Goddess Rosaries

Some people have an aversion to using the word rosary as it can signal to a person memories of Christian faith and other negative associations that they tend to place upon it. However, the word rosary comes from the Latin word rosarium which means garland of roses. The garland of prayer beads is symbolic of a portable sacred Circle that can go with you everywhere.

The rosary is used as a grounding tool to aid in trance and meditation through keeping track of mantras, prayers, and recitation of deity names. As you say each mantra or line of a prayer, you touch each bead imbuing them with that statement and giving them power. This power will remain within the bead and build over time as you continue this process.

Rosaries come in all different colors, beads, and stones. You can choose to string the beads together in a line or you can hook them together through metalcrafting work. If you have a specific prayer or mantra in mind, you can make your rosary to match it. You can place breath beads or heart beads along your rosary to signify when the mantra needs to be repeated.

You can also wear your rosary as a necklace that has power enhancing properties such as for protection or healing. You may also wish to place the rosary upon your altar as a reminder of your faith or by your bedside to aid it dreaming. Be conscious of the number of beads you would like to place. Nine is traditionally a Goddess number and you could choose to make your rosary with three sets of nine or five sets of nine, or so on. Do what feels right for you!

Created by Gilliauna

https://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/gilliauna/2352488/pagan_necklace__wiccan_rosary__harvest_goddess_in_jade_/handmade/jewelry/necklaces/rosary

Book Review: The Shamanic Witch by Gail Wood

So I finally finished reading The Shamanic Witch and I have to say I loved every minute of it. Sometimes I grow bored with books on the Craft or Wicca because they seem to become repetitive but this one was a nice change. There was more information on Shamanism than there was on Wicca. I believe the author expects people who read this book to be fairly versed in Wicca and the Craft already.

If you're interested in incorporating Shamanistic practices with your Wiccan practices I suggest reading this book. I thought it was very insightful about the world of Shamanism and how it can be related back to your Craft. It was full of useful meditative/trance exercises and guided you on how to enter the Lower, Middle, and Upper Worlds. It was also very clear and concise about methods and the process of entering a trance state with intentions directed towards your goal.

Not only did it have exercises to help people become in tune with their spirit animals and guides, it also gave background information on the world of Shamanism, their ethics, and what it means to be a Shaman. I thoroughly enjoy reading about history and especially that of different traditions. However, I don't like when history is long winded or takes up most of the reading. In this case, the book was great in keeping the history to an appropriate level without it being too long or straying away from the ultimate message of the book.

Some exercises that I thought were random or maybe a little out of place were the exercises on body empowerment. The book didn't really speak much about this but rather jumped into it. I agree that everyone should be empowered spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically, but these exercises seemed better suited for a different book or at least have a section dedicated to this.

Many parts of this book spoke about the drum and rattle that Shamans used on their journeys which I thought was very interesting. I would love to take a class on Shamanic drumming one day. Many of the exercises included drumming or the alternative with a drumming CD. If you're like me it takes a while to find a CD that's right for you. It's more of a hit or miss with a CD that is appropriate for journeying. I would've appreciated maybe a referenced CD that provided long drumming sequences appropriate for journeying. If any of you know where I could find one leave a comment below!

If you are considering reading this book, try the exercises that are in it. The purpose of this book is to help in training someone who is willing to try shamanic journeying and wants to experience this. That's why there are so many exercises in this book. Good luck on your journeying!

Sacred Drumming

I've been reading a book entitled The Shamanic Witch authored by Gail Wood and I must say that it's one of the more compelling books that I've read so far. I'm very interested in a couple of different mythological and spiritual paths such as the mythology of the Celts, the Ancient Greeks, the Egyptians, and the Native Americans. This book speaks mostly about Neoshamanic practices or the practices of the Shaman Witch.

I will post a book review on this title once I am completely finished reading the book but I did want to write a piece about sacred drumming. I have participated in several open Drum Circles and several closed ones. If you, dear reader, have ever been interested in Drum Circles or just in practicing drumming for your own spiritual journey and meditations then I highly recommend reading this book. It gives a lot of useful information on finding the right drum for you or rattle. It also gives several drumming exercises that you can use to attune yourself to your drum.

Sacred drumming has been practiced by many spiritual paths for thousands of years. The beating of the drum is the heart beat of the ritual, ceremony, and journey. It helps the individual to center and ground themselves while in trance and it also brings the person back to their body after their spiritual journey. However, I understand that drums, especially ornate and handcrafted drums, are especially expensive, so I use drum recordings during my meditations. These will have the same effect during trance but it is best to be familiar with the drum beatings so they do not become distracting when the songs change over in the middle of the trance. You can actually move through your spiritual world to the changing of the beats if that helps.

If you are interested in taking drumming classes I say go for it. Even if you don't have a drum you may still attend and learn the techniques of drumming with a spoon and a plastic bowl. Always search for what speaks to your heart and take a chance. You never know what you'll find on your journey!

Simple Moon Ritual: Honoring Hecate

I've been dwelling on the Goddess Hecate for the past couple of weeks and something is telling me that it's time to pay my respects towards the Mother of Witchcraft. While meditating on these thoughts, I decided to put together a simple ritual that would be both relaxing and powerful.

First, I'd like to say a little about Hecate and the wonders of the Moon Goddess. Personally, I believe she's one of the most influential and powerful Goddesses around. She has rule over the Earth, sea, and sky and was worshiped in Athenian households as a power of protection. Also, she is associated with the waning moon and particularly the dark moon where she can be called upon in the most powerful way. She's associated with crossroads and it's said that if you find three roads that meet, all with a different street name, that Hecate resides there. That place may be used as a place of power. For more about this special Goddess, click here. Another great resource can be located here.

Here's what you will need for the ritual:

*Three Black Candles

*Pentacle

*Cauldron

*Mugwort (herb or incense)

*Moonstone

*Bowl of Water and Sea Salt

*Materials to Create Your Circle

Once you have cleansed the area and established your sacred space, arrange your altar with the above materials. Place the black candles in a triangle pattern with the point of the triangle farthest away from you facing North. Place your pentacle in the center of this triangle of candles and place your cauldron upon it. Cleanse all items in the ritual with the elements. Place the bowl of water to the West outside of the triangle and the bowl of salt to the East also on the outside perimeter. You may place the stone where you see fit.

The mugwort, an herb of Hecate, will be placed in the cauldron to be burned. While the mugwort burns, light the three black candles clockwise. As they burn, breathe in the scent of the mugwort and meditate on the purpose of the ritual, to become in tune with Hecate and her power. Place the moonstone in the bowl of water and place a pinch of salt to cleanse it of negative energy. Hold the stone in your hand and fill it with the power of Hecate. You may use this power for any purpose whether it be for protection or a spell.

Once the ritual has finished you may open the Circle and give the water, salt, and herb to the Earth to honor the Great Goddess.

Celtic Music

© All music composed by Adrian von Ziegler.

The video artwork was made by Carina aka Aelathen:
http://www.facebook.com/CarinaGrimmArt

I love soothing Celtic music. It's quite beautiful and this piece is magnificent! Try using soothing tones such as this during meditation practices to help enhance your experience.

Spell for Motivation

The New Moon is approaching and I'm feeling like I need a little motivation to get through this month of December! Whatever you're trying to accomplish it's best to have motivation to help push you forward with your goals. I hate feeling stagnant and a little motivation can take you a long way. Here's something you can do to help you get back some of that motivation.

This spell involves simple candle magic and meditation. You may want to start this spell with a sacred Circle or a simple Salt Circle depending on your preference. Here's what you'll need:

~Materials:

• 3 Candle Holders
• 3 Taper Candles (1 green, 1 red, 1 blue)
• Bowl of Salt
• Bowl of Water
• Sage 
• Incense (bergamot and cardamom are good for motivation!)
• Anointing oil (cedarwood, rosemary, or any of your choice!)

You may want to begin by relaxing with a nice bath and cleansing yourself before starting the spell. It will help clear your mind. If you choose to do this, use bath salts with the properties you are trying to seek, in this case motivational, uplifting properties.

Begin by preparing a nice relaxing space and altar for yourself and your tools. Make sure this space is relaxing and without distractions so that you may focus on your intentions. Each color corresponds with what you are trying to achieve. Green symbolizes grounding energy and strength for your motivation. It is the base upon which your motivation stems from. This candle will be placed in front center of yourself.

The color red symbolizes the power you wish to possess and achieve with your goal. It is your inspiration and your desire to change, grow, and flourish. It is as vibrant and intense as your will and it burns within you as you travel the path to what you seek. This will be placed to the back left of the green candle.

The color blue symbolizes aspiration. Your hope will prevail and motivate you to achieve your goals. It reminds you of what will be gained and what you must shed in order to reach your goal. Blue brings about change for the better. It will be set to the back right of the green candle.

Cleanse and consecrate all items. Be sure to cleanse the water as well. Let the incense burn as you anoint the candles with oil. Let your thoughts rise into the air with the smoke from the incense. Light the candles starting with green, then red, then blue, focusing on each one's meaning. Meditate on the goals you wish to achieve. Plan how you are going to achieve them. You may want to whisper what you desire from each candle. These words will rise into the air as the candles burn. You may want to say prayers to the God and Goddess as well.

Let the candles burn out completely. Close the Circle and give thanks to the God and Goddess.

For more on candle magic, click here.

Apatite

Apatite comes in multiple colors which include blue, green, gray, and yellow. It is a stone associated with manifestations. It is a stone that aids in psychic development and enhancement. It also balances the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional aspects of the human body by keeping the chakras attuned. It helps to draw off negativity and promotes motivation. It can help with concentration, clear up confusion, and ease negative emotions such as sorrow and anger. Other properties include:

• Increases focus
• Intellectually stimulating
• Increases learning ability
• Promotes acceptance
• Connected to Unconditional Love
• Enhances communication
• Stimulates thoughts and ideas
• Promotes peace
• Promotes harmony and balance
• Helps to fight viruses and infections
• Improves arthritis
• Encourages healthy eating
• Aids in meditation

Reference:

Healing Properties of Apatite

Basic Meditation

Meditation is a practice in grounding or raising energy. The individual focuses on their inner self and on the energy (life force, chi, prana, etc) that resonates within themselves and around them in the environment. As a person learns the art of meditation, they train their minds to induce a mode of consciousness that benefits the individual.

Meditation is sort of a catch all phrase referring to the strategy of inducing a relaxed state of being, building up energy and focusing on it, and developing quality traits such as compassion, love, understanding, and a sense of interconnectedness to the universe. Meditation helps regulate the mind and ease illnesses. Some of the things that meditation helps with include:

• high blood pressure
• anxiety
• depression
• stress reduction
• reduction in muscle and joint pain
• improves sex life
• aides in keeping calm
• improves recovery from traumatic experiences
• increases focus and concentration

Meditation can be done in multiple ways and not just sitting down in the lotus posture as seen in the above picture. You may lay down and even do meditation while being active. I like to go hiking and mountain biking. Biking is a good way for me to meditate and clear my mind while being out in nature. Some people like to color or drawn while meditating. You may also meditate while chanting the classic "Ommm" sound to stay focused.

Try this!

Take a white candle and sit either on the ground in a lotus posture or in a chair and stare into the candle flames. This is a form of meditation. As you watch the flame dance, clear your mind and feel your muscles and body begin to relax. Let the stress melt away from your body. Do this for 20 minutes each day to keep focused and calm!

Lavender

Picture from: http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/gardening/lavender-0908#slide-1

Lavender is a great plant to have around. It attracts bees and butterflies but is deer and rabbit resistant. It loves to be placed in a sunny space. It inspires feelings of peace and serenity and gives off a calming energy. Although it is a beautiful purple flower, it has found its way into shampoos, lotions, oils, food, and more. The best way to use its healing capabilities is to use it as tinctures, oils, in teas, in food, and as salve. Here are a few things lavender can be used for.

• Lavender oil is a good antiseptic and can be used to clean scrapes and cuts. The oil comes from the actual flower part and not the leaves or seeds.
• It reduces anxiety and nervousness. You can make a lavender sachet to hang around the house or carry with you.
• It can be used to cure headaches. You can take some lavender oil and massage it into your temples.
• Lavender oil can be used as a muscle relaxant and when massaged into the skin it helps unknot muscles and reduces spasms.
• Using lavender as an oil diffuser helps cure insomnia. I, personally, like to drink it as a tea before going to bed.
• When taken as a diluted essence it can help with conditions such as depression, hysteria, and fainting.

Reference: http://www.health-mind-body.com/lavender.html

Soothing Lavender Bath

What you will need:

Essential Lavender Oil

Lavender herb (optional)

Lavender candle (optional)

You may use one or all of these things in your bath. Place 5-10 drops of lavender oil into your bath water. Mix the water and oil with your hand. You may want to place some lavender herb into your bath as well. Anoint the candle with the oil and light it so that the scent of lavender fills the air. Relax and enjoy!

Things To Do During A Full Moon

Here are a few simple things you can do to make your Full Moon experience magickal!

• Cleanse and recharge your crystals! (What I like to do is place them in a large bowl of water for purification and add sea salt to absorb the negativity. Then I say a little prayer over them and leave them out on my windowsill for the night to absorb the energy from the moon)
• Do divination! (This would be a good time for tarot card readings, rune stone readings, and crystal ball readings. If you have a new set of tarot cards or rune stones, this would be a great time to become acquainted with them!)
•  Try this! If you have a moonstone, use it during meditation to induce visions of your past lives! It can also aid you in seeing visions of your future.
• Take a relaxing salt bath to help put in a peaceful state of mind and cleanse your body! It will help balance your energies and help maintain emotional health. Try adding Lavender!
• Meditate upon a white candle to help gain insight and perspective and reduce your level of stress!
• Do a ritual! Perform a ritual to aid you in good fortune, health, love or happiness!
• Prayer! Thank the God and Goddess for all the things they have done for you!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Full Moon experience! Blessed be! )O( 

Blue Fluorite

Blue Fluorite is getting harder and harder to find. It is said to enhance spiritual awakening and opens communication between the physical and spiritual planes. It also helps increase intuition and gives off a calm, serene energy. Fluorite also increases mental abilities and aids in shielding one from psychic assault. Because of this, it should be cleansed and purified often.

Spiritual Awakening Ritual

I performed what I call a "Spiritual Awakening Ritual" for the New Moon. Although the New Moon is technically today, you can perform New Moon and Full Moon rituals up to three days before the actual day and some people say you can do it up to three days after. I will be doing a personal ritual today. The ritual I did yesterday was with my Sister Witch, Cara.

Here's a copy of the Ritual below and can be done solitary as well. I prefer to do Esbat Rituals skyclad but to each their own. The purpose of this ritual is to become comfortable with oneself, to further their dedication in the Craft, to invest in the Spirit and spiritual aspect of Wicca, to obtain confidence, empowerment, and love for thyself and thy Craft.

Also, since I'm a Welsh Witch, we perform attribute Air to the North and Earth to the East which is contradictory to most traditions and published works. If you like to see our reasoning behind this you may go to this article: http://www.sacred-texts.com/bos/bos089.htm

The brief reason as to why our elements are switched is to alternate between the masculine and the feminine to produce as much energy as possible. Also, our Circle has a cross within it, the vertical line being male from North to South, and the horizontal being female from East to West. I think we can all agree that Air and Fire are masculine and that Earth and Water are feminine. So my Circles go East:Earth:Feminine, South:Fire:Masculine, West:Water:Feminine, and North:Air:Masculine. As you travel around the Circle, it's all in balance. It's different from what is generally accepted but it makes more sense to me.

Spiritual Awakening Ritual

For this ritual you will need:

Red, Yellow or White, Green, and Blue candles for the 4 Quarters

Black Candle for the Goddess Hecate

Purple Candle to represent the Spirit

Bowl of Water, Red candle, Incense (preferably Frankincense and Myrrh), and Bowl of Salt to represent the elements

Bowl of Herbs for offering to the Goddess (optional)

Tea Lites to ring the Circle (optional)

Corn Cakes

Wine or Grape Juice

Chalice and dish for Cakes and Wine

Athame or Wand

Journal and Pen (optional)

Cast the circle:

Say while sprinkling salt around your circle and circle 3 times:

"Creature of Salt where thou art cast, no spell or adverse purpose last. not in complete accord with me, as I do will, so mote it be."

Say while holding a red candle and circle 3 times:

"Creature of Fire this charge I lay, no evil in thy presence stay, Not in complete accord with me, as I do will, so mote it be."

Say while holding a dish of water and sprinkle; circle 3 times:

"Creature of Water where thou art cast, no spell or adverse purpose last, not in complete accord with me, as I do will, so mote it be."

Say while holding incense and circle 3 times:

"Creature of Air this charge I lay, no evil in thy presence stay, not in complete accord with me, as I do will so mote it be."*

 *These verses are from Dynion Mwyn Rituals. I am a member of Dynion Mwyn*

Call the Quarters:

Stand to the East:

“I call upon the Guardian of the East, who dwells in the Realm of Earth. I beckon to you to come forth from your entombed realm and harmonize our souls to the rhythm of the Earth. Bring to us strength, endurance, and power as we perform our rites. Hail and Welcome. So mote it be.”

Stand to the South:

“I call upon the Guardian of the South, who dwells within the candle flames and basks in the light of the sun. I beckon to you to come forth from your fiery realm and teach our souls the power that you hold. Bring to us confidence, will, and empowerment as we perform our rites. Hail and Welcome. So mote it be.”

Stand to the West:

“I call upon the Guardian of the West, who dwells within the waters of the rivers and the waves of the ocean.  I beckon to you to come forth from your watery realm and wash upon our souls the sensuality you possess. Bring to us Healing, Renewal, and Purity as we perform our rites. Hail and Welcome. So mote it be.”

Stand to the North:

“I call upon the Guardian of the North, who dwells within the Northern Winds. I beckon to you to come forth from your airy realm and rush through our souls the knowledge that you possess. Bring to us Wisdom, Understanding, and Freedom as we perform our rites. Hail and Welcome. So mote it be.”

Stand in center:

“I call upon the spirit that dwells within. Show us our true paths and help us walk them fully and completely.”

Call upon the Goddess:

Have black candle ready to represent Hecate.

“I call upon the Goddess of Night, of the Moon, and of the Craft. Hecate, come to us as we seek your wisdom, your will, your empowerment, and your spirit. We offer to thee this candle so as you may find us and work your Will in harmony with ours. We call upon you to open our spirits and our minds to the ways of the Craft. Help us find our motivation to worship the Gods and Goddesses, the Seasons, and ourselves.”

“We honor you and your deep devoted wisdom to Magick. We respect your Craft. We offer these herbs and this incense in your honor. We dedicate our spirits to the Craft. So mote it be.

Call upon the Old Ones:

“We call upon the Old Ones, the ancients, our teachers, our guides, to aid us in our understanding of our Craft and devoting ourselves to the God and Goddess. We call upon you join us as we perform our rites. So mote it be.”

Scrape off negativity. Lightly move your hands over each other without touching. Imagine taking away the negativity from each other and shake your hands behind you to shake of the negativity you are taking away from yourself.

Say:

“I take your negativity away from you. I cleanse you. I purify you. I take away your restraints from your mind, body, and soul. So mote it be.”

Sit, control breathing, and meditate while chanting:

“I am Witch. I am Knowledge. I am Power. I am Love.”

Chant 23 times and end with:

“So mote it be.”

Recite words to describe yourself and words that describe the person you wish to become. Place your hand over each element and recite these words. You may want to write them out beforehand.

This part is for if you want to start a spiritual journal to hold your experiences in the Craft.

Draw a pentagram within your journal. Write name, date, birthday, time, and anything else that seems important.

Say:

“This journal holds my life, my secrets, my desires, and my fears. It is magickal and it is blessed. So mote it be.”

Place over each element while reciting this.

Cakes and wine:

Hold the cakes and say:

“Dear God and Goddess, bless these cakes that we take into our bodies. May we never hunger.”

Hold the Wine:

“Dear God and Goddess, bless this wine that we take into our bodies. May we never thirst.”

Thank the God, Goddess, and Old Ones for participating in this ritual with you. Thank the Quarters and dismiss the Circle. Empty the bowl of water, herbs, wine, and cakes upon the ground as a libation to the Earth and food for the animals.

End Ritual