category
stringclasses 21
values | filename
stringlengths 3
191
| page
int64 1
4.42k
| text
stringlengths 1
49k
|
|---|---|---|---|
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 114 | the woods would cut a tree and bring it into town, decking it with
flowers and greenery and dance around it, clockwise (also called deosil,
meaning "sun-wise", the direction of the sun's apparent travel across
the face of the Earth) to bring fertility and good luck. The ribbons
which we associate with the maypole today were a later addition.
7. Why was fertility important?
The people who originated this custom lived in close connection with the
land. If the flocks and fields were fertile, they were ableto eat; if
there was famine or drought, they went hungry. It is hard for us today to
relate to this concept, but to the ancients, it was literally a life and
death matter. The Celts were a very close tribal people, and fertility of
their women literally meant continuity of the tribe.
8. How is the maypole connected with fertility?
Many scholars see the maypole as a phallic symbol. In this aspect, it is
a very powerful symbol of the fertility of nature and spring.
127
9. How did these ancient customs come down to us ?
When Christianity came to the British Isles, many of the ancient holy
sites were taken over by the new religion and converted to Christian sites.
Many of the old Gods and Goddesses became Christian saints, and many of the
customs were appropriated. Charles Squire says," An ingenious theory was
invented after the introduction of Christianity, with the purpose of
allowing such ancient rites to continue with a changed meaning. The
passing of persons and cattle through flame or smoke was explained as
a practice which interposed a magic protection between them and the powers
of evil." (4) This is precisely what the original festival was intended to
do; only the definition of "evil" had changed. These old customs
continued to be practiced in many areas for centuries. "In Scotland in
1282, John, the priest in Iverkething, led the young girls of his parish in
a phallic dance of decidedly obscene character during Easter week. For
this, penance was laid upon him, but his punishment was not severe, and he
was allowed to retain his benefice."(5)
10. Were sacrifices practiced during this festival?
Scholars are divided in their opinions of this. There is no
surviving account of sacrifices in the legends and mythology which have
come down to us. As these were originally set down on paper by Christian
monks, one would think that if such a thing had been regularly practiced,
the good brothers would most certainly have recorded it, if for no other
reason than to make the pagans look more depraved. There are, however, some
surviving folk customs which point to a person representing the gloom and
ill fortune of winter being ostracized and forced to jump through the
fires. Some scholars see this as a survival of ancient human sacrificial
practices. The notion that animals were sacrificed during this time doesn't
make sense from a practical standpoint. The animals which had been retained
a breeding stock through the winter would either be lean and hungry from
winter feed, or would be mothers nursing young, which could not be spared.
11. How do modern day pagans observe this day?
Modern day pagan observances of Beltane include the maypole
dances, bringing in the May, and jumping the cauldron for fertility. Many
couples wishing to conceive children will jump the cauldron together at |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 115 | this time. Fertility of imagination and other varieties of fertility are
invoked along with sexual fertility. In Wiccan and other Pagan circles,
this is a joyous day, full of laughter and good times.
12. What about Walpurgisnacht? Is this the same thing as Beltane?
Walpurgisnacht comes from an Eastern European background, and
has little in common with the Celtic practices. I have not studied the
folklore from that region and do not consider myself qualified to write
about
it. As the vast majority of Wiccan traditions today stem from Celtic roots,
I have confined myself to research in those areas.
128
FOOTNOTES
(1) MacCana, Proinsias, Celtic Mythology, The Hamlyn
Publishing Group Limited, London, 1970, p.32.
(2) Squire, Charles, Celtic Myth and Legend, Poetry and Romance,
Newcastle Publishing Co., Van Nuys, CA, 1975, p.408.
(3) Williamson, John, The Oak King, the Holly King, and the
Unicorn, Harper & Row, NY, 1986, p.126.
(4) Squire, p.411.
(5) Hole, Christina, Witchcraft In England, Rowman & Littlefield,
Totowa, NJ, 1977, p.36.
BIBLIOGRAPHY Bord, Janet & Colin, Earth Rites, Fertility Practices
in Pre-Industrial Britain, Granada, London, 1982.
Danaher, Kevin, The Year in Ireland, The Mercier Press, Cork, 1972.
Hole, Christina, Witchcraft in England, Rowman & Littlefield,
Totowa NJ,1977.
MacCana, Proinsias, Celtic Mythology, The Hamlyn Publishing
Group, Ltd., London, 1970.
MacCulloch, J.A. Religion of the Ancient Celts, Folcroft Library
Editions, London, 1977.
Powell, T.G.E. The Celts, Thames & Hudson, New York, 1980.
Sharkey, John, Celtic Mysteries, the Ancient Religion, Thames &
Hudson, New York, 1979.
Squire, Charles, Celtic Myth, Legend, Poetry, and Romance,
Newcastle Publishing Co., Van Nuys, CA, 1975.
Williamson, John, The Oak King, The Holly King, and the Unicorn,
Harper & Row, New York, 1986.
Wood-Martin, W.G., Traces of the Elder Faiths of Ireland,
Kennikat Press, Port Washington, NY, 1902. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 116 | 129
CASTING THE CIRCLE ONE
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 musicand begin the ritual.
THE RITUAL
Facing North, the High Priest and Priestess kneel in front of the
altar with him to her right. She puts the bowl of wateron the altar, places
the point of her athame in it and says:
"I exorcise thee, O Creature of Water, that thou cast out from thee
all impurities and uncleanliness of the world of phantasm; in the names of
Cernunnos and Aradia"
She then puts down her athame and holds up the bowl of water in both
hands. The High Priest puts the bowl of salt on the altar, puts his athame
in the salt and says:
"Blessings be upon this Creature of Salt; let all malignity and
hindrance be cast forth hence, and let all good enter herein;
whereforeso Iblessthee, thatthoumayest aidme, inthenames
of Cernunnos and Aradia."
He then puts down his athame and pours the salt into the bowl of water
the High Priestess is holding. The High Priest then stands with the rest of
the Coven outside the Circle. The High Priestess then draws the Circle with
the sword, leaving a gap in the Northeast section. While drawing the
Circle, she should visualize the power flowing into the Circle from off the
end of the sword. She draws the Circle in a East to North or deosil or
clockwise direction. She says:
"I conjure thee, O Circle of Power, that thou beest a meeting place of
loveandjoyand truth;ashieldagainst allwickednessand evil;
a boundary between men and the realms of the Mighty Ones; a
rampart and protection that shall preserve and contain the power that
we shall raise within thee. Wherefore do I bless thee and consecrate
thee, in the names of Cernunnos and Aradia."
The High Priestess lays down the sword and admits the High Priest with
a kiss while spinning him deosil and whispers"Bless Be" . He then admits a
women the same way. Alternate male female male. Then the High Priestess
finishes closing the Circle with the sword. She then names three witches to
help strengthen the Circle. The first witch carries the bowl of consecrated
water from East to East going deosil, sprinkling the perimeter as she/he
goes. They then sprinkle each member in turn. If the witch is male, he
sprinkles the High Priestess last who then sprinkles him. If female she
sprinkles the High Priest last, who then sprinkles her. The bowl is
replaced on the altar. The second witch takes the incense burner around the
perimeter and the third takes one of the altar candles. While going around
the perimeter, each person says:
130 |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 117 | "Black spirits and white,
Red spirits and grey,
Harken to the rune I say.
Four points of the Circle, weave the spell,
East, South, West, North, your tale tell.
East is for break of day,
South is white for the noontide hour,
In the West is twilight grey,
And North is black, for the place of power.
Three times round the Circle's cast.
Great ones, spirits from the past,
Witness it and guard it fast."
All the Coven pickup their athames and face the East with the High
Priest and Priestess in front, him on her right. The High Priestess says:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air;
I do summon, stir, and call you up to witness our rites and to
guard the Circle."
As she speaks she draws the Invoking Pentagram of Earth in the air
with her athame. The High Priest and the rest of the Coven copy her
movements with their athames. The High Priestess turns and faces the South
and repeats the summoning:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Lords of Fire; I do
summon, stir and call you up, to witness our rites and to guard
the Circle."
She does the same pentagram and then faces West and says:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Lords of Water, ye Lords
of Death and Initiation; I do summon, stir, and call you up, to
witness our rites and to guard the Circle."
She faces North with rest of the Coven and says:
"Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, ye Lords of Earth; Boreas,
thou gentle guardian of the Northern Portals; thou powerful
God and gentle Goddess; we do summon, stir and call you up, to
witness our rites and to guard the Circle."
The Circle is completed and sealed. If anyone needs to leave, a gate
must be made. Using the sword, draw out part of the Circle with a
widdershins or counterclockwise stroke.Immediately reseal it and then
repeat the opening and closing when the person returns.
Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 1983
and Valiente, Doreen; "Witchcraft for Tomorrow"; Phoenix Publishing 1985
131
TECHNOLOGY AND THE CRAFT
Removing the Barriers to Spaceflight
Before the ritual begins, distribute paper and have an airplane-folding
session.
TECHNO-LESSON #1: Making Fire
He tries to light the fire with firesticks; She then enters, lights the |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 118 | charcoal with the sacred Bic, and hands it to He, who lights the quarter
candles with it and hands it back to She, who lights the altar candles.
Bless the Elements (She)
By the oceans that fed our grandparents
And the oceans that will house our grandchildren
I bless and purify this being of water.
By the Earth from which our grandparents rose
And the Earth which our grandchildren will watch rise
I bless and purify this being of earth.
By the wood fires of our grandparents
And the fusion fires of our grandchildren
I bless and purify this being of fire.
By the airy realms our grandparents studied
And the airy realms our grandchildren will walk
I bless and purify this being of air.
Cast the Circle (He)
As the Moon cuts a Circle round the Earth
As the Earth cuts a Circle round the Sun
So I cut this Circle round us.
As the rains wash the mountains
As the oceans wash the beaches
So I cleanse this Circle and we within it with Water and Salt.
As the Moon charges the restless waters
As the Sun charges all that is green and growing
So I charge this Circle and we within it with Air and Fire.
Invoke Quarters (She)
I invoke thee, Mighty Ones of the East; bring us Your gifts of
wisdom; watch over us in this Circle. Come to us in the name of
Athena WiseWeaver! Hail and Welcome!
Iinvoke thee, MightyOnes of theSouth; bring us Yourgifts of will;
watch over us in this Circle. Come to us in the name of Brigid
SmithMistress! Hail and Welcome!
I invoke thee, Mighty Ones of the West; bring us Your gifts of
understanding; watch overus in thisCircle. Come tous in thename
of Poseidon ShipMaster! Hail and Welcome!
132
I invoke thee, Mighty Ones of the North; bring us Your gifts of
dedication; watch over us in this Circle. Come to us in the name of
Ptah CraftsMaster! Hail and Welcome!
We are now between the worlds.
ALL BREATH, GROUND AND CENTER
TECHNO-LESSON #2: Overcoming Physical Shortcomings |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 119 | Chant: She Changes Everything She Touches
He & She begin the chant, She drumming. Her shoulder starts acting up; He
gets out the Casio (tempo -2, any 4/4 rhythm). For the chant, mix verses
as is pleasing.
She changes everything She touches and
Everything She touches, changes.
She changes everything She touches and
Everything She touches, changes.
We are the changers
Everything we touch can change.
Change us, touch us;
Touch us, change us.
Everything that dies is born again
In a new place, on a new day.
Everything that's lost is found again
On a new day, in a new way.
Io, Kore!
Io, Kore!
Io, Persephone!
TECHNO-LESSON #3: Supplementing Abilities
First, He & She 'argue' about who's going to lead it, jokingly asking if
anyone in Circle wants to do background music; then He gets pathworking
with music on audio tape. When pathworking is done, folks should still be
in light trance; the next thing is to concretize the working by
distributing pens so that people can put whatever they symbols they think
are appropriate on their airplanes.
POWER CHANT: A rising OM; which at peak leads into Countdown. At
"Liftoff", throw the planes upwards (when done, planes can either be kept
or HP/S should offer to see that they get burned.
(* Note *) (* Note *) Don't forget to Ground (* Note *) (* Note *)
133
GROUNDING CHANT:
Earth below us
Drifting, falling
Floating weightless
Coming home
TECHNO-LESSON #4: There is no Techno-Lesson #4.
CAKES & WINE, WITH DISCUSSION
Topics for Discussion:
(0) Why we invoked the particular guys
(1) Best and Worst side of technology
(2) Incorporating tech with Wicca
(3) Space Travel & Wicca: not leaving Her dead when we go
(4) More respecters of Earth involved with control of tech
(5) Whatever else ... |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 120 | CLOSE (SHE)
I thankThee, Mighty Onesof the Northfor Your presenceat our rite,
and ere You depart for Your earthy realms we bid You Hail and
Farewell, in the name of Ptah CraftsMaster.
I thank Thee,Mighty Ones of theWest for Your presenceat our rite,
and ere You depart for Your watery realms we bid You Hail and Farewell,
in the name of Poseidon ShipMaster.
I thank Thee,Mighty Ones ofthe South forYour presence atour rite,
and ere You depart for Your fiery realms we bid You Hail and Farewell,
in the name of Brigid SmithMistress.
I thank Thee, MightyOnes of the Eastfor Your presence atour rite,
and ere You depart for Your airy realms we bid You Hail and Farewell, in
the name of Athena WiseWeaver.
134
(HE)
Fire, seal the Circle round; let it fade beneath the ground;
Let all things be as they were since the beginning of time. (3 times)
***** NOTES *****
Tools: (0) Athame(s) & cingula
Cup
Censer & Incense
Pentacle
Salt dish & salt
Altar & quarter candles
Libation bowl
Cakes & wine
Robes (optional, depending on participants)
God & Goddess symbols
SCRIPT
(1) Firesticks & Sacred Bic
(2) Paper and pens for paper airplanes
(3) Cassette deck and pathworking cassette
(4) Drum and Casio w/ rhythm generator
(5) Talking stick (optional)
by Skydancer & Triton
Proteus Coven, NYC
(c) 1987 Perihelion Press. Reprinted by permission.
135
WICCAN TOOL LIST MASTER |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 121 | Equipment:
a Pentacle
6 candles; 1 for each direction, 2 for altar
chalice of wine
wand
scrounge of silken cords
small bowl of water
small bowl of salt
3 cords, one red, one white, one blue, 9' long each
white handled knife
individual athames
incense burner and incense
small hand bell
dish of cakes
sword
chalk
altar cloth any color
cauldron
tape recorder and tapes of appropriate music
veil for Great Rite of a Goddess color blue, green,silver or
white
For New or Dark Moon Esbat:
(For Samhain Sabbat replace wine with hard apple cider)
extra incense
an apple and a pomegranate
cauldron with a fire in it and/or a bonfire
crystal ball or other scrying tools
white tabard with hood for Priestess
For Winter Solstice (Yule):
cauldron with candle or oak bonfire
wreaths, 1 of holly and 1 of mistletoe
crowns, 1 of oak and 1 of holly
blindfold
sistrum
animal skull filled with salt
For Spring Equinox cords as described in preparations
hard boiled eggs
a bonfire ready to ignite or a taper
in the cauldron flowers
For Beltane Sabbat:
bonfire
For Initiations anointing oil
tub to bath the candidate in
towels
salts, herbs and oils to add to the bath
a blindfold
a shirt or other clothing that can be cut
a length of string to measure the person
two lengths of cord to bind the hands and feet
bonfire for warmth if needed
For Blessings anointing oil, wine
136
ALL HALLOW'S EVE
================ |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 122 | by Mike Nichols
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Halloween. Sly does it. Tiptoe catspaw. Slideand creep. *
* But why? What for? How? Who? When! Where did it all *
* begin? 'You don'tknow, do you?' asks Carapace Clavicle *
* Moundshroud climbing out under the pile of leaves underthe *
* Halloween Tree. 'You don't REALLY know!' *
* --Ray Bradbury from 'The Halloween Tree' *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Samhain. All Hallows. All Hallow's Eve. Hallow E'en. Halloween.
The most magical night of the year. Exactly opposite Beltane on the wheel
of the year, Halloween is Beltane's dark twin. A night of glowing jack-o--
lanterns, bobbing for apples, tricks or treats, and dressing in costume. A
night of ghost stories and seances, tarot card readings and scrying with
mirrors. A night of power, when the veil that separates our world from the
Otherworld is at its thinnest. A 'spirit night', as they say in Wales.
All Hallow's Eveis the eveof AllHallow's Day (November1st). And
for once, even popular tradition remembers that the Eve is more important
than the Day itself, the traditional celebration focusing on October 31st,
beginning at sundown. And this seems only fitting for the great Celtic New
Year's festival. Not that the holiday was Celtic only. In fact, it is
startling how many ancient and unconnected cultures (the Egyptians and
pre-Spanish Mexicans, for example) celebrated this as a festival of the
dead. But the majority of our modern traditions can be traced to the
British Isles.
The Celtscalled itSamhain, whichmeans'summer's end',according
to their ancient two-fold division of the year, when summer ran from
Beltane to Samhain and winter ran from Samhain to Beltane. (Some modern
Covens echo this structure by letting the High Priest 'rule' the Coven
beginning on Samhain, with rulership returned to the High Priestess at
Beltane.) According to the later four-fold division of the year, Samhain
is seen as 'autumn's end' and the beginning of winter. Samhain is pro-
nounced (depending on where you're from) as 'sow-in' (in Ireland), or
'sow-een' (in Wales), or 'sav-en' (in Scotland), or (inevitably)
'sam-hane' (in the U.S., where we don't speak Gaelic).
Not onlyis Samhaintheend ofautumn; itisalso, moreimportantly,
the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. Celtic New Year's
Eve, when the new year begins with the onset of the dark phase of the year,
just as the new day begins at sundown. There are many representations of
Celtic gods with two faces, and it surely must have been one of them who
held sway over Samhain. Like his Greek counterpart Janus, he would
straddle the threshold, one face turned toward the past in commemoration of
those who died during the last year, and one face gazing hopefully toward
the future, mystic eyes attempting to pierce the veil and divine what the
coming year holds. These two themes, celebrating the dead and divining the
future, are inexorably intertwined in Samhain, as they are likely to be in
any New Year's celebration.
137
As afeast of the dead, it was believedthe dead could, if they
wished, return to the land of the living for this one night, to celebrate
with their family, tribe, or clan. And so the great burial mounds of
Ireland (sidhe mounds) were opened up, with lighted torches lining the
walls, so the dead could find their way. Extra places were set at the
table and food set out for any who had died that year. And there are many
stories that tell of Irish heroes making raids on the Underworld while the
gates of faery stood open, though all must return to their appointed places
by cock-crow. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 123 | As a feast ofdivination, this was the night parexcellence for
peering into the future. The reason for this has to do with the Celtic
view of time. In a culture that uses a linear concept of time, like our
modern one, New Year's Eve is simply a milestone on a very long road that
stretches in a straight line from birth to death. Thus, the New Year's
festival is a part of time. The ancient Celtic view of time, however, is
cyclical. And in this framework, New Year's Eve represents a point outside
of time, when the natural order of the universe dissolves back into
primordial chaos, preparatory to re-establishing itself in a new order.
Thus, Samhain is a night that exists outside of time and hence it may be
used to view any other point in time. At no other holiday is a tarot card
reading, crystal reading, or tea-leaf reading so likely to succeed.
TheChristianreligion, withitsemphasisonthe 'historical'Christ
and his act of redemption 2000 years ago, is forced into a linear view of
time, where 'seeing the future' is an illogical proposition. In fact, from
the Christian perspective, any attempt to do so is seen as inherently evil.
This did not keep the medieval Church from co-opting Samhain's other motif,
commemoration of the dead. To the Church, however, it could never be a
feast for all the dead, but only the blessed dead, all those hallowed (made
holy) by obedience to God - thus, All Hallow's, or Hallowmas, later All
Saints and All Souls.
There areso manytypes of divinationthat aretraditional toHal-
lowstide, it is possible to mention only a few. Girls were told to place
hazel nuts along the front of the firegrate, each one to symbolize one of
her suitors. She could then divine her future husband by chanting, 'If you
love me, pop and fly; if you hate me, burn and die.' Several methods used
the apple, that most popular of Halloween fruits. You should slice an
apple through the equator (to reveal the five-pointed star within) and then
eat it by candlelight before a mirror. Your future spouse will then appear
over your shoulder. Or, peel an apple, making sure the peeling comes off
in one long strand, reciting, 'I pare this apple round and round again; /
My sweetheart's name to flourish on the plain: / I fling the unbroken
paring o'er my head, / My sweetheart's letter on the ground to read.' Or,
you might set a snail to crawl through the ashes of your hearth. The
considerate little creature will then spell out the initial letter as it
moves.
138
Perhapsthe mostfamous iconof theholiday isthe jack-o-lantern.
Various authorities attribute it to either Scottish or Irish origin.
However, it seems clear that it was used as a lantern by people who
traveled the road this night, the scary face to frighten away spirits or
faeries who might otherwise lead one astray. Set on porches and in
windows, they cast the same spell of protection over the household. (The
American pumpkin seems to have forever superseded the European gourd as the
jack-o-lantern of choice.) Bobbing for apples may well represent the
remnants of a Pagan 'baptism' rite called a 'seining', according to some
writers. The water-filled tub is a latter-day Cauldron of Regeneration,
into which the novice's head is immersed. The fact that the participant in
this folk game was usually blindfolded with hands tied behind the back also
puts one in mind of a traditional Craft initiation ceremony.
Thecustom of dressing in costumeand 'trick-or-treating' is of
Celtic origin with survivals particularly strong in Scotland. However,
there are some important differences from the modern version. In the first
place, the custom was not relegated to children, but was actively indulged
in by adults as well. Also, the 'treat' which was required was often one |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 124 | of spirits (the liquid variety). This has recently been revived by college
students who go 'trick-or-drinking'. And in ancient times, the roving
bands would sing seasonal carols from house to house, making the tradition
very similar to Yuletide wassailing. In fact, the custom known as
'caroling', now connected exclusively with mid-winter, was once practiced
at all the major holidays. Finally, in Scotland at least, the tradition of
dressing in costume consisted almost exclusively of cross-dressing (i.e.,
men dressing as women, and women as men). It seems as though ancient
societies provided an opportunity for people to 'try on' the role of the
opposite gender for one night of the year. (Although in Scotland, this is
admittedly less dramatic - but more confusing - since men were in the habit
of wearing skirt-like kilts anyway. Oh well...)
To Witches,Halloween is oneof thefour HighHolidays, orGreater
Sabbats, or cross-quarter days. Because it is the most important holiday
of the year, it is sometimes called 'THE Great Sabbat.' It is an ironic
fact that the newer, self-created Covens tend to use the older name of the
holiday, Samhain, which they have discovered through modern research.
While the older hereditary and traditional Covens often use the newer name,
Halloween, which has been handed down through oral tradition within their
Coven. (This is often holds true for the names of the other holidays, as
well. One may often get an indication of a Coven's antiquity by noting
what names it uses for the holidays.)
139
With suchan important holiday, Witches oftenhold two distinct
celebrations. First, a large Halloween party for non-Craft friends, often
held on the previous weekend. And second, a Coven ritual held on Halloween
night itself, late enough so as not to be interrupted by trick-or-treaters.
If the rituals are performed properly, there is often the feeling of
invisible friends taking part in the rites. Another date which may be
utilized in planning celebrations is the actual cross-quarter day, or Old
Halloween, or Halloween O.S. (Old Style). This occurs when the sun has
reached 15 degrees Scorpio, an astrological 'power point' symbolized by the
Eagle. This year (1988), the date is November 6th at 10:55 pm CST, with
the celebration beginning at sunset. Interestingly, this date (Old
Halloween) was also appropriated by the Church as the holiday of Martinmas.
Ofallthe Witchcraftholidays, Halloweenisthe onlyonethat still
boasts anything near to popular celebration. Even though it is typically
relegated to children (and the young-at-heart) and observed as an evening
affair only, many of its traditions are firmly rooted in Paganism.
Interestingly, some schools have recently attempted to abolish Halloween
parties on the grounds that it violates the separation of state and
religion. Speaking as a Pagan, I would be saddened by the success of this
move, but as a supporter of the concept of religion-free public education,
I fear I must concede the point. Nonetheless, it seems only right that
there SHOULD be one night of the year when our minds are turned toward
thoughts of the supernatural. A night when both Pagans and non-Pagans may
ponder the mysteries of the Otherworld and its inhabitants. And if you are
one of them, may all your jack-o'lanterns burn bright on this All Hallow's
Eve.
140
**PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ** |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 125 | SAMHAIN (pronounced saw-an), commonly referred to as Halloween,
is a religious holiday celebrated by Wiccan and witch. The
festival traditionally is a feast for the gathering of the family
in love and remembrance. All the family including one's
ancestors.
Wiccans do not regard physical death as an end but merely one
more event in a continuing progress of the soul's in its path
toward fulfillment of divine destiny. Because of these beliefs,
it is only natural at this time of year to invite our beloved
ancestors to remember and to celebrate with us.
If you do not find these beliefs in conflict with your own
personal beliefs, please join us in the following ritual of
thanksgiving and remembrance.
Whether you join with us or not,
May you walk in the Light of the Lady
and know the Wisdom of the Lord.
Blessed Be.
The clergy and members of the United Wiccan Church.
***
After you have shared the bounty of your harvest with the
children of your neighborhood (candy, etc) and the house has
settled down for the night, disconnect or turn off your telephone
so that this state of serenity will continue uninterrupted.
Prepare a special feast of whatever foods reminds you of a special
departed friend or family member, or of past family gatherings.
While you are preparing this feast think of all of the good
times you had with them.
When the feast is prepared, set your holiday table with a special
place of honor for the departed friend or family member.
Decorate the table and room as you would for a holiday dinner
with the family, add those special things that are important to
you and your family (flowers, candles,etc.) If you have a
picture of the loved one, it is nice to place it at their place
at the table.
Speak to that special person and invite them to join you in this
celebration and time of remembrance. It is completely
appropriate to say grace or offer any prayer that you feel is
fitting.
THE FOLLOWING IS DONE IN COMPLETE SILENCE:
Serve the meal remembering to serve your honored guest (or
guests) first. If wine or other alcoholic beverages are served,
it is recommended that they be kept in moderation as you and your
guests need to have a clear head.
141
Now sit down to the table with your loved ones and enjoy your
feast. When you address them in your mind, always see them as
well. (Try not to say in your mind, "if you can hear me...", etc.). |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 126 | After the meal, the time of silence is over. Do whatever you
normally do at a family holiday gathering (clear the table, play
games, sing songs, etc.). Enjoy the companionship.
When the evening is over, or in the morning if you wish to make
it an all night party, thank your invited guests for being with
you and for making your celebration a special one.
***
There are a few words of caution that we will offer.
1. If this ritual does not feel right for you, do NOT do it.
Follow your instincts.
2. Remember that crossing over does not necessarily change a
person, so if you could not get through a meal in peace with them
while they were alive, you will probably have the same problem with
their spirit.
3. Do not ask your guest to grant you wishes or do you favors.
It is rude to invite a guest and then make it obvious that a
favor is the reason they were asked, not because of love and
respect. Spirits do NOT like rudeness! Besides, spirits often
forget that you are limited in ways that they are not. If you
ask them for $1,000, it may come as an insurance settlement after
a painful break in your water pipe with all the delight in
cleaning up the mess from ensuing water damage.
142
SAMHAIN NOTES ONE FARRAR
The High Priestess wears her white tabard if she has one for the
opening ritual, with the veil thrown back.
After the Witches' Rune, the High Priest and High Priestess take up
their athames. He stands with his back to the altar, she faces him across
the cauldron, They then simultaneously draw the Invoking Pentagram of
Earth in the air with their athames, towards each other, after which they
lay down their athames he on the altar, she by the cauldron.
The High Priestess scatters incense on the charcoal in the cauldron.
When she is satisfied that it is burning, she stands still facing the High
Priest across the cauldron. She then declaims (if needed, ask a man to
bring one of the altar candles and hold it for her):
"Dread Lord of Shadows, God of Life, and the Giver of Life
Yet is the knowledge of thee, the knowledge of Death.
Open wide, I pray thee, the Gates through which all must pass.
Let our dear ones who have gone before
Return this night to make merry with us.
And when our time comes, as it must,
O thou the Comforter, the Consoler, the Giver of Peace and Rest,
We will enter thy realms gladly and unafraid;
For we know that when rested and refreshed among our dear ones
We will be reborn again by thy grace, and the grace of the Great
Mother.
Let it be in the same place and the same time as our beloved ones,
And may we meet, and know, and remember,
And love them again.
Descend, we pray thee, in thy servant and priest." |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 127 | The High Priestess then walks around the cauldron and gives the High
Priest the Five Fold Kiss.
She returns to her place and pulls the veil of her tabard over her
face. She then calls on each woman, by name to come forward and give the
High Priest the Five Fold Kiss.
When they have all done so, the coven forms up around the circle,
alternating male and female with the Maiden next to the West candle. As
soon as they are in place, the High Priestess says:
"Behold, the West is Amenti, the Land of the Dead, to which many
of our loved ones have gone for rest and renewal. On this night, we hold
communion with them; and as our Maiden stands in welcome by the Western
gate, I call upon all of you, my brothers and sisters of the Craft, to
hold the image of these loved ones in your hearts and minds, that our
welcome may reach out to them. There is mystery within mystery; for the
resting place between life and life is Caer Arianrhod, the Castle of the
Silver Wheel, at the hub of the turning stars beyond the North Wind. Here
reigns Arianrhod, the White Lady, whose name means Silver Wheel. To this,
in spirit, we call our loved ones. And let the Maiden lead them, moving
widdershins to the center. For the spiral path inward to Caer Arianhod
leads to night, and rest, and is against the way of the Sun."
The Maiden should spiral into the center, taking three or four
circuits to do so. During this time, the coven should maintain absolute
silence and concentrate on welcoming their dead friends.
When she reaches the center, she faces the High Priestess across the
cauldron. They touch palms and the High Priestess says:
143
"Those who you bring with you are truly welcome to our Festival. May
they remain with us in peace. And you Maiden, return by the spiral path
to stand with our brothers and sisters; but deosil for the way of
rebirth, outwards from Caer Arianrhod, is the way of the Sun."
The women break contact and the Maiden returns to the West candle.
When she is there, the High Priestess says:
"Let all approach the walls of the Castle."
Everyone moves in and sits in a close ring around the cauldron. The
High Priestess renews the incense. Now is the time for communion with the
dead. When finished scrying, the cauldron is placed next to the East
candle.
The spirits of the dead must be thanked and released. The High
Priestess leads the rest of the Coven in saying:
"We thank you our friends for visiting here this night. We bid you a
pleasant repose in Caer Arianrhod. We also thank you, the Dread Lord of
Shadows for taking care of them and giving them comfort."
The next thing to do is the Great Rite in some form.
Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 1983
Transcribed to computer file by Seastrider
144 |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 128 | O.T.O. Samhain Ritual
Open the Temple in fire.
Banishing ritual.
Hierophant: Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Hierophant: Ve Gabolah.
Ring bell 5-5-5-5-5
Priest strikes staff upon ground 3-3-3 5-5-5-5-5 3-3-3
Return bell and staff to altar.
Hierophant: Let all adore the King of Fire.
All do the god form of
PUER, the fire of
NOX, facing Altar.
AUM
Hierophant picks up dagger and points Toward the East, standing in the
West.
(Fire with)
TETRAGRAMMATON TZABOATH (all repeat)
ALGA (all repeat)
BITOM (all repeat)
Hierophant: In the sacred names and letters:
OIP * TEAA * PDOCEE *
In thy name: IHVH TZABAVTH
Hierophant: I declare the sacred fire one and eternal
In all worlds seen and unseen.
(priest lights censer)
Hierophant: Glory be the light, eternal fortress
On the frontiers of darkness. Blessed Be.
(all repeat)
Priest drops more incense
in censer.
Hierophant: Hail those from the caverns of the dark. (sign of
enterer)
Bell: 3-3-3 5-5-5-5-5 3-3-3
(sign of silence)
145
Hierophant: O great and dreaded Lord of Shadows |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 129 | He who is God of all Life & the giver
of life, It is Thee we invoke.
(all repeat last line)
Hierophant: Behold, the West is Ameti
Land of the Dead
To which many have gone for
rest and renewal.
OPEN WIDE THE GATES THROUGH WHICH ALL MUST PASS
LET THE SHELLS OF KINDERED SOULS RETURN THIS NIGHT
GUIDED BY THE SACRED FIRE SEEN IN ALL WORLDS
DESCEND UPON US, ALL ARE TRULY WELCOME TO OUR FESTIVAL.
MAY YOU REMAIN AMONG US TILL THE FIRST LIGHT OF DAWN...
IN PEACE AND HARMONY
APPROACH THE WALLS OF OUR CASTLE
(all repeat)
3-3-3 5-5-5-5-5 3-3-3
(put more incense in censer)
Hierophant: Hail those from the caverns of the dark.
(all repeat)
pick up contract at sacrifice;
KINDERED SOULS HERE THIS NIGHT, TO THEE WE GIVE OUR SACRIFICE
UPON THIS PAPER WE EACH HAVE WRITTEN A CONTRACT BINDING OF SOULS TO SOULS
SO INTO THE FLAMES & LET IT BE CONSUMED
IT IS BETWEEN YOU AND I, NO ONE ELSE.
as written, to bind the contract
drink of the blood.
....done
So mote it be (all repeat).
Others who desire a sacrifice may now do such; come forward one after
another.
all participating in the sacrifice
drop in 'contract' repeating as before
with wine then saying 'so mote it be'...
all should repeat after each sacrifice 'so mote it be'.
After last sacrifice; all raise hands upward, vibrating
AUM
Hierophant: Our sacrificing done, I proclaim this evening rite over
LOVE IS THE LAW, LOVE UNDER WILL.
(all repeat)
146
T W O W I T C H E S |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 130 | A Modern Craft Fairy-Tale
=========================
by Mike Nichols
Once upon a time, there were two Witches. One was a Feminist Witch
and the other was a Traditionalist Witch. And, although both of them were
deeply religious, they had rather different ideas about what their religion
meant. The Feminist Witch tended to believe that Witchcraft was a religion
especially suited to women because the image of the Goddess was empowering
and a strong weapon against patriarchal tyranny. And there was distrust in
the heart of the Feminist Witch for the Traditionalist Witch because, from
the Feminist perspective, the Traditionalist Witch seemed subversive and a
threat to "the Cause".
The Traditionalist Witch tended to believe that Witchcraft was a
religion for both men and women because anything less would be divisive.
And although the Goddess was worshipped, care was taken to give equal
stress to the God-force in nature, the Horned One. And there was distrust
in the heart of the Traditionalist Witch for the Feminist Witch because,
from the Traditionalist viewpoint, the Feminist Witch seemed like a
late-comer and a threat to "Tradition". These two Witches lived in the
same community but each belonged to a different Coven, so they did not
often run into one another. Strange to say, the few times they did meet,
they felt an odd sort of mutual attraction, at least on the physical level.
But both recognized the folly of this attraction, for their ideologies were
worlds apart, and nothing, it seemed, could ever bridge them.
Then one year the community decided to hold a Grand Coven, and all the
Covens in the area were invited to attend. After the rituals, the singing,
the magicks, the feasting, the poetry, and dancing were concluded, all
retired to their tents and sleeping bags. All but these two. For they
were troubled by their differences and couldn't sleep. They alone remained
sitting by the campfire while all others around them dreamed. And before
long, they began to talk about their differing views of the Goddess. And,
since they were both relatively inexperienced Witches, they soon began to
argue about what was the "true" image of the Goddess.
"Describe your image of the Goddess to me," challenged the
Feminist Witch. The Traditionalist Witch smiled, sighed, and said in a rapt
voice, "She is the embodiment of all loveliness. The quintessence of
feminine beauty. I picture her with silver-blond hair like moonlight, rich
and thick, falling down around her soft shoulders. She has the voluptuous
young body of a maiden in her prime, and her clothes are the most
seductive, gossamer thin and clinging to her willowy frame. I see her
dancing like a young elfin nymph in a moonlit glade, the dance of a temple
priestess. And she calls to her lover, the Horned One, in a voice that is
gentle and soft and sweet, and as musical as a silver bell frosted with
ice. She is Aphrodite, goddess of sensual love. And her lover comes in
answer to her call, for she is destined to become the Great Mother. That
is how I see the Goddess."
147
The Feminist Witch hooted with laughter and said, "Your Goddess is a
Cosmic Barbie Doll! The Jungian archetype of a cheer-leader! She is all
glitter and no substance. Where is her strength? Her power? I see the
Goddess very differently. To me, she is the embodiment of strength and
courage and wisdom. A living symbol of the collective power of women
everywhere. I picture her with hair as black as a moonless night, cropped
short for ease of care on the field of battle. She has the muscular body
of a woman at the peak of health and fitness. And her clothes are the most
practical and sensible, not slinky cocktail dresses. She does not paint
her face or perfume her hair or shave her legs to please men's vanities. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 131 | Nor does she do pornographic dances to attract a man to her. For when she
calls to a male, in a voice that is strong and defiant, it will be to do
battle with the repressive masculine ego. She is Artemis the huntress, and
it is fatal for any man to cast a leering glance in her direction. For,
although she may be the many-breasted Mother, she is also the dark Crone of
wisdom, who destroys the old order. That is how I see the Goddess."
Now the Traditionalist Witch hooted with laughter and said, "Your
Goddess is the antithesis of all that is feminine! She is Yahweh hiding
behind a feminine mask! Don't forget that it was his followers who burned
Witches at the stake for the "sin" of having "painted faces". After all,
Witches with their knowledge of herbs were the ones who developed the art
of cosmetics. So what of beauty? What of love and desire?"
And so the argument raged, until the sound of their voices awakened a
Coven Elder who was sleeping nearby. The Elder looked from the Feminist
Witch to the Traditionalist Witch and back again, saying nothing for a long
moment. Then the Elder suggested that both Witches go into the woods apart
from one another and there, by magick and meditation, that each seek a
"true" vision of the Goddess. This they both agreed to do.
After a time of invocations, there was a moment of perfect stillness.
Then a glimmer of light could be seen in the forest, a light shaded deepest
green by the dense foliage. Both Witches ran toward the source of the
radiance. To their wonder and amazement, they discovered the Goddess had
appeared in a clearing directly between them, so that neither Witch could
see the other. And the Traditionalist Witch yelled "What did I tell you!"
at the same instant the Feminist Witch yelled "You see, I was right!" and
so neither Witch heard the other.
To the Feminist Witch, the Goddess seemed to be a shining matrix of
power and strength, with courage and energy flowing outward. The Goddess
seemed to be holding out her arms to embrace the Feminist Witch, as a
comrade in arms. To the Traditionalist Witch, the Goddess seemed to be the
zenith of feminine beauty, lightly playing a harp and singing a siren song
of seduction. Energy seemed to flow towards her. And she seemed to hold
out her arms to the Traditionalist Witch, invitingly.
From opposite sides of the clearing, the Witches ran toward the figure
of the Goddess they both loved so well, desiring to be held in the ecstasy
of that divine embrace. But just before they reached her, the apparition
vanished. And the two Witches were startled to find themselves
embracing each other.
And then they both heard the voice of the Goddess. And, oddly enough,
it sounded exactly the same to both of them. It sounded like laughter.
148
WICCA From My Point of View
by Lady Phoenix
I can give you a brief overview of Wicca. (I don't speak for all
Wiccans, only myself. There are some differences in the different
Traditions.)
Webelievethatthe ultimategodheadisunknowable. Thisdoesn't
make for a good working relationship with the deity, however. So, we break
it down into a Goddess and a God. Different Wiccans worship different
Gods/Goddesses. We can utilize *any* pantheon. Some worship Pan/Diana,
some Cernnunos/Aradia, Isis/Osiris, and many others.
We see our Goddess as being Triple Aspected -- Maiden, Mother, and
Crone, and she is reflected in the phases of the Moon -- Waxing, Full and |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 132 | Waning. We see the God as the Lord of Nature, and he is reflected in the
seasonal changes. Like Jesus Christ, he dies for the land and the people,
and is reborn.
In general, we believe in reincarnation and karma. What you call
Heaven, we call the Summerlands. We don't believe that Hell exists (or
Satan either.) We believe that there should be balance in all things -
when the balance is disturbed, that's when 'evil' occurs. Fire, for
example is not 'evil'. It could be considered such when it becomes out of
balance, as in a forest fire, or house fire. Controlled fire is a useful
tool. Anger is not 'evil', but when unbridled can't help but lead to
negative things. When properly expressed and balanced with constructive
working to correct that which invoked the anger - it, too, can be a useful
tool.
We regard the Earth as our Mother, and try to have respect for Her
by not polluting her and try to live in harmony with Her and Her ways.
Womenreflectthe Goddess,Menreflectthe God,sotheWicca have
a Priestess and Priest to 'run' the religious services. We call our
services circles.
Thiswassortof an"Reader'sDigestCondensedVersion" ofWicca.
If you have any questions or want more detail on any of this, please let me
know. Thank you for asking.
Blessed be >>Phoenix<<
* Origin: InterVisioN "The ParaNormal Connection"
603-547-6485 HST
(1:132/123)
149
The following is an excerpt from "Witchcraft: The Old Religion"
by Dr. L. L. Martello.
Questions and Answers.
Q. What is the best way for one who is interested in the Old Religion to
make contact with a genuine coven? A. Subscribe to all of the Pagan and
Witchcraft publications. It's easier to get into a Pagan grove which often
acts as a backdoor to the Craft, since many are Wicca-oriented in their
worship and rituals. Fill out a Coven-Craft application form issued by
WICA. To obtain yours, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
WICA's address is Suite 1B, 153 West 80 Street; New York 10024,
Q. What are the major feast-days of Witches? Could you tell me more about
the origins of Halloween?
A. Most Anglo-American covens celebrate the following
holy days. The four major ones are Oimelc or Candlemas on February 2; May
Eve, Beltane, or Walpurgisnacht on April 30; Lammas on July 31 or August 1;
and of course Halloween or Samhain on October 31. The four minor Holy Days
are the two solstices: Yule, around December 22; and Midsummer, around June
21 or 22. The other two are the equinoxes: March 20-21 for spring and the
fall equinox on September 22 or 23. The following will help to give you
some idea of the origins of Halloween:
November Eve, All Hallows' Eve, the Gaelic fire festival of Samhain,
now generally called Halloween, represents the summer's end, when the Earth
Goddess turns over her reign to the Horned God of the Hunt, the transition
from life to death, from an agrarian time to one of hunting, from summer to |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 133 | winter, from warmth to coldness, from light to darkness. It has been
Christianized into All Saints' Day, a time when the souls of the departed
wander the land and in some cases where the souls of the living temporarily
join their spirit brethren, a time for mediumship, remembrance of departed
loved ones, and celebration (as opposed to mourning) of the dead. The
Roman Goddess of fruits and seeds, Pomona, was worshipped on this day. The
stored fruits and seeds of the summer were then opened for the celebrants.
Apples and nuts were the main fruits. This was also the autumn harvest
festival of the Druids. They believed in the transmigration of souls
and taught that Saman, the Lord of Death, summoned those wicked souls who
were condemned to occupy the bodies of animals in the preceding twelve
months. The accused believed that they could propitiate Saman by gifts and
incantations, thus lessening if not eliminating their sentences. This was
also the time when the Druids lit huge bonfires in honor of Baal, a custom
continued in Britain and Wales until recent times. In Ireland October 31
was called Oidhche Shamhna, or Vigil of Saman. In his Collectanea de Rebus
Hibernicis, Villancey says that in Ireland the peasants assembled with
clubs and sticks, "going from house to house, collecting money, breadcake,
butter, cheese, eggs, etc., for the feast, repeating verses in honor of the
solemnity, demanding preparations for the festival in the name of St.
Columb Kill, desiring them to lay aside the fatted calf and to bring forth
the black sheep. The good women are employed in making the griddlecake and
candles; these last are sent from house to house in the vicinity, and are
lighted up on the (Saman) next day, before which they pray, or are supposed
to pray, for the departed soul of the donor. Every house abounds in the
best viands they can afford: apples and nuts are devoured in abundance; the
nutshells are burnt, and from the ashes many strange things are foretold;
cabbages are torn up by the root; hemp-seed is sown by the maidens, and
they believe that if they look back they will see the apparition of the man
150
intended for their future spouse; they hang a smock before the fire, on the
close of the feast, and sit up all night, conceal ed in the corner of the
room, convinced that his apparition will come down the chimney and turn
the smock; they throw a ball of yarn out of the window, and wind it on the
reel within, convinced that if they repeat the Pater Noster backwards, and
look at the ball of yarn without, they will then also see his sith or
apparition; they dip for apples in a tub of water, and endeavor to bring
one up in the mouth; they suspend a cord with a cross-stick, with apples
at one point, and candles lighted at the other, and endeavor to catch the
apple, while it is in a circular motion, in the mouth." Vallancey
concludes that these practices are the remnants of Druidism and will never
be eradicated while the name of Saman remains. In this brief passage we
will see the origins of many modern Halloween practices, such a trick or
treat, the Jack-o-Lantern, and apple bobbing. In the island of Lewis the
name Shamhna, or Saman, was called Shony. One writer in disgust described
"an ancient custom here to sacrifice to a sea-god, called Shony, at
Hallowtide." The supposed Christian inhabitants would gather at the Church
of St. Mulvay, each family bringing provisions and malt which was brewed
into ale. They chose one of themselves to wander into the sea at night up
to his waist. He then poured out a cup of ale calling upon Shony to less
his people for the coming year. "At his return," this writer says, "they
all went to church, where there was a candle burning upon the altar; and
then standing silent for a little time, on of them gave a signal, at
which the candle was put out, and immediately all of them went to the
fields, where they fell a-drinking ale, and spent the rest of the night in
dancing and singing. The ministers in Lewis told me they spent several
years before they could persuade the vulgar natives to abandon this
ridiculous piece of superstition." The name Saman shows evidence of
Druidism in the Irish. Another word, the name of a drink, is "lambswool."
It is made from bruising roasted apples and mixing it with ale or milk.
The Gentlemen's Magazine for May, 1784, says, "this is a constant |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 134 | ingredient at a merrymaking on Holy Eve." Vallancey shrewdly traced its
etymological origin when he said, "The first day of November was dedicated
to the angel presiding over fruits, seeds, etc., and was therefore named La
Mas Ubhal,--that is, the day of the apple fruit,--and being pronounced
Lamasool, the English have corrupted the name to Lambs-wool." The angel
referred to of course is the Roman Goddess Pomona.
151
Q. Are these Holy Days the same throughout the world?
A. No. However, there are many universal similarities between all the pagan
religions. Names, dates, and days vary according to national origin.
For instance, one of the Holy Days still celebrated by many It alien and
some Sicilian traditions is the Lupercalia, on February 15. It has since
been Christianized into St. Valentine's Day on Feb. 14. Let me quote from
the WICA Newsletter: Ancient Roman festival honoring Lupercus, God of
Fertility. It was called dies februatus meaning 'day of expiation.' The
Lupercal --'wolf's grotto' --a cave on the western slope of Palatine Hill.
Near it was the ficus ruminalis, the fig tree under which Romulus and Remus
were found and nursed by a she-wolf. The Lupercai who celebrated this
yearly festival were made up of the Fabian who belonged to the Sabines and
the Quintilian Lupercai, the Latins. Later in honor to Julius Caesar, there
was added the Julian Brotherhood. They sacrificed a goat. Young neophytes
were brought in. The High Priest touched their foreheads with the bloody
knife. Then another priest wiped away the blood with wool dipped into milk.
The feast began with the celebrants clothed only in goat skins and carrying
(really hiding) thongs made from the same goat hides. They ran up and down
the streets of the city striking anyone who passed them. Women came
forward to be hit by the goat-thongs, believing it enhanced their own
fertility. This was also a symbolic purification of the land and of the
persons touched. This was on of the last Pagan rites to be given up
before Christianity completely dominated the country. It is still
celebrated today but in modern form, without the goat or any other kind of
sacrifice, but all wearing skins and goat horns in a special streghe
ritual."
Q. What are some of the Christian holy days that are based upon or borrowed
from ancient Pagan Religions?
A. You'll find many of them discussed in this book. However, briefly, here
are some of them. December 25 in ancient times was the day celebrated in
honor of the sun, deified in such figures as Mithra, Osiris, Horus, and
Adonis. It was also the feast day of Bacchus, Krishna, Sakia, and others.
The legends of these Gods were the same as those attributed to Jesus Christ
by the early Church. Pope Julius I in A.D. 337 made December 25 the
official day to celebrate Jesus's birth, following older traditions who
honored their founders on that date. It was also the ancient celebration of
the winter solstice. There is absolutely no record in the Bible or
elsewhere of when Jesus Christ was born. All of us are still paying
tribute to the ancient Gods and Goddesses by the names of our days of the
week.
English French Italian Spanish Planet GOD
Sunday Dimanche Domani Domingo Sun Mithra
Monday Lundi Lunedi Lunes Moon Diana
Tuesday Mardi Martedi Martes Mars Tiw
Wednesday Mercredi Mercoledi Miercoles Mercury Mercury
Thursday Jeudi Giovedi Jueves Jupiter Jove-Thor
Friday Vendredi Venerdi Viernes Venus Venus-Freya
Saturday Samedi Sabato Sabado Saturn Saturn
152 |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 135 | Two of the English names come from Old Saxon rather than Latin. Tiw's Day
became Tuesday in honor of the old Teutonic deity, Tiw or Tives. Wednesday
is named after the old Teutonic Norse God Wodan or Wotan. The Saxon word
for day is doeg. In olden times the days were called Jove's Doeg
(Thursday), Mercury's Doeg (Wednesday), Mar's Doef (Tuesday),
etc. Friday was the day when the ancients paid tribute to Venus--the love
day. When Christianity became dominant, Friday was no longer considered
lucky--Jesus was crucified on that day; also, the uninhibited sexual rites
dedicated to the love Goddess Venus was considered a great "sin." Besides
the days of our week our months are also named after the ancient deities:
January: From Latin Januarius, honoring Janus, a Roman God. He presided
over the Gates of Heaven, which the Christians later assigned to St. Peter.
The Anglo-Saxons called it Aefter-Yule, and prior to that Wolf-monat.
February: From Februus, another name for the God of purification Faunus,
thus fertility. The feast was held on February 15 (see Lupercalia) and was
called Februa. March: After Mars, God of War. Anglo-Saxons called it
Hraed-monat, rugged month, or Hlyd-monat, stormy month. A stormy March was
an omen of poor crops. A dry March indicated a rich harvest. April: From
Latin aperio "to open," like buds. Anglo-Saxons called it Easter-monat, in
honor of the Teutonic Goddess of the same name. She ruled spring and
light. The Romans dedicated this month to Venus, often referring to it as
Mensis Veneris instead of Aprilis. May: Named after Maia Majesta,
ancient Roman Goddess of Spring. Considered Vulcan's wife. Look up the
folklore regarding the May Day celebrations, bonfires, and other rites
celebrated throughout Europe. June: Named after the Roman Goddess Juno.
Called Sear-monat by Anglo-Saxons. Juno was Queen of Heaven and Guardian of
Marriage and ruled childbirth. June is still the most favored month for
marriage today. July: Originally called Quintilus, the fifth month. Old
Saxons called it Maed-monat,--"mead month"--the time to gather honey for
the drink called mead. August: Named after the Roman Emperor Augustus.
Was once called Sixtilis, the sixth month. September: Named after the
Latin number for seven, that being the month in the old calender .
Saxons called it Gerst-monat, barley month, as this crop was usually
gathered then. October: From octo, theeighth month in the old calendar.
Saxons named it Wyn-monat, "wine month." This was harvest time, and
Bacchhus and Dionysius and all the other ancient deities were honored. See
Halloween above. November: From the ninth month in old Roman calendar.
Saxons called it Blot-monat, "blood month." This was when the cattle and
sheep were slaughtered for food and sacrifices. December: Named after
the tenth month in the old calendar. It was consecrated to Saturn, and on
December 17 the great feast of Saturnalia began, lasting several days. It
coincided with the winter solstice and the Yule season. The Anglo-Saxons
called it Yule-monat, "midwinter month." It coincided with the winter
solstice and the Yule season. The Anglo-Saxons called it Yule-monat,
"midwinter month."
153
Wicca, Wicca, Who's Got the Wicca?
or
My Tradition, or Yours?
[An article which attempts to make sense of all the various Traditions,
Brands, Denominations, ect., which may confuse the unwary new-comer to Neo-
Paganism (Wicca in particular).]
By: Hurn |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 136 | Greetings, and Bright Blessings... Welcome to this, the next in a
series of introductory pieces on Alternate Religions. Today, we shall
take a look at the many varied Traditions in the Wicca Family of Faiths.
Whilst there is, indeed, a large number of groups who profess one set of
tenants, or ideas; one soon begins to see why they may all be lumped
together as one Religion.
Obviously, to start, one must define Religion as it applies to these
groups of people. Next, a listing of some of the more Popular Traditions,
giving a basic description of each. Lastly, some comments on the "cords
which bind these groups together", ie. a discussion on the Underlying
Philosophies of the New Age Movement, Neo-Paganisms in particular.
I. What is a Religion?
A dictionary definition of religion looks something like:
Religion, n.; An organized system of Beliefs and/or Rituals,
centering on a Supernatural Being or Beings.
Everyone with me so far? Good. I think we can all agree on definitions
for "Beliefs" and "Supernatural", so the only sub-definition will be
"Ritual": any ordered sequence of events or actions, including
directed thoughts, especially one that is repeated in the 'same'
manner each time, and that is designed to produce a predictable
altered state of consciousness, within which certain magical or
religious results may be obtained.
Now, by using these definitions, the astute reader may realize that one
need not "believe" in anything in order to belong to a Religion, although
most 'established' churches Do require that one has conforming beliefs in
order to become 'accepted into' that Religion. One of the beauties of
the Pagan/NeoPagan/Wiccan Religion is that the majority of the sects do not
require one to have 'conforming' beliefs. One need not Believe in the
God/dess in order to worship them, and this is the key to being a New Age
type Religion.
New Age Religions acknowledge that there are many paths to Godhood,
and that each person should find his/her own way. Thus, while there is
communication and discussion between the diverse ways of Wicca, there is
generally no cause for religious persecution or Holy Wars. Also, there
are very little 'missionary' type efforts, since there is no Prime
Directive stating that everyone who does not believe a certain piece of
Dogma is Wrong, and will burn in Hell forever, unless saved, or made to
see the light.
Contrary to most religions, it is Not the shared set of Beliefs, or
154
similar Dogma which holds the Wiccan Religions together. Rather, it is the
Attitudes of the people involved, and their common Heritage which provide
the bonds of cooperation among the Pagan Peoples. These points of agreement
shall be further addressed following a brief list of some of the more
popular Traditions, with a description of each.
II. Traditions/Branches/Gatherings/Sub-Groups/Interpretations/ect.
[nb. This is not, by any means, an all inclusive list]
A. Gardnerian:
Started by G. Gardner, in England, in the mid 1950's, this Tradition
claims to have existed, in secret, since the Witch-Burnings began during
the Middle Ages. While there is some doubt as to whether or not it is as |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 137 | old as it claims, there is no denying that the Gardnerian Sect has been one
of the most Influential of the Traditions. In fact, many of the groups
which follow were started by people who had been introduced to Paganism
and the Worship of the Lord and Lady as members of a Gardnerian group.
Characteristics:
A structured religion with definite hierarchy within each group (known,
as a Coven), but little to no Authority of one coven over another. Within
the coven, a Matriarchy exists, with the High Priestess generally being
considered the leader (there are, of course, exceptions to this, but these
descriptions are, for the most part, only generalizations based upon
information gathered from many sources).
The typicalGardnerian view of the God/dess is that of a Dominant Three-
Faced Goddess (Maid, Mother, and Crone) with a Male Consort (Who has 2
sides.. the Young Summer King, and the Old Winter King).
Ceremonies include a series of initiations into higher levels of the
Craft, various Holiday Celebrations (based, of course, upon the "Wheel of
the Year" calendar of Feast days.
B. Alexandrian:
Started about the same time as Gardner's, this tradition is fairly
similar, with a little more emphasis upon Ceremonial Magick. There are
numerous Covens in both US and Europe.
C. Dianic:
This is more of a Sub-class, rather than a particular Tradition. There
are several Feminist Traditions which are considered Dianic. This
sub-class tends to emphasize the Female aspect of the Goddess, sometimes to
the exclusion of the Male God. Some feel that these groups are rather
reactionary and self limiting. Be that as it may, the Dianic Covens tend
to be more politically active.
D. School of Wicca:
Headed by Gavin and Yvonne Frost, this School is the largest
correspondence school of Witchcraft in the US. Numerous Covens have
resulted from this School, although it is somewhat unconventional (if, that
is, anything dealing with Wicca could be called conventional). The Frosts'
views on Wicca as a religion do differ with the majority.. in that they do
not consider Wicca as "Pagan", but rather as Monotheistic.
155
E. Seax (or Saxon) Wicca:
Startedby Raymond Buckland, who wasoriginally a leader in promoting the
Gardnerian Tradition, as an alternative to the existing Covens. Unlike
most traditions, which consider the Coven group to be the normal unit of
division (ie. all ceremonies/Rituals = Group Rites), the Seax version has
provision for lone witches (often referred to as Solitaires). Another thing
which sets this particular brand apart is its non-reliance upon being
properly initiated into the Wiccan community. Many of the other groups
require that new members be brought to existing covens to be ceremonially
initiated into that Tradition, and that only after years of study within
the group is one ready to start a new coven. The Seax tradition,
recognizing that there may not be a friendly, neighborhood Coven, allows
for self-initiation, and Auto setup of a Coven.
F. Traditionalist (Welsh, Scots, Greek, Irish, etc...)
Like Dianic, this is a sub-class. Each Traditionalist group is based
upon the traditions, literature, myth, and folktales of that particular
geographic/demographic area. This is evident in the Names of the God/dess
used by individual groups.
III. Common ties/beliefs/Ideals/ect... |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 138 | Asstated earlier, it's not doctrine/dogma similarities which tend to hold
these diverse groups together, rather, it is the common Ideals and feelings
expressed by the Pagan Peoples themselves. Here are some examples:
The Wiccan Rede: "An it harms none, do what thou will." is almost
universally accepted amongst the groups. Most groups tend to be
polytheistic, animists, pantheists, ect. One is not "converted" to Wicca,
rather, the new comer feels a sense of "Coming Home", or, more poetically,
"The Goddess calls to Her own". Nature plays a big part in most
Traditions, either as direct personification of the God/dess, or as
aspects of them. There is no counterpart to the Devil, as such, in the
Pagan religions... no personification of All Evil, rather, the choice is
there for all to make. However, there is the Law of Three Fold Return,
which states "That which thou dost send out shall return three fold", so
good begets good, and evil befalls those who are evil (a horrendous
understatement / simplification, but true).
Author's note:
Whew! That was a long haul of writing in one sitting... if there are any
big errors noticeable, mail me, and I'll make a second draft of this.. or
perhaps even expand it some.. (my time is limited in as far as when I have
opportunities to just sit down and write something like this, but I can
usually squeeze in some time, here or there.)
I hopethat this issomewhat enlightening... there aresome other files,
here, which give more basic explanations of the terms used.. (Witch, Coven,
Magick, ect..) ... I did assume a small amount of familiarity present
within the reader... if anyone wishes, I can append a Preface covering that
which was presupposed knowledge.
Blessed Be...
Hurn
156
BINDING A SPELL (Classic version)
Come ye as the charm is made!
Queen of heaven, Queen of hell,
Horned Hunter of the night
Lend your power unto the spell,
And work our will by magic rite!
By all the power of land and sea,
By all the might of moon and sun
I call the Earth to bind my spell.
Air to speed it well.
Bright as Fire shall it glow.
Deep as tide of Water flow.
Count the elements fourfold,
In the fifth the spell shall hold.
Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 1983
Valiente, Doreen; "Witchcraft for Tomorrow"; Phoenix Publishing 1985
157
Saxon Wicca Rites
From THE TREE: THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SAXON WITCHCRAFT by Raymond Buckland
copyright 1974 - Samuel Weiser Publishers |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 139 | NOW OUT OF PRINT
posted for PAN, the ORIGINAL Psychic Awareness Network at 1-
703-362-1139
by MATRIKA, co-sysop
Legend of Woden/Odin retrieving the Runes
The Snake came crawling and struck at none
But Woden took nine glory-twigs (pieces of wood on which were carved runic
inscriptions) and struck the adder so that it flew into nine parts
This quote shows how Woden/Odin was a master magician and drew his power
from the runes. To this day many Saxon Pagans work much of their Magic
with runes, inscribing them on candles in candle magick, incorporating them
into talismans or symbols of protection that they wear, carry or keep in
their homes (can also be for other purposes, etc. They can even be put
somewhere invisibly by tracing them with a scented oil. For example, a
rune or runic monogram (several runic letters overlaying one another) can
be inscribed on your place of business in Money in Abundance oil or some
other money - oriented oils of your own preference. For healing a rune or
runic monogram of healing can be written on the body of the patient with an
oil of Healing, after the regular transfer of Pranic energy or "laying - on
- of - the - hands" healing has occurred. (including use of crystals, if
that is so desired) Etc. etc. etc. Why are runes so important? For the
same reason that they were in Cabalistic Magick among the Jews and in
Sidha Yoga. In India among the Sidhis the Shakti or Feminine aspect of
DEITY (as Shiva is the male) has many aspects through which the world was
emanated - one of the more important aspects is MATRIKA SHAKTI or the power
of sound to create via the letters of the alphabet forming themselves into
Words. In both systems - Kabbalah and Sidha Yoga - it is believed that the
universe was created by words. This is reflected in modern New-Age work
with Affirmations used by such diverse sources as Marion Weinstein, Diannic
Witch, as described in her book POSITIVE MAGIC (phoenix Publishing) and the
Unity School of Christianity as well as the Religious Science and Christian
Science and Divine Science and all the other "science" churches. Shakti
Gawain, author of CREATIVE VISUALIZATION teaches it from the New - Age
perspective as well. It is through words we create out own reality and
right use of them for good and in loving ways is one of the most powerful
of Magicks. NOTE BY MATRIKA
158
From the old Norse Verse, Lay of the High one, stanzas 138, 139, and 141
Woden/Odin is speaking
" I know that I hung there
on the windy tree
swung there nights, all of nine
gashed with a blade
bloodied by Odin
myself an offering to myself
knotted to that tree
no man knows whither the root of it runs
None gave me bread
None gave me drink |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 140 | down to the depths I peered
to snatch up runes
with a roaring screech
and fall in a dizzying faint
Wellspring I won
and wisdom too
and grew and joyed in my growth
from a word to a word
I was led to a word
from a deed to another deed
As you can see this legend, which in the original sources pre-dates
Christianity, has much in common with the legend of Jesus's
Crucifixion/Resurrection in the Newer religion - but then there are
similar themes in the story of Tammuz from the Middle East, the story of
Osiris in Egypt and in many other sources. The story of the fallen God who
is resurrected with great power and wisdom reflects the Shamans's
confrontation with his own death - either in a literal sense through
sickness or accident, or in a Psychological sense or by other means such as
the mild, natural hallucinogens used by the Native Americans and other
tribal peoples. (NOTE, I AM NOT ENDORSING THERE USE; THEY ARE COMPLETELY
UNNECESSARY - but nevertheless, this is the practice in some cultures,
where they know how to handle the power of these drugs and guide one safely
through the experience. It is important to note this is not done lightly
or playfully either and that the drugs they use are NATURAl substances, not
the harsher chemical ones abused in our modern society for recreational
use)
It also represents the natural cycles of the year - the grain grows
and is cut down or sacrificed only to be reborn again, the trees lose their
leaves and seem to die only to resurrected, (which is why the tree of
life/cross image developed) some animals hibernate and come back, etc.
etc. etc
Now here is the legend of the Goddess in the Saxon form as the search
by Freya for the necklace Brosingame - a silver circlet worn about her neck
as a chaplet. As with the Gardnerian Wicca legend of the descent of the
Goddess to the Underworld, it reflects the cycles of the year - when
fertility seems to sink into the earth and vanish during winter's barren
months only to have the Lady and her bounty return to us in the spring.
159
(Matrika's notes)
1. All day had Freya, most lovely of the Goddesses, played and romped in
the fields. Then did she lay down to rest.
2. And while she slept; deft Loki, the prankster, the mischief-maker of
the Gods; did espy the glimmering of Brosingame, formed of Galdra (magick)
Her constant companion. Silent as the night did Loki move to the Goddess's
side and with fingers formed over the very ages in lightness did remove the
silver circlet from about her snow white neck.
3. Straightaway did Freya arouse; on sensing it's loss. Though he moved
with the speed of the winds, yet Loki she glimpsed as he passed swiftly
from sight into the barrow (burial mound) that leads to Dreun. (land of the
dead, the underworld) |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 141 | 4. Then was Freya in despair. Darkness descended all about her to hide
her tears. Great was her anguish. All light, all life, all creatures
joined in her doom.
5. To all corners were sent the Searchers, in quest of Loki; yet knew
they. they would find him not. For who is there may descend to Dreun and
return again from thence?
6. Excepting the Gods themselves and, alzck, mischievous Loki.
7. So it was that, still weak from her grief, Freya herself elected to
descend in search of Brosingame. At the portals of the Barrow was she
challenged, yet recognized and passed.
8. The multitude of souls within cried joyfully to see her, yet could she
not tarry as she sought her stolen light.
9. The infamous Loki left no trail to follow, yet was he everywhere past
seen. Those to whom she spake held to Freya (that) Loki carried no Jewel
as he went by.
10. Where then was it hid?
11. In despair she searched an age.
Hearhden (also known as Heimdall) the mighty smith of the Gods, did arise
from his rest to sense the bewailment of the souls to Freya's sorrow.
Striding from his smithy, to find the cause of the sorrow, did he espy the
Silver Circlet where Loki Mischief-maker had laid it; upon the rock before
his door.
13. Then was all clear.
14. As Hearhden took hold of Brosingame (then did) Loki appear before him,
his face wild with rage.
15. Yet would Loki not attack Hearhden, this mighty smith whose strength
was known even beyond Dreun.
16. By wiles and tricks did he strive to get his hands upon the (silver)
circlet. He shape-shifted; he darted here and there; he was visible, then
invisible. yet could he not sway the Smith.
160
17. Tired of the fight, Hearhden raised his mighty club. Then sped Loki
away.
18. Great was the joy of Freya when Hearhden placed Brosingame about her
snow-white neck.
19. Great were the cries of Joy from Dreun and above.
20. Great were the thanks that Freya and all People gave to the Gods for
the return of Brosingame.
This tale and the Gardnerian legend of the descent of the Goddess into
the Underworld (told in the 2d degree initiation) and similar myths from
around the world, such as the legend of Kwan Yin's descent to the land of
death and her being expelled for spreading mirth and joy, show that women
also shared a very important role in the shamanism/priesthood of the
European Pagan traditions and also faced the ordeals - i.e. the physical or
psychological confrontation with death. And again, it reflects the times |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 142 | of darkness and light in the year - the waxing and waning of the moon each
month and the waxing and waning of the sun each year from Yule or Winter
solstice to Mid-summer's night or Summer solstice when the light grows
stronger and the remainder of the year, when light grows weaker.
161
WICCAN SHAMANISM
by
Selena Fox
typed by Lewis for P.A.N.
508-795-7628
Shamanism exists intribal cultures aroundthe world and hasdone so
for centuries. Yet, in reading most anthropological texts on Shamanism,
there is little, if any reference made to shamanism in Europe. However
Shamanism has existed among the peoples of Europe not only in ancient
times, but also through the present day. During the Middle Ages, the Old
Ways largely disappeared from public view because of persecution. Yet they
were not eradicated but took a more underground existence. Today, there
are some of us of European ancestry that are bringing Shamanic ways rooted
in pre-Christian Europe back into the light.
Wiccan Shamanism is a term I began using several years ago in an
attempt to describe my own path of magick and spirituality in relation to
the other forms of Shamanism on the Planet. Wiccan Shamanism draws on the
Old but it is not simply an attempt re-construction and revival of the Old
Ways of tribal Europe. Wiccan Shamanism blends both the Old and the New to
suit the modern times in which we live. Although emphasis is on European
symbology and traditions Wiccan Shamanism is multi-cultural, incorporating
ways of other healers and magick workers from many places and eras.
What follows is a glimpse into Wiccan Shamanism as I know it and
practice it. While Jim,Dennis, and others who help with various aspects
of CIRCLES work may share many of these concepts, I speak here only for
myself - for at the heart of this spiritual approach is the idea that each
person must seek their own connection with the Divine, within their own
Self, rather than having me or anyone else do this for them. This is not a
path of a leader with followers, but a path where each becomes their own
leader.
***************************************************************************
I call to thePowers of the Four Quarters-- to Earth in theNorth which
is the Realm of the Physical Body and Material Plane, to Air in the East
which is the Realm of Thoughts and Intellect, to Fire in the South which is
the Realm of Will Power and Action, and Water in the West which is the
Realm of Emotions and Intuition. My Medicine Wheel is the Magick Circle
which connects the Four Quarters. The sacred places I frequent include a
high rock, a crystal clear spring fed pool n a hidden valley and a circle
of stones in a grove of Oak and Birch on a mound.
I am achannel between Planet Earth beneath myfeet and the Heavens
above my head. I become the World tree when I Shamanize, linking the
transforming Dark of the Underworld with the Awakening Light of the
Upperworld.
I am theCrystal LIght that isat the Center ofthe Circle and isthe
fifth Element Spirit. I seek always to act out of MY own Inner Self which
is at the enter of MY being, for my Inner Self in the Balance of all the
Elements, of my Female and Male sides, of my Lunar and Solar natures of my |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 143 | intellect and intuition my Inner Self is my doorway into the realm where
All is One.
162
Isee the Circleof Life from theCenter. Iwatch the Seasons change
as the Wheel of the Year turns and I celebrate the 8 sabbats. I connect
with the dance of Night and Day, of Fair and Stormy Weathers, of the Waxing
and Waning Moon. I see the cycle of Birth, Growth, Maturity, Death, and
Rebirth in all of Nature. I examine the cycles of my own life and of the
lives of those who seek healing aid from me.
I amthe traveler between theWorld of Daily Lifeand the Otherworld
which is the land of Dreams, visions and Spirits. I am a Consciousness
Explorer. the Otherworldis as real and as important to me as the Day-to-Day
World. I bridge the Worlds rather than seeking to dwell solely in one or
the other. I journey into the Otherworld for a reason -- to bring back
healing and knowledge to apply to Daily Life, helping others, myself and
the Planet.
Isee the Divine in all things. My friends and allies include not
only humans but also plants, animals, rocks, winds, waters, fire, stars,
and other life forms. I commune with the Source some call "God" as both
Mother Goddess and Father God, for both aspects are necessary for the
Unity.
The main focus of my Shamanic work is Healing. I was calledto this
path as a young child in dreams and Out-of-Body experiences, but I didn't
begin my work until my adult years when I started Healing myself. To do
this I journeyed alone into the Pit of my Shadow Self and came face-to-face
with my problems and hang-ups; my doubts fears, disillusionments,
rejections, angers and hurts; with all MY false self images. Words can not
begin to express the misery, the utter despair the powerlessness I felt
during this time. Yet coming apart was essential; it enabled me to break
through the barriers which I had formed and let others form in my psyche
that had kept me from being one with my True Self. In the deepest
Darkness, I felt the Light of my own Inner Self beginning to shine through.
I focused on the Light and slowly emerged from the Pit, stronger and more
integrated than ever before and with the power to heal others as well as
myself. As a result of this transformation process, my life's work became
clear. I now help others from their own pits of negativity and become
whole again.
163
Yetmy work also extends tomore than Humankind; it involves bringing
Healing to the Planet as a whole. In my communing with the Land, I have
heard the cries of the Earth mother, sorrowing over the self-centered,
greedy, intolerant, and destructive behaviors of many of Her human
children, who are polluting the soiled, waters, and air; who are playing
power games with nuclear fire; and who are polluting the spiritual
atmosphere of the entire world with their narrow mindedness and hate. I am
deeply concerned about survival -- not of the Planer Herself for all the
humans in the world can not destroy Her even with all their weapons; She is
too strong and powerful for that to happen. What I am concerned about is
the survival of the human race. -- will we annihilate ourselves and many of
the life forms around us, or will we wake up in time to see the larger |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 144 | picture, find and implement creative solutions to the worlds problems, and
enter a New Age of expanded consciousness?
The Balance of Life can be restored on Planet Earth; Harmony can be
restored between humankind and other life forms; Love consciousness can
increase and be prevalent on the Earth. I, along with numerous other
healers and ministers from a variety of spiritual traditions around the
world today have responded to the upset of Mother Earth by dedicating our
lives to this Planetary Healing Work, each in our own way. It is this
Great Work that underlies all the healing and other things I do. It is the
Heart of Wiccan Shamanism.
First published in fall 1984 CIRCLE NETWORK NEWS;
(C) 1984, CIRCLE, Box 219, Mt. Horeb WI 53572 USA.;
164
A Healing Myth
By "Nihasa"
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| This story can have a powerful healing effect when read out |
| loud (or recorded and then played) to someone suffering from |
| a phobia or other effect of childhood trauma. While names, |
| settings, and style can be varied to suit individual tastes, |
| the sequence which the apprentice describes, the sequence |
| the princess goes through, and the vagueness of the "bad |
| thing" descriptions should remain unchanged and no element |
| of the story should be left out. |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|
Once, in another time and another place, a kingdom of magic
and beauty knew a time of peace. No armies threatened its
boarders, no bandits plundered its trade routes, no plagues
sickened its people. Yet even in such peaceful times, bad
things could happen: accidents, misunderstandings, even
good people doing bad things.
The third daughter of the king was a bright and cheerful
sort. She wasn't the strongest or the prettiest of the
royal princesses, but she did have the nicest wings of
anyone her age. She loved to fly around the countryside
and explore the groves and meadows she found...they were
always full of surprises.
One day she found a particularly pretty grove, with a pond
glistening in a little clearing in the middle. As she went
in for a closer look, she saw images start to form. She saw
her own reflection, and as she lightly touched the ground
she saw that her reflection was watching reflections of her
own...dim watery reflections from her past.
"So you can see the pictures." The voice from among the
trees made her jump. "Don't worry," continued the young man
as he stepped out from among the trees, "nobody else can see
the same images, Princess. It's part of the magic."
"How...?" she asked, looking him up and down. He was a young
man, no older than the princess herself, dressed in the |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 145 | rough tunic of a wizard's apprentice. "Who are you? How did
you know who I am, what I saw?"
"I am apprenticed to the Court Wizard. Everybody knows who
you are, Princess...and besides, I have seen you at the
palace when I have been there with my master." He paused,
glancing at the ground and lowering his voice. "As to the
images...well, at one time I had need of their magic."
"When I entered the Wizard's service, I had a great and
secret fear. Something...bad...happened to me when I was
younger. It hurt to even think about, and after time I
didn't think about it much. But ever since that time, I had
lived with the fear. When my master learned of this, he
taught me the magic of this pool and its stream."
165
"The pool reflects images from your mind...scenes from your
past, dreams of the future, even fantasies of the present.
The stream flows like time itself, upstream into the past,
and downstream into the future. If I followed the ritual he
described, these magics could wash clean the fear."
She made a face. "I suppose this ritual involves deep magics
usable only by Wizards?"
"Not really. All the magic is in the waters, and anyone can
use the ritual. Even a lowly apprentice." He grinned. "It's
pretty simple. After he told me about it, he brought me here
and then stood back by the trees. He said that he would
answer any questions I had but otherwise I was on my own."
"I stood where I could see my reflection in the pool, and
then thought about my fear. As I thought, my reflection
watched a reflection of my thoughts...like a stage where
dimly lit actors played out the scene against a colorless
backdrop. I looked up and saw that I was still here, in the
glade. I looked back at the water, holding on to a small
part of the special feeling of fear it had given me. As I
turned and looked back upstream, I saw more images...each
earlier than the last. I relaxed and let the feeling guide
me back to the earliest image. When I had that, I turned
back to the pool and found my reflection watching the same
colorless players in their dim reflection of the memory. As
my reflection watched, the image went from a time shortly
before the bad thing happened, through the whole thing, and
on to a time when it was all over. When it passed the ending
that way, it stopped...like a drawing. Then the drawing
faded away, and I was just looking at my reflection. The
Wizard had told me that if I stepped into that last part of
the image, it would run very quickly backwards, with full
color and sound and me living backwards through it all...all
the way through to the part before the beginning. It sounded
very strange. As I looked at my reflection again, it was
watching the image go forward again in its dim, colorless
way. When it reached the drawing at the end, I stepped into
the image and was plunged into a world going backwards! It
went clear through to before the beginning in less than a
second, then stopped. Startled, I let the water carry me
downstream, through all that had happened since, with the
fear gone and the memory unable to hurt me. When I reached |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 146 | the here-and-now, I got out and just stood there, knowing
that the fear would trouble me no more." He stopped, and
suddenly seemed to remember where he was, and who he was
talking to. "That was over a year ago, and the fear is still
gone. The Wizard says it is gone for good."
She thought for a moment. "So all there is to this ritual is
think of the problem until your reflection sees it, follow a
part of the feeling upstream to my earliest memory of it,
wait for my reflection to see it all the way through, step
into the ending, and live it backwards quickly? What kind of
magic is that?"
He thought for a minute, shrugged, and said "Effective? If
you wish, I will withdraw to the trees while you try it."
166
"What makes you think that I NEED it?"
"Because the images only come to those who do." His voice
faded to an embarrassed silence as he realized what he had
said. "I'll go now."
"Yes, do." She said absently, already thinking. Then: "But
not too far, in case I need you." She was remembering an
incident a few days back which had set off her special fear,
and just as the apprentice had described, her reflection in
the pool was watching a dim and watery scene of the memory.
Startled, she looked up again. Yes, she was in the clearing,
with the trees all around and the apprentice all but lost
among the closer ones. She could still feel a part of that
fear, so she kept that feeling while she looked back up
stream at all the images from the past that the feeling had
touched...until she found the earliest of them all. She
brought that memory back to the pool and released it as her
reflection started to watch it unfold in its dim and watery
way. Her reflection seemed to have a life of its own as it
watched the pale scene start before anything happened, run
through the bad parts, and then pause at a time when it was
all over. She watched her reflection shift as she prepared
for what she would do. Her reflection settled as it watched
the scene unfold again. The dim scene passed through the
beginning, through the bad time and on past again. When it
stopped, she jumped in to it. Suddenly, she was there again:
back where and when it had happened. Everything was moving
backwards, and in a flash she had lived backwards through it
and past the beginning. Shocked, she let the water carry her
down stream, forward through all the rest of her yesterdays
without the bad times for company. When she got to today,
she stood up. There she was...standing, dripping in a stream
in the clearing. She looked around for the apprentice, half
expecting him to be laughing at the soggy mess she must be.
He was there, by the trees...not laughing, just smiling in
an understanding way.
In the years that followed, they became friends. Although
they went their separate ways...he, as wizard to one of the
King's high lords and she as wife to a neighboring prince...
they valued that friendship to the end of their days. And
from that time on, neither was ever again troubled by their
great fears. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 147 | .........
167
C A N D L E M A S: The Light Returns
=====================================
by Mike Nichols
It seems quiteimpossible thatthe holiday ofCandlemas shouldbe
considered the beginning of Spring. Here in the Heartland, February 2nd
may see a blanket of snow mantling the Mother. Or, if the snows have gone,
you may be sure the days are filled with drizzle, slush, and steel-grey
skies -- the dreariest weather of the year. In short, the perfect time for
a Pagan Festival of Lights. And as for Spring, although this may seem a
tenuous beginning, all the little buds, flowers and leaves will have
arrived on schedule before Spring runs its course to Beltane.
'Candlemas' is theChristianized namefor theholiday, ofcourse.
The older Pagan names were Imbolc and Oimelc. 'Imbolc' means, literally,
'in the belly' (of the Mother). For in the womb of Mother Earth, hidden
from our mundane sight but sensed by a keener vision, there are stirrings.
The seed that was planted in her womb at the solstice is quickening and the
new year grows. 'Oimelc' means 'milk of ewes', for it is also lambing
season.
The holiday isalso called 'Brigit's Day',in honor of thegreat
Irish Goddess Brigit. At her shrine, the ancient Irish capitol of Kildare,
a group of 19 priestesses (no men allowed) kept a perpetual flame burning
in her honor. She was considered a goddess of fire, patroness of smith-
craft, poetry and healing (especially the healing touch of midwifery).
This tripartite symbolism was occasionally expressed by saying that Brigit
had two sisters, also named Brigit. (Incidentally, another form of the
name Brigit is Bride, and it is thus She bestows her special patronage on
any woman about to be married or handfasted, the woman being called 'bride'
in her honor.)
TheRoman Catholic Church could not very easily call the Great
Goddess of Ireland a demon, so they canonized her instead. Henceforth, she
would be 'Saint' Brigit, patron SAINT of smithcraft, poetry, and healing.
They 'explained' this by telling the Irish peasants that Brigit was
'really' an early Christian missionary sent to the Emerald Isle, and that
the miracles she performed there 'misled' the common people into believing
that she was a goddess. For some reason, the Irish swallowed this. (There
is no limit to what the Irish imagination can convince itself of. For
example, they also came to believe that Brigit was the 'foster-mother' of
Jesus, giving no thought to the implausibility of Jesus having spent his
boyhood in Ireland!)
Brigit'sholiday waschieflymarked bythekindling ofsacredfires,
since she symbolized the fire of birth and healing, the fire of the forge,
and the fire of poetic inspiration. Bonfires were lighted on the beacon
tors, and chandlers celebrated their special holiday. The Roman Church was
quick to confiscate this symbolism as well, using 'Candlemas' as the day to
bless all the church candles that would be used for the coming liturgical
year. (Catholics will be reminded that the following day, St. Blaise's
Day, is remembered for using the newly blessed candles to bless the throats
of parishioners, keeping them from colds, flu, sore throats, etc.)
168 |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 148 | TheCatholic Church,never oneto refrainfrom pilingholiday upon
holiday, also called it the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin
Mary. (It is surprising how many of the old Pagan holidays were converted
to Maryan Feasts.) The symbol of the Purification may seem a little
obscure to modern readers, but it has to do with the old custom of
'churching women'. It was believed that women were impure for six weeks
after giving birth. And since Mary gave birth at the winter solstice, she
wouldn't be purified until February 2nd. In Pagan symbolism, this might be
re-translated as when the Great Mother once again becomes the Young Maiden
Goddess.
Today,this holidayischiefly connectedto weatherlore. Even our
American folk-calendar keeps the tradition of 'Groundhog's Day', a day to
predict the coming weather, telling us that if the Groundhog sees his
shadow, there will be 'six more weeks' of bad weather (i.e., until the next
old holiday, Lady Day). This custom is ancient. An old British rhyme
tells us that 'If Candlemas Day be bright and clear, there'll be two
winters in the year.' Actually, all of the cross-quarter days can be used
as 'inverse' weather predictors, whereas the quarter-days are used as
'direct' weather predictors.
Liketheother HighHolidays orGreat Sabbatsof theWitches' year,
Candlemas is sometimes celebrated on it's alternate date, astrologically
determined by the sun's reaching 15-degrees Aquarius, or Candlemas Old
Style (in 1988, February 3rd, at 9:03 am CST). Another holiday that gets
mixed up in this is Valentine's Day. Ozark folklorist Vance Randolf makes
this quite clear by noting that the old-timers used to celebrate
Groundhog's Day on February 14th. This same displacement is evident in
Eastern Orthodox Christianity as well. Their habit of celebrating the
birth of Jesus on January 6th, with a similar post-dated shift in the
six-week period that follows it, puts the Feast of the Purification of Mary
on February 14th. It is amazing to think that the same confusion and
lateral displacement of one of the old folk holidays can be seen from the
Russian steppes to the Ozark hills, but such seems to be the case!
Incidentally,there isspeculation amonglinguisticscholars that
the very name of 'Valentine' has Pagan origins. It seems that it was
customary for French peasants of the Middle Ages to pronounce a 'g' as a
'v'. Consequently, the original term may have been the French 'galantine',
which yields the English word 'gallant'. The word originally refers to a
dashing young man known for his 'affaires d'amour', a true galaunt. The
usual associations of V(G)alantine's Day make much more sense in this light
than their vague connection to a legendary 'St. Valentine' can produce.
Indeed, the Church has always found it rather difficult to explain this
nebulous saint's connection to the secular pleasures of flirtation and
courtly love.
For modern Witches, CandlemasO.S. may thenbe seen as thePagan
version of Valentine's Day, with a de-emphasis of 'hearts and flowers' and
an appropriate re-emphasis of Pagan carnal frivolity. This also re-aligns
the holiday with the ancient Roman Lupercalia, a fertility festival held at
this time, in which the priests of Pan ran through the streets of Rome
whacking young women with goatskin thongs to make them fertile. The women
seemed to enjoy the attention and often stripped in order to afford better
targets.
169
Oneof the nicestfolk-customs stillpracticed inmany countries,
and especially by Witches in the British Isles and parts of the U.S., is to
place a lighted candle in each and every window of the house, beginning at
sundown on Candlemas Eve (February 1st), allowing them to continue burning
until sunrise. Make sure that such candles are well seated against tipping |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 149 | and guarded from nearby curtains, etc. What a cheery sight it is on this
cold, bleak and dreary night to see house after house with candle-lit
windows! And, of course, if you are your Coven's chandler, or if you just
happen to like making candles, Candlemas Day is THE day for doing it. Some
Covens hold candle-making parties and try to make and bless all the candles
they'll be using for the whole year on this day.
Othercustoms ofthe holidayinclude weaving'Brigit's crosses'
from straw or wheat to hang around the house for protection, performing
rites of spiritual cleansing and purification, making 'Brigit's beds' to
ensure fertility of mind and spirit (and body, if desired), and making
Crowns of Light (i.e. of candles) for the High Priestess to wear for the
Candlemas Circle, similar to those worn on St. Lucy's Day in Scandinavian
countries. All in all, this Pagan Festival of Lights, sacred to the young
Maiden Goddess, is one of the most beautiful and poetic of the year.
170
L A D Y D A Y: The Vernal Equinox
=====================================
by Mike Nichols
Nowcomes theVernal Equinox,and theseason ofSpring reaches
it's apex, halfway through its journey from Candlemas to Beltane. Once
again, night and day stand in perfect balance, with the powers of light on
the ascendancy. The god of light now wins a victory over his twin, the god
of darkness. In the Mabinogion myth reconstruction which I have proposed,
this is the day on which the restored Llew takes his vengeance on Goronwy
by piercing him with the sunlight spear. For Llew was restored/reborn at
the Winter Solstice and is now well/old enough to vanquish his rival/twin
and mate with his lover/mother. And the great Mother Goddess, who has
returned to her Virgin aspect at Candlemas, welcomes the young sun god's
embraces and conceives a child. The child will be born nine months from
now, at the next Winter Solstice. And so the cycle closes at last.
We think thatthe customssurrounding the celebrationof thespring
equinox were imported from Mediterranean lands, although there can be no
doubt that the first inhabitants of the British Isles observed it, as
evidence from megalithic sites shows. But it was certainly more popular to
the south, where people celebrated the holiday as New Year's Day, and
claimed it as the first day of the first sign of the Zodiac, Aries.
However you look at it, it is certainly a time of new beginnings, as a
simple glance at Nature will prove.
In theRoman CatholicChurch, thereare twoholidays whichget mixed
up with the Vernal Equinox. The first, occurring on the fixed calendar day
of March 25th in the old liturgical calendar, is called the Feast of the
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (or B.V.M., as she was typically
abbreviated in Catholic Missals). 'Annunciation' means an announcement.
This is the day that the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was 'in
the family way'. Naturally, this had to be announced since Mary, being
still a virgin, would have no other means of knowing it. (Quit scoffing, O
ye of little faith!) Why did the Church pick the Vernal Equinox for the
commemoration of this event? Because it was necessary to have Mary
conceive the child Jesus a full nine months before his birth at the Winter
Solstice (i.e., Christmas, celebrated on the fixed calendar date of
December 25). Mary's pregnancy would take the natural nine months to
complete, even if the conception was a bit unorthodox.
Asmentionedbefore, theolder Paganequivalentof thisscene focuses
on the joyous process of natural conception, when the young virgin Goddess
(in this case, 'virgin' in the original sense of meaning 'unmarried') mates |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 150 | with the young solar God, who has just displaced his rival. This is
probably not their first mating, however. In the mythical sense, the
couple may have been lovers since Candlemas, when the young God reached
puberty. But the young Goddess was recently a mother (at the Winter
Solstice) and is probably still nursing her new child. Therefore,
conception is naturally delayed for six weeks or so and, despite earlier
matings with the God, She does not conceive until (surprise!) the Vernal
Equinox. This may also be their Hand-fasting, a sacred marriage between
God and Goddess called a Hierogamy, the ultimate Great Rite. Probably the
nicest study of this theme occurs in M. Esther Harding's book, 'Woman's
Mysteries'. Probably the nicest description of it occurs in M. Z.
Bradley's 'Mists of Avalon', in the scene where Morgan and Arthur assume
the sacred roles. (Bradley follows the British custom of transferring the
episode to Beltane, when the climate is more suited to its outdoor
celebration.)
171
The other Christianholiday which gets mixedup in this isEaster.
Easter, too, celebrates the victory of a god of light (Jesus) over darkness
(death), so it makes sense to place it at this season. Ironically, the
name 'Easter' was taken from the name of a Teutonic lunar Goddess, Eostre
(from whence we also get the name of the female hormone, estrogen). Her
chief symbols were the bunny (both for fertility and because her worshipers
saw a hare in the full moon) and the egg (symbolic of the cosmic egg of
creation), images which Christians have been hard pressed to explain. Her
holiday, the Eostara, was held on the Vernal Equinox Full Moon. Of course,
the Church doesn't celebrate full moons, even if they do calculate by them,
so they planted their Easter on the following Sunday. Thus, Easter is
always the first Sunday, after the first Full Moon, after the Vernal
Equinox. If you've ever wondered why Easter moved all around the calendar,
now you know. (By the way, the Catholic Church was so adamant about NOT
incorporating lunar Goddess symbolism that they added a further
calculation: if Easter Sunday were to fall on the Full Moon itself, then
Easter was postponed to the following Sunday instead.)
Incidentally,this raisesanotherpoint: recently,some Pagantradi-
tions began referring to the Vernal Equinox as Eostara. Historically, this
is incorrect. Eostara is a lunar holiday, honoring a lunar Goddess, at the
Vernal Full Moon. Hence, the name 'Eostara' is best reserved to the
nearest Esbat, rather than the Sabbat itself. How this happened is
difficult to say. However, it is notable that some of the same groups
misappropriated the term 'Lady Day' for Beltane, which left no good folk
name for the Equinox. Thus, Eostara was misappropriated for it, completing
a chain-reaction of displacement. Needless to say, the old and accepted
folk name for the Vernal Equinox is 'Lady Day'. Christians sometimes
insist that the title is in honor of Mary and her Annunciation, but Pagans
will smile knowingly.
Anothermythological motifwhich mustsurely arrestour attentionat
this time of year is that of the descent of the God or Goddess into the
Underworld. Perhaps we see this most clearly in the Christian tradition.
Beginning with his death on the cross on Good Friday, it is said that Jesus
'descended into hell' for the three days that his body lay entombed. But
on the third day (that is, Easter Sunday), his body and soul rejoined, he
arose from the dead and ascended into heaven. By a strange 'coincidence',
most ancient Pagan religions speak of the Goddess descending into the
Underworld, also for a period of three days.
Why three days? If weremember that we arehere dealing withthe lunar
aspect of the Goddess, the reason should be obvious. As the text of one
Book of Shadows gives it, '...as the moon waxes and wanes, and walks three
nights in darkness, so the Goddess once spent three nights in the Kingdom
of Death.' In our modern world, alienated as it is from nature, we tend to |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 151 | mark the time of the New Moon (when no moon is visible) as a single date on
a calendar. We tend to forget that the moon is also hidden from our view
on the day before and the day after our calendar date. But this did not go
unnoticed by our ancestors, who always speak of the Goddess's sojourn into
the land of Death as lasting for three days. Is it any wonder then, that
we celebrate the next Full Moon (the Eostara) as the return of the Goddess
from chthonic regions?
172
Naturally, thisis the seasonto celebrate thevictory oflife over
death, as any nature-lover will affirm. And the Christian religion was not
misguided by celebrating Christ's victory over death at this same season.
Nor is Christ the only solar hero to journey into the underworld. King
Arthur, for example, does the same thing when he sets sail in his magical
ship, Prydwen, to bring back precious gifts (i.e. the gifts of life) from
the Land of the Dead, as we are told in the 'Mabinogi'. Welsh triads
allude to Gwydion and Amaethon doing much the same thing. In fact, this
theme is so universal that mythologists refer to it by a common phrase,
'the harrowing of hell'.
However,one mightconjecturethat thedescent intohell, orthe land
of the dead, was originally accomplished, not by a solar male deity, but by
a lunar female deity. It is Nature Herself who, in Spring, returns from
the Underworld with her gift of abundant life. Solar heroes may have laid
claim to this theme much later. The very fact that we are dealing with a
three-day period of absence should tell us we are dealing with a lunar, not
solar, theme. (Although one must make exception for those occasional MALE
lunar deities, such as the Assyrian god, Sin.) At any rate, one of the
nicest modern renditions of the harrowing of hell appears in many Books of
Shadows as 'The Descent of the Goddess'. Lady Day may be especially
appropriate for the celebration of this theme, whether by storytelling,
reading, or dramatic re-enactment.
For modernWitches, Lady Day isone of the LesserSabbats or Low
Holidays of the year, one of the four quarter-days. And what date will
Witches choose to celebrate? They may choose the traditional folk 'fixed'
date of March 25th, starting on its Eve. Or they may choose the actual
equinox point, when the Sun crosses the Equator and enters the astrological
sign of Aries. This year (1988), that will occur at 3:39 am CST on March
20th.
173
L A M M A S: The First Harvest
===============================
by Mike Nichols
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Once upon a Lammas Night
When corn rigs are bonny,
Beneath the Moon's unclouded light,
I held awhile to Annie...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Although inthe heatof aMid-western summerit mightbe difficult
to discern, the festival of Lammas (Aug 1st) marks the end of summer and
the beginning of fall. The days now grow visibly shorter and by the time
we've reached autumn's end (Oct 31st), we will have run the gamut of
temperature from the heat of August to the cold and (sometimes) snow of
November. And in the midst of it, a perfect Mid-western autumn.
The history of Lammasis as convoluted as allthe rest of theold folk |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 152 | holidays. It is of course a cross-quarter day, one of the four High
Holidays or Greater Sabbats of Witchcraft, occurring 1/4 of a year after
Beltane. It's true astrological point is 15 degrees Leo, which occurs at
1:18 am CDT, Aug 6th this year (1988), but tradition has set August 1st as
the day Lammas is typically celebrated. The celebration proper would begin
on sundown of the previous evening, our July 31st, since the Celts reckon
their days from sundown to sundown.
However,British Witchesoften referto theastrological dateof Aug
6th as Old Lammas, and folklorists call it Lammas O.S. ('Old Style'). This
date has long been considered a 'power point' of the Zodiac, and is
symbolized by the Lion, one of the 'tetramorph' figures found on the Tarot
cards, the World and the Wheel of Fortune (the other three figures being
the Bull, the Eagle, and the Spirit). Astrologers know these four figures
as the symbols of the four 'fixed' signs of the Zodiac, and these naturally
align with the four Great Sabbats of Witchcraft. Christians have adopted
the same iconography to represent the four gospel-writers.
'Lammas'was themedieval Christiannamefor theholiday andit means
'loaf-mass', for this was the day on which loaves of bread were baked from
the first grain harvest and laid on the church altars as offerings. It was
a day representative of 'first fruits' and early harvest.
InIrish Gaelic,the feastwas referredto as'Lugnasadh', afeast to
commemorate the funeral games of the Irish sun-god Lugh. However, there is
some confusion on this point. Although at first glance, it may seem that
we are celebrating the death of the Lugh, the god of light does not really
die (mythically) until the autumnal equinox. And indeed, if we read the
Irish myths closer, we discover that it is not Lugh's death that is being
celebrated, but the funeral games which Lugh hosted to commemorate the
death of his foster- mother, Taillte. That is why the Lugnasadh cel-
ebrations in Ireland are often called the 'Tailltean Games'.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The time went by with careless heed
Between the late and early,
With small persuasion she agreed
To see me through the barley...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
174
Onecommon feature of the Games were the 'Tailltean marriages, a
rather informal marriage that lasted for only 'a year and a day' or until
next Lammas. At that time, the couple could decide to continue the
arrangement if it pleased them, or to stand back to back and walk away from
one another, thus bringing the Tailltean marriage to a formal close. Such
trial marriages (obviously related to the Wiccan 'Handfasting') were quite
common even into the 1500's, although it was something one 'didn't bother
the parish priest about'. Indeed, such ceremonies were usually solemnized
by a poet, bard, or shanachie (or, it may be guessed, by a priest or
priestess of the Old Religion).
Lammastidewasalso thetraditional timeofyear forcraft festivals.
The medieval guilds would create elaborate displays of their wares,
decorating their shops and themselves in bright colors and ribbons,
marching in parades, and performing strange, ceremonial plays and dances
for the entranced onlookers. The atmosphere must have been quite similar
to our modern-day Renaissance Festivals, such as the one celebrated in
near-by Bonner Springs, Kansas, each fall.
Aceremonial highlight ofsuch festivalswas the'Catherine wheel'.
Although the Roman Church moved St. Catherine's feast day all around the
calender with bewildering frequency, it's most popular date was Lammas. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 153 | (They also kept trying to expel this much-loved saint from the ranks of the
blessed because she was mythical rather than historical, and because her
worship gave rise to the heretical sect known as the Cathari.) At any
rate, a large wagon wheel was taken to the top of a near-by hill, covered
with tar, set aflame, and ceremoniously rolled down the hill. Some
mythologists see in this ritual the remnants of a Pagan rite symbolizing
the end of summer, the flaming disk representing the sun-god in his
decline. And just as the sun king has now reached the autumn of his years,
his rival or dark self has just reached puberty.
Many commentators have bewailedthe fact that traditional Gardnerian
and Alexandrian Books of Shadows say very little about the holiday of
Lammas, stating only that poles should be ridden and a circle dance
performed. This seems strange, for Lammas is a holiday of rich mythic and
cultural associations, providing endless resources for liturgical
celebration.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Corn rigs and barley rigs,
Corn rigs are bonny!
I'll not forget that happy night
Among the rigs with Annie!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
[Verse quotations by Robert Burns, as handed down through several Books of
Shadows.]
175
H A R V E S T H O M E
=======================
by Mike Nichols
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
There were three men came out of the West,
Their fortunes for to try,
And these three men made a solemn vow,
John Barleycorn must die...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Despite the bad publicity generated by Thomas Tryon's novel,
Harvest Home is the pleasantest of holidays. Admittedly, it does involve
the concept of sacrifice, but one that is symbolic only. The sacrifice is
that of the spirit of vegetation, John Barleycorn. Occurring 1/4 of the
year after Midsummer, Harvest Home represents mid-autumn, autumn's
height. It is also the Autumnal Equinox, one of the quarter days of the
year, a Lesser Sabbat and a Low Holiday in modern Witchcraft.
Technically, an equinox is an astronomical point and, due to the fact
that the earth wobbles on its axis slightly (rather like a top that's
slowing down), the date may vary by a few days depending on the year.
The autumnal equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator on it's
apparent journey southward, and we experience a day and a night that are
of equal duration. Up until Harvest Home, the hours of daylight have
been greater than the hours from dusk to dawn. But from now on, the
reverse holds true. Astrologers know this as the date on which the sun
enters the sign of Libra, the Balance (an appropriate symbol of a balanced
day and night). This year (1988) it will occur at 2:29 pm CDT on
September 22nd.
However, since most European peasants were not accomplished at
calculating the exact date of the equinox, they celebrated the event on a
fixed calendar date, September 25th, a holiday the medieval Church
Christianized under the name of 'Michaelmas', the feast of the Archangel
Michael. (One wonders if, at some point, the R.C. Church contemplated
assigning the four quarter days of the year to the four Archangels, just
as they assigned the four cross-quarter days to the four gospel-writers. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 154 | Further evidence for this may be seen in the fact that there was a brief
flirtation with calling the Vernal Equinox 'Gabrielmas', ostensibly to
commemorate the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary on Lady Day.)
Again, it must be remembered that the Celts reckoned their days from
sundown to sundown, so the September 25th festivities actually begin on
the previous sundown (our September 24th).
Although our Paganancestors probably celebrated HarvestHome on
September 25th, modern Witches and Pagans, with their desk-top computers
for making finer calculations, seem to prefer the actual equinox point,
beginning the celebration on its eve (this year, sunset on September
21st).
Mythically, thisis the day of the yearwhen the god of light is
defeated by his twin and alter-ego, the god of darkness. It is the time
of the year when night conquers day. And as I have recently shown in my
seasonal reconstruction of the Welsh myth of Blodeuwedd, the Autumnal
Equinox is the only day of the whole year when Llew (light) is vulnerable
and it is possible to defeat him. Llew now stands on the balance
(Libra/autumnal equinox), with one foot on the cauldron (Cancer/summer
solstice) and his other foot on the goat (Capricorn/winter solstice).
Thus he is betrayed by Blodeuwedd, the Virgin (Virgo) and transformed
into an Eagle (Scorpio).
176
Twothings arenow likelyto occur mythically,in rapidsuccession.
Having defeated Llew, Goronwy (darkness) now takes over Llew's functions,
both as lover to Blodeuwedd, the Goddess, and as King of our own world.
Although Goronwy, the Horned King, now sits on Llew's throne and begins
his rule immediately, his formal coronation will not be for another six
weeks, occurring at Samhain (Halloween) or the beginning of Winter, when
he becomes the Winter Lord, the Dark King, Lord of Misrule. Goronwy's
other function has more immediate results, however. He mates with the
virgin goddess, and Blodeuwedd conceives, and will give birth -- nine
months later (at the Summer Solstice) -- to Goronwy's son, who is really
another incarnation of himself, the Dark Child.
Llew's sacrificial death at Harvest Home also identifies him with
John Barleycorn, spirit of the fields. Thus, Llew represents not only the
sun's power, but also the sun's life trapped and crystallized in the corn.
Often this corn spiritwas believed to reside most especially in the last
sheaf or shock harvested, which was dressed in fine clothes, or woven into
a wicker-like man-shaped form. This effigy was then cut and carried from
the field, and usually burned, amidst much rejoicing. So one may see
Blodeuwedd and Goronwy in a new guise, not as conspirators who murder
their king, but as kindly farmers who harvest the crop which they had
planted and so lovingly cared for. And yet, anyone who knows the old
ballad of John Barleycorn knows that we have not heard the last of him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They let him stand till midsummer's day,
Till he looked both pale and wan,
And little Sir John's grown a long, long beard
And so become a man...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Incidentally, this annual mock sacrifice of a large wicker-work
figure (representing the vegetation spirit) may have been the origin of
the misconception that Druids made human sacrifices. This charge was
first made by Julius Caesar (who may not have had the most unbiased of
motives), and has been re-stated many times since. However, as has often
been pointed out, the only historians besides Caesar who make this
accusation are those who have read Caesar. And in fact, upon reading |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 155 | Caesar's 'Gallic Wars' closely, one discovers that Caesar never claims to
have actually witnessed such a sacrifice. Nor does he claim to have
talked to anyone else who did. In fact, there is not one single
eyewitness account of a human sacrifice performed by Druids in all of
history!
Nor isthere any archeological evidenceto support thecharge. If,
for example, human sacrifices had been performed at the same ritual sites
year after year, there would be physical traces. Yet there is not a
scrap. Nor is there any native tradition or history which lends support.
In fact, insular tradition seems to point in the opposite direction. The
Druid's reverence for life was so strict that they refused to lift a
sword to defend themselves when massacred by Roman soldiers on the Isle
of Mona. Irish brehon laws forbade a Druid to touch a weapon, and any
soul rash enough to unsheathe a sword in the presence of a Druid would be
executed for such an outrage! Jesse Weston, in her brilliant study
of the Four Hallows of British myth, 'From Ritual to Romance', points out
that British folk tradition is, however, full of MOCK sacrifices. In the
case of the wicker-man, such figures were referred to in very personified
terms, dressed in clothes, addressed by name, etc. In such a religious
ritual drama, everybody played along.
177
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They've hired men with scythes so sharp,
To cut him off at the knee,
They've rolled him and tied him by the waist
Serving him most barbarously...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Inthe medievalmiracle-play traditionofthe 'RiseUp,Jock'
variety (performed by troupes of mummers at all the village fairs), a
young harlequin-like king always underwent a mock sacrificial death. But
invariably, the traditional cast of characters included a mysterious
'Doctor' who had learned many secrets while 'travelling in foreign lands'.
The Doctor reaches into his bag of tricks, plies some magical cure, and
presto! the young king rises up hale and whole again, to the cheers of the
crowd. As Weston so sensibly points out, if the young king were ACTUALLY
killed, he couldn't very well rise up again, which is the whole point of
the ritual drama! It is an enactment of the death and resurrection of the
vegetation spirit. And what better time to perform it than at the end of
the harvest season?
In the rhythm ofthe year, Harvest Home marks atime of restafter
hard work. The crops are gathered in, and winter is still a month and a
half away! Although the nights are getting cooler, the days are still
warm, and there is something magical in the sunlight, for it seems silvery
and indirect. As we pursue our gentle hobbies of making corn dollies
(those tiny vegetation spirits) and wheat weaving, our attention is
suddenly arrested by the sound of baying from the skies (the 'Hounds of
Annwn' passing?), as lines of geese cut silhouettes across a harvest
moon. And we move closer to the hearth, the longer evening hours giving
us time to catch up on our reading, munching on popcorn balls and caramel
apples and sipping home-brewed mead or ale. What a wonderful time
Harvest Home is! And how lucky we are to live in a part of the country
where the season's changes are so dramatic and majestic!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And little Sir John in the nut-brown bowl--
And he's brandy in the glass,
And little Sir John in the nut-brown bowl
Proved the strongest man at last. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 156 | * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
178
T H E D E A T H O F L L E W
A Seasonal Interpretation
=================================
by Mike Nichols
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Not of father, nor of mother
Was my blood, was my body.
I was spellbound by Gwydion,
Prime enchanter of the Britons,
When he formed me from nine blossoms.
--'Hanes Blodeuwedd' R. Graves, trans. *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In mostPagan cultures, thesun godis seen assplit betweentwo
rival personalities: the god of light and his twin, his 'weird', his 'other
self', the god of darkness. They are Gawain and the Green Knight, Gwyn and
Gwythyr, Llew and Goronwy, Lugh and Balor, Balan and Balin, the Holly King
and the Oak King, etc. Often they are depicted as fighting seasonal
battles for the favor of their goddess/lover, such as Creiddylad or
Blodeuwedd, who represents Nature.
The god of light is always born at the winter solstice, and his
strength waxes with the lengthening days, until the moment of his greatest
power, the summer solstice, the longest day. And, like a look in a mirror,
his 'shadow self', the lord of darkness, is born at the summer solstice,
and his strength waxes with the lengthening nights until the moment of his
greatest power, the winter solstice, the longest night.
Indirect evidence supporting this mirror-birth pattern is strongest in
the Christianized form of the Pagan myth. Many writers, from Robert Graves
to Stewart Farrar, have repeatedly pointed out that Jesus was identified
with the Holly King, while John the Baptist was the Oak King. That is why,
'of all the trees that are in the wood, the Holly tree bears the crown.'
If the birth of Jesus, the 'light of the world', is celebrated at
mid-winter, Christian folk tradition insists that John the Oak King (the
'dark of the world'?) was born (rather than died) at mid-summer.
Itis at this pointthat I must divergefrom the opinion of Robert
Graves and other writers who have followed him. Graves believes that at
midsummer, the Sun King is slain by his rival, the God of Darkness; just as
the God of Darkness is, in turn, slain by the God of Light at midwinter.
And yet, in Christian folk tradition (derived from the older Pagan strain),
it is births, not deaths, that are associated with the solstices. For the
feast of John the Baptist, this is all the more conspicuous, as it breaks
the rules regarding all other saints.
John is the ONLY saint in the entire Catholic hagiography whose feast
day is a commemoration of his birth, rather than his death. A generation
ago, Catholic nuns were fond of explaining that a saint is commemorated on
the anniversary of his or her death because it was really a 'birth' into
the Kingdom of Heaven. But John the Baptist, the sole exception, is
emphatically commemorated on the anniversary of his birth into THIS world.
Although this makes no sense viewed from a Christian perspective, it makes
perfect poetic sense from the viewpoint of Pagan symbolism. (John's
earlier Pagan associations are treated in my essay on Midsummer.)
179 |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 157 | So if births are associated with the solstices, whendo the symbolic
deaths occur? When does Goronwy slay Llew and when does Llew, in his turn,
slay Goronwy? When does darkness conquer light or light conquer darkness?
Obviously (to me, at least), it must be at the two equinoxes. At the
autumnal equinox, the hours of light in the day are eclipsed by the hours
of darkness. At the vernal equinox, the process is reversed. Also, the
autumnal equinox, called 'Harvest Home', is already associated with
sacrifice, principally that of the spirit of grain or vegetation. In this
case, the god of light would be identical.
InWelshmythology inparticular, thereisa startlingvindication of
the seasonal placement of the sun god's death, the significance of which
occurred to me in a recent dream, and which I haven't seen elsewhere. Llew
is the Welsh god of light, and his name means 'lion'. (The lion is often
the symbol of a sun god.) He is betrayed by his 'virgin' wife Blodeuwedd,
into standing with one foot on the rim of a cauldron and the other on the
back of a goat. It is only in this way that Llew can be killed, and
Blodeuwedd's lover, Goronwy, Llew's dark self, is hiding nearby with a
spear at the ready. But as Llew is struck with it, he is not killed. He
is instead transformed into an eagle.
Putting thisin the form ofa Bardic riddle, itwould go something
like this: Who can tell in what season the Lion (Llew), betrayed by the
Virgin (Blodeuwedd), poised on the Balance, is transformed into an Eagle?
My readers who are astrologers are probably already gasping in recognition.
The sequence is astrological and in proper order: Leo (lion), Virgo
(virgin), Libra (balance), and Scorpio (for which the eagle is a well-known
alternative symbol). Also, the remaining icons, cauldron and goat, could
arguably symbolize Cancer and Capricorn (representing summer and winter),
the signs beginning with the two solstice points. So Llew is balanced
between cauldron and goat, between summer and winter, on the balance
(Libra) point of the autumnal equinox, with one foot on the summer solstice
and one foot on the winter solstice.
This, of course, is the answer to a related Bardic riddle.
Repeatedly, the 'Mabinogion' tells us that Llew must be standing with one
foot on the cauldron and one foot on the goat's back in order to be killed.
But nowhere does it tell us why. Why is this particular situation the ONLY
one in which Llew can be overcome? Because it represents the equinox
point. And the autumnal equinox is the only time of the entire year when
light (Llew) can be overcome by darkness (Goronwy).
Itshould now comeas no surprise that,when it istime for Llew to
kill Goronwy in his turn, Llew insists that Goronwy stands where he once
stood while he (Llew) casts the spear. This is no mere vindictiveness on
Llew's part. For, although the 'Mabinogion' does not say so, it should by
now be obvious that this is the only time when Goronwy can be overcome.
Light can overcome darkness only at the equinox -- this time the vernal
equinox. (Curiously, even the Christian tradition retains this
association, albeit in a distorted form, by celebrating Jesus' death near
the time of the vernal equinox.)
180
TheWelsh myth concludeswith Gwydion pursuingthe faithless Blod-
euwedd through the night sky, and a path of white flowers springs up in the
wake of her passing, which we today know as the Milky Way. When Gwydion
catches her, he transforms her into an owl, a fitting symbol of autumn,
just as her earlier association with flowers (she was made from them)
equates her with spring. Thus, while Llew and Goronwy represent summer and
winter, Blodeuwedd herself represents both spring and fall, as patron
goddess of flowers and owls, respectively. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 158 | Althoughit is far morespeculative than thepreceding material, a
final consideration would pursue this mirror-like life pattern of Llew and
Goronwy to its ultimate conclusion. Although Llew is struck with the
sunlight spear at the autumnal equinox, and so 'dies' as a human, it takes
a while before Gwydion discovers him in his eagle form. How long? We may
speculate 13 weeks, when the sun reaches the midpoint of the sign (or form)
of the eagle, Scorpio -- on Halloween. And if this is true, it may be that
Llew, the sun god, finally 'dies' to the upper world on Halloween, and now
passes through the gates of death, where he is immediately crowned king of
the underworld, the Lord of Misrule! (In medieval tradition, the person
proclaimed as 'Lord of Misrule' reigned from Halloween to Old Christmas --
or, before the calender changes, until the winter solstice.)
Meanwhile, Goronwy (withBlodeuwedd athis side) iscrowned kingin
the upper world, and occupies Llew's old throne, beginning on Halloween.
Thus, by winter solstice, Goronwy has reached his position of greatest
strength in OUR world, at the same moment that Llew, now sitting on
Goronwy's old throne, reaches his position of greatest strength in the
underworld. However, at the moment of the winter solstice, Llew is born
again, as a babe, (and as his own son!) into our world. And as Llew later
reaches manhood and dispatches Goronwy at the vernal equinox, Goronwy will
then ascend the underworld throne at Beltane, but will be reborn into our
world at midsummer, as a babe, later to defeat Llew all over again. And so
the cycle closes at last, resembling nothing so much as an intricately
woven, never-ending bit of Celtic knotwork.
So Midsummer (to me, at least) is a celebration of the sun god at his
zenith, a crowned king on his throne. He is at the height of his power and
still 1/4 of a year away from his ritual death at the hands of his rival.
However, at the very moment of his greatest strength, his dark twin, the
seed of his destruction, is born -- just as the days begin to shorten. The
spear and the cauldron have often been used as symbols for this holiday and
it should now be easy to see why. Sun gods are virtually always associated
with spears (even Jesus is pierced by one), and the midsummer cauldron of
Cancer is a symbol of the Goddess in her fullness. If we have learned
anything from this story from the fourth branch of the 'Mabinogion', it is
about the power of myth -- how it may still instruct and guide us, many
centuries after it has passed from oral to written tradition. And in
studying it, we have barely scratched the surface.
181
SPRING EQUINOX CEREMONY
Preparations:
A wheel symbol stands on the altar; it may be anything that feels
suitable a cut out disc painted yellow or gold and decorated with
spring flowers, a circular mirror, around brass tray. The High Priest's
robe, if any, and accessories should be symbolic of the Sun; any metal he
wears should be gold, gilt,brass or bronze. The altar, if indoors, should
be decorated with springflowers particularly the yellow ones such as
daffodils,primroses, gorse, or forsythia. One banquet should be ready for
handing to the Spring Queen, and a chaplet of flowers for her crowning. The
Spring Queen is one of the younger women in the Coven.
The cauldron is placed in the center of the circle, with an unlit
candle in it. If outside, and conditions permit, a bonfire is made ready to
light. A taper is placed ready on the altar for the Maiden to carry fire to
the High Priest.
A phallic wand is on the altar. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 159 | Half as many cords as there are people present are ready on the
altar, tied together at their center point in a single knot. If
there is an odd number of people, add one before dividing by two.
As part of the feasting and offering to the Gods, you can use hard
boiled eggs with painted shells. These symbolize the World Egg,
laid by the Goddess and hatched by the heat of the Sun of the God.
The High Priest moves to stands in the East, and the High Priestess in the
West, facing each other over the unlit bonfire. The High Priestess carries
the phallic wand in her right hand. The rest of the Coven distribute
themselves around the rest of the perimeter of the Circle.
The High Priestess says:
"We kindle this fire today
In presence of the Holy Ones,
Without malice, without jealousy, without envy,
Without fear of aught beneath the Sun
But the High Gods.
Thee we invoke, O Light of Life,
Be Thou a bright flame before us,
Be Thou a guiding star above us,
Be Thou a smooth path beneath us;
Kindle Thou within our hearts
A flame of love for our neighbors,
To our foes, to our friends, to our kindred all,
To all men on the broad earth.
O merciful Son of Cerridwen,
From the lowliest thing that liveth
To the Name which is highest of all."
182
The High Priestess holds the phallic wand on high and walks slowly
deosil around the bonfire or cauldron to stand in front of the High Priest.
She says:
"O Sun, be Thou ready to conquer the Dark!"
The High Priestess presents thephallic wand the High Priest andthen
steps to one side.
The High Priest holds up the wand in salute and replaces it on the
altar.
The Maidenlights the taper fromone of the altarcandles and presents
it to the High Priest. The Maiden then steps to one side.
The High Priest carries the taper to the bonfire and lights it. He
gives the taper back to the Maiden, who blows it out and replaces it on the
altar. She then picks up the cords and gives them to the High Priest.
The High Priestess arranges everyone around the fire, man facing
woman as far as possible. The High Priest hands out the ends of the cords
in accordance with her instructions,retaining on end of the final cord
himself and handing the other end of it to the High Priestess. If there is
an odd number of people, with more men then women, he holds on to two cord
ends himself, or if more women then men, the High Priestess does the same.
Either way, both of them must be linked with two members of the opposite
sex.
When everyone is holding a cord, they all pull the cords taut, with
the central knot above the fire. They then start circling deosil in the
Wheel dance, building up speed, always keeping the cords taut and the knot |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 160 | over the fire. Any chant can be used that sounds good.
Thenthe Covenall sitin acircle roundthe fire.The HighPriest
gathers up the cords, being careful not to let them get burned and replaces
them on the altar.
The High Priest names one of the women to be the Spring Queen and
stands her in front of the altar. He crowns her with the chaplet of flowers
and gives her the Five Fold Kiss.
The HighPriest stepsback andcalls forward eachman inturn to
give the Spring Queen the FiveFold Kiss. When the last man has done so, the
High Priest presents the Spring Queen with her bouquet.
Then, starting with the Spring Queen, everyone jumps over the fire,
singly or in couples, not forgetting to wish.
Farrar, Janet and Stewart; "Eight Sabbats For Witches"; Robert Hale 1983
183
SMUDGING: HOW TO DO IT--HOW NOT TO DO IT
~~~
I came across a very interesting article from "Shaman's Drum" which
was reprinted for Vision Quest Bookstore. I will attempt to convey
the gist of it, along with my views, as a student of the Ways of the
Teneh, about it. Smudging is a way of using the smoke from burning
herbs as a way to cleanse the body, an object, or a given area of
negative influences. I myself use smudging to "cleanse" crystals
before using them in jewelry projects I may do, and for protecting my
home from some recent "bad vibe"-producing events. (landlord
troubles!) I imagine that the skillful use of the proper herbs could
help in warding and banishing ceremonies as well, if used properly and
with reverence. The three most used plant material for smudging are
sage of all types, cedar, and sweetgrass.
Sage
~~~~
There are two major genii and several varieties of each genus of Sage
that are used for smudging. Salvia, or the herb sage used for cooking,
comes in two major varieties: S. Officinalis, commonly known as Garden
Sage, and S. Apiana, commonly known as White Sage. Salvia varieties
have long been acknowledged as healing herbs, reflected in the fact
that its genus name comes from the Latin root word *salvare*, which is
the verb "to heal" or "to save." Artemisia is the genus commonly
considered "Sagebrush", and is more common in the wilds out here in
California. There are two major varieties to the Artemisia genus:
A. Californica, or Common Sagebrush, and A. Vulgaris, or Mugwort.
There are many other varieties of both Salvia and Artemisia, and all are
effective in smudging. Sage is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive
out evil spirits, negative thoughts and feelings, and to keep Gan'n
(negative entities) away from areas where ceremonials take place. In
the Plains Sweatlodge, the floor of the structure is strewn with sage
leaves for the participants to rub on their bodies during the sweat.
Sage is also used in keeping sacred objects like pipes or Peyote wands
safe from negative influence. In the Sioux nation, the Sacred Pipe is
kept in a bundle with sage boughs. I would think special crystals could
be so protected this way as well.
Cedar
~~~~~
True cedar is of the Thuja and Libocedrus genii. Some Junipers |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 161 | (Juniperus genus) are also called "cedar", thus complicating things some.
Some Juniper varieties ARE cleansing herbs, especially J. Monosperma, or
Desert White Cedar. But for smudging, the best is Western Red Cedar
(Thuja occidentalis) and California Incense Cedar (Libocedrus descurrens).
Cedar is burnt while praying to the Great Spirit (Usen', the Source--also
known to Plains nations as Wakan Tanka) in meditation, and also to bless a
house before moving in as is the tradition in the Northwest and
Western Canada. It works both as a purifier and as a way to attract
GOOD energy in your direction. It is usually available in herb stores
in chipped form, which must be sprinkled over a charcoal in a brazier.
I like a piece of charcoaled mesquite for this purpose, rather than
the commercial charcoal cake.
184
Sweetgrass
~~~~~~~~~~
Very important to the Sioux and Cherokee nations, its botanical name is
Hierochloe Oderata. In these tribes, the sweetgrass is braided like hair
braids. It could be burnt by lighting the end of it, or (more economically)
by shaving little bits of it onto charcoal in a brazier. Again, use
charcoaled Mesquite (I believe it comes packaged for barbecue use
under the brand name "Red Arrow") to burn it, not pressed charcoal
tablets. Sweetgrass is burnt after smudging with sage, to welcome in
good influences after the bad had been driven out. Sweetgrass is very
rare today, and traditional Plains people have been attempting to
protect the last of it. Myself, I believe that Cedar, which is not
endangered, can safely be used this way. Also Pinon pine needles
(used more frequently by the Southwest Teneh, like the Navajo and
Apache as well as the Pueblo people and the Zuni) and Copal (used by
the Yaqui and in ancient times by the Azteca and the Maya) have
similar effect. The three mentioned here are readily available either
through gathering yourself or, in the case of copal resin, from any
good herb shop.
Using Smudging
~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
Burn clippings of the herb in a brazier...not a shell as some "new age"
shamanic circles do...it is an insult to White Painted Woman (The Goddess)
to do this, especially with the abalone shell which is especially sacred
to Her. If the herb is bundled in a "wand", you can also light the end
of the wand that isn't woody and use that. I like the latter way. Direct
the smoke with your hands or with a Peyote (feather) wand over the
person or thing you wish to smudge. If you can see auras, look for
discolored places in the aura and direct the healing smoke towards
those places on the patient's body. For cleansing a house, first
offer cedar smoke to the four directions outside the house. Then,
take a sage bough and go throughout the inside of the house, making
sure the smoke penetrates every nook and cranny of the house. It
might help also, if you have a power animal, to visualize your animal
doing these things, to also dance your animal, and if you have a power
song, to sing that too. Then finally, run through the house with a
white candle that is well protected, to "light up" the house. Careful
not to burn it down when you do it!!!
Final Thoughts
~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
Smudging should be done with care, with reverence, and in an attitude
of LOVE. Show your respect and honor to the plants that Usen' has
given us for our healing, and they will return the favor by keeping us
well and free from disease and negative energy. Aloe Vera plants, |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 162 | though not to be burnt, are good for the cleansing angle as well. Keep
one or more potted Aloe Veras in the house (modern varieties are too
tender to plant in anything but full shade outside) in organic (wood
or ceramic, never plastic or metal) pots. To honor the plant when you
transplant it, sprinkle the roots with corn meal and smudge it with
cedar once it is transplanted. The spirit of Aloe Vera is a good
protective spirit, and if you burn yourself, can also be used to heal
your skin. BE SURE TO ASK THE PLANT'S PERMISSION before cutting part
of the leaf off for the healing juice. If you don't, the protective
power of the plant will cease, and you will be left with but an inert
houseplant...and perhaps some bad karma to boot.
Hi-dicho, it is finished....ENJU!
Michelle Chihacou White Puma Klein-Hass
185
An Introduction to Traditional Wicca
c. 1987, Keepers of the Ancient Mysteries ( .K.A.M. )
Often Traditional Wiccans are asked to describe our religion and
beliefs for interested people, who may or may not have confused
us with other Pagan religions, with inversions of
Christian/Islamic religions like Satanism, or with purely magical
traditions with no religious base. There is a lot of flexibility
in the ways that we describe ourselves, and one characteristic of
Wicca is a large degree of personal liberty to practice as we
please. Still, there is an outline that can be described in
general terms. Many traditions will depart from one particular or
another, but groups departing from all or most of these features
are probably non-Wiccan Traditions attempting to stretch or
distort the Wiccan name to cover what they want to do.
Mysteries and Initiation
Wicca is an Initiatory religion descended from the Ancient
Mystery Religions. A mystery religion is not like Catholicism
where a Priest is the contact point between the worshiper and the
Deity, nor like Protestantism where a sacred Book provides the
contact and guidelines for being with the divine. Rather a
Mystery Religion is a religion of personal experience and
responsibility, in which each worshiper is encouraged, taught and
expected to develop an ongoing and positive direct relationship
with the Gods. The religion is called a "Mystery" because such
experiences are very hard to communicate in words, and are
usually distorted in the telling. You have to have been there in
person to appreciate what is meant. Near and far-Eastern
religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Shinto are probably
Mystery traditions, but Wicca is very western in cultural flavor
and quite different than eastern religions in many ways.
A Blend of Pagan Roots
Most Wiccan Traditions, .K.A.M. included, have particular roots
in the British Mystery Traditions. This includes traditions of
the Picts who lived before the rise of Celtic consciousness, the
early Celts, and some selected aspects of Celtic Druidism.
American Wicca is directly descended from British Wicca, brought
in the late 1950's by English and American Initiates of
Gardnerian, Alexandrian and Celtic Wicca. These traditions are a
little like the denominations in Christianity, but hopefully far
more harmonious.
While British Traditions are very strong in Wicca, or the Craft |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 163 | as it is sometimes called, other Western Mystery traditions
feature prominently, including the ancient Greek Mysteries of
Eleusis, Italian Mysteries of Rome, Etruria and the general
countryside, Mysteries of Egypt and Persia before Islam, and
various Babylonian, Assyrian and other mid-eastern Mysteries that
flourished before the political rise of the advocates of "one
god".
186
What's In a Name?
Wicca, Witchecraft, and "The Craft" are used interchangeably at
times by many kinds of people. It is fair to say that all Wiccans
are Witches, and many of us believe we are the only people
entitled to the name. It is important to know that many people
call themselves witches who are not in the least Wiccan, and that
Masons also refer to themselves as "Craft", with good historical
precedent. Carefully question people on the particular things
they do and believe as part of their religion rather than relying
on labels. Any real Wiccan would welcome such honest inquiry.
Traditions and Flavor
There are specific Wiccan beliefs and traditions, including
worship of an equal and mated Goddess and God who take many forms
and have many Names. Groups who worship only a Goddess or only a
God are not traditional Wicca however they may protest, although
they may be perfectly good Pagans of another sort. The Wiccan
Goddess and God are linked to nature, ordinary love and children
-- Wicca is very life affirming in flavor.
Because we have and love our own Gods, Wiccans have nothing to do
with other people's deities or devils, like the Christian God or
Satan, the Muslim Allah or the Jewish Jehovah (reputedly not his
real name). Christians often deny this fact because they think
that their particular god is the only God, and everybody else in
the whole world must be worshipping their devil. How arrogant.
They're wrong on both counts.
Traditional Wicca is a religion of personal responsibility and
growth. Initiates take on a particular obligation to personal
development throughout their lives, and work hard to achieve what
we call our "True Will", which is the best possibility that we
can conceive for ourselves. Finding your Will isn't easy, and
requires a lot of honesty, courage and hard work. It is also very
rewarding.
Wicca is generally a cheerful religion, and has many holidays and
festivals. In fact, most of the more pleasant holidays now on our
calendar are descended from the roots Wicca draws on, including
Christmas, May Day, Easter and Summer Vacation. Wicca is
definitely not always serious. Dancing, feasting and general
merriment are a central part of the celebrations.
187
Wiccan Ethics
Wiccans have ethics which are different in nature than most |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 164 | "one-god" religions, which hand out a list of "do's and don'ts".
We have a single extremely powerful ethical principal which
Initiates are responsible for applying in specific situations
according to their best judgment. That principle is called the
Wiccan Rede (Old-English for rule) and reads:
"An (if) it harm none, do as ye Will"
Based on the earlier mention of "True Will", you will understand
that the Rede is far more complex than it sounds, and is quite
different than saying "Do whatever you want as long as nobody is
hurt". Finding out your Will is difficult sometimes, and figuring
out what is harmful, rather than just painful or unpleasant is
not much easier.
Initiation into Wicca
People become Wiccans only by Initiation, which is a process of
contacting and forming a good relationship with the Gods and
Goddesses of Wicca. Initiation is preceded by at least a year and
a day of preparation and study, and must be performed by a
qualified Wiccan Priestess and Priest. The central event of
Initiation is between you and your Gods, but the Priestess is
necessary to make the Initiation a Wiccan one, to pass some of
her power onto you as a new-made Priestess or Priest and to
connect you to the Tradition you're joining.
Women hold the central place in Wicca. A Traditional Coven is
always headed by a High Priestess, a Third Degree female Witch
with at least three years and three days of specific training. A
Priest is optional, but the Priestess is essential. Similarly, a
Priest may not Initiate without a Priestess, but a Priestess
alone is sufficient. Women are primary in Wicca for many reasons,
one of which is that the Goddess is central to our religion.
One Religion at a Time
People often ask "Can I become a Wiccan and still remain a
Christian, Muslim, practicing Jew, etc. The answer is no. The
"one god" religions reject other paths besides their own,
including each other's. "One-god" religions also do not exalt the
Female as does Wicca, and mixing two such different traditions
would water them both down. Besides, you'd have to ask how
serious a person who practiced two religions was about either
one. Being Jewish is an exception, since it is a race and culture
as well as a religion. There are many Wiccan Jews, but they
practice Wicca, not Judaism.
188
Magick and Science
People interested in Wicca are usually curious about the magick
that Wiccans can do. While magick (spelled with a "k" to
distinguish from stage conjuring) is not a religion in itself, it
is related to our religious beliefs. Wiccans believe that people
have many more abilities than are generally realized, and that it
is a good idea to develop them. Our magick is a way of using
natural forces to change consciousness and material conditions as
an expression of our "True Wills". Part of becoming a Wiccan is
training in our methods of psychic and magickal development. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 165 | Because we believe that everything a person does returns to them
magnified, a Wiccan will not work a magick for harm, since they
would pay too high a price. But a helpful magick is good for both
the giver and receiver! Wicca is entirely compatible with the
scientific method, and we believe all the Gods and forces we work
with to be quite natural, not supernatural at all. We do not,
however, hold with the kind of scientific dogma or pseudo religion
that sees everything as dead matter and neglects its own method
by trumpeting "facts" without honest examination of evidence.
Priestesses at Large?
Long ago the spiritual (and sometimes physical) ancestors of
Wiccans were Priestesses and Priests to the Pagan culture as well
as devotees of their Mystery. Now that a Pagan culture is rising
again, some ask if today's Wiccans could resume that role. This
seems unlikely.
Today's Pagan culture is very diverse and more interested in
exploring and creating new forms than in building on existing
traditions. A public role would either dilute our traditions or
force them on an unwilling audience. The neo-Pagan community
generally prefers "media figures" and rapid membership and
growth. This is not compatible with our slow methods of training
and Initiation, the insistence that livelihood come from work
outside the Craft, or our needs for privacy. Our religion is not
accepted in the American workplace or political system, and may
never be. The most powerful Priestesses are often unknown to all
but their Coveners. While all Wiccans are Pagans, all Pagans are
not Wiccan, and it is best that it remain so.
189
Principles of Wiccan Beliefs
1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life
forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the
seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarter.
2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility
toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in
ecological balance offering fulfillment to
life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the
average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes
called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally
potential to all.
4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as
manifesting through polarity -- as masculine and feminine -- and that this
same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the
interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the
other, knowing each to be supportive to the other. We value sex as
pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment
of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice
and religious worship.
5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds
sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner
Planes, etc. -- and we see in the inter-action of these two dimensions the
basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 166 | dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who
teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and
acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
190
7. We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way
one views the world and lives within it -- a world view and philosophy of
life which we identify as Witchcraft -- the Wiccan Way.
8. Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch -- but neither does
heredity itself, not the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A
Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life
possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in
harmony with Nature.
9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a
continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning
to the Universe we know and our personal roll within it.
10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion
or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed
to be "the only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to
suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history
of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various
aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our
future.
12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any
entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil", as defined by the Christian
traditions. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor
accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
13. We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is
contributory to our health and well-being.
The afore mentioned principles are from the Council of American Witches
circa 1974 .
191
The Wiccan Way
Recognizing that there is more than one path to spiritual
enlightenment and that Wicca is but one of many, and that Wicca
holds within itself the belief that there is more than one type of
step set to the spiral dance, find here listed common denominators
of the Craft.
That there is above all the Goddess in her three-fold aspect and many
are her names. With all her names we call her Maiden, Mother and
Crone.
That there is the God, consort and son, giver of strength and most
willing of sacrifice.
That and it harm none, do what ye will shall be the law. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 167 | That each of her children are bound by the three-fold law and that
whatever we create, be it joy or sorrow, laughter or pain, is brought
back to us three-fold.
That as she is the mother of all living things and we are all her
children, we seek to live in harmony not only with each other, but
with the planet earth that is our womb and home.
That life upon the earth is not a burden to be born, but a joy to be
learned and shared with others.
That death is not an ending of existence, but a step in the on-going
process of life.
That there is no sacrifice of blood, for She is the mother of all
living things, and from her all things proceed and unto her all
things must return.
That each and everyone of the children who follow this path has
no need of another between themselves and the Goddess, but may find
Her within themselves.
That there shall not by intent be a desecration of another's symbols
of beliefs, for we are all seeking harmony within the One.
That each person's faith is private unto themselves and that
another's belief is not to be set out and made public.
That the Wiccan way is not to seek converts, but that the way be
made open to those who for reasons of their own seek and find the
Craft.
And as it is willed, so mote it be.
192
The Charge of the Goddess
Whenever ye have need of any thing, once in the month, and
better it be when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in
some secret place and adore the spirit of She, who is Queen of
all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn
all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will
She teach things that are yet unknown. And ye shall be free from
slavery; and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked
in your rites; and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and
love, all in Her praise. For Hers is the ecstasy of the spirit,
and Hers also is joy on earth; for Her law is love unto all
beings. Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever towards it; let
naught stop you or turn you aside. For Hers is the secret door
which opens upon the land of youth and Hers is the cup of wine of
life, and the cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of
immortality. She is the gracious goddess, who gives the gift of
joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, She gave the knowledge of
the spirit eternal; and beyond death, She gives peace and
freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor does
She demand sacrifice, for behold, She is the mother of all
living, and Her love is poured out upon the earth.
She who is the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 168 | among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of
the heart of man, calls unto thy soul. Arise, and come unto Her.
For She is the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe.
from Her all things proceed, and unto Her all things must return;
and before Her face, beloved of gods and men, let thine innermost
divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let Her
worship be within the heart that rejoiceth; for behold, all acts
of love and pleasure are Her rituals. And therefore let there be
beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility,
mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek
Her, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless
thou knowest the mystery; that if that which thou seekest thou
findest not within thee, then thou wilt never find it without
thee. For behold, She has been with thee from the beginning; and
She is that which is attained at the end of desire.
193
Satanism vs. Wicca
By: Diane Vera
Since your main worry seems to be public relations, here's how I
would make the distinction between Wicca and Satanism, in a way that
is fair to both sides and does not throw Satanists to the dogs:
.
Wicca and Satanism are quite distinct. Wiccans worship pre-
Christian deities (or a modern-day composite of pre-Christian
deities) and do not worship the Christian anti-God. Some
Satanists also worship a pre-Christian deity, but regard the
Christian anti-God as a manifestation of their deity, which
Wiccans do not. Wicca and Satanism are very different in
their aims and tone. Wicca emphasizes harmony and balance,
whereas Satanism emphasizes spiritual self-liberation via
iconoclasm and catharsis.
.
I should mention, though, there's one possible problem with that
last sentence. Some feminist Wiccans might take offense at it,
since it implies the more radical forms of feminist Wicca are really
more like Satanism than like Wicca. Which in my opinion they are.
If you've read some of Mary Daly's books, you'll know what I mean.
.
I myself identify as a feminist Goddess-oriented neo-Pagan, as well
as a Satanist. Indeed, feminist Goddess religion is still my
*primary* religious identification. (Satanism is how I relate to
"male" energy.) I don't and never did call myself a feminist
"Wiccan".
.
By the way, while I accept today's use of the word Wicca (with a
capital W) to refer to a specific European-based religion with a
very specific worldview, I do *not* accept the attempt by Wiccans
to copyright the words "witch" and "witchcraft". These words are
generic terms, not the property of any one religion. They refer to
occult practices found in many religions around the world. A
Satanist has as much right to the word "witch" as anyone else. (It
so happens that *I* don't call myself a "witch", but for a
different reason: I think many "witches" are making exaggerated
claims to occult power, and I don't want to give the appearance of
making such an exaggerated claim.)
194 |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 169 | Women vs. Men
By: Michelle Hass (in conversation with Scott Szakonyi
"Ok folks, Loki and I have been chatting, and we're ready to raise a
ruckus that might go on for months."
Chiniginish and I relish the challenge...with Coyote looking over Our
shoulders and chuckling...
"Here's the question: Are women superior to men, and if so, why?
I THINK that women are superior to men in the modern world because
evolution is lagging society. Most of the evolution of the human race
(about 60 million yrs) took place in hunter/gatherer tribes, where
aggressive behavior on the part of the male hunters was a survival
trait, and relating/caring behavior was a survival trait for females. Now,
in the 20 thousand or so years since we have become agrarian, the need
for male hunter aggressiveness has gone the way of the Dodo, while the
need for relating/caring behavior has become primary. Where does this
leave us?
"Well, as I see it, women are almost ideally suited to the
overcrowded, communication intensive environment that we call modern
society. Men, on the other hand, are like people with no arms playing
handball. It's not that we're bad folk, it's just that we were designed
by evolution for an environment that hasn't existed for 20 THOUSAND YEARS,
which is a real drop in the bucket in terms of evolution. Evolution
isn't going to be giving us any help for at least a few million years;
maybe never since we are constantly screwing up the gene pool with our
wars that leave the genetically defective to breed and send the
genetically preferable off to evolutionary dead ends. So all we men
can do is try to better ourselves and ask for patience on the part of
women, who must feel like the entire male sex has completely missed the
boat. "
Well, you've got a nice point, but it assumes something that I believe
'taint necessarily so. Is male aggressiveness part of nature or nurture?
The jury seems to be coming back from a long period of deliberation, and it
looks like the verdict is NURTURE.
This very nicely dovetails with my own theory of what thelemites refer to
as the "procession of the aeons". In Crowley's notorious Liber Al vel
Legis, we are said to be passing from an aeon of belief in suffering male
gods and patriarchy to an aeon of belief in the value of Self and of
partnership between the sexes. Crowley called the old aeon the "Aeon of
Osiris" and the new the "Aeon of Horus, the Crowned and Conquering Child."
The enthroned Child is not masculine or feminine, but
androgynous/gynandrous. The aeon before the Osirian was that of Isis, an
aeon of Great Mother Goddesses and matriarchy.
My chronology is a little different than that which Crowley attributed to
these three epochs of human history so far. Crowley declared that the Aeon
of Horus began with the Spring Equinox of 1904+ Common, just before the
writing of the Book of the Law. I maintain that the change is still taking
place, and had its roots in the 1700s+ Common. The writings of the
philosopher Locke were some of the first to make a very important quantum
jump, and provided ideological impetus for the vital changes that have and
are taking place.
195
What Locke asserted was that government did not rest on Divine Right, but
on the consent of the governed. Human beings were not born to different
castes, some fated to serve while others were fated to rule by the grace of |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 170 | the gods. Human beings were born equal, and had certain rights as a
birthright: Life, Liberty, the right to pursue Happiness, and the right to
security of private property.
This assertion shows up in Liber Al as these statements:
"Every Man and Every Woman is a Star. "
"Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law. "
"Love Is The Law, Love Under Will. "
"Thou hast no right but to do thy Will. "
In a little less arcane language, these statements run thusly:
Every Individual matters.
Every Individual has the right to live, be free and pursue Happiness
(harmony with one's life's purpose, or True Will) as they Will.
These rights stop at the boundary of the Wills of others. Live your
life as you see fit, but mind your own business and above all, HARM
NOBODY. This includes yourself in a very conditional way. You *do* have
the right to self destruction, but if you truly believe that you
matter, why would you want to?
These assertions are usually encountered firstly in a Locke-inspired
document that has passed into the history of this country, the Declaration
of Independence. If there is any one document that is a trigger point for
the New Aeon, it's that one. The American Revolution was the first time
monarchy was cast aside in favor of democracy of a representative sort.
Democracy was tried before, but never quite this way. And despite several
course corrections that needed to be made, (the abolishment of Slavery, the
giving of Women, Blacks and Amerinds the right to vote) and some that still
need to be made (the granting of total equality for all races and sexes, a
shift to a more direct method of participation, ie Cyber-democracy) the
democratic experiment in the United
States is the most enduring of all.
Before the 1700s, government was imposed from above, not thought of as
flowing from the consent of the governed. Individuals were not accorded
rights as a birthright, but were granted rights by the king, usually on a
class-by-class basis. Human beings were dealt with as masses and classes,
on a Collective basis.
Coincidental with these developments was a surfacing of hermetic thought in
a more widespread way then ever before in history. The Rosicrucian and
Freemason movements brought hermeticism to a wide audience. Within the
ranks of Freemasonry were both common and noble, and often commoners would
be lodgemasters in lodges frequented by those of noble birth. Hermetic
orders ennobled not by birth, but by level of knowledge and initiation and
(hopefully) by level of spiritual attainment.
Now, this was fine in theory, but unfortunately in practice things weren't
so swift. It was only until the mid-1800s and groups like the original
Golden Dawn that women had the possibility of initiation. Even now, in
Masonic lodges that have lost their occult focus and are now little more
than men's clubs, men are ritually strip-searched to assure the initiator
that the candidate is indeed male and not a disguised female.
196
The baggage of the old days of sexism and classism remain in a lot of
hermetic orders even today. Crowley himself had serious problems accepting
women as equals: he had a rather low opinion of them and was quite cruel to
them in numerous cases. But very explicit in the message of the New Aeon is
that people are to be dealt with, not by sex or race or social strata but
by their inborn, inalienable rights as individuals...as Stars, to use a |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 171 | thelemic term.
The Neo-pagan movement was a definite evolutionary step in defining a New
Aeon mode of spirituality. Unlike the traditional hermetic order, Wicca and
other forms of Neo-paganism do not have a multiplicity of ranks and a chain
of command. Some have three degrees, some two, some only one, that of
initiate. Initiation is not a bestowal of rank, but more a
purpose-oriented process. As magickal orders continue to evolve, they will
either need to emulate more and more the informality and non-hierarchical
non-structure of Neo-paganism or choke on their bloated hierarchies. It is
funny when one considers that there is much evidence to suggest that
Neo-paganism evolved from the Astrum Argentum and the OTO, and that much of
Gardner's groundbreaking work in reconstructing the old pre-Osirian Druidic
religion was helped along with the research help of Uncle Al himself.
Perhaps, as the knightly orders of the past were meant as guardians of the
Christian Church, there will become a symbiotic connection between
Neo-paganism and Magickal orders, especially among those whose
non-structure mimics that of the coven. Arguably this symbiosis exists now,
and hell, I'm living proof of this.
So what the deuce does this have to do with the sexes? You'll see as I wrap
this up. Ok...remember I mentioned that before the Osirian epoch and the
patriarchy, which seems to have come in with the rise of the big cities and
the transformation from a hunter-gatherer society to an agrarian one
(methinks you have placed the transformation a little too far into the
past) there was the Isian epoch and the matriarchy? Well, before
patriarchal philosophy displaced matriarchalism, women pretty much ran
things. They didn't hunt because to place women, who were the living image
of the Goddess and the ex-nihilo creatrixes of the next generation, in
bodily jeopardy was literally blasphemy. Women were the intermediaries for
men to the Goddess, who was unapproachable otherwise. The men had their
hunting cults, but they were as insignificant in reality as the
Victorian-era anthropologists misread the ancient religion of the Goddess
as merely an inferior "fertility cult."
197
When the transition came to the cities and to patriarchy sometime around
10,000- to 7,500- Common, the long-suppressed males took by force what the
Goddesses of the Isian era denied them by their divine decree...power. Male
warrior deities replaced female mother deities. The priestesses of the old
religions were destroyed. (The Book of Joshua in the Old Testament is a
vivid account of one triumph of Osiris over Isis.) And the new order began.
But the old matriarchal religions survived for several thousands of years
after the turn of the aeon, and it is painfully obvious that the old
patriarchal ways will haunt us for thousands of years into the future, even
as new ways take hold and new philosophies become more accepted.
But it really is nurture rather than nature that makes men aggressive and
women passive. Men can learn to be nurturing and loving, and women can
learn to be assertive and empowered. In order that we can truly enter this
new aeon where all are leaders and all are Stars, we each have to cultivate
the "other side" of our Selves. No, women are not superior to men, nor is
it the other way around. Every Individual matters. Everyone has the
potential to be a King, in the thelemic sense of the word. We need to learn
to treat all with dignity, be they material successes or abject material
failures. We need to treat even those still enslaved by the old _ideas
fixes_ with as much dignity as those who have declared their secession from
them and their embracing of the New Law.
The evolution is really and truly in our own hands. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 172 | Beauty and balance, Will and Love,
Michelle.
198
The coven that I've been working with in Denver begins its cup blessing by
a dialogue between the Priest and the Priestess. Both have a hand each on
the athame and the chalice:
Priest: "Be it known that a man is not greater than a woman.
Priestess: "Nor yet is a woman greater than a man"
Priest: "For what one lacks"
Priestess: "The other can provide"
Priest" "As the Athame is to the male"
Priestess: So is the cup to the female.
Both: And when conjoined together, they become one in truth, for there is
no greater magick in all the world than that of love.
BB Rowan
199
WHAT IS D.A.W.N.?
The Denver Area Wiccan Network is a group of pagans and
friends from a wide variety of Craft traditions. DAWN sponsors
parties, group rituals, a student/teacher network, and other
activities as inspired or impelled.
WHY DO I WANT TO JOIN DAWN?
* You want to be part of an active, growing community of
Wiccans who can work together to make some changes in their
world;
* You want to meet people and make new friends who share your
basic values--people you can be yourself with, no need to
keep your cover;
* You want an ongoing opportunity to exchange views and
information with people from groups or traditions other than
your own;
* You want to be in on the creation of a Denver pagan extended
family which will make all the above possible;
* You like hugs, and you enjoy being warmly welcomed.
DO I HAVE TO "GO PUBLIC" TO BE A MEMBER?
No. Only the Board Chair and Secretary are expected to be
"public," and the identities of all other members are fiercely
protected.
HOW DO I JOIN?
Dues are $13 per coven, $5 per solitary, payable twice
yearly in May and November. These cover the cost of mailings and |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 173 | the setup costs for parties and rituals, as well as other costs
authorized by the Board and/or Steering Committee.
DO I HAVE TO JOIN DAWN TO PARTICIPATE?
No. All parties are open to pagans and friends. To find
out about them and other DAWN functions, write us at the P.O. Box
listed below (postage is appreciated) or call Bob Key on his
answering machine. Another way to find out more about DAWN is to
show up at one of our Steering Committee meetings. They are held
at 6:30 pm, the second Sunday of each month, at the Glendale
Community Center (999 S. Clermont).
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN DAWN!
D.A.W.N. Bob Key
P.O. Box 11202 (303) 758-2115
Englewood, Colorado 80151
200
BYLAWS
DENVER AREA WICCAN NETWORK
I. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. The Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the Board)
shall be selected by the Steering Committee from among the active
members of DAWN such that:
1. Each coven shall have no more than one member on the Board;
if there are fewer than 5 member covens, then there may be a
second Director from any coven;
2. There shall be at least one member of the Board who is a
member of a coven; and
3. There shall be at least one member on the Board from among
the DAWN members who are not members of any coven.
B. The Board shall have no fewer than 4 members and no more than 13
members. It shall determine its own size within those limits.
C. The Board may appoint members of DAWN to fill vacancies on the
Board. Persons so appointed shall serve only until the next
regular election.
D. Each elected Director (member of the Board) holds a two year
term, except that, when the size of the board is increased, half
of the new positions shall initially be for one year only. Any
person serving one elected term may not be reelected as a
Director until they have been retired from the Board for one
year.
E. Each seated Director may designate an Alternate to speak and vote
in their stead when they are absent from Board meetings. The
identity of this Alternate shall be recorded in the Minutes of
the Board, and no other person may serve this function until the
Director changes the designation and the change is on record.
Being named Alternate to a Director does not automatically name
them Alternate to any offices that director may hold; however,
they may so serve at the discretion of the Chair.
F. The Board shall elect Officers from among the Directors for the
positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. This
shall be done after each new election, and no later than the next
regular meeting of the Board.
G. A quorum of the Board shall consist of 70 percent of the
Directors, either present or represented by their Alternate.
H. The Board shall elect a Newsletter Editor from the general |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 174 | membership of DAWN. This officer shall serve at the will of the
Board and report directly to the Board.
201
I. The Board shall meet regularly, at least four times per year, at
a time and place to be fixed by the Board. Additionally, The
Chair or any two Directors may call a Board meeting upon giving
at least 7 days notice to all Directors by U.S. Mail, or upon at
least 2 days notice given by telegram. Said notice will be
deemed delivered when deposited in the U.S. Mail with the last
known address of the Director and proper postage thereon prepaid,
or when the given to the telegram company. Any Director may
waive notice of any meeting. The attendance of a Director at any
meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice, except when the
Director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting
to the transaction of business because the meeting has not been
lawfully called or convened. The notice of meeting need only
contain the date, time, and place of the meeting.
J. The Board may make rules to govern the conduct of its own
meetings.
K. All Board Meetings are open to the membership of DAWN.
Accordingly, any Director is required to furnish information
regarding dates, times, and places of upcoming Board meetings to
any DAWN member upon request.
II. STEERING COMMITTEE
A. The Steering Committee shall be composed of the Directors, one
representative from each member coven and proportional
representation for such DAWN members as do not belong to any
member coven (hereinafter referred to as Solitaries). The method
of choosing a coven representative is left to the discretion of
the individual coven. A method for choosing representation for
Solitaries will be determined by said Solitaries, subject to
approval by the Board. There shall be at least one (1)
representative of the Solitaries, who is not a Director, on the
Steering Committee.
B. Steering Committee members must commit to serve for at least six
(6) months. They may serve as long as their constituents wish
them to serve.
C. The Steering Committee shall elect a Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and
Clerk of the Committee from among its members.
D. A quorum of the Steering Committee for the purpose of amending
the Bylaws or Constitution shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the
committee. A quorum for other business shall be a majority of
the Committee.
E. Steering Committee members will not have alternates.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
202
F. The Steering Committee may make rules to govern the conduct of
its own meetings. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 175 | G. Decisions made by the Steering Committee shall be referred to the
Board for action, except as otherwise provided for in these
Bylaws.
H. Any recommendation that dues be levied or changed must receive at
least two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by the Steering
Committee, ten (10) days notice having been given that dues will
be discussed.
I. The Steering Committee shall meet regularly at a time and place
to be fixed by the Committee. Additionally, the Board may call
Steering Committee meetings with 15 days notice should such
meetings be necessary.
III. OFFICERS
A. Chair - duties shall include:
1. Presiding over meetings of the Board.
2. Presiding over meetings of the general membership of DAWN.
3. Preparing an agenda for Board meetings.
4. Preparing an agenda for meetings of the general membership
of DAWN.
B. Vice-Chair - shall perform the duties of the Chair when the Chair
is absent or incapacitated.
C. Secretary - duties shall include:
1. Maintaining accurate and current minutes of all meetings of
the Board and all business related meetings of the general
membership of DAWN. All such minutes are to be made
available, upon reasonable notice, to all members of the
body so recorded, and are to be presented at the next
meeting of the Board for
approval.
2. Handling correspondence other than the newsletter and
general announcements.
3. Maintaining an accurate and current list of members and
friends of DAWN. The Secretary may NOT release the
addresses, phone numbers, or full names of any person
associated with DAWN, except as noted in this paragraph, to
any person, without specific permission from said person.
The Secretary will share this list with the Newsletter
Editor. When leaving this job, the Secretary will turn over
all copies of the membership list, in whatever form, to
their successor in these duties.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
203
D. Treasurer - is responsible for maintaining all the financial
records of DAWN. The Treasurer is also responsible for the
safekeeping and expenditure of the monies held by DAWN as
directed by the Board.
E. Speaker - shall preside over meetings of the Steering Committee
and prepare an agenda for said meetings.
F. Deputy Speaker - shall perform the duties of the Speaker when the
Speaker is absent or incapacitated.
G. Clerk of the Committee - is responsible for maintaining accurate
and current minutes of all meetings of the Steering Committee.
All such minutes are to be available to members of the Steering
Committee, and are to be presented at the next meeting of that
body for approval.
H. Newsletter Editor - duties shall include: |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 176 | 1. Providing timely announcements of meetings and other DAWN
functions.
2. Providing a regular newsletter in keeping with DAWN
policies.
3. Maintaining an accurate and current list of newsletter
recipients. The Newsletter Editor may NOT release the
addresses, phone numbers, or full names of any person
associated with DAWN, except as noted in this paragraph, to
any person, without specific permission from said person.
The Newsletter Editor will share the mailing list with the
Secretary. When leaving this job, the Newsletter Editor
will turn over all copies of the mailing list, in whatever
form, to their successor in these duties.
IV. AMENDMENTS
In orderto amendthis document, theproposed change mustreceive the
votes of at least two-thirds of the Directors and must receive at least
two-thirds of the votes cast at a proper meeting of the Steering Committee,
both bodies having received at least 20 days notice of the proposed
amendment.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
204
V. ELECTIONS
Onthe secondSunday in October,The Steering Committeeshall meet to
hold an election. At this time, the Steering Committee will elect
replacements for Directors whose term is expiring. Names will be taken in
nomination, consent obtained from those nominated, and one ballot cast.
Each Committee member, including retiring and interim Directors, shall have
as many votes as there are vacancies. The qualified candidate with the
most votes will fill the first vacancy - two year terms being filled first.
As each vacancy is filled, members of the successful candidate's coven are
stricken from the list. If only one vacancy remains and either part I.A.2
or part I.A.3 of the Bylaws has not been fulfilled, then only those
candidates who meet the criterion can be selected; otherwise, the position
will remain vacant to be filled by the Board, as soon as possible, by
appointment. If a tie exists between equally qualified candidates, where
all may not serve, a runoff election shall be held between those
candidates. Misspellings shall not invalidate ballots where the
appropriate person can be discerned; nor shall voting for fewer than the
number of vacancies. Voting for too many candidates shall invalidate that
ballot. No individual shall vote more than one time for the same person;
therefore duplicate names on a single ballot shall count as only one vote.
All elected persons take office at the first meeting in November.
VI. Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised (copyright 1970) will govern in
any circumstances not covered by the Rules, Bylaws, or Constitution of
DAWN. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 177 | VII. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS ON DISSOLUTION
In theevent of dissolutionof theorganization, all remainingassets
will be delivered to a tax-exempt organization to be chosen at the time of
dissolution by the Board of Directors.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
205
GLOSSARY OF TERMS COMMONLY USED IN WICCA
Copyright 1992 by Rowan Moonstone and Durwydd MacTara
AKASHA- the spiritual ether (or Aether); the omnipresent
fifth occult element which embraces the other four- earth,
air, fire, and water; and from which they stem. This is the
realm of "pattern" or causality, from which the realm the
normally thought of "five senses manifests. Some define it
is the "other" of the "two worlds" that the witch or
magician walks between.
ARADIA- Daughter of the Goddess Diana, and a name for the
Goddess used by Italian Witches or Strega, commonly used in
many Wiccan traditions today.
ASPECTING- Any advanced magickal activity in which a practitioner
manifests a particular aspect of the Goddess or God, in thought,
feelings, behavior, appearance, etc.; Often as a direct result of a
"Drawing Down". Often a minor variation of this phenomena occurs with
the selection of a "Magical Name", of Craft Name.
ASPECTS- Forms, facets, or personas of Deity: for example, Brighid,
Iseult,Eos, and Kore are all aspects of the Maiden, and the Maiden
is an aspect of the Goddess.
ATHAME- black handled, double edged dagger. Principally used
to cast and dissolve the circle, for which purposes it is
interchangeable with the magic sword. A tool of the
"Element" of Fire in the Georgian Tradition and some others.
BELTANE- May Eve festival. One of the Ancient Celtic "Fire
Festivals." on this night, the cattle were driven between
two bonfires to protect them from disease. Couples wishing
for fertility would " jump the fires" on Beltane night. Also
the traditional Sabbath where the rule of the "Wheel of the
Year" is returned to the Goddess. This Festival also marks
the transition point of the threefold Goddess energies from
those of Maiden to Mother. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 178 | BOOK OF SHADOWS- Traditionally hand copied book of rituals,
recipes, training techniques, guidelines, and other
materials deemed important to a Witch or a coven. Each
tradition has it's own standard version of the Book and each
Witch's book will be different as he or she adds to it with
time from many different sources. Only another Witch can see
your book of shadows. Also, traditionally, it may never
leave your hands or possession until death, when it should
be destroyed, or (in some traditions) returned to the coven
to be disposed of.
BURNING TIMES- a term used by some Witches for the period of
persecution in the Middle Ages and later. It is in fact a
misnomer in some places, as Witches were only burned in
Scotland, and on the continent of Europe. In England and the
U.S., they were hanged.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
206
CANDLEMAS- Festival held on Feb. 1. One of the 4 Celtic
"Fire Festivals. Commemorates the changing of the Goddess
from the Crone to the Maiden. Celebrates the first signs of
Spring. Also called "Imbolc" (the old Celtic name). This is
the seasonal change where the first signs of spring and the
return of the sun are noted, i.e. the first sprouting of
leaves, the sprouting of the Crocus flowers etc. In other
words, it is the festival commemorating the successful
passing of winter and the beginning of the agricultural
year.This Festival also marks the transition point of the
threefold Goddess energies from those of Crone to Maiden.
CARDINAL POINTS- North, South, East, and West, marked in the
Georgian Tradition by candles of green, red, yellow, and
blue, respectively. The Circle is drawn to connect these
four points.
CHALICE- one of the tools of the Witch. Placed on the altar
to represent the element of Water.
CHARGE OF THE GODDESS- The Traditional words of the Goddess
to her followers, or "hidden children". Normally declaimed
by the HPS at every coven Circle.
CIRCLE- the area in which the magickal worship and spells
takes place. Can also be used to designate a particular
group of Witches or Pagans such as "Silver Acorn Circle".
CONE OF POWER- power raised in the circle by the Witches
assembled, and sent out into the world to work magick, is
usually visualized as being retained and built in the form
of a "cone" prior to release.
COVEN- an organized group of Witches, led by a High
priestess and/or a High Priest who meet regularly for
worship and fellowship. The traditional membership is 13,
but in fact most covens number considerably less. 3 is the
minimum in the Georgian Tradition. In Middle English,
"Covin" a group of confederates; In Old French "Covine" a |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 179 | band or group with a single purpose; Latin "Com"-together,
"Venire"-to come or move.
COVENSTEAD- regular meeting place for a coven. Usually the
home of the High Priestess or High Priest.
COWAN- a non-Witch. Formerly used in a very derogatory
manner. Still used in Masonic Ritual to indicate the non
initiate and/or pretender to "real craft". Not often used
today among most Witches.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
207
COYOTE ENERGY- trickster energies. Named for the American
Indian Trickster, Coyote, who tricks man into learning what
he needs to learn. Applies to one who constantly jokes and
clowns. Also applies to the concept of "Holy Fool" in many
traditions.
CROSS QUARTER DAYS- The modern name for the Celtic Fire
Festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lammas.
DEOSIL- clockwise, or sunwise. Traditional direction for
working "building" magick.
DRAWING DOWN THE MOON- Ritual invocation of the spirit of
the Goddess into the body of the High Priestess by the High
Priest.
DIVINATION- magical method of exploration or inquiry into a
situation via such methods as Tarot cards, runestones, I-
Ching, etc.
ELEMENTS- Earth, air, fire, and water, plus spirit, which
includes them all. These are regarded as realms or
categories of nature (both material and non-material) and
are not to be confused with the physicists table of
elements, which the modern witch, of course, accepts.
ESBAT- weekly or biweekly meeting of a coven. Traditionally
held either on the full moon or the new moon.
FAMILIARS- Either a Witch's pet animal which has been
trained to be a magickal helper, or an artificially
created "elemental" which performs the same functions as
the animal friend.
FIVEFOLD KISS, FIVEFOLD SALUTE- The Witches' ritual salute,
with kisses; (1) on each foot, (2) on each knee, (3) above
the pubic hair, (4) on each breast, and (5) on the lips-
really 8 kisses in all. It is only used within the Circle, |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 180 | but the words that go with it are the origin of "Blessed
Be."
GARDNERIANS- Tradition of Witchcraft descended from the
teachings of Gerald Gardner.
GNOMES- an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane
of Earth or is associated with the EARTH Element.
GREAT RITE- The rite which is the main feature of the third
degree initiation, and which is also laid down for certain
festivals. It is sexual in nature, but may be `actual'
(and private to the couples concerned) or symbolic, as the
participants wish.
HALLOWS- name used by some traditions for Samhain, or
Halloween
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
208
HANDFASTING- Wiccan equivalent of a wedding. It can be made
legal if the Priestess and/or Priest are registered as
clergy with the local authorities, or it may only be
considered binding within the coven.
HIGH PRIEST/ESS- Technically speaking, a Witch who has
received the 3rd. degree initiation. More usually, the male
and female leaders of a coven.
IMBOLC- Celtic name for Candlemas.
INVOCATION- The ritual "calling-in" of an entity (or
energies) higher than human, either for communication with
the caller through a medium or by visible manifestation or
else to enter into a human body as in the Drawing Down the
Moon. In some traditions, a Prayer.
LAMMAS- August 1st. Witch Festival. The Old Celtic name for
this festival is Lughnassadh. It is the Festival of the
First Fruits, and is the first of the 3 harvests. This
festival also marks the change of the Threefold Goddess
energies from that of Mother to Crone.
MAIDEN- An appointment held by one of the women of the
coven. She is virtually the assistant High Priestess. This
term is also the descriptive term used to describe the first
of the aspects of the Threefold Goddess Energies (Maiden,
Mother, and Crone). It is traditionally associated with the
Waxing Moon, and the period from Imbolc (Candlemas) to
Beltane (May eve) where the energies are those of
initiating, beginning, and creation.
OLD RELIGION- another name for the Craft.
PAGANING- Presentation of an infant to the Circle and to the
Gods.
PENTACLE- a disc shaped talisman; in particular, the metal |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 181 | disc which represents the earth element among the witch's
working tools.
PENTAGRAM- The five-pointed star. With a single point
uppermost, it represents the human being. Inverted, with two
points uppermost, it can have Satanist associations; but not
necessarily. Some traditions of Wicca use the inverted
pentagram to signify an initiate of the second degree.
QUARTERS- The North, East, South, and West parts of a
magickal circle or other ritual area. (See also
"Watchtowers")
REDE- rule or law.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
209
SABBAT- one of the Eight festivals or high holy days of
Wicca.
SALAMANDER- an entity that dwells in the realm of Fire.
SAMHAIN- The festival of remembrance for the dead, held on
the eve of Nov. 1st. It is the last of the three harvests.
This festival also marks the transition of rulership of the
"Wheel of the Year from that of the Goddess to that of the
God.
SCRYING- divination, usually using such methods as crystal
gazing, or divination via incense smoke, or water as opposed
to tarot or other manipulative means.
SPELL- a prayer, or verbal direction of magickal energies
toward the accomplishment of some goal.
SUMMONER- The male officer of the coven who corresponds to
the Maiden. He is the assistant High Priest.
SYLPH- an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane
of Air or is associated with the AIR Element.
TRADITIONS- any of the various "sects" of Wicca such as
Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Georgian, Seax, etc.
UNDINE- an "entity" or "elemental" that dwells in the plane
of Water or is associated with the WATER Element.
WAND- A rod or staff that is prepared so that it may be used
for magickal or psychic purposes, usually to project some
form of power. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 182 | Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
210
WARLOCK- a term coined in the Burning Times . It was used to
denote a traitor to the Craft, or one who had betrayed the
followers of the Old Religion. It's origin is Scottish.
Because of the negative connotations, it is not used by most
Wiccans today.
WATCH TOWERS- Originally from the Enochian branch of
Ceremonial Magick, now incorporated into many "Traditions"
of Wicca, these are the four elemental "directions" or
"quarters" (corresponding to the appropriate points on the
compass) called to protect the Circle during its
establishment. Each of them have a correspondence between
the compass point, an element, and (varying amongst
different traditions) color associated with them.
WICCA- the name most modern day Witches use for the Craft.
It comes from the Anglo-Saxon word Wicce, meaning to bend or
to shape. This is the root word from which we get wicker.
WIDDERSHINS- counter clock wise. Used for "tearing down"
OR BANISHING magick.
WHITE HANDLED KNIFE- the working knife of a Witch. It is
used to carve candles, and for fashioning the other tools.
Traditionally, it can only be used in a Circle.
Copyright 1991 by Rowan Moonstone and Durwydd MacTara.
Permission to reprint for educational purposes at no cost is hereby granted
to all and sundry, provided the text is not altered in any way. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 183 | Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
211
MOON WEB
C/O Michael Harismides
PO Box 4538, Sunnyside, New York 11104-4538
Subscription $3.00 a year
RITUAL FOR THE HEALING AND PRESERVATION OF RAINFORESTS
May 24th, 1988
8 pm local time
(Individual version):
Cast a circle
Invoke elements by calling upon them in protective aspects (for example,
you might invoke Watchfires or Beacons in the South).
Chant the names of the Earth Goddess, beginning with your personal
favorites, then naming as many as you can think of.
Take a piece of green string. Begin to tie knots in it, while chanting:
Tying the Cord, Renewing the Earth;
We are Her Children, bringing Rebirth.
(The knots may be simple or elaborate, but leave enough string to tie
together at the end.) As you chant, see the world as a network of
connected systems. Breathe the air that comes from the jungles of South
America. Feel the living fire of an ocelot's power. Taste the rain on the
leaves at the tops of the trees. Feel the delicate structure of the soil
at the forest floor.)
Tie the cord together in a loop; hold it up, strung around your two hands,
and begin chanting:
We are the Flow and we are the Ebb;
We are the Weavers, we are the Web.
As you chant, see yourself standing guard over the borders of the
rainforest. See yourself with others, protecting rainforest as you would |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 184 | protect yourself,_because that's what you're doing._
Bury the cord in a container of earth. Earth the power; thank the Deities
and elements; open the circle. Later bury the cord in the forest if
possible.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
212
(If circumstances make the above impossible):
Sit quietly and see: the network of ecosystems that make up the world; the
rainforests thriving; plants and animals breeding; the Earth, green and
filled with life; yourself, standing guard. Breathe, and know that the air
comes from the sea and the jungles of Brazil. Drink and know that the
water has been around the world, and circulates through you as it does
through the air, land, and sea. Stand up and stretch; the strength of your
body is the Earth's strength.
RITUAL
FOR THE HEALING AND PRESERVATION
OF RAINFORESTS
(Group version):
Facilitators give each participant a slip of paper containing the name of
an Earth Goddess and a Nature God.
Facilitators invoke elements, stressing protective/preservative aspects of
each one and ending with "Into this circle I call the Element Air! (Fire,
Water, Earth.)" After each such invocation, a dancer or dancers
representing the particular element come into the circle from outside and
do an elemental dance.
A facilitator says: "We now call upon the Earth Goddess by her many
names!" Participants call out the Goddess name on their slip of paper,
then any other Goddess names they wish. This ends on a signal from the
drums.
A facilitator says: "We now call upon the God of Nature by his many Names!"
The God is invoked in the same fashion as the Goddess, ending with a drum
signal.
The elemental dancers go to the quarters and begin passing out pieces of
green string, while a facilitator explains that the condition of the |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 185 | rainforests affects us all, that all things are connected, and that the
worldwide climate is changed every time another acre of rainforest is lost.
S/he explains that these sections of cord represent parts of the Life
Circle of Earth, and that they must be joined to protect her.
When the above speech has been made and all the cords have been passed out,
a facilitator ties the first knot, saying that tying the cord is renewing
the Earth, that we are her children, bringing her rebirth. This is the
signal to begin the chant:
Tying the Cord, Renewing the Earth;
We are Her Children, bringing Rebirth.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
213
Clockwise around the circle, one by one, each cord is tied to the next.
When the circle is complete, the elemental dancers go to the quarters and
hold the cord aloft (participants should not let go yet). The chant
continues until the facilitators begin a second chant:
We are the Flow and we are the Ebb;
We are the Weavers, we are the Web.
(Since this is to the same tune, the transition should be easy and
seamless.) When this chant begins, the elemental dancers begin to gather
in the cord, gently pulling it away from the participants, who gently
release it. The elementals bury the cord in a container of earth in the
center of the circle, then return to the outside to lead a spiral dance in
to the center and back out (once) as the chant continues. When the
participants are standing in a circle once more, the chant builds to a cone
of power and fires.
The Deities and Elements are thanked, the power is earthed, the circle
opened, hugs exchanged. Later bury the cord in the woods. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 186 | Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
214
WHAT ARE RUNES
~-~-~-~-~-~-~-
LOKRIEN
In the most mundane sense, runes are an alphabet much as our own
alphabet and others such as the Greek and Cyrillic alphabets. Each rune
represents a sound and was/is used to write words with.
But that is in the most MUNDANE of senses.
Runes were used long before the concept of writing was around. Each rune
is an archetype of a force. People had concepts for such things as Fire,
Honour, Birth, et.al. and each of these concepts were given names to make
them easier for us to comprehend. In this way, runes are very similar to
the Hebrew alphabet. Each 'letter' not only has a sound and a name, but
is a complete word with all associated concepts.
This similarity with Hebrew extends even farther. Each hebrew word is
made of several Hebrew letters, therefore each Hebrew word is made of
several Hebrew words. The initial letters of several words in a sentence,
or of the first letters of each sentence or paragraph may be gathered to
form a new word that is used to help explain and expand upon what is
already written. The same can be done with runes.
Runes lend themselves readily to numerology. The Runic alphabet is
properly shown as three rows of eight letters. Therefore each letter can
be identified by row:column number. Additionally, each rune has it's
sequential number identified by it's placement in the alphabet. Much like
us numbering A as 1, B as 2, ... , and Z as 26.
Each rune can be placed in position on a tree pattern much like the
traditional Qabbalah. They may represent the different worlds or paths of
the tree and can be expanded and expounded upon as much as the Qabbalah
itself is. In fact, Runic Qabbalah is quite intriguing and does contain a
life of study (as do all other facets of Runework).
Runes can be used for fortunetelling. They can be drawn and placed and
read much like tarot cards. The can be cast or strewn and the
relationship of groupings, distance and angles and patterns formed will
tell the caster what he wishes to know.
Runes are also entities in and of themselves. Much like the angels,
princes, demons, sylphs, undines and watchtowers of the ceremonial
magician. Each rune can be invoked or evoked and the power harnessed to |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 187 | work ones will to enlighten the intellect. They are a fantastic meditation
tool and will always increase ones knowledge.
Much as the primal elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Spirit, each
rune also has it's part in the manifestation of all things manifested.
Chaos, grass, people, sunlight, honour, dragons, hopes, and sex are all
replete with runes are could not ever exist without the runic force that
creates, shapes, releases, destroys and changes them.
I have equated runes to many other branches of esoteric, occult,
phsycological and intellectual pursuits. This is in the hopes that if you
are already familiar or interested in one of these, you will realize that
runes are already familiar to you or that you are already interested in
them and don't yet realize it.
May you approach the Well of Wyrd and may your sip there only increase
your thirst.
Lokrien @ The Sacred Grove
(206) 634-1980
(WA)
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
215
MODELS OF MAGIC
by Frater U.'.D.'. (Germany)
In the course of exploring the possibilities of new, more
efficient techniques of magic I was struck by the fact that a
structuralist view of the history of magic to date might prove
helpful. After all, magicians have always aspired to restate the
theory and practice of magic in the language of their times i.e. in
different models pertaining to current world views.
There is, however, some risk involved in such an approach:
models do not really explain anything, they are only
illustrations of processes, albeit rather useful ones. What's
more, over-systematization tends to obfuscate more than it
clarifies and one should not mistake the map for the landscape
anyway, a fallacy a great many kabbalists seem to be prone to.
Thus, the following five (or rather: four plus one) models
of magic should be seen as a means of understanding the practical
possibilities of various magical systems rather than as
definitive theories and/or explanations of the way magic works.
It has proved effective in practice to view magic under the
following categories:
THE SPIRIT MODEL
THE ENERGY MODEL
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL
THE INFORMATION MODEL
THE META-MODEL
***
THE SPIRIT MODEL
This is purportedly the oldest model of magic though it may very |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 188 | well have come into existence after or simultaneously with the
energy model. We can find it worldwide in shamanic cultures as
well as in many religions. Its basic premise is the existence of
an otherworld inhabited by more or less autonomous entities such
as spirits, angels, demons, gods etc. The shaman or magician is
someone who can enter this otherworld at will, who has travelled
widely in it, knows its language and customs and has made
friends, smitten enemies and/or acquired allies and servitors
there. This is important as all magic is of these entities'
making. The modern German word for witch, "Hexe" (f.) illustrates
this rather neatly if we take a closer look at its etymology. It
derives from Old High German "hagazussa" which translates as
"fence rider". The hagazussa is riding the "fence between the
worlds" i.e. she is at home in the world of everyday life as well
as in the magical otherworld of spirits.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
216
In the spirit model magic is seen as being effected by these
entities who are usually invisible, at least to the average
punter, and it is the shaman's or magician's task to make them
put his will into effect. This may be done by prayer, by barter,
by cajoling or even - vide medieval demon magic - by the
application of magical force, threats and pressure.
The otherworld may have its own geography but it is usually
considered to coexist with the world of everyday life. The key to
entering it is an altered state of consciousness, controlled
trance or ecstasy of which the shaman is an expert.
The spirit model has prevailed in traditionalist or Dogmatic
magic until today, some of its most noted exponents being Franz
Bardon and, at least to a great extent, Aleister Crowley.
THE ENERGY MODEL
The rise of the energy model in the West is marked primarily by
the appearance of Mesmerism towards the end of the 18th century.
Anton Mesmer, who was not an occultist but who was on the other
hand regarded by his contemporaries to be a "miracle worker" of
sorts, rediscovered amongst other things the ancient healing
disciplines of hypnosis and magnetism. He popularized his theory
of "animal magnetism" which he saw as a subtle force inherent in
organisms, but he also made heavy use of metal magnets for
healing purposes.
While the French Revolution put a temporary end to Mesmer's
movement, his ideas were not lost. They were taken up by a number
of others, primarily occultists, who drew on them while
developing their own theories of magic. One of the first to do so
was Bulwer Lytton of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA),
who postulated the existence of a subtle energy which he termed
Vril, possibly deriving from Latin virilitas or "force, power,
strength". (This was actually the model for the naming of Bovril,
from Latin "bovis" or "ox", and Vril or "life force".) We can |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 189 | observe interesting parallels to this concept in the vitalist
theories of biology which emerged around the same time. Other
exponents of the energy model of magic (not then so termed) were
Reichenbach with his concept of Od, Eliphas Levi and his Astral
Light and Mme. Blavatsky, who adopted the theories of Prana from
Yoga physiology. This was also the time when anthropology and
ethnology discovered the Polynesian concept of Mana and Asiatic
scholars began to concern themselves with the Chinese principle
of Ki or Ch'i (Chi). The latter two go to show, of course, that
the idea of subtle energies utilized by magic is far older than
the 18th century. In fact, we can observe it already in early
shamanic cultures. Shamanic magic is very frequently a mixture
between spirit and energy model, e.g. the shaman may call upon
his spirits or gods to give him "power" or he may, vice versa,
use his power to extort favors from them.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
217
In its pure form, however, the shaman or magician is not in
need of spirits and other entities. The world is viewed as being
"vitalized" by subtle forces or energies and his primary task
consists in mastering the art of perceiving and manipulating
them. As all phenomena are basically energetic in nature, the
existence of an otherworld is not strictly required. Thus, the
magician is more of an "energy dancer" than a "fence rider" or
go-between. But even here the key to the perception, charging and
general utilization of these forces is again the magical trance
or, as Chaos Magic terms it, gnosis.
Theories and practices pertaining to the energy model can be
found with many magical authors but it has seen its real, large
scale popularity only since the seventies of our century when the
general influx of Eastern thinking (pace the Hippie movement)
made concepts such as chakra and kundalini work a mainstay of
most occult disciplines. Strong energy model elements can also be
found in Franz Bardon's system of "electromagnetic fluids",
"condensators" etc.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL
Sigmund Freud's theory of the subconscious revolutionized Western
thinking in general and psychology (which he did not, as some
people are wont to believe, invent all by himself) in particular.
Suddenly, man was seen as a being which was only partially
conscious and in control of itself. While psychology is still
fighting for its academical recognition as a science, it has
stamped its mark on therapeutic disciplines - and on magic.
The psychological model of magic does not purport to explain
how magic works, its only premise is that the subconscious (or,
as Carl Jung later retagged it, the unconscious) will do the job
if it is properly addressed and/or conditioned. This again is
achieved by magical trance, suggestion and the use of symbols
(i.e. selective sensory input) as tools of association and as a |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 190 | means of communication between the magician's conscious will and
his subconscious faculty responsible for putting it into effect.
Aleister Crowley dabbled a great deal in the psychological
model which comes as no surprise as he not only tried to keep up
with all major academic disciplines of his time but thought
himself to be the world's greatest psychologist into the bargain.
But all considered he remained a traditionalist exponent of the
spirit model: after all Aiwass was, in his belief, a
preternatural entity. Nevertheless he did have a knack of
explaining magic in psychological terms to make it sound sensible
to the skeptics of his time.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
218
A more radical approach was taken by Austin Osman Spare
whose sigil magic rests on the basic tenets of the psychological
model. Spare's brilliant system is in principle an inversion of
Freud's theory of complexes: by actively suppressing his will in
the form of a graphical sigil and forgetting it, the magician
creates an artificial "complex" which then starts to work on
similar lines just as suppressed, subconscious traumas will cause
neurotic behavior etc.
The psychological magician is a programmer of symbols and
different states of consciousness. He is not necessarily in need
of a transcendent otherworld or even subtle energies, though in
practice he will usually work on the assumption that one or the
other (or both) do in fact exist and can be utilized by his
subconscious.
Authors such as Israel Regardie, Dion Fortune, William
Butler, Francis King, William Gray and to some extent Pete
Carroll subscribe to the psychological model which seems to be
the primary domain of the English speaking world of magic and
which has become the prevailing paradigm ever since the seventies
of this century.
THE INFORMATION MODEL
The information model of magic is being developed since about
1987 and there is still considerable debate about the direction
it shall ultimately take. Its basic premises to date are as
follows:
a) Energy as such is "dumb": it needs information on
what to do; this can be so called laws of nature or
direct commands.
b) Information does not have mass or energy. Thus, it is
faster than light and not bound by the restrictions of
the Einsteinian spacetime continuum. It can therefore be |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 191 | transmitted or tapped at all times and at all places. In
analogy (but of course only as such!) it may be likened
to quantum phenomena rather than relativistic
mass-energy. It can, however, attach itself to a medium
e.g. an organism or any other memory storage device.
At the start of the theoretical debate it was still believed that
the postulation of morphic (or, more precisely, morphogenetic)
fields as hypothesized by Rupert Sheldrake had to be an essential
factor by way of explaining the mode of actual information
transmittance. This, however, while still being discussed, does
not appear to be strictly prerogative though it cannot be not
ruled out that an act of information magic may create such
fields. It does seem more probable, though, that the concept of
information matrices will prove to be the most promising theory
in the long run.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
219
The application of the as yet evolving information model has
led to the discipline I have termed Cybermagic (from
"cybernetics" or the "science of control systems"). Contrary to
the other models described above, Cybermagic does not rely on
magical trance to achieve its effects. Rather, the Cybermagician
activates either his own main memory banks, namely brain and
spine (the Golf-club chakra, so-called because of its shape
reminiscent of a golf-club) or those of the target person. The
desired information is then called up and transmitted quite
similarly to a copy command on an MS-DOS computer. The copy
command analogy holds good insofar as the information (not having
mass) is not actually "lost" in the process (as energy would be)
but rather is duplicated. This is an important point as it allows
for the magician to perform his magic even in a state of very low
physical power, possibly even when almost completely intoxicated,
as long as his basic "life support systems" are still functional
and the command syntax is employed correctly.
It is, however, obvious that this technique demands a fair
control of what used to be termed kundalini effects and practice
has shown ever and again that a good amount of Yoga and
meditation experience is a great help in achieving to Cybermagic.
Unfortunately, the full theory and practice of Cybermagic
cannot be described here due to lack of space and will thus have
to be the subject of a separate article to be published later. To
date the main experimental research work is being done within the
Magical Pact of the Illuminates of Thanateros (IOT) and some
quite astounding results have already been achieved, especially
in the field of language and knowledge transfer as well as
magical healing.
In spite of its very modern, untraditionalist outlook the
basic principles of Cybermagic may in truth well be the oldest
form of magic extant. For we can, for example, find a number of
reports in the East to the effect of a guru transferring all his |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 192 | knowledge to his successor before his death, which is usually
achieved by an act of long, mutual meditation.
This goes to show that magic as a whole has always existed
in many, coexisting models. What has changed, however, is the
stress laid on one model or the other in the course of time.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
220
THE META-MODEL
The meta-model of magic is not a model as such but rather an
instruction on the use of the others. For its only advice to the
magician is: "Always use the model most adequate to your aims."
This may sound a bit trite but we will see that it is not quite
as self evident amongst magicians as one might expect. It is
rooted in Chaos magic's assertion "Nothing is true. Everything is
permitted", which ultimately boils down to pragmatic
utilitarianism. Before this aspect is enlarged upon, though, let
us look at an example of the models presented here as applied in
practice.
We shall take the situation of magical healing to demonstrate how
these models differ from each other.
In the spirit model healing is regarded as an exorcism: illness
is caused by "evil" or, at least, undesired entities which have
to be negated. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 193 | Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
221
The Eight Paths and other Wiccan miscellany
Dogs in the Temple:
The "dogs" were MALE Canaanite temple prostitutes
(normally eunuchs, as I understand it), with whom male worshippers had
intercourse in order to obtain various boons from the gods, of which
the fertility of themselves, their herds and their crops were the
chief. A "dog"'s earnings couldn't be contributed to Yaweh's
treasury. (Nor could that of a FEMALE temple prostitute!) Now if
they were doing the Great Rite with male priests way back when TO make
things more fertility, why should Stewart Farrar have a cat over gay
men and lesbians being involved in the Craft now?!? (Although, in
fairness to him, I'll bet he's never thought of it that way! He
strikes me as a reasonable man, all in all... )
As for the Paths:
Meditation is the first and--in my opinion--the most basic,
because you use it to get to or enhance some of the other Paths.
Trance work is the second, which includes astral projection exercises.
Perhaps it's the most important, because it gets us where we go to
exercise the power or obtain the wisdom that we want to.
Dancing is a Path that I personal can't use because I'm lame; but I've
been told by able-bodied Pagan friends that it's great because it
engages the whole self--and especially it helps you be grounded AND
Elsewhere at the same time. Binding with cords and other forms of
sensory deprivation are good for helping the mind travel beyond the
body's limits because one wishes to escape the tedium and discomfort
of them. (I'm sorry, but even a flotation tank gets uncomfortable
eventually!) Scourging and other repetitive acts also use tedium as a
release but are more stimulating than being bound or floating in a
tank. (They do NOT use pain. If they're being done THAT intensely,
they're being done incorrectly... )
Chanting and mantras use repetitive sound and the inherent nature of |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 194 | some sounds to produce altered states of consciousness.
Drugs (which normally means incense and MAYBE alcohol but NOT
hallucinogens and such) variously stimulate, relax, disinhibit or
otherwise change one's mental state.
And that brings us back to the Great Rite and other forms of sex
magick, which attempt to involve all levels from the physical to the
Divine Within at one time. That's VERY thumbnail; but if anyone wants
to know more, I'll be glad to elaborate on the ones I use or have seen
used. Oh, and I can--and should--add that the various Paths can be
used in combination as well as separately, that there's some variation
from one tradition to another as to what the Eight Paths are, and that
not ALL traditions have Eight Paths per se!
Bright blessings! Granny Spider
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
222
Balance of the God and Goddess
Adrienne
I see the God as That is Created and Destroyed; the Goddess is the
Creator and the Destroyer. His knowledge is experiential and he sees
the cycle of rebirth from the unique perspective of the being that
experiences it. He understands, more so than the Goddess, how the
cycle shapes the world of the living. His life cycle of birth to full
power to age to death to rebirth parallels our own lives on this
earth. The Goddess loves Her children, the God understands His.
Through the love they bear for each other, they share in both the
knowledge of the mystery of rebirth and in the power, but the
knowledge remains His province and the power rests in Her.
--- Maximus-CBCS v1.02
* Origin: Pandora's Box, Ottawa, Ontario (93:9630/1) |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 195 | Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
223
Where do we go from here?
By Pete Carroll
Occult revivals occur when the social, economic or intellectual
status quo is disturbed by the unexpected. Affluence combined
with the collapse of the Roman state religion caused one revival.
The rediscovery of classical knowledge in the Renaissance brought
about another. Dissatisfaction with catholic hellfire
christianity spawned spiritualism, theosophy, the Golden Dawn and
Crowley. In our own time anti-semitism, affluence, drugs and
oriental ideas spawned another outburst.
Occult revivals are stimulated by economics and by the availability,
rather than the creation of ideas. Roman culture was subject to a
huge influx of ideas, cults and philosophies from conquered peoples.
Written material surviving from this synthesis appeared again
as hermetics in the Renaissance. The revivals of the late
nineteenth century and the nineteen-sixties owe much to the
availability of scientific ideas and oriental philosophies. It is
probably more useful then, to look for impending changes in the
general situation rather than within the occult itself if we want
to second guess the next revival. The period between one revival
and the next is shortening rapidly and we are probably due for
another around the turn of the century, give or take a decade.
I`d like to try and identify some of the factors which may help
shape it.
Firstly the millennium. Christianity is unfortunately not yet
completely extinguished and humanity will have to cope with a
rising tide of apocalypse mania as the calendrical millennium draws
closer. Right wing christian fundamentalists in America may even be
in a political position to inaugurate a real Armageddon by then.
I hope that whatever courage and imagination there is in the occult
is put to good use in undermining this sort od idiocy. Those
occultists who do jump on the millennial bandwagon have only
disaster or ridicule to look forward to. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 196 | Economics has a powerful effect on the occult climate. A fairly
rapid increase in affluence will often provoke a revival as leisure
time becomes available and some minds turn to higher things.
Conversely, a decline in living conditions will sometimes make
people seek what they have lost, or a substitute, by occult means.
Boom propelled revivals are usually much more fun than slump
propelled upsurges. In this country, any increment in occultism
arising from socio-economic desperation, is likely to be some
species of neo-nazi mystic nationalism. As with millennium madness,
the greater honour will, in the long run, go to those occultists who
oppose such nonsense. However, the metaphysical fallout from the
sixties may yet carry us through to the next boom revival and these
problems may not yet arise.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
224
It seems unlikely that anthropology or archaeology will be able to
make fresh ideas available for cannibalization by the occult in the
next revival. Computerized libraries, satellite photography and
global communication systems leave few stones unturned. There seems
little chance lost ancient manuscripts, magical tribes or forgotten
occult civilizations coming to light nowadays. So it is to science
itself that I think we should turn for fresh ammunition.
There are already discernable strains of space mysticism in some
quarters of the occult. Questions about the reality or otherwise of
supposed visits by aliens should not distract us from recognizing
that UFO-mania itself is a mystico-religious phenomena. The
UFO-ologist wants to personally receive wisdom for the whole of
humanity from some superhuman being. Seeking angels in space suits
is to repeat humanity`s perennial mistake, pretending to look
outside for what is really inside ourselves.
Quantum physics has been quietly undermining the whole basis of
mechanistic cause and effect type science for nearly sixty years. It
has been said that if you are not shocked by the implications of
quantum physics then you have not understood it. This may be
perfectly true for the scientist but for the magician, quantum
physics provides elegant confirmation of many of his theories. A
quantitative approach to quantum physics is beyond all but the best
mathematician. Many of the principles are enshrined in equations for
which we have few verbal or visual analogies. Because of this very
few laymen or philosophers have been able to appreciate what has
been going on.
Briefly in qualitative terms, we now have hard experimental evidence
which strongly implies that physical process are, at root, acausal;
they just happen out of themselves and that consciousness, or at
least the decisions of the observer, can modify or control what
happens. Secondly it would seem that pure information can travel
anywhere instantaneously and perhaps persists indefinitely,
providing there is some sort of affinity, or magical link as we
would call it, between that which emits and that which receives. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 197 | Very few liberties need to be taken with quantum physics to fit in
virtually the whole of parapsychology. It remains to be seen if
quantum physics can be presented in sufficiently accessible form to
provoke another occult revival.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
225
A quantum based revival would effectively demolish the spirit
hypothesis. A "spirit" would have to be recognized as nothing more
than the information that a phenomenon emitted about itself when it
existed physically. Anything else would have to be put down to the
creativity of the observer`s subconsciousness. Thus the "tree-ness"
of a tree or the quality of a thought is just an extension of the
object itself on the plane of non-local information. If you talk to
Egyptian gods your subconsciousness is, at best, simply animating
the general personality characteristics of the gods projected by
their worshippers millennia ago. Spirits cannot be gaseous
vertebrates with powers of independent discursive thought. On the
practical level quantum physics implies that the medium of magic is
not some sort of nebulous psychic energy or force, it is simply a
transfer of information. Magical healing or attack is accomplished
by long range telepathic suggestion not by astral bandages or
thunderbolts. The quantum paradigm forces a re-examination of
reincarnation. There is no reason why anybody should not be able to
tap the memories of any historical person. Conversely we can all
look forward to fragments of our ideas and personalities manifesting
in other people in the future.
Telekinesis and related phenomena can be accommodated within the
quantum paradigm if we allow intent to expand upon the small degree
of fundamental uncertainty, or more properly indeterminacy, in the
position and momentum of any object. Prophecy is always the most
doubtful of the magical arts although short term prediction or
precognition can often be impressive. The quantum model allows for
this providing the operator later observes the precognised event.
Such apparent nonsense as astrology and homeopathy begin to make
more sense in a quantum paradigm which suggests that expectation can
have real effects via what one might call a magical level. This is
quite over and above the purely psychological effects of expectation
that materialists usually invoke to explain away these things.
I`ve heard the quantum occult paradigm described as Big Bang
Mysticism and Electro Gnosis. I rather like this, for it implies |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 198 | that the universe is being viewed as a self-created magical organism
and that magic itself is a technology we can potentially master
because it is a part of the nature of ordinary reality. Of course,
what is missing in this scheme are the pseudo certainties of belief
in gods and higher powers or even a benign cosmic mind. It throws us
back on our own powers and ingenuities, but isn`t this what the best
occultism has always been about anyway ?
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
226
(811) Mon 29 Apr 91 3:26
By: Madoc
To: Chris Anderson
Re: What's this "Right" stuff, anyway?
St:
------------------------------------------------------------
@PID: RA 1.01
@MSGID: 8:7703/8 4dba2fe8
>What would a Wiccan provide as an explanation for behavior that was
>"contrary" in the sense that you've given? We've all seen folks
behave in a way that is *apparently* inconsistent with stated beliefs,
even those that are closely held. What do you believe is the basis
for the difference between a "positive direction along the Path" and
actual behavior that is contrary to this by one who earnestly seeks
"the Path"? The answer is stated clearly enough for many other
religions, but I've never had the opportunity to hear a Wiccan add
his/her windage on this topic. Flip Wilson's answer obviously isn't
going to apply, so where do we go with it? ;)
Chris, sorry for the delay in answering your question. I have written
and re-written my response, and although I still may not have answered
your question herein, I feel that I must reply at last.
First, I must stipulate that what follows is my own interpretation of
Wiccan belief, and my own sense of "morals." You know, the usual
disclaimer.
Second, I wish to deal briefly with the concept of separation of Law
and Moral. What I am writing here has absolutely no relation to the
practice of law. I do not advocate murder, for example, nor do I think
that murder should go unpunished by the State. I recognize that we
live in a society which must have rules in order that the maximum
amount of freedom may be enjoyed by all. I would not hesitate, if I
were a juror, to vote to send a proven criminal to jail, or even to
death, if the situation warranted it. Therefore, let none who read my
words mistake my moral convictions with my beliefs about our judaical |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 199 | system - I am not in disagreement with the majority of our laws as
they exist.
Finally; the point:
To save space, I'll omit the dictionary definition of 'sin.' I think
we all understand that Christians believe in sin, Wiccans do not. As
you have stated, members of other religions have their rules clearly
stated, so that one may easily decide if one is in error or not
(although it's often not quite *that* easy). Wiccans claim to follow
only the Rede, which states, "An it harm none, do as thou shalt."
You have asked how a Wiccan can stray from such a path. The answer is
complex and far-reaching, and even delves into (ugh) philosophy. I'll
try to keep it succinct.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
227
If one thoughtfully examines the Rede, it quickly becomes apparent
that almost every action has the potential to harm some creature in
some way. Drawing breath can kill micro-organisms that float unseen,
in the atmosphere. Drinking water does the same thing. One could
choose to marry, and ultimately bring pain and suffering on future
generations of children by way of an unhappy union. There is literally
no way that one could possibly foresee all circumstances and avoid
harming anyone. Yet, that is what the Rede demands. What is the
answer?
In my opinion, the answer is obvious. The Wiccan must choose. Each and
every Wiccan is responsible for their own actions, and will be
accountable to themselves for the results of those actions. The wheels
turns, and each Wiccan reaps what they have sown. No Godly mandate or
indulgence can save us from the results of our own actions, be they
good or bad. But, with ultimate responsibility comes ultimate freedom.
No God can shackle my soul or subject me to that which I do not Will.
I am supreme within myself, and I am the "captain of my soul." I have
chosen to obey certain of society's laws and mores. I have chosen to
be a "good" man. Mine is the reward for choosing such action, and mine
will be the punishment if I fail to meet my self-imposed
responsibilities. As you jested, I cannot claim Flip Wilson's
famous defence. Nor do I claim that such things as I do well stem from
my Creator - in ultimate hubris, I claim that "As I Will, so mote it
be."
Every day, I am met with new decisions. I make those decisions, and
then I live with the consequences of my actions. In my opinion, that
is what makes me human, what sets me apart from the animals. Man alone
can choose, man alone is not chained to genetically imprinted
behavior.
I have been asked why, if there is the possibility that the Christian
deity exists, do I not choose Christianity on the possibility that it
is correct? This is Pascal's famous wager. If I wager that (the
Christian) God exists and I am correct, then I win all. If I am wrong |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 200 | and God does not exist, then I have lost nothing, and have lived
(hopefully) a good and productive life in the bargain. Why would
anyone not accept this wager? My answer to that is that I would not
willingly serve any God that would choose one of His/Her creations
over another, the good over the bad, the shriven over the heathen. If
I had definitive proof that such a God existed, I would actively
oppose Him/Her. I would rather suffer the cold comfort of damnation
than continue to exist in a hereafter peopled with only the "saved."
This is my choice, and again, as I Will, so mote it be.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
228
>What do you believe is the basis for the difference between a
"positive direction along the Path" and actual behavior that is
contrary to this by one who earnestly seeks "the Path"?
A fine, difficult question, Chris. As you've stated elsewhere, we've
been dancing all around this one for some time. Here goes:
I cannot determine what any one individual's Path is. I am not even
sure of my own. I often follow forks in the road until they come to a
dead end, and have to double back. Of course, that's the problem one
faces in following one's own Will, and not a set of directions laid
down by God. My concept of the Path is that it is like many roads, all
of which lead eventually to self-knowledge (enlightenment, Godhead,
nirvana, and so on). In my theology, my ultimate goal is to become one
with the God of my creation by gaining divine knowledge, or gnosis.
We've discussed the concept of "hidden knowledge" in the past, yet I
feel that my understanding of gnosis differs from yours.
The entire concept of the ancient mystery religions, and of modern
"occult" (which mean only 'hidden' after all) religions and practices
was based on the concept of the inverted filter. Each person passed
through successive layers of filters, gaining knowledge and
understanding at each stop, until they could absorb no more (and so
could not pass through the next layer of filter). Of course, at each
level, the initiate was given to believe that they were now in
possession of secret knowledge, and ultimate truth. If they could find
legitimate questions that led them to reject or doubt those 'truths'
and seek deeper meaning, then they passed through to the next level of
understanding. If they did not question, then they were satisfied that
they had gained truth.
This 'hidden knowledge' can be obtained outside of the constraints of
organized religion; in fact it originally was obtained independently.
Just as Newton's Laws could eventually be figured out by a person
ignorant of his discoveries, one could find a Path to enlightenment
separate from any of the mystery religions. However, just as one |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 201 | attends school to learn that which is already known, so one pursues
illumination from the teachings of those who have already achieved
more than oneself.
Further, I do not believe that there is one 'right' Path. I accept
that the OTO has valuable knowledge to impart. I accept that Christian
Mystics, Jewish Quabalists, Muslim Sufis, and so on all have some
piece of the puzzle, and that all will eventually converge on the road
to wisdom. I know because I have been to that intersection once or
twice, although I am not there now. My Path is my own, and as Van
Morrison said, I have "No teacher, no guru, no method."
Can I move in a direction that is contrary to positive movement
towards the Laughing Light? You bet. The tough part is that the
definition of what is or is not 'positive' is not static. An example:
it might be proper that I learn what it means to take another human
being's life by killing an intruder in my home. It might not be proper
that I learn that lesson by following the orders of a superior officer
in time of war. OR VICE VERSA. I must choose at every instance, and I
might not immediately know if my choice has given or taken from my
search for truth.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
229
There are also times when I might know that I am actively choosing to
deviate from my Path. I might choose to sooth a feeling of anxiety
about whether or not I can pay the rent this month by yelling at my
wife. I'm not using this as an example because it is traditionally
"wrong," but because I know that I cannot solve my problems by
transferring my anxiety to others. If I choose to ignore what I have
already learned, then not only have I lost ground, but I will have to
deal with the anger that I've given out at some point.
In conclusion, I believe that I am responsible for my own actions, as
others are for theirs. I also believe that if I commit an action which
may seem 'right' to me, but which society has deemed to be a crime,
I'll be punished by society for breaking that law. I would punish
those who break the laws which are meant to hold our society together,
such as prohibitions on murder, burglary, and so forth. I believe that
my moral convictions are binding only on myself, not on others, and
that I'll ultimately deal with the consequences of my thoughts and
deeds. I believe that I have no right to judge the moral content of
another's actions. I believe in the Wiccan Rede, "An it harm none, do
as thou shalt," and I further believe that it is meant to make me
consider my actions and their consequences, and to make my own
decisions, rather than as a prohibition against any specific action.
There is much that I do not know about Godhead; much that I do not
know about Right and Wrong. I have only my instincts and intellect to
guide me, but I trust myself to make the right decisions eventually.
Madoc |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 202 | Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
230
Sex & Magic
Fra.: Apfelmann
In this article I would like to address the issue of sex and magic.
I am quite aware of the fact that this is a loaded subject. It is
one of the oldest disciplines in occultism and virtually every magic
tradition applies it somewhere down the road. Yet it has always been
regarded as the innermost secret discipline. Witches, Shamans,
Runesters, Yogis and Magicians of all varieties work with it in one
form or another.
To build up, strengthen, direct and aim this powerful energy is an
awesome magical tool, as anyone who has ever worked with it knows.
Being limited in time and space, but having such a wonderful and
eclectic medium to work with, I want to give you a few unbiased
ideas on the subject.
No discipline of magic has attracted as much mumbo jumbo or
misinformation as sex magic does. Nothing stirs the mind more than
the left and right of the so-called middle path quite as vividly.
Nothing is more ancient, powerful and misunderstood as Sex magic.
Yes, the market on Tantra is booming, as a visit to any occult book
shop will show you. Yet well researched, practical introductions
into sex magic are virtually non-existent. Male sexist tunnel vision
abounds.
One of the reasons being that the general approach towards sexuality
and women is steeped in Judeo-Christian hang ups.
The most common approach seems to be: "Just lay down and be the
altar dear, you are going to love it." Even such revolutionaries as
Aleister Crowley have done very little to improve this. Louis
Culling even dares to state in his contemporary work (1971), that a
frigid woman is more conductive to sex magic practice than a sensual
or, mind you, sexually aggressive one. For this would surely disturb
ones concentration on the Great Work. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 203 | No wonder that there are few women attracted to these kinds of
partners! You will always get what you want in magic and the
so-called true will does reveal itself in strange ways. Doing some
soul searching and clarifying your motives is quite effective.
Now, regarding literature on this subject there is hope. My german
friend Fra.: U.D. has written a comprehensive, pragmatic book on sex
magic. It`s title is "Secrets of the German Sex Magicians"
(Llewellyn) and he told me last weekend that it is available in the
States right now. (I hope he will give me some extracts to post them
here...) It beats everything that has ever been published on the
subject. Get it!
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
231
Now let me point out, one more time, that magic is a practical
science. Merely reading about it or going to a workshop will not get
you anywhere.
The multitude of sexual expressions is just as great and manifold as
human behavior in general. Here, like everywhere in Chaos Magic, it
is useful to keep in mind that if it works for you, use it!
Remember, the real sex magicians, male and female, have always known
that and discarded social conditioning and taboos, right along with
the do`s and don`ts of dogma.
We do magic to liberate ourselves. So if it is possible for one
thing to be sacred we logically conclude that everything else can be
sacred too.
Auto-, Hetero- and Homosexual expressions are equally valid in
sex magic. It is more about expanding ones horizons that about
finding a certain "right" way, partner or ritual to do it. The Chaos
Magical paradigm kicks right in: Nothing is True, and Everything is
Permitted!
The next issue I want to address is the Auto-erotic practice. So let
me state this loud and clear: Without auto erotic practice it is
impossible to achieve anything in Sex magic!
Auto-eroticism is of central importance because it is the ideal
practice and playground. It constitutes a powerful technique in
itself, and it makes us independent of partners. Especially in the
beginning it is much easier to explore, prolong and amplify orgasmic
trance states. For this very same reason it is possible to do
effective sex magic with a partner who knows nothing about it but
working with a partner who is equally trained in this art is ever so
much more effective. Most amateurs believe that sexual magic is
something that solely happens between partners in a ritual, but in
reality the vast majority of sex magical arts are performed
auto-erotically.
Regarding the physical aspects of the sexual magical training first
thing to consider is that your body is really _your temple_. And for |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 204 | it to be your ultimate tool and asset it has to be in peak
condition. Physical and mental dependencies, be it alcohol,
stimulants or even tobacco, will interfere with your ability to
develop and direct this tool. I do not want to project a moral
attitude on this, or any other subject, but mind, spirit and body
are deeply intertwined. And the more you alter your mind from the
outside by using drugs of any sort, the harder it gets to focus your
will and physical reaction. If you are in a frizzy condition, you
will get frizzy results! Here, as in all magic, the borders are
fluid. A good training in practical magic will greatly enhance your
sexual magic and vice versa.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
232
A lot of physical exercises in sex magic derive from Tantra Yoga.
The only point of disagreement appears to be the way of using the
orgasm. In particular, the "traditional" Tantra authors seem to cling
to the idea that there is only a limited amount of sperm available
to men. Therefore this precious substance is carefully guarded, held
back and reassimilated when spent. Western magic does not agree
with this belief. Its approach is rather like: the more you spend -
the more you get! This applies to male magicians, women have always
been pretty much inexhaustible in their orgasmic capacity. What
joins both is that the intent in Sex magic is much more result
oriented and concrete than in Tantra, where it is mainly
transcendental.
The longing for transcendence seems to be inherently natural in
human behavior. Yet being western magicians living in the nineties
we know that we have to handle the "real world", our physical
reality first, and then we can move on to the loftier goals.
A good manual for your physical preparation and training is
"Stalking the Wild Orgasm" by Christopher Scott Kilham. Hie work not
only includes some excellent yoga exercises, but also gives you some
great clues regarding nutrition and aphrodisiacs.
When you get going in this direction you will find that it soon
penetrates into many other areas of your magical work. You will be
in better physical shape, more relaxed, focused and grounded. Magic
is a gut level art. We have to remove it from the intellectual
stuff. Trust your own experiences. Strive to conduct your magic work
from this part of your body where all magic originates - your loins.
Have fun!
With fractalic greetings and laughter * Fra.: Apfelmann * |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 205 | Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
233
THE RIDDLE OF THE TRICKSTER
a cross-cultural overview
by
Thunderspud of Dragonfhain
Who is this trickster archetype, the one who inspires such mixed
feelings and brouhaha? Trickster has been with us from the
beginning. Trickster will be there at the ending. (If there is an
ending, Trickster will probably trigger it). Trickster is a creator,
a transformer, a joker, a truth teller, a destroyer.
Whoever has created a dance, a song, written a ritual, tailor-made a
job, birthed a child or invented a game has partaken of a controlled
Trickster energy. After all, in Northwest Native and Inuit
tradition, Raven created the world; Loki is known to the Norse as a
co creator (and the bringer of Ragnarok); Anansi the spider-trickster
among the Ashanti of Ghana and Nareau the spider in Micronesia;
Coyote among the Southwest Natives --these are the creator aspects of
this wild and uncontrolled energy. Trickster often begins in the
void, desiring to bring Order out of Chaos; once Order is imposed,
however, Trickster represents the breaking free of negative power
from the Universal Order of things.
As a shape-shifter, Trickster is all things to all people, at one
time or another, and often simultaneously. Of course Trickster is a
creator and a destroyer. Sure he's a family man and a vagabond.
Naturally he gives fire to humans and then steals their food before
they can cook it. This is his style; when he acts out of
selfishness, everyone benefits -- Maui of the Thousand Tricks might
snare the Sun to slow it down, making life easier for humans, but he
did it so his mother would have more time to cook for him. When he
acts out of altruism, there's most always a negative effect --Marawa,
a Lou Costello prototype from Banks Island carved human figures from
wood and put them in the ground so they would grow and be strong;
however, they merely rotted and death came into the world of humans.
This shape- shifter not only moves from shape to shape, but from |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 206 | world to world. Number Eleven suffered at the hands of death to free
his brothers; his brothers then took his lifeless body away and
revived him. In the Winnebago cycle, Trickster dies three times and
returns to life three times. In just one collection of Coyote
stories, Giving Birth to Thunder, Sleeping With His Daughter, Coyote
dies of a snake bite, a gunshot, an arrow wound, a broken heart, a
rock-fall and a drowning; this resembles nothing so much as a
Roadrunner cartoon.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
234
Trickster fuzzes the lines between Male and Female, between cunning
and stupidity (in one story Coyote steals a horse, in another he
almost drowns trying to eat some berries reflected in a stream),
between wisdom and stupidity. Trickster tells us the truth about our
selves, showing us with truth and wit the sides of our nature that we
may be more comfortable not acknowledging; he's the one who points at
the Emperor's nakedness, he's Lenny Bruce and Ashleigh Brilliant, Ken
Kesey and Uncle Remus, Opus, Geech, Tom Robbins, Abbie Hoffman, Don
Becker, Weird Al Yankovich and David Letterman, holding up a skewed
mirror of reality for us to look into. Among the Aztecs, as serious
a culture as this continent has ever seen, Ueuecoyotl, a funny and
outrageously unacceptable clown figure; in the Southwest, at serious
rituals, he's the Koshare speeding around the circle with tickling
feathers and rattle, being ignored completely by the priest.
Trickster shines on as a culture bringer: Prometheus steals fire for
his poor stunted creations, and pays a terrible and eternal price for
his philanthropy. Loki also steals fire for humans, as do Anansi,
Raven, Coyote, Maui; so far I have found no less than seventeen
stories from different cultures on this theme. Anansi tricked
Nyankopon the Sky-God out of his stories and gave them to the humans.
Clat, from Banks Island, taught humans how to sleep.
In the stories of the Ashanti, Anansi invented the tar-baby as a ruse
to trap an elemental spirit, but in the Native American stories,
Coyote is trapped by a tar-baby set up by a farmer. Actually the
farmer had caught a rabbit with his tar-baby, but Coyote happened
along and asked Rabbit what he was doing there. "The farmer who owns
this field got mad at me because I wouldn't eat his melons, so he
stuck me here and said he'd come back and make me eat chicken."
Rabbit replies, "But I told him I wouldn't do it." Of course, greedy
Coyote extricates Rabbit and wraps himself around the tar-baby where
he still his when the farmer comes out and shoots him.
So this is the Trickster, the energy that allows us to break out of
our stereotypes, whether they've been imposed by ourselves, our |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 207 | families, our culture. This is the energy that opens the world of
limitless possibilities and it behooves us all to work with it before
it destroys us, to touch the Trickster as he touches us.
...........from RMPJ, Oct.'86
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
235
Notes on Kabbalah (a continuing series of many parts)
Copyright Colin Low 1991
Chapter 1.: The Tree of Life
At the root of the Cabalistic view of the world are three
fundamental concepts and they provide a natural place to begin.
The three concepts are force, form and consciousness and these
words are used in an abstract way, as the following examples
illustrate:
- high pressure steam in the cylinder of a steam engine
provides a force. The engine is a form which constrains the
force.
- a river runs downhill under the force of gravity. The
river channel is a form which constrains the water to run in
a well defined path.
- someone wants to get to the center of a garden maze. The
hedges are a form which constrain that person's ability to
walk as they please.
- a diesel engine provides the force which drives a boat
forwards. A rudder constrains its course to a given
direction.
- a politician wants to change the law. The legislative
framework of the country is a form which he or she must
follow if the change is to be made legally.
- water sits in a bowl. The force of gravity pulls the water
down. The bowl is a form which gives its shape to the water. |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 208 | - a stone falls to the ground under the force of gravity.
Its acceleration is constrained to be equal to the force
divided by the mass of the stone.
- I want to win at chess. The force of my desire to win is
constrained within the rules of chess.
- I see something in a shop window and have to have it. I am
constrained by the conditions of sale (do I have enough
money, is it in stock).
- cordite explodes in a gun barrel and provides an explosive
force on a bullet. The gas and the bullet are constrained by
the form of the gun barrel.
- I want to get a passport. The government won't give me one
unless I fill in lots of forms in precisely the right way.
- I want a university degree. The university won't give me
a degree unless I attend certain courses and pass various
assessments.
In all these examples there is something which is causing change
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
236
to take place ("a force") and there is something which causes
change to take place in a defined way ("a form"). Without being
too pedantic it is possible to identify two very different types
of example here:
1. examples of natural physical processes (e.g. a falling
stone) where the force is one of the natural forces known to
physics (e.g. gravity) and the form is some combination
of physical laws which constrain the force to act in a well
defined way.
2. examples of people wanting something, where the force is
some ill-defined concept of "desire", "will", or "drives",
and the form is one of the forms we impose upon ourselves
(the rules of chess, the Law, polite behavior etc.).
Despite the fact that the two different types of example are
"only metaphorically similar", Kabbalists see no fundamental
distinction between them. To the Kabbalist there are forces
which cause change in the natural world, and there are
corresponding psychological forces which drive us to change both
the world and ourselves, and whether these forces are natural or
psychological they are rooted in the same place: consciousness.
Similarly, there are forms which the component parts of the
physical world seem to obey (natural laws) and there are
completely arbitrary forms we create as part of the process of
living (the rules of a game, the shape of a mug, the design of an
engine, the syntax of a language) and these forms are also rooted
in the same place: consciousness. It is a Cabalistic axiom that
there is a prime cause which underpins all the manifestations of
force and form in both the natural and psychological world and
that prime cause I have called consciousness for lack of a better
word.
Consciousness is undefinable. We know that we are conscious
in different ways at different times - sometimes we feel free and
happy, at other times trapped and confused, sometimes angry and |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 209 | passionate, sometimes cold and restrained - but these words
describe manifestations of consciousness. We can define the
manifestations of consciousness in terms of manifestations of
consciousness, which is about as useful as defining an ocean in
terms of waves and foam. Anyone who attempts to define
consciousness itself tends to come out of the same door as they
went in. We have lots of words for the phenomena of consciousness
- thoughts, feelings, beliefs, desires, emotions, motives and so
on - but few words for the states of consciousness which give
rise to these phenomena, just as we have many words to describe
the surface of a sea, but few words to describe its depths.
Kabbalah provides a vocabulary for states of consciousness
underlying the phenomena, and one of the purposes of these notes
is to explain this vocabulary, not by definition, but mostly by
metaphor and analogy. The only genuine method of understanding
what the vocabulary means is by attaining various states of
consciousness in a predictable and reasonably objective way, and
Kabbalah provides practical methods for doing this.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
237
A fundamental premise of the Cabalistic model of reality is
that there is a pure, primal, and undefinable state of
consciousness which manifests as an interaction between force and
form. This is virtually the entire guts of the Cabalistic view
of things, and almost everything I have to say from now on is
based on this trinity of consciousness, force, and form.
Consciousness comes first, but hidden within it is an inherent
duality; there is an energy associated with consciousness which
causes change (force), and there is a capacity within
consciousness to constrain that energy and cause it to manifest
in a well-defined way (form).
First Principle
of
/ Consciousness \
/ \
/ \
Capacity Raw
to take ________________ Energy
Form
Figure 1.
What do we get out of raw energy and an inbuilt capacity for form
and structure? Is there yet another hidden potential within this
trinity waiting to manifest? There is. If modern physics is to be
believed we get matter and the physical world. The cosmological
Big Bang model of raw energy surging out from an infinitesimal
point and condensing into basic forms of matter as it cools, then
into stars and galaxies, then planets, and ultimately living
creatures, has many points of similarity with the Cabalistic
model. In the Big Bang model a soup of energy condenses according
to some yet-to-be-formulated Grand-Universal-Theory into our
physical world. What Kabbalah does suggest (and modern physics
most certainly does not!) is that matter and consciousness are
the same stuff, and differ only in the degree of structure
imposed - matter is consciousness so heavily structured and |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 210 | constrained that its behavior becomes describable using the
regular and simple laws of physics. This is shown in Fig. 2. The
primal, first principle of consciousness is synonymous with the
idea of "God".
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
238
First Principle
of
/ Consciousness \
/ | \
/ | \
Capacity | Raw
to take _____________ Energy/Force
Form |
\ | /
\ | /
\ | /
Matter
The World
Figure 2
The glyph in Fig. 2 is the basis for the Tree of Life. The first
principle of consciousness is called Kether, which means Crown.
The raw energy of consciousness is called Chockhmah or Wisdom,
and the capacity to give form to the energy of consciousness is
called Binah, which is sometimes translated as Understanding, and
sometimes as Intelligence. The outcome of the interaction of
force and form, the physical world, called Malkuth or Kingdom.
This quaternery is a Cabalistic representation of God-the-
Knowable, in the sense that it the most primitive representation
of God we are capable of comprehending; paradoxically, Kabbalah
also contains a notion of God-the-Unknowable which transcends
this glyph, and is called En Soph. There is not much I can say
about En Soph, and what I can say I will postpone for later.
God-the-Knowable has four aspects, two male and two female:
Kether and Chokhmah are both represented as male, and Binah and
Malkuth are represented as female. One of the titles of Chokhmah
is Abba, which means Father, and one of the titles of Binah is
Aima, which means Mother, so you can think of Chokhmah as God-
the-Father, and Binah as God-the-Mother. Malkuth is the |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 211 | daughter, the female spirit of God-as-Matter, and it would not be
wildly wrong to think of her as Mother Earth. One of the more
pleasant things about Kabbalah is that its symbolism gives equal
place to both male and female.
And what of God-the-Son? Is there also a God-the-Son in
Kabbalah? There is, and this is the point where Kabbalah tackles
the interesting problem of thee and me. The glyph in Fig. 2 is a
model of consciousness, but not of self-consciousness, and self-
consciousness throws an interesting spanner in the works.
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
239
The Fall
Self-consciousness is like a mirror in which consciousness
sees itself reflected. Self-consciousness is modelled in Kabbalah
by making a copy of figure 2.
Consciousness
of
/ Consciousness \
/ | \
/ | \
Consciousness | Consciousness
of ________________ of
Form | Energy/Force
\ | /
\ | /
\ | /
Consciousness
of the
World
Figure 3
Figure 3. is Figure 2. reflected through self-consciousness. The
overall effect of self-consciousness is to add an additional
layer to Figure 2. as follows:
First Principle
of
/ Consciousness \
/ | \
/ | \
Capacity | Raw
to take _____________ Energy/Force
Form |
\ | / |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 212 | \ | /
\ | /
Consciousness
of
/ Consciousness \
/ | \
/ | \
Consciousness | Consciousness
of ________________ of
Form | Energy/Force
\ | /
\ | /
\ | /
Consciousness
of the
World
|
|
|
Matter
The World
Figure 4
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
240
Fig. 2 is sometimes called "the Garden of Eden" because it
represents a primal state of consciousness. The effect of self-
consciousness as shown in Fig. 4 is to drive a wedge between the
First Principle of Consciousness (Kether) and that Consciousness
realized as matter and the physical world (Malkuth). This is
called "the Fall", after the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden
of Eden. From a Cabalistic point of view the story of Eden, with
the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the serpent and the
temptation, and the casting out from the Garden has a great deal
of meaning in terms of understanding the evolution of
consciousness.
Self-consciousness introduces four new states of
consciousness: the Consciousness of Consciousness is called
Tipheret, which means Beauty; the Consciousness of Force/Energy
is called Netzach, which means Victory or Firmness; the
Consciousness of Form is called Hod, which means Splendor or
Glory, and the Consciousness of Matter is called Yesod, which
means Foundation. These four states have readily observable
manifestations, as shown below in Fig. 5:
The Self
Self-Importance
Self-Sacrifice
/ | \
/ | \
/ | \
Language | Emotions
Abstraction_______________Drives
Reason | Feelings
\ | /
\ | /
\ | /
\ Perception /
Imagination
Instinct |
Wicca | The-Complete-Uncut-Book-of-Shadows | 213 | Reproduction
Figure 5
Figure 4. is almost the complete Tree of Life, but not quite -
there are still two states missing. The inherent capacity of
consciousness to take on structure and objectify itself (Binah,
God-the-Mother) is reflected through self-consciousness as a
perception of the limitedness and boundedness of things. We are
conscious of space and time, yesterday and today, here and there,
you and me, in and out, life and death, whole and broken,
together and apart. We see things as limited and bounded and we
have a perception of form as something "created" and "destroyed".
My car was built a year ago, but it was smashed yesterday. I
wrote an essay, but I lost it when my computer crashed. My granny
is dead. The river changed its course. A law has been repealed. I
broke my coffee mug. The world changes, and what was here
yesterday is not here today. This perception acts like an
"interface" between the quaternary of consciousness which
represents "God", and the quaternary which represents a living
self-conscious being, and two new states are introduced to
represent this interface. The state which represents the creation
Last amended June 11, 1989 -- Page NEXTRECORD
241
of new forms is called Chesed, which means Mercy, and the state
which represents the destruction of forms is called Gevurah,
which means Strength. This is shown in Fig. 6. The
objectification of forms which takes place in a self-conscious
being, and the consequent tendency to view the world in terms of
limitations and dualities (time and space, here and there, you
and me, in and out, God and Man, good and evil...) produces a
barrier to perception which most people rarely overcome, and for
this reason it has come to be called the Abyss. The Abyss is also
marked on Figure 6.
First Principle
of
/ Consciousness \
/ | \
/ | \
Capacity | Raw
to take _____________ Energy/Force
Form | |
|\ | /|
| \ | / |
--------------Abyss---------------
| \ | / |
Destruction | Creation
of_____\_____|_____ /____of
Form \ | / Form
| \ \ | / / |
| \ \ | / / |
| \ Consciousness / |
| of |
| / Consciousness \ |
| / | \ |
|/ | \|
Consciousness | Consciousness
of ________________ of
\ Form | Energy/Force |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.