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Witchcraft 1-5 ( 101 )
The Awaiting truth of the knowledge of the Workings of the Craft in Witch...
Unlike most mainstream religions, Witchcraft does not have a long list of laws governing our behavior. Witches generally adhere to what has become known as "THE WITCHES REDE" and THE THREE-FOLD LAW. These two principles contain the basics of what Witches define as ethical and moral behavior within the Craft and the society in which we live.
Much criticism has been leveled at the Witches Rede by outsiders who, by a quick reading of the text, assume that it is a license to do whatever "feels good" to the individual without accompanying responsibility. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Witches' Rede is rich with compassion, empathy and respect for others, the individual practitioner , the Goddess and God, and Mother Earth. It guides and directs our energies "for the good of all".
"The Craft of the Wise"
is chaos. Because we hold this knowledge,
not believe in a fictional devil that "made us do it". WE make the choices, and so, we make our choices very carefully. countryside is a fictitious one. ". No one here on this earth can possibly be sure of all the possibilities which fall under "the good of all", In either case, we have spared ourselves and others from karmic backlash have shown no interest Witches do cast love spells. don't they? Yes, they do.. To bring a complete and balanced person into a relationship,we must be able to truly give love.
to "remove obstacles to love" a too quick interpretation of the Rede."Witches are empowered individuals.know how to deflect harm without inflicting harm. We are protecting ourselves and the effects of the "bad" energies do no further justice", not revenge. The God and Goddess know our hearts
Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destinys pathway, That now we bring forth in the light.
Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air,
By hidden Quintessence we know Them, and we will keep silent and dare.
The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring,
We share with the life Universal, rejoice in the Magical Ring
Four times in the year the Great Sabbat, returns, and the Witches are seen,
At Lammas and Candelas dancing, on May Eve and old Halloween
When daytime and night time are equal, when sun is at greatest and least,
The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, again Witches gather in feast.
Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Covens array,
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, for each golden year and a day.
The power has passed down the ages, each time between woman and man
Each century unto the other, ere times and the ages began.
When drawn is the Magickal circle, by sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies, in the land of shades of that hour.
Our world has no right to know it, and the world beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the great work of Magic is wrought.
For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of Nature, the forms and the forces divine.
And do what thou wilt be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment, By Magick of old be it done.
Eight words the Witches Rede fulfill:
If it Harms none, Do what Thou Will!
As of ye willith be the known…….( Personal value only )
There are many systems, traditions and paths of magickal work most are of shaman or other .the VERY simple guidelines required as “final wording” Some Witches use other items and elaborate ritual settings, moonlighting their workings….based on these
simply curiosity
THE WITCH:
You are the most magickal tool of all. energies that determine most powerful workings are your armchairand template, the desires that reside within YOU that are the real 'tools" of the Witch!
ATHAME: (pronounced "a-thAM-ay" or "ATH-a-may") - Female
personal magickal You certainly wouldn't make their own blades or set as this to be made, it is a granted trust of the witches energy, thou the athame varies other metal and tools serve, Some have family heirlooms,. Some Witches believe that the tools you use must choose you…..
The athame can be used to cast the magick circle, initiation rites, elements, and ceremonial workers give their tools a magickal "name" for familuar sense
Often the blade is left "dull" sometimes used to harvest herbs or carve symbols Some covens or working groups share common tools.
THE BROOM:
The broom combination of the "brush" bushy side up-by is female as the rook the male,and is served in the understanding as the man and woman pagan rite ( more about that later )
THE BELL:
Bells have been around for many years, they come in different shapes and sizes, as well as different tones and sounds. The most popular bell in the US is the liberty bell. Another popular bell is the Noter Dame bell found France. It is a wonder why we like these bell. It might just be the rhythmic sound and vibrations. People have been singing Songs and carols about this beautiful instruments for years, that might just be why there are associated with winter holidays. The bell also has magical associations. It has been believed for centuries to possess a magical and/or spiritual power. They are associated with the divine: their sound is symbolic of creative power, their shape a symbol of the female force and celestial vault. The bell is an uncommon tool. Yet, once you use it in a ritual, you might just feel the need to keep using it. There is no one way to use the bell, use your imagination! Here are a few ideas; you can use it to open and close the sacred circle, Invoke the Goddess, ring to ward off negative energies (as well as invite positive energies ), or use it to signal different sections of a ritual and/or Sabbat. But most of all have fun, create your own rituals using the bell! This is a pagan and shaman thing…..
THE CAULDRON: Kitchen Witch
Cauldrons can be used to represent water and used for scrying. altar models to the antique "floor" type is the direction of the crone value of the witches direction in life….only
THE CHALICE: Male
The chalice or cup is used on the altar to represent the Male principle of Water.
The chalice along with the athame, sword or wand are the modern tools which are used in the enactment of the "Great Rite"-the union of the male and female principle from which Life will spring.
Chalices may be of any material. Many use silver or pewter (be careful with untreated metals when serving wine), but ceramic ones are now quite popular and readily obtainable. Some Witches have many different kinds for different types of rituals. Many a practitioner will avoid real "lead" crystal because of the Saturn energy influence.
The chalice is sometimes passed around the circle so each participant may take a sip from the cup. This is a bonding experience and often the words "May you never thirst!" are passed throughout the circle with the chalice.
Libations of wine or water are often then poured outside to honor the Old Ones and "sabbat" cakes are also offered back to the Source in a similar manner.
THE CLOTHING MAGICKAL:
Clothing is "optional" for many Witches. dedicated into a Tradition, you may practice "skyclad".
garments lends an "otherworldly" feel
Many traditions or paths have a "standard" wardrobe background of that path. Scots may wear kilts and Druids may wear hooded robes. Many embroider magickal symbols on their ritual clothing or "hide" small magickal items in the seams and hems to act as talismans for protection.
The PATON OR ALTAR PENTACLE:
The center is all that is needed and known so hense no pentacle altars but the self
In the skyclad dreams or directions…….
THE STAFF: Magi ( the low Wizard )
The staff is a very important tool in some traditions. It is used to mark quarter points or as a "stang" to hold banners representing elements or other unique symbolic flags.
The staff may be used in much the same manner as the wand. It is usually matched "to your measure"- which means it reaches to your shoulder- making it easy and comfortable for you to handle without either knocking yourself upside the head or having it trip you up from behind. Any such incident will amuse your friends, but do little to enhance your image in the magickal community!
THE SWORD:
“Celtic Revival”, Priest/Priestess. More infomation offered later...
THE THURIBLE OR INCENSE BURNER:
No magical direction , just energy exerciser and holder…..
THE WAND: Nature has NO Direction
The wand represents the element of Air and the Male You can purchase a ready made one or collect one from your friendly neighborhood tree. (Ask first, if you want to harvest one from a living tree- and leave a small token of thanks.) Even dowels, such as those sold in hardware stores, can be painted and decorated quite beautifully.
The wand can be used to cast the circle or direct energy in other magickal ways, such as in spells and incantations. There are wands of glass, copper, silver and other metals, but the "classic" material is still wood. Various woods have different magickal associations and uses. It is very common for a "Wand Witch" to have many wands of various types in his/her magickal closet. Witches who do not use athames often use a wand instead.
Path's of the wizae...but the real roots of the craft, are felt not said in chant or
verse unless they can't be felt,
witchcraft is romatic, lighthearted and much more.......
but it is also powerful, wise and life changing,
i am a teacher of this path and i love it for nature,
is there awake in all who feel the energy of its life......
just can't be said in words,
if you truely wish to see...........
and truth of the broom,,,
actually many female of the puritide period were maidens,
so the broom was a giving, not a tool of magic,
later used in the rituals of marriages of both puritian and
foster ( other family cultures ) it was a tester of fate,
and a symbol of male and female ( male rook , female reed )
if when crossing over the broom, it is to break, then bad
luck befalls the couple........
and was to lock the world out as your honeymoon,
( little kids , then later rode on make shift horse figures,
made of a broom, which gave rise to the witch broom as
a rider of the stick, )
there is more, but only for the wise,
