Beginning Wicca - The Basics

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#9999FF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03c76ba3.gif"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#99CCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03d76bc1egdyqn.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFCC" FACE="Arial" ><B>Wicca </B></FONT><B>   |   </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Wicca "><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id113.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FAQ and Information on Wicca"><U>FAQ and Information on Wicca</U></A>   |   <B>Beginning Wicca - The Basics</B>   |   <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The God"><U>The God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Goddess"><U>The Goddess</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Samhain"><U>Samhain</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Yule"><U>Yule</U></A>   |   <A 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<div> Get a good dose of good karma. Save a life. Click a button.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="433d4e50.gif" border=0 width="212" height="229" ALT="Bitmap Image" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> To be a Witch is to love and be loved. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to know everything, and nothing at all. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to move amongst the stars while staying on earth. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to change the world around you, and yourself. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to share and to give, while receiving all the while. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to dance and sing, and hold hands with the universe. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to honor the Gods, and yourself. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to BE magic, not just perform it. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to be honorable, or nothing at all. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to accept others who are not. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to know what you feel is good and right. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to is to harm none. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to know the ways of the old. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to see beyond the barriers. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to follow the moon. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to be one with the gods. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to study and learn. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to be both the teacher and the student. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to acknowledge the truth. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to live with the earth, not just on it. </div> <div> To be a Witch is to be truly free!</div> <bR> <div> Wicca is a religion based on nature and respect of it. It is the joyous union of nature and being one with Divinity. Infact, it's totally me. But, if you ask twenty thousand Wiccans what they believe, you'll have twenty thousand different answers. It's a personal thing.</div> <div> In my opinion, the God and Goddess are equal, yet opposite entities. Not in the fact one's good, one's evil, but the fact that they have different energies and abilities, both equally necessary and mutual. Although some religions worship a Goddess mainly, Dianic Wicca, or a main God, Odin the All-Father. Although I believe in Odin and Diana, I feel equality is necessary. Speaking of equality, Wicca is a very equal religion. Men are just as important as women, there is no main church, priest or priestess or prophet to the Divine, we always with Them all the time.  The God and Goddess, also the Lord and Lady, the Great Father and Great Mother, are our primal parents. They are part of everything. The land, the sea, the stars in the sky, even us and the people we don't quite appreciate. They are sacred to us. The God and Goddess are part of one Deity, but still themselves. To make a comparison, cells are in us, but make up our body. You don't have to name the God and Goddess, you can always call them the God and Goddess, the Lord and Lady, until you find what fits you. I still call them the God and Goddess, as well as the Lord and Lady, because that's how I like it and I will probably call them that forever. I mean, this is what it's all about, personality.</div> <div> Wicca is not about spells, it's not about candles and herbs, it's about our respect to nature, Deity, Divinity and The All That Is. Although, magick and spells are important and part of it, they aren't the main part. </div> <div> Sexuality is sacred among Wiccans. It is the personification of the union of the Lord and Lady. But remember the three P's, no not position, position, position, but, protection, protection, protection. No matter how well you know someone it is always best to use protection, and try to remain within legal age, it's only done for your benefit so you're more knowledged. Please don't force your partner into it, and if you are being forced it's your right not to. It's your body, but remember that doesn't mean you should harm it. "An ye harm none, do what thou wilt" includes the hidden don't harm yourself either.</div> <div> As for body image, be happy with who you are, and if your not, take small steps to changing it. Try to be healthy, like low cholesterol, normal blood pressure and make sure you have a physcial every six months.</div> <div> Wiccans can be catergorised in to two main groups, covenors and solitaries. Covenors work in groups, usually 13, but it's not set in concrete. Solitaries work alone usually because they cannot find a group or are just more comfortable in that way. It's up to you, but don't go binding yourself into covens, because these bonds are very difficult to break. Although covens have more than one person, you can always be in a study circle or a circle where you can practise occasionally with no bindings. Again, it's up to you.</div> <div> Be cautious around people who claim to be Wiccan, unless you trust them. Although most Wiccans are nice, don't feel that just because one is Wiccan, they have the same, hopefully bona fide, ehtic system as you do. Remeber the Rede, "An ye harm none, do what thou wilt." This means don't harm anyone, including yourself. It means don't cast maipulative spells, (for me personal gain spells, unless absolutely necessary) and spells that will harm people, wether directly or indirectly. Then there is the threefold law, "Mind the threefold law ye should, three times bad and three times good." Curses and hexes aren't a good idea, because you'll just get them back, if they do work, afterall they are against the universal flow and mainly a psychological play. Not from the Rede but, "Do unto others, what you would have done unto you", very relative.</div> <div> Magick is the altering of natural forces to cause desired, please reasonable, effects. It will simply alter your life in small ways. Don't expect glowing balls of energy, or zaps of glitter to appear on the physcial plane, but be prepared for it to work. Magick is can be compared to fire, it is a great help, but has dangers. Magick and spells don't bring an end to a means, but a means to an end. Don't expect money to grow on trees if you do a money spell, but be prepared to take out the classifieds and try to find a job. </div> <div> Gerald Gardener did publicise Wicca, I am not a Gardenerian, altough I do believe in most things they would as I am an Eclectic Solitary Wiccan. What's right for you is the best thing.</div> <div> You cannot be another religion and Wiccan, but you can be an Eclectic Wiccan Christian, or an Eclectic Wiccan Buddhist. That just means that you are not entirely Wiccan nor are you entirely Buddhist or Christian, but somewhere in between.</div> <div> The most important part about being a Wiccan is to study, study, study. Get books, go on web sites and "speak little, listen much."</div> <div> Wicca is a religion based on "perfect love and perfect trust." That's why we do not exploit our magick of money, sex and power. Never let anyone take advantage of you or make you do something you are not uncomfortable with. Remeber you have rights, and can use them. That's what they're there for. Some people are dominating, that doesn't give them any reason to dominate you, don't take it from them. And if you are offended by someone, tell them the truth about it, if you don't want to or don't want to come out, just make a statement that they probably don't know anything about it and shouldn't judge. "Judge not lest ye be judged." I mean throw some of their own words back at them. If anyone threatens you, or infringes on your rights, you have the absolute allowed to tell the police, or some other law enforcer. And if they aren't infringing on you, but are persistently, be wiser and walk away. "Two wrongs don't make a right."</div> <bR> <div> Let's start out with my favorite place to shop: thrift stores. </div> <div> Thrift stores are excellent places to find Pagan supplies, especially on limited budgets. I've gotten many things, magical and otherwise, from thrift stores around where I live. It seems a lot of people have no idea what their "junk" is worth. </div> <div> An enterprising teen can do just about anything with a nice goblet from a thrift store, from using it as a chalice, to using it to hold candles, to using it for a scrying-bowl. Use your imagination. </div> <div> Secondhand shops have an astonishing selection of items. The quality of these items varies according to some arcane plan that no Witch living has ever figured out. On one trip, you'll see nothing but trash; on the next, you'll find a silverplated bowl worth upwards of twenty dollars for three bucks. Persistence is the key. </div> <div> If you see something you kind of like but aren't sure of, give it some time. The Shopping Goddess will provide. If you're meant to have it, it will not only stick in your brain, it will still be there the next time. </div> <div> A friend's sister once bought a piece of wood covered in mosaic tiles with the vague idea of using it as an incense burner. Later, she discovered that it had been the art project of one of her friends. (This was an example of the give it some time rule. It was there on every one of her visits for three months.) </div> <div> Magic works in mysterious ways, especially around these stores. You may mention to no-one in particular that you're looking for some object and find it on the next trip to the secondhand store. This has happened to my sister so many times that we've ceased to be amazed. </div> <div> Thrift stores are any teenaged Wiccan's best friend. Remember that. If you forget every other thing I've told you, remember that. Thrift stores are the Shopping Goddess' gift. </div> <div> If something is tarnished, check to see if it's silverplate. If it is, you can polish it up and it will look spiffy. If something has a stain and is white or off-white, you can put a drop of Clorox on the stain, rinse it off, and voila! you have ritual garb (or a new addition to your wardrobe, depending). </div> <div> Books are cheap at secondhand stores, but chancy. Don't expect too much. </div> <div> Never give up on secondhand stores. They are wonderful. They are bounteous. They are cheap, and that is what modern teens need. After all, allowances only go so far, and if you have a job, you should be saving a considerable portion of that money for your future. </div> <div> In conclusion, learn to thrift. It is good. </div> <bR> <div> Speaking of books, I'm going to take a moment to instruct you in the how's and why's of modern large bookstores. </div> <div> They will almost never have a section titled "Witchcraft" or "Wicca". Look instead for "New Age" or "Metaphysical." In the local Barnes&Noble, I know, it's right next to the sections with "Eastern Thought" and two shelves over from the Bible rack. </div> <div> Ignore the shelves with alien and vampire books unless you're really into that. You will have to search very carefully for anything good. Accept that. Check on the shelves with titles like "Witchcraft For Getting Everything You Want". Do not buy books with titles like that, by the way, unless they're by an author you know and like. The good books will be tucked in with the shitty. I recommend starting out with Cunningham--he's easy to read and find--and then moving to Patricia Telesco. She's written some wonderful books. Llewellyn's Magical Almanacs are worth buying. They have tons of timeless essays in each almanac. </div> <div> Don't be afraid to pick up a book and read the first chapter. You have a right to know what you're buying. </div> <div> Look for the Llewellyn publisher's stamp on the bindings of books--usually a crescent moon enclosed in a rounded square. While not all their stuff is great, they do have higher standards than many other publishers. </div> <bR> <div> Semiprecious stones can be found at metaphysical stores, but I strongly suggest trying rock shops first. Metaphysical stores charge an arm and a leg for stones you get for two bucks if you know where to look. Those little points of quartz crystal you find marked at three to five dollars a point? Don't pay more than fifty cents to a dollar. Quartz marbles are harder to find, so you may wind up paying a little more than that if you want one of those. And <I>never</I> order plain semiprecious stones from a metaphysical catalog. You can't inspect them before they're shipped, they're advertised to look bigger than they really are, and they're overpriced. I've seen a piece of amethyst worth maybe five bucks sold for thirty in a catalog. I recommend studying stones a bit so that you have a realistic idea as to their value. </div> <div> If you live in or near a medium-to-large city, there will probably be a metaphysical store around. Look for them. They can come in handy for purchasing such goodies as a tarot deck--which you need to get first-hand, and be sure to pick one that's aesthetically pleasing to you--and books. Books are the heart of a teenaged Pagan's studies. After all, the Net only goes so far. </div> <div> If you're in a small town, particularly a religious small town, resign yourself to a few more years of shopping in thrift stores and getting your books however you can. Hey, it's life. Online stores can be helpful, but be wary of scams, and remember that anything you order online, your parents are going to know about. </div> <bR> <div> Make things yourself. Learn to sew and make a ritual robe out of some old sheets. Make a zillion little drawstring bags. They come in handy for <I>everything</I>. </div> <div> Learn to model clay and make God/dess icons. Make little disks and inscribe protective spells on them. (The one I used for mine was from <I>A Crone's Book of Words,</I> a piece with a high fiction content which nevertheless has some good chants: "With this pentagram I lay/Protection here both night and day/And for the one who should not touch/Let their fingers burn and twitch." I used a pentacle ring to make an impression on the side on which I was not writing--<I>before</I> I tried to write the inscription, by the way. Learning by trial and error.) You can hang such disks on your doorknob, in your closet, or tuck them in your luggage. Be creative.</div> <bR> <div> Many new witches are ones that have just read a few books, but the author does have a different point of view. That's why information on the most basic of things can be different and conflicting. Now, one might be very confused and begin to look for a teacher or group of people to teach them. But the response is very often no. One shouldn't be taken aback by the response, even if it is slightly offensive, but instead go learn more. Especially when covens can be bound, and the level of intellect is much higher. So instead, try to make a circle with some friends.</div> <bR> <div> A new comer should know that much of the witchy information around has been passed down by word of mouth, and from archaeological documents, myths and legends. But not all of this has filled the gaps, so some have been filled with the conjecture of scholars. This means there is no right way of practising Wicca, even if we had all the knowledge. Afterall it is so personal. Which in turn means that different interpretations will continue, so you have to do a lot of studying by yourself. Any teacher worth studying with will tell you this upfront. Read a lot. Even those you might not like to just to get a feel of it and another point of view, read with an open mind. Look at things if they were a theory  before you make up your mind. Somethings will automatically feel right for you, others might not. But don't make up your mind just yet, you're researching.</div> <bR> <div> After reasearching, you get an inteterest. You might go around in chatrooms asking for help. They might have a not so helpful response, probably with the overtone of "You Wannabe!" Don't feel embarassed, discouraged or put down just tell them thank you, let them pick up the sarcasm, and go off to a library to read some more about it. Wicca is a very spiritual path. It isn't summarised in one page. So if you ask a question try to ask it very specifically. For an intelligent question, will get an intelligent answer.</div> <bR> <div> Read as many books as you can on History, Myths and Legends, Wicca, Witchcraft, Magick and anything else you like. </div> <div> Make yourself a reference library of books, pirnted off pages and web sites. </div> <div> Start a journal and keep your thoughts in it about your day, as well as information you have found. </div> <div> Get organised and try and concentrate harder. </div> <div> Ask questions. </div> <div> Be honest and spend time along and meditate on what you want on this path.</div> <div> Don't make commitments yet, you are researching something that interests you at a personal level. </div> <div> Find out where you fit in instead. As above, don't get discouraged. It can be very difficult to be a solitary, but even some old witches are solitary still. It's a personal choice. Sometimes they won't give you the information straight away, because they had difficulties getting it themselves. They will be telling you that it was so hard for them and they had to with a simile to walking barefoot in the forest to collect firewood, don't be suprised that you'll have to walk a bit and don't expect your fire wood served on a silver platter. </div> <div> You shouldn't join a coven just yet. They are bound together and work very well together. It is a difficult process to make a magickal unit that works. Most covens aren't looking for new members because it takes time to re-adjust to thechange. There are some internet covens and they are great for a beginning and finding new knowledge. </div> <div> Don't feel left out because you aren't part of a group. In the olden days, witches were alone, and many still are. Just because you are a solitary doesnt mean you can't be in a studay circle with other witches.</div> <bR> <div> Now is the time for your personal preferences in what you do. Do you prefer to lead rituals outside, or with just a few close friends? Do you like to think about things, or are you spontaneous? Think why you want to be in a circle/coven. Try visulaisation. See your self as a hero or heroine running along the beach with your covenors, with fire wood in your hands, preparing a bon fire and an altar. See yourselves laughing and having fun. Does this appeal to you or do you feel more confortable along? These questions are not so that you have an image, but so you have a spiritual connection with your path and the God and Goddess. Asking questions to yourself will help you find a decision. You may feel like collecting some ritual items or setting up an altar. Now you are exploring your possibilites. Don't set up an altar if your parents are very un-understanding about it. You could set up a crystal, a candle, a feather, and a shell for the elements and a forest branch for the God and a special shell for the Goddess.</div> <bR> <div> Continue to read, study and record your notes and keep recording those questions. </div> <div> Find out what Way appeals to you, Egyptian, Celtic, Druid. If you cannot decide ecelctic is probably for you. That means you take little bits from everything. </div> <div> You will be challenged by other Pagans , this tells you a lot about them and you. </div> <div> Keep a sense of humour. </div> <div> Look in chat rooms, read websites, go to witchy shops and ask and read the books. </div> <div> There are opportunities everywhere. Now asking questions is easier when you know what youire doing. </div> <div> Think about particular Deitites. Which ones speak to you? What doet of relationship do you have with the ones you have chosen, or one which chose you? Do you associate with the symbols associated to hte Deities?</div> <div> Don't get ahead of yourself. All lessons take time to get into your head. That's why your subconscious is learning through dreams and symbols whilst your conscious mind is still grasping.</div> <div> Enjoy life. </div> <div> Don't 'put all your ritual eggs into one basket.' </div> <div> Keep an open mind and open heart and keep reading other points of view. </div> <div> Don't lie, it wastes energy .</div> <div> Don't get frustrated about not being a coven. This normally comes later.</div> <div> Now you may feel ready to start doing rituals and spells. </div> <bR> <div> Feeling informs you through its feeling-tones of the values of things. Feeling tells you for instance whether a thing is acceptable or agreeable or not. It tells you what a thing is WORTH to you....It is, like thinking, a rational function.</div> <bR> <div> Look for symbols because that is how the subconscious mind works. That's why the inner work that you do is the starting point of magick. Touch some of your ritual items. What emtotions do they evoke? How do you feel? This is your imagination, not making up things as you might have been told. Unlcok this powerful tool and use it. It gives magick a lot more power. Creative comes from creation. You are literally creating with you mind. Put yur imagination with symbolism. What have you come up with? Your subconscious is a fertile place of your spirit where eveyrhting is possible.</div> <div> Do you remember your favourite story that you always heard when you were a kid. And you could always prompt the reader where the mistake was. You were always in the story and could remember everything? You were using your imagination.</div> <div> Tjhe gestures, tools and workings at this beginning time should be done exactly the same. The repitition trains your brain, mind and subconscious to magick workings. The subcnscious is like that kid who wants to hear the story over and over again. It allows your symbol-imagination mind to accustom and grow. Later you can do what you want.</div> <div>  </div> <div> Basic Ritual Structure:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Preparing the Altar.(nothing too elaborate, just a few of your favorite tools). Lighting the candles.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Cleansing the area.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Casting the circle.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Invoking the elements.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Invoking the Deities.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Stating the Purpose of the ritual.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Magickal workings or devotions.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Raising the Energy. Releasing the Energy.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Grounding.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Thanking the Deities.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Thanking the elements.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Closing(or sometimes called opening) the circle.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Cakes and ale. </div> <bR> <div> There are more simple or elaborate ways of doing a ritual. Most traditions have their own format. This is a basic structure and as it is pretty similar to another tradition's way, you should be comfortable no matter what circle you are in.</div> <div> Take note on how you will do each step. You can do it with salt and water, incense, a besom.</div> <div> Take time to ground, centre and meditate prior to ritual.</div> <div> Tell the God and Goddess about what you are doing, to reassure yourself.</div> <div> Perform each step as planned previously, slowly</div> <div> Listen and draw symbols you feel l=ike drawing in your journal.</div> <div> Make sure you do it the same time over and over. Rather than becoming boring it should become more spiritually meaninful.</div> <div> Take deep breaths during the ritual.</div> <div> Continue to repeat these phases. We are continually learning new things.</div> <div> Don't worry what you will say. It's from the heart and that's what counts.</div> <div> Don't take any oaths or dedications for you have not made that decision yet. It takes time and will be an important decision in your life.</div> <div> Don't worry about how movies portray rituals. Nothing bad will hapen, Just perform each step slowly as follow ehtics.</div> <div> Do a ritual on a regular basis if you can.</div> <div> Begin to think about the Phases of the Moon, the Sabbats and other important Wiccan things.</div> <bR> <div> Wicca and Witchcraft is, afterall, following the rhythms of nature and the universe.</div> <bR> <div> Ask yourself how you are doing, The information previous to this should have taken a fair bit of time to complete, about a few months. At this point you hsould feel comfortable. You have to do it physciall, not just mentally.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> "Effort requires that you either answer 'yes' or 'no'." </div> <bR> <div> Teachers can always tell if someone who comes to them has done their work. The first time that a student will do a ritual or take part in one with others will clearly show his or her knowledge and practise or lack of it.</div> <div> Just because you have done your work doesn't mean you won't be nervous first time round, but this feeling will pass very quickly. You subcnscious will remember all the work and bond with the conscious mind to make you wiser.</div> <div> Remember:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Life is always changing. Nothing stays the same.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">To Know you have To Do. Experience requires action. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The quality of each experience - as you draw it forth and do it and live it - becomes the substance of your wisdom. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Yes, there will be a test on this. There is ALWAYS a test on this! </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters, </div> <div> compared to what lies within us."</div> <bR> <div> Wicca follows the seasonal changes of the Earth. There are eight sabbats, called the Wheel of the Year. Some have the Four Fire Festivals, and others just do things according to their system of beliefs. When you have decided research these holidays. Think of each as a seasonal marker for the year.</div> <div> During this you will explore the year throughout its cycles opf nature. This will take a whilte. A year and a day. Just because you are training doesn't mean you won't have fun. This is a time of focus and concentration to help you become your spiritual self, the universe and nature. </div> <div> In this cycle you will learn your place in the universe. Everything in the universe has vibrational energy. Some have a higher frequency, others a lower frequency. Feel these changes around you as the seasons change.</div> <div>  </div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> "I learn by going where I have to go."</div> <bR> <div> Most witches believe in reincanration and transmigration of the soul. All things in nature are born, grow, mature, reproduce and then decline and die. This cycle is constant. This is my this makes such good sense to Pagans. By observing the continuous, rhythmic cycles of the Earth, we reflect on it and feel it just seems right. Afterall, it's natural. And in nature everyone has their own place. Learn to fit in to this cycle through active involvement.  When you understand these rhythms, you will know what it means to be a pagan.</div> <bR> <div> Remember:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Effective experiential learning will affect the learner's cognitive structures (action theories), attitudes and values, perceptions and behavioral patterns. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">People will believe more in knowledge they have discovered themselves than in knowledge presented by others. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Learning is more effective when it is an active rather than a passive process. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Acceptance of new action theories, attitudes, and behavioral patterns cannot be brought about by a piecemeal approach. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It takes more than information to change action theories, attitudes, and behavioral patterns. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It takes more than firsthand experience to generate valid knowledge. Besides experience, there needs to be a theoretical system that the experiencer tests out and a personal reflection on the meaning of the experience. </div> <div> (The above principles come from the work of Kurt Lewin, one of the important founding fathers of social psychology who influenced the development of the Group Dynamics movement in the early 1940's.)</div> <bR> <div> Look for objects on your altar, especially seasonal ones. Design robes, think about their colours. Make a mask for each holiday and a story to follow. Act! Dance! Sing! Write! Compose! Cook! Make boxes to hold ritual decorations for each holiday and have fun!</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> "A man of faithful thought may feel in light, among the beasts and fields, </div> <div> the turning of the wheel."</div> <div>   </div> <div> This is done for transformation. It begins from within and shows itself on the outside. Many people turn to a religion in an attempt to change the things that they perceive to stand in the way of their path to the sacred.</div> <div> Inner transformational work is difficult, messy and will take a long time. This explains the want fo spells frpp, new witches. Wanting to go around the mundane, necessary means just to achiene an instant end., It isn't like that.</div> <div> You will learn throughout the year:</div> <div> <B>     Respect</B> - Both for the interconnection of all Life and for yourself. </div> <div> <B>Thought</B> - How you can change your life by changing your thoughts. </div> <div> <B>Examination</B> - Looking within yourself for answers and solutions. </div> <div> <B>Release</B> - Letting go of old habits and emotions that no longer work. </div> <div> <B>Synthesis</B> - How an individual can also be part of a whole. </div> <div> <B>Creativity</B> - Trusting your intuition to help you make viable choices. </div> <div> <B>Action</B> - Learning how to act rather than re - act. </div> <div> <B>Love</B> - Being able to give and receive healthy love. </div> <div> <B>Strength</B> - Inner courage to overcome circumstances without harm. </div> <div> <B>Transformation</B> - The realization that only you can change what is not working in your life. Only you can make your life what you want it to be. And only you - through difficult, messy and lengthy work - can make your magickal Life one of Love,</div> <bR> <div> During the year you should also follow these simple guidelines:</div> <div> 1. Read EVERYTHING you can get your hands on about the Craft. Surf the net and write notes. This will help you decide if you are genuinely interested or not.</div> <div> 2. Make the decision that if the Craft/Wicca really and truly interests you, then you will put you all into learning and practicing.</div> <div> 3. Get any negative thoughts, doubts, fears and ideas you have heard or been told about the Craft out of your head. If you start feeling guilty/bad about doing witchcraft, then that will have a direct negative affect on your spells and works. Be comfortable and KNOW that you are doing what is right for you and that you can do it! </div> <div> Magick is really, neutral. It is the person's heart or intent that is what makes it good or bad. If you strive to improve yourself and your life always then there is nothing to worry about. It's when you try to hurt or manipulate someone, that it becomes messy.</div> <div> 4. Learn to meditate and focus. Get to know yourself a little, your dreams, goals and feelings. Buy a journal and write everything down. Crystals, such as amethyst, can be of assistance during meditation.</div> <div> 5. Choose a special Craft name. This name may come from a dream or just pop into your head. Or you may try different names together until one sounds good for you. Don't rush this part. You need the right name. This name, you may choose to disclose to others in your coven or friends. Or you may keep it between you and the Universe. You will use this for spells, rites and works. A name is not completely necessary though. It is a personal choice wether to choose one or not.</div> <div> 6. Start to study and look up about different systems and Deities. Take note of which you feel draw to.</div> <div> 7. Get out and about and look for the basic tools needed to start off. Buy yourself a folder/binder or large notebook too. This will become your 'Book of Shadows'.</div> <div> 8. Learn how to create 'sacred space' and cast circle. Learn how to charge herbs, stones charms and consecrate/dedicate your tools and other items.</div> <div> 9. KEEP LEARNING AND READING. Learn about the magickal and healing uses of herbs, gemstones etc.</div> <div> 10. PRACTICE what you have learnt and become very good at circle casting.</div> <div> 11. Learn about basic candle magick and how to do it.</div> <div> 12. Delve into some basic divination, using tarot, runes etc. Be careful here though. Make sure you prepare a space before you do this. Or surround yourself with white light to protect yourself and your readings from any negative energies.</div> <div> Hopefully this would have given you some place to start your path. You will find from then on, things start to open up and your horizons broaden. You will know where to go from there. TRUST yourself and you intuition!</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> " The outstanding error of learners, in whom it is excusable, and of many teachers, </div> <div> who teach without wisdom is that they associate Occultism with practices </div> <div> rather than with PRACTICE. I teach the LIFE of concentration and meditation..." </div> <bR> <div> For information on the Goddess and God please go to the Goddess and God web sites.</div> <bR> <div> Now you may feel like you want to be one, but wait a minute. </div> <div> All this has brought you to integrity in the craft.</div> <div> Integrity: The condition of having no part or element taken away or wanting; undivided or unbroken state; material wholeness; completeness; entirety. Or better still, The condition of not being marred or violated; unimpaired or uncorrupted; a condition of soundness.</div> <div> That is what you should have learnt in the passed months. This should have helped form your sets of ethics so you can have that condition of soundness. This brings you to making the decision wether or not this is right for you. Many pagans have made this oath, and instead of conforming to witchcraft, they are trying to conform it to them. Please think wisely.</div> <bR> <div> If, you have decided to make Wicca your religion you have commited to theRede and other ethics and you interpret them to the best of your ability. In the olden days, witches were called the wise ones. They delivered the promises they made, and didn't make prmises they couldn't keep, they healed, the comforted, they helped the overall community. They changed things, they made things, they had good decisions. But now so many people make so many promises they don't keep, making reasons why it had to be done. It is because they didn't make enough commitment before they made their promises. This is in regard to making a vow to Wicca.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> "If someone turned your body over to just any person who happened to meet you, you would be angry. But are you not ashamed that you turn over your own FACULTY OF JUDGMENT to who ever comes along..."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> Integrit requires three things:</div> <bR> <div> Discerning right from wrong - This requires time and effort. It is hard and unavoidable to a spiritual person. If you don't want to be controlled you have to find your limits. You have to be objective and decipher your true meaning of the validity and morality of something. So approaching something with an open mind and open heart esential.</div> <bR> <div> Acting on what you have discerned - This is absolutely necessary, even at a personal cost. We don't use our integrity that often, until it is put to the test. You should always do the thing you feel is right even if at a personal cost.</div> <bR> <div> Declaring openly where you stand - Are you still preared to become a Witch. Are you still ready to become,formally, part of the Goddess and God? Because that is what Wicca is all about.</div> <bR> <div> What Wicca is really about, and what it isn't:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It's not about getting power, but you will get it through knowledge and understanding</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It's not about personal gain but communal gain</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It's not about changing others to fit you, it's about changing yourself so you are spiritually fulfilled to perform the work of the God and Goddess</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It's not about fame, it's about being there to help others</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It's not about pulling people down, but giving them a headstart</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It's not about being selfish and rich, but sharing with people</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It's not about lying, but keeping pormises and going the extra distance and following you personal integritiy for the good of all. Uprightness, Honour, Truth, Healing and Giving Service. </div> <bR> <div> You will benefit in untold ways from your good service, you will be fun to be around due to your improved aura from good deeds and you will always be rich in spirituality and mentality, We hold the names of the God and goddess high in the air and honour Them, Their children and Divinity. We have to look after the Earth for everyone and follow our own personal intergrity - The God's, the Goddess's, the community's, the world's and ours.</div> <bR> <div> Do's and dont's:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Witches do not do evil. We believe that doing evil and harm is against all ethical and moral laws. Further, Witchcraft tells us "An ye harm none (not even yourself), do what ye will".</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Witches do not worship Satan. We do not have a Satan/Devil or any all-evil deity in our religious structure. Witchcraft is a religion that underscores polarity and views the God and the Goddess as equal entities.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A male Witch is not a Warlock. The word Warlock is a Scottish word meaning "oath breaker", and became a term designating a male Witch during the "burning times". A male Witch is called a Witch.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Witches wear clothing of every color and every style Many Witches do choose to wear black clothing or ritual robes. The color black is the culmination of all vibrational rates of light on the material plane. Black absorbs light information and helps Witches be more receptive to psychic impressions and energies.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Witches come from every socio-economic and ethnic background Many Witches are professional people holding positions of responsibility such as Doctors, Nurses, Police Officers, Teachers, etc. Witchcraft does not discriminate against color or ethnic origin and does view everything as equal in the eyes of the Goddess and the God. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Witches do use spells. A spell is a thought, a projection, or a prayer. Other religions use prayer, meditation, protection and ritual to produce an intended result. The word "spell" does not imply doing evil or harm.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Witches do use magic wands. Often you see the use of magic wands in childrens cartoons and movies making the idea seem frivolous. In actuality they are used in healing for directing energy.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Witches do use Witchcraft as a science, an art, and a religion. We use our knowledge and magick in harmony with the Universe and Nature around us.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The word "Witch" has a deep and rich meaning As defined by the English Oxford dictionary, "Witchcraft" is a celtic (pronounced Kell-tick) word meaning the wise, good people. "Wicce" (Wick-kay) designates a female Witch where as "Wicca" (wick-kah) designates a male Witch.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">In the religion of Witchcraft we view the pentacle as an amulet and a symbol for protection. The five-pointed star represents the human body and the earth. In combination, the star surrounded by the circle represents the human body encompassed by the protection of the Goddess/God force. The pentacle is the symbol for Universal Wisdom.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Witches do concern themselves with ecology. We have never forgotten this basic fact: the world is not our enemy. Neither is it inert, dumb matter. The earth and all living things share the same life-force. They are composed of patterns of intelligence, of knowledge, and of divinity, all life is a web. We are woven into it as sisters and brothers of All. Witches need to be grounded in both worlds and awake to their responsibilities for both worlds. It is only by being responsible human beings that we can be responsible Witches and only responsible Witches will survive. </div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Now before you jump right to spells, please read this first!!</B></div> <bR> <div> Before you use any of the spells on the following pages, keep in mind the rule of three. There aren't any negative type spells listed on the following pages but even the most harmless spell can be coverted into something negative. None of the spells are written by me and I haven't tried all of them but I figured I would add spells to my site that might be helpful or of some use to anyone who may visit this page. If you don't know what you are doing please don't try <U>any</U> of these spells, don't fool around with magick something you're not familiar with and use these spells as guides to make your own, original spells work the best!!!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>The Witches' Pyramid (making magick/spells work)</B> </div> <bR> <div> The Witches' Pyramid is a set of four principles that are very important to successful magic: To Know, To Will, To Dare, and To Keep Silent. </div> <div> <B>To Know</B> </div> <bR> <div> Do research on the kind of spell you're trying to do. For example, if you like to use candles in magic, read about what other people have done with candle magic. What steps do they go through? You don't have to make your spell exactly like someone else's, but if you notice everyone else dressing their candles with oil while concentrating on their purpose (for example), it may be something that you want to try as well. </div> <bR> <div> Also learn about the magical correspondences for your tradition and use them in your spells. For example, if you were doing a love spell and you were a fan of the Norse pantheon, you might want to emphasize certain runes, invoke the goddess Freya, and do the spell on Friday (Freya's Day). There are also correspondences in most traditions for colors, plants, animals, times of day, seasons, and phases of the Moon, among other things. The more of these you can incorporate into your work, the more focused your energy will become. </div> <bR> <div> Go over the spell in your mind a few times before you actually do it. Know what step comes next. If possible, memorize your lines. </div> <bR> <div> <B>To Will</B> </div> <bR> <div> Now that the spell is focused, YOU must be focused as well. If you throw a spell together at the last minute and do it half-heartedly while watching television, no matter how skilled you are, you will get less "bang" from your magic than you would have if you prepared well and really concentrated on what you were doing. A regular practice of meditation will teach you to focus your mind, which will in turn fuel your magic much more effectively. </div> <bR> <div> You must have confidence in your spell for it to work. You must believe that you have done real magic and that real magic works. Your spell feeds off of your thoughts and energy, and if you don't feed it well, it will die.</div> <bR> <div> <B>To Dare</B> </div> <bR> <div> It's not only your conscious mind that has to believe in the spell, either. Any ambiguous thoughts you have lurking about will compromise your magic. </div> <bR> <div> On the top of a sheet of paper, write what the spell is basically for: "A Job." for example. Write down every thought that comes into your head about "A Job." When you run out of ideas, read over your list. How many negatives are in it? These are thoughts that will interfere with your spell unless they are dealt with. For example, if I do a spell for "A Job." and I discover that deep down I hate most jobs and would rather not have one, for my spell to work I either have to change my goal or deal with my attitude problem.</div> <bR> <div> Feel something as you're doing the spell. Give a flying fig how it turns out. If you don't care, why should the Gods? (And for that matter, if you don't care, why are you doing the spell in the first place?</div> <bR> <div> <B>To Be Silent</B> </div> <bR> <div> Now that you've done your spell, shut up about it. There are two reasons for this. One is that the energy you spend dwelling on it is energy that isn't going to the spell itself. It's more efficient to just think about something else and let your spell do its work. The other reason is that if you talk about your spell to someone who doesn't believe in magic or who doesn't want your spell to work for some reason, that person can undermine your confidence, which will weaken the spell. </div> <bR> <div> SpiritOnline recommends:</div> <bR> <div> 0. Introduction</div> <div> This course outline is intended for the serious beginner who wishes to enter an intense and complete study of paganism, magic, wicca, and the occult. This is ONLY for those interested in a real self-education. If you're looking for an easy, quick way to gain instant gratification, forget about it. It doesn't exist. Knowledge is a reward you must earn.</div> <div> There is no answer key, in fact, many of these will have different answers for each person. This is only an outline. You may add to it or change from the suggested route if you would like. Good luck, begin whenever you are ready. DO NOT RUSH. This course is intended to allow for years of learning, if you finish it in a week or two I guarantee you that you barely scratched the surface.</div> <div> 00. Getting Ready to Learn</div> <div> Notebook </div> <div> Have a plain notebook prepared to store research and answers to the questions included in this course outline. Print out this outline if you can and put it inside your notebook.</div> <div> Knowing where to look: Not sure how to find answers? </div> <div> Internet: Search engines and link directories </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.altavista.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.altavista.com/"><U>AltaVista</U></A> </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.yahoo.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.yahoo.com/"><U>Yahoo</U></A><A HREF="http://www.yahoo.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.yahoo.com/"><U>!</U></A> </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.infoseek.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.infoseek.com/"><U>Infoseek</U></A> </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.hotbot.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hotbot.com/"><U>HotBot</U></A> </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.spiritonline.com/links" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.spiritonline.com/links"><U>SpiritLinks</U></A> - (Occult) </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.avatarsearch.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.avatarsearch.com/"><U>AvatarSearch</U></A> - (Occult) </div> <div> Books: Check bookstores, libraries, and online bookstores [like amazon.com] </div> <div> Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (Cunningham) </div> <div> Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (Cunningham) </div> <div> To Ride a Silver Broomstick (Ravenwolf) </div> <div> The Spiral Dance (Starhawk) </div> <div> The Witch's Bible Compleat (Farrar) </div> <div> Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft (Buckland)</div> <div> I. Ethics </div> <div> The Law of Return: What goes around, comes around. </div> <div> What does this mean to you? </div> <div> How does it apply to your life? </div> <div> How does it apply to your magick practices?</div> <div> Perfect Love and Perfect Trust: It must be maintained between partners. </div> <div> Define "Perfect Love and Perfect Trust" </div> <div> How do you know when to trust someone? </div> <div> Who should you trust, and when should you maintain secrecy?</div> <div> Wiccan Rede: If you wish to become a wiccan, it's important to understand the rede. </div> <div> What is the meaning of the rede?</div> <div> II. Preparatory Understanding</div> <div> Faith: You must fully believe in magick for it to work. </div> <div> What does the phrases "magic is afoot" and "magic is everywhere" mean?</div> <div> Willpower: Nothing can stop you from reaching your goal. </div> <div> What are some possible obstacles to magick? </div> <div> How can you overcome those obstacles?</div> <div> Privacy: When to talk, when to preserve secrecy. </div> <div> Why should you sometimes keep your magick inention to yourself? </div> <div> When should you tell someone about your practices? </div> <div> How do these rules apply to a coven or group ritual atmosphere? </div> <div> Do you plan to "go public", or practice as a silent solitary?</div> <div> Willingness and Fearlessness: Leave your doubts at the door. </div> <div> Are you ready to walk a path less traveled, and less understood? </div> <div> If you are trying to change religions (ie to wicca or another form of paganism), are you prepared to give up whatever religion you may have been raised in? </div> <div> What fears or trepidations do you have? These must be dealt with before you can go any further.</div> <div> III. Magick Prep Skills</div> <div> Cleansing </div> <div> Define "cleansing" </div> <div> Define "ritual bath" </div> <div> What is one method for cleansing?</div> <div> Raising/controlling energy- These topics must be practiced and understood: </div> <div> Meditation </div> <div> Grounding </div> <div> Centering </div> <div> Concentration/Focus</div> <div> Visualization of a single goal </div> <div> Practice and understand visualization techniques</div> <div> Casting and opening a circle </div> <div> Why cast circles? </div> <div> Must you always cast a circle before rituals? </div> <div> One method for casting a circle </div> <div> One method for opening it afterwards</div> <div> IV. Beginning Spellcraft</div> <div> Creating your own spells </div> <div> Why not just use pre-created spells? </div> <div> Create a basic outline for all-purpose spell use </div> <div> Types of magic: research each form of magick and when each is appropriate to use: </div> <div> Spells/Rituals/Rites </div> <div> Poppets/Dolls </div> <div> Mojo bags </div> <div> Potions and philtres</div> <div> Putting it all together: research and understand why, where, when, and how to use various spell elements:</div> <div> Affirmations, chants, and incantations </div> <div> Color correspondences </div> <div> Candle magick </div> <div> Stone magick </div> <div> Amulets, talismans, charms </div> <div> Timing </div> <div> Days of the week </div> <div> Days of the year </div> <div> Lunar phases/cycles </div> <div> Astrological cycles </div> <div> Herbs: </div> <div> Meanings and magickal uses of herbs </div> <div> Incense </div> <div> Essential oils </div> <div> Elements- Know the correspondences, meanings, and usages of: </div> <div> Water </div> <div> Earth </div> <div> Fire </div> <div> Air </div> <div> Akasha </div> <div> Elemental Spirits </div> <div> Invocations </div> <div> Tools (ie, athame, chalice, broom, etc) </div> <div> Do you have to use ALL of these elements in every spell you create? (hint: NO) Explain.</div> <div> V. Advanced Skills</div> <div> Divination </div> <div> Gain a basic understand of each form of divination: </div> <div> Scrying </div> <div> Astrology </div> <div> Tarot </div> <div> Runes </div> <div> Runesticks </div> <div> Pendulums </div> <div> I Ching </div> <div> Oneiromancy (dream divination) </div> <div> Tasseography (tea leaf reading) </div> <div> Ovamancy (egg divination) </div> <div> Bibliomancy (book divination) </div> <div> Ceromancy (candle wax divination) </div> <div> Geomancy (sand or dirt divination) </div> <div> Ouija </div> <div> Develop a divining skill </div> <div> Which form or forms of divination interest you most? </div> <div> Research skill(s) of interest and attempt to practice them </div> <div> What forms of divination are easiest or more natural for you?</div> <div> Psychic Powers </div> <div> Gain a basic understand of each form of psychicism: </div> <div> Precognition </div> <div> Clairvoyance </div> <div> Telepathy </div> <div> Telempathy </div> <div> Clairaudience </div> <div> Clairsentience </div> <div> Telekinesis </div> <div> Teleportation </div> <div> Develop a psychic skill </div> <div> Which form or forms of psychicism interest you most? </div> <div> Do you feel you have any natural psychic powers? </div> <div> If so, research ways to develop your natural skills.</div> <div> Beyond the Body </div> <div> Out-of-Body Experiences </div> <div> What are they? How are they different from astral traveling? </div> <div> State and summarize some methods </div> <div> Have you ever experienced this phenomenon? What is it like? </div> <div> What abilities do you have that you normally don't have on the physical plane? </div> <div> Astral Travel </div> <div> What is it? Compare it to OBEs (Out-of-Body Experiences) </div> <div> State and summarize some methods to induce it. </div> <div> Discuss wraths, travelers, and the characteristics of this plane versus the physical and OBE planes. </div> <div> Have you experienced it? And if so describe it. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> A Beginner's Bill of Rights</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Seekers on the pagan path are in an extremely vulnerable position.</div> <div> In their quest for fellowship and teaching, they risk encountering</div> <div> those who use our faith to prey on others. To empower the Seekers</div> <div> of our community, a <I><B>Seeker's Bill of Rights</B></I> has been drafted.</div> <div> This tool will help to alert Seekers of a problem if a group or</div> <div> teacher violates any of the ten rights described. It will also serve</div> <div> to remind Seekers that while they do not have "degrees",</div> <div> they are still human beings with rights and dignity.</div> <bR> <div> <B>THE SEEKERS' BILL OF RIGHTS</B></div> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to Verify Credentials</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers shall not be obstructed from substantiating claims made by a</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">teacher or group. In the case of Elders that were inspired to create a new</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">tradition, the Seeker has the right to know the circumstances surrounding</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the inception of that tradition.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to Anonymity</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers have the right to keep their involvement in the</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">occult a secret to preserve their personal & professional lives.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to Financial Stability</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers shall not be required or coerced into taking on any</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">financial burdens on behalf of a teacher or group.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to Compensation for Professional Goods & Services</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers have the right to be paid for goods produced and/or</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">skilled labor from which they would normally receive an income.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers shall not be required or coerced into providing discounts or "freebies"</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">on behalf of a teacher or group.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to Sexual Freedom</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers shall not be required or coerced into sexual relations</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">with unwanted persons, nor shall Seekers be restricted from</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">sexual relations with consenting adults.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to Physical Well-Being</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers shall not be required or coerced into submitting to any form</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">of physical injury or abuse.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to Abide by the Law</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers shall not be required or coerced into committing any illegal act.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to Consistency</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers have the right to expect consistency in policies by a</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">teacher or group. Seekers should be formally informed in a</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">timely manner of any policy changes.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to Separation with Impunity</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers have the right to discontinue association with any teacher or</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">group without fear of harassment or reprisal.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Right to be at Peace with One's Conscience</B></I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Seekers shall not be required or coerced into committing any</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f0cc336600.gif" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">action contrary to their own sense of ethics and morality.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="395" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#800080 HEIGHT= 97 WIDTH="385"><div> <I><B>The Seekers' Bill of Rights</B></I> was compiled from experiences</div> <div> other Seekers have suffered at the hands of abusive teachers.</div> <div> Hopefully, this tool will help Seekers everywhere to avoid</div> <div> these pitfalls.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B>If you need any help with anything Wiccan, Witchy or Pagan. need a potion or spell help </B></I><A HREF="mailto: ask_a_witch@hotmail.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: ask_a_witch@hotmail.com"><U><I><B>E-Mail</B></I></U></A><I><B> me, or add me to your MSN Messanger with ask_a_witch@hotmail.com</B></I></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>