Altar Setup

Setting Up Your Altar

There are many ways for one to set up their altar. I, personally, change my altar according to the season. The Altar in the top left picture is my current Fall altar. The altar in the top right was around Imbolc, and the altar on the bottom was during the spring/summer time. Some people like to change their altar up like I do while others keep theirs exactly the same year round. 

When you are preparing to set up a permanent altar, clean the space thoroughly – the carpet, wood, furniture, etc. You may also want to think about the direction in which your altar is laying. Generally in ritual, the altar is facing North. If you can’t face the altar in that direction for certain reasons, choose a space that feels the most comfortable to you. 

Altar Cloth – You can choose to have one or not. This is a cloth that sits under your ritual tools. You can coordinate the color and/or symbols on your cloth with your ritual or spell work to enhance your magick.

Pentacle – This is one of the main altar tools. It can be made of wood, glass, ceramic, metal, etc, and usually has a pentacle upon its surface painted or carved. Your pentacle can have any symbol that you wish upon it such as the tree of life, the triquetra, or the triskele. This tool typically represents Earth and has grounding properties. It is feminine.

Athame – Not everyone has an athame but I like to keep mine on my altar. The athame is a ritual knife used for ceremonial purposes only. It is generally used to focus and direct energy. It is also considered one of the four main ritual items to have. This item can represent Fire or Air depending on your tradition. It is masculine

Wand – Another of the main ritual tools, the wand is used similarly like an athame. I tend to use my wand when working with elemental energies and spiritual work. This tool can represent Fire or Air, and in some circumstances, Earth, depending on the tradition. It is masculine.

Chalice – This is the last of the ritual tools and usually represents Water and the feminine aspect. The Chalice is used in Cakes and Ale.

Representations of the Elements – I like to place representatives of the 4 elements around my pentacle and cauldron. I use a bowl of salt for Earth, a red candle for fire, a bowl of water for water, and an incense holder with incense for air.

Cauldron – This is probably my most beloved tool. It represents all the mysteries of the feminine divine and Witchcraft. I have my cauldron placed upon the center of my pentacle as a representation of the spirit and its fathomless depth. I burn herbs and my intentions within the cauldron during ritual and spell work.

Crystals – I like to place crystals that are representative of the season upon my altar to enhance my spiritual work. They can also represent the Earth.

Herbs – I tend to infuse my water with herbs to enhance my spell work. I also like to burn them upon coal within my cauldron.

Sage Bundle – I like to keep a bundle of Sage nearby for quick cleansing.

God/Goddess Candles – If you worship deities, you may want to have them represented on your sacred altar. I keep a God and Goddess candle – with respective colors – upon my altar. My Goddess candles lays to the left which represents mystery and the feminine aspect and my God candle lays to the right which represents power and the masculine aspect.

Charge Box – I place my Charge Box upon my altar every so often when I feel that I need secrecy and something to enhance my spell work. This box holds certain items that need to be charged with power.

Statuary – Some people prefer to have statues upon their altar that represent their deities.

Decorating Your Altar:

Here is a list of some extra decorations you can place upon your altar with intention:

• Tarot cards
• Rune stones
• Candles
• Herbs
• Crystals
• Pictures
• Scrying Mirror
• Jewelry
• Talismans
• Charms
• Seasonal Decorations

Simple Banishment Ritual

I have done many Banishment Rituals on my journey and I’m not one to do the same kind of ritual twice. I’m always tweaking my rituals to fit the need of that time. I thought I’d share a ritual that I will be leading tonight with my own Grove for New Moon. This ritual doesn’t have to be limited to being done on the New Moon but I chose this particular time because I believe that New Moon’s are the best time to tie up those loose ends, release those negative emotions, and fill the void with positive energy.

Important Note: Whenever you banish energy or remove something from yourself (internal magick) you MUST FILL THE VOID. Otherwise, all types of energy will be attracted to you and fill the void for you such as that negative energy you just banished. You must fill the void with your intention so that you are whole once again.

For this ritual you will need:

• Salt water
• Incense (cone or stick with your preferred scent)
• Altar
• Cauldron
• Coal and Herbal Mix (for deity or elemental offering)
• God and Goddess Candle
• Paper and Pen
• Snappers Fireworks- found at firework shops and sometimes Party City

You can do this ritual without the fireworks but I think they add a little punch to the ritual. If using the fireworks you may want to host the ritual outdoors.

The Ritual:

• Purify your sacred space through physical cleaning and through sage cleansing. Sage cleanse yourself as well.
• Purify your Circle by casting the salt water thrice around the Circle widdershins (counterclockwise) to cast out negative energy.
• Take the incense and walk about the Circle thrice deosil to charge the circle.
• Cast the Circle by calling in the Quarters
• Call upon your deities
• Charge the fireworks with the four elements and then with your own spirit
• As you throw the fireworks upon the ground, shout what you are banishing from your life. Feel the intention seep into every firework and explode with a popping sound signaling their release.
• Once the fireworks are gone, write on the piece of paper the qualities you wish to fill the void with. These can be positive energy or attributes such as love, strength, and courage.
• Burn the paper within your cauldron
• Burn your offerings within the cauldron
• Open Circle by stating your gratitude to your deities and Guardians and say farewell
• Offer your ashes to the Earth

You may also want to participate in the rite of Cakes and Ale before opening your Circle

Remember to always ground yourself after your ritual is complete!

If you can’t find the fireworks, you can always use other materials such as soft stones that easily break apart upon impact such as typical sandstone. You can also burn slips of paper with your negative emotion or attribute.

Familiars

What are Familiars?

The concept of Familiars can be found in European Folklore dating back to the early Medieval period. Familiars have appeared throughout history in multiple forms but often being in the form of an animal such as cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some cases even describe them in human form or humanoid form. Others even describe them as being faeries.

Familiars are described as being companions to witches and assist them in their magickal work. In early times, familiars were feared to be lesser demons that fed from the blood of witches and assisted in malevolent magic. They were even considered to be imps, bestowed upon witches by the Devil. Many cats were killed around the time of the Black Plague which only brought more death in Europe. The cats would eat the mice and rats carrying the fleas that spread the Plague. The mass murder of cats caused an increase in the flea population leading to more deaths. Almost poetic justice.

How do you choose a Familiar?

Familiars are not chosen; they choose the person. Typically, a strong link or connection is felt between the person and their Familiar. This can be with any animal the person feels an affinity to but in modern times, is typical a household pet. These pets are treated as a member of the family and are often considered magickal partners.

However, some people do not discover their Familiar in the physical realm but instead accumulate pictures, statuary, or other research of an animal or creature that they feel strongly drawn to. This can be a Familiar that has reached out to you from the astral plane.

You may also have more than one Familiar. It is not uncommon to have a connection to multiple Familiar Spirits as they all may have a different function in your life to better assist you.

Magickal Workings with Familiars:

As partners in the Craft, Witches tend to treat their Familiars with respect, love, and wisdom. You can learn a lot from having a Familiar, such as patience, love, understanding, partnership, respect, and gratitude. These creatures can not only teach us about ourselves and our own Craft but also about nature and the Universe.

They can assist you in ritual or with spells by bringing with them a certain mood or tone you wish to set within Circle. They are able to enter and exit the Circle without breaking the energy surrounding you. Sometimes, they allow you to use their fur, scales, and nail clippings within your magickal work.

Familiars are beneficial mentally and emotionally. They provide stress relief and help keep people emotionally balanced. They tend to know our moods and will often act on a course of judgement to put their partners (us) in the right frame of mind so that we can continue with our path.

Familiars can also assist us on the astral plane. Since they live between worlds, they can enter with us on our shamanic journeys. In this plane. They may appear in a different form or even be able to speak. They can guide us to the answers we seek in our Craft.

Honoring Your Familiar:

Familiars are our partners, not our servants. The idea of a Familiar and their role in the Witch’s Craft has greatly changed over time. At first, Familiars were believed to be servants to Witches, doing their bidding without hesitation. Since the New Age, that thinking has changed. It is accepted that we show our gratitude towards our guides and honor them. This can be as easy as giving them love and attention during the day.

I, personally, spend time with my Familiar every morning and every night. I give him love and affection, I brush his fur, I brush his teeth, I keep him fed and healthy, etc. I also keep a small statue on my altar just for him. You can even work with Familiar Magic which helps strengthen your bond. Brown is the traditional color for Familiars if you wish to use candle magic. There are also stones and herbs that show your appreciation. Go out and buy your kitty a new toy or some catnip. Or you can get your dog a new rawhide.

Protecting your Familiar:

Most people look at the Familiar as their protector. They are protectors but they also need it too. You can place protective amulets or charms on their collar. I actually enchanted my Familiar’s collar so he would be protected even when I’m not home. I also have a certain space for him in the house where he can go to a be protected. You can do this by enchanting their bed.

Protection Enchantment

Materials:

• Collar (blank or with symbols)
• Brown Candle
• Salt
• Bowl of Water
• Incense such as mugwort or St. John’s Wort for protection and calming
• Markers (optional)

Begin by creating a salt and water protection Circle around you (and your Familiar if present). You may cast any Circle you wish. At this time, state your intention within the Circle and light your candle and incense. If you have chosen a blank collar, you may wish to draw your own protection sigils upon it or you can simply proceed with the next step.

Pass the collar through the four elements. Sprinkle the color with the Salt of the Earth and state your intention.

Pass the collar over the flame, but not too closely, and state your intention

Sprinkle the collar with the water and state your intention.

Pass the collar through the smoke of the incense and state your intention.

The collar has no been imbued with the power of protection from the four elements and is ready to be worn by your Familiar.

I would like to introduce my own Familiar as I find him quite the character. His name is Salem, a 2 year old Tuxedo who rescued me from the animal shelter. 

Quick Morning Magick

Here are some quick magickal techniques you can use first thing in the morning to help make your day go a little easier!

Morning Shower Meditation - use the element of water to cleanse yourself of any lingering negativity from the previous day. Use herbal soaps, herbal bags for aromatherapy, oils, or other means to help you focus on your intent to wash away negative energy down the drain.

Light some incense - I do this on most mornings to set a tone for how I want the day to proceed. Aromas can produce powerful emotions and moods. Here’s a brief list of some of my favorites scents and some of their attributes.

• Frankincense and Myrrh - uplifting

• Amber - comfort, healing, and happiness

• Cinnamon - success and strength

• Jasmine - love and wisdom

• Pine - grounding

Altar Devotion/Invocations - You can light some candles on your altar and speak some invocations for your deities to guide you throughout the day. I do a Goddess Devotion every morning to ask Her for her strength, vitality, love, and intuition to guide me.

Breakfast - Even your breakfast can be spiritual! You are filling yourself with the nourishment that the Earth has provided you with. Be conscious of what you eat. Try fruits, oatmeal, grits, milk, juices, meats, and breads to start your morning by showing your gratitude to all that is.

Glass of Water - Having a glass of water in the morning can be used to cleanse the body, just like the shower. You can even do an herbal tea blend to incite a mood just as the incense does.

Yoga and Exercise - This can also be a form of meditation in the morning.

Dream Journals - You can keep a dream journal by your bed so you can record your dreams in the morning when you first wake up. Writing can also be considered a form of meditation and getting into a routine can become your personal ritual.

Greet the Sun - Going for a walk outside or just watching the sunrise can be a very powerful ritual. The Sun lends us its strength, passion, and love as we go about our busy day. Greet the sun and ask it for guidance.

To Be A Witch

This is important.

If you practice the art of belittling, degrading, bigotry, mockery, or any other vile form in order to bring a person down or make them feel bad about how they practice their Craft, then you are NOT a Witch. I'm not even going to sugarcoat this for you because I am utterly sick and tired of seeing people do this to solitaries, to eclectic covens, to anyone and everyone who practices their craft differently. That's the whole point of witchcraft: unification in diversity, love, reverence, and peace.

I was bashed today, publicly, for practicing my Craft in a different and obviously, an unaccepted way by this one person. In fact, they used Gardnerian Wicca as an insult to my practice. When the fuck did that happen? When did Gardnerian become such a nasty word? Only everyone and their mother have some similarity to this sect of Wicca. Just stop. Just stop it right now. People who do this are the reason the Pagan community can't get its shit together and are so unorganized to the point where people of other religions don't even want to be associated with us. Catholic Church, I understand you now! You liked our seasons and holidays, just not us as a people.

I don't blame this person for not understanding my form of Witchcraft. My practice is not very well known but it's a mystery tradition for a reason. I was formally trained in a Celtic/Welsh Witchcraft Tradition that was brought over to the U.S. in the 1960s by my High Priest who learned it from the Coven in Wales that had been practicing this form for over 200 years. Does that make me better than anyone? Hell no. It just means that I have a few things I could potentially teach someone if the opportunity arose. Just like a Solitary may have some things they could teach me.

My problem is that this person decided to mock me for how I practice and proceed to try and make me feel invalid. I'm sorry, but I thought we got away from "this is the way and the only way" a long time ago. So specifically, I cast my Circles differently. My elements are at different directions. Not all of them, just two. Earth and Air. I've read the books. I know where everyone says they're "supposed" to be, but with a little more research, you'll find that that really doesn't matter. There's a reason behind why I cast the way I do. Just because you may not possess the knowledge as to why, doesn't mean you have to be a dick to me about it. Just fucking ask me and I'll tell you. Or better yet, just learn to be accepting that not everyone is like you.

I'm writing this, not just for me, but for everyone that has ever felt this way. Everyone was new at this once upon a time. I'm not going to conform to the Pagan's community's standard of witchcraft because it doesn't suit someone else. I'm not going to change myself to please my fellow Pagans because it doesn't look like anyone is changing their attitude for me.

You literally do not need a damn thing to be a Witch. You don't need a fancy altar, you don't need ritual tools, and you don't need the robes. You just need yourself. Your power comes from within whether you cast Circle backwards, forwards, or fucking sideways. You just have to point your finger and it's all you baby. So if you're being looked down upon because you don't have the fancy "witch" shit that everyone is buying, you just hand them this article and tell them Lady Rowan has your back.
You take that wand and tell them to shove it up their ass because they're already acting like a huge tool anyway.

Seriously, just walk away because you don't need that kind of negativity in your life. Just relish in the fact that you have progressed in your training to the point where you have become more spiritually enlightened. That you don't have to feel better about yourself by putting others down. That you can accept people for who they are and learn from them. Don't ever lose that will to learn and grow. There is always time for improvement. Those people are your tests and tell them thank you for showing you how not to be a witch.

Witch Trials: Secret of Loudun

I just published my first novel and it's live on amazon as a kindle version and as a hard copy. It's a historical fiction based around the witch trials of Loudun, France in 1633. If you're looking for a good novel to read that includes some actual details from history then I believe you would admire my book. Here is the complete synopsis:

Accused of murdering a prominent French Lord, Sarah and Anne flee their home in order to escape being persecuted for witchcraft. Sarah is captured by the royal guards and escorted to Loudun Prison, the heart of the witch trials, while her friend devises a plan to rescue her. While Anne is busy building an army to aid her in saving the prisoners in Loudun, the Bishop and his disciples are hard at work executing those in the way of his political advances. With new alliances being formed and the Catholic Church being threatened, will these girls be the downfall of an empire built upon fear or will they suffer the same fate as their Pagan ancestors?

If you do read the book, please leave a review! I would greatly appreciate it!

The Yule Log

The Yule Log is a traditional part of the celebration of Yule or the Winter Solstice. It is a log typically made of Oak, Aspen, Pine, or Birch but can be made from any wood type as they all possess magical properties that the family or individuals may wish to enhance or possess.

It is said that the Yule Log holds its origins in Germanic Paganism. However, it may be traced back to the 6th and/or 7th century Anglo-Saxon Paganism. The Yule Log may be decorated and used as a festive ornament or centerpiece. It may also be burned in the hearth of the home for protection and bringing in bright blessings. Or it can be used as both!

The Yule Log represents the return of the Sun to the Earth. It represents the heart of the home and the presence of the Sun God which will return in the next half of the year with Spring and Summer. Ashes and some of the wood from the Yule Log are saved for the next Yule. This will be used in the ceremonial lighting of  next year's Yule Log.

How to Make Your Yule Log:

~Materials

• Log (any wood, 14-18" long)
• Pine Cones, Ivy, Holly, Mistletoe or Berries
• Feathers and/or Cinnamon Sticks
• Ribbon or other festive decorations
• Hot Glue (if you are attaching anything)

You may choose to place these items around the Yule Log or attach them in a festive manner. You may also drill holes into the top of the log to place candles if you desire. The ribbon may be used for attaching feathers and other miscellaneous items if you prefer to use a more natural method other than hot glue.

As always, cleanse and consecrate the items.

For a Chocolate Yule Log Recipe click here.

46th Annual Gathering of the Tribes

I wanted to share my very spiritual experience at the Gathering of the Tribes Festival in my home state. The Celtic Church of Dynion Mwyn which I have been a part of for quite some time hosts a gathering of many people from all walks of life in the Pagan and Wiccan Community. Many covens/groves come and there are many vendors that come in hopes of restocking our wonderful herb cupboards and broom closets.

I went with my significant other. He had never been to such an event before as he is not a Witch such as me. However, he thoroughly enjoyed himself so much that he's begged me to take him to other events that are similar and wants to go back to the Gathering next year. I was quite happy to know that he had a wonderful time.

The Gathering lasts for four days. It typically starts on a Thursday and lasts till Sunday evening. The events and schedule changes every year but this year there were many vendors, speakers, and entertainment events. One of the most notable speakers was Oberon Zell-Ravenheart which I'm sure most people have heard of. He has written many books about the Craft.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend until Saturday morning after my college classes had all let out so I can only account for my activities on Saturday and Sunday. I attended a talk with Oberon about polyamory which was very interesting. I must say that I was a little ignorant to the term and what it stood for. I had heard of it before but he described it in much more detail since he was the one who coined the term!

I stayed to exchange hugs with my High Priest, Rhuddlwn Gawr, who has also written numerous books and had several talks at the Gathering. He and many other leaders in the Pagan community had a talk about leadership and especially in involving the younger generation. My boyfriend and I were the "younger generation" present. Of course, after a time we scooted off into the skyclad section to have a frolic through the woods.

We were out in the middle of these rolling fields of lush grass with scattered patches of wooded areas. My boyfriend and I, along with many others, camped out. It was beautiful waking up to the early morning sunrise and the fresh dew. On Saturday night, the energy was flowing and swirling around us. Open rituals are usually performed on Friday and Saturday night. Once the ritual was finished there were many concerts featuring many different artists and bands. I danced in my flowing skirt as well as many others. It was quite a magical night.

Later, my love and I sat by the huge bonfire and talked about life while watching the stars. It was a very deep and connecting moment. We later participated in a Fire Ritual with everyone. We danced to the drumming and I found it to be very arousing!

My experience at the Gathering was beautiful and just what I needed to get back in tune with my spirituality. If anyone wants information on the Gathering of the Tribes you can visit http://www.dynionmwyn.com/. This is an annual event and I look forward to it next year!

Ideas for Lammas

The sabbat of Lammas or otherwise known as Lughnasadh is upon us. In the Northern Hemisphere, Lammas is typically celebrated on August 1st although I know of some people that tend to start celebrating on July 31st. It is a major Sabbat representing the first Harvest Festival. Some traditions include baking a loaf of wheat bread made from the first wheat of the harvest and making corn husk dolls in the image of a woman.

Lammas is the time to celebrate the Celtic Sun God, Lugh. His rays shine down upon the fields instilling life and strength into our harvest. He lives within the harvest and we take in his essence when we eat of the bread we create with the flour ground from the wheat we've harvested. Ceres and Demeter are also celebrated on this Sabbat as they are Goddesses of the Grain. This Sabbat can be thought of as Thanksgiving.

We thank the Earth for providing the soil and nutrients for the food we eat to give our body sustenance and we revere the sun for providing light for the seed to strive toward from out of the ground. It truly is a Sabbat where all the elements are represented in harmony and the cycle of life is clearly defined.

Some simple things you can do in celebration of this Sabbat is a 20 minute meditation on the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all things. You may also bake a simple bread that can be used as a ritual sacrifice and offering to the Gods and Goddesses of the Harvest. For a simple and creative bread recipe try this recipe here. For some directions on how to create your own corn husk doll to decorate your alter with, click here.

Remember to stay safe on the Sabbat and have fun!!

Lammas Song

Song: Lammas Song

Artist: Lisa Thiel

Album: Circle of the Seasons

Animal Spirit Guides

Do you find yourself attracted to a certain animal or animals? Do you feel as though you can relate to the animal(s)? Do you have recurring dreams of a certain animal or do you see it often throughout your life in art, mascots, books, etc?

Animal Spirit Guides or Totems have been popular throughout many cultures. Animals, along with humans, were given high positions in spirituality. The ancient Egyptians had deities who were part human and part animal, the Native Americans had animal totems that were for protection, reverence, and spiritual guidance, shamans when entering into the spiritual world would often describe animals that were seen on their vision quests. There are many instances were animals have played vital roles in our spiritual journeys.

I am strongly attracted to black panthers. I've seen black panthers in my dreams, in the physical world, and in symbols all throughout my life. Each animal represents different traits and characteristics such as wolves representing loyalty, and the bear representing strength.

Here's a quick list of some of the most common animal spirit guides and their traits:

Bear: Strength, Confidence, Healing
Cat: Patience, Courage, Independence
Crow: Intelligence, Audacious, Magic
Fox: Cunning, Dreams, Awareness
Horse: Passionate, Balance, Driving force
Owl: Intuition, Change, Wisdom
Lion: Assertiveness, Strength, Aggression
Snake: Healing, Transformation, Life
Wolf: Instinct, Intelligence, Loyalty

For some interesting information on animal spirit guides check out this site: http://psychiclibrary.com/beyondBooks/animal-spirit-guides

Beltane Fires

Song: Beltane Fires
Artist: Gaia Consort
Album: Secret Voices