Back to Basics: Getting Started – Part 4

No matter how long you’ve been following a Pagan belief system – or considering following one – it never hurts to go back to the basics occasionally. This gives us an opportunity to recharge ourselves spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Your end goals may change over time, but whether you’ve been exploring Paganism for two weeks or two decades, it’s always a good idea to remember what drew you here in the first place. Let’s take a look at our five most popular articles for beginning Pagans.

5 Mistakes New Pagans Make – and How To Avoid Them

For the rest of this article by Patty Wigington please click on the following link: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/OurChristianFriends/ss/5-Mistakes-New-Pagans-Make-And-How-To-Avoid-Them.htm?utm_content=20160202&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl&utm_campaign=list_paganwiccan&utm_term=list_paganwiccan

Back to Basics: Magical Theory – Part 5

Wondering about the hows and whys of magic? Today we’re going to take a look at some basic techniques such as grounding and shielding, as well as what makes magic effective, why some people don’t bother with it, and the simplest way to craft your own spell.

The Cone of Power

In studying some magical traditions, you may hear a reference to something called the Cone of Power. But what exactly is it, and where did the idea come from?

Traditionally, the cone of power is a method of raising and directing energy by a group. Essentially, the people involved stand in a circle to form the base of the cone. In some rituals, they may connect to each other physically by holding hands, or they may simply visualize energy flowing between the members of the group.

As energy is raised – whether by chanting, singing, or other methods – a cone forms above the group, and eventually reaches its apex above. In many magical systems, it is believed that this energy continues on past the point at the top of the cone, traveling out infinitely into the universe.

For the rest of this article by Patty Wigington please click on the following link: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/MagicalTheory/fl/The-Cone-of-Power.htm?utm_content=20160216&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl&utm_campaign=list_paganwiccan&utm_term=list_paganwiccan

11:11 February 29, 2016. Portals Open – Awaken to Your Higher Self.

Remember, intuition, wisdom and love are yours to use for the betterment of the world. (Her quote worth repeating.)
Brightest Blessings Sisters and Brothers,
SunRay Sorceress

Monika Carless Author *Intuitive Coach

My loves, has something been stirring in your heart so powerfully that you have felt an earthquake shaking up your very life?

Today, (according to your time zone) we savor the mystic energy of 11:11, a master number in Numerology, where portals open to the Between, and hearts open to Possibility.

In advance of the Solar Eclipse to occur on March 8th, the stars have aligned this leap year to gift us with the power of alchemy…change is afoot and so many of us have been opening in our heart center and Solar Plexus to accommodate the energy that will set us on a new course.

We are all creators of our personal journeys and universe. This day is not only for ‘artists’, those who write, paint or engage in any number of art forms available to human beings. This day is for all of us who walk with…

View original post 795 more words

Family

I’m visiting my sister and while here she gifted me with this book called
The History of Magic.
I love finding out not only the how’s of magick, I also need to know the why’s and where it started, so for me this is a wonderful educational piece of history on where magic and religion started. (One of those geeky things I love) 🎃
The bangles are a present from me to myself, I found at a thrift shop. I love the circles and stars and also the metal copper. Please remember to cleanse and charge the items you purchase before wearing. I cleansed these with running water from the tap because I didn’t bring my “Witchy Kit.” Tomorrow I travel back home. I miss my ocean and my “Familiars” fluffy doggies, but have had an amazing time with family who accept my Sea Sorcery (and me being me.)
Brightest Blessings Brothers and Sisters in The Craft,
🌞SunRay Sorceress💛

Back to Basics: Getting Started – Part 3

Basic Principles and Concepts of Wicca

There’s an old saying that if you ask any ten Wiccans about their religion, you’ll get at least fifteen different answers. That’s not far from the truth, because with hundreds of thousands of Americans practicing Wicca today (and the actual numbers are unclear), there are thousands of different Wiccan groups out there. There is no one governing body over Wicca, nor is there a “Bible” that lays down a universal set of guidelines.

While specifics vary from one tradition to the next, there are actually a few ideals and beliefs common to nearly all modern Wiccan groups.

Do keep in mind that this article is primarily focused on Wiccan traditions, rather than on the principles of non-Wiccan Pagan belief systems. Not all Pagans are Wiccans, and not all Pagan traditions have the same set of principles as the core beliefs of modern Wicca.

Origins of Wicca…

For the rest of this article by Patty Wigington please click on the following link: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/p/Wiccan_Basics.htm?utm_content=20160202&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl&utm_campaign=list_paganwiccan&utm_term=list_paganwiccan

Back to Basics: Magical Theory – Part 4

How To Write Your Own Spell in 5 Steps

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using other peoples’ spells — and in fact there is an entire industry devoted to publishing books full of them — there are times when you may wish to use your own. It may be that you can’t find what you’re looking for in a book, or you might just feel a need to use original material. Whatever your reasons, it’s not as hard as you may think to write your own spells if you follow this very simple formula.

Determine what material components you’ll need to achieve the goal. Will the working require herbs, candles,stones? Try to think outside the box when you’re composing a spell — remember that magic relies heavily on symbolism. There’s nothing wrong with using unusual ingredients in a working — Hot Wheels cars, chess pieces, bits of hardware, sunglasses and even old DVDs are all fair game.
Figure out the goal or intent of the working. What is it you wish to accomplish? Are you looking for prosperity? Hoping to get a better job? Trying to bring love into your life? What is the specific aim of the spell? Whatever it may be, make sure you’re clear on what it is you want — “I will get that promotion at work!”
Decide if timing is important. In some traditions, moon phase is crucial, while in others it’s not significant. Generally, positive magic, or workings that draw things to you, is performed during the waxing moon. Negative or destructive magic is done during the waning phase. It may be that you feel a certain day of the week is best for the working, or even a certain hour of the day. Don’t feel obligated to drown yourself in the details, though. If you’re a person who feels confident doing magic on the fly without worrying about timing, then go for it. Be sure to check our Magical Correspondence Tables if correspondences make a difference in your tradition.
Figure out what wording or incantation — if any — will be verbalized during the working. Are you going to chant something formal and powerful, calling upon the gods for assistance? Will you simply mutter a poetic couplet under your breath? Or is it the sort of working where you can simply ponder the Universe in silence?
1. Put all of the above together into a workable form, and then, in the immortal words of the Nike commercial, Just Do It.
Tips:
- Despite this being a very bare-bones and simple way of looking at spell construction, it does work effectively. You may wish to keep a magical journal or make notes in your Book of Shadows during the spell construction phase, and then keep track of results as they begin to manifest.
- If a working hasn’t begun to manifest within a few weeks — some traditions say within 28 days, a lunar month — you may want to stop and revisit the working. Figure out what variables may need to be changed.
- The Universe has a quirky sense of humor, so make sure anything you cast a spell for is worded correctly. In other words, be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it!
- Remember that magic is a tool and a skill set, but some common sense should prevail as well. You can cast all day to get yourself a job, but your chances of success are greatly reduced if you haven’t pounded the pavement and sent out copies of your resume!
- This was written by Patty Wigington. If you are interested in related articles please click on this link: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/magicandspellwork/ht/Write_a_Spell.htm?utm_content=20160216&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl&utm_campaign=list_paganwiccan&utm_term=list_paganwiccan

Back to Basics: Magical Theory – Part 3

How to Center

You may at some point hear someone in the Pagan community — or in a book, or on a website — refer to the practice of centering. Much likegrounding and shielding, in many traditions it’s crucial that you learn to do this before you begin working magic. Why? Because it’s the beginning of energy work, and if your tradition’s magical practices are based upon the manipulation of energy, then you’ll need to learn to center.

If you’ve done any meditation before, it may be a bit easier for you to center, because it uses many of the same techniques. Here’s how to get started.

Do keep in mind that each magical tradition has its own definition of what centering actually is. This is a simple exercise that can work for you, but if your magical practice has a different viewpoint of what centering is and how to do it, try some different options.

For the rest of this article by Patty Wigington please click on the following link: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/magicandspellwork/qt/Centering.htm?utm_content=20160216&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl&utm_campaign=list_paganwiccan&utm_term=list_paganwiccan

Back to Basics: Getting Started – Part 2

10 Facts About Paganism and Wicca

There’s a lot of information out there on Paganism, including but not limited to Wicca, in books, on the Internet, and through local groups. But how much of it is accurate? How do you learn to separate the wheat from the chaff? The fact is, there are several basic things you should understand about Wicca and other forms of Paganism before you make the decision to join a new spiritual path. Let’s eliminate some of the misconceptions and talk about actual facts… it will make your spiritual journey all the more valuable if you understand these issues from the beginning.

1. Most Pagan Traditions Have Rules

Sure, a lot of people think that just because there’s no Grand High Pagan Council that there must be all kinds of magical carnage going on. Truth is, there are some fairly standard guidelines followed by a number of different Pagantraditions. While they vary from one group to the next, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the concepts. Learn more about the rules of magic before you continue your studies. More »

For the rest of this article by Patty Wigington please click on the following link: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/wiccaandpaganismbasics/tp/Ten_Basics.htm?utm_content=20160202&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl&utm_campaign=list_paganwiccan&utm_term=list_paganwiccan

Back to Basics: Getting Started – Part 1

Getting Started as a Pagan or Wiccan

Question: I’m interested in Wicca or some other form of Paganism – how do I get started?

Answer:

That’s a question that comes up a lot, and unfortunately it’s not a simple answer. It’s not like you can just fill out an application and get your handy membership packet. Instead, there are several things you should think about doing.

For starters, evaluate where you stand and what your goals are in studying Paganism or Wicca.

Here are some great tips from our regular readers…

For the rest of this article by Patty Wigington please click on the following link: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/faq/f/GetStarted.htm?utm_content=20160202&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl&utm_campaign=list_paganwiccan&utm_term=list_paganwiccan

Back to Basics: Magical Theory – Part 2

How Long Does it Take for a Magic Spell to Work?

Question: How Long Does it Take for a Magic Spell to Work?

I cast my first spell two nights ago, and I don’t know if it worked or not. How long does this stuff take, anyway?

Answer:

Depending on who you ask, the answer is usually anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. In many Pagan traditions, the general rule of thumb is that if you haven’t seen something begin to manifest within four weeks — one lunar cycle — then you may need to revisit your working.

In other traditions, particularly in Hoodoo and rootwork, a spell is designed to be worked over a specific period of time (a seven-day candle spell, for instance), and then results should appear within a designated amount of time after the working is complete.

For the rest of this article by Patty Wigington please click on the following link: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/magicandspellwork/f/How_Long_Mgc.htm?utm_content=20160216&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exp_nl&utm_campaign=list_paganwiccan&utm_term=list_paganwiccan