Ways of a Witch

Ways of a Witch

©June 24, 2012-Lady Hekate

. Table of contents
1. What is a Witch, and Witchcraft? 2. Witchcraft and Wicca 3. Types of Witches, and practices in the Craft. 4. Can anyone be a Witch, or are you born? 5. Spellcasting 6. Magick 7. Moon Magick

What is a Witch/Witchcraft?

A Witch is one practices Witchcraft, magick, spells, working with various energies to ring desired change, or betterment of their lives. A Witch knows how to create, fashion their own destiny, and future. Yet if you ask others, you will find various answers, some same, others a bit different. Magick is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will. This is according to Crowley, and on this I do agree. If you look in the tdictionary to provide definition , many give more a Christian definition of evil etc. A Witch just is, and connects with nature, the universe and all. A Witch recognizes the sacred in all things, seeks to attune themselves to to Moon, and cycles of the Earth.

What is a Witch? Everything--and Nothing Lady Rhea, 1982

The question "What is a Witch? What is a Pagan?" continue to be asked. It is difficult to separate the two for they have become almost as one. An old saying goes "All witches are pagans, but not all pagans are witches." This is true, but not as true as it once was. There are those who call themselves Pagan who are truly Witches, and those who call themselves Witches who are truly Pagans.

In days of yore, to be a Pagan was to live, simply, with the Earth, following the seasons, joining with other Pagans in the celebrations of the turning of the Wheel. The Witches went beyond these simpler ways, seeking to know, to understand, and to put to use the deeper mysteries and magick of the universe, thereby becoming "The Wise One." Today the two are melding into one, as those who call themselves Pagan extend their boundaries of knowledge and practice.

A Witch is a part and the whole of the Universe, giving birth to the Gods and Goddesses as they give birth to her. She springs from the depths of the tumultuous seas, rises to the heavens, only to return--sometimes gently, sometimes violently--to her beloved Earth. There she begins the journey anew,

rising as the sparkling spring, becoming the tinkling brook, the flowing stream, the rushing waters of the mighty river, returning again and again to the womb of the sea.

She is the rich soil of Mother Earth, and the tiny seed cradled in the nourishing depths of Her soil. Warmed by the Sun, she springs forth and begins the struggle of life. Slowly, sometimes painfully, inch by inch she reaches higher, sending her roots deeper into the Earth as she reaches for the Heavens. The Wise One knows her strength comes from the Earth, of which she is a part, and there must be a solid unity of the self, for those whose roots are shallow and without substance will wither in the heat of life's fires, and be toppled by the storms and gales of life.

The Witch is the blazing Sun and the candle's flame, lighting the dark corners, chasing away the shadows. She absorbs the Light of Knowledge, then sends forth its rays to light the path of those around her. She is the spark igniting the log, and the dancing flame which consumes it, while sending forth light, warmth, and love. Others gaze on her and, blinded by her brilliance, are lured into the other-world of dreams and fantasies by her hypnotic dance.

She is the gentle breeze cooling the brow of those who labor, and the mightly gale forcing all in her path to bend before her will. She plays through the trees and grasses, and teases the locks of the maidens. She brings the scent of the prey to the hungry hunter and blows away the tracks of the pursued. She feeds

the fire-flame and joins in its dance, until, tiring of the game, she extinguishes it with one mighty breath.

The Witch is the babe in the womb and the child in the arms of the Mother. She is the maiden racing through the Sun drenched fields, and dancing coyly in the moolight. She is the eternal woman in the arms of her lover, the mother giving birth and caring for her young. She is the Old One, sharing her knowledge and love with those who follow in her steps, waiting, with happy heart, for the time when the cycle begins anew.

The Witch is the Wise One, and to her door come those who seek to share in her knowledge, light, and love. And to all who seek she gives what is asked, freely, joyfully, with no thought of return except the joy she finds through the sharing. All are her children, all are her love, all are herself. She are they, and they are she. The Wise One knows that as the parts were separated, so, too, must they be united.

The Witch stands with her feet firmly one with Mother Earth, raising her face to the Mother Moon and the Father Sun, and to the All from whence we came. And, standing solidly there, she flows with the tides, drifts with the winds, and warms herself at the flame of the Light of Knowledge. And always there is a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her lips, a lilt to her song, and peace within.

She worships all Gods and Goddesses, yet she worships only one. She takes all, and gives all. Her Gods and Goddesses ask no sacrifice, yet she offers unto them the ultimate sacrifice--herself.

The Witch is the God and the Goddess, the Ancient Ones, the Guardians of the Watchtowers. She is Air and Earth and Fire and Water. She is the grain from which the bread is baked and the grape from which the wine was pressed. She is the incense rising to the heavens and the flame dancing on the candle; the peal of the bell and the pages of the Book. She is each knot in the cords which binds her, and the blue flame which sparks from her Blade. She is the cone of power rising into the Universe, and its target. __________________________

Witches for way to long have been misunderstood, through ignorance, rumors, and untruths. Yes there many types of Witches and each practice their craft differently. Just as in Christianity, many Christians, but they do not practice their faith the same way. There are various views of Witches, and Witchcraft  Hollywood  Christianity- and other religions

There are more but this is what I will cover here.

Hollywood. It is sad, but many believe everything on tv. I know this as being a former lei greeter one time in Hawaii, people would come and ask if we lived like those in Gilligan’s Island in skirts and huts, LOLS. Hollywood is not the only one who does not help in representing real Witches, but the media, tv shows, programs. According to Hollywood, and the Media, Witch’s fly on brooms, hex people, and turn people into dust or toads. In the famous show of Charmed, which is great for entertainment, it does not nor was it created to teach on Witches, and Witchcraft .It is a fiction show. Witches do not battle demons, they do not have a high council to answer to. Now some who are in covens , may have Elders, etc., but they are there to help guide and teach others the way of the Craft. Many have seen the Craft, again not representing what Witchcraft is, or Witches. Although it does teach Using Magick requires responsibility and it is not a game. There is no battle going on with the Good witch and bad witch, Yes Magick can be used for positive and negative, however that is another topic. True Witches are not show offs, and are wise with whom they choose to share their workings with. A interesting article I found and decided to share here…….

A few years back, some members of the 7witches Coven and I along with members of the Occult Weekly staff were fortunate enough to have been given a tour of some renowned actors’ places of work and hang-outs… Walking down the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame, I reflected upon some of the Occult-related roles some of these celebrities had played throughout their career. It seemed that witchcraft, Spellcasting, Magick,

and such had been major themes in a large quantity of prominent films, spanning the entire existence of the industry. But how so many of these characters and ideas had been misrepresented! Witchcraft Goes Hollywood
By J Roslyn Antle | August 20, 2011 | Occult Weekly

Many claim that it all began with Dorothy Gale’s crusade against the craft. What is the difference between a Fairy Godmother and a Witch? Many would find the answer to be a simple good versus evil. After all, the self-proclaimed witch Glinda was referred to as a Fairy Godmother by Dorothy in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, when joining forces to defeat Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, after already having slayed the Wicked Witch of the East. To be frank, I am not sure what a Fairy Godmother is – something like a Guardian Angel with a caduceus. Following the setback for the Craft and Neopagans alike, some prominent Wiccans entered ‘the scene’ to rectify the issue at hand. Even Gardner and Valiente had their words about movies like Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages, the 1922 Silent film with grotesque images of misrepresented Rituals, as well as The Wizard of Oz, I Married a Witch, and many other films in the horror genre of the era. It is difficult to deny that the subjects of natural Magick, Spellcasting, the supernatural, and ancient mysteries are very interesting, but these topics that originated with ancient witchcraft were handed over to fantasy characters once they made it to Hollywood. There are superheroes,

demigods, and extra-terrestrials, there are even some ‘good’ vampires and werewolves as Twilight has taught us. However, it does seem that very few roles have been allotted to ‘good’ witches. There have been some flicks that have somewhat accurately portrayed the Craft, with The Craft not being one of them. Some truth exists in The Witches of Eastwick, at least in the novel by John Updike. Alice Hoffman, the author of Practical Magic, has some experience with the subject and is certainly able to write a compelling story without the need for a dark lord’s evil plot. The movie was not drastically altered. I am not sure upon the need to comment on the Harry Potter franchise’s connection to actuality, though I must say that after having seen this most recent film, many interesting questions are posed. I will not comment upon the Blair Witch Project. Witchcraft in Hollywood is a very serious issue, as many of us know the scope of the movie industry’s influence. Perhaps the status quo will begin to shift, and many positions that some deem as fantasy but are actually real, will actually be represented somewhat accurately. Time will tell. Christianity and other religious views I can speak on how Christians view of Witchcraft, as I was one, and almost became a preacher. It is taught to Ministers and the congregation that Witchcraft is evil and forbidden. In the New Test the old is often times used and quoted:. There are ref to not allowing a Witch, sorceress live………

Leviticus 19:31 "'Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 20:6 "'I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people. Leviticus 20:27 "'A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.'" Deuteronomy 18:10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, Deuteronomy 18:11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 1 Samuel 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land. Jeremiah 27:9 So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, 'You will not serve the king of Babylon.' Jeremiah 27:10 They prophesy lies to you that will only serve to remove you far from your lands; I will banish you and you will perish. Now keep in mind the context first- This from the Tora, the Books of Moses, and these were instructions to Gods covenant people Israel.. THIS WAS NOT UNIVERSAL LAW.

If we want to get techniqual in Greek the new test word for sorcerer or witch is poisoner, from the word Pharmacia, where we get the word pharmacy, hmmm does that forbid us from using the pharmacy? ____________________________ In the old Native American Tradition, Witches were considered evil, as this information was shared with me by both a sister whose family background is NA, and by an Elder. There is a Legend of Arrow Boy, Child of the Witch Man A Cochiti Legend In the beginning there was a woman all of whose children had died one after another. She said to herself, "Why is it that I can not bring up a child?" She prayed and said, "Kopishtaya, what can I do so that my children shall not die?" The kopishtaya came to her and said, "My poor child, do not cry. I will tell you what you can do. Fast for four days and at the end of that time go to the Flint Society and ask them for their help." She was happy and fasted for four days. At the end of the four days she went to the Flint Society and asked them to make prayer sticks for her. They met in the morning and cut the sticks and tied the feathers. When they had finished she said to herself, "I must go and take dinner to them." She brought dinner into their room and they thanked her. The chief of the Flint Society said to her, "If you believe, you shall have children and they will live." She took the prayer sticks and early in the morning, before sunrise, she planted them to the kopishtaya. As she was planting she heard singing. The kopishtaya came near and stood before her. He gave her a root for medicine. He said to her, "The reason why your children have died is

because your husband is a witch man. He is killing his own children. You will have a child. Rub his body with this root for medicine, and he will live. Keep watch of your husband. He is trying to offer your baby to the witches. Watch at night. It will not be your husband beside you. It will be the Corn Mother he has left beside you in his place. He will be away at the meeting of the witches. Take hold of the Corn Mother and throw it against the wall so that it breaks in pieces. Go to the niche (where the prayer meal is kept). You will find his human eyes laid on the shelf covered with wool. Drop them into the pot of urine. When your husband comes home he will be in the shape of an owl. Lie still as if you were asleep, and in the morning you will discover that I have told you the truth." His wife watched at night. She threw the Corn Mother against the wall and dropped her husband's eyes in the chamber pot. When he came in he went to the niche to get his eyes. He found they were in the pot of urine and he had to keep his owl's eyes. He went to the Corn Mother and spoke to it, but it could not answer. He spoke to his wife, "Are you asleep?" "Yes; I was sound asleep. Lie down and I will spread your blanket." "No; I can't go into that room. Something is the matter with me." The kopishtaya had told that woman, "Do not tell your husband what I have told you, but send for the chief of the Flint Society to cure him." She told her husband he must send for the chief of the Flint Society. Her husband was not willing, but she took sacred meal and went to get him. He came in. The man was lying on his face with his eyes buried in his hands. He tried to turn him on his back. "What is the matter with you?" "I don't know." The Flint chief said to the wife, "Go and bring his sisters so that they will see what is the matter with him and there will be no blame for you." She brought his sisters. Her husband would not take his hands from his face. At last the medicine man took them away from his eyes.

They were owl's eyes. He died and his wife wept and said, "What shall I do? I have a little baby and my husband is dead." They buried him and at night the witches had a meeting for him on the top of the mountain. The kopishtaya came to the young woman that night and he told her, "I have come to tell you to offer sacred meal every day to the kopishtaya. Send for your brother to stay with you in the house for these four days until you send away the soul of your husband. At the end of that time send for the chief of the Flint Society. Tell him to cut the earth with the obsidian knife." She did as he had told her and at the end of four days the Flint medicine man came to the house. He cut the ground four times with the large flint knife. Arrow Boy grew up. Every morning his mother offered prayer meal and he grew very fast. She never let him go out alone. When he was a little boy his mother said, "Let us go into the hills to hunt wood rats or rabbits. I will cook corn dodgers." She made the corn dodgers and wrapped them in corn husks. She filled the canteen and tied it on her back. They came to a rabbit hole and the mother and Arrow Boy took turns in digging it out. They heard the kopishtaya coming. He said to her, "What happened to your husband?" "He is dead." "That is better for him to die than for you to lose another baby. If he had lived it would not have been safe for your little boy. He will take care of you. Now your husband's people are trying to harm you because of his death. It is dangerous for you to stay in the village. Go outside and live with your son." They went to White Bank and lived there in a cave. The boy came to his mother and said, "There is going to be a dance in Potsherd Village." His mother said, "Let us go together." Next morning they went to Potsherd

Village. Arrow Boy said to his mother, "Watch carefully (for danger)." They came to Potsherd Village. On the north side the houses were built in two tiers and on the top story a man stood and saw them coming. He said to his family, "Look, who is that who is coming? She is wearing a black manta." The woman and the child came into the plaza. They came to the house on the second story and they received them there and the mother of that family gave them something to eat. She brought bread and stew and said, "Eat." There were two daughters in that family and they sat on either side of the boy. They loved him, but the boy was bashful and ran away. Another young man came in. He loved the mother of the boy, but his mother said, "No; I have my son. He is my only son and he takes good care of me and I do not need a husband." "If you come with me you will always eat venison for I am a great hunter. It is not far and you can see your son often." "Let me tell my son. If he wants me to go with you, we will both go; but I will not go alone." She spoke to her son. He said, "My dear mother, you have told me that all your children died and I am the only one that is left. How can you leave me now that I have grown a man? I want to stay with you always." The father of the house came into the room. He said, "Are you in the house?" and the women answered, "Yes, we are in the house." The older of the two girls came to the father and said, "Father, I want to marry this boy." The younger came to him and said, "No, I want to marry him." The boy's mother said, "If my son wants to marry one of these girls, he may, if not, not. Let him say." Immediately the boy said, "I think I should like to stay here and marry one of these girls. Let us live in this house. Perhaps the kopishtaya meant us to live here always."

The boy married the elder of the two girls and lived there all his life. The younger sister loved him also. Whenever they could be alone together they played with each other and talked. The elder sister knew that they were together and she said, "I am going to die." She went into the inner room and placed a large basket in the center of the floor. She sat down in the basket crying. Her feet began to turn into the tail of a snake. She was crying and the tears were running down her checks. She was already a snake. The boy's mother came to look for her, but she could not find her. She went into the inner room and she found that her daughter-in-law had become a great snake. She took sacred meal in her hand and went to the chief of the Flint Society. She said to him, "My daughter-in-law has become a snake. Come and restore her." He came and set up his altar in the inner room. He put the snake in the basket in front of the altar and covered it with an embroidered ceremonial blanket. He sang all the curing songs of the Flint Society but he could not restore her. She was a snake. He called all the men of his society and they took her to Gaskunkotcinako ("the girl's cave"). They left her there and people still take little pots to this place to offer to her. Yet an article I found, unknown author but the lonk Ill provide at end, and I do not know how true this is ,but for you to decide.

Native American witchcraft was basically allied with the religious beliefs of the natives of the region. In fact religion and witchcraft were alike in many ways. Both the witchcraft and the religious beliefs held the nature

sacred. Many of their symbols and ideas came from nature. Old religion was closer to the spirit of the Native American traditions and witchcraft. Each region of Native America had its unique kind of witchcraft which used different kinds of amulets and charms. They had their own rituals and masks. The practitioners of witchcraft wore costumes specific to the region. They had their own carvings, totem poles and performed ceremonies according to the area where they lived. In spite of all these regional differences they all shared a sense of awareness and oneness with their land, plants and creatures of Native America. They looked to their land for providing them the raw material for their magic and witchcraft. The material included herbs, stones, feathers and bones besides articles for preparing the medicines, tools and other instruments such as charms, costumes and masks. The witches had deep faith in the power of nature and tried to maintain a sense of unity with its invisible forces. The witches and medicine men used several methods and tools to diagnose the ailments of the patients such as crystal rocks and using their trembling hands in a state of trance. Some times they chanted some sacred hymns while diagnosing the diseases. The shamans, usually women, served the community by performing ceremonies to cure several diseases and ward off evil influences over the weather and the harvest. Herbs used to be an important medium of curing the sick persons.

There is also a reference to a sacred pipe which was very important symbol of witchcraft. Sacred pipe symbolized the medicine wheel and all the four directions in the same space. Pinches of tobacco along with some grains were placed in the pipe which was also used for lamenting. Owl had a very important place in the witch craft of those days. Owl was considered a symbol of bad luck. An owl sent by a witch could not be killed.
http://cavesoflilith.tumblr.com/post/199922561/native-american-witchcraft

Witchcraft and Wicca It is said in various places that Wicca is today’s Witchcraft. Now Witches few may use the term as it seems more acceptable in some places, however I disagree, Witchcraft is not Wicca. Wicca is semi newer religion, created in 5756 by Gerald B Gardner. Witchcraft is not a religion. Not all Witches work with a God/Goddess , or embrace the rede, or the “Harm None”, and rule of three. Witches of old practice as they saw fit, used what they had, and did not have all the rules and guidelines of Wicca. Most Witches are Pagans, but, all Pagans are not Witches. And most importantly, not all Witches are Wiccans. In other words, a Witch who practices Witchcraft does not necessarily mean that she believes in the religion of Wicca. A Wiccan involved in the religious practices of Wicca does not necessary practice Witchcraft and

which makes them not a Witch. As Scott Cunningham wrote in one of his books "Witchcraft: the craft of the Witch–magick, especially magick utilizing personal power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colors and other natural objects. While this may have spiritual overtones, Witchcraft, using this definition, isn’t a religion. It is just that some followers of Wicca use this word to denote their religion." Yes there are some Witches of the Wiccan Path, but it does not make Wicca Witchcraft.

The origin of the word Witchcraft , no one really knows, except that it is a Christian word. The Oxford English Dictionary tells us that Witchcraft comes from the Old English word Wiccecraeft (also spelled wiccecraefte, wicchecrafte, wichecraft as well as wesch-craft and wicche craft) and that it literally means the Craft in the sense of art or skill of a practicing Pagan. The word witch really is a title People gave. The villagers went to a wise woman who aided in the birthing, who worked healing for the sick and was sought out for help and consultation in matters such as love and monetary matters as well as discreetly providing some villagers with potions and spell s, but she did not title herself a Witch. Makes me think of how many call themselves something they just are not. Hmm. Below is from Apr 3, 2007 Elizabeth Farrel oo often, the words Wiccan and Witch are used interchangeably, but in fact they have two very different meanings even though these can be sometimes hotly debated. For those who are unfamiliar with or confused about the terms Wiccan and Witch, here is a basic overview of their meanings.

Wiccan Wicca is an earth-honoring, polytheistic religion that was founded in the 1950s by Gerald Gardner. It is a mixture of reconstructed ancient Pagan beliefs and modern magickal practices. Wiccans celebrate the eight sabbats and utilize the energy of nature in ritual spellwork. There are a variety of different branches of Wicca called traditions which include Alexandrian, Gardnerian , Dianic and many others. Those who practice the Wicca religion are called Wiccans. Wiccans believe that all things are interconnected and that all thoughts and actions can have a positive or negative influence, which is reflected in the threefold belief that all things that one does is returned to them threefold. Wiccans believe in a duality of deity which essentially means that there is both masculine and feminine in deity, both God and Goddess. Deity may be referred to by many different names depending on a person’s personal preference or the tradition that they follow. There is also the belief that deity is immanent which means that the God/dess is within everyone and within all of nature. Wiccans do not accept the existence of Satan (which is seen as a Christian creation) or in evil forces. They do know the existence of negative energy but recognize that it is part of nature and believe that there are valuable lessons to learn from both positive and negative energy. Wiccans practice magickal spellwork but this is not done to manipulate or harm anyone or anything. It is a delicate art that takes knowledge, practice and patience.

Wiccans ethics and behavior are guided by the Wiccan Rede. Wiccans practice their craft either in covens or in solitary. A coven is the name of a group of people who gather to for ritual, magick and celebration. Witches So what makes Witches different than Wiccans? Although both Wiccans and Witches practice magickal spellwork, that is basically where the similarity ends.

Witches practice magick and revere their gods and goddesses in their own way and do not typically practice ritual in the highly precise ways that are typical to many Wiccans. There are many varieties of Witches including Kitchen, Hedge and Fairy Witches. Those who seek the real magick of Witchcraft may study for years before being called a Witch, but it takes more than study, it also requires a high level of practical knowledge. Many people who are Witches are Hereditary Witches, meaning that their knowledge and skills have been taught to them by a family member who is a Witch. However, a person isn't automatically a Witch just because a family member is one. People who are Witches are knowledgeable in the properties of healing herbs, spellwork, divination, working with spiritual and natural energies and many other things. The practice of Witchcraft is not associated with any religion so a person can be both a witch and a practitioner of any number of religions or they may not practice a religion at all. In a nutshell, Wicca is a religion and Witchcraft is not. Just keep in mind, "All Wiccans are Witches, but not all Witches are Wiccan."

Types of Witches/Witchcraft
Many Witches have a specific focus, or area of expertise if you will in their magick, so we find there many types.

*The Dark Witch- Deals with the darker half of the Craft, and the magick many also consider taboo. They are not just about hexing, cursing, but working with raw power, primordial energy. They do not have laws such as the threefold law, or harm none, nor do they fear Karma. The Dark Witch is not about causing chaos and harm to others, however if threatened or harmed, yes they will do as been done to them *The Gray Witch Works or seeks to work with balance of energies, they embrace both the light and dark side of magick without going to either extremes. For them Magick is

neutral- grey, it is the practioner that makes it white, or dark, positive and negative. The Gray Witch knows to there is a time for both on life, as there is sun and rain.

*The Green Witch A Green Witch also works with the energies of natural objects like stones,gems,herbs,animals,and the elements. Green Witches were Green before the term ever came out. *The Hedge Witch The "Hedge Witch" means "Wise Woman Healer A hedge witch is very much a free spirit. Hedge witches are also related to the village witches of old. The term, hedge witch, comes from the fact that your average European village, in time gone by, was surrounded by a hedge or woods. Beyond that hedge was unknown land, beyond their known perception... i.e. the Other World. The village witches of this era usually lived just beyond or just before this hedge. The hedge was a metaphor for some one who practiced shamanic arts, a walker between the worlds.This term didn't mean just that though. It also denoted that said witch was an herb worker, a healer,because they spent much time in the hedge looking for the herbs necessary to heal or enchant. So now you know where the term came from, but what dose a hedge witch do?A hedge witch would have learned their trade or craft by word of mouth. More than

likely they would have learned it from a family member or the former village witch. Once the person left, they would be on their own. So they would have been taught ways to learn from nature such as listening to the winds or watching cloud formations. They would have celebrated the sabbats by the change of the seasons and not by a date on a calender. More than likely they would have other Holy days besides the sabbats. *Wiccan WitchOne who embraces the religion of Wicca, dedicate, initiated in to that path who practices Witchcraft as well. There are many types here too. *Stregha .Stregheria: Stregheria is the form of witchcraft native to Italy; there are several distinct traditions sharing common roots, in various parts of Italy. Also called, La Vecchia Religione, Stregheria is a nature-based religion, it's followers worship the forces of Nature, personified as gods and goddesses. The witches of La Vecchia Religione are called Streghe (plural), with the title Strega (for a female), Stregone (for a male).Stregheria is rooted in the folk religion of the Latins (the Romans being one Latin people) and the Etruscans. In the particular tradition, taught by Raven Grimassi in Ways of the Strega, the pantheon is different from the urban gods of the Romans, though some of those deities were shared with the Latins, and the Etruscans, most notably Diana, whose worship was focused at a temple at Lake Nemi in the Alban Hills. There are however other traditions of Stregheria in Italy, who may worship the urban gods of the Romans. There are many types, solitary, coven, eclectic ,hereditary as well.

Can anyone become a Witch? A question I have been asked on several occasions. First I say we all have own truths, and beliefs. Then I share mine. No. for either or born a Witch, or not. You can choose to become a Wiccan, but not a Witch. Some do not yet know they are a Witch, and in their own time will discover it. Wonder why some try to be Witches, and truly are not happy, or they say and know things just do not work, no matter how much another teaches them? Wrong path . This is not meant to offend, however it is my own belief. Witches will tell you at young ages the various experiences they have had and even doing spells before they knew what it was called. When I was a young one, I evoked the winds and rains, talked to trees, in the water I became a mermaid, or dolphin. I did spells, made wishes, and they came to pass. It was natural.

Spellcrafting Keep in mind this is just suggestion, and if you do not have all the ”stuff” it is your intent, and you who create magick. In Advanced Witchcraft, Witches find they really do not need all the ”stuff”. Sometimes stuff is what the hindrance is. When casting a spell, you need to know the importance of using the right ingredients,the attraction of energy needed depends on the ingredients used as much as it depends on anything else. Spell casters use ingredients to help focus the energy and power they are invoking, therefore enabling the spell to manifest in the corporeal world.

Herbs, flowers, leaves, blossoms, crystals, oils, tree barks, all and more of these are used in making a Spell work and are chosen for their magical properties. Crystals have accepted properties and have been used for magic and for healing for centuries.Herbs play a huge part in Spell work and

potions too, many have been attributed magical properties for centuries. Candles also play an important role too. A lit candle can be used to light herbs such as sage, or to burn a written spell, sending it out and into the Verse.The Moon plays an important role in spell work, and has done so down through the Ages. She exerts an unseen power that moves oceans and has a profound effect on human moods and development.Herbs bathed overnight or harvested in Moonlight soaks up the Moon's magical energy.Most spells involve invoking the assistance of entities or forces that are more powerful than one's own self. The language of the spell is not as important as your intent, your focus and respect of the powers you are invoking. Many who cast spells are disappointed in the results, one of the main reasons is a lack of knowledge of the importance of focus, and intent. Another is lack of practice. If it worked first time every time the whole world would be doing it! I believe that you can successfully cast a spell using any

approach that conforms to at least 3 of the basic principles of magic ,which are........ 1 Things that have been connected once continue to be connected forever. 2A symbolic representation is an effective connection to the real thing if you believe it to be. 3Always choose the optimum time for casting a spell , a time you know you will have the solitude you need for focus. 5>focus ,focus,focus ,concentrated willpower is necessary or your spell will fail.

Witches always have spell ingredients, batches of odds and ends for use in casting spells here are a few to get you started you will find a much bigger list in documents.......

Rue is a bitter herb and should only be used if you were trying to break off contact with someone who was hassling you or to split up from someone who will not take no for an answer.

Fresh Bay Leaves add strength to any spell.

A climbing plant (any vine) is useful for career work .

Use either lilac or viburnum for empowerment.

Oak leaves for strength, longevity and stability, also for protection and stability, old iron nails or iron filings.

Willow helps cure emotional issues and strengthens the heart.

Rowen will keep a way disagreements and disagreeable people

Cherry for inner beauty and to prevent ageing!

Thyme will strengthen the longevity of your spell

Shells and stones from a river ,creek or the ocean

can be used for clarity of thought and emotional stability.

A sea washed stone with a hole in the center, is a real treasure often called a "witches stone" or a "fairy rock",it aids your 'divinations.

Green is the colour of wealth and abundance ,so in these spells use a green candle The crystal Aventurine is perfect for use in Money Spells as is Citrine because they are associated with the manifestation of money and good fortune.

Magick What do you think of when you hear the word magick. Hocus pocus, poof!!.? "Magick is the Highest, most Absolute, and most Divine Knowledge of Natural Philosophy; advanced in its works and wonderful operations by a right understanding of the inward and occult virtue of things; so that true Agents being applied to proper Patients, strange and admirable effects will thereby be produced. Whence magicians are profound and diligent searchers into Nature; they, because of their skill, know how to anticipate an effect, the which to the vulgar shall seem to be a miracle." – The Goetia of the Lemegeton of King Solomon. ************** “MAGICK is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will.(Illustration: It is my Will to inform the World of certain facts within my knowledge. I therefore take "magical weapons", pen, ink, and paper; I write "incantations" –these sentences– in the "magical language" i.e. that which is understood by the people I wish to instruct; I call forth "spirits", such as printers, publishers, booksellers, and so forth, and constrain them to convey my message to those people. The composition and distribution of this book is thus an act of MAGICK by which I cause Changes to take place in conformity with my Will.)”- Crowley

Magick has been described as the bending of reality in accordance to your true will. It is making changes in the world around us from within ourselves. It is a tool that Witches wield forged in knowledge and contained within Types of magick, this is some, not all. Light and Dark Magick Magick like ourselves can not really be defined as good or evil, as Witches we instead focus on light and dark. Light magick can be thought of as drawing things to us or enabling energies and is often associated with the full moon. Dark magick is banishing, controlling, destroying and endings, it is associated with the new moon. A love spell to banish loneliness would be dark while attracting love and opprotunities for love is light. Neither is evil or wrong they are just two approaches to the same problem. Many flavors of magick can be light or dark.

High vs. Low Magick Low magick takes care of your physical earthly wants and desires: love, money, health, protection and is generally short term. High magick takes care of your spiritual growth and development and may take lifetimes to work, learning spiritual lessons, finding your true path or deeper meaning in the cosmos or within yourself. Any form of magick can be high or low although some lend themselves more readily to one or the other (folk magick is usually low while ceremonial magick is usually considered high to the point that it is sometimes confused with high magick).

Sympathetic (Representational) Magick Sympathetic magick is probably the oldest type of magick known to Man, it is based on the idea that like attracts like. To prepare for a hunt ancient peoples would stick spears in an effigy of a bull, to help let go of an ex-lover you could burn thier picture or likeness, to hit a home run you can visualize yourself doing so.

Folk (Kitchen) Magick Folk magick is a term used to describe the magick of the people. Over the centuries the workers of magick would use a little of this and a little of that going with what felt right. The magick was based on and created superstition. Kitchen magick is the natural outgrowth of Folk magick, where Folk magick is based on tradition kitchen Witches are making thier own traditions by continuing to experiment with magick and work thier spells. Folk magick overlaps with a lot of other types of magick due to its exploratory nature.

Candle Magick Candle magick does magickal work by repositioning, lighting, extinguishing and carving into candles. To attract love you could carve symbols for love and completion into two candles (pink and red) and as your ritual mves forward you could move the candles closer together to symbolize drawing love closer to yourself. Candle magick is simplistic and yet powerful.

Sex Magick Sex magick is the art of using orgasm to heighten magickal workings. In much the same way that energy can be raised in a cone of power and sent out with a given purpose a sexual orgasm can serve much the same purpose if one is able to concentrate on the purpose while one is undergoing the magick that is.

Ceremonial Magick Ceremonial magick is a complex form of magick where form and tradition can indicate power. This is a highly structured type of magick that is usually associated with High magick. Magick is not just about doing, but being, and evolving, connecting to All. As there are Laws of Gravity, Laws of the Universe, there are Laws of Magick

The Law of Knowledge This is probably the most widely used law, and probably encompasses all the others in some way. The basis of this law is that understanding brings control. The more that is known about a subject, the easier it is to excercise control over it. Knowledge is power.(hey! didn't someone just say that?! :::grin:::)

The Law of Self-Knowledge An obvious derivative of the Law of Knowledge, this law carries additional connotations, as a mage who does not have knowledge of himself does not have knowledge (and therefore control) of his own magic. This law is one of the reason's "evil" mages are very rare - a dedication to "evil for evil's sake" is usually do to a lack of introspection and awareness of oneself. It is difficult to do harm to others when you understand fully what that kind of harm would do to you. Know thyself.

The Law of Cause and Effect A simple scientific understanding - if exactly the same actions are done under exactly the same conditions, they will be associated with exactly the same results. Magicians have at least as much belief in cause and effect as modern physicists do, they just realize that a good ritual, like a good theatrical performance or a good bread recipe, isn't always predictable. In truth, a spell involves so many variables, that controlling or even understanding them all is impossible. The key to magical success is learning which variables are the most important, and how to keep them constant. Control over the variables is icing on the cake.

The Law of Synchronicity

Two or more events happening at the same time are likely to have more in common than the merely temporal. Very few events ever happen in isolation from other events. There is no such thing as a mere coincidence.

The Law of Association If any two pattern have elements in common, the patterns interact "through" those common elements, and control of one pattern facilitates control of the other(s) depending (among other factors) upon the number of ccommon elements involved. This is a very important law, up there with the Law of Knowledge.

The Law of Similarity Having an accurate physical or mental representation of something facilitates control over it. This one is fairly obvious in it's usage - having a model, picture, or other representation of your target (like a voodoo doll) gives you power to effect the target. Look alikes are alike.

The Law Of Contagion Objects or beings in physical contact with each other continue to interact after separation. Everyone you have ever touched has a magical link with you, though it is probably pretty weak unless the contact was intense and/or prolonged or repeated frequently. Magical power is contagious. Naturally, having a part of

someone's body (nails, hair, saliva & other bodily secretions etc.) gives the best contagion link.

The Law of Names Knowing the complete and true name of an object, being, or process gives one complete control over it. This works because a name is a definition as well as a contagion link, and an association (if you call something by the same name over and over, that name eventually becomes associated with the thing). This also works, because knowing the complete and true name of something or someone means that you have achieved a complete understanding of it's or their nature. This is why, in most pre-industrial cultures, people are given "secret names", as well as "public names", and why the sharing of a secret name is such an act of trust - because the secret name is considered to be very close to, if not identical with, the person's true name.

The Law of Words of Power There exist certain words that are able to alter the internal and external realities of those uttering them, and the power may rest in the very sounds of the words as much as their meanings. Many of such words are names, though the meanings may have been lost or forgotten. Very many magical tools require words to be inscribed upon them and/or said over them during their construction and/or use.

The Law of Personification

Any phenomenon may be considered to be alive and to have a personality - that is, to "be" an entity or being. Anything can be a person. Most weather mages personify the winds and the clouds, for example, and thus find focussing their magic on the atmosphere much easier to do.

The Law of Invocation It is possible to establish internal communication with entities from either inside or outside oneself, said entities seeming to be inside of oneself during the communication process.

The Law of Evocation It is possible to establish external communication with entities from either inside or outside oneself, said entities seeming to be outside oneself during the communication process.

The Law of Identification It is possible through maximum association between elements of oneself and those of another being to actually become that being, to the point of sharing it's knowledge and wielding it's power. This is the law that controls most lengthy or permanent possession phenomena.

The Law of Personal Universes

Every sentient being lives in and quite possibly creates a unique universe which can never be 100% identical to that lived in by another. So called "reality" is in fact a matter of consensus opinions. This law is nowhere near as obvious as the other laws in it's applications, but if you can figure some out, you can use it.

The Law of Infinite Universes The total number of universes into which all possible combinations of existing phenomena could be organized is infinite. Anything is possible, though some things are more probable than others. You might consider this to refer to the "alternate probability worlds" of science fiction, but it also has a much wider application.

The Law Of Pragmatism If a pattern of belief or behavior enables a being to survive and to accomplish chosen goals, then that belief or behavior is "true" or "real" or "sensible". If it works, it's true. Another rather obscure law, but it does have some very useful applications.

The Law of True Falsehoods It is possible for a concept or act to violate the truth patterns of a given personal universe and still be "true", provided that it "works" in a specific situation. If it's a paradox, it's still probably true. This law is basically useless,

except to justify use of the above three laws without screwing things up in your version of the real world.

The Law of Synthesis The synthesis of two or more "opposing" patterns of data will produce a new pattern that will be truer than either of the first two were. That is, it will be applicable to more levels of reality, and this new pattern may not be a compromise, but may be something rather new indeed.

The Law of Polarity Any pattern of data can be split into (at least) two "opposing" characteristics, and each will contain the essence of the other within itself.

The Law of Opposites A sub-law of polarity. The "opposite" of a pattern contains information about that pattern, by providing information on what the pattern is not. Thus, control over a pattern's opposite (or close to it's opposite) facilitates control over the pattern itself. (Note that this one I alone take the blame for, as it is my own extension of polarity and similarity)

The Law of Dynamic Balance

To survive, let alone to become powerful, one must keep every aspect of one's universe in a state of dynamic balance with every other aspect. Extremism is dangerous, as the extreme being becomes so associated with the extreme aspect, that they lose the ability to avoid that aspect at all. This is another reason "evil" mages are rare, as continuous association with pain or death will cause a mage pain or death, ending the mage's ability to continue actively with "evil". This is also why "good" mages, especially healers, tend to live a long time.

The Law of Perversity Sometimes known as Murphy's Law. If anything can go wrong, it will, and in the most annoying manner possible. Magical associations sometimes operate in the reverse of what was desired, and meaningful coincidences are just as likely to be unpleasant as pleasant. Even if nothing can go wrong, some element of the universe may change so that things will go wrong anyway. Whether we like it or not, the gods (or fates, or what have you) do have a sense of humor. Emotionally healthy mages have less problems with this law than others do, as the mages own subconscious mind is probably a major perpetrator of this law. The Law of Unity Every phenomena in existance is linked directly or indirectly to every other one, past, present, or future. Perceived seperations between phenomena are based on incomplete sensing and/or understanding. Source of exerpted material: Authentic Thaumaturgy - Bonewits,P.E.I

Moon Magick
When I was young, me and a friend spent all night in a life guard booth in Hawaii. We watched, danced, howled and enjoyed the full moon that night. Since then I was always drawn to the moon, and Her magick. Witches have long been associated with the moon, and magick.

As it has been passed to me, so I also share. January: Wolf Moon

The Wolf Moon, also known as the Cold, Snow, or Winter Moon, is a time of protection and strength. While it is the first full Moon of the calendar year, in terms of nature it occurs in the middle of the cold winter season, a season of death and desolation. In these respects, the Wolf Moon can be seen as a time of both beginnings and endings. This is the time to start to consider what you want to plant and plan for the spring. You can do magick so that as the spring approaches your magickal goal will grow close and closer to fruition.

February: Storm Moon

The Storm Moon, also known as the Death or Quickening Moon, is a time to do magick for fertility and strength. For most people in the Northern Hemisphere, February is a time of storms and bleak, short days. In the olden days, it was a time of true hardship. This is a good time to do magick to help you face life's challenges. You could do a spell to help you with a particularly challenging project at work. Your spell could focus on helping you to accept the challenge, perservere, and make it through. You could concentrate on the idea of weathering the storm and giving yourself the extra stamina to succeed. This is also a time of cleansing both

internally and externally. As such, it's a great time to get rid of physical things you don't need and any mental or emotional baggage you might be hauling around with you, too.

March: Chaste Moon

Also known as the Seed or Worm Moon, the Chaste Moon is a time to plant mental seeds - thoughts of success and hope. This is also a time of purity and newness. It's the time to bless the magickal herbs and plants in your garden and to start preparing the soil for the seeds that you will plant. It's also the time to mentally prepare yourself for new experieces, a new job, pregnancy, taking a trip, or bringing a new animal into your home.

April: Seed Moon

The Seed Moon signals a time of fertility, growth, and wisdom. This Moon is also known as the Egg, Grass, or Wind Moon. This is the time to sow the seeds of Magick. If you are planting a magickal garden, you want to get out there now and put things into the Earth. This is the time to move from the planning phase into action. If you want to get pregnant, this is a great time to go for it. Fertility is in the air. This is also the time to bring that new puppy home, it that is what you have been planning. It's also a great time to empower some seeds to both help them grow and to do Earth magick.

May: Hare Moon

The Hare Moon, also known as the Flower or Planting Moon, is a time of health, love, romance, and wisdom. This is a great time to plant the seeds that you have empowered. As the seeds begin to grow, the energy you have filled them with will start to manifest in your life. It's also a great time to rekindle the romantic spark and passion in a relationship. If you've been working magick to help your career, now will probably be the time to decide which of your job offers to accept. And you might want to do some divination magick to help you make that decision.

June: Lover's Moon

Also known as the Strawberry or Rose Moon, the Lover's Moon brings with it energy for love, marriage, and success. Is it any wonder that in some traditions this Moon is called the Honey Moon? This is a time to nurture your garden and marvel at its beauty and abundance. If you have taken that new job, now is the time to make sure you have everything running smoothly. And you might want to keep your eyes open to see how you can move into a more desirable position.

July: Mead Moon

The Mead Moon, also known as the Blessings, Lightning, or Thunder Moon, is a time of enchantment, health, rebirth, success, and strength. This is the time of the first harvests, when you begin to enjoy the fruits of your labors. This is also a time of celebration and magick. Remember that mead is the nectar of the Gods. Now is the time to gather your magickal herbs and do some prosperity magick so you get that raise you've worked so hard for.

August: Wyrt Moon

The Wyrt Moon, also known as the Wort, Barley, Corn, or Red Moon, is a time of abundance, agriculture, and marriage. This is the time to collect your magickal herbs and store them for the winter or share them with others. Remember to give an offering back to the Goddess for her generosity. At this time of the year, you might want to do magick to help someone else reap the benefits of the Earth's abundance. (With that person's permission, of course!) This is also a good time to make a move at work for that higher level position. If you have become pregnant, this is the time to concentrate your energies on having a healthy pregnancy.

September: Harvest Moon

Also known as the Barley or Hunter's Moon, the Harvest Moon is a time of protection, prosperity, and abundance. This is the time of year when the grains are being harvested, and it is a good time for magick involving your prosperity, abundance, and the nurturing of others. If you have had a long illness, this is the time to finally come back to full health again. This is also the time to obtain that higher paying position at work. The energy of the Harvest Moon will help along any magick that is geared to bring you or someone else abundance.

October: Blood Moon

The Blood Moon is sometimes called the Falling Leaf or Hunter's Moon. It is a Moon of new goals, potection, resolution, and spirituality. The night of the Blood Moon is a great time for divination of any kind. At this time of the year, all of nature is making ready for the winter. Animals that hibernate are gathering the last scraps of food. Birds are heading south. In human societies, this used to be the time when we turned from agriculture to the hunt as our means of sustenance. This is the time to refect on what you did during the year and to evaluate your accomplishments. You also want to check to see how you will survive the coming months. Make sure that you have enough money in the bank. If your work is seasonal, you might want to do some magick to find other ways to support yourself. If you work outdoors, do magick to help you survive the cold months ahead. You also want to check on things that are important to your safety and survival. How are the tires on your car? And what about that smoke alarm in the kitchen? Because the holidays are fast approaching, you also might want to do some work to remove stress and negative energy from your surroundings.

Novemeber: Snow Moon

The Snow Moon is also known as the Beaver, Mourning, or Tree Moon. This is a good time to work with abundance, properity, and the bonds of family and friendship. This is also an excellent time to use divination to get an idea of what is up ahead. Remind yourself that although winter is coming, it will not last forever. Do what you can to reduce your stress and to strengthen your bonds with family and friends. Back before the advent of grocery stores and central heating, people really counted on those bonds, which could be the difference between making it through the winter or perishing. So, know who is really there for you, and count your blessings.

December: Oak Moon

Also known as the Cold or Long Night Moon, the Oak Moon is a time for hope and healing. This time of year the Moon has reign over the Earth, because there are more hours of night than day. Our thoughts turn to the rebirth of the light and the longer days that are promised after the winter solstice. Women who have become pregnant in the spring are about to give birth and will probably want to focus their energies on delivering a healthy baby. This is the time of year to complete something you have worked hard on and to make sure that the task is truly completed, all the details dealt with. It's also a great time to let go of old patterns or problems and start anew. If something has been

eating at you for a long time, work to give it up at this time. Let go of the negative and let the light of longer days shine inside you. Working with children in a nurturing way can be very rewarding and healing.

One complete cycle of the moon takes exactly 28 days to complete, the same average time for a woman's menstrual cycle. This is no accident. A woman's body is something of a mirror of the moon and her ways. In many ways the difference between the sun and the moon are very similar to the differences between men and women.

The different personalities the moon presents throughout her cycle have perhaps the most profound affect on ritual workings than any other Time Correspondence. In order to coordinate your ritual workings with the cycles of the moon, you can follow the generalized guidelines below or the more advanced guidelines.

***Note that the more Time Correspondences you add to your ritual workings, the less you will need to rely on the more advanced system of the lunar cycle. And, in fact, sometimes you will be unable to use the more advanced system especially if you try to incorporate either the Lunar Zodiacal Calendar or the system of the Days of the Week. In all, familiarize yourself with all systems, but use what works best for you.

The Waxing Moon

Magick for increases that mirror the increasing size of the moon including: healings, prosperity, attraction, success, gains, love, increases, friendship, protection and any other positive magicks. The horns on the crescent you see in the sky during the waxing phase of the moon are facing to your left.

The Full Moon For the rituals that require the most potent and powerful magick, the fullest phase of the moon is most appropriate. Though there is some controversy over what kind of magick is most appropriate during the full moon (see below for details), protection and any other dire situation in which a great deal of energy is needed in order to attain ritual success are universally accepted as appropriate at this time. The full moon is the point when the moon reflects all light from the sun back to the earth. It is the most potent time of the lunar cycle.

The Waning Moon Magick for decreases that mirror the decreasing size of the moon including: banishings, exorcisms, cleansings, magick to rid yourself of a bad habit, any type of ritual to rid yourself of negativity whether it is from human or spirit sources. The horns on the crescent you see in the sky during the waning phase of the moon are facing to your right.

The Black Moon This particular phase of the moon carries some controversy. Some practitioners insist that no magick be performed on this night, however, next to the full moon, the black moon is the second most potent time of the lunar cycle. Either highly difficult banishings that have been resistant to rituals performed on other nights of the waning moon can be abolished during this night when the moon is at it's blackest in the sky. However, take care to perform these banishing before the moon is at it's darkest point otherwise the moon will no longer be the Black Moon, but the New Moon which is associated with beginnings rather than endings.

The New Moon

The new phase of the moon begins when the moon is hidden from sight due to the earth's position between the sun and the moon. No sunlight is reflected back down to us from the moon's surface. This phase is sometimes mistaken for the Black Moon, which directly precedes it. The New Moon and all it's accompanying characteristics can be relevant from three days after the darkest point of the moon. Experiment to determine how best this system works for you. During this time, the following types of ritual/spell work are most appropriate:

As the newest and earliest point in a new moon cycle, the new moon is seen by most practitioners as the most appropriate time to begin new projects, new spells and any rituals that require many days to complete. Magick performed on the waxing crescent moon is very similar to the waxing gibbous moon (they are both in the waxing or increase phase) and indeed you don't have to pay attention to the distinction between them if you choose not to, but you should be aware that the closer the moon comes to being full, the more powerful it's increasing potency becomes. This can be useful to know because sometimes we all have the luxury to wait a few days until after the half gibbous moon has passed into the more powerful phase, the waxing gibbous phase. With rituals that require less lunar potency or are the first in a line of several consecutive rituals that lead up to the full moon, you can confidently use this phase of the moon. For example, a healing performed to ease a cold or mild chronic illness can easily be started during the waxing crescent phase of the moon. However, a more serious illness would be better served during the waxing gibbous phase.

Ideally, with some minor examples, nearly all magick would be best divided out between the full or new moon, but this is such a short period of time each month, that we delegate certain phases to certain less important tasks. However, remember two things. For very serious illnesses the full (for healing the illness) or black (for banishing the illness) moons are the best choices, but they are not always necessary for more minor problems. Also the time does come sometimes when we have no choice but to do ritual work during incompatible times. In emergency cases, don't let bad timing stop you. Use other Nature Correspondences or the other types of magick (Mental or Spiritual Magick) to offset your lack of timing.

The Waxing Half Moon This unique time of the month allows for all forms of positive magick that can otherwise be performed on the waxing phase of the moon, however, the waxing half moon is special in that you can perform magick during this time if you are engaged in a situation that is teetering on the edge of two resolutions and you want the result to turn out in your favor or in some positive fashion. For example if you wanted to do a spell for the success of a surgery in which the doctor predicts the patient has a 50-50 chance of survival, you could do the spell on the half waxing moon to ensure that the situation will have a favorable outcome. The Waxing Gibbous Moon Similar to the waxing crescent phase, you can perform all actions compatible with increase during this time period. However, magick that requires more lunar energy than the waxing crescent can provide should if possible be delayed until this time period because of it's closer proximity to the full moon. Of course minor magickal workings can also be performed during this time as well, but the added energy here may not be absolutely necessary. The Full Moon The moon in it's fullest phase reflects all the light sent to it by the sun. The earth is completely out of the path between these two bodies and the energy of the moon is at it's most potent. The full moon is the most potent time of the entire month and the time when many traditions of witchcraft hold their esbats, or ritual gatherings or celebrations.

Since there is so much controversy over what actually begins and ends the cycle of the moon, there is some discrepancy over what kind of magick is best performed during this time. Technically, the full moon is the middle of the moon's cycle when the positive aspects of the moon's influence are at their peak, however many practitioners view the full moon as an downslope rather than a peak and thus either of the two types of magick below may be performed a full three days before the full moon depending on your personal preference. Many people prefer to only perform full moon rituals on the day of the full moon, but as with all other things in magick, feel free to experiment. What works for one person may not work for you and vice versa.

Positive magick of any kind including completions of spells begun during the new moon or any other positive spell that requires massive lunar energy to propel a ritual intention into being. Fortunately not all spells require this much energy and some magicians consider performing trivial workings during this time as "overkill". However, you will have to decide for yourself how serious a working is to you to decide whether it warrants waiting until the full moon. Experience is the best teacher here.

Negative magick as in banishings, exorcisms, cleansings or bindings. Protective magick while not necessarily negative is extremely effective when performed on the full moon. The Waning Gibbous Moon The relationship between the waning gibbous and waning crescent phases of the moon are opposite to those of the waxing phase because as the moon

approaches the darkest point, it's decreasing potency grows. Thus as it moves from waning gibbous to half waning to waning crescent, it becomes more powerful in decreasing energies. So for minor decreasing and banishing rituals, the waning gibbous moon is more appropriate because not as much lunar decreasing energy is required to be successful. However for more serious decreases and banishings, the waning crescent moon is most appropriate because of it's closer proximity to the black moon (the greatest point of decrease) The Waning Half Moon This is another unique time of the month which allows for all forms of banishing or decreasing magick that can otherwise be performed on the waning phase of the moon. However, the waning half moon is special in that you can perform magick during this time if you are engaged in a situation that is teetering on the edge of two resolutions and you want the result to turn out in your favor or in some decreasing fashion. For example if you wanted to do a spell to keep yourself from being audited (in essence decreasing the problem) and you thought that you have about a 50-50 chance of this happening, then you could do the spell on the half waning moon to ensure that the threat of an audit will diminish and eventually disappear.

The Waning Crescent Moon Rituals that require more energy for banishment though not necessarily the raw power of the black moon are best performed during this time as the waning crescent phase of the moon is close enough to the black moon that it carries a good portion of its lunar decreasing energy with it.

The Black Moon The Black moon, also called the Dark Moon and the Lost Moon, is the point when the moon is at it's darkest in the sky. It is the end of the moon cycle when the absence of light in the sky reflects a void. Therefore by this theory, the black moon is the most appropriate time to perform banishings, cleansings, exorcisms and other rejectionary forms of magick. Do your own experimentation to determine which system (or both) is right for you.

Resources as well, Moon Magick- DJ Conway, Lady of the Moon,.In the Shadow of the Moon For many cultures the pattern of the phases was the first calendar, and those changing faces came to represent the Goddess in her stages of existence. Most cultures believe it is female because of this connection. Those who follow witchcraft are not the only ones who find the moon special. The mystery of it’s great powers have been connected to the tides, the growth and abundance of crops, and even connected to human emotions.

For those who practice witchcraft of any kind, the moon has a strong and influential role in religious practice and belief. The moon is a symbol of the Goddess, lunar magick, and of spell casting. Most witches believe that under the light of the moon is when magickal work should be done to be most effective. The power of the Goddess is present at this time, and it is the time of the day that she rules.

It is also believed by many who practice witchcraft that the appropriate time to cast spells, do ritual work, and hold specific ceremonies or rites are all dictated by the phases of the moon. The calendar of the moon with its new/dark, waxing, full, and waning phases creates the magickal calendar for every month of worship.

Each phase of the moon is believed to have specific energies and symbolism associated with that time of the month in witchcraft. Casting spells and doing other magickal work in harmony with these times gives a powerful extra kick to the spell work and is believed to make the spell more powerful.

For many cultures the pattern of the phases was the first calendar, and those changing faces came to represent the Goddess in her stages of existence. Most cultures believe it is female because of this connection. Those who follow witchcraft are not the only ones who find the moon special. The mystery of it’s great powers have been connected to the tides, the growth and abundance of crops, and even connected to human emotions.

For those who practice witchcraft of any kind, the moon has a strong and influential role in religious practice and belief. The moon is a symbol of the Goddess, lunar magick, and of spell casting. Most witches believe that under the light of the moon is when magickal work should be done to be most effective.

The power of the Goddess is present at this time, and it is the time of the day that she rules.

It is also believed by many who practice witchcraft that the appropriate time to cast spells, do ritual work, and hold specific ceremonies or rites are all dictated by the phases of the moon. The calendar of the moon with its new/dark, waxing, full, and waning phases creates the magickal calendar for every month of worship.

Each phase of the moon is believed to have specific energies and symbolism associated with that time of the month in witchcraft. Casting spells and doing other magickal work in harmony with these times gives a powerful extra kick to the spell work and is believed to make the spell more powerful.