What is Witchcraft? Learn about the basics of Witchcraft. If you're interested in practicing the craft or want to be a witch, read on to find out more.

If you are expecting to learn Witchcraft to control people or have power over them, then you are in the wrong place. You don't want witchcraft, you want a Hollywood Movie.

People seek out Witchcraft and Wicca for magick, and yes there is magick, but not the kind you see in Charmed or the Craft.

A bit about Witchcraft first.

Witchcraft,  Wicca or the Craft,  are modern Pagan religions that have gained popularity in recent years. Some people see divisions between the three, some people use the terms interchangeably and see them as the same. This view is totally personal.  The Craft is steeped in mysticism and it emphasizes the use of spells, incantations, and rituals to harness the energies of the Earth and the universe.

The structure of the Craft is personal...and we will get to that later. A lot of what will work for one witch won't work for another. Practice is as personal as your ancestral heritage. The more you can connect to what's in your DNA is the more aligned and grounded in the Craft you will feel. More on THAT later

At its core, Witchcraft is a nature-based religion that honors the sacredness of the natural world and promotes the idea of living in harmony with it. While the practice of Witchcraft has been around for centuries, the modern-day Witchcraft movement began in the mid-20th century and has since evolved into a diverse and multicultural religion that is practiced around the world. There was a huge explosion of study and information about witchcraft in the early 90's with several "schools" online to teach Witchcraft. Yes there are classes, yes there are traditions with degrees etc, but for the most part, unless you want to be "clergy" in one of those traditions, you don't need the certificates and degrees to be a witch. What you need is to see the world through the "Witch" philosophy and practice and include aspects that you can into your life.

Is what I teach and what I practice in alignment with those "schools" of thought.

Nope. So if that's what you are looking for, now is the time to start googling other Witch schools.

One of the central beliefs of Witchcraft is the concept of “magick,” which is seen as the use of willpower and natural energies to manifest one's desires. This is not the type of "magick" commonly found in works of fiction, but rather a personal power that practitioners believe exists within everyone.

 Through the use of rituals, spells, and other magical practices, Witchcraft aims to tap into this power and use it to create positive change in one’s life. 

The only person you can change is yourself....and lets be real about that. That's the ONLY person who is going to change on this journey. Take your contempt and spite and need for revenge or control elsewhere.....not here.

Witchcraft is also a religion that acknowledges the existence of a divine force, which is often represented through the worship of a mother goddess and a father god. This duality represents the balance of nature and promotes the idea that all things in existence are connected.

Another core aspect of Witchcraft is the concept of karma. Practitioners believe that everything they do, whether good or bad, will come back to them in some way. So keep that in mind whenever you are tempted to do a love spell (that is attempting to control people, you may end up being controlled yourself!)

This reinforces the idea of living in harmony with nature and emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one's actions. Witchcraft also promotes the idea of personal responsibility, with practitioners believing that they have the power to create positive change in their own lives. We are all here to experience our personal journey of life, and no one owes you a damned thing....not your parents, friends, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend whatever.

If you want a good life, you need to craft a good life and no spell is ever gonna give you a good life if you are a shitty, selfish, entitled person.

Witches often use a variety of tools and materials in their practice, such as herbs, candles, crystals, and tarot cards. Also included on that list may be rocks, leaves, rolling pins.....a slipper......you get the point. Tools are to assist you in focusing your energy. The tools in themselves have no power but each of these items serves a specific purpose and is often used in rituals or spellwork. This depends on you too of course.....are you a visual learner? Do you respond better to sound? .Or do you respond to actual experience.....like finally realizing you shouldn't drive drunk AFTER totalling your car? (Yes there are people like this. Personal responsibility means understanding the dangers and assessing risk BEFORE you take action)

Despite its popularity, Witchcraft is often misunderstood or even demonized by some. While some may associate it with Satanism or evil practices, the Craft is, in fact, a peaceful and nature-based religion that seeks to promote love, harmony, and positive change in the world.

Seriously.... Harm none. Read that HARM NONE again......'bout revenge spells and shit...

In summary, Witchcraft is a modern Pagan religion that emphasizes the use of magic, ritual, and the worship of nature to create positive change in the world.

 Its central beliefs include the power of personal will (You will get this or you won't), the importance of living in harmony with nature, and the existence of a divine force.

 

At its core, Witchcraft is a religion that promotes peace, love, and healing, and it offers a unique and empowering path for those seeking to connect with nature and tap into their own personal power.

RECOMMENDED READING -  Because different points of view are important to having a well rounded knowledge about any subject matter.

The Study of ADVANCED WITCHCRAFT- Deborah Lipp 

Yes yes yes it says ADVANCED and you may be now starting. But the book is a rich resource of philosophy, history, self improvement techniques that I feel NEED to be known/read BEFORE any magickal practices are done.

The Ego Tunnel: The Science of the Mind and the Myth of the Self -Thomas Metzinger

Because you cannot seriously know yourself without taking a serious look at your ego.

Deconstructing Rituals - Toward a Psychology of Religious Ritual

Blessed Be.

My Spiritual world has taken a haphazard bunch of turns recently. I liken it to floating aimlessly at sea in a comfortable well stocked vessel. I have been enjoying the aimless floating and gathering lessons from what takes place around me. I have gained some dominion over fears, and have become more confident in my abilities and really learnt some amazing things.

However, it is time to move....some where. The thing about being in the middle of the ocean so to speak is that there is no "right" direction. Especially if you have no destination. Its like seeing several island off in the distance and being so indecisive that I just remain floating there.

I need to pick one and go exploring.

In that light, recently I just decided to "Pick" something to read in depth and opened up a whole library of knowledge and a labyrinth of direction I could go in one area of my life.

In doing so, I stumbled upon an interesting document that I believe is relevant to understanding ritual; and the effect is has upon our minds.

http://www.body-mind-unlimited.com/PDF/ReligiousRitual.pdf

Great stuff to read.

Update: 14th May 2023. I did go somewhere. I did pick something. and I am calmer and more content with the word, and feel more equipped to share my knowledge.

The Circle Comes around again

Magickal growth is like a spiral. You travel along the path, and sometimes revisit old issues. But you see these old issues in a new light because of the growth you experienced in the past. You are higher up the ladder of that issue....solving it becomes closer and closer.....till it no longer is an issue.

 Learning, I suppose, can be like that. Each time you revisit a theory, you see something there that you did not see before and you knowledge of the thing expands.

The reason I am going down this discussion is because I feel the need to do it all over again. Witchcraft learning, from scratch. Now that I know what I know perhaps I will see something more.
To begin again, without the giddy headed elation, with out the giggly happiness feeling of finding a new paradigm. To approach witchcraft with a seriousness that was not there before, and re-absorb the knowledge and the principles which were looked at already.

One thing I found in my previous journey is that there was not enough lore, wise words, or daily inspiration for one walking the path. Perhaps I would find some this time or be able to write some using the base energies that swirl around every issue.
Travelling the world is hard enough, one needs a code to live by. Even though I am aware that searching for the code can lock ones mind into a lifestyle which does not leave a mind open to other possibilities, I am willing to take the journey of learning again.
Maybe I will make some more new rules.......so I begin again.

Quantum Infinity

Every so often all the information that runs in and out of my mind will combine into an idea, or and image. (In case you did not know, I paint as well)

Recently I had the opportunity to see images from the Hubble Telescope which extended far out beyond where our eyes can see from the Earth. As the camera took us deeper and deeper into space, the vastness of what we conceived as “Space” really boggled my mind. Watching each speck move past, and learning that these were not stars, not planets or solar systems, but galaxies! Each speck holding millions of stars and worlds itself!

See it here on Upworthy:  http://www.upworthy.com/its-ok-to-not-understand-these-pictures-our-brains-werent-built-to-handle-them-2

Now mix that in your head with a picture, comparing the sizes of the star ANTARES, with other stars and our sun, of which our sun is barely seen- Jupiter is invisible at that ratio….and well Earth would be near microscopic!

Now add a dash of Quantum theory, where we are observing quantum particles which are affected by the observer, with our consciousness having an effect on the physical reality of the quantum particle.

Then….like a slap to my insight….Earth being invisible in relation to Antares got me thinking……if we are observing quantum particles and our ability to effect change on them, who’s to say that we (Earth really) is not a quantum particle in relation to some other “Being”, whose consciousness has an effect on our existence. Gods you say? All well and good, but those “gods” can be quantum particles to another being larger than they….and so upward…or inward; depending on how you look at it? As above, so below comes to mind.

Horton hears a Who seemed to illustrate this beautifully. Very amazing if you think about the possibilities!

Explore the Dark Side

Knowing yourself also includes knowing your dark side. Understanding the darker parts of your personality does not mean that you become them and let them control you- but that you are aware of them, know their power and can tap into the power and make it useful.

By making it useful, I do not mean use it to get your own way by controlling or harming others. There are ways to harness the energy and use the same power for the benefit of the greater good.

What are your weak areas? What are your faults? Where do you show weakness of spirit in your personality? Conquer them and make them into strengths, and gain command.

Acceptance and acknowledgement is the first step. The will to make it into a positive is the second.

Blessed Be,......

Crossroads Again

Crossroads

I remember this path. I have been here before. Intriguing this is that I have seen this before, different players, but the themes are the same.

Funny, look back at my blogging under Uranus Magick tags... at that time, I used Magick to force a change in direction in my life. At that time though, I knew where I wanted to go and who I wanted to be. I had a picture in my mind of what I wanted to experience and all the things I wanted to be rid of.

Okay....so I am rid of them. My life is different. Now that the changing period has settled down, I am back to the crossroads again. Only this time I am not sure of the direction I wish to go. I seem to be in a state of  mental NOWHERE land. I do not know where I want to take my life next. I have basically experienced everything I set my sights on. And one ironic thing I realized is that there are some-things that I thought where the foundation for my happiness that no longer seem relevant.

Like a traditional family unit, like a committed relationship, like a steady job......like learning more about Magick.... yes I said it. I am no longer interested in learning more.

I really have no idea where to go next. I am sort of hanging around like the Hangman......no idea of a direction.

My mind is observing, seeing different scenarios and lifestyles, and while I can fit into many of them; I have no doubt I will get bored and move on eventually.

In my heart though, I just want to be settled, and grounded, yet free.....if that makes any sense at all?

14th May 2023 Update: Learnt from a wise one that the HANGMAN phase is also part of growth. 

Its like the mind is in observation mode. 

The silent observer that looks for the next step. 

We think it feels wrong because we are constantly meant to be doing. But it is a real part of becoming that stronger wiser person with the life you love.

Blessed Be 

Mad-capped Witch - Witchcraft for anxiety

Hello Everyone......I am Celtic Crystal....just thought I'd reintroduce myself. Celtic Crystal is an alter ego which allows me to explore this side of myself without having to face the wrath of family member in this tiny island I live on. Such explorations, if made public, may result in uncomfortable circumstances for me and my family. We are a very superstitious island, and there is the possibility of being rejected, kicked out of schools and losing jobs...as it will be perceived that we practice "obeah" or are in league with Satan.

What is the attraction to me? Well the chance to be exposed to mind expanding concepts and other aspects of esoteric culture...if there is such a thing.

This path has taken my mind, uprooted me from the boring closet reality and given me tools to cope with quite a lot of today's issues. Because of witchcraft, Western mystery traditions and all the other etc's that I delve into; my ability to cope with life's challenges is like a balloon bobbing through the air observing all that goes on around me. 

I still get panic attacks, I still have mood swings, but now I have the tools to recognize them, and to stop them in their tracks!

A very very great coping mechanism this has been.

I must point out though....I get bored very easily, and as soon as I recognize the patterns in a topic, it quickly becomes stale...and I need to move on.

Still on the theme of Witchy-ness I shall begin to explore new types of " Witchy Living" in the realm of home decor and housing...... because my journey is soon to take me to a new abode...and I am going to have to create my space.

Call it research into visual imagery.....

Hope you will continue the journey with me.

I AM - Healer

My analysis of my self brought me to the realization that we are all complex individuals. There are several parts of me that can almost form separate personalities. They do not conflict with each other, but blend and compliment each other.  In different social circumstances I am forced to hide some from particular groups and have become so well skilled that only those who are intimate with me know all of them..... and their names.......and the blogs that keep each side....well sane and present in my complexed personality.

Today though I will deal with the Healer in me.

I come from a long line of Healers. My grandmother...the traditional nurse. Not sure if the hospital knew she was a great herbalist, of the type that had a wild looking backyard. To the outsider, it looked neglected. But too me, each plant she allowed in her space had a medicinal benefit. It was simple...any complaint you had led to a "bush" being picked. Or sometimes she would simply point out one and tell "you pick it, wash it, chew it".

My mother is a Healer.... of the Catholic Church variety. Whatever my feelings about the Path she follows I must admit that people who come to them seem to be eased in their troubles. I sometimes forget that individuals can have different "healing" needs, and are drawn to the type that gives them most comfort. If you believe in the miracles of creation, then healing can be found in anything, because Everything contains Love and Light....so to each his/her method.

For several years I carried a deep seated guilt about my relationships. I seem to attract, or be attracted to persons with a deep soul wound. I seem to move through my life from one relationship to another, with barely a break in between. I have been chastised by family members for this,to the point that they made me feel like a whore (although I could never resolve how having one relationship at a time for several years made me a whore) until a conversation last year with one made me realize something.

Each of them entered my life at a low, confusing point in theirs, and left with a clearer picture of what their purpose and goals were, and were well on their way to personal happiness. Talk about typical Libra personality.....leading people to balance.

I am no longer saddled with guilt about them. I did what I thought was necessary.
Now I can accept that I am a healer....of a different sort maybe.

Now though...its time to heal myself, and I look forward to the process. I can say I have a clear picture of what I want, and the direction I need to have for my happiness. I have tasted those things, however briefly and know where I want to be.
And that is one of the biggest steps to a journey....deciding where you want to go.

Blessed Be.

Work with Hestia

I have been working with Hestia lately as mentioned in a previous blog post. I usually have a goal in mind when I select a goddess, and in this case I wanted to marry both home-making skills and hospitality. I work in bar, and needed to sharpen my ability to keep customers happy. Hestia was the perfect choice, as invoking her would focus my mind on those two goals.

 So its been about four months now with her energies top of mind, and I always mention the results. I finally got a new home, which I am making comfortable for my family. At work I have become meticulous about making things look pleasant and comfortable for patrons of the bar. There is more to be done, but I was certainly driven to do it.

Hestia's energy though; is beholden to no man. 

Here is where I find a conflict. Beholden...in the sense of obligated to no man, yet, cares for all. This is an area where I am watching closely for any elements similar to those energies.

Shall I open the door?

Before me lies a door full of magick and wonder. Just looking on the outside thrills my soul, as if my dharma is to cross its threshold.
That door is so beautiful on the outside, that it pulls my attention and draws me nearer. I can feel when it calls, and as I stand before it, it seems to sense me- and it opens a tiny bit, inviting me in.
We seem to be in sync, me and that door.

My dilemma, being experienced in these sort of "Threshold Crossing Spells" the ones of the Change Your Life variety- is that I know the pain of change. And having gone through a major change I wish to rest emotionally for a while, and just sail through the stuff of life while my heart heals.

My dilemma, is to resist the urge to actually do a "Problem Solving Spell" to assist in making up my mind one way or the other. I have always pushed for and immediate decision, and have never just gone with the flow. I know the effort needed in pushing, but I know not the patience of waiting.

My wish, is to close the door, and hope that I could continue to admire the door from afar, see all the things around it and the door itself become more and more beautiful. See growth around it, see flowers bloom at its step. And then......when I am free to enter and ready to embrace the entirety behind that door, I will step in with a smile on my face and joy in my heart, knowing I am ready for that journey.
Blessed Be.

Can we adopt multiple personalities?

by Ashleigh Burns-Thompson

Do we adopt multiple personalities over the course of a life time?

I am asking this because I find that I no longer connect with the "personality" that wrote this blog.
I read the posts sometimes and feel separate and apart from this person.
Is this person me? Or....did I adopt this persona, as a coping mechanism?
Perhaps now that I no longer need the coping mechanism. I no longer identify with the persona?

Now don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed learning, exploring and creating magick. It added a spark to my life. Yet, I am no longer interested. Been there done that sort of thing. I even feel like clearing out the books, donating them or giving them away....and adopting a new passion to explore.

The guilt being that I invested so much time and money in them. Would I want to turn to them again? Would I wish to feel the weight of a Magick novel, reference book in my hand? Do I keep them for my daughter?

Is this a phase we all go through? Or is it one that I go through???

Are we really a spirit just putting on a body suit and moving through life?

Do we just have masks to switch around when needed?

Freedom of Spirit

As I trundle along on my broomstick ride I sometimes get into a conversation that seems to interest many many people. 

There is the argument that forming a governing body for this movement labelled Witchcraft, Wicca, New Age practices will give us more political clout among the wider public and allow us to demand rights and equal treatment and respect among our peers.

I can agree that it would. But at what price? It seems to me that the human condition will eventually lead this movement; if organized, into something that is exactly the opposite of what makes it so attractive to people now.

People who are discovering whatever you want to label this movement......feel a sense of spiritual freedom. No one is hanging a book over their heads and telling them" This is what you must believe!"
The journey is very personal, and- as I always maintained- moves along the individual's path in the direction suited for the individual's spiritual development.

Forming an organizing body, will send a dictate, however formal or informal to persons practicing. The dictate may directly or in directly streamline the practice into a one-size-fits all faith. This is exactly what we are trying to remove ourselves from in the other religions.

For the best exploration of this debate, and the advantages and disadvantages of formal training, eclectic training; refer to "The Study of Witchcraft" by Deborah Lipp.

Lets leave this practice as fluid as we discovered it. I believe it is best for our Spiritual Evolution.

Earth, out of Air

Why can't I make Earth

 Out of Air?

Is it 'cus the fire and

water which is needed

isn't there?

Am I all Air,

Full of fear with no

Ether to compare?

Perhaps I need grails,

Or Stones,

Or gold

with my air......

Where is the formula?

Where is it clear

For one to make Earth,

Earth

Out of Air?

So damned frustrated with the AIR side of me taking over the other elements....aaaaack!

Stranger

Do you really know who I am?
You read my blog, you post on my page.
But do you know me?

Do you know the hurt I feel daily?
Are you there to carry my burdens.
Are you a friend, or was I choosen because of a cool name?
Are you hoping that being acquainted with me validates your place in the world?

Are you there when my pain is great?
Do you know I am homeless?
Do you know, that each day I live with the possibility of not eating tomorrow?
Do you know that each day I live with the pain of not seeing tomorrow,
Of losing my kids,
Of losing my mind?

Do you really know?............................

Ahh....music! Loreena McKennitt

SPIRAL SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

Our spiritual development is indeed like a Spiral Dance. (Kudos to Starhawk)

An anonymous reader reminded me of something the other day which stopped me in my mental tracks and forced me to start looking inward again. The clutter and confusion I feel may indeed be my mental clutter.

I attempted to do a mental clearing on Sunday gone and realized that there was more work to be done than I thought.  I am surrounded by Toxic thinkers, and cannot remove myself from them for a while. However, I need to offload the junk that I have been carrying and re-focus on my goals and MY moving ahead.

The above drawing shows a type of mental trap that you can get yourself into. The center being your  predominant thoughts and beliefs; your journey moves outward in that spiral motion, continuously re-assessing the same issues associated with the Central Thoughts. Eventually, at some point, you may realize that your Central thoughts are controlling your life, and actually trapping you in a cycle. 

You must shift your  focus elsewhere.

 This changes the vibrational quality of your mind, your Center begins a different vibration. You move from a re-hashing of those issues and begin to focus on something else.

Now this is where is gets tricky. Anxiety, stress and worry about issues related to these Central Thoughts cause us to go  back and forth in that spiral moving outward and inward, but still trying to process that same isues. 

Its a trap we can get into.

Does it ever change? Clearly, when we realize that fear of the thing is more damaging than the thing itself.

How do I know that I am at this stage? Because I no longer feel a connection to the Divine. I have not felt that the activities that I do during the day truly are taking me to a stronger better me. I seem to be expected to fulfill others needs constantly and put "me" tasks on the back burner. This has me feeling stuck in a whirlwind with no end insight until I am physically able to remove myself from these toxic people who constantly scream"Me me me...look at me, help me!!!!" and make no effort to help themselves.


My work on clearing my mind continues....but I feel like the crap comes back because I keep having to rest my head there.

Pastor Thinks I am Evil......

I think the number one new career in this country is to become a pastor. Not a priest mind you, a "cast out your Demons" pastor. Maybe its the money?
So Son of Pastor gets me in the corridor at work and starts questioning the validity of my faith.

" Who do you pray to?"
" The Gods"
"Do they answer you?"
"Yes"
"Is your life in turmoil since you stopped going to church?"

"Actually, its been a lot better since I stopped going to Church and started searching for Spirituality in myself."

Son of Pastor winces at this one. "Have you given yourself to God?"

"Given.......I never removed myself...what's there to give?"

You know, the whole problem of this "Wicca is evil " thing is that people just need to be educated about it and stop worrying about the lies and misinformation that others tell them. You would never think that the priest / pastor would lie. 

But they do, from our point of view of course. Reality is relative, and not because a spiritual person of another faith tells you something is evil it means he is correct. He, like everyone else has been misinformed. 

Google the damn thing and get other opinions. 

There are always three sides to a story, the trick is to find the third side.

Blessed Be