Sword And Athame

The sword, or a ritual knife known as an athame, is often used in Wiccan ritual. In Gardnerian Wicca these are associated with the element of air. In other traditions, these are associated with fire, the element of the will.

The athame is traditionally a black-handled knife, and Gardner described it as "the true Witch's weapon" in the book of shadows, something for which he has been criticised by Frederic Lamond, who believes that there should be no "weapons" in Wicca. The athame is used to cast a magic circle, and to control spirits.

The term "athame" in its modern spelling is unique to Wicca, but originates from words found in two historical copies of the Key of Solomon, though was not included in Macgregor Mathers' published version. One version, currently held in the Biblioteque de l'Arsenal, Paris, uses the term "arthame" to describe a black handled knife. This was adopted by C.J.S Thompson in his 1927 book The Mysteries and Secrets of Magic and by Grillot de Givry, in his 1931 Book Witchcraft, Magic and Alchemy. The historian Ronald Hutton theorised that Gardner got it either directly or indirectly from one of these sources, although changed the spelling. The athame is usually enscribed on the handle, sometimes in the Theban alphabet.

What is the Athame used for? The athame's primary use is to direct energy; if things such as herbs or cords need to be cut, another knife called a boline - a white-handled knife - is used. An exception is the "kitchen witchcraft" philosophy, which actively encourages the use of magical tools for mundane purposes to increase the witch's familiarity with them.

An athame may be employed in the demarcation of the Magic circle rite. As a masculine principle, it is often used in combination with the chalice, as feminine principle, evoking the act of procreation, as a symbol of universal creativity. This is a symbol of the Great Rite in Wiccan rituals. Some Modern Witchcraft traditions may prefer not to use iron blades, instead preferring alternatives such as copper, bronze or wood. This is most common amongst traditions that have a particular fondness of the Sidhe, to whom iron is supposedly harmful.

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The Witchcraft Trial In Moscow

Book: The Witchcraft Trial In Moscow by Friedrich Adler

I predict that Behind the Moscow Trial will stand not only as a brilliant attempt to clarify the conftirm status of this particular trial, but also as a land in intelligent political pamphleteering in the American labor and revolutionary movement. I know of no other such w^ork w^ritten by an American in my time to match it for clarity, force, intelligence, and logic (JAMES T. FARRELL.)

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My Quest For The Magic Divine

Where does one begin the quest for the Ultimate? More importantly, when can one finally end it in fulfillment? I have struggled with these questions for all my relatively short life. I have always felt as though some transcendent force were tapping me on the shoulder, demanding my attention. Yet whenever I looked over my shoulder nothing tangible was there to greet me. What could I do, what path could I follow, that would lead me to the mysterious entity who so earnestly desired an audience with me?

I was born and raised in something of a Bible-Belt area. Churches of one type or another dominated the countryside. The different world religions, as far as I could discern, were Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, and Catholic. We even had Mennonite and Amish in the general area. It was a veritable smorgasbord of Christian denominations and none of them ever satisfied me. I simply could not feel a connection to the Divine under their auspices. Spending my Sunday morning sitting in a pew, singing hymns to some executed carpenter from another time and place was not my idea of worship. Christ may have been an exceptional man in his day, but to me he was as dead as Julius Caesar.

Thus it was I ruled out Christianity as the vehicle that could deliver me to the Divine. From there it was a logical step to further exclude Judaism and Islam; they both pledged fealty to the same God as the Christians, a God whom I always considered too distant and aloof to worship. With the Middle East religions offering no inspiration, I studied the ancient wisdoms of the Far East. I found them much more invigorating and broad minded than Monotheism, but I still could not internalize their beliefs as my own. Buddhism tried teaching me that my own sense of uniqueness was an illusion, something I simply could not accept. Hinduism was colorful but not very focused, offering the believer far too many deities to choose as a patron. Taoism and Confucianism were on the whole fine philosophies, but they offered no insight on the Divine force that I still felt earnestly tapping me on the shoulder.

I was a year out of college and still left without a spiritual clue. It was then, however, that the Neopagan craze began penetrating into even my remote neck of the woods. I would walk into any bookstore and the New Age section was constantly expanding. I would surf the web for information on religion and eventually bump into a Wicca site. I decided to ascertain for myself just what all the fuss was about. At first it seemed kooky; people were trying to resurrect witchcraft and ancient nature worship? Surely this was the work of people with too much free time and too many acid trips.

The more I read, however, the more I became enthralled. I always loved noting the beauty of nature around me since my earliest years. The sun, moon and stars were ever-constant companions in my life in a way God had not been. What better deity could one have then Mother Earth herself, with nature and all the creatures that dwell within as her universal church? Here, finally, was a religion I could appreciate. Nature is something I need no external inspiration in revering; it comes naturally. Neopaganism, unlike most religions, embraces modern existence with all its recent discoveries in science, psychology, and social ethics. When I discovered this, I could safely say that I had found the worldview I had been seeking. I had come home.

Whatever happened to the man tapping me at my shoulder? That was the most startling discovery of all. I had been looking for some external force I thought had been hiding from me, which I would meet only after some arduous journey. Instead I have discovered the Divine is all around me, it is inside of me. It encompasses all of creation. It was always there right in front of me, trying to say hello. I was prepared to take the journey of a thousand miles to meet my maker; now I am learning to swim in an endless ocean of creation.

Does Neopaganism satiate all my cravings for understanding and happiness? Does it provide me with all the answers to the questions I have been asking for years? No, it does not. However, what Neopaganism does offer me is a light to guide my way as I continue to progress on my spiritual journey. It is one huge leap in the right direction. Neopaganism may not be the end of my quest for the Divine, but it is, at long last, a worthy beginning.

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Yule Celebrations In Sweden

Yule or Yule-tide is a winter festival that was initially celebrated by the historical Germanic peoples as a pagan religious festival, though it was later absorbed into, and equated with, the Christian festival of Christmas. The festival was originally celebrated from late December to early January on a date determined by the lunar Germanic calendar. The festival was placed on December 25 when the Christian calendar (Julian calendar) was adopted. Some historians claim that the celebration is connected to the Wild Hunt or was influenced by Saturnalia, the Roman winter festival.

Terms with an etymological equivalent to “Yule” are still used in the Nordic Countries for the Christian Christmas, but also for other religious holidays of the season. In modern times this has gradually led to a more secular tradition under the same name as Christmas. Yule is also used to a lesser extent in English-speaking countries to refer to Christmas. Customs such as the Yule log, Yule goat, Yule boar, Yule singing, and others stem from Yule. In modern times, Yule is observed as a cultural festival and also with religious rites by some Christians and by some Neopagans.

As in many other countries in northern Europe Jultomten brings presents on julafton (“Yule Eve”), December 24, the day generally thought of as the main jul day. Many Swedes watch Kalle Anka och hans vanner (lit. Donald Duck and his friends), a compilation of Disney shorts broadcast at 3pm.

Almost all Swedish families celebrate with a julbord, which traditionally includes julskinka (baked ham), sill (pickled herring), janssons frestelse, and a collection of meatballs, sausages, meats and pates. The julbord is traditionally served with beer, julmust, mumma (a mix of beer, liquor and svagdricka) and snaps. The dishes vary throughout the country. Businesses invite staff to a julbord dinner or lunch in preceding weeks, and people go privately to restaurants offering julbord during December. Swedes also enjoy glogg (mulled wine with raisins and almonds). Gifts are distributed either by Jultomten (usually from a sack) or from under the Christmas tree. In older days a julbock (yule goat, still used in Finland called Joulupukki) was an alternative to Jultomten; now it is used as an ornament, ranging in size from 10 cm to huge constructions like the Gavle goat. The following day some people attend a julotta and even more venture to the movies, as December 25 is a day of big premieres.

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Willow The Wiccan

Willow's worldview is called Wicca, which is a loosely organized set of beliefs that are rooted in mystical traditions, including but not limited to Celtic or Norse paganism, Greek and Roman goddess worship, ancient Egyptian spirituality, Eastern Shamanism, or even Native American spiritual practices, depending on the group. Willow was attracted to Wicca because of the strong connection she felt with the world around her and in particular with nature. Willow is generally tolerant of other religions, but she does not welcome anyone trying to 'convert' her.

What Willow Believes? Willow and other Wiccans vary in their beliefs, but the majority of them would hold to the eight beliefs listed below:

* Everyone has the divine (or goddess) within, and everyone has a 'life-force'.
* One should develop natural gifts for divination or occult magic (often spelled 'magick' by occultists.)
* Divine forces or nature spirits are invoked in rituals.
* The Goddess, as either a symbol or a real entity, is the focus of worship.
* Nature and the earth are sacred manifestations of the Goddess.
* Everyone has his or her own individual spiritual path to follow.
* Rituals and celebrations are linked to the seasons and moon phases.
* Meditation, visualization, invocation (calling on forces or gods/goddesses), chanting, burning candles and special rituals trigger a sense of the mystical, which typically reinforces their core belief system.

Things to Remember

* Like Tara the Typical, Willow is extremely sensitive toward anything that sounds intolerant and/or judgmental, so approach with extreme caution! As well, she sees Christianity as an oppressive religion, so be sure and show her love and respect.
* Ask Willow what she believes about Christianity, because she might have a distorted image of what Christianity is. Try and use this as an opportunity to help her develop a correct understanding of true Christianity.
* Don't confuse Wiccans with witches, because anyone can practice witchcraft, but Wiccans follow a strict code. Also, don't confuse Wiccans with Satanists, because most Wiccans don't believe in Satan or the devil.
* Outline the strengths and reliability of the Bible (accuracy, consistency, fulfilled prophecy, etc.) because Willow rejects it as unreliable.
* Stress your personal relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ and what impact that has on your daily life.
* Whether Willow knows it or not, she is in the grips of Satan, so like Sid the Satanist, be sure and cover your relationship and conversations with her in a ton of prayer.

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Pendulums And Dowsing

Using Pendulums also known as Dowsing..... are great way to get answers you need without having to go a Psychic or having to use the Ouija Board which takes 2 people to work good. Yes, with the Pendulum you will be able to do it all by yourself. Plus you can take one with you anywhere at any time of the day and get the answers you need. Pendulums work by tapping into your Higher Self or “I Am Presence” as it is also know. Dowsing has been around for many Centuries.
Yes... used for divination purposes to foretell the Future and long ago it was used to divine guilt in trials. Thank God they don't use that system anymore.
Now there are other forms of Dowsing such as using Metal "L" shaped Rods or a Forked "Y" shaped branch. This methods were used for finding water or gems. It is also used to find spirit Energies in a house and for that I have used the Metal "L" shaped Rods. We are not going to get into that right now. We are going to focus on Pendulums and their use for getting answers.

A Pendulum does not have to be purchased. Times are heard right now and if you don't have the money you can make one with just a ring at the end of a string. You don't even have to have the fancy Pendulum Board. You can just use your hand as I do many times. I do use a nice Black Onyx Pendulum…. but I use my hand underneath it instead of an Answer Board. But I am in the process of making a nice wooden Answer Board.

This is all very simple. As you know... I try to put things in the simplest terms for people to understand. So many Books use big fancy words and a bunch of mumbo jumbo bullshit philosophy crap that means nothing to most people. So let get started....
Here's how it works. Take your Pendulum by the string or chain (what ever it is attached to) and you will hold it still and ask it a question. If it swings or rotates one way that is yes. If it swings or rotates the other way… it's no. That's the simple version of this.
Now I’ll break it down a little better for you. You now wanna know which way is yes and which way is no…. right?

Here's what you do. Hold the Pendulum in you dominant hand. Put your other hand as I do a few inches below the Pendulum. Keep it still and say…. “Show which is yes”. Then wait to see how it swings. It may swing back and forth as mine does or it may swing in a circular motion in one direction. Both which are shown below. Which ever it does… that will be “yes”. Then ask “Show which is no”. However it swings… that will be “no”. There… now you. What ever you do… don't try to make it swing. Let it work it's self.

ow…. You can get fancy and buy a Pendulum Kit that has everything you need…. the Pendulum, the Answer Board and probably a book explaining the same thing I am telling you. Or you can buy a fancy Pendulum made out Crystal or Hematite or Black Onyx or many other different type stones, gems or metals like me..... anything you desire. Then you can make you own Answer Board. It can be drawn on a piece of paper or painted on a nice piece of wood or even carved into the wood. Like shown below. Using this type of set up will work only with the Pendulum swinging in a back and forth motion. But that is ok, your Higher Self knows this and will use the proper motion.

So... maybe some of you want to buy a fancy Pendulum or Kit that has everything you need... then your ready to go! There are some really cool ones here...!

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Pagan Potions Brew Magic Formula

Book: Pagan Potions Brew Magic Formula by Al Selden Leif

Potions are used in Pagan and wiccan spells and rituals for health and inner magic. Potions act as liquid carriers for magical power. Sometimes you will drink them, but more often they are applied to the skin. Purifying Sage Spray is one example of this type of potion.

Potions can charm, heal or cast a wicked spell. In strict terms, perfumes are potions, designed to lure someone into a love snare. "Boil, boil! Toil and trouble." Even Shakespeare paid homage to the magic art of potion-making. But potions do more than implement spells. Potions are used to treat every kind of ailment (think about fizzy Alka Seltzer). Potions are a part of ancient herb lore and reveal the staying power of some of the "old ways," even if some ingredients (porcupine quills!) are difficult to obtain.

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Pagan Germany

Book: Pagan Germany by Anonymous

It is a well-known fact that Heathens and Pagans face considerable difficulties in Germany. Everything even remotely connected with Paganism in general and any reference to Teutonic culture or history in particular is instantly identified with an ultra-right-wing political attitude or even Neo-Nazism of the vilest sort. So, in spite of religious freedom being a part of the German constitution, Pagans and Heathens have to cope with severe social restrictions. Most choose to live "secret lives", taking care not be identified with their religion because they want to keep their jobs, have a chance applying for an apartment and walk
the streets without being mobbed and harassed. Others drift towards the fringes of society, where the real Neo-Nazi groups and the witchhunters of the extreme left, the so-called "Antifa", wait for them.

In the last years, the situation has improved mostly because of the activity of the Rabenclan (Raven Clan), an all-Pagan organization. Rabenclan cooperates with the Nornirs Aett, an Asatru group that initiated this project. The Ariosophy Project is dedicated to explore and explain the still existing and once (until the mid-nineties) dominating role of real right wing and fascist groups and ideologies in the German Pagan scene. The solving of this problem is evidently crucial, and
everybody who is not of their ilk of course agrees that racism, Nazism, authoritarian structures and totalitarian systems are an anathema to Paganism and Heathendom, which are, to make a very simple but important point, about freedom.

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Historical And Literary Studies Pagan Jewish And Christian

Book: Historical And Literary Studies Pagan Jewish And Christian by Adolph Von Menzel

Bruce M Metzger is one of the best and brightest stars in biblical scholarship. Why hasn't someone reissued all his books?

This one is especially valuable for the chapter titled "When Did Scribes Begin To Use Writing Desks?" No, I am not kidding. This is actually chock full of important information, especially for anyone interested in Christian studies.

Let me explain. Ever read any of the Jesus-was-a-myth books? One of the standard charges these writers make is that there are very few examples of anyone quoting from the gospels or Paul's letters until quite late. Why?

As it turns out, there are very, very few quotations of any kind, in any kind of writing, secular or Christian. And the reason is simple enough: the papyrus roll. First, it was simply difficult to find the text you wanted in a papyrus roll.

The second reason is the way a papyrus roll was read. And that brings me back to Metzger's very absorbing and detailed explanation of what we know about how readers and scribes used papyrus rolls. From every picture we have, as well as from descriptions, it appears rolls were not read at desks. Ever. Instead, a man would sit cross-legged on the ground, or else hold the rolls in one hand while he read.

No wonder exact quotes were rare until the codex came into use.

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Wicca Tools Used In Magic Rituals

The Wiccan practice usually includes a special set of magical tools. These may include a knife called an athame, a wand, a pentacle and a chalice, but other tools include a broomstick known as a besom, a cauldron, candles, incense and a curved blade known as a boline. An altar is usually present in the circle, on which ritual tools are placed and representations of the God and the Goddess may be displayed. Before entering the circle, some traditions fast for the day, and/or ritually bathe. After a ritual has finished, the God, Goddess and Guardians are thanked and the circle is closed.

A more sensationalised aspect of Wicca, particularly in Gardnerian Wicca, is the traditional practice of working in the nude, also known as skyclad. This practice seemingly derives from a line in Aradia, Charles Leland's supposed record of Italian witchcraft. Skyclad working is mostly the province of Initiatory Wiccans, who are outnumbered by the less strictly observant Eclectics. When they work clothed, wiccans may wear robes with cords tied around the waist, "Renaissance-faire"-type clothing or normal street clothes. Each full moon, and in some cases a new moon, is marked with a ritual called an Esbat.

When practising magic and casting spells, as well as when celebrating various festivals, Wiccans use a variety of rituals. In typical rites, the coven or solitary assembles inside a ritually cast and purified magic circle.

Casting the circle may involve the invocation of the "Guardians" of the cardinal points, alongside their respective classical element; Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Once the circle is cast, a seasonal ritual may be performed, prayers to the God and Goddess are said, and spells are sometimes worked.

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The Complete Idiots Guide To Paganism

Book: The Complete Idiots Guide To Paganism by Carl Mccolman

You-re no idiot, of course. But finding the perfect expression of your spirituality can prove long and challenging. You might already be attracted to paganism, but considering the variety of traditions and paths that fall in this category, you-ll need a spiritual guide.Seek no further! Whether you-re interested in following the pagan path or just curious to know more, The Complete Idiot-s Guide- to paganism will enlighten you on this fascinating array of nature-based beliefs and practices. In this Complete Idiot-s Guide-, you-ll learn about: * The basic principles of shamanism, druidism, Wicca, and more. * How to deepen your connection to the Goddess, the God, and nature. * The fundamentals of meditation, magic, divination, and spiritual healing. * Tips on incorporating pagan rituals into your modern lifestyle.

A lot of the Idiot's Guides that I have read are really misnamed, because they contain a lot of valuable information about the subject and presented in terms that anyone can understand. I loved this book because it explains virtually every aspect of Paganism. The explanations and descriptions of various Pagan practices, ideals, Sabbats, rituals are kept brief as befits an introductory book. And yet, even after having a handful of other intoductory Pagan books, I found myself learning facts here that I hadn't known about before. The author sticks to the "Pagan philosophy" of "Harm no one" in describing Paganism.

Among topics discussed? Besides the various Pagan Sabbats and pagan ideals, there are chapters devoted to Shamans, Druids, Wicca, the "Spirit World" and the Pagan elements of fire, air, water, and earth. There are four chapters that discuss Pagan rituals and I found the author's claim that we already do rituals in our lives (high school and college graduation, marriage and funerals, for example) very true. I never would have thought about that. There's also several chapters devoted to "Pagan magic," which help to demystify it. The book's last few chapters offer advice on "living the Pagan lifestyle," and there's an extensive list of recommended reading at the book's end. One could spend months reading through the list of books alone if one wanted to.

The more I read about Paganism, the more I realize other religions over the centuries have liberally borrowed its customs and holidays. For anyone wishing to join this path or those already on it seeking to learn more, this book is a wonderful introduction.

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An Open Letter To Selena Fox

Book: An Open Letter To Selena Fox by Isaac Bonewits

From:THE DRUIDS PROGRESS, Report #7. The DRUIDS PROGRESS is published seminannually (Gods Willing) and is sent primarily to the subscribing members of ADF. For Further information write: ADF, PO Box 9420, Newark, DE, USA 19714 (include a SASE). All Items acredited to "the Archdruid" have been written by and are (C) 1990 by P.E.I. Bonewits. All items created by other parties are (C) 1990 by them. All opinions expressed, save those specifically attributed to the Board of Trustees, are the opnions of the individuals expressing them and are Not official ADF policy.

Reprint Procedure: Neopagan, Druidic, Midievalist and all cultural publications may reprint any material written by P.E.I. Bonewits, but his copyright notice must appear in full. If more than 250 words are excerpeted, one cent per word should be donated to ADF.

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Isaac Bonewits - An Open Letter To Selena Fox

Wicca A Year And A Day 366 Days Of Spiritual Practice In The Craft Of The Wise

Book: Wicca A Year And A Day 366 Days Of Spiritual Practice In The Craft Of The Wise by Timothy Roderick

There are no short-cuts to becoming a Witch. Traditionally, students take a year and a day to prepare for their initiation into the Craft. Based on this age-old custom, Wicca: A Year and a Day is a one-of-a-kind daily guide that introduces witchcraft over a 366-day cycle.

Ideal for solitary students, this intensive study course teaches the core content of wiccan practice: the tides of time, the wonders of the seasons, the ways of herbs and magic, the mysticism of the Old Ones, and the inner disciplines of seers and sages. Daily lessons include exercises, Wiccan theology and lore, and discussions relating to circle work, magical correspondences, holidays, deities, tools, healing, and divination.

This book opens with the lesson of the Cauldron of Cerridwen. Each person who looks into Her cauldron sees the wisdoms they will need to follow the "Path of the Wise". This book takes a very unique look at a persons dedication to this path by creating a day to day guide for the dedicating solitary to learn the wisdoms they will need to follow the Wiccan path. Yes, this book focuses on the practicing solitary and is intended as a training guide to help you through the sometimes tough initial "Year and a Day" dedication that so many books only suggest you do. This book actually takes you there.

Timothy Roderick is a British Traditional Wiccan, who's previous books cover many aspects of Wicca, including working with the dark of the moon as well as familiars. He is a teacher of the occult, shamanism and mysticism. He is the founder of the "Earthdance Collective", a Wiccan community where he has been their spiritual director for over a decade. He comes to this book with some very impressive credentials and it shows in his work.

The book's layout is quite simple; it goes by each day. The exercises are not long or drawn out, but rather simple, concise and yet they cover much information. Day 1, for example, discusses Earth-Centered Spirituality, covering a little history, a simple exercise in connecting with the earth, and a simple set of questions designed to explore the exercise as well as exploring yourself. There are also little "dialogue boxes" designed to anticipate some questions or create a "sidebar" discussion for you to ponder further. Following "Day 1" is a list of items you will need for the next 30 days; a shopping list if you will of basic supplies.

Timothy Roderick (Southern California) is a psychotherapist and educational psychologist who holds a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. He is a trained initiate in the oldest established lineage of English Traditional Wicca in the United States, and has been a student and teacher of the occult, mysticism, shamanism and earth-centered spirituality for several years. Mr. Roderick is the founder of EarthDance Collective, a group that promotes awareness of feminist spirituality.

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A Historical Account Of The Belief In Witchcraft In Scotland

Book: A Historical Account Of The Belief In Witchcraft In Scotland by Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe

1884. Found in this volume is a historical account of witchcraft in Scotland, with chapters delineating various time periods up to AD 1465 through AD 1724. It is an introduction tracing the legends of wizardry and spectral appearances to the earliest periods of Scottish history. It is the best chronological and historical account of such matters in Scotland, and being strictly a monograph, independent from Law's "Memorialls" which Mr. Sharpe edited.

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Some Things To Look For And Avoid In Wiccan Covern

Here are some things to look for:

* People you can respect, trust and love.
* Good people. How could anyone be spiritual without being at least honest and kind?
* Authentic people - people who seem to live in accordance with the values they espouse. If they claim to be able to teach you Nature spirituality, do they live lightly on the Earth? If they claim to be able to teach you magic, do they seem to be grounded, centered and empowered?
* Competent people - people who seem knowledgeable and skilled, people who are organized, who keep their appointments and are well-prepared for their classes.
* People who listen. People who ask the kinds of questions that encourage you to explore your own spirituality and your own ideas and feelings about traditional lore. People who are genuinely open to learning from their students, as well as teaching them.
* People who will respect your confidences. People who will neither gossip nor use information you share to manipulate or hurt you.

and some things to avoid:

* Authoritarians - stay away from anyone who tries to censor your reading or to isolate you from family or friends. Beware of those who get irritated when you ask challenging questions. Be even more wary of anyone who, when you ask a difficult question, either ridicules you or patronizes you ("let your elders worry about that one, dear, your job right now is just to learn what we teach."). If anybody tries to forbid you to express your opinions in the presence of your elders, run screaming out the door. (all these things have happened)
* Sexual predators - unfortunately a few of these creeps infest every religion. If somebody tells you that your magical or spiritual advancement depends on your giving them what they want, first spit in their eye, then get away fast.
* Hypocrites - those who say they love Mother Earth, and live carelessly and wastefully, those who say they love the Goddess and dominate or abuse human women, those who claim to be Spirit-led while their behavior is ego-driven.
* Exploiters - but they're not instantly identifiable. Any coven might ask students to take a turn bringing consumable supplies like candles or cookies. Teaching covens may have monetary expenses, such as photocopying or rental for a meeting room -- and it's entirely reasonable for them to charge dues and cover their costs from the common purse thus created. There is some debate in our community about whether a Craft teacher should accept payment for their time and work. This is a matter of opinion, but you can be sure that a teacher who takes payment is not practicing Traditional Witchcraft.
It's also fair for a teacher or coven to ask you to do your share of set-up and clean-up, or of ongoing coven projects. But if some coven leader expects you to work free in their profit- making business, or act as their domestic servant, run screaming out the door.
* People who order you to go against your values. Again, this involves some subtle issues. One of the major goals of spiritual development is to learn to hear the still, small inner voice. But some of our inner directives are actually cultural or familial programming. These prescriptions and prescriptions may also be wise, or they may be limiting, or actually evil (consider racial prejudice). They often drown out the voice of authentic Spirit. The best teachers will gently challenge their students to override outworn programming, but never to go against core values. The issue of readiness is also important. If you try to override even the nastiest old programming before you are ready, you might cause a painful backlash. This psychological trauma can actually retard your progress. Beware of insensitive autocrats who try to force all their students into the same Procrustean bed. Don't ever let anybody pressure into doing anything - in or out of Circle - that you believe is wrong. In ritual, we speak to our deepest minds, establishing the moods and motivations that shape our lives. Don't ever do in token what you would not do in truth.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Robert Ambelain - Martinism History And Doctrine
Julia Phillips - History Of Wicca In England
Max Heindel - Teachings Of An Initiate

Lakes Area Pagan Fall 2008 Vol 2 No 2

Book: Lakes Area Pagan Fall 2008 Vol 2 No 2 by Anarchistbanjo

The Lakes Area pagan is published as a service to the local pagan and wiccan community. Contributors have been asked to use pen names or Craft names for security reasons. No profit is made on the publication of this magazine other than the small profit the bookstore makes for distributing it. There is no advertising. There is only the willingness to share. I have done minor editing of spelling and grammar to make the issue more readable.

Download Anarchistbanjo's eBook: Lakes Area Pagan Fall 2008 Vol 2 No 2

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Aleister Crowley - The Equinox Vol I No Vii
Correllian Times Emagazine - Issue 26 October 2008 Vol 2
Aleister Crowley - The Equinox Vol I No X
Anonymous - Beltane Pagan Ritual Of Interest To Neo Pagans
Anarchistbanjo - Lakes Area Pagan Fall 2008 Vol 2 No 2

Green Witchcraft

Book: Green Witchcraft by Ann Moura

Positive, practical, and easy to use, Green witchcraft brings together the best of both modern Wicca and the author`s family Heritage of herb craft and folk magic. Green Witchcraft explores the fundamentals of the Wiccan religion, providing magical training for the independent thinker. Step-by-step instructions on a wide variety of magical techniques as well as basic rules of conduct make this the ideal book to get you started. Green rituals for self-initiation, rites of passage, seasonal celebrations and activities provide an excellent foundation for your own magical tradition.

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Alexander Roberts - A Treatise Of Witchcraft
George Moir - Magic And Witchcraft
George Lyman Kittredge - Notes On Witchcraft
Anonymous - European Witchcraft
Ann Moura - Green Witchcraft

Witchcraft A Guide To Magic

Book: Witchcraft A Guide To Magic by Anonymous

There are a few techniques that must be utilized for this part of spellworking. Ability to Meditate This is the art of clearing the mind of all mundane thoughts and feelings. It is a state of relaxation and peace, the goal to reach a state of nonthought.

This is not easy and I still haven't mastered the technique yet, but do the best you can. There are several very good books on the subject and even in many of the books on wicca and witchcraft there are simple techniques to help in mastering meditation. This is essential to spellwork. Your mind must be at peace so that you can focus on what you're trying to accomplish. Ability to Visualize This is the ability to see with your mind, not with your senses. Although it is called visualization, remember, use all your senses!

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Gerald Gardner - Witchcraft Today
Isaac Bonewits - Witchcraft A Concise Guide
Jaroslav Nemec - Witchcraft And Medicine
Anonymous - Witchcraft A Guide To Magic

Pagan Herbs By Use

Book: Pagan Herbs By Use by Al Selden Leif

Herbs are used extensively in doing magick. In this book you’ll learn about Using Herbs in Your magick Making, Herbs properties and Their Magickal Uses.

Herbs are used in many religions – such as in Christianity (myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), ague root (Aletris farinosa) and frankincense (Boswellia spp)) and in the partially Christianized Anglo-Saxon pagan Nine Herbs Charm. In Hinduism a form of Basil called Tulsi is worshipped as a Goddess for its medicinal value since the Vedic times. Many Hindus have a Tulsi plant in front of their houses.

Drugs and plants with psychoactive substances have been used world wide as entheogens to induce spiritual experiences. An example of this are the shamans in Siberia who used herbs and fungi such as the fly agaric mushroom (Amanita muscaria).

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Anonymous - Pagan Germany
Al Selden Leif - Pagan Spells Bath Spells
Al Selden Leif - Pagan Herbs By Use

Hypnotism Mesmerism And The New Witchcraft

Book: Hypnotism Mesmerism And The New Witchcraft by Ernest Abraham Hart

The papers here brought together have recently appeared in the 'Nineteenth Century' and the 'British Medical Journal' and are reprinted by permission. They are published to meet the wishes of some who have suggested to me that it might prove useful and acceptable that they should be collected into a small volume, and thus become more available for current reference than they would otherwise have been. They were so favourably received at the time of publication, that I may venture to hope it is not presumptuous to give them this more permanent shape. Nothing has been written in the way of criticism which seemed to me at all substantial, or to call for any modification of the text; so that while I can hardly hope that their somewhat aggressive tone will pass altogether without disapproval from a certain school of psychical researchers, yet I may venture to think that they will now, as they did when first published, meet with general acceptance from the medical and scientific world, and that they will serve a useful purpose in dissipating some popular errors and a good deal of pseudo-scientific superstition, superimposed on a slender basis of physiological and pathological phenomena. They may be of some service, also, in unmasking a prevalent system of imposture which had imposed upon a good many journalists and men of literary culture.

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Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

George Lincoln Burr - Narratives Of The Witchcraft Cases
George Lyman Kittredge - Notes On Witchcraft
William Frederick Poole - Cotton Mather And Salem Witchcraft
Ernest Abraham Hart - Hypnotism Mesmerism And The New Witchcraft