picture, find and implement creative solutions to the worlds problems, and
enter a New Age of expanded consciousness?
The Balance of Life can be restored on Planet Earth; Harmony can be
restored between humankind and other life forms; Love consciousness can
increase and be prevalent on the Earth. I, along with numerous other
healers and ministers from a variety of spiritual traditions around the
world today have responded to the upset of Mother Earth by dedicating our
lives to this Planetary Healing Work, each in our own way. It is this
Great Work that underlies all the healing and other things I do. It is the
Heart of Wiccan Shamanism.
First published in fall 1984 CIRCLE NETWORK NEWS;
(C) 1984, CIRCLE, Box 219, Mt. Horeb WI 53572 USA.;
164
A Healing Myth
By "Nihasa"
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| This story can have a powerful healing effect when read out |
| loud (or recorded and then played) to someone suffering from |
| a phobia or other effect of childhood trauma. While names, |
| settings, and style can be varied to suit individual tastes, |
| the sequence which the apprentice describes, the sequence |
| the princess goes through, and the vagueness of the "bad |
| thing" descriptions should remain unchanged and no element |
| of the story should be left out. |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
Once, in another time and another place, a kingdom of magic
and beauty knew a time of peace. No armies threatened its
boarders, no bandits plundered its trade routes, no plagues
sickened its people. Yet even in such peaceful times, bad
things could happen: accidents, misunderstandings, even
good people doing bad things.
The third daughter of the king was a bright and cheerful
sort. She wasn't the strongest or the prettiest of the
royal princesses, but she did have the nicest wings of
anyone her age. She loved to fly around the countryside
and explore the groves and meadows she found...they were
always full of surprises.
One day she found a particularly pretty grove, with a pond
glistening in a little clearing in the middle. As she went
in for a closer look, she saw images start to form. She saw
her own reflection, and as she lightly touched the ground
she saw that her reflection was watching reflections of her
own...dim watery reflections from her past.
"So you can see the pictures." The voice from among the
trees made her jump. "Don't worry," continued the young man
as he stepped out from among the trees, "nobody else can see
the same images, Princess. It's part of the magic."
"How...?" she asked, looking him up and down. He was a young
man, no older than the princess herself, dressed in the
rough tunic of a wizard's apprentice. "Who are you? How did
you know who I am, what I saw?"
"I am apprenticed to the Court Wizard. Everybody knows who
you are, Princess...and besides, I have seen you at the
palace when I have been there with my master." He paused,
glancing at the ground and lowering his voice. "As to the
images...well, at one time I had need of their magic."
"When I entered the Wizard's service, I had a great and
secret fear. Something...bad...happened to me when I was
younger. It hurt to even think about, and after time I
didn't think about it much. But ever since that time, I had
lived with the fear. When my master learned of this, he
taught me the magic of this pool and its stream."
165
"The pool reflects images from your mind...scenes from your
past, dreams of the future, even fantasies of the present.
The stream flows like time itself, upstream into the past,
and downstream into the future. If I followed the ritual he
described, these magics could wash clean the fear."
She made a face. "I suppose this ritual involves deep magics
usable only by Wizards?"
"Not really. All the magic is in the waters, and anyone can
use the ritual. Even a lowly apprentice." He grinned. "It's
pretty simple. After he told me about it, he brought me here
and then stood back by the trees. He said that he would
answer any questions I had but otherwise I was on my own."
"I stood where I could see my reflection in the pool, and
then thought about my fear. As I thought, my reflection
watched a reflection of my thoughts...like a stage where
dimly lit actors played out the scene against a colorless
backdrop. I looked up and saw that I was still here, in the
glade. I looked back at the water, holding on to a small
part of the special feeling of fear it had given me. As I
turned and looked back upstream, I saw more images...each
earlier than the last. I relaxed and let the feeling guide
me back to the earliest image. When I had that, I turned
back to the pool and found my reflection watching the same
colorless players in their dim reflection of the memory. As
my reflection watched, the image went from a time shortly
before the bad thing happened, through the whole thing, and
on to a time when it was all over. When it passed the ending
that way, it stopped...like a drawing. Then the drawing
faded away, and I was just looking at my reflection. The
Wizard had told me that if I stepped into that last part of
the image, it would run very quickly backwards, with full
color and sound and me living backwards through it all...all
the way through to the part before the beginning. It sounded
very strange. As I looked at my reflection again, it was
watching the image go forward again in its dim, colorless
way. When it reached the drawing at the end, I stepped into
the image and was plunged into a world going backwards! It
went clear through to before the beginning in less than a
second, then stopped. Startled, I let the water carry me
downstream, through all that had happened since, with the
fear gone and the memory unable to hurt me. When I reached
the here-and-now, I got out and just stood there, knowing
that the fear would trouble me no more." He stopped, and
suddenly seemed to remember where he was, and who he was
talking to. "That was over a year ago, and the fear is still
gone. The Wizard says it is gone for good."
She thought for a moment. "So all there is to this ritual is
think of the problem until your reflection sees it, follow a
part of the feeling upstream to my earliest memory of it,
wait for my reflection to see it all the way through, step
into the ending, and live it backwards quickly? What kind of
magic is that?"
He thought for a minute, shrugged, and said "Effective? If
you wish, I will withdraw to the trees while you try it."
166
"What makes you think that I NEED it?"
"Because the images only come to those who do." His voice
faded to an embarrassed silence as he realized what he had
said. "I'll go now."
"Yes, do." She said absently, already thinking. Then: "But
not too far, in case I need you." She was remembering an
incident a few days back which had set off her special fear,
and just as the apprentice had described, her reflection in
the pool was watching a dim and watery scene of the memory.
Startled, she looked up again. Yes, she was in the clearing,
with the trees all around and the apprentice all but lost
among the closer ones. She could still feel a part of that
fear, so she kept that feeling while she looked back up
stream at all the images from the past that the feeling had
touched...until she found the earliest of them all. She
brought that memory back to the pool and released it as her
reflection started to watch it unfold in its dim and watery
way. Her reflection seemed to have a life of its own as it
watched the pale scene start before anything happened, run
through the bad parts, and then pause at a time when it was
all over. She watched her reflection shift as she prepared
for what she would do. Her reflection settled as it watched
the scene unfold again. The dim scene passed through the
beginning, through the bad time and on past again. When it
stopped, she jumped in to it. Suddenly, she was there again:
back where and when it had happened. Everything was moving
backwards, and in a flash she had lived backwards through it
and past the beginning. Shocked, she let the water carry her
down stream, forward through all the rest of her yesterdays
without the bad times for company. When she got to today,
she stood up. There she was...standing, dripping in a stream
in the clearing. She looked around for the apprentice, half
expecting him to be laughing at the soggy mess she must be.
He was there, by the trees...not laughing, just smiling in
an understanding way.
In the years that followed, they became friends. Although
they went their separate ways...he, as wizard to one of the
King's high lords and she as wife to a neighboring prince...
they valued that friendship to the end of their days. And
from that time on, neither was ever again troubled by their
great fears.
.........
167
C A N D L E M A S: The Light Returns
=====================================
by Mike Nichols
It seems quiteimpossible thatthe holiday ofCandlemas shouldbe
considered the beginning of Spring. Here in the Heartland, February 2nd
may see a blanket of snow mantling the Mother. Or, if the snows have gone,
you may be sure the days are filled with drizzle, slush, and steel-grey
skies -- the dreariest weather of the year. In short, the perfect time for
a Pagan Festival of Lights. And as for Spring, although this may seem a
tenuous beginning, all the little buds, flowers and leaves will have
arrived on schedule before Spring runs its course to Beltane.
'Candlemas' is theChristianized namefor theholiday, ofcourse.
The older Pagan names were Imbolc and Oimelc. 'Imbolc' means, literally,
'in the belly' (of the Mother). For in the womb of Mother Earth, hidden
from our mundane sight but sensed by a keener vision, there are stirrings.
The seed that was planted in her womb at the solstice is quickening and the
new year grows. 'Oimelc' means 'milk of ewes', for it is also lambing
season.
The holiday isalso called 'Brigit's Day',in honor of thegreat
Irish Goddess Brigit. At her shrine, the ancient Irish capitol of Kildare,
a group of 19 priestesses (no men allowed) kept a perpetual flame burning
in her honor. She was considered a goddess of fire, patroness of smith-
craft, poetry and healing (especially the healing touch of midwifery).
This tripartite symbolism was occasionally expressed by saying that Brigit
had two sisters, also named Brigit. (Incidentally, another form of the
name Brigit is Bride, and it is thus She bestows her special patronage on
any woman about to be married or handfasted, the woman being called 'bride'
in her honor.)
TheRoman Catholic Church could not very easily call the Great
Goddess of Ireland a demon, so they canonized her instead. Henceforth, she
would be 'Saint' Brigit, patron SAINT of smithcraft, poetry, and healing.
They 'explained' this by telling the Irish peasants that Brigit was
'really' an early Christian missionary sent to the Emerald Isle, and that
the miracles she performed there 'misled' the common people into believing
that she was a goddess. For some reason, the Irish swallowed this. (There
is no limit to what the Irish imagination can convince itself of. For
example, they also came to believe that Brigit was the 'foster-mother' of
Jesus, giving no thought to the implausibility of Jesus having spent his
boyhood in Ireland!)
Brigit'sholiday waschieflymarked bythekindling ofsacredfires,
since she symbolized the fire of birth and healing, the fire of the forge,
and the fire of poetic inspiration. Bonfires were lighted on the beacon
tors, and chandlers celebrated their special holiday. The Roman Church was
quick to confiscate this symbolism as well, using 'Candlemas' as the day to
bless all the church candles that would be used for the coming liturgical
year. (Catholics will be reminded that the following day, St. Blaise's
Day, is remembered for using the newly blessed candles to bless the throats
of parishioners, keeping them from colds, flu, sore throats, etc.)
168
TheCatholic Church,never oneto refrainfrom pilingholiday upon
holiday, also called it the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. (It is surprising how many of the old Pagan holidays were converted
to Maryan Feasts.) The symbol of the Purification may seem a little
obscure to modern readers, but it has to do with the old custom of
'churching women'. It was believed that women were impure for six weeks
after giving birth. And since Mary gave birth at the winter solstice, she
wouldn't be purified until February 2nd. In Pagan symbolism, this might be
re-translated as when the Great Mother once again becomes the Young Maiden
Goddess.
Today,this holidayischiefly connectedto weatherlore. Even our
American folk-calendar keeps the tradition of 'Groundhog's Day', a day to
predict the coming weather, telling us that if the Groundhog sees his
shadow, there will be 'six more weeks' of bad weather (i.e., until the next
old holiday, Lady Day). This custom is ancient. An old British rhyme
tells us that 'If Candlemas Day be bright and clear, there'll be two
winters in the year.' Actually, all of the cross-quarter days can be used
as 'inverse' weather predictors, whereas the quarter-days are used as
'direct' weather predictors.
Liketheother HighHolidays orGreat Sabbatsof theWitches' year,
Candlemas is sometimes celebrated on it's alternate date, astrologically
determined by the sun's reaching 15-degrees Aquarius, or Candlemas Old
Style (in 1988, February 3rd, at 9:03 am CST). Another holiday that gets
mixed up in this is Valentine's Day. Ozark folklorist Vance Randolf makes
this quite clear by noting that the old-timers used to celebrate
Groundhog's Day on February 14th. This same displacement is evident in
Eastern Orthodox Christianity as well. Their habit of celebrating the
birth of Jesus on January 6th, with a similar post-dated shift in the
six-week period that follows it, puts the Feast of the Purification of Mary
on February 14th. It is amazing to think that the same confusion and
lateral displacement of one of the old folk holidays can be seen from the
Russian steppes to the Ozark hills, but such seems to be the case!
Incidentally,there isspeculation amonglinguisticscholars that
the very name of 'Valentine' has Pagan origins. It seems that it was
customary for French peasants of the Middle Ages to pronounce a 'g' as a
'v'. Consequently, the original term may have been the French 'galantine',
which yields the English word 'gallant'. The word originally refers to a
dashing young man known for his 'affaires d'amour', a true galaunt. The
usual associations of V(G)alantine's Day make much more sense in this light
than their vague connection to a legendary 'St. Valentine' can produce.
Indeed, the Church has always found it rather difficult to explain this
nebulous saint's connection to the secular pleasures of flirtation and
courtly love.
For modern Witches, CandlemasO.S. may thenbe seen as thePagan
version of Valentine's Day, with a de-emphasis of 'hearts and flowers' and
an appropriate re-emphasis of Pagan carnal frivolity. This also re-aligns
the holiday with the ancient Roman Lupercalia, a fertility festival held at
this time, in which the priests of Pan ran through the streets of Rome
whacking young women with goatskin thongs to make them fertile. The women
seemed to enjoy the attention and often stripped in order to afford better
targets.
169
Oneof the nicestfolk-customs stillpracticed inmany countries,
and especially by Witches in the British Isles and parts of the U.S., is to
place a lighted candle in each and every window of the house, beginning at
sundown on Candlemas Eve (February 1st), allowing them to continue burning
until sunrise. Make sure that such candles are well seated against tipping
and guarded from nearby curtains, etc. What a cheery sight it is on this
cold, bleak and dreary night to see house after house with candle-lit
windows! And, of course, if you are your Coven's chandler, or if you just
happen to like making candles, Candlemas Day is THE day for doing it. Some
Covens hold candle-making parties and try to make and bless all the candles
they'll be using for the whole year on this day.
Othercustoms ofthe holidayinclude weaving'Brigit's crosses'
from straw or wheat to hang around the house for protection, performing
rites of spiritual cleansing and purification, making 'Brigit's beds' to
ensure fertility of mind and spirit (and body, if desired), and making
Crowns of Light (i.e. of candles) for the High Priestess to wear for the
Candlemas Circle, similar to those worn on St. Lucy's Day in Scandinavian
countries. All in all, this Pagan Festival of Lights, sacred to the young
Maiden Goddess, is one of the most beautiful and poetic of the year.
170
L A D Y D A Y: The Vernal Equinox
=====================================
by Mike Nichols
Nowcomes theVernal Equinox,and theseason ofSpring reaches
it's apex, halfway through its journey from Candlemas to Beltane. Once
again, night and day stand in perfect balance, with the powers of light on
the ascendancy. The god of light now wins a victory over his twin, the god
of darkness. In the Mabinogion myth reconstruction which I have proposed,
this is the day on which the restored Llew takes his vengeance on Goronwy
by piercing him with the sunlight spear. For Llew was restored/reborn at
the Winter Solstice and is now well/old enough to vanquish his rival/twin
and mate with his lover/mother. And the great Mother Goddess, who has
returned to her Virgin aspect at Candlemas, welcomes the young sun god's
embraces and conceives a child. The child will be born nine months from
now, at the next Winter Solstice. And so the cycle closes at last.
We think thatthe customssurrounding the celebrationof thespring
equinox were imported from Mediterranean lands, although there can be no
doubt that the first inhabitants of the British Isles observed it, as
evidence from megalithic sites shows. But it was certainly more popular to
the south, where people celebrated the holiday as New Year's Day, and
claimed it as the first day of the first sign of the Zodiac, Aries.
However you look at it, it is certainly a time of new beginnings, as a
simple glance at Nature will prove.
In theRoman CatholicChurch, thereare twoholidays whichget mixed
up with the Vernal Equinox. The first, occurring on the fixed calendar day
of March 25th in the old liturgical calendar, is called the Feast of the
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (or B.V.M., as she was typically
abbreviated in Catholic Missals). 'Annunciation' means an announcement.
This is the day that the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was 'in
the family way'. Naturally, this had to be announced since Mary, being
still a virgin, would have no other means of knowing it. (Quit scoffing, O
ye of little faith!) Why did the Church pick the Vernal Equinox for the
commemoration of this event? Because it was necessary to have Mary
conceive the child Jesus a full nine months before his birth at the Winter
Solstice (i.e., Christmas, celebrated on the fixed calendar date of
December 25). Mary's pregnancy would take the natural nine months to
complete, even if the conception was a bit unorthodox.
Asmentionedbefore, theolder Paganequivalentof thisscene focuses
on the joyous process of natural conception, when the young virgin Goddess
(in this case, 'virgin' in the original sense of meaning 'unmarried') mates
with the young solar God, who has just displaced his rival. This is
probably not their first mating, however. In the mythical sense, the
couple may have been lovers since Candlemas, when the young God reached
puberty. But the young Goddess was recently a mother (at the Winter
Solstice) and is probably still nursing her new child. Therefore,
conception is naturally delayed for six weeks or so and, despite earlier
matings with the God, She does not conceive until (surprise!) the Vernal
Equinox. This may also be their Hand-fasting, a sacred marriage between
God and Goddess called a Hierogamy, the ultimate Great Rite. Probably the
nicest study of this theme occurs in M. Esther Harding's book, 'Woman's
Mysteries'. Probably the nicest description of it occurs in M. Z.
Bradley's 'Mists of Avalon', in the scene where Morgan and Arthur assume
the sacred roles. (Bradley follows the British custom of transferring the
episode to Beltane, when the climate is more suited to its outdoor
celebration.)
171
The other Christianholiday which gets mixedup in this isEaster.
Easter, too, celebrates the victory of a god of light (Jesus) over darkness
(death), so it makes sense to place it at this season. Ironically, the
name 'Easter' was taken from the name of a Teutonic lunar Goddess, Eostre
(from whence we also get the name of the female hormone, estrogen). Her
chief symbols were the bunny (both for fertility and because her worshipers
saw a hare in the full moon) and the egg (symbolic of the cosmic egg of
creation), images which Christians have been hard pressed to explain. Her
holiday, the Eostara, was held on the Vernal Equinox Full Moon. Of course,
the Church doesn't celebrate full moons, even if they do calculate by them,
so they planted their Easter on the following Sunday. Thus, Easter is
always the first Sunday, after the first Full Moon, after the Vernal
Equinox. If you've ever wondered why Easter moved all around the calendar,
now you know. (By the way, the Catholic Church was so adamant about NOT
incorporating lunar Goddess symbolism that they added a further
calculation: if Easter Sunday were to fall on the Full Moon itself, then
Easter was postponed to the following Sunday instead.)
Incidentally,this raisesanotherpoint: recently,some Pagantradi-
tions began referring to the Vernal Equinox as Eostara. Historically, this
is incorrect. Eostara is a lunar holiday, honoring a lunar Goddess, at the
Vernal Full Moon. Hence, the name 'Eostara' is best reserved to the
nearest Esbat, rather than the Sabbat itself. How this happened is
difficult to say. However, it is notable that some of the same groups
misappropriated the term 'Lady Day' for Beltane, which left no good folk
name for the Equinox. Thus, Eostara was misappropriated for it, completing
a chain-reaction of displacement. Needless to say, the old and accepted
folk name for the Vernal Equinox is 'Lady Day'. Christians sometimes
insist that the title is in honor of Mary and her Annunciation, but Pagans
will smile knowingly.
Anothermythological motifwhich mustsurely arrestour attentionat
this time of year is that of the descent of the God or Goddess into the
Underworld. Perhaps we see this most clearly in the Christian tradition.
Beginning with his death on the cross on Good Friday, it is said that Jesus
'descended into hell' for the three days that his body lay entombed. But
on the third day (that is, Easter Sunday), his body and soul rejoined, he
arose from the dead and ascended into heaven. By a strange 'coincidence',
most ancient Pagan religions speak of the Goddess descending into the
Underworld, also for a period of three days.
Why three days? If weremember that we arehere dealing withthe lunar
aspect of the Goddess, the reason should be obvious. As the text of one
Book of Shadows gives it, '...as the moon waxes and wanes, and walks three
nights in darkness, so the Goddess once spent three nights in the Kingdom
of Death.' In our modern world, alienated as it is from nature, we tend to
mark the time of the New Moon (when no moon is visible) as a single date on
a calendar. We tend to forget that the moon is also hidden from our view
on the day before and the day after our calendar date. But this did not go
unnoticed by our ancestors, who always speak of the Goddess's sojourn into
the land of Death as lasting for three days. Is it any wonder then, that
we celebrate the next Full Moon (the Eostara) as the return of the Goddess
from chthonic regions?
172
Naturally, thisis the seasonto celebrate thevictory oflife over
death, as any nature-lover will affirm. And the Christian religion was not
misguided by celebrating Christ's victory over death at this same season.
Nor is Christ the only solar hero to journey into the underworld. King
Arthur, for example, does the same thing when he sets sail in his magical
ship, Prydwen, to bring back precious gifts (i.e. the gifts of life) from
the Land of the Dead, as we are told in the 'Mabinogi'. Welsh triads
allude to Gwydion and Amaethon doing much the same thing. In fact, this
theme is so universal that mythologists refer to it by a common phrase,
'the harrowing of hell'.
However,one mightconjecturethat thedescent intohell, orthe land
of the dead, was originally accomplished, not by a solar male deity, but by
a lunar female deity. It is Nature Herself who, in Spring, returns from
the Underworld with her gift of abundant life. Solar heroes may have laid
claim to this theme much later. The very fact that we are dealing with a
three-day period of absence should tell us we are dealing with a lunar, not
solar, theme. (Although one must make exception for those occasional MALE
lunar deities, such as the Assyrian god, Sin.) At any rate, one of the
nicest modern renditions of the harrowing of hell appears in many Books of
Shadows as 'The Descent of the Goddess'. Lady Day may be especially
appropriate for the celebration of this theme, whether by storytelling,
reading, or dramatic re-enactment.
For modernWitches, Lady Day isone of the LesserSabbats or Low
Holidays of the year, one of the four quarter-days. And what date will
Witches choose to celebrate? They may choose the traditional folk 'fixed'
date of March 25th, starting on its Eve. Or they may choose the actual
equinox point, when the Sun crosses the Equator and enters the astrological
sign of Aries. This year (1988), that will occur at 3:39 am CST on March
20th.
173
L A M M A S: The First Harvest
===============================
by Mike Nichols
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Once upon a Lammas Night
When corn rigs are bonny,
Beneath the Moon's unclouded light,
I held awhile to Annie...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Although inthe heatof aMid-western summerit mightbe difficult
to discern, the festival of Lammas (Aug 1st) marks the end of summer and
the beginning of fall. The days now grow visibly shorter and by the time
we've reached autumn's end (Oct 31st), we will have run the gamut of
temperature from the heat of August to the cold and (sometimes) snow of
November. And in the midst of it, a perfect Mid-western autumn.
The history of Lammasis as convoluted as allthe rest of theold folk
holidays. It is of course a cross-quarter day, one of the four High
Holidays or Greater Sabbats of Witchcraft, occurring 1/4 of a year after
Beltane. It's true astrological point is 15 degrees Leo, which occurs at
1:18 am CDT, Aug 6th this year (1988), but tradition has set August 1st as
the day Lammas is typically celebrated. The celebration proper would begin
on sundown of the previous evening, our July 31st, since the Celts reckon
their days from sundown to sundown.
However,British Witchesoften referto theastrological dateof Aug
6th as Old Lammas, and folklorists call it Lammas O.S. ('Old Style'). This
date has long been considered a 'power point' of the Zodiac, and is
symbolized by the Lion, one of the 'tetramorph' figures found on the Tarot
cards, the World and the Wheel of Fortune (the other three figures being
the Bull, the Eagle, and the Spirit). Astrologers know these four figures
as the symbols of the four 'fixed' signs of the Zodiac, and these naturally
align with the four Great Sabbats of Witchcraft. Christians have adopted
the same iconography to represent the four gospel-writers.
'Lammas'was themedieval Christiannamefor theholiday andit means
'loaf-mass', for this was the day on which loaves of bread were baked from
the first grain harvest and laid on the church altars as offerings. It was
a day representative of 'first fruits' and early harvest.
InIrish Gaelic,the feastwas referredto as'Lugnasadh', afeast to
commemorate the funeral games of the Irish sun-god Lugh. However, there is
some confusion on this point. Although at first glance, it may seem that
we are celebrating the death of the Lugh, the god of light does not really
die (mythically) until the autumnal equinox. And indeed, if we read the
Irish myths closer, we discover that it is not Lugh's death that is being
celebrated, but the funeral games which Lugh hosted to commemorate the
death of his foster- mother, Taillte. That is why the Lugnasadh cel-
ebrations in Ireland are often called the 'Tailltean Games'.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The time went by with careless heed
Between the late and early,
With small persuasion she agreed
To see me through the barley...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
174
Onecommon feature of the Games were the 'Tailltean marriages, a
rather informal marriage that lasted for only 'a year and a day' or until
next Lammas. At that time, the couple could decide to continue the
arrangement if it pleased them, or to stand back to back and walk away from
one another, thus bringing the Tailltean marriage to a formal close. Such
trial marriages (obviously related to the Wiccan 'Handfasting') were quite
common even into the 1500's, although it was something one 'didn't bother
the parish priest about'. Indeed, such ceremonies were usually solemnized
by a poet, bard, or shanachie (or, it may be guessed, by a priest or
priestess of the Old Religion).
Lammastidewasalso thetraditional timeofyear forcraft festivals.
The medieval guilds would create elaborate displays of their wares,
decorating their shops and themselves in bright colors and ribbons,
marching in parades, and performing strange, ceremonial plays and dances
for the entranced onlookers. The atmosphere must have been quite similar
to our modern-day Renaissance Festivals, such as the one celebrated in
near-by Bonner Springs, Kansas, each fall.
Aceremonial highlight ofsuch festivalswas the'Catherine wheel'.
Although the Roman Church moved St. Catherine's feast day all around the
calender with bewildering frequency, it's most popular date was Lammas.
(They also kept trying to expel this much-loved saint from the ranks of the
blessed because she was mythical rather than historical, and because her
worship gave rise to the heretical sect known as the Cathari.) At any
rate, a large wagon wheel was taken to the top of a near-by hill, covered
with tar, set aflame, and ceremoniously rolled down the hill. Some
mythologists see in this ritual the remnants of a Pagan rite symbolizing
the end of summer, the flaming disk representing the sun-god in his
decline. And just as the sun king has now reached the autumn of his years,
his rival or dark self has just reached puberty.
Many commentators have bewailedthe fact that traditional Gardnerian
and Alexandrian Books of Shadows say very little about the holiday of
Lammas, stating only that poles should be ridden and a circle dance
performed. This seems strange, for Lammas is a holiday of rich mythic and
cultural associations, providing endless resources for liturgical
celebration.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Corn rigs and barley rigs,
Corn rigs are bonny!
I'll not forget that happy night
Among the rigs with Annie!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
[Verse quotations by Robert Burns, as handed down through several Books of
Shadows.]
175
H A R V E S T H O M E
=======================
by Mike Nichols
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
There were three men came out of the West,
Their fortunes for to try,
And these three men made a solemn vow,
John Barleycorn must die...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Despite the bad publicity generated by Thomas Tryon's novel,
Harvest Home is the pleasantest of holidays. Admittedly, it does involve
the concept of sacrifice, but one that is symbolic only. The sacrifice is
that of the spirit of vegetation, John Barleycorn. Occurring 1/4 of the
year after Midsummer, Harvest Home represents mid-autumn, autumn's
height. It is also the Autumnal Equinox, one of the quarter days of the
year, a Lesser Sabbat and a Low Holiday in modern Witchcraft.
Technically, an equinox is an astronomical point and, due to the fact
that the earth wobbles on its axis slightly (rather like a top that's
slowing down), the date may vary by a few days depending on the year.
The autumnal equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator on it's
apparent journey southward, and we experience a day and a night that are
of equal duration. Up until Harvest Home, the hours of daylight have
been greater than the hours from dusk to dawn. But from now on, the
reverse holds true. Astrologers know this as the date on which the sun
enters the sign of Libra, the Balance (an appropriate symbol of a balanced
day and night). This year (1988) it will occur at 2:29 pm CDT on
September 22nd.
However, since most European peasants were not accomplished at
calculating the exact date of the equinox, they celebrated the event on a
fixed calendar date, September 25th, a holiday the medieval Church
Christianized under the name of 'Michaelmas', the feast of the Archangel
Michael. (One wonders if, at some point, the R.C. Church contemplated
assigning the four quarter days of the year to the four Archangels, just
as they assigned the four cross-quarter days to the four gospel-writers.
Further evidence for this may be seen in the fact that there was a brief
flirtation with calling the Vernal Equinox 'Gabrielmas', ostensibly to
commemorate the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary on Lady Day.)
Again, it must be remembered that the Celts reckoned their days from
sundown to sundown, so the September 25th festivities actually begin on
the previous sundown (our September 24th).
Although our Paganancestors probably celebrated HarvestHome on
September 25th, modern Witches and Pagans, with their desk-top computers
for making finer calculations, seem to prefer the actual equinox point,
beginning the celebration on its eve (this year, sunset on September
21st).
Mythically, thisis the day of the yearwhen the god of light is
defeated by his twin and alter-ego, the god of darkness. It is the time
of the year when night conquers day. And as I have recently shown in my
seasonal reconstruction of the Welsh myth of Blodeuwedd, the Autumnal
Equinox is the only day of the whole year when Llew (light) is vulnerable
and it is possible to defeat him. Llew now stands on the balance
(Libra/autumnal equinox), with one foot on the cauldron (Cancer/summer
solstice) and his other foot on the goat (Capricorn/winter solstice).
Thus he is betrayed by Blodeuwedd, the Virgin (Virgo) and transformed
into an Eagle (Scorpio).
176
Twothings arenow likelyto occur mythically,in rapidsuccession.
Having defeated Llew, Goronwy (darkness) now takes over Llew's functions,
both as lover to Blodeuwedd, the Goddess, and as King of our own world.
Although Goronwy, the Horned King, now sits on Llew's throne and begins
his rule immediately, his formal coronation will not be for another six
weeks, occurring at Samhain (Halloween) or the beginning of Winter, when
he becomes the Winter Lord, the Dark King, Lord of Misrule. Goronwy's
other function has more immediate results, however. He mates with the
virgin goddess, and Blodeuwedd conceives, and will give birth -- nine
months later (at the Summer Solstice) -- to Goronwy's son, who is really
another incarnation of himself, the Dark Child.
Llew's sacrificial death at Harvest Home also identifies him with
John Barleycorn, spirit of the fields. Thus, Llew represents not only the
sun's power, but also the sun's life trapped and crystallized in the corn.
Often this corn spiritwas believed to reside most especially in the last
sheaf or shock harvested, which was dressed in fine clothes, or woven into
a wicker-like man-shaped form. This effigy was then cut and carried from
the field, and usually burned, amidst much rejoicing. So one may see
Blodeuwedd and Goronwy in a new guise, not as conspirators who murder
their king, but as kindly farmers who harvest the crop which they had
planted and so lovingly cared for. And yet, anyone who knows the old
ballad of John Barleycorn knows that we have not heard the last of him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They let him stand till midsummer's day,
Till he looked both pale and wan,
And little Sir John's grown a long, long beard
And so become a man...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Incidentally, this annual mock sacrifice of a large wicker-work
figure (representing the vegetation spirit) may have been the origin of
the misconception that Druids made human sacrifices. This charge was
first made by Julius Caesar (who may not have had the most unbiased of
motives), and has been re-stated many times since. However, as has often
been pointed out, the only historians besides Caesar who make this
accusation are those who have read Caesar. And in fact, upon reading
Caesar's 'Gallic Wars' closely, one discovers that Caesar never claims to
have actually witnessed such a sacrifice. Nor does he claim to have
talked to anyone else who did. In fact, there is not one single
eyewitness account of a human sacrifice performed by Druids in all of
history!
Nor isthere any archeological evidenceto support thecharge. If,
for example, human sacrifices had been performed at the same ritual sites
year after year, there would be physical traces. Yet there is not a
scrap. Nor is there any native tradition or history which lends support.
In fact, insular tradition seems to point in the opposite direction. The
Druid's reverence for life was so strict that they refused to lift a
sword to defend themselves when massacred by Roman soldiers on the Isle
of Mona. Irish brehon laws forbade a Druid to touch a weapon, and any
soul rash enough to unsheathe a sword in the presence of a Druid would be
executed for such an outrage! Jesse Weston, in her brilliant study
of the Four Hallows of British myth, 'From Ritual to Romance', points out
that British folk tradition is, however, full of MOCK sacrifices. In the
case of the wicker-man, such figures were referred to in very personified
terms, dressed in clothes, addressed by name, etc. In such a religious
ritual drama, everybody played along.
177
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They've hired men with scythes so sharp,
To cut him off at the knee,
They've rolled him and tied him by the waist
Serving him most barbarously...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Inthe medievalmiracle-play traditionofthe 'RiseUp,Jock'
variety (performed by troupes of mummers at all the village fairs), a
young harlequin-like king always underwent a mock sacrificial death. But
invariably, the traditional cast of characters included a mysterious
'Doctor' who had learned many secrets while 'travelling in foreign lands'.
The Doctor reaches into his bag of tricks, plies some magical cure, and
presto! the young king rises up hale and whole again, to the cheers of the
crowd. As Weston so sensibly points out, if the young king were ACTUALLY
killed, he couldn't very well rise up again, which is the whole point of
the ritual drama! It is an enactment of the death and resurrection of the
vegetation spirit. And what better time to perform it than at the end of
the harvest season?
In the rhythm ofthe year, Harvest Home marks atime of restafter
hard work. The crops are gathered in, and winter is still a month and a
half away! Although the nights are getting cooler, the days are still
warm, and there is something magical in the sunlight, for it seems silvery
and indirect. As we pursue our gentle hobbies of making corn dollies
(those tiny vegetation spirits) and wheat weaving, our attention is
suddenly arrested by the sound of baying from the skies (the 'Hounds of
Annwn' passing?), as lines of geese cut silhouettes across a harvest
moon. And we move closer to the hearth, the longer evening hours giving
us time to catch up on our reading, munching on popcorn balls and caramel
apples and sipping home-brewed mead or ale. What a wonderful time
Harvest Home is! And how lucky we are to live in a part of the country
where the season's changes are so dramatic and majestic!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And little Sir John in the nut-brown bowl--
And he's brandy in the glass,
And little Sir John in the nut-brown bowl
Proved the strongest man at last.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
178
T H E D E A T H O F L L E W
A Seasonal Interpretation
=================================
by Mike Nichols
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Not of father, nor of mother
Was my blood, was my body.
I was spellbound by Gwydion,
Prime enchanter of the Britons,
When he formed me from nine blossoms.
--'Hanes Blodeuwedd' R. Graves, trans. *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In mostPagan cultures, thesun godis seen assplit betweentwo
rival personalities: the god of light and his twin, his 'weird', his 'other
self', the god of darkness. They are Gawain and the Green Knight, Gwyn and
Gwythyr, Llew and Goronwy, Lugh and Balor, Balan and Balin, the Holly King
and the Oak King, etc. Often they are depicted as fighting seasonal
battles for the favor of their goddess/lover, such as Creiddylad or
Blodeuwedd, who represents Nature.
The god of light is always born at the winter solstice, and his
strength waxes with the lengthening days, until the moment of his greatest
power, the summer solstice, the longest day. And, like a look in a mirror,
his 'shadow self', the lord of darkness, is born at the summer solstice,
and his strength waxes with the lengthening nights until the moment of his
greatest power, the winter solstice, the longest night.
Indirect evidence supporting this mirror-birth pattern is strongest in
the Christianized form of the Pagan myth. Many writers, from Robert Graves
to Stewart Farrar, have repeatedly pointed out that Jesus was identified
with the Holly King, while John the Baptist was the Oak King. That is why,
'of all the trees that are in the wood, the Holly tree bears the crown.'
If the birth of Jesus, the 'light of the world', is celebrated at
mid-winter, Christian folk tradition insists that John the Oak King (the
'dark of the world'?) was born (rather than died) at mid-summer.
Itis at this pointthat I must divergefrom the opinion of Robert
Graves and other writers who have followed him. Graves believes that at
midsummer, the Sun King is slain by his rival, the God of Darkness; just as
the God of Darkness is, in turn, slain by the God of Light at midwinter.
And yet, in Christian folk tradition (derived from the older Pagan strain),
it is births, not deaths, that are associated with the solstices. For the
feast of John the Baptist, this is all the more conspicuous, as it breaks
the rules regarding all other saints.
John is the ONLY saint in the entire Catholic hagiography whose feast
day is a commemoration of his birth, rather than his death. A generation
ago, Catholic nuns were fond of explaining that a saint is commemorated on
the anniversary of his or her death because it was really a 'birth' into
the Kingdom of Heaven. But John the Baptist, the sole exception, is
emphatically commemorated on the anniversary of his birth into THIS world.
Although this makes no sense viewed from a Christian perspective, it makes
perfect poetic sense from the viewpoint of Pagan symbolism. (John's
earlier Pagan associations are treated in my essay on Midsummer.)
179
So if births are associated with the solstices, whendo the symbolic
deaths occur? When does Goronwy slay Llew and when does Llew, in his turn,
slay Goronwy? When does darkness conquer light or light conquer darkness?
Obviously (to me, at least), it must be at the two equinoxes. At the
autumnal equinox, the hours of light in the day are eclipsed by the hours
of darkness. At the vernal equinox, the process is reversed. Also, the
autumnal equinox, called 'Harvest Home', is already associated with
sacrifice, principally that of the spirit of grain or vegetation. In this
case, the god of light would be identical.
InWelshmythology inparticular, thereisa startlingvindication of
the seasonal placement of the sun god's death, the significance of which
occurred to me in a recent dream, and which I haven't seen elsewhere. Llew
is the Welsh god of light, and his name means 'lion'. (The lion is often
the symbol of a sun god.) He is betrayed by his 'virgin' wife Blodeuwedd,
into standing with one foot on the rim of a cauldron and the other on the
back of a goat. It is only in this way that Llew can be killed, and
Blodeuwedd's lover, Goronwy, Llew's dark self, is hiding nearby with a
spear at the ready. But as Llew is struck with it, he is not killed. He
is instead transformed into an eagle.
Putting thisin the form ofa Bardic riddle, itwould go something
like this: Who can tell in what season the Lion (Llew), betrayed by the
Virgin (Blodeuwedd), poised on the Balance, is transformed into an Eagle?
My readers who are astrologers are probably already gasping in recognition.
The sequence is astrological and in proper order: Leo (lion), Virgo
(virgin), Libra (balance), and Scorpio (for which the eagle is a well-known
alternative symbol). Also, the remaining icons, cauldron and goat, could
arguably symbolize Cancer and Capricorn (representing summer and winter),
the signs beginning with the two solstice points. So Llew is balanced
between cauldron and goat, between summer and winter, on the balance
(Libra) point of the autumnal equinox, with one foot on the summer solstice
and one foot on the winter solstice.
This, of course, is the answer to a related Bardic riddle.
Repeatedly, the 'Mabinogion' tells us that Llew must be standing with one
foot on the cauldron and one foot on the goat's back in order to be killed.
But nowhere does it tell us why. Why is this particular situation the ONLY
one in which Llew can be overcome? Because it represents the equinox
point. And the autumnal equinox is the only time of the entire year when
light (Llew) can be overcome by darkness (Goronwy).
Itshould now comeas no surprise that,when it istime for Llew to
kill Goronwy in his turn, Llew insists that Goronwy stands where he once
stood while he (Llew) casts the spear. This is no mere vindictiveness on
Llew's part. For, although the 'Mabinogion' does not say so, it should by
now be obvious that this is the only time when Goronwy can be overcome.
Light can overcome darkness only at the equinox -- this time the vernal
equinox. (Curiously, even the Christian tradition retains this
association, albeit in a distorted form, by celebrating Jesus' death near
the time of the vernal equinox.)
180
TheWelsh myth concludeswith Gwydion pursuingthe faithless Blod-
euwedd through the night sky, and a path of white flowers springs up in the
wake of her passing, which we today know as the Milky Way. When Gwydion
catches her, he transforms her into an owl, a fitting symbol of autumn,
just as her earlier association with flowers (she was made from them)
equates her with spring. Thus, while Llew and Goronwy represent summer and
winter, Blodeuwedd herself represents both spring and fall, as patron
goddess of flowers and owls, respectively.
Althoughit is far morespeculative than thepreceding material, a
final consideration would pursue this mirror-like life pattern of Llew and
Goronwy to its ultimate conclusion. Although Llew is struck with the
sunlight spear at the autumnal equinox, and so 'dies' as a human, it takes
a while before Gwydion discovers him in his eagle form. How long? We may
speculate 13 weeks, when the sun reaches the midpoint of the sign (or form)
of the eagle, Scorpio -- on Halloween. And if this is true, it may be that
Llew, the sun god, finally 'dies' to the upper world on Halloween, and now
passes through the gates of death, where he is immediately crowned king of
the underworld, the Lord of Misrule! (In medieval tradition, the person
proclaimed as 'Lord of Misrule' reigned from Halloween to Old Christmas --
or, before the calender changes, until the winter solstice.)
Meanwhile, Goronwy (withBlodeuwedd athis side) iscrowned kingin
the upper world, and occupies Llew's old throne, beginning on Halloween.
Thus, by winter solstice, Goronwy has reached his position of greatest
strength in OUR world, at the same moment that Llew, now sitting on
Goronwy's old throne, reaches his position of greatest strength in the
underworld. However, at the moment of the winter solstice, Llew is born
again, as a babe, (and as his own son!) into our world. And as Llew later
reaches manhood and dispatches Goronwy at the vernal equinox, Goronwy will
then ascend the underworld throne at Beltane, but will be reborn into our
world at midsummer, as a babe, later to defeat Llew all over again. And so
the cycle closes at last, resembling nothing so much as an intricately
woven, never-ending bit of Celtic knotwork.
So Midsummer (to me, at least) is a celebration of the sun god at his
zenith, a crowned king on his throne. He is at the height of his power and
still 1/4 of a year away from his ritual death at the hands of his rival.
However, at the very moment of his greatest strength, his dark twin, the
seed of his destruction, is born -- just as the days begin to shorten. The
spear and the cauldron have often been used as symbols for this holiday and
it should now be easy to see why. Sun gods are virtually always associated
with spears (even Jesus is pierced by one), and the midsummer cauldron of
Cancer is a symbol of the Goddess in her fullness. If we have learned
anything from this story from the fourth branch of the 'Mabinogion', it is
about the power of myth -- how it may still instruct and guide us, many
centuries after it has passed from oral to written tradition. And in
studying it, we have barely scratched the surface.
181
SPRING EQUINOX CEREMONY
Preparations:
A wheel symbol stands on the altar; it may be anything that feels
suitable a cut out disc painted yellow or gold and decorated with
spring flowers, a circular mirror, around brass tray. The High Priest's
robe, if any, and accessories should be symbolic of the Sun; any metal he
wears should be gold, gilt,brass or bronze. The altar, if indoors, should
be decorated with springflowers particularly the yellow ones such as
daffodils,primroses, gorse, or forsythia. One banquet should be ready for
handing to the Spring Queen, and a chaplet of flowers for her crowning. The
Spring Queen is one of the younger women in the Coven.
The cauldron is placed in the center of the circle, with an unlit
candle in it. If outside, and conditions permit, a bonfire is made ready to
light. A taper is placed ready on the altar for the Maiden to carry fire to
the High Priest.
A phallic wand is on the altar.
Half as many cords as there are people present are ready on the
altar, tied together at their center point in a single knot. If
there is an odd number of people, add one before dividing by two.
As part of the feasting and offering to the Gods, you can use hard
boiled eggs with painted shells. These symbolize the World Egg,
laid by the Goddess and hatched by the heat of the Sun of the God.
The High Priest moves to stands in the East, and the High Priestess in the
West, facing each other over the unlit bonfire. The High Priestess carries
the phallic wand in her right hand. The rest of the Coven distribute
themselves around the rest of the perimeter of the Circle.
The High Priestess says:
"We kindle this fire today
In presence of the Holy Ones,
Without malice, without jealousy, without envy,
Without fear of aught beneath the Sun
But the High Gods.
Thee we invoke, O Light of Life,
Be Thou a bright flame before us,
Be Thou a guiding star above us,
Be Thou a smooth path beneath us;
Kindle Thou within our hearts
A flame of love for our neighbors,
To our foes, to our friends, to our kindred all,
To all men on the broad earth.
O merciful Son of Cerridwen,
From the lowliest thing that liveth
To the Name which is highest of all."
182
The High Priestess holds the phallic wand on high and walks slowly
deosil around the bonfire or cauldron to stand in front of the High Priest.
She says:
"O Sun, be Thou ready to conquer the Dark!"
The High Priestess presents thephallic wand the High Priest andthen
steps to one side.
The High Priest holds up the wand in salute and replaces it on the
altar.
The Maidenlights the taper fromone of the altarcandles and presents
it to the High Priest. The Maiden then steps to one side.
The High Priest carries the taper to the bonfire and lights it. He
gives the taper back to the Maiden, who blows it out and replaces it on the
altar. She then picks up the cords and gives them to the High Priest.
The High Priestess arranges everyone around the fire, man facing
woman as far as possible. The High Priest hands out the ends of the cords
in accordance with her instructions,retaining on end of the final cord
himself and handing the other end of it to the High Priestess. If there is
an odd number of people, with more men then women, he holds on to two cord
ends himself, or if more women then men, the High Priestess does the same.
Either way, both of them must be linked with two members of the opposite
sex.
When everyone is holding a cord, they all pull the cords taut, with
the central knot above the fire. They then start circling deosil in the
Wheel dance, building up speed, always keeping the cords taut and the knot
over the fire. Any chant can be used that sounds good.
Thenthe Covenall sitin acircle roundthe fire.The HighPriest
gathers up the cords, being careful not to let them get burned and replaces
them on the altar.
The High Priest names one of the women to be the Spring Queen and
stands her in front of the altar. He crowns her with the chaplet of flowers
and gives her the Five Fold Kiss.
The HighPriest stepsback andcalls forward eachman inturn to
give the Spring Queen the FiveFold Kiss. When the last man has done so, the
High Priest presents the Spring Queen with her bouquet.
Then, starting with the Spring Queen, everyone jumps over the fire,
singly or in couples, not forgetting to wish.
Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 1983
183
SMUDGING: HOW TO DO IT--HOW NOT TO DO IT
~~~
I came across a very interesting article from "Shaman's Drum" which
was reprinted for Vision Quest Bookstore. I will attempt to convey
the gist of it, along with my views, as a student of the Ways of the
Teneh, about it. Smudging is a way of using the smoke from burning
herbs as a way to cleanse the body, an object, or a given area of
negative influences. I myself use smudging to "cleanse" crystals
before using them in jewelry projects I may do, and for protecting my
home from some recent "bad vibe"-producing events. (landlord
troubles!) I imagine that the skillful use of the proper herbs could
help in warding and banishing ceremonies as well, if used properly and
with reverence. The three most used plant material for smudging are
sage of all types, cedar, and sweetgrass.
Sage
~~~~
There are two major genii and several varieties of each genus of Sage
that are used for smudging. Salvia, or the herb sage used for cooking,
comes in two major varieties: S. Officinalis, commonly known as Garden
Sage, and S. Apiana, commonly known as White Sage. Salvia varieties
have long been acknowledged as healing herbs, reflected in the fact
that its genus name comes from the Latin root word *salvare*, which is
the verb "to heal" or "to save." Artemisia is the genus commonly
considered "Sagebrush", and is more common in the wilds out here in
California. There are two major varieties to the Artemisia genus:
A. Californica, or Common Sagebrush, and A. Vulgaris, or Mugwort.
There are many other varieties of both Salvia and Artemisia, and all are
effective in smudging. Sage is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive
out evil spirits, negative thoughts and feelings, and to keep Gan'n
(negative entities) away from areas where ceremonials take place. In
the Plains Sweatlodge, the floor of the structure is strewn with sage
leaves for the participants to rub on their bodies during the sweat.
Sage is also used in keeping sacred objects like pipes or Peyote wands
safe from negative influence. In the Sioux nation, the Sacred Pipe is
kept in a bundle with sage boughs. I would think special crystals could
be so protected this way as well.
Cedar
~~~~~
True cedar is of the Thuja and Libocedrus genii. Some Junipers
(Juniperus genus) are also called "cedar", thus complicating things some.
Some Juniper varieties ARE cleansing herbs, especially J. Monosperma, or
Desert White Cedar. But for smudging, the best is Western Red Cedar
(Thuja occidentalis) and California Incense Cedar (Libocedrus descurrens).
Cedar is burnt while praying to the Great Spirit (Usen', the Source--also
known to Plains nations as Wakan Tanka) in meditation, and also to bless a
house before moving in as is the tradition in the Northwest and
Western Canada. It works both as a purifier and as a way to attract
GOOD energy in your direction. It is usually available in herb stores
in chipped form, which must be sprinkled over a charcoal in a brazier.
I like a piece of charcoaled mesquite for this purpose, rather than
the commercial charcoal cake.
184
Sweetgrass
~~~~~~~~~~
Very important to the Sioux and Cherokee nations, its botanical name is
Hierochloe Oderata. In these tribes, the sweetgrass is braided like hair
braids. It could be burnt by lighting the end of it, or (more economically)
by shaving little bits of it onto charcoal in a brazier. Again, use
charcoaled Mesquite (I believe it comes packaged for barbecue use
under the brand name "Red Arrow") to burn it, not pressed charcoal
tablets. Sweetgrass is burnt after smudging with sage, to welcome in
good influences after the bad had been driven out. Sweetgrass is very
rare today, and traditional Plains people have been attempting to
protect the last of it. Myself, I believe that Cedar, which is not
endangered, can safely be used this way. Also Pinon pine needles
(used more frequently by the Southwest Teneh, like the Navajo and
Apache as well as the Pueblo people and the Zuni) and Copal (used by
the Yaqui and in ancient times by the Azteca and the Maya) have
similar effect. The three mentioned here are readily available either
through gathering yourself or, in the case of copal resin, from any
good herb shop.
Using Smudging
~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
Burn clippings of the herb in a brazier...not a shell as some "new age"
shamanic circles do...it is an insult to White Painted Woman (The Goddess)
to do this, especially with the abalone shell which is especially sacred
to Her. If the herb is bundled in a "wand", you can also light the end
of the wand that isn't woody and use that. I like the latter way. Direct
the smoke with your hands or with a Peyote (feather) wand over the
person or thing you wish to smudge. If you can see auras, look for
discolored places in the aura and direct the healing smoke towards
those places on the patient's body. For cleansing a house, first
offer cedar smoke to the four directions outside the house. Then,
take a sage bough and go throughout the inside of the house, making
sure the smoke penetrates every nook and cranny of the house. It
might help also, if you have a power animal, to visualize your animal
doing these things, to also dance your animal, and if you have a power
song, to sing that too. Then finally, run through the house with a
white candle that is well protected, to "light up" the house. Careful
not to burn it down when you do it!!!
Final Thoughts
~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
Smudging should be done with care, with reverence, and in an attitude
of LOVE. Show your respect and honor to the plants that Usen' has
given us for our healing, and they will return the favor by keeping us
well and free from disease and negative energy. Aloe Vera plants,
though not to be burnt, are good for the cleansing angle as well. Keep
one or more potted Aloe Veras in the house (modern varieties are too
tender to plant in anything but full shade outside) in organic (wood
or ceramic, never plastic or metal) pots. To honor the plant when you
transplant it, sprinkle the roots with corn meal and smudge it with
cedar once it is transplanted. The spirit of Aloe Vera is a good
protective spirit, and if you burn yourself, can also be used to heal
your skin. BE SURE TO ASK THE PLANT'S PERMISSION before cutting part
of the leaf off for the healing juice. If you don't, the protective
power of the plant will cease, and you will be left with but an inert
houseplant...and perhaps some bad karma to boot.
Hi-dicho, it is finished....ENJU!
Michelle Chihacou White Puma Klein-Hass
185
An Introduction to Traditional Wicca
c. 1987, Keepers of the Ancient Mysteries ( .K.A.M. )
Often Traditional Wiccans are asked to describe our religion and
beliefs for interested people, who may or may not have confused
us with other Pagan religions, with inversions of
Christian/Islamic religions like Satanism, or with purely magical
traditions with no religious base. There is a lot of flexibility
in the ways that we describe ourselves, and one characteristic of
Wicca is a large degree of personal liberty to practice as we
please. Still, there is an outline that can be described in
general terms. Many traditions will depart from one particular or
another, but groups departing from all or most of these features
are probably non-Wiccan Traditions attempting to stretch or
distort the Wiccan name to cover what they want to do.
Mysteries and Initiation
Wicca is an Initiatory religion descended from the Ancient
Mystery Religions. A mystery religion is not like Catholicism
where a Priest is the contact point between the worshiper and the
Deity, nor like Protestantism where a sacred Book provides the
contact and guidelines for being with the divine. Rather a
Mystery Religion is a religion of personal experience and
responsibility, in which each worshiper is encouraged, taught and
expected to develop an ongoing and positive direct relationship
with the Gods. The religion is called a "Mystery" because such
experiences are very hard to communicate in words, and are
usually distorted in the telling. You have to have been there in
person to appreciate what is meant. Near and far-Eastern
religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Shinto are probably
Mystery traditions, but Wicca is very western in cultural flavor
and quite different than eastern religions in many ways.
A Blend of Pagan Roots
Most Wiccan Traditions, .K.A.M. included, have particular roots
in the British Mystery Traditions. This includes traditions of
the Picts who lived before the rise of Celtic consciousness, the
early Celts, and some selected aspects of Celtic Druidism.
American Wicca is directly descended from British Wicca, brought
in the late 1950's by English and American Initiates of
Gardnerian, Alexandrian and Celtic Wicca. These traditions are a
little like the denominations in Christianity, but hopefully far
more harmonious.
While British Traditions are very strong in Wicca, or the Craft
as it is sometimes called, other Western Mystery traditions
feature prominently, including the ancient Greek Mysteries of
Eleusis, Italian Mysteries of Rome, Etruria and the general
countryside, Mysteries of Egypt and Persia before Islam, and
various Babylonian, Assyrian and other mid-eastern Mysteries that
flourished before the political rise of the advocates of "one
god".
186
What's In a Name?
Wicca, Witchecraft, and "The Craft" are used interchangeably at
times by many kinds of people. It is fair to say that all Wiccans
are Witches, and many of us believe we are the only people
entitled to the name. It is important to know that many people
call themselves witches who are not in the least Wiccan, and that
Masons also refer to themselves as "Craft", with good historical
precedent. Carefully question people on the particular things
they do and believe as part of their religion rather than relying
on labels. Any real Wiccan would welcome such honest inquiry.
Traditions and Flavor
There are specific Wiccan beliefs and traditions, including
worship of an equal and mated Goddess and God who take many forms
and have many Names. Groups who worship only a Goddess or only a
God are not traditional Wicca however they may protest, although
they may be perfectly good Pagans of another sort. The Wiccan
Goddess and God are linked to nature, ordinary love and children
-- Wicca is very life affirming in flavor.
Because we have and love our own Gods, Wiccans have nothing to do
with other people's deities or devils, like the Christian God or
Satan, the Muslim Allah or the Jewish Jehovah (reputedly not his
real name). Christians often deny this fact because they think
that their particular god is the only God, and everybody else in
the whole world must be worshipping their devil. How arrogant.
They're wrong on both counts.
Traditional Wicca is a religion of personal responsibility and
growth. Initiates take on a particular obligation to personal
development throughout their lives, and work hard to achieve what
we call our "True Will", which is the best possibility that we
can conceive for ourselves. Finding your Will isn't easy, and
requires a lot of honesty, courage and hard work. It is also very
rewarding.
Wicca is generally a cheerful religion, and has many holidays and
festivals. In fact, most of the more pleasant holidays now on our
calendar are descended from the roots Wicca draws on, including
Christmas, May Day, Easter and Summer Vacation. Wicca is
definitely not always serious. Dancing, feasting and general
merriment are a central part of the celebrations.
187
Wiccan Ethics
Wiccans have ethics which are different in nature than most
"one-god" religions, which hand out a list of "do's and don'ts".
We have a single extremely powerful ethical principal which
Initiates are responsible for applying in specific situations
according to their best judgment. That principle is called the
Wiccan Rede (Old-English for rule) and reads:
"An (if) it harm none, do as ye Will"
Based on the earlier mention of "True Will", you will understand
that the Rede is far more complex than it sounds, and is quite
different than saying "Do whatever you want as long as nobody is
hurt". Finding out your Will is difficult sometimes, and figuring
out what is harmful, rather than just painful or unpleasant is
not much easier.
Initiation into Wicca
People become Wiccans only by Initiation, which is a process of
contacting and forming a good relationship with the Gods and
Goddesses of Wicca. Initiation is preceded by at least a year and
a day of preparation and study, and must be performed by a
qualified Wiccan Priestess and Priest. The central event of
Initiation is between you and your Gods, but the Priestess is
necessary to make the Initiation a Wiccan one, to pass some of
her power onto you as a new-made Priestess or Priest and to
connect you to the Tradition you're joining.
Women hold the central place in Wicca. A Traditional Coven is
always headed by a High Priestess, a Third Degree female Witch
with at least three years and three days of specific training. A
Priest is optional, but the Priestess is essential. Similarly, a
Priest may not Initiate without a Priestess, but a Priestess
alone is sufficient. Women are primary in Wicca for many reasons,
one of which is that the Goddess is central to our religion.
One Religion at a Time
People often ask "Can I become a Wiccan and still remain a
Christian, Muslim, practicing Jew, etc. The answer is no. The
"one god" religions reject other paths besides their own,
including each other's. "One-god" religions also do not exalt the
Female as does Wicca, and mixing two such different traditions
would water them both down. Besides, you'd have to ask how
serious a person who practiced two religions was about either
one. Being Jewish is an exception, since it is a race and culture
as well as a religion. There are many Wiccan Jews, but they
practice Wicca, not Judaism.
188
Magick and Science
People interested in Wicca are usually curious about the magick
that Wiccans can do. While magick (spelled with a "k" to
distinguish from stage conjuring) is not a religion in itself, it
is related to our religious beliefs. Wiccans believe that people
have many more abilities than are generally realized, and that it
is a good idea to develop them. Our magick is a way of using
natural forces to change consciousness and material conditions as
an expression of our "True Wills". Part of becoming a Wiccan is
training in our methods of psychic and magickal development.
Because we believe that everything a person does returns to them
magnified, a Wiccan will not work a magick for harm, since they
would pay too high a price. But a helpful magick is good for both
the giver and receiver! Wicca is entirely compatible with the
scientific method, and we believe all the Gods and forces we work
with to be quite natural, not supernatural at all. We do not,
however, hold with the kind of scientific dogma or pseudo religion
that sees everything as dead matter and neglects its own method
by trumpeting "facts" without honest examination of evidence.
Priestesses at Large?
Long ago the spiritual (and sometimes physical) ancestors of
Wiccans were Priestesses and Priests to the Pagan culture as well
as devotees of their Mystery. Now that a Pagan culture is rising
again, some ask if today's Wiccans could resume that role. This
seems unlikely.
Today's Pagan culture is very diverse and more interested in
exploring and creating new forms than in building on existing
traditions. A public role would either dilute our traditions or
force them on an unwilling audience. The neo-Pagan community
generally prefers "media figures" and rapid membership and
growth. This is not compatible with our slow methods of training
and Initiation, the insistence that livelihood come from work
outside the Craft, or our needs for privacy. Our religion is not
accepted in the American workplace or political system, and may
never be. The most powerful Priestesses are often unknown to all
but their Coveners. While all Wiccans are Pagans, all Pagans are
not Wiccan, and it is best that it remain so.
189
Principles of Wiccan Beliefs
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 Quarter.
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 Unconscious, Inner
Planes, etc. -- and we see in the inter-action 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 who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
190
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 Wiccan Way.
8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but neither does
heredity itself, not 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 roll within it.
10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion
or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its 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
traditions. We do not seek power through the suffering 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 afore mentioned principles are from the Council of American Witches
circa 1974 .
191
The Wiccan Way
Recognizing that there is more than one path to spiritual
enlightenment and that Wicca is but one of many, and that Wicca
holds within itself the belief that there is more than one type of
step set to the spiral dance, find here listed common denominators
of the Craft.
That there is above all the Goddess in her three-fold aspect and many
are her names. With all her names we call her Maiden, Mother and
Crone.
That there is the God, consort and son, giver of strength and most
willing of sacrifice.
That and it harm none, do what ye will shall be the law.
That each of her children are bound by the three-fold law and that
whatever we create, be it joy or sorrow, laughter or pain, is brought
back to us three-fold.
That as she is the mother of all living things and we are all her
children, we seek to live in harmony not only with each other, but
with the planet earth that is our womb and home.
That life upon the earth is not a burden to be born, but a joy to be
learned and shared with others.
That death is not an ending of existence, but a step in the on-going
process of life.
That there is no sacrifice of blood, for She is the mother of all
living things, and from her all things proceed and unto her all
things must return.
That each and everyone of the children who follow this path has
no need of another between themselves and the Goddess, but may find
Her within themselves.
That there shall not by intent be a desecration of another's symbols
of beliefs, for we are all seeking harmony within the One.
That each person's faith is private unto themselves and that
another's belief is not to be set out and made public.
That the Wiccan way is not to seek converts, but that the way be
made open to those who for reasons of their own seek and find the
Craft.
And as it is willed, so mote it be.
192
The Charge of the Goddess
Whenever ye have need of any thing, once in the month, and
better it be when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in
some secret place and adore the spirit of She, who is Queen of
all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn
all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will
She teach things that are yet unknown. And ye shall be free from
slavery; and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked
in your rites; and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and
love, all in Her praise. For Hers is the ecstasy of the spirit,
and Hers also is joy on earth; for Her law is love unto all
beings. Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever towards it; let
naught stop you or turn you aside. For Hers is the secret door
which opens upon the land of youth and Hers is the cup of wine of
life, and the cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of
immortality. She is the gracious goddess, who gives the gift of
joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, She gave the knowledge of
the spirit eternal; and beyond death, She gives peace and
freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor does
She demand sacrifice, for behold, She is the mother of all
living, and Her love is poured out upon the earth.
She who is the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon
among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of
the heart of man, calls unto thy soul. Arise, and come unto Her.
For She is the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe.
from Her all things proceed, and unto Her all things must return;
and before Her face, beloved of gods and men, let thine innermost
divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let Her
worship be within the heart that rejoiceth; for behold, all acts
of love and pleasure are Her rituals. And therefore let there be
beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility,
mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek
Her, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless
thou knowest the mystery; that if that which thou seekest thou
findest not within thee, then thou wilt never find it without
thee. For behold, She has been with thee from the beginning; and
She is that which is attained at the end of desire.
193
Satanism vs. Wicca
By: Diane Vera
Since your main worry seems to be public relations, here's how I
would make the distinction between Wicca and Satanism, in a way that
is fair to both sides and does not throw Satanists to the dogs:
.
Wicca and Satanism are quite distinct. Wiccans worship pre-
Christian deities (or a modern-day composite of pre-Christian
deities) and do not worship the Christian anti-God. Some
Satanists also worship a pre-Christian deity, but regard the
Christian anti-God as a manifestation of their deity, which
Wiccans do not. Wicca and Satanism are very different in
their aims and tone. Wicca emphasizes harmony and balance,
whereas Satanism emphasizes spiritual self-liberation via
iconoclasm and catharsis.
.
I should mention, though, there's one possible problem with that
last sentence. Some feminist Wiccans might take offense at it,
since it implies the more radical forms of feminist Wicca are really
more like Satanism than like Wicca. Which in my opinion they are.
If you've read some of Mary Daly's books, you'll know what I mean.
.
I myself identify as a feminist Goddess-oriented neo-Pagan, as well
as a Satanist. Indeed, feminist Goddess religion is still my
*primary* religious identification. (Satanism is how I relate to
"male" energy.) I don't and never did call myself a feminist
"Wiccan".
.
By the way, while I accept today's use of the word Wicca (with a
capital W) to refer to a specific European-based religion with a
very specific worldview, I do *not* accept the attempt by Wiccans
to copyright the words "witch" and "witchcraft". These words are
generic terms, not the property of any one religion. They refer to
occult practices found in many religions around the world. A
Satanist has as much right to the word "witch" as anyone else. (It
so happens that *I* don't call myself a "witch", but for a
different reason: I think many "witches" are making exaggerated
claims to occult power, and I don't want to give the appearance of
making such an exaggerated claim.)
194
Women vs. Men
By: Michelle Hass (in conversation with Scott Szakonyi
"Ok folks, Loki and I have been chatting, and we're ready to raise a
ruckus that might go on for months."
Chiniginish and I relish the challenge...with Coyote looking over Our
shoulders and chuckling...
"Here's the question: Are women superior to men, and if so, why?
I THINK that women are superior to men in the modern world because
evolution is lagging society. Most of the evolution of the human race
(about 60 million yrs) took place in hunter/gatherer tribes, where
aggressive behavior on the part of the male hunters was a survival
trait, and relating/caring behavior was a survival trait for females. Now,
in the 20 thousand or so years since we have become agrarian, the need
for male hunter aggressiveness has gone the way of the Dodo, while the
need for relating/caring behavior has become primary. Where does this
leave us?
"Well, as I see it, women are almost ideally suited to the
overcrowded, communication intensive environment that we call modern
society. Men, on the other hand, are like people with no arms playing
handball. It's not that we're bad folk, it's just that we were designed
by evolution for an environment that hasn't existed for 20 THOUSAND YEARS,
which is a real drop in the bucket in terms of evolution. Evolution
isn't going to be giving us any help for at least a few million years;
maybe never since we are constantly screwing up the gene pool with our
wars that leave the genetically defective to breed and send the
genetically preferable off to evolutionary dead ends. So all we men
can do is try to better ourselves and ask for patience on the part of
women, who must feel like the entire male sex has completely missed the
boat. "
Well, you've got a nice point, but it assumes something that I believe
'taint necessarily so. Is male aggressiveness part of nature or nurture?
The jury seems to be coming back from a long period of deliberation, and it
looks like the verdict is NURTURE.
This very nicely dovetails with my own theory of what thelemites refer to
as the "procession of the aeons". In Crowley's notorious Liber Al vel
Legis, we are said to be passing from an aeon of belief in suffering male
gods and patriarchy to an aeon of belief in the value of Self and of
partnership between the sexes. Crowley called the old aeon the "Aeon of
Osiris" and the new the "Aeon of Horus, the Crowned and Conquering Child."
The enthroned Child is not masculine or feminine, but
androgynous/gynandrous. The aeon before the Osirian was that of Isis, an
aeon of Great Mother Goddesses and matriarchy.
My chronology is a little different than that which Crowley attributed to
these three epochs of human history so far. Crowley declared that the Aeon
of Horus began with the Spring Equinox of 1904+ Common, just before the
writing of the Book of the Law. I maintain that the change is still taking
place, and had its roots in the 1700s+ Common. The writings of the
philosopher Locke were some of the first to make a very important quantum
jump, and provided ideological impetus for the vital changes that have and
are taking place.
195
What Locke asserted was that government did not rest on Divine Right, but
on the consent of the governed. Human beings were not born to different
castes, some fated to serve while others were fated to rule by the grace of
the gods. Human beings were born equal, and had certain rights as a
birthright: Life, Liberty, the right to pursue Happiness, and the right to
security of private property.
This assertion shows up in Liber Al as these statements:
"Every Man and Every Woman is a Star. "
"Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law. "
"Love Is The Law, Love Under Will. "
"Thou hast no right but to do thy Will. "
In a little less arcane language, these statements run thusly:
Every Individual matters.
Every Individual has the right to live, be free and pursue Happiness
(harmony with one's life's purpose, or True Will) as they Will.
These rights stop at the boundary of the Wills of others. Live your
life as you see fit, but mind your own business and above all, HARM
NOBODY. This includes yourself in a very conditional way. You *do* have
the right to self destruction, but if you truly believe that you
matter, why would you want to?
These assertions are usually encountered firstly in a Locke-inspired
document that has passed into the history of this country, the Declaration
of Independence. If there is any one document that is a trigger point for
the New Aeon, it's that one. The American Revolution was the first time
monarchy was cast aside in favor of democracy of a representative sort.
Democracy was tried before, but never quite this way. And despite several
course corrections that needed to be made, (the abolishment of Slavery, the
giving of Women, Blacks and Amerinds the right to vote) and some that still
need to be made (the granting of total equality for all races and sexes, a
shift to a more direct method of participation, ie Cyber-democracy) the
democratic experiment in the United
States is the most enduring of all.
Before the 1700s, government was imposed from above, not thought of as
flowing from the consent of the governed. Individuals were not accorded
rights as a birthright, but were granted rights by the king, usually on a
class-by-class basis. Human beings were dealt with as masses and classes,
on a Collective basis.
Coincidental with these developments was a surfacing of hermetic thought in
a more widespread way then ever before in history. The Rosicrucian and
Freemason movements brought hermeticism to a wide audience. Within the
ranks of Freemasonry were both common and noble, and often commoners would
be lodgemasters in lodges frequented by those of noble birth. Hermetic
orders ennobled not by birth, but by level of knowledge and initiation and
(hopefully) by level of spiritual attainment.
Now, this was fine in theory, but unfortunately in practice things weren't
so swift. It was only until the mid-1800s and groups like the original
Golden Dawn that women had the possibility of initiation. Even now, in
Masonic lodges that have lost their occult focus and are now little more
than men's clubs, men are ritually strip-searched to assure the initiator
that the candidate is indeed male and not a disguised female.
196
The baggage of the old days of sexism and classism remain in a lot of
hermetic orders even today. Crowley himself had serious problems accepting
women as equals: he had a rather low opinion of them and was quite cruel to
them in numerous cases. But very explicit in the message of the New Aeon is
that people are to be dealt with, not by sex or race or social strata but
by their inborn, inalienable rights as individuals...as Stars, to use a
thelemic term.
The Neo-pagan movement was a definite evolutionary step in defining a New
Aeon mode of spirituality. Unlike the traditional hermetic order, Wicca and
other forms of Neo-paganism do not have a multiplicity of ranks and a chain
of command. Some have three degrees, some two, some only one, that of
initiate. Initiation is not a bestowal of rank, but more a
purpose-oriented process. As magickal orders continue to evolve, they will
either need to emulate more and more the informality and non-hierarchical
non-structure of Neo-paganism or choke on their bloated hierarchies. It is
funny when one considers that there is much evidence to suggest that
Neo-paganism evolved from the Astrum Argentum and the OTO, and that much of
Gardner's groundbreaking work in reconstructing the old pre-Osirian Druidic
religion was helped along with the research help of Uncle Al himself.
Perhaps, as the knightly orders of the past were meant as guardians of the
Christian Church, there will become a symbiotic connection between
Neo-paganism and Magickal orders, especially among those whose
non-structure mimics that of the coven. Arguably this symbiosis exists now,
and hell, I'm living proof of this.
So what the deuce does this have to do with the sexes? You'll see as I wrap
this up. Ok...remember I mentioned that before the Osirian epoch and the
patriarchy, which seems to have come in with the rise of the big cities and
the transformation from a hunter-gatherer society to an agrarian one
(methinks you have placed the transformation a little too far into the
past) there was the Isian epoch and the matriarchy? Well, before
patriarchal philosophy displaced matriarchalism, women pretty much ran
things. They didn't hunt because to place women, who were the living image
of the Goddess and the ex-nihilo creatrixes of the next generation, in
bodily jeopardy was literally blasphemy. Women were the intermediaries for
men to the Goddess, who was unapproachable otherwise. The men had their
hunting cults, but they were as insignificant in reality as the
Victorian-era anthropologists misread the ancient religion of the Goddess
as merely an inferior "fertility cult."
197
When the transition came to the cities and to patriarchy sometime around
10,000- to 7,500- Common, the long-suppressed males took by force what the
Goddesses of the Isian era denied them by their divine decree...power. Male
warrior deities replaced female mother deities. The priestesses of the old
religions were destroyed. (The Book of Joshua in the Old Testament is a
vivid account of one triumph of Osiris over Isis.) And the new order began.
But the old matriarchal religions survived for several thousands of years
after the turn of the aeon, and it is painfully obvious that the old
patriarchal ways will haunt us for thousands of years into the future, even
as new ways take hold and new philosophies become more accepted.
But it really is nurture rather than nature that makes men aggressive and
women passive. Men can learn to be nurturing and loving, and women can
learn to be assertive and empowered. In order that we can truly enter this
new aeon where all are leaders and all are Stars, we each have to cultivate
the "other side" of our Selves. No, women are not superior to men, nor is
it the other way around. Every Individual matters. Everyone has the
potential to be a King, in the thelemic sense of the word. We need to learn
to treat all with dignity, be they material successes or abject material
failures. We need to treat even those still enslaved by the old _ideas
fixes_ with as much dignity as those who have declared their secession from
them and their embracing of the New Law.
The evolution is really and truly in our own hands.
Beauty and balance, Will and Love,
Michelle.
198
The coven that I've been working with in Denver begins its cup blessing by
a dialogue between the Priest and the Priestess. Both have a hand each on
the athame and the chalice:
Priest: "Be it known that a man is not greater than a woman.
Priestess: "Nor yet is a woman greater than a man"
Priest: "For what one lacks"
Priestess: "The other can provide"
Priest" "As the Athame is to the male"
Priestess: So is the cup to the female.
Both: And when conjoined together, they become one in truth, for there is
no greater magick in all the world than that of love.
BB Rowan
199
WHAT IS D.A.W.N.?
The Denver Area Wiccan Network is a group of pagans and
friends from a wide variety of Craft traditions. DAWN sponsors
parties, group rituals, a student/teacher network, and other
activities as inspired or impelled.
WHY DO I WANT TO JOIN DAWN?
* You want to be part of an active, growing community of
Wiccans who can work together to make some changes in their
world;
* You want to meet people and make new friends who share your
basic values--people you can be yourself with, no need to
keep your cover;
* You want an ongoing opportunity to exchange views and
information with people from groups or traditions other than
your own;
* You want to be in on the creation of a Denver pagan extended
family which will make all the above possible;
* You like hugs, and you enjoy being warmly welcomed.
DO I HAVE TO "GO PUBLIC" TO BE A MEMBER?
No. Only the Board Chair and Secretary are expected to be
"public," and the identities of all other members are fiercely
protected.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Dues are $13 per coven, $5 per solitary, payable twice
yearly in May and November. These cover the cost of mailings and
the setup costs for parties and rituals, as well as other costs
authorized by the Board and/or Steering Committee.
DO I HAVE TO JOIN DAWN TO PARTICIPATE?
No. All parties are open to pagans and friends. To find
out about them and other DAWN functions, write us at the P.O. Box
listed below (postage is appreciated) or call Bob Key on his
answering machine. Another way to find out more about DAWN is to
show up at one of our Steering Committee meetings. They are held
at 6:30 pm, the second Sunday of each month, at the Glendale
Community Center (999 S. Clermont).
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN DAWN!
D.A.W.N. Bob Key
P.O. Box 11202 (303) 758-2115
Englewood, Colorado 80151
200
BYLAWS
DENVER AREA WICCAN NETWORK
I. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. The Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the Board)
shall be selected by the Steering Committee from among the active
members of DAWN such that:
1. Each coven shall have no more than one member on the Board;
if there are fewer than 5 member covens, then there may be a
second Director from any coven;
2. There shall be at least one member of the Board who is a
member of a coven; and
3. There shall be at least one member on the Board from among
the DAWN members who are not members of any coven.
B. The Board shall have no fewer than 4 members and no more than 13
members. It shall determine its own size within those limits.
C. The Board may appoint members of DAWN to fill vacancies on the
Board. Persons so appointed shall serve only until the next
regular election.
D. Each elected Director (member of the Board) holds a two year
term, except that, when the size of the board is increased, half
of the new positions shall initially be for one year only. Any
person serving one elected term may not be reelected as a
Director until they have been retired from the Board for one
year.
E. Each seated Director may designate an Alternate to speak and vote
in their stead when they are absent from Board meetings. The
identity of this Alternate shall be recorded in the Minutes of
the Board, and no other person may serve this function until the
Director changes the designation and the change is on record.
Being named Alternate to a Director does not automatically name
them Alternate to any offices that director may hold; however,
they may so serve at the discretion of the Chair.
F. The Board shall elect Officers from among the Directors for the
positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. This
shall be done after each new election, and no later than the next
regular meeting of the Board.
G. A quorum of the Board shall consist of 70 percent of the
Directors, either present or represented by their Alternate.
H. The Board shall elect a Newsletter Editor from the general
membership of DAWN. This officer shall serve at the will of the
Board and report directly to the Board.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD