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

Suggested ebooks:

Anonymous - Teachings Of The Odin Brotherhood
Howard Phillips Lovecraft - The Tree On The Hill
Aleister Crowley - The Mass Of The Phoenix

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

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Anders Sandberg - Asatru The Nordic Subtradition Of The Verbena
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
Michael Bailey - Historical Dictionary Of Witchcraft
Alexander Roberts - A Treatise Of Witchcraft
Bylaws - Unicorn Tradition Of Wicca

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)

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Order Of The Golden Dawn - Lesser Invoking Ritual Of The Pentagram
Paschal Beverly Randolph - Seership Guide To Soul Sight
Hellmut Ritter - Picatrix In Arabic
Ornella Corazza - Near Death Experiences Exploring The Mind Body Connection
Aleister Crowley - Gilles De Rais The Banned Lecture

Magical Revival Occultism And The Culture Of Regeneration In Britain 1880 To 1929

Book: Magical Revival Occultism And The Culture Of Regeneration In Britain 1880 To 1929 by Jennifer Walters

This thesis is a cultural study of the Magical Revival that occurred in Britain, 1880-1929. Magical Revival denotes a period in the history of occultism, and the cultural history of Britain, during which an upsurge in interest in occult and magical ideas is marked by the emergence of newly-formed societies dedicated to the exploration of the occult, and into its bearing on life. Organisations discussed are the Theosophical Society, the Golden Dawn, and the less well known Astrum Argentum. ‘Magical Revival’ has further significance as the principal, but overlooked, aim of those societies and individuals was regeneration.

Scholarship on late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century occultism is influenced by a longstanding preference for the esoteric over the exoteric aspects of occultism. It has tended to emphasise themes of abstraction, the psychological, and the esoteric, and has promulgated a view of occultism as static and impervious. From the outset, however, this thesis argues that approaching the Magical Revival from the purview of the esoteric is limiting, and that it screens its own significant themes and affinities with mainstream culture. It suggests that what needs to be prepared is a study which reads occultism with a close attention to its own terms of engagement and description. This is the aim of this thesis.

The thesis offers a way of reading the occult activity of the period that privileges its exotericism. It seeks to pursue the links between an identifiable culture of occultism and conventional cultural discourses and activities towards an understanding of the movement as one actively constituting itself and producing, rather than obscuring, knowledge in relation to the social and cultural moment from which it arose. The occult topics and tendencies identified include evolution; Ceremonial Magic and astral travel; the body in occultism; and the nature of the occult experience. Others include the life and medical sciences; the philosophy of religion; and physical culture. The following questions underpin the thesis: In what ways did the Magical Revival connect with contemporary concerns? What does its activities, written records, literary and other material productions reveal about the nature of those connections? What does a closer attention to the textual and lived culture of the Magical Revival contribute to existing understanding of its place in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century culture?

In answering those questions the thesis proposes that, in its systematic identification and addressing of cultural and social needs, general and specific, the Magical Revival should be viewed as closer to the social mainstream than is presently appreciated. Moreover, that the occultists’ efforts towards individual and cultural regeneration, take place within a broader cultural movement away from social thought dominated by degeneration, towards thinking directed towards regeneration.

Download Jennifer Walters's eBook: Magical Revival Occultism And The Culture Of Regeneration In Britain 1880 To 1929

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Sean Seymour - Celtic Myths Influence In Britain And Ireland
Robert Mathiesen - Magic In Slavia Orthodoxa The Written Tradition
Donald Tyson - The Magican Workbook Practicing The Rituals Of The Western Tradition
Jennifer Walters - Magical Revival Occultism And The Culture Of Regeneration In Britain 1880 To 1929

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.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Aubrey Bell - The Magic Of Spain
Tommie Eriksson - Tree Cults In Northern Magic
Franz Bardon - Frabato The Magician

Magical Tools Used In The Wicca Religion

In the neopagan religion of Wicca, a range of magical tools are used in ritual practice. Each of these tools has different uses and associations, and are used primarily to direct energies. They are used at an altar, inside a magic circle.

In traditional Gardnerian Wicca, the tools are often divided into personal tools, which are for use by, and owned by, an individual Wiccan, and coven tools, used collectively by the coven. This practice may derive partly from Masonic traditions (such as the use of the Square and Compasses), from which Wicca draws some material, and partly from the rituals of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The latter made much use of material from Medieval Grimoires such as the Key of Solomon, which has many illustrations of magical tools and instructions for their preparation. In Wicca, ritual tools are used during rituals which both honour the deities, and work magic. The general idea is that the tool directs psychic energies to perform a certain action.

Wiccan tools are usually only used by their owner (or, in the case of coven tools, by the coven as a group), to ensure that they only carry their owner's spiritual vibrations.

In Gardnerian Wicca, as layed down by Gerald Gardner, someone who had been initiated in the 1st degree had to create (or, alternately purchase and then engrave) their own ritual tools. One of the requirements for being initiated for the 2nd degree is that the Wiccan had to name all of the ritual tools and explain what their purpose and associations were.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

John Ferguson - Bibliographical Notes On The Witchcraft Literature Of Scotland
Richard Alan Miller - The Magical And Ritual Use Of Herbs
Lady Sabrina - Exploring Wicca The Beliefs Rites And Rituals Of The Wiccan Religion
Marcus Cordey - Magical Theory And Tradition
Judy Harrow - Exegesis On The Wiccan Rede

Cleansing And Purifying Your House With Sage

Sage is a wonderful herb that is not only good for cooking and Alternative Medicines but has great spiritual benefits. There are so many types of Sage out there but we are only going to discuss 1 typea the White Sage (Salvia Apiana) used for Smudge Sticks.

There is also the Diviners Sage (Salvia Divinorum) which is a Hallucinogenica but we wont get into that since our wonderful Government has made in illegal now in many states. Welcome to the Control System just like organized Religion!

This is perfect for getting rid of Foul Spirits or Negative Energy in your house. This is good to do after using the Ouija Board or Conjuring Spirits. Perhaps someone such as a neighbor or enemy whose energy you do not like has come into your house. Use this method to get rid of that energy!
To cleanse and Purify your house you will definitely use the entire Smudge Stick. You will be doing this on the inside of your house. Start at the front door and take the stick and wave it as if you were drawing an imaginary line around the shape of the door. Go in a clockwise motion. Then draw a straight line across the wall till you come to the first window. Then draw the shape of the window just like the door. Once again proceed to draw another straight line till you come to the next window and do the same. Continue this process around the whole house till you come back to the front doora. and don?t forget closet doors too. Now some people are anal about how they do this and they like to get every nook and cranny. I mean they get the base boards and the edge where the wall meets the ceiling. They even do inside the closets. This is all a matter of preference. You can make the call on that yourself as to how much effort you wish to put into this Ritual. As you are going around the house with your Smudge Sticka. Say out louda.. oAny and all Spirits and Energies that are not of the Light be gone, for you are not welcome here!o When you are donea place your Smudge Stick in something that will not catch fire. As I mentioned before I use a miniature Black Cauldron. I also place it with the burning end down so that it continues to burn effectively.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Tobias Johansson - The Crucible And The Reasons For The Salem Witch Hunt
John Dee - A Letter Containing A Most Brief Discourse Apologetical
Loptsson - Icelandic Poetry Or The Edda Of Saemund
Stephen Mitchell - Learning Magic In The Sagas

Full Moon Ritual Group

Book: Full Moon Ritual Group by Anonymous

The Esbat takes place on the nights of the New Moon and the nights of the Full Moon. On these nights, the coven usually does any kind of magical work and business they need to. It is enacted, hopefully every Full Moon.

Set up: Place a candle in each of the four cardinal directions.Lay the rest of the tools on the altar cloth or near it. The altar can be on the ground, a table, a rock or a stump. The altar should be in the center or just North of center of the Circle. Light the six candles and the incense, start the music and begin the ritual.

Download Anonymous's eBook: Full Moon Ritual Group

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Andrew Lang - Myth Ritual And Religion
Anonymous - Full Moon Rite
Anonymous - Full Moon Ritual Group

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

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Rodolfo Amadeo Lanciani - Pagan And Christian Rome
Aleister Crowley - Every Man And Every Woman Is A Star
Michael Bailey - Historical Dictionary Of Witchcraft
Pat Holliday - Miracle Deliverance Power Of Pagan Names And Christian Names
Adolph Von Menzel - Historical And Literary Studies Pagan Jewish And Christian

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.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Greg Wotton - Basic Theories On Sex Magic
George Robert Stowe Mead - A Mithraic Ritual
Marcus Bottomley - Nine Proven Magical Rites
Aj Drew - Wicca For Couples Making Magick Together

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.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Raymond Buckland - Bucklands Book For Spirit Communications
Toby Hemenway - Why We Love The Apocalypse
Anna Moonowl - Drugs Alcohol And The Pagan Community
Edward Smedley - The Occult Sciences
Charles Webster Leadbeater - Occult Chemistry

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

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Janet Farrar - A Witches Bible The Complete Witches Handbook
Anthony Arndt - Blotar A Brief Guide To Asatru Ritual
Aj Drew - Wicca For Couples Making Magick Together
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

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Al Selden Leif - Pagan Spells Mix Of Spells 2
Aleister Crowley - Pocket Guide To Thelema
Aleister Crowley - Freemason Letter On Crowley Status
Lover Of Truth - An Open Entrance To The Closed Palace Of The King
Isaac Bonewits - An Open Letter To Selena Fox

6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism

Book: 6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism by Al Selden Leif

Contemporary paganism is the restoration of indigenous religion, especially that of ancient Europe. Paganism has grown in popularity greatly during the last hundred years. The growth coincides with a decline in Christianity in Europe, and the increase in knowledge of past and distant cultures.

WICCA (sometimes called Wicce, The Craft, or The old religion by its practitioners) is based on an ancient religion of love for life and nature.

Contents of Book:

- History of Modern Paganism
- Why Paganism
- Pagan worship
- A Pagan Pledge
- Wicca Basics
- Teen Witches
- The Ancient Art

Download Al Selden Leif's eBook: 6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Howard Williams - The Superstitions Of Witchcraft
Gordon Ireland - Faq On Wicca And Witchcraft And More
Richard Roy - 13 Questions On Paganism And Wicca
Al Selden Leif - 6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism

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

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Anonymous - The Secret Book Of Artephius
Jean Despagnet - The Hermetic Arcanum The Secret Work Of The Hermetic Philosophy
Anonymous - Understand The Secret Language Of Trees
William Kiesel - Picatrix Ghayat Al Hakim The Goal Of The Wise Vol I

Reaching Out To Wiccans

Book: Reaching Out To Wiccans by Anonymous

Begin your time together by asking your students to name as many TV shows, books, movies and video games as they can that deal with witches, the supernatural world and the occult. As they name them, list each one on a chalkboard, whiteboard or large sheet of paper.

Say something like this: Obviously, there’s a huge interest in our culture in supernatural things and the occult. It’s no wonder that the beliefs and practices of the Wiccan religion are spreading fast in North America and around the world. Teenagers, especially, are being drawn to a religion called Wicca. Today, we’re going to study what wiccans believe, what the Bible says about those beliefs, and how we can reach out to friends who are interested in Wicca.

Download Anonymous's eBook: Reaching Out To Wiccans

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Judy Harrow - Exegesis On The Wiccan Rede
Dion Fortune - The Machinery Of The Mind
Anonymous - Reaching Out To Wiccans

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

The Tree Of Life An Illustrated Study In Magic

Book: The Tree Of Life An Illustrated Study In Magic by Israel Regardie

Israel Regardie wrote The Tree of Life, a book many consider his magnum opus, in 1932. It has continued to sell for decades. And no wonder. Up until the time this book was published, very little information about true high magic was available to the public.

In this book, Regardie reveals the secrets of real magic. He begins with an explanation of what magic is and, just as importantly, what magic is not. He explains that it is a spiritual study and practice which, along with forms of yoga, forms the two branches of the tree that is mysticism. Magic is not being a medium or a psychic. Then he explains the tools of the magician, what they mean, and how to use them. He explains the techniques of evocation and invocation, skrying, and astral travel. He shows how the Qabalah unites everything. He even gives a description of the secrets of sexual magick. All of this is in a clear, lucid writing style. This book is simply a must for anyone who is, or aspires to be, a real magician.

I've read the material contained in The Tree of Life a hundred times in a hundred other books. Those books are a but a shadow of this one. Each of those others list this one in their bibliography while they try to re-tell it as well. None have succeeded. Those other books have their place, but this very well written tome is at the foundation of modern magick.

There are a couple of things I might mention to the potential reader. Though containing a good explanation of the Qabalah, contrary to the title, the book is really about Ceremonial Magick in its many forms. At times, Regardie approaches the subject as an apologist arguing around Blavatsky's Theosophical Society's tenants, which were the fashion at the time of the writing. The debate is mostly lost on modern readers but doesn't detract from the work and is completed in the early chapters.

Although Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero were friends of Regardie and are Senior Adepts of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, what changes could they have made to this classic book? Well, they did change the spelling from British style to American. And they did change his transliterations of Hebrew into the more popular style he used in his later books. But nothing vital was changed or removed. Everything else they added was complementary to the text that was there. And what incredible additions they are! Extensive annotations throughout every chapter; over 100 illustrations; more descriptive contents pages; a glossary, a bibliography and an index. They've even added a biographical note on Regardie and the importance of this book to him and to the occult world.

I'm glad they changed Regardie's old spelling of Hebrew words like Sephiros to Sephiroth to make them conform with the way modern magicians say these words! Sure, you can still buy the old Weiser edition, but if you do, you won't be getting over a hundred illustrations, great footnotes, a table of contents that you can ACTUALLY read, a 50+ page glossary of magical terms, and a comprehensive index. I know which edition I use more often, and it isn't the Weiser one!

Regardie's Tree of Life is invalueable to the student of both Qabalah and magic, introducing us to the methods employed by Aleister Crowley, the Golden Dawn and the Goetia. Regardie has extensively studied rituals of the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks and outlines simple formulas for performing the most complex rituals founded upon ancient knowledge. Also outlines the Augoeides working.

This book contains some of the finest occult writing that has ever been produced. And with the new material by the Ciceros, it becomes a must-have for any magician!

Buy Israel Regardie's book: The Tree Of Life An Illustrated Study In Magic

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Moses Gaster - The Sword Of Moses An Ancient Hebrew Aramaic Book Of Magic
Eliphas Levi - The Doctrine Of Transcendental Magic
Ramsey Dukes - Ssotbme Revised An Essay On Magic
Sharynne Nicmacha - The Star Of Life A Historical And Spiritual History Of The Pentagram

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.

Download Ann Moura's eBook: Green Witchcraft

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

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

Modern Magick Eleven Lessons In The High Magickal Arts

Book: Modern Magick Eleven Lessons In The High Magickal Arts by Donald Michael Kraig

Modern Magick is the most popular, most complete, step-by-step instruction manual on how to do real magick that has ever been published. Already over 100,000 people are using it. What does it cover? Rituals, healing, initiation, talismans, astral travel, creative visualization, psychic self-defense, evocation of spirits, the Kabalah, physical exercise, and magical tools such as wands. Want more? You'll also learn the secrets of true meditation, how to use the Tarot, how to remember your dreams, how to do the rituals of Western Magick, including rituals of the Pentagram, Hexagram, Middle Pillar, Rose Cross, and Watchtower. You'll learn how to manipulate magical energy, secrets of relaxation, Wicca, pathworking, Tantra, and sex magick. Once you have finished working your way through this book you will be an accomplished magician. You will be able to perform real magick. Then this book will become the most valuable reference tool in your collection of books.

What if you want to know even more about a subject? No problem. Each chapter has a bibliography so you can go even deeper into any topic. There is an annotated bibliography at the end with even more resources.

In the new, second edition the contents pages contain more information so it is even easier to find what you need, but there is also an entirely new appendix with answers to many of the most frequently asked questions that Kraig has received over the years. This book is a must!

I still remember reading the manuscript of Modern Magick. Today, as I look over the second edition of this book, I remember why I was so impressed with it back then and remain impressed now: format and breadth.

After all those years of wondering about magick and trying to find a book which really teaches you the REAL secrets of magick, this book wins the ultimate MUST HAVE. Very good for those who are starters in Magick. This book lets you understand and learn the Whats, the Hows, and the Whens of Magick. You will be able to understand other books on the Occult once you have finished reading this book. Most of the beginners would like to jump to COOL Magick like Goetia - then upon reading it and trying to summon things - nothing happens - then you start wondering if you have to read between the lines, well, in a way yes. So, before jumping to those more advance versions of Magick, this book will be your guide to understand what Magick is and how to use other Magickal or Occult books.

The breadth of this book is amazing. It covers so many topics that you will be astounded. From witchcraft to Kabalah, from reincarnation to astral travel, from charging talismans to pathworking up the Tree of Life, this book has it all. Do you need to know rituals for banishing? They're here. Do you want to learn how to make magical tools? It's in this book. Do you want the secrets for safely calling up spirits from the famous grimoires? You can learn it here, too, along with the secrets of sex magick and Tantric sexuality.

But all of these exercises, rituals, and techniques — all of this information — is no good unless you can make use of it and understand it. That is an area where this book really excels. Instead of simply throwing out all of the material at once, this book has a progressive format. What you learn in lesson two is based on what you learned in lesson one. What comes is later lessons is based on your study of the previous ones. Because it is progressive, Don doesn't have to waste space by repeating what came earlier. But because you constantly use everything, you can go much deeper into every subject.

If you have a first edition of this book, be sure to get a copy of the second edition. It adds a section on answers to common questions and more informative contents pages. I think you will be excited with it, too. I know of many people who have worn out two or three copies of this book. Entire magical orders use it as their text. Isn't it time for you to begin?

Author Donald Michael Kraig wrote this after teaching the information in classes for ten years. It is refined, tested, and easy to understand. It is filled with exercises, techniques, and rituals to help you. It is presented in a series of eleven lessons. Follow the lessons, practice the rituals and techniques, and by the end of your work you will be a magician.

I know many who likes to skip chapters just to learn what one wants to learn. If you are serious in Magick, take your time to go from the beginning. You need to build up sufficient knowledge of how to let Magick happen. As for experienced Magicians, I would say that this is a good reference. This book is mainly based on Kabbalistic Magick and a few Low Magick (nature magick). Too bad there isn't much on Enochian. I've been followin the lessons in the book and I can say that: its not complicated and Magick WORKS (this statement are for those who are sceptics)!! All in all this book provides you with good history in Magick though not in detail but still not too boring. For those serious in this, I would also recommend the audio tape to pronounce the difficult words there are in the book.

Buy Donald Michael Kraig's book: Modern Magick Eleven Lessons In The High Magickal Arts

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Melita Denning - The Foundations Of High Magick
Muhammad Ibn Arabi - Invincible Magick Spells Of The Afghan Mullah Sensees
Mcgiolla Cathain - Secret Magic Spells Of The Romany Gypsies
Stephen Mitchell - Learning Magic In The Sagas