Scott Cunningham's Wicca

This is the most basic book for a person interested in Wicca, or paganism in general, to read. Scott Cunningham's words are clear, direct and simple. He describes Wicca in three sections:
Theory, Practice and The Standing Stones Book of Shadows. This format gives an interested reader a basic grasp of what Wicca and modern paganism are all about. The first section, Theory, discusses Wicca and shamanism in a historical and social context. Next the deities are considered, along with the use of magic, tools and other aspects of ritual. He also explains the holidays, reincarnation as it relates to Wicca, and initiation. Since this is specifically a guide for the "solitary practitioner," initiation is an important consideration. Cunningham stresses that initiation comes from the gods and goddesses; initiation by another is not necessary to be dedicated to the pagan path. In the Practice section, Cunningham gets down to the basic of technique. This includes meditation, journal writing and visualization, among others. Wicca is a spiritual path, and these exercises help the seekers to get in touch with their spiritual selves. Self-dedication is discussed thoroughly, including someone's motives for dedicating themselves to this path. A basic self-dedication ritual is included, though Cunningham stresses that the best rituals are personal and created by the individual seeker; however, as a guide, he includes a sample ritual. He also explains ritual design, and encourages readers to create personal rituals using symbols with special meaning to themselves.The Standing Stones Book of Shadows is a "sample" which a seeker can follow until he has created his own book. This section includes various prayers, descriptions of rituals for seasonal festivals and the full moon, and even food recipes for use in rituals and afterward. Recipes for incenses and oils are included in this section, as well as an herbal section, giving the reader ideas of how to use herbs in rituals. Crystals, drawn symbols and signs, and runes are also described in easy-to-use appendix forms. The entire format is designed for ease of the new reader, who may be completely unsure and want some structure. In all, this is a very basic starting book that will stand as a reference in any modern pagan's library. As a reader becomes more experienced and confident in her own skills, she will find Cunningham's advice to follow her heart and instincts to be very true. Even after many years of practice, I still use this book as a dictionary, guidebook and for ritual ideas as holidays come around.

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Finding A Coven

If you are looking for a group then going out and meeting people and talking, asking questions and showing your intent of finding a group are the most important steps. If you stay at home and never mingle with other people then don't expect anything to happen. This is not a 'spoonfed' path to walk, there is a lot of serious work involved and when you do find a group,the work doesn't stop. Joining a Coven means giving up a lot of free time, subsituting social time for Coven time and spending a lot of time studying and experiencing... So which ever path you follow, and which ever type of group you are seeking - make an effort and be patient. In big cities such as London (UK) there is no reason to say 'But there is nothing to go to'. There are online organisations such as WWL (more...Wiccans and Witches in London) who keep their members informed of social events, workshops, training groups, conferences and open rituals. The WWL also organise events just for their members, so that you can meet the faces behind the names. In parts of the world it is not that easy, and you might have to travel to attend conferences or workshops. This might seem like a lot of work just to meet other people, but if you are serious then travel should not deter you from your path. When you do get the oppurtunity to meet other Pagans make an effort to ask around about open groups and other events. As the organisers of the event if they know of groups which might be taking on new trainees. It is important to note that even in big cities such as London there are very few new groups forming and the groups in existance might only take on a trainee every few years. Those who do might expect to interview you to see if you will fit in with the rest of their group. If this happens take the oppurtunity to interview them too! Be honest with them, but make sure that their answers also satisfy you. Ask what they will be expecting from you and what training they will be providing you with. Unfortunately there are still some dubious groups using the name of Wicca to cover other activities. Do not just join a group because they happen to be the first one which approaches you! Remember: You should feel comfortable with your HPS & HP; Sex should not be expected in return for training, nor should it be part of your initiation; You should not be expected to contribute large sums of money in return for training - although you should expect to contribute towards temple expenses; Confidentiality is VERY important in Wiccan groups; Expect a lot of hard work! Finally you should enjoy being part of the group you join.

Angelfire

Guide To Cleansing

When I cleanse a dwelling place, first I burn a good cleansing incense, like frankincense or sandalwood in the home while I prepare for the rest of the ritual. You should have in addition to the incense, a candle, a bowl of salt water and a bowl of herbs. I particularly like to use rose buds for love, lavender for preservation, rosemary for protection, and any other sweet-smelling ones that appeal to you personally. If you can get them home-grown, so much the better. You should proceed around the house, widdershins (counterclockwise) and cleanse the area with the salt water. Be sure to get each corner, window, door, drain, etc. Simply sprinkle a little salt water on each and ask that any evil or disruptive influences leave the place. When this is finished, proceed around the house deosil (clockwise) sprinkling the blessing herbs and invoke whatever deities or properties you wish on the home, such as peace, prosperity, tranquility, etc. In the past, I have used 3 candles on the central altar. Blue, symbolizing tranquility, green for healing and prosperity, and purple for protection. Others might be pink for love, or brown for hearth and home. You and anyone who is to share the home with you should share food and drink, and don't forget to leave a little of the food and drink to take outside and return to the Earth that which has been given. - Rowan Moonstone

Witches Rune

Darksome night and shining moon, Hearken to the witches' rune. East, then south, west then north, Here come I to call the forth. Earth and water, air and fire, Work ye unto my desire. Wand and Pentacle and Sword Hearken ye unto my word. Cords and Censer, Scourge and Knife, Waken all ye into life. Powers of the Witches Blade, Come ye as the charm is made. Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell, Lend your aid unto the spell. Horned Hunter of the Night, Work my will by magic rite. By all the power of land and sea, As I do will, so mote it be. By all the might of moon and sun, Chant the spell and be it done.

How To Power A Spell

Some believe that Witches say a few magic words and do a ritual and then a spell is created and performs its function. There is a metaphorical plane, a plane where all the psychic energy of both the living and the dead exists. We draw from this energy when we are being creative. It can also be psychically tapped to energize one's will and envisionment to cast spells. The metaphysical plane acts like a battery. Psychic energy is alive and can be given a will of evil or good. Good psychic energy can heal and make good things happen. The evil energy creates a negative field around the person the spell was cast on, Some evil spells can cause someone to lose health etc. It will effect random chance and make bad or negative things happen, causing luck and other factors to be reduced and depending on the nature of the spell and the psychic skill of the Witch. The spell could take years before it begins to lose its energy and effects. There are several ways to create a psychic battery. Covens are great for this. A spell cast by a coven is much more powerful than one cast by a single Witch. There are also places in the world where there are rips in the psychic energy layer of the metaphysical plane. These places are ideal for Witches because the psychic energy leaking out of the metaphysical plane is very powerful and very easy to tap. One can also tap a person and use hir as a psychic battery to cast spells, but learning to channel and draw psychic energy from the metaphysical plane is the first thing any Witch should learn.

Blackcat

Protect Your Home Spell

Start by mixing water and salt, two elements of magic. Consecrate them.
Use garlic salt and add powdered rosemary if you need to clear out ghosts or spirits.
Begin at the main entrance of the house or apartment.
Sprinkle some of the consecrated water by dipping your fingers in it and making the sign of the pentacle. Say:
Evil shall leave but not enter.
Use a firm voice. Make it a commandment, with all of your power behind it. Then continue counterclockwise through the house, repeating the procedure in every corner of each room, at all the windows, doors and mirrors.
Don't forget telephones, computers with active modems, fax machines, intercoms, and televisions that are connected to the Internet.
It doesn't hurt to do the mailbox, too.
Make the downward pentacle, with your left hand, if this feels right to you.
Or the upward pentacle with your right hand. Either will work.
Repeat the spell annually, or whenever you feel in need of it.
It is important to perform a spell like this one on a new home before you move into it.