Witching Way Of The Hollow Hill

Book: Witching Way Of The Hollow Hill by Robin Artisson

I was extremely impressed with this book. So much so that I intend to purchase all of Robin's other works as well. Never before have I encountered an author & teacher who is so "raw" in his telling of the way he sees things. Mr. Artisson does not hold back! This book presents a pagan perspective of Nature, the Land & Fate like we have never seen before in print. The Old Ones, Spirits & Ancestors are presented in a balanced way that reflects the truth about who they are and our relationship to them. Mr. Artisson clearly shows how important and crucial it is to connect to the Land and all who reside within. To "see" that there is so much more truth out there than meets the eyes. Witches are the ones who affect change and our path is both rewarding and difficult beyond belief. Even as Witches & pagans, most of us still only want to see and know what we are comfortable with. The reality is that Nature, in all her magnificence is both beautifully serene and mysteriously terrifying at the same time. Robin presents the balance. The Truth of the matter from a perspective rarely thought about or probably, a perspective many are scared to think about. His book is one Witches view. A way of looking at things so radically different (to some) that it will be uncomfortable for many. We are clearly in a time of great change within the pagan community. Old established "rules" about what Witchcraft is & isn't are being challenged. Many people who fit into the modern, new-age "Wiccan" framework might have a problem with this book. Even old age "Traditional Witches" might have a problem with it. That's okay. To each their own. I know personally I have been introduced to occult subject matter in the past that I did not agree with at the time but have since, many years later, embraced. We like to think that we as pagans & Witches are different and are more open minded than some people of organized faiths. But often times, in reality, we are quite narrow minded in our views. I encourage all Witches & pagans to read this wonderful book with an open mind and allow yourself the possibility of changing your view. Witchcraft is all about change. I don't believe and practice the same as I did 25 years ago. No one does if they are honest about it. That doesn't mean that what I used to believe was wrong. How could it be since it was what shaped who I am now. Remember your past and honor it and set no limits for your future. One of the worst things a Witch can do is become stagnant & static in their thoughts and beliefs. Mr. Artisson's belief's and practices are what's right for him and other like minded Witches in this place and time. For many, following a different road is what's right for them in the here and now. For some that may be eclectic Wicca or for others, Christian inspired Satan worship. Who's to say what's right and wrong and where that thread will lead them in the future. Only Fate knows. This book is about Fate and about traveling the road less traveled. Both darksome & divine, harrowing & holy that it is. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to any Witch who dares to look at their Craft & faith from a different perspective and challenge themselves to go off of the path traveled by so many and to walk the hidden path traveled by so few.

This is a book that acts as a 'traveler's guide' to a hidden country within each human being. Primal peoples all over the world embrace the ideas discussed in this work: the animistic worldview, spiritual communion with the dead and the Unseen World, sorcery and magic.

Author and traditional witch Robin Artisson explores these mystical themes from the perspective of The Old Faiths and pre-Christian metaphysical impulses of Europe and the British Isles. Bringing a new perspective to these ancient practices and making them more accessible, this book is a key to the door that leads into the mythical dimension of each person, and every feature of the sacred landscape. It helps to unlock the hidden wisdom in folklore, shed light on the enigma of the human being, and manifest an experience of the wisdom of the Old Ways- insofar as a book can. This book is about getting out of books and back into the spiritual dimension of the Land itself, and requires considerable dedication and work.

Originally self-published by the author, this is the third edition of this popular book.

Find Robin Artisson's book in amazon.com:
Witching Way Of The Hollow Hill

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A Treatise Of Witchcraft

Book: A Treatise Of Witchcraft by Alexander Roberts

I find the idea of rating an historical publication like Alexandr Roberts' A Treatise of Witchcraft difficult, so I have opted not to do so. However, the content itself is very interesting. In his 1620 writing Roberts moves through a series of topics related to witchcraft: he begins by insisting that witches are real (and references historical sources like The Odyssey and the Bible as support), and then outlines exactly why witchcraft is to be abhorred by the Christian community. Roberts speaks of the spiritual salvation of witches (which would ideally come just before their execution), defends the sentencing of witches, and details a specific example of witchcraft that occasioned the writing of his Treatise. The discussion of the contemporary case was intriguing, but I found Roberts' focus on gender roles particularly interesting. Throughout the text he assures his readers that not all witches are women, but he then goes on to explain why women are more susceptible to the Devil, and why the majority of magic Practitioners are therefore women. As you can imagine, Roberts references everything from Eve to physical differences to an inclination towards the passionate as reasons why women are more likely to fall into Satan's grasp.

While the ideas presented would be familiar to anyone with even a passing knowledge of Witchcraft Trials, Roberts' treatise makes for a clear and forward primary source for the discussion of the occult.

Download Alexander Roberts's eBook: A Treatise Of Witchcraft

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Old Naumkeag An Historical Sketch Of The City Of Salem

Book: Old Naumkeag An Historical Sketch Of The City Of Salem by Charles Webber

"Old Naumkeag" appears to be a work which will greatly interest the readers of the present day. The researches of Felt, Bentley, and others, embody much of what is known of the topography and ancient history of Salem and vicinity; but the compilers of this work appear not only to have adduced other facts gathered from authentic sources, but also to have presented them in a most attractive manner. Looking back over the days of our ancestors we cannot but admire the virtues and wisdom that carried them through the bitter disappointments and sufferings incident to a pioneer people. The history of Salem from the early days of Conant and Endicott, down to the present time, is replete with incidents of the most thrilling character.

The aim of the authors of "OLD NAUMKEAG" has been ocly to write an "historical sketch" of that portion of Essex County originally known as Naumkeag, but now divided into the city of Salem, and the towns of Marblehead, Peabody, Danvers, Beverly, Manchester, "Wenham, Topsfleld and Middleton; giving brief accounts of the more interesting events in the history of each, and descriptions of the places of interest to the stranger and to the native. The whole territory is replete with historical associations, and dotted with land-marks of the past—buildings or localities directly associated with some of the most important events in the history of America. To these shrines of antiquity, whose shadows lengthen and deepen with each departing year, come, annually, thousands of strangers ; while the young are growing up in our midst nearly as ignorant of their historic surroundings as the stranger is. We have neither guides nor guide-books, nor local histories such as the visitor seeks. The most valuable of our local works are now almost if not quite out of print; such as are not, are rare and costly. Eealiziug this, the authors have sought to prepare a work which should in some measure supply the want. At the same time, it has been so extended, we trust, as to make it interesting and useful to our own citizens. The young reader, it is hoped, will find information as well as entertainment; and the more ad vanced in life, find pleasure in retracing steps, leading back to the days of their youth, reviviug recollections and associations ever dear, at the same time affording valuable information concerning their ancestry.

We make no special claims to originality of material. On the contrary, we acknowledge our indebtedness, for most of the facts embodied in this work, to the antiquarians, living and dead, from the Rev. John Fiske, and the Eev. John Higginson, down to the present. We have searched the voluminous collections and writings of these painstaking recorders of the past and endeavored to present, in a popular shape, such portions of them as are of the greatest interest at the present time. Limited space precludes the publication of very much more which is of deep interest. With more time and space the book could have been made better. Such as it is we submit it to the public, asking only that all should bear in mind that (Charles Webber)

Download Charles Webber's eBook: Old Naumkeag An Historical Sketch Of The City Of Salem

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Unicorn Tradition Of Wicca

Book: Unicorn Tradition Of Wicca by Bylaws

The Unicorn Tradition is an eclectic one, rooted in a family tradition through which our founders, Lady Galadriel and Lord Athanor, received their training and Initiations.

Goddess and God are honored as essential to the sacred dance we call life, and as emanations of the One Source from which the universe is created. We are a working and teaching tradition which celebrates the Eight Sabbats (solar festivals), the New Moons, and the Full Moons. We are an initiatory mystery tradition, with a five level, three degree system of training and attainment. Common beliefs and practices unite our family, so that no individual trained in one branch of the Unicorn Tradition should ever feel a stranger among those other branches.

As you explore our home on the web, you will get a sense of who we are. You will find information about our founders and some of the core teachings that unite us. You’ll get to know our Elders, Priests and Priestesses as well as connect with the groups that practice our lineage. Writings by our members can be found in the library and portals to interesting information can be found in links and Recommended reading.

Download Bylaws's eBook: Unicorn Tradition Of Wicca

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Leadership In A Mixed Coven

COVEN OFFICES



Leadership in a mixed coven:

1. High Priestess - Coordinates ritual leadership, counseling, teaching, and
administration duties, in company with the High Priest. Chief representative
of the Goddess energies at rituals. Badge of office: crescent Moon crown or
coronet of candles.

2. High Priest - See above. Chief representative of the God energies at
rituals. Badge of office: horned headdress or animal mask.

3. Maiden - Understudy to the High Priestess, and substitutes for her when
necessary. Badge of office may be a simple silver circlet or tiara.

4. Summoner - Understudy to the High Priest, who substitutes for him when
necessary. Main administrative deputy, passing out information, collecting
dues, letting people know when to meet and what to bring, etc. Also Called the
"Man in Black," "Black Rod," or "Verdelet." Badge of office may be a
blackthorn staff.

Leadership in an all-woman's coven:

One pattern: No hierarchy or titles at all: ritual leadership rotates, other
jobs are carried out by anyone capable and willing.

Another pattern:

1. Maiden - Understudy to the Mother, and chief administrative deputy (see
Summoner's duties above)

2. Mother - Coordinates ritual leadership and administration, guides coven
projects and activities. She does not necessarily do these jobs herself always,
but has the responsibility to see that they are apportioned fairly and done
effectively.

3. Crone - Chief counselor to the Mother, and does a large share of teaching
and individual counseling. May perform divination on questions of concern to
the coven. Possibly a former "Mother" or High Priestess, experienced and
skilled in magick, herbalism, etc.

For both mixed and single-sex coven:

Council of Elders - A gathering of all the higher-rank initiates in the coven.
They may function as advisors to the coven leaders, or may actually set policy,
establish the budget etc. In the latter case, coven leaders are essentially
executives responsible to the Elders.

Other possible officers in mixed or single-sex covens:

1. Scribe (secretary) - Keeps minutes of business meetings, handles
correspondence under the direction of coven leaders.

2. Pursewarden (treasurer) - collects dues, keeps accounts, makes
purchases, coordinates fund-raising projects.

3. Archivist (historian) - Keeps the coven book of shadows or "Witch Book" up
to date, keeps files of coven projects and activities, rituals. These
functions may be combined with the Scribe's job.

4. Bard (music director) - Collects songs and chants, leads the coven in
them, provides musical accompaniment; collects ballads and legends,
preserves the old lore and coven history in original songs.

5. Watchman (sergeant-at-arms) - Assists in initiation rituals; in charge of
safety & security at meetings and rituals. Indoors, checks locks and closes
curtains; outdoors, finds safe places for rituals and posts sentries to
warn off strangers approaching. Sets wards and arranges other magickal
protection. Knows laws regarding freedom of religion and assembly,
trespass ordinances etc.

6. Mistress-of, Master-of- (resource persons and teachers) - Any individual
who has achieved great competency in a magickal skill may earn this title. They
serve as a resource for the coven, and teach others. An initiate may choose to
apprentice with any Mistress or Master. Fields:

* Divinatory Arts (or sub-category, such as Tarot, Astrology, I Ching,
Lithomony, Dreamcraft, Scrying, Radiesthesia etc.)

* Herbalism (for healing, amulets/talismans, oils, incense)

* Healing Arts (including herbal healing, psychic healing, aromatherapy, Bach
remedies, polarity balancing, healing with stones, color therapy, chakras
etc.)

* Familiar Arts (magickal work with animals, totems, elementals, shapeshifting)

* Talismanic Arts (designing & creating talismans & amulets)

* Ritual Toolcraft (designing & creating ritual tools)

* Runecraft (use of magickal alphabets)

* Necromancy (communication with, or evocation of, the dead)

* Psychic Skills (astral travel, telepathy, telempathy, clairvoyance,
clairaudience, telekinesis, teleportation)

* Incantation (Words of Power, charms, chants, mantras)

* Fascination (trancework, hypnosis)

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Pagan Christianity Exploring The Roots Of Our Church Practices

Book: Pagan Christianity Exploring The Roots Of Our Church Practices by Frank Viola

Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Why do we "dress up" for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon each week? Why do we have pews, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? This volume reveals the startling truth: most of what Christians do in present-day churches is not rooted in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles. Coauthors Frank Viola and George Barna support their thesis with compelling historical evidence in the first-ever book to document the full story of modern Christian church practices.

"Frank Viola and George Barna have teamed up to create an intelligent, readable, and yet challenging work about the historical roots of the many unbiblical modern church practices that hinder Christian growth in quality and church growth in quantity. Anyone who reads Pagan Christianity with an open mind and heart will never see the church the same way again. May those with newly-gained spiritual eyes not stop there, but go on to do something about it."
Rad Zdero, Ph.D., Author of "The Global House Church Movement" and Editor of "Nexus: The World House Church Movement Reader."

"Frank has done a masterful job both researching and then weaving together the threads that have made modern church practices what they are - pagan substitutes for authentic church life. One nice thing about PAGAN CHRISTIANITY is that it provides the history behind a perception that many of us Christians share: The way the modern Western church does things has little to do with the organic life we see in the New Testament. The difference is so great sometimes that one wonders how one could possibly have transmuted into the other."
Hal Miller, author of "Christian Community: Biblical or Optional?"

"This is an important book which demonstrates that many of the practical aspects of contemporary church life, ministry and structure have little or no biblical basis and are, in fact, inspired by a wide variety of non Christian patterns and ideas most of which are inimical to Christian life and growth. Many readers will find this book challenging in the extreme but all who are concerned with the future of the church should read it."
Dave Norrington, Lecturer of religious studies at Blackpool and the Fylde College, author of "To Preach or Not to Preach."

Download Frank Viola's eBook: Pagan Christianity Exploring The Roots Of Our Church Practices

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Is Wicca Really Supported By The Us Taxpayers

It is not obvious exactly why people believes that Wicca (a.k.a. Witchcraft) and other minority religions are taxpayer-funded. In fact, a case can be made for the reverse: Wiccan soldiers are probably funded to a lesser degree than are Roman Catholics, Protestants and Jews.

Large armed forces bases frequently have one or more Protestant ministers, Roman Catholic priests, and a Jewish rabbis on staff. The military usually pays clergy salaries, provides chaplains with offices and support staff, etc. Fort Hood has 42,000 military personnel and 96 chaplains. Assuming that each chaplain (with office staff) costs a $75,000 per year, the government allocates $171 per year for the spiritual support of each Christian or Jewish soldier. But there are no Wiccan Priests, Priestesses, or chaplain office at Fort Hood. Wiccans are expected to fend for themselves, and provide their own priests and priestesses from within their own membership. (One reader reports that there is a major concentration of Wiccans in the army stationed in Germany that are served by a Neopagan Priestess.) The cost per Wiccan for spiritual support in Fort Hood is essentially nil.

Some news sources stated that the Army had increased security at Fort Hood "in order to deter members of Christian groups from intimidating the witches, who meet in campgrounds..." 9 The army would certainly incur costs due to this increased security. Perhaps a bit of gas would be used by some military police vehicles while they protected the Wiccans. Probably a few sheets of paper would be consumed by the MPs while preparing reports. MPs are not paid overtime, so there would be no increased cost due to salaries. The total cost of protection would be minimal. These trivial costs are not the fault of the Wiccans. They are caused by perceived danger due to local religious intolerance by a minority of Christians.

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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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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 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.

Download Anonymous's eBook: Pagan Germany

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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.

Download Adolph Von Menzel's eBook: Historical And Literary Studies Pagan Jewish And Christian

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Welcome To Occult Community

The “occult” community is an almost meaningless term denoting the vast numbers of Neo-Pagans, traditional “practitioners,” ceremonial magicians, root workers, card readers, Vitki, Bokurs, exorcists, Brujas, Witches, Warlocks and all the other people who delve into the practice of magic. As America in particular and the West in general has become more accepting of these practices they have become almost mainstream and indeed in the case of Wicca, crystal workings and other practices they have become less part of the “occult’ and more a part of the watered down “New Age” movement that is the bane of true practitioners.

For the past few years I have seen that proficiency in magical practice, familiarity with the literature of the occult and the ability to discern legitimate rituals and techniques from online role playing and media inspired fads disturbingly rare. Today’s “Witch” is more likely to be familiar with organic vegan recipes than the recipe for making the love philters. Today’s Magician will be more apt to sulkily skip dinner and rail on the Internet about a person who has crossed them than resort to the infamous Black Fast. More people have read Twilight in our so-called community than have read Elizabeth Butler’s excellent introduction to the history of Western Magicians Ritual Magic.

When you do find people who claim to have actually practiced some form of the Art you’ll get wild tales of lightning bolts, levitation, or long-winded explanations about how “everything you do” is magic. And that’s if they believe at all; I’ve had more than one self-described Witch tell me rituals and spells didn’t work.

There was a time, my friends, when that Fraternity of Night called to a select few who, through painstaking research, long hours of studying and experimentation and the will to follow the path least tread, accumulate a few jealously guarded and (more importantly) effective spells that ended up scribbled in a journal and perhaps, if we were lucky, passed to trusted friends. But our own secretive nature and elitist mentality has created several new generations of unguided, unfocused and uninformed practitioners who do little but imperil themselves and those around them. For all our complaints it is we older generations, smug and separate, who have created the New Age by not being involved in it. Spell and Ritual is my small way of making up for the lack of leadership many of us have shown.

This will not be a place for moralizing, political debate or personal attacks. Spell and Ritual will only deal with the mechanics of magic and the literature you should be familiar with. Some of what we will be posting will be academic in origin, as this is an essential piece of a practitioner’s education which many people have missed out on. One cannot understand Necromancy, for example, if you are unfamiliar with the long history of Necromancy in Western civilization which is mainly preserved by classical scholars.

Spell and Ritual will not tolerate racism, sexism or any other -ism. There has been a movement among some young Witches to claim the African diaspora traditions (like Voodoo, Santeria, etc) are “evil” and there is quite a bit of bigotry experienced by Christian practitioners of the Arts. This is not acceptable here. Likewise, since I was very young, there has been considerable pressure put on male Witches (even non-Wiccans) to refrain from using the term Warlock. I myself prefer the term but this will not be open for debate. How people describe themselves and their practice will be respected here. That includes those that practice the Left Hand Path. We are not here to debate what is right and wrong, only what does and does not work.

Spell and Ritual is in the process of actively soliciting spells and rituals that people can verify as working, and we are glad to promote books, services, or Web sites that will be of interest to practitioners.

As a quick aside, I have always found the use of “Magick” instead of magic a bit pretentious. It irks me, but if you must, feel free.

This site will be, I hope, a resource for everyone. Please leave your politics and pettiness at the door and use this site to discuss and learn the Mysteries.

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When You Are Become A Witch

Technically, the first time you cast a spell of any kind you are a witch. This, in some aspects, is not too different than driving a car. For example, if you get behind the wheel of a car, start it, and hit the gas pedal, you are technically driving. Therefore you are a driver, regardless if you are a licensed driver or not. magick without study and practice can be like driving without a license. You would, technically, be a witch. Of course, like driving without knowing what you're doing, you can cause a lot more trouble than you suspect very quickly.

In this next section, I will be referring to Pagans in general. Remember, wiccans are Pagans, but not all Pagans are Wiccans.

Gods can be a tricky subject... But let me see if I can break it down a bit. Again, the beliefs I'm about to tell you apply to a large portion if Pagans, but not all.

The most basic god is the totality of everything. And I do mean everything. All mater, all concept, every single molecule, electron, thought and essence... "Everything that is." The totality includes us, and we are a part of it. It would not be the same without each and every person, and no person would be without being part of everything else. This brings us to the idea that we are really one with our world, each other, our pets, even our keyboard, the stars, everything. Also, being part of this totality is much of the basis of Magick. But we'll get to that later.

Ok, so we, as individuals, are part of a larger sum... In fact the entire Universe. The Universe may, or may not have a purpose (divine will). In fact, it'd be rather difficult to ever know if it did, because of the absolutely mind boggling expanse of the Universe. Nevertheless, some people claim to know what the Universe is up to (but I sure don't).

Now, because of the difficulty in talking about day to day things in context of absolutely everything, this concept is not used much except for in theological discussion, or in some magickal works. The human mind has a habit of breaking things up into smaller pieces to be handled.

From here, gods are pretty much open, honestly. A god is what you use to symbolize emotions or concepts when you need to concentrate on something. If you feel you are going to go into combat, you would concentrate on Mars (for example) to help prepare you for what lay ahead.

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Solitary Wicca For Life Complete Guide To Mastering The Craft On Your Own

Book: Solitary Wicca For Life Complete Guide To Mastering The Craft On Your Own by Arin Murphy Hiscock

If you prefer a solitary approach to worship and Witchcraft, this is the book for you. You need sound guidance and tools as you work alone to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your abilities.

Author Arin Murphy-Hiscock provides you with everything you need to take your spiritual practice to the next level. Solitary Wicca for Life encourages you to reach beyond the ordinary and create a unique path of worship, using techniques that go further than other texts:

- Advanced Circle Casting-advanced techniques and applications, plus methods for creating sacred space when a circle isn't necessary
- Enriching Ritual-tools and techniques that bring new depth to personal practice, including sacred drama, masks, ritual garb, and symbols
- Crafting Liturgy-Wiccan ritual defined stage by stage, as well as guidelines for writing invocations, prayers, meditations, and personalized rituals for esbats, sabbats, rites of passage, and more
- Drawing Down Deities-invoking deities for guidance, communion, worship, etc.
- Growing as a Solitary Wiccan-the means by which you'll enhance your spiritual growth and reach out to the world at large.

Solitary Wicca for Life is the essential reference handbook you need to reach deeper, go farther, and strengthen your solitary path-one day at a time.

I read lots of Wicca 101 books, especially those that seem to be aimed at the Solitary Practitioner. With many of them, I will find some points that I think the average solitary practitioner may relate to, or that someone, somewhere, will relate to. Many times, however, the material does not "click" with my own personal beliefs, or they do not take the "Traditional Path" when it comes to Wicca, but rather they are "Wiccanish". This is OK for someone else, but not necessarily for me. But I do not judge by my standards alone, but rather the viewpoint that everyone needs material that will relate to them personally.

Reading this book, however, there was more material here that I found I agreed with, related to and found to be "Traditional" with a Solitary spin than other books of this kind. And this, to me, was a big plus.

Ms. Murphy-Hiscock has taken Wicca back to the roots and explores adaptation to the Solitary way of practice. This is a Wicca 101 book, so it makes a good first handbook for the average new Solitary practitioner and yet, it provides some material that the advanced practitioner may want to review because of its accuracy, to augment their Wiccan practice, to add elements of the Traditional or just because it is well written and has much to ponder and contemplate.

I especially enjoyed her overview of Wicca Origins, and her separation of Traditional Wicca from the Eclectic practices that Wicca has evolved into. She covers well the Tenets of Wicca, discusses common metaphors and myths and separates some of the more widely accepted but none the less mistaken beliefs and practices that have crept into modern Wicca. She gives you a good idea of how to go back to the beginning, re-examine the issues and maybe take away a better representation of what it is that Wicca is really all about.

Arin Murphy-Hiscock has been a practicing Wiccan for ten years, five of those years as a solitary practitioner. She is the series editor of the For Life series and the author of Power Spellcraft for Life: The Art of Crafting and Casting for Positive Change. She lives in Montreal, Canada.

Buy Arin Murphy Hiscock's book: Solitary Wicca For Life Complete Guide To Mastering The Craft On Your Own

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Janet Farrar - A Witches Bible The Complete Witches Handbook
Anthony Arndt - Blotar A Brief Guide To Asatru Ritual
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Right - Travel In Spiritual Worlds A Complete Guide On Astral Travels

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.

Download Isaac Bonewits's eBook: An Open Letter To Selena Fox

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Isaac Bonewits - An Open Letter To Selena Fox

Magical Herbalism The Secret Craft Of The Wise

Book: Magical Herbalism The Secret Craft Of The Wise by Scott Cunningham

Natural magic utilizes the world around us for magical purposes. Herbs are one of the most important tools for natural magic, and the best introduction to this system is found in Scott Cunningham's Magical Herbalism.

This book presents a complete system of magic using herbs. You will learn the theory of magic and the tools you'll need. Then you'll get countless techniques for using herbs for magic. Need a protection method? "Pick several protective herbs and bind the stems together with red thread, then hang them up. This practice dates back to Babylonian times." You'll find a list of over 115 herbs that details their magical powers, so you can easily find which ones are protective in nature.

Complete system of magic that is as easy as it is powerful. It begins with theory and what you need to do to prepare for works of magic. Then it tells you how to harvest, dry, and store the magical herbs. This is followed by information on how to use the herbs you have obtained for such things as getting love, doing divinations, casting protection spells, and healing yourself and others. You'll also learn how to make magical fluid condensers, incenses, perfumes, scented oils, and amulets. The book continues with a listing of over 115 major magical herbs with all of their qualities listed. And there is much, much more, too. The phrase "complete system" really doesn't express how full of information this book really is.
Another reason I think this book has become a classic has to do with Scott's style of writing. It is very gentle and kind. He never talks at you or down to you. Rather, he seems to be talking with you. This makes the book a pleasure and a treasure to read and enjoy.

How about a divination using herbs? "Get a small quantity of dried patchouly, mugwort, or wormwood. Crumble the herb between your hands until it is finely diminished. Next, pour it into a small square pan (glass or ceramic). Light yellow candles and place the pan on your working area. Close your eyes, extend the index finger of your weak hand, and gently touch the center of the pan with its tip. Move it at random in the pan, shifting from one direction to another ... Now, remove your finger, open your eyes, and interpret the symbols you have just written in the herb."
All of the techniques, rituals, spells, talismans, healing methods, and charms are this easy. And most importantly, they work! You'll also find how to make and use incenses, scented oils, perfumes, fluid condensers, and so much more.

This combination of style and depth of content makes Magical Herbalism one of the finest and most important resources you can have. If you are looking to expand your knowledge of herbs, this book is for you. If you are looking to expand your knowledge of folklore, you need this book. And if you are looking to work with the gracious gifts of Mother Nature that can be used to improve your life and the lives of those around you, this book is a must.

Both novice and veteran will find something of interest within its covers with extensive information in an easy-to-read format. You can learn how to make amulets, potions, incenses, oils, sachets, simples, infusions and a garden to be used for magical spells and rituals geared to a variety of purposes. This book is a treasure.

Buy Scott Cunningham's book: Magical Herbalism The Secret Craft Of The Wise

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The Witch In History Early Modern And Twentieth Century Representations

Book: The Witch In History Early Modern And Twentieth Century Representations by Diane Purkiss

A symbol of everything that is dark about the past and woman, the witch continues to fascinate us in the late twentieth century. The Witch in history explores that
fascination and its manifold forms through court records, early modern dramas and the modern histories and fictions that draw upon them.

This book argues that in early modern England, the witch was a woman’s fantasy and not simply a male nightmare. Through witch-beliefs and stories about witches,
early modern women were able to express and manage powerful and passionate feelings that still resonate for us today, feelings that could not be uttered in a
seventeenth-century context: unconscious fears of and fury with children and mothers.

In our own era, groups as diverse as women writers, academic historians and radical feminists have found in the witch a figure who justifies and defines their own
identities. Then too, there are those who still call themselves witches in 1990s Britain, who still practise magic and who invent their own histories of witchcraft to
sustain them. Constantly reworked and debated, the witch is central to all these groups.

Looking at texts from colonial narratives to court masques, trial records to folktales, and literary texts from Shakespeare to Sylvia Plath, this book shows how
the witch acts as a carrier for the fears, desires and fantasies of women and men both now and in the early modern period. Diane Purkiss is Lecturer in English at the University of Reading.

Download Diane Purkiss's eBook: The Witch In History Early Modern And Twentieth Century Representations

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Diane Purkiss - The Witch In History Early Modern And Twentieth Century Representations

Yule Celebrations In Denmark

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.

Danes celebrate on December 24, which is called Juleaftensdag (literally, Yule Eve Day), or simply Jul. An elaborate dinner is eaten with the family in the evening, consisting of roast pork, roast duck or roast goose with potatoes, red cabbage and gravy. For dessert is rice pudding with a cherry sauce, traditionally with an almond hidden inside. The lucky finder of this almond is entitled to a small gift. After the meal is complete, the family gather around the Juletrea to sing Christmas carols and dance hand in hand around the tree. Then the children often hand out the presents which are opened immediately.

This is followed by candy, chips, various nuts, clementines, and sometimes a mulled and spiced wine with almonds and raisins called Glogg is served hot in small cups. Following the main celebration of Jul or Juleaften on December 24, December 25 and December 26 are, respectively, celebrated as Forste Juledag and Anden Juledag, both holidays, and are generally filled with relaxed familial socializing and the enjoying of leftovers from the Juleaften meal. Some Danish families also celebrate December 23 as Lillejuleaften (Little Christmas Eve). Traditions for this day might include decoration of the Juletr?, enjoying roast duck, and caroling.

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Salem Witchcraft And Cotton Mather A Reply

Book: Salem Witchcraft And Cotton Mather A Reply by Charles Wentworth Upham

Charles Wentworth Upham (1802-1875) was a member of the Massachusetts State House of Representatives in the 19th century. He was the cousin of George Baxter Upham and Jabez Upham. A classmate and former friend of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Upham was an opponent of the burgeoning Transcendentalism movement and later engineered for Nathaniel Hawthorne to be dismissed from his job at the Salem custom house. He also arranged for Jones Very to be institutionalized at McClean Asylum. Senator Charles Sumner once referred to Upham as "that smooth, smiling, oily man of God." His works include: Life, Explorations and Public Services of John Charles Fremont (1856), Salem witchcraft (1867) and Salem Witchcraft and Cotton Mather: A Reply (1869).

Download Charles Wentworth Upham's eBook: Salem Witchcraft And Cotton Mather A Reply

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Charles Wentworth Upham - Salem Witchcraft And Cotton Mather A Reply

Correlian Wicca

Book: Correlian Wicca by Anonymous

WHAT WILL YOU GET FROM THESE LESSONS

What is all this witchcraft stuff, anyway? Does being a witch mean you can point your finger and make things happen? Does it mean you can learn to fly on a broom and turn people into toads? Well, not quite. Witchcraft, or WICCA, is a religion. Wicca is not primarily about magic, though it does use it. Wicca is about your place in the Universe and your evolution as a spiritual being. Wicca is about moving forward on your personal spiritual journey - about learning, growing, and becoming the most you can be.

If you complete this course of 12 lessons, you will be eligible for initiation into the First Degree of Correllian Wicca. The First Degree is the lowest level of initiatory membership in a WICCAN TRADITION. Wicca is composed of many traditions most -but not all- of which recognize each others initiations. If you choose to take the First Degree initiation -and you are not obligated toyou will become a member of the Correllian tradition. The Correllian tradition is a synchretic and highly philosophical tradition of Wicca, which stresses the inherent unity of all Pagan traditions and the synchronicity of all spiritual paths. We believe that Deity is in all things, therefore all paths can lead to Deity.

Wicca is not an exclusive religion. Because we believe all paths lead to Deity, we do not believe that one must belong to any given faith or tradition to be a good person or to grow spiritually. Nor is it necessary to belong to only one. Being a Correllian initiate does not mean you can not also be an Isian, Druidic, or Dianic initiate as well -or any other tradition you might wish to study or join. You must however respect our tradition as a member and follow Correllian practices in Correllian temples -but what you do other places is your own business. Your private beliefs and conscience are your own business and we have no desire to dictate them to you. Wicca is about learning to make your own choices, and the Wiccan traditions exist to provide a framework in which to learn and grow. Wicca seeks to open your thinking, not to limit it.

Download Anonymous's eBook: Correlian Wicca

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