Pentacle or Pentagram

 The pentacle or pentagram is an important symbol in Wicca and witchcraft. It is a circle surrounding a five pointed star. The five points showing the different elements of nature. Those elements are earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. Each element has associations with compass direction as well. Earth is north, air is east, fire is south, water is west and spirit is center.

Triple Moon Symbol

The triple moon is a Goddess symbol that represents the Maiden, Mother, and Crone as the waxing, full, and waning moon. It is also associated with feminine energy, mystery and psychic abilities.

Triquetra Symbol

The Triquetra symbol has different symbolism according to whom you ask. For pagans, the Triquetra represents the threefold nature of the Goddess as
virgin, mother and crone. It also symbolizes life, death, and rebirth and the three forces of nature: earth,air, and water. To some it is a protection symbol. To Christians it represents the Trinity _Father, Son, Holy spirit.

Horned God Symbol

The Horned God symbol represents the masculine energy of the God.

Septagram Symbol

The Septagram symbol or the Elven Star, or seven-pointed star, is found in some branches of the Faerie tradition of Wicca.  However, it has different names and can be associated with many other magical traditions. Some say each point represents a pathway, or the “seven rays of manifestation of the Higher Self. The septagram or (heptagram) is important in Western kabbalah, where it symbolizes the seven planets, the seven alchemical metals, and the seven days of the week.

Hecates Wheel

Hecate’s Wheel is a maze like symbol that is associated with the triple aspect of the Greek Goddess Hecate. She is viewed as a dark Goddess and is the Goddess of the cross-roads and the Underworld. She is well known as the Goddess of the Witches in Greek Mythology.

Wheel of the Year

The eight-spoked wheel, symbolizes the cycle of the year.  Each spoke represents one of the eight Sabbats, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lamas, Mabon, Samhain, and Yule.  The significance of the wheel is that there is no beginning or end, it is continual.  We may call January 1^st the start of the year, (Though many Witches think of November 1^st as the first of the year) but the calendar doesn’t stop, then start up again, it moves from day to day without end.  It’s this unending cycle that the wheel of the year signifies.

Version 1:

Darksome night and shining moon
Hearken to the Witches Rune.
East then South , West then North
Hear! Come! I call thee forth!
By all the powers of land and sea
Be obedient unto me.
Wand, pentacle, and the sword
Hearken ye unto my word.
Cords and censor, scourge and knife
Waken all ye into life.
Powers of the witches blade
Come ye as the charge is made.
Queen of heaven, queen of hell
Send your aid into the spell.
Horned Hunter of the night
Work my will by magick right.
By the powers of land and sea
As I do say, “So mote it be!”
By all the might of moon and sun
As I do will, it shall be done!
Eko Eko, Azarak
Eko Eko, Zomilarak
Eko Eko, Cernunnos
Eko Eko, Aradia.

Version 2:

“Eko, Eko, Azarak,
Eko, Eko, Zamilak,
Eko, Eko, Cernunnos,
Eko, Eko, Aradia!

Darksome night and shining moon,
East, then South, then West, then North;
Hearken to the Witches’ Rune
Here we come to call ye forth!

Earth and Water, Air and Fire,
Wand and Pentacle and Sword,
Work ye unto our desire,
Hearken ye unto our word!

Cords and censer, scrounge and knife,
Powers of the Witch’s blade
Waken ye unto life,
Come ye as the charm is made!

Queen of heaven, Queen of hell,
Horned Hunter of the night
Lend your power unto the spell,
And work our will by magic rite!

By all the power of land and sea,
By all the might of moon and sun
As we do will, so mote it be;
Chant the spell, and be it done!

Version 3:

Darksome night and shining moon
Hearken to the Witches Rune.
East then South , West then North
Hear! Come! I call thee forth!
By all the powers of land and sea
Be obedient unto me.
Wand, pentacle, and the sword
Hearken ye unto my word.
Cords and censor, scourge and knife
Waken all ye into life.
Powers of the witches blade
Come ye as the charge is made.
Queen of heaven, queen of hell
Send your aid into the spell.
Horned Hunter of the night
Work my will by magick right.
By the powers of land and sea
As I do say, “So mote it be!”
By all the might of moon and sun
As I do will, it shall be done!

Shamans, medicine men, witchdoctors would all be classified as performing witchcraft. These are the first practitioners of witchcraft and have been around as long as man! If you think about it, it is ironic that the first shamans who existed on different parts of the world, and knew nothing of each other, could have similar beliefs. 

In today’s world, traditional witchcraft is usually referring to a particular sect or tradition of witchcraft of European origin. There are many different traditions of witchcraft that are not Wicca and there are even many different traditions of Wicca. They all have similar core beliefs, but can be very different. Please know that there are many more traditions than what is written below, but here are some different traditions:

Alexandrian Wicca – Founded by Alex Sanders and his wife Maxine, Alexandrian Wicca became a popular tradition during the resurgence of modern Paganism. Heavily influenced by Gardner and his tradition, Alexandrian Wicca uses a degree system and has ties to ceremonial magic systems.

Celtic Wicca – Based upon old Celtic and Druidic practices, and ritual Gardnerian design. The emphasis is placed heavily upon Celtic deities, the elements, nature and the magic of trees.

Dianic Tradition- Feminist based craft movement that itself has different variations and traditions. Named after Diana, virgin goddess of the hunt; a stem of the Old Religion which has all-female members.

Eclectic Wicca- Basically a loosely based tradition which uses any practices of other paths and incorporates them into their own.

Gardnerian Wica- Named after Dr. Gerald Gardner its founder and is one of the first traditions to make itself known to the public in the mid 1950′s in England. Gardner was an initiate of a Celtic coven. Raymond Buckland and his wife started it in the United States.

Norse Tradition-Has roots to northern Europe and Germany. Deities are from the Norse Pantheon the Vanir and Aesir which include Odin, Freya, Thor, Tyr and many more.

PectiWita – Developed in Scotland and is attuned to nature and solar and lunar changes

Seax – Wica Founded in 1973 by Raymond Buckland, this tradition incorporates Saxon lore.

Strega Tradition- Stregheria is the old Italian word for Witchcraft and has roots in ancient Etruscan religion

Casting a spell or performing candle magick is a skill like any other. Sometimes it is as simple as practice makes perfect. The spell may work the first time or it may not. Spells can be tricky and sometimes take time before the outcome is achieved or even noticed. Spells can also backfire or cause unexpected events to occur. It is very important to be as focused and precise in what it is you desire.

Casting a love spell to get a specific person to fall in love with you is inadvisable for the simple fact that free will is involved and that opens up the door to karmic chaos! Now, that is not to say you couldn’t do a love healing spell that focuses on healing the emotional rifts or arguments between you and another loved one which could help to save a relationship. There is some gray area there and as long as free will is respected go for it. Just remember the main tenet of Wicca is the “Wiccan Rede” which states “And it harm none, do as ye will”.

The best love spell to bring someone to you is one that asks for the person that is right for you and that is seeking you as well.  Keep in mind that you may or may not have any idea who this person is, but the spiritual universe does! You might want to do some meditation or divination on what you truly need in a partner or lover. Make every effort to properly cast a love spell. Focus on a feeling of well being and the warmth that comes from having a special bond with another. Your goal and intent is to attract the right type of person to yourself, not to capture or snare a particular individual. Some will say to be precise on the qualities and characteristics that you are looking for or desire in a mate. In my opinion, it may be best to ask the universe to bring the lover or mate to you that is right for you at this time. We all have karmic lessons to learn in this life and the universe knows best which people will help us on that journey! Just an opinion of mine and the choice is entirely yours!

Blessed Be

Here are some of the common tools used for divination:

Tarot, runes, crystal gazing, palm reading, astrology, numerology,tea leaves, Iching, and clairvoyant reading. 

When choosing a divination tool to work with it is important to choose one that appeals to you. It is also important to cleanse and consecrate your tools when you get them or if they have been handled alot by other people. You may have to experiment with several forms of divination until you find the one that is best suited for you. Keep in mind that these are just tools and that it is your own intuition that you need to draw from.

Types of candles:
Any type of candle can be used for candle magic as long as it has been cleansed and consecrated prior to use. Beeswax candles are higher in price than store bought candles, but they are more powerful because they are produced from nature.  Many experienced Witches will use only candles they have crafted themselves because of a belief it strengthens their energy in the working. However, using a store bought candle can be just as effective. Small taper candles work well.

Cleansing & Consecrating:
This is a very important step and needs to be done to cleanse and remove all the negative energies that the candle has picked up along the way. As with all supplies you want your candles to to be as free of psychic debris as possible. Some witches will submerge it in sea salt and ask the God and Goddess to cleanse and consecrate it. Most witches will use an oil to dress a candle and ask the God and Goddess to cleanse and consecrate it. 

Dressing Candles:
Dressing the candle with oil is as important as any other step. Use whatever oil you prefer or what a specific spell asks you to use.  To bring something to you, rub oil on the candle in a downward motion from the top to the middle and then from the bottom to the middle.Then say some enchantment over the candle that ask the God and Goddess to cleanse and consecrate it and bless it with your intent or purpose of the candle.

 
To send something away from you…you rub the oil from the middle of the candle out to the ends. Never make a back and forth motion as this defeats the purpose. Dab the remaining oil from your fingers onto your third eye and on your breast bone. Then say some enchantment over the candle that ask the God and Goddess to cleanse and consecrate it and bless it with your intent or purpose of the candle. 
Inscribing:
If you inscribe a candle you should use your Athame. The same principle as dressing the candle is used…

To draw something to you, write from the top to the middle, and then from the bottom to the middle.

To repel things, write from the middle to the ends.

Color of Candles and representations:

Some witches like to use matching colored paper or parchment paper to write their specific goal and desire down and will burn it by folding it and holding it into the candles flame and then putting it into a cauldron or fire safe dish. Some even write their intent using a magical alphabet.If you have knowledge of rune stones it is possible to write them on the paper or carve them into the candles to help intensify the magick. The choice is up to you on how creative you want to be.

Time your candle-burning to correspond to the cycles of the moon if your need can wait. With Moon Magick, to bring something into your life, do your rituals when the moon is waxing (or growing). To rid yourself of something, do it when the moon is waning.

 Meditate briefly before lighting the candle to help still the mind and bring your desire into focus. When you light the flame, state your intention out loud, in simple, clear terms. Imagine that you already have what it is you want in your life. Continue to chant your desire as the candle burns. It is not necessary to chant the entire time. Watch the flame steadily, but don’t stare intently. Focus on being receptive and open to what it is you want.

When you have completed your ritual, allow the candle to completely burn away. Some will tell you to let the candle burn down all the way. Others will tell you you can snuff it out or pinch it out and you can re-use it. I believe the choice is yours and it depends on your working. I prefer to use one candle and let it burn out completely. If I am trying to banish or rid myself of something, I will bury the candle away from my property. I will bury it on my property or keep the wax drippings in a special place if I am wanting to draw something to me. Again the choice is yours!

Yule: Yuletide, Winter Solstice- This is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.  The festival associated with it celebrates the birth of the new solar year.  The solstice is linked to the rebirth and renewal of the sun god, the lord.  Associated with Yule is holly, pine, evergreen, tree (Christmas tree), the gods Odin and Pan, Cedar, cinnamon, ginger, lemon, orange, sage, rosemary, Gold, green, yellow, white, red.  The Yule is also known as Day of Children, Midwinter, Mother’s Night, Saturnalia, and Christmas.

Candlemas: Imbolic - Around Feb 1 or Feb 2. This is the time to welcome spring and celebrate things that are yet to be born. It is a celebration of fertility and designates the middle of winter.  Milk was traditionally poured out upon the ground as a type of offering.

Ostara: Spring Equinox-Around mid March. The day and night are of equal length. Ostara is another celebration of spring and the festival deals with fertility, mainly of the animal kingdom and plants.  it celebrates the dead of winter and the beginning of the cycle of rebirth.  During this festival that was customary to exchange colored eggs.

Beltane: Mayday Around the first of May. It is a celebration of vitality and passion. A time for love, union and the Maypole. This holiday represents the divine union of the Lord and Lady.In the old Celtic times, young people would spend the entire night in the woods “A-Maying,” and then dance around the phallic Maypole the next morning. Older married couples were allowed to remove their wedding rings (and the restrictions they imply) for this one night. May morning is a magickal time for wild water (dew, flowing streams, and springs) which is collected and used to bathe in for beauty, or to drink for health.

Summer Solstice: Midsummer Night or Eve- Around mid to late June The longest day of the year and designates a festival of thankfulness and success. Celebrates the Sun God in all his glory.Great time to commune with sprites and faeries.

Lammas: Lughnassadh- Around early August. This festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and the middle of summer. This is a time to prepare for the fall. Great day to harvest herbs for magical use in spells.

Autumn Equinox: Mabon-Around middle to late September. The day and night are of equal length.  It is another harvest festival. This is a festival that designates the beginning of fall.  It marks the dissent of the Goddess into the underworld.

Halloween: Samhain-Around Oct 31.Samhain means “summer’s end” and marks the beginning of winter.  For most Wiccans, this is the new year anytime of reflection where the old is let go and the new is anticipated.It is also known as All Hallows Eve, Blood feast, Celtic New Year, Day of the Dead, Last Harvest, and Winters Eve. It is said that on this night the veil between the worlds is weakest. Divination can be heightened on this night as well. A great time to celebrate the dead and deceased loved ones.

Simple spell casting is an acquired art and talent. It is the practice of putting thought, emotion, and desire into form and action by your own will. You will need to decide what exactly it is that you want to transpire as a result of your spell. Be  very clear and concise regarding your goals and desire. This is not a time to be vague. There are also many factors to think about when casting a spell or ritual, such as lunar phases, karmic consequences, free will, magickal items to aid as reinforcers like candles, magical properties of crystals or herbs etc.

In Wicca and to other witches, the lunar phase or moon magick is important and helps in determining the best time for magick and spell casting. There are basically two lunar phases: waxing moon (ideal time for constructive magick) and waning moon (ideal time for banishing and destructive magick, study, and meditation). In between you’ll have the dark moon (the time of greatest power for banishing and negative magick) and the full moon (the time of greatest power for positive magick).

Basically, as the moon grows, so grows the opportunity or desire for which you are working. As the moon gets smaller, so does the habit or thing you are trying to overcome or push away from you. Most witches of The Craft and pagans work around these lunar phases. Now, if your need is an immediate one and your emotion is strong enough, a spell can be performed at anytime! It just might be more successful when applying astrological correspondences.

The most important factor in doing a spell is the emotion and mindset of the person casting it. You must want the desire with every facet in your being. That is why a spell cast by yourself may work better than one cast for you by someone else. That is not to say that an experienced witch can not be successful casting for others, but hopefully you get the point. Raising your magical energy and the absolute belief in what you are doing is vital. If you are weak, tired or have doubt, the chances of your spell working are slim and none!

When you do a spell, you need to do it and forget about. Spells are like baking a cake. If you keep opening the oven door to check on it, it takes longer to bake and you could even wreck it. You should also keep it secret and not talk about it. Providing your spell has been performed correctly,  spells begin to work within a few days to a couple of weeks. It is generally advised that if results have not manifested within 4 weeks – one lunar cycle- that you re -work your spell.

Spells may fail if done incorrectly or if performed when you are distracted or under the weather. It is also vitally important to remember that the success of magick spells depend on the energy and intent put into them. So be sure that you are in good health and have a determined frame of mind when you cast your spell.

Besides not doing a spell correctly or having the right mindset, sometimes it is just fate or the will of the universe that keeps a spell from working. There can be personal karmic lessons for you to still overcome and that could also be reason a spell does not work. Many bad love spells fail for this reason. Spell casting involves trial and error. Just remember, practice makes perfect!

The main tenet of Wicca is the “Wiccan Rede” which states “And it harm none, do as ye will”.  Basically, as long as you don’t hurt anyone, anything goes.  Of course, views of what actually causes harm vary from person to person.  Most also believe that whatever magic you do will come back to you three-fold, so it pays to be careful.  Some, however, believe that it is sometimes acceptable to cause harm as long as you are willing to accept the karmic consequence. Keep in mind, “What goes around, comes around”.

Blessed Be

A popular method of finding a magical name is to choose one that corresponds with your birth number using numerology. To find your birth number, begin by adding the digits of your birth date.

Stones and crystals have projective and receptive properties or energies that are associated with them.  These metaphysical properties are everywhere within the universe. Too much of one causes problems, thus warranting the need for balance. A person feeling out of balance or lacking within a certain aspect of them-self could use a certain stone or crystal that had a desired metaphysical energy to bring balance back into them-self.   One must also understand that the color of stones contributes to the metaphysical energies and properties they contain. Here is a list of stones and crystals with metaphysical uses associated with them. This list is not all inclusive.

Colored stones and crystals contain these metaphysical properties:

Red-represents blood and sacredness to some, associated with fire, lends courage and power.

Pink- calming and loving vibrations, cheerfulness

Orange- personal success, selling, symbols of the sun

Yellow- Communication and movement-associated with air

Green- nature, fertility, grounding associated with earth mostly but water at times, the unknown

Blue- Associated with water, dreams, emotions, intuition

Purple- Associated with spiritual healing and mysticism, meditation, psychic work

White- Associated with the moon, sleep, psychism, power

Black- associated with Akashic and repelling negativity

Crystal and Stone List:

Agate- Strength, courage, love, healing, protection

Alexandrite- luck, love

Amber- luck, healing, strength, lifeforce energy, beauty, love

Amethyst- dreams, healing, psychism, peace, love protection, happiness

Aquamarine- psychism, peace, purification

Aventurine- mental powers, eyesight, luck, money

Azurite- psychism,dreams,divination

Beryl- psychism, energy, clairvoyant psychic reading, healing, love

Bloodstone- healing, halt bleeding, strength, courage, wealth

Carnelian- protection, sexual energy(libedo), courage

Cat’s-Eye- Beauty, wealth, gambling

Citrine- psychism, communication, knowledge

Coral- wisdom, healing,

Crystal (Quartz)- psychism, power, guided intent, healing, there are differrent colors of quartz for various uses

Diamond- spirituality, strength, courage

Emerald- love, money, wisdom, psychicsm

Flourite- mental strength, meditation

Garnet- protection, strength

Geodes- childbirth, fertility, meditation, projection of energy

Hematite- grounding,divination, healing

Jade- wisdom, love, healing, vitality

Jasper- calling rain, healing, beauty

Jet- Akasha knowledge, divination, luck, protection

Kunzite- calming, relaxing

Lapis Lazuli- spiritual psychism, healing

Malachite- protection, magical energy, success

Moonstone- love, sleep, psychism, divination

Onyx- protection, defense magic

Opal- astral projection, psychism, magical power raising, beauty

Ruby- power, wealth, protection, banish sadness

Salt- purification, grounding, protection

Sapphire- psychism, divination, healing,

Sodalite- meditation, healing, calming

Sugilite- spirituality, healing, psychism

Sunstone- healing, selling success, persuasion, solar energy

Tigers-Eye- courage, protection, energy, divination

Topaz- protection, wealth, healing

Turquoise- spirtuality, calming, protection, luck