Moons by Name

I found this really awesome chart about moons. I did not create this chart and Unfortunately, there is no name to credit. Even the trusty reserve search was all in vain. *sigh* Hopefully whoever created this, doesn't mind too much that it is being passed around. 

The Sabbat of Imbolc

Imbolc

February 2nd
Greater Sabbat

God and Goddess:
Imbolc is the festival of the Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess. Brid (also Brigid or Bridget), is the traditional Goddess associated with this Sabbat. She is the bride who is waiting for the return of her groom, the sun God who will court her until their wedding at Beltaine.

General:
Imbolc translates to “in the belly” as in pregnant sheep. In Old Irish it is Oilmec and translates literally to “ewe’s milk”. Lactating ewes were considered a first sign of spring and Imbolc was dedicated to the Goddess Brigid (Bride, Brigid, Brighde, Bridget, Brigantia). She was the Goddess of three faces, Maiden, Mother, and Crone and on Imbolc she was reborn from the Crone of winter to the Maiden of spring. Brigid is the patron Goddess or Saint of poetry, wisdom and many important early crafts. She was closely associated with livestock, regeneration and light. Through the blessings of Brigid people were granted the bounty of nature. Her very name means, “exalted one”. Brigid was the Mother Goddess to many European tribes and it is believed she may have an ancient Vedic history. Imbolc and Brigid also have connection to the Roman myths surrounding the celebration of Lupercalia and the Egyptian Feast of Nut.

In History: 
We know Imbolc as a celebration of the return of the sun or "the return of the light from the dark of winter". It is also associated with the slow return of spring (in this case early spring), when new life is formed. Many animals who are nearing the end of their gestation begin nesting at this time. Preparing nests, dens and a like to create a safe warm place to have their babies when spring arrives in earnest. This associates Brighid with home/hearth.
In legend she is the daughter of Daghdha, The Great God and his wife, who has three names Breng (lie), Meng (guile) and Maebel (disgrace). She bore him three daughters, all of whom were named Brighid, carrying on the examples of the triple goddess. Brighid¹, is said to have been born on the threshold of a her house, at dawn. Quickly after her birth she began suckling on the milk of a supernatural cow from the Celtic Otherworld. The cow later became her totem.
Brighid's popularity was so grand that she easily crossed over in recognition from Pagans to Christians. A temple was erected in her honor in Kildare, Ireland. Medieval chronicles describe an eternal flame maintained in the temple, suggesting the purpose of the fire is to honor her illumination and exhaulted spirit.
In Christianity, she is said to be have been the mid-wife to Mary for the birth of Jesus. Who later became the foster mother of the sacred child. She was attended to by 19 nuns who assisted her and guard a grotto surrounded by a hedge. Inside the grotto, was a sacred fire, into which no man was allowed to enter. To celebrate her commitment to Jesus and assistance to Mary, the Celtic Christians honored her as a Saint and celebrated her gifts at the great feast on February 1st as the Festival of Lights. Clearly a celebration of her illumination, which is said to have filled any house she entered.

Traditions:
In modern Wicca and Paganism, Brigid is viewed as the maiden aspect of the maiden/mother/crone cycle. She walks the earth on the eve of her day, and before going to bed each member of the household should leave a piece of clothing outside for Brigid to bless. Smother your fire as the last thing you do that night, and rake the ashes smooth. When you get up in the morning, look for a mark on the ashes, a sign that Brigid has passed that way in the night or morning. The clothes are brought inside, and now have powers of healing and protection thanks to Brigid.

How to make a Brigid’s cross:
http://www.fisheaters.com/stbrigidscross.html

Celebration:
As with any holiday, there are many ways to celebrate Imbolc within the pagan traditions. One old tradition is to start your own eternal fire, at least for the duration of the holiday as a means of honoring Brighid. You can do this by lighting a specially selected white candle, or even a nice log fire to cut the cold chill of this wintry month. But remember, Do Not leave any fire, candle or otherwise unattended.
On Imbolc, Women weave what was called "Brid's Baby" (what today is called Brighid's Cross) to call upon the favor of the Celtic Goddess Brighid. Making the cross on this day was/is an act of asking Brighid to honor the family with fertility. This can be for children in the family, for food that will grow in the garden or in field for livestock that will provide for the family. Learn how to make Brighid's Cross.
During the day, take an inventory of your magickal closet and supplies. Express your own inner spiritual light through some creative endeavor, something that can be used during your ritual celebration in the evening.
Start your celebration at dusk with a family dinner. Because of Brighid's connection with nourishment through the symbol of milk, we like to prepare a cream based entree. Such as Chicken Fettuccini Alfrado, with scalloped potatoes, late fall vegetables and honey milk biscuits.
During dinner thank those who may have helped you during the year to expand your personal spiritual quest or path. Think of this as your way of thanking those who have helped to nourish your own inner enlightenment. This can be a formal teacher, or anyone present who has supported you in some way. Express how they've helped and what it has meant to you.
After your meal, share the chore of cleaning up. This is a way of showing honor and respect to your host and hostess. Think of it as a physical action to show that you understand the interconnection of all life and the desire to respect what you have been given and thanks for receiving those gifts.

Ritual Ideas:
Brigid, or Imbolc, is a preparation for spring. At Brigid, Wiccans clean and organize their living environments, as well as their minds and hearts, in preparation for the upcoming season of growth. It's a time to shake off the doldrums of late winter and light the fires of creativity and inspiration.

Imbolc 7 Candles Ritual

First, set up your altar in a way that makes you happy, and brings to mind the themes of Imbolc. You'll also want to have on hand the following:
o Seven candles, in red and white (tealights are perfect for this)
o Something to light your candles with
o A large bowl or cauldron big enough to hold the candles
o Sand or salt to fill the bottom of the bowl/cauldron
Prior to beginning your ritual, take a warm, cleansing bath. While soaking, meditate on the concept of purification. Once you're done, dress in your ritual attire, and begin the rite.

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now.
Pour the sand or salt into the bowl or cauldron. Place the seven candles into the sand so they won't slide around. 

Light the first candle. As you do so, say:
Although it is now dark, I come seeking light.
In the chill of winter, I come seeking life.

Light the second candle, saying:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.


Light the third candle. Say:
This light is a boundary, between positive and negative.
That which is outside, shall stay without.
That which is inside, shall stay within.

Light the fourth candle. Say:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

Light the fifth candle, saying:
Like fire, light and love will always grow.
Like fire, wisdom and inspiration will always grow.

Light the sixth candle, and say:
I call upon fire, that melts the snow and warms the hearth.
I call upon fire, that brings the light and makes new life.
I call upon fire to purify me with your flames.

Finally, light the last candle. As you do so, visualize the seven flames coming together as one. As the light builds, see the energy growing in a purifying glow.
Fire of the hearth, blaze of the sun, 
cover me in your shining light.
I am awash in your glow, and tonight I am 
made pure.

Take a few moments and meditate on the light of your candles. Think about this Sabbat, a time of healing and inspiration and purification. Do you have something damaged that needs to be healed? Are you feeling stagnant, for lack of inspiration? Is there some part of your life that feels toxic or tainted? Visualize the light as a warm, enveloping energy that wraps itself around you, healing your ailments, igniting the spark of creativity, and purifying that which is damaged.
When you are ready, end the ritual. Open circle. You may choose to follow up with healing magic, or with a Cakes and Ale ceremony.

Imbolc Candle Ritual
Items needed:
A white or silver candle
A pen or pencil
A piece of paper or your journal
A small glass of milk (a traditional food of Imbolc)
What to do:
Cast circle.
Take a moment to center yourself by taking a few deep breaths. Light the candle and sit for a moment, reflecting on what this Imbolc means to you. Will you be working towards a new beginning in your life? Rejuvenating some aspect of your life or relationship? Removing or cleansing something in your life that is negative or cluttered?
When you’ve decided what you will be focusing on for the Imbolc season, consider for a moment what actions you must take to complete your goal. Write down the steps that you think of. If you plan a new beginning in the form of a new job, for example, jot down the steps that you need to take in order to get this done: update your resume, gather applications, renew old contacts, take a class to update your skills, etc.. If you plan to purify and cleanse your home of all it’s clutter, write down the things you’ll need to do so: gather boxes to sort things for donation, to throw away or to recycle; storage boxes to sort and store your holiday decorations, etc..
After you’ve gathered your ideas and feel confident that you have a list that can help you move forward on your objectives, ask for the God and Goddesses help in manifesting your aim and thank them for their help. Create a prayer yourself, or say something like:
“Lord and Lady, as we move forward on the wheel of the year and move ever closer to spring, I ask for your help in manifesting my plans for this season.”
Speak out loud about your goals and what you’ve planned to accomplish them.
“As I work toward these goals, and as we travel toward the spring, I ask that you help me stay focused and move forward, and remember to honor You, myself and my family while I do so.”
Spend a bit of time, if you like, adding details to your plan, or just sitting in meditation on the season. When you are ready, take a drink of milk in honor of the season and extinguish your candle. Open circle. The rest of the milk can be poured outside as an offering.

Imbolc Correspondences

Element:

Earth

Threshold:

Midnight

Herbs: 

Angelica, basil, bay, benzoin, celandine, clover, heather, myrrh, all yellow flowers, willow

Gemstones:

Amethyst, garnet, onyx, turquoise

Incense/Oil:

Jasmine, rosemary, frankincense, cinnamon, neroli, musk, olive, sweet pea, basil, myrrh, wisteria, apricot, carnation.

Colors/Candles:

Brown, pink, red, orange, white, lavender, pale yellow, silver

Animals/Mythical:

Firebird, dragon, groundhog, deer, burrowing animals, ewes, robin, sheep, lamb, other creatures waking from hibernation.

Tools/Symbols/Decorations:

White flowers, marigolds, plum blossoms, daffodils, Brigid’s wheel, Brighid’s cross, candles, grain/seed for blessing, red candle in a cauldron full of earth, doll, broom, milk, birchwood, snowflakes, snow in a crystal container, evergreens.

Goddesses:

Virgin Goddess, Venus, Diana, Februa, Maiden, Child Goddess, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Vesta, Gaia, Brigid, Selene, Branwen.

Gods:

Young Sun Gods, Pan, Cupid/Eros (Greco-roman), Dumuzi (Sumerian)

Essence:

Conception, initiation, insight, inspiration, creativity, mirth, renewal, dedication, breath of life, life-path, wise counsel, plan, prepare.

Dynamics/Meaning:

First stirring of Mother Earth, lambing, growth of the Sun God, the middle of winter.

Purpose:

Honoring the Virgin Goddess, festival of the Maiden/Light

Rituals/Magicks:

Cleansing, purification, renewal, creative inspiration, initiation, candle work, house and temple blessings, welcoming Brigid, feast of milk and bread.

Customs:

Lighting candles, seeking omens of Spring, storytelling, cleaning house,bonfires, indoor planting , stone collecting, candle kept burning dusk til dawn, hearth relighting.

Foods:

Dairy, spicy food, raisins pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds, poppyseed bread/cake, honey cake, pancakes, waffles, herbal tea.

Planetary Influences, Days & Hours by Robin Baker

Planetary Influences, Days & Hours by Robin Baker

Planetary Influences
Ancient cultures as far back as Mesopotamia knew of, and used, only seven of the planets we know today. These astrological bodies were the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Certain powers and attributes were associated with each planet. These seven planets were also connected with certain days of the week and certain hours of the day and the night. This knowledge was applied to both ceremonial rituals and magical spells.
The waxing and waning of the moon was also taken into consideration when planning the time of a spell. The waxing moon was used for increase, building, and growth, while the waning moon was used for decrease, release, removal, destruction, and binding. The use of planetary hours will be discussed later in this lesson.
The following list of planets and their elements does not provide all the correspondences. However, the examples will aid you in making other association, such as different but similar deities.

Sun: Sunday is the day of the week associated with the Sun. The word Sunday is derived from the words “Sun’s day.” Its color is bright yellow or gold. The metal traditionally listed is yellow gold; however, anything that is a true shining gold will work. Associated stones are goldstone, topaz and chrysoleth. The Sun is said to rule the sign of Leo. Oils and incenses associated with the Sun are Egyptian Kyphi, heliotrope, cloves, frankincense, cinnamon, and vanilla. Use for rituals involving healing and health, prosperity and success, confidence, physical vitality, quick money, honor, friendships, and active change.

The Moon: The weekday of the Moon is Monday; the word Monday is derived from “Moon’s day”. Corresponding colors are silver, pearl-white, light blue, and lavender. The metal is silver. Stones are the moonstone, clear quartz crystal, and beryl; some list the pearl also. The Moon rules the sign of Cancer. Oils and incenses would be lily, jasmine, lotus, and white rose. Use for rituals involving visions, divination, dreams, love, birth, emotional problems, and domestic and family situations.

Mars: The weekday of Mars is Tuesday; the modern word comes from the Old Norse “Tiw’s day.” The metal is iron or steel. The associated color is red. Corresponding stones are garnet, bloodstone, red agate, ruby and red topaz. Oils and incenses would be dragon’s blood and any peppery scents. Use for rituals involving energy, courage, conflicts, surgery, physical strength, endurance, destruction, defense, and winning.


Mercury: The weekday for Mercury is Wednesday; the modern word Wednesday comes from “Odin’s or Wodan’s day”. Mercury is associated with changeable colors, or colors connected with changeable ideas or emotions, such as orange, violet, and multi-colors. The traditional metal is quicksilver, which is unsafe to handle; substitute an alloy metal such as aluminum instead. Associated stones are the carnelian, fire opal, and agate. Mercury is said to rule the signs of Gemini and Virgo. Oils and incenses can be white sandalwood and storax. Use for rituals involving creativity, scientific reasoning, business, divination, eloquence, writing and speeches, inspiration of all kinds and healing nervous disorders.

Jupiter: The weekday of Jupiter is Thursday; the word comes from the Old Norse ‘Thorr’s day.” The metal is tin and the colors are blue and purple. Corresponding stones are lapis lazuli, amethyst, turquoise and sapphire. Oils and incense would be lilac, storax, saffron, cedar, and nutmeg. Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces. Use for rituals involving honor, prosperity, success, good health, friendships, good luck, religion, legal matters, trade and employment.

Venus: The weekday of Venus is Friday; the modern day is associated with the Old Norse “Frigg’s day” or “Freyja’s day.” Colors can be light green, light blue and pink. The metal is copper and the stones are amber, malachite, jade, peridot, and turquoise. Venus rules Taurus and Libra. Corresponding oils and incenses are apple blossom, verbena, rose, and red sanders or sandalwood. Use for rituals involving love, marriage, artistic creativity, fertility, partnerships, spiritual harmony, and children.

Saturn: The weekday of Saturn is Saturday, or “Saturn’s day.” Colors are black and indigo, while associated stones are onyx, obsidian, jet, and star sapphire. The metal is lead. Corresponding oils and incense would be myrrh storax, and civet. Saturn rules Aquarius. Use in rituals involving knowledge, death, reincarnation, binding, overcoming curses, protection, intuition, and dealing with karma.

The Days and Hours
Just as the days of the week are connected with the seven planets, so is each hour of the day and the night. By carefully considering the phase of the moon, the planetary day, and the planetary hour, a magician can fine tune spells, thus making the rate of success much higher.

When working with planetary hours, one should not think of them in the same manner as one thinks of clock hours. Planetary-day hours technically are measured from sunrise to sunset, while planetary-night hours are measured from sunset to sun-rise. Each span of time (sunrise to sunset or sunset to sunrise) is then divided into twelve equal parts. Each part is then considered to be a planetary hour. No consideration need be given to time zones. However, this calculation can become very involved and time-consuming, as the span of time measured changes each day.

Planetary hours do not remain the same from one day to the next through any given week. The calculations begin with Sunday and end with the following Saturday. The sequence of the planetary hours are rotated so that at the end of twenty-four hours the next planetary hour on the next day will be that of the planet ruling that day.

According to astrological and magickal users, the influence of a planetary hour would be strongest on the week day of its corresponding planet. For example, Mars hours would be strongest on Tuesday. In addition, the planetary hours and days would be strongest during the month ruled by that planet. Therefore, Mars would be most influential on Tuesdays in the astrological month of Aries, March 21 to April 19.
When choosing planetary hours, the magician should recognize that the meanings for the hours can be slightly different than the meanings for the planetary days.

The Sun: Sun influences tend to be full of activity and dealing with those in a position of authority. Use Sun hours for business advancement, quick money, working on stalled enterprises, entertaining for social purposes, and dealing with any governmental agency.
The Moon: Many people consider the moon unstable and negative. However, this is not necessarily true. Moon influences may be changeable and emotional, but this is not bad. Use Moon hours for domestic affairs, short journeys, making changes that will be temporary in nature, and anything of an emotional nature. Moon hours can also be beneficial in divination of all types.
Mercury: Mercury influences deal primarily with the intellect, memory, understanding, and expression. Use mercury hours for work dealing with speeches, writing, business conferences, study, advertising matter, publishers, printers, scientific studies, newspapers, and lawyers.
Venus: Venus influences are associated with happiness, love, friendships, the arts, beauty, dinners and banquets, houses, furnishings, and land. Use Venus hours for starting exercise programs, to go on a diet, get a new hairstyle, learn to use cosmetics, meet with friends, settle disagreements, hold low-key business conferences and make travel arrangements.
Mars: Mars influences tend to boldness, aggressiveness, and ambition. Use Mars hours for anything that requires physical energy to accomplish or anything that needs courage and resolution to gain what you desire.
Jupiter: Jupiter influences always have a beneficial effect. Use Jupiter hours for studying religious materials, advancing spiritual growth, beginning new enterprises, applying for a loan, healing and health matters, and working with anything that requires justice.
Saturn: Saturn influences tend to be conservative, organizational, cautious, and karmic in nature. Use Saturn hours for anything to do with building, leasing, property improvement, mental healing, working out karmic relationships and issues, endurance, breaking up blockages, delays, and hindrances, and reaching or getting decisions that have been a long time in consideration.

The first five planets, excluding the Sun and the Moon are sometimes called the “physical” planets, as they are associated with the five physical senses Mercury
rules sight, Venus the emotions and sensations, Mars taste, Jupiter smell, and Saturn hearing. The Sun is connected with the life force or physical vitality, while the Moon rules the body in general and the form it takes, and emotional reactions to people and events.
Although the planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are not given space in planetary hour charts, or assigned to week days, they do have influence upon humans and events. The three outer planets play an important part in human life, as they affect less physical and more spiritual, matters. They can be used through the hours of other specific planets.
Uranus rules the human aura, intuition, and clairvoyance. It can cause sudden, unexpected events, as well as anything odd, unique, and rather revolutionary in nature. It rules the occult sciences, metaphysics, telepathy, inventions, reforms, natural healing (no chemical drugs). and the fields of radio, television, and computers. It is applied through the hours of Mercury.
Neptune is associated with mental perception and reasoning ability, psychometry, psychic phenomena, séances, perfumes, chemicals, brewers, and all parts of the fishing industry. It is applied through the hours of Venus.
Pluto is associated with exposing injustice, revitalizing ideas, astral and dream experiences, hypnotism, surgery, legacies, taxes and insurance, exposing crimes, and spiritual laws. It is applied through the hours of Mars.
There are, however, some additional rules of planetary hours about which you hear little. To observe these rules, you must have a correct natal chart and understand which planets in your chart might be considered adversely aspected. Adversely aspected planets are primarily those in opposition or squared to other planets. For example, if you have an adversely aspected Saturn or Mars in your natal chart, some astrologers believe it is best to avoid using Saturn or Mars hours. These astrologers believe that the hours of these planets are not fortunate to anyone. They teach that the best planetary hours are those that fall between ten am and noon, provided the hours are not those of Saturn and Mars.
When worked with a proper attitude and caution, any planetary hour can be used to benefit the magician, regardless of the chart’s adverse planets. The magician, however, must be well aware of the adverse planets and plan the energy use in
strictly positive ways. This is particularly true of Saturn, which rules karma and karmic events. If you have an adversely aspected Saturn, and are working in that hour and/or on that day to help other people feel their karma immediately, you will find yourself dealing with your unsolved karmic issues first.
When choosing a planetary hour, wait at least fifteen minutes into that hour before you begin your magical work. This will put you safely within the desired time regardless of whether you are north or south of the equator, or what latitude you live in.
It is best to work first by doing any magical spellwork on a specific planetary day. It is easiest for apprentices to start with this method. Then, work with both the day and a specific planetary hour. These two combinations will usually be sufficient for most magical needs. If you have enough preplanning and foresight, you can add the correct planetary month to the equation.
If you find that the spell did not work correctly according to the planet you chose, carefully consider the planetary energy needed for the magic. You may need to choose a different planet and plan the spellwork to approach the result from a different angle.

What is Magic? by Robin Baker

What is Magic? by Robin Baker

Magic has been known and used successfully for thousands of years, and is still being used today. The word magic probably comes from the Greek phrase Magike techne, which translates as “the art of the Magi.” The Magi were learned people who studied a variety of subjects, including astrology, alchemy, the power of stones, the unlimited powers of the mind and the spirit, and the astral planes.
The prospect of doing magic attracts many people to Wicca. However, magic is not actually part of the Wiccan religion. In fact, magic is not a part of any religion, but can be performed on its own without believing in any deity, although belief in deities aids the magician in this work. Magic is a system of using certain words, gestures, devices, and techniques to acquire what is desired. In fact, every act of strong-willed thought and every emotion-filled prayer are acts of magic.
In occult language, magic is finding a pressure point in the web of the world’s energy and knowing how to gently apply mental energy and will to change the out-come of an event or desire. Magic is the mental art of changing consciousness so as to alter physical reality at will. One can tap into this web of energy through the practice of self-control, meditation, and certain techniques, such as candle burning. Learning how and where to apply the pressure takes much practice and patience.
Knowledge equals power equals energy equals matter equals mass, and mass distorts space. In other words, by learning everything you can, you accumulate power. All power can be shaped into energy. Matter itself has mass. Mass will distort space so that it can take a form. When space is distorted, or moved, the mass can materialize from one plane of existence into another.
Witches and ceremonial magicians realize the truth behind magic, and apply the above equation, even subconsciously, whenever they perform the magic. They go one step beyond the commonplace use of candles and stones, however, to assure success with their magic. They perform their magical spells within a cast and consecrated circle. When a Witch is standing in the center of her magical circle, she is literally I a position of power unequalled anywhere in the physical world. The cast circle creates a space that is on the boundary between this world and the Otherworld. While working in this space between the worlds, the magician can more easily tap into the universal energy needed to make a spell work. Magicians can also call upon the Elements for power and aid in manifesting their desires through magic. They can expect to see those desires manifested into their physical world.
Magic is not instantaneous, nor does it violate the laws of nature. For example, you can do all the magical spells you want, but you will never change lead into gold. Lead by nature is not gold, nor does it have the composition or nature of gold. Also, the results of a spell must build up over a period of time until the willed desire manifests. To increase the rate of success, the Witch should never count on one performance of a spellworking. The spell must be done consecutively for three, five, seven, or nine days. 
Magic not only can produce manifested physical results, it is a technique that is valuable because it opens the inner door to the hidden parts of the self. It can also connect the inner self of a Witch with the inner selves of all other humans, including the ancestors and deceased Witches from the past.
The stereotyped image of an old Witch with warts casting curses is merely negative propaganda. People who pray for someone’s death are just as guilty of cursing. The magic lies within the person and their intent. Strong emotional thoughts are capable of manifesting the thought-of desire. You do not have to be a Witch or practice magic to be guilty of producing negative actions.
Magic, correctly taught, always comes with the warning to avoid deliberately harming anyone. An experienced Witch may feel compelled to take on the removal by natural means of evil people, but does not put death curses on someone because of disagreements or because, for example, two people desire the same man or woman. Witches know that irresponsible actions come home to roost, frequently with devastating consequences. Karma does not care whether you believe in it or not.
The art of magic is learned by study, practice, patience, and persistence. You do not acquire skill in magic instantaneously.
Isaac Bonewits, in Real Magic, writes that the only difference between magic and science is that magical knowledge hasn’t been confirmed yet or accepted by scientists.
Many of the things we take for granted today, such as astronomy, chemistry, medicine, physics, reading, mathematics, and writing, were all once occult secrets.
So, in a fashion, everyone who works magic is stretching the limits of knowledge and delving into new frontiers, which someday will be acknowledged as ordinary.

Covens & Solitary Witches

 by Robin Baker

Covens and Degrees
Throughout History there have been individual, or Solitary Witches. But the majority of Witches work in groups, known as covens. The coven is a small group; usually no more than a dozen. The traditional size is thirteen, though there is absolutely no reason why that particular number should be adhered to. One of the things that governs the number of people in the coven is the size of the Circle in which they hold their rituals. By tradition, again, this is nine feet in diameter, so it can at once be seen that the number of people who can comfortably fit in its confines will be limited. To arrive at the ideal size, all should stand in a Circle facing inward and hold hand. Then move slowly outward, with arms outstretched, until your arms are extended as far as possible. The Circle should then be of a size that will just comfortably contain you all. What is important is that such a Circle will contain the group comfortably, without fear of breaking the boundaries even when dancing round, yet also will not have any excess space.
A coven is a small, close knit group. In fact, the members of your coven frequently become closer to you than the members of your own family, hence the Craft is often referred to as a ‘family religion’. For this reason, you should choose your fellow Witches carefully. It is not enough that you all have an interest in the Old Religion. You must be thoroughly compatible; completely comfortable and at ease with one another. To get to this point usually takes time and for this reason you should not rush to form a coven.
Hierarchy and Priesthood
In many traditions, there are degree systems—systems of advancement through promotion—and in these it is impossible to be a leader without being of the requisite degree. 
In most degree systems you are initiated into the First Degree. Let us look at the Gardnerian tradition as a typical example. There, in the First Degree, you participate in the rituals as part of the ‘chorus’, as it were, and learn from your Elders. You must remain in that degree for at least a year and a day. When take to the Second Degree you can then be more active in the rituals. For example, a female Gardnerian of the Second Degree can even cast the Circle for the High Priestess. She cannot, however, initiate anyone. After at least a year and a day there, it is possible to then be taken to the Third Degree, if found ready. As a Third Degree Witch a Gardnerian female can break away and form a new coven if she so desires. She would then run that coven, initiating whomever she wished, with no interference from her original High Priestess. Covens, you see, are autonomous. Of course, the Third Degree Witch does not have to break away and start afresh. Many of that rank are quite content to stay in the original coven, where they are regarded as Elders.
A non-Witch (someone not initiated) is referred to as a Cowan. Generally, Cowan’s cannot attend Circles, though some traditions do have allowances for such visitors. I personally think Cowan’s should be able to sit in at the religious rites (not the working of magick however). What better way to learn of the true spirit of the Old Religion and to determine whether or not it is the path sought? It also, incidentally, is excellent public relations, helping to straighten out popular misconceptions.
Once initiated, you are a Witch and priest or priestess. The Craft is a religion of priesthood, which is how it is possible for Solitaries to conduct their own rites. Everyone initiated is a Witch, but in none of the major traditions is the word used as a title.
Covensteads and Covendoms
The name given to the home of the coven (the place where it always, or most often meets) is the covenstead. Within the covenstead, of course, is found the temple. The covendom traditionally extends for one league (approximately three miles) in all directions from the covenstead. This is the area where, traditionally, the covens Witches live. You should refer to your own coven meeting place as the covenstead. 
Book of Rituals
The Craft was originally a purely oral tradition—nothing was ever written down; all was passed on by word of mouth. But with the start of the persecutions, Witches and covens had to go into hiding and consequently started to lose touch with one another. So that the rituals would not be lost, the Witches began to write them down—not everything; just the basic rituals. Since they were having to meet in secret—‘in the shadows,’ as it were—the book in which the rites were kept became known as the Book Of Shadows. It is still called that today.
In recent years it has become common for all Witches to have a Book of Shadows, with everything contained therein. 
Many Witches like to make their own book from scratch, using parchment for the pages and binding the finished product in tooled leather, or even between carved wooden cover. Putting together such a book can be a labor of love and certainly gives plenty of scope for free artistic expression. 
Your book should reflect you. The book is to be used; the rituals to be read in the Circle. Do not make the writing so elaborate that, in the flickering candlelight, you cannot read what is written!
Solitary Witches
Back in the “old days” of the Craft, there were many Witches who lived at a far distance from any village or even from any other people at all. Yet these were still Witches. The still worshiped the old gods and still worked their own magick. That, I feel, was as it should have been….and as it still should be. Just because you do not live anywhere near a coven; just because you do not know of anyone else with similar interests; just because you are an individualist who does not care to join with others…. These are not reasons why you should not be a Witch. So let us look at Solitary Wicca.
As a Solitary, you do everything yourself. You can write your own rituals, just for you. But you can also adopt and adapt coven ones. 
The Solitary has a small, “compact” Circle. There is no need for the large, coven-size Circle when you are working alone. One just large enough for you and the altar is all you need…. Probably five feet in diameter would be sufficient. When Erecting the Temple, you would still walk all around this Circle to ‘draw’ it with your athame, and to sprinkle and cense it, but for addressing the four quarters you need only turn and face the directions, from your place behind the altar. When working magick, it is easier to build up power in a smaller Circle and it is generally a ‘cosier’ feeling.
The Solitary uses only what she or he feels is needed. You probably will not need as many tools as a coven uses. You may decide to use no more than your athame and a censer. It is up to you; you have only yourself to please. 
Examine as many traditions as you are able. See what tools they use and why then decide on which ones you need. You will find traditions that use broomsticks, ankhs, wands, tridents, etc. You may even decide to add something that no one else uses—the PectiWita, for example, use a ritual staff, which is not found elsewhere. Do not add something just for the sake of having it, or just to be different. Use something because you need to use it; because you feel more comfortable with that particular tool than with another or than without it at all.
The Solitary can hold a ritual whenever she or he feels like it. A coven meets for the Sabbats and Esbats. The dates for the Esbats are fixed at the most convenient times for the majority of members. As a Solitary, you can have an Esbat whenever you feel like it. You can have Esbats three or four days in a row, or go from New Moon to Full Moon without one at all. It is up to you and how you feel. If there is a sudden emergency—perhaps a healing that needs to be done—you can get into it right away. You do not have to desperately try to contact others before you can get to work.
A Solitary has only her or his own power to draw on. When working magick, a coven generates a lot of power. Working together, the total power of the whole far exceeds the sum of the parts. The Solitary can do no more than use the power she or he has. This is a fact and should be accepted. It is one of the few drawbacks to being a Solitary. But this does not mean that nothing can be done! Far from it. Many Solitaries do a great deal of excellent work, drawing only on their own resources. A good parallel might be seen in boast-racing, or sculling, where you have teams of eight oarsmen, four, two, or single rowers. All propel their craft equally well. The only difference is the greater speeds attained by the boasts with the increased numbers of oarsmen.
A Solitary has only her or his own knowledge and specialty. In a coven there is an accumulation of talents. One Witch might specialize in healing, another in astrology, one in herbalism, another in tarot reading. One might be an excellent toolmaker, another a great calligraphist; one a winemaker and/or seamstress, and another a psychic and psychometrist. 
As stated, the Solitary has only her or his own knowledge available. This, the, is another disadvantage but, again, one that must be accepted. There is certainly no reason why, as a Solitary, you should not be in touch with others (Wiccans and non-Wiccans) who are astrologer, tarot readers, herbalists, etc and to call upon them for help and advice when needed. It is just that you do not have them readily at hand there in the Circle with you, available at all times.
A Solitary can change with her or his moods. A Gardnerian coven rigidly follows the Gardnerian rites. A Welsh Keltic coven rigidly follows the Welsh-Keltic rites. A Dianic coven rigidly follows the Dianic rites. This all goes without saying. Even an eclectic coven will generally settle into rites, from whatever sources, with which it feels comfortable, and will stay with them. But the Solitary is free (freer even than most eclectics, if only by virtue of having only herself or himself to please) to do whatever she or he likes… to experiment, to change, to adopt and adapt. She or he can do elaborate, ceremonial rites one day, and simple, plain, ingenuous rites the next. She or he can do Gardnerian-oriented rituals one time, Welsh-Keltic the next, and Dianic the next. There is tremendous freedom for the Solitary, which I urge you to enjoy to the utmost. Experiment. Try different types and styles of rituals. Find those that are exactly right for you.
A Solitary ritual can be the barest minimum of words and actions. You can enjoy a true economy of ritual, if you so desire. 
The Solitary is one. This can be both an advantage (chiefly so, I feel) and a disadvantage. An example of the latter: if a Witch happens to have a very short temper and has been badly used by someone, she or he might possibly be driven by thoughts of revenge. The Solitary might be tempted to overlook the Wiccan Rede, rationalizing her or his thoughts and feelings in some way. Unless she or he can get all of the other coven members, however, including the priest or priestess, to feel the same way that she or he does, the Witch can do nothing she or he might later regret. Far more likely is that the coven would calm her or him and bring the problem into perspective. The Solitary, on the other hand, does not have this “safety catch.” She or he must, therefore, be constantly on guard and always carefully and closely examine the situation before working any magick, giving special thought to the Wiccan Rede.
But, on the other side of the coin, the Solitary does not have to make any compromises in anything she or he does. The Solitary is one with herself or himself and is automatically attuned, with no disharmony or distraction.
So the Solitary Witch is indeed a reality. Do not let anyone tell you that, because you do not belong to a coven and because you were not initiated by someone (who was initiated by someone who was, in turn, initiated by someone…. And so on), you are not a true Witch. Tell them to read their history (and ask them to initiated the very first Witch). You are a Witch and so you are in the fine tradition of Witchcraft. May the gods be with you.

Sacred Space

Sacred space is the area that you use only for ritual and magic. It can be as simple or elaborate as the individual wishes. This space can be a large permanent place, small areas in more than one place, or a temporary spot set up while traveling. Broadly defined, any place is sacred when certain ritual items are set up and/or a consecrated circle is cast there.
Ancient Witches either cast their sacred circles secretly in their homes or out in nature at natural power places, such as crossroads, stone circles, hilltops, or near ancient healing wells that were visited by others very rarely. They meet at night because that was the ancient practice and because fewer non-Wiccan people would see them. To be reported as a Witch meant a death sentence.
If you have an extra room to turn into a ritual room, feel fortunate. Otherwise, you must devise some way to set aside a corner of a room in which you allow no intrusion of everyday items. If you have a room you can dedicate to rituals and magic, there are a few things you should consider. Try to locate the room away from central areas of household traffic so that you can have privacy in your work. If necessary, install a lock on the door. The last thing you want is someone entering the room to ask what you are doing in the middle of a spell or ritual.
If you share the house with others, you may wish to make a sign that says, “Do Not Disturb. Work in Progress”, to hang on the door. 
If you have windows in this room, it is a good idea to have a good set of heavy drapes or blinds.
Decorating a dedicated ritual room is the dream of all Witches. You may want to use restraint in decorating the rest of the house, but when doing a ritual room, all your creativity can come out. The color white is the best choice. Dark colors can make you feel like you are standing in a very small, enclosed place, as they tend to visually diminish the room’s size. The color white encompasses and reflects all other colors, and opens up the visual dimensions of a room. If you want a dark color in the room, consider painting black or dark blue on the ceiling, and then decorate that area with small, silvery stars, the moon or clouds. In lieu of murals, you can decorate the walls with pictures and posters that remind you of the Goddess and the God, or other Pagan symbols and scenes.
The main feature of your ritual room should always be the altar. Whether your altar is permanently set, or must be put up and taken down each time, most Witches say that the altar should be positioned either in the center of the working area or on the eastern edge of the circle. In the beginning, the apprentice should follow this rule and stand at the altar, facing the eastern direction. 
There should be small sturdy stands at each of the four directions to hold candle for the quarter guardians. Place each candle in a metal or fireproof holder with a large edge to catch drips.
If you have the space, you may also wish to have within the ritual room a larger cupboard or a dresser with drawer for storing supplies you use frequently and for exhibiting deity statues, extra tools, collections of stones, and perhaps your magical books. Bookcases are also useful for exhibiting and storing collections of deity statues, extra ritual tools, stones, sells and supplies you might want at hand during a ritual. 
Many Witches prefer to do their rituals with the only light coming from altar candles. If you find, however, that this makes it too difficult to see your BOS, use the electric lights. This doesn’t make you a nontraditional Witch. Some people see better than others in the near dark.
If you do not have a separate room for ritual, you can still be a faithful, practicing Witch. Choose an out-of-the-way place in your apartment or house where you can work undisturbed. In this space, have a dresser with rollers or a special small table that can be placed in the proper position when needed. Keep your ritual tools and supplies in a place that is separate from mundane articles. If you choose the dresser, you can use the drawers for storage of these items. You can set up and take down your altar each time you do ritual.
Wherever you plan to use candles, however, be very certain that the lighted candle is well away from the wall, draperies, or other flammable objects. The heat from a candle can start a fire up to two feet away. If you choose to use a shelf for an altar, I strongly recommend that you do not use lighted candles.
When you set up a devotional altar, or even your regular altar, you should think about the symbolism and significance of what you are doing. Each object should speak to you of a step along your spiritual path. It is best to not clutter your spiritual ritual space with items that have no meaning to you.
Above all, do not spend hundreds of dollars for an altar and/or devotional shelves. Begin with what you have at hand. You can always replace or refinish furniture later if you wish.
The Mechanics of Casting a Circle
The use of circles in ritual and magic is mentioned as far back as ancient Assyria. Certain clay tablets tell of its use and note that the circle then was called usurtu. The circle is a worldwide symbol of eternity and infinity, with no beginning and no end. The alchemical symbol of this circle was a dragon with its tail in its mouth.
Almost all Witches, whether solitary or in a coven, cast a psychic, magical circle to work within when doing rituals or magic. 
Standing within a consecrated, cast circle represents a return from multiplicity to a point of unity or oneness, from a place of time to timelessness, from a mind ruled by consciousness to one governed by the subconscious. It is the ultimate state of Oneness with the Goddess and the God.
A psychically marked and ritually consecrated magic circle has other purposes. It produces protection for the worshippers from evil and unbalanced forces, and both a meeting place for the gods and a reservoir for the power built up during the ritual. This power is deliberately directed toward a goal and released during a crucial point of the ritual. This power may be raised by dancing, chanting, or through a specific spell. 

The power raised within a circle is frequently spoken of as a Cone of Power. Seen by outsiders with psychic sight, the cone may have been the original idea behind the pointed Witch’s hat.
The traditional Witch’s circle is first marked out by an athame or sword drawing the line in the air, then by sprinkling this circle with blessed water and salt. Almost all circles are cast with the Witch moving in a deosil, or clockwise, direction. Traditionalists say that the circle should have a nine-foot diameter, although this is far too small for large groups, and often far too large for the solitary Witch who may not have much room.
Some occasions may call for a circle made widdershins, or counterclockwise. The Irish Celtic word for widdershins was tuathal, while the Anglo-Saxon word sith meant, “to walk against.” However, most Witches and apprentices should involve themselves only with a deosil circle.
Cleanliness is important to a good, positive ritual, so make certain that your ritual area, the altar, and your tools are clean. Laziness and dirt attract negative energies and beings, thus creating difficulty in making your circle absolutely impregnable to unbalanced forces.
The altar is either set in the center of the circle or close to the eastern edge, so that the participants face the East when working.
Four Element candles of the appropriate colors for each cardinal direction are placed near the circle’s edge. The rulers of these Elements are called or invoked for assistance and protection at the proper place in the ritual.
To begin the actual circle casting, the circle is sealed by retracing the line in the air with the athame or a sword. Next, the circle is blessed and cleansed by sprinkling its circumference with a mixture of salt and water. Sometimes, this procedure is repeated by carrying a lighted incense around the circle. This offers protection against potentially malevolent and dangerous forces or spirits. The circle line is begun in the East, drawn deosil, and finishes in the East by overlapping the ends.
Do Not cross the circle boundary once it is cast. If you must leave, cut a symbolic door in the air with your dagger, go through, and then re-mark the line to seal it. Lay your dagger on the floor in front of this ‘door’. When you return, cut the door again, go through, and reseal the boundary. However, it is best if you simply do not leave the circle until you are finished.
The cardinal directions of a circle are then oriented by the lighting of a candle at each cardinal direction and calling the spirits of that direction. Some Witches draw an invoking pentagram at each quarter when calling up the guardians and a banishing pentagram at the end of the ritual when the guardians are dismissed.
Even if you do not use the invoking and banishing pentagrams at each quarter direction, Witches or magicians should banish all attracted entities before they cut the circle. This can be done by formally thanking the gathered entities. You must also ground any remaining power from the Otherworld. If you are proficient in magic, you can do this by word alone. Since most apprentices and beginning Witches are not, you can do this by placing your power hand on the altar or the floor. This grounds whatever energy is left within the circle, and will not leave you with unwanted, troublesome pockets of energy. 

Pouring this energy into a power sink stone kept on the altar is also an excellent method of grounding the remaining energies. Finally the circle should be ritually broken with the dagger or sword.
Casting the Circle
Actually casting the circle is the second step in preparing your ritual area for ceremony and magic. The first step is to put all the tools you will need on the altar, and anything less vital, but still to be used, at least within the area that will be enclosed by the circle. 
Using the broom, ritually sweep, in a clockwise movement, all negative energy and entities out of the ritual area, while saying:
All negative out, all positive in.
The pentacle is placed in the forward center of your altar, close to where you will stand. Set the chalice of water on it, with the container of salt nearby. Have the paper with the ritual near this. Place the white pillar candle to the right of this and light it. Lay the small taper candle near the pillar candle, with the snuffer beside it. Put the censer on the left side of the altar. If you use a charcoal tablet, light it well in advance of the ritual, so it can be properly heated. Place the container of incense or incense cones near the censer. Put the dagger near you on the right side of the altar so you will know where it is at all time. Near the dagger, place the hand bell.
If you do not have charcoal tablets and powdered incense, and are using incense sticks or cones, point the dagger at these while saying both parts of the ritual intended separately for the burning charcoal and the incense.
The Element candles are set, one at each quarter mark of the circle. The modern colors most often used are yellow in the East, red in the South, blue in the West and dark green or brown in the North. Before you begin a circle casting, you should decide what form you will use in addressing the Elements (Lords and Ladies, Watchtowers; or the names of the elemental rulers).
Stand before the altar. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and center your thoughts on the upcoming ritual and the reason behind it. Ring the bell once and say:
This ritual has begun
Next, move to the eastern edge of the ritual area, holding your dagger in your power hand. Visualize a blue-white flame issuing from the tip of the dagger. Point it at the floor in the East. Walk clockwise or deosil around the circle, drawing the circle mark in the air as you go. Be sure to overlap the ends in the East as you finish.
As you walk, say:
I consecrate this circle to the Goddess and the God Here may they manifest and bless their child.
Return to the altar and stand facing it. Raise your arms with the dagger in your power hand and say:
This is a time that is not a time, in a place that is not a place, on a day that is not a day. I stand at the threshold between the worlds, before the Veil of the Mysteries. May the Old Ones protect me that I may walk the true path forever. By the bright circle of the golden sun, by the bright courses of the glorious moon, by the dread potency of every star in the mysterious zodia’s burning girth, by each and all of these supernal signs, I do call and command you with this sacred blade. Guard me in this time and place from all evil and unbalanced forces.
Lay the dagger on the altar, raise your arms in greeting and say:
Come, all those who would help me here this night. I give you welcome within this sacred circle. Join your powers with my desires that I may create and accomplish.
Take up the dagger and hold it point down over the chalice of water, say:
The blessings of the Goddess be upon this water, symbol of Water. May it ever remind me of the endless cauldron waters of rebirth.
Hold the dagger with the point down over the container of salt, say:
The blessings of the Goddess be upon this salt, symbol of Earth. May I ever honor the blessed earth that is Her body in the physical world.
With the tip of your dagger, scoop up a little of the salt and tip it into the chalice of water. Put the dagger aside and take up the chalice in your power hand. Swirl it gently three times in a clockwise movement.
Hold the chalice high over the altar and say:
Water and Earth, Elements of birth. By touch, purify. By power, sanctify. Great Goddess, be you adored!
Using the fingers of your power hand, lightly sprinkle the water around the edge of the circle, beginning and ending in the East
Replace the chalice on the altar, and take the dagger in your power hand. Hold it point down over the burning charcoal and say:
May the blessing of the God be upon this charcoal, symbol of Fire. May I ever honor the sacred Fire that dances within me.
Hold the dagger point down over the incense and say:
May the blessings of the God be upon this incense, symbol of Air. May I always listen to the spiritual inspiration that whispers to my soul.
Lay the dagger aside. Put a small amount of the incense on the burning charcoal. Hold the burner high over the altar and say:
Fire and Air, Elements so fair. By touch, purify. By power, sanctify. Great God, be you adored!
Carry the burning incense around the circle, beginning and ending in the East. Return the censer to the altar.
Stand facing the altar and say:
Round and round, the power has bound, this circle tonight in Otherworld light. No evil may enter, no harm befall me. For this is my will, and so shall it be.
Take the small taper candle and light it from the white pillar candle. With your dagger in your power hand and the taper in the other, go to the East. Light the yellow candle. Trace the invoking pentagram in the air over the candle while saying:
Lord and Ladies of the East, all those ruled by the Element of Air, I do summon you to witness this ritual and to guard this circle.
Go to the South; light the red candle. Trace the invoking pentagram in the air over the candle while saying;
Lords and Ladies of the South, all those ruled by the Element of Fire, I do summon you to witness this ritual and to guard this circle.
Go to the West; light the blue candle. Trace the invoking pentagram in the air over the candle while saying:
Lords and Ladies of the West, all those ruled by the Element of Water, I do summon you to witness this ritual and to guard this circle.
Go to the North; light the green candle. Trace the invoking pentagram in the air over the candle while saying:
Lords and Ladies of the North, all those ruled by the Element of Earth, I do summon you to witness this ritual and to guard this circle.
Return to the altar, snuff out the taper candle, and lay it and the dagger aside. 
(This concludes the casting the circle part of a ritual. This is usually followed by the Charge of the Goddess, the blessing of the wine/juice, and a suitable celebration. These celebrations can be of the New or Full Moon, a rite of passage, or one of the eight holy days. Spellwork also can be performed at this time.)
Closing the Circle
When the complete ritual is finished, take your dagger in your power hand and the candlesnuffer in the other.
Go to the East. Extinguish the candle flame and trace the banishing pentagram in the air over the candle. Say:
Lords and Ladies of the East, all those ruled by the Element of Air, I bid you peacefully depart. My thanks, and farewell.

Go to the South. Extinguish the candle flame and trace the banishing pentagram in the air over the candle. Say:
Lords and Ladies of the South, all those ruled by the Element of Fire, I bid you peacefully depart. My thanks, and farewell.
Go to the West. Extinguish the candle flame and trace the banishing pentagram in the air over the candle. Say
Lords and Ladies of the West, all those ruled by the Element of Water, I bid you peacefully depart. My thanks, and farewell.
Go to the North. Extinguish the candle flame and trace the banishing pentagram in the air over the candle. Say:
Lords and Ladies of the North, all those ruled by the Element of Earth, I bid you peacefully depart. My thanks, and farewell.
Return to the altar. Lay aside the candlesnuffer. Lay both hands, palms down, on the altar to ground any remaining power.
Raise your arms in greetings as you say:
Fairies, Spirits, Elementals, and all in the invisible, I give my thanks and my blessings. May we always work in harmony together. Blessed Be!
You have just successfully cast and cut your circle.