one

Training

It has been said before by many that if you ask thirteen witches to define magic, you will get at least thirteen different responses. The same holds true if you ask them for a definition of witchcraft, Paganism, Goddess, etc. Witches are individuals by nature and the lessons acquired from walking this magical path of individualism are truly transformative. Once you undergo the training outlined in this book, you will likely be a very different person than you were before. Your connections to the world around you will be broadened, your senses will be heightened, and your personal power will be greatly expanded. The ability to work magic is a skill that is gained as a by-product of expanding your wisdom and understanding of the natural processes of life. I define magic as the science and process of projecting emotionally and intellectually charged energy into the spiritual plane in order to manifest change in the physical world. This practice is a lot simpler than it sounds as long as you are fully versed in the correct methods and given complete understanding of how and why these methods work.

Given the fact that witchcraft is an individualist path, it would appear to be a challenge to teach its ways to others. After all, how do you teach someone to be an individual? The answer is simple: give the student guidelines and tools and let them find their own process. In other words, tell them what to do and why it works, then get out of their way and let them experience how to do it. The basics of magical training include learning the following skills: timing, correspondence, discipline, intent, preparation, magical meditation, projection, grounding, and silence. Let us now examine each of these skills separately.

Timing

To the witch, the universe is seen as a single organism birthed of the great Goddess out of her energy; all beings are connected not only to her but also to each other. We believe that everything in existence consists of energy that is vibratory in nature, both particle and wave. As each creation in the universe (star, planet, human, animal, plant, etc.) interacts with each other, their vibratory patterns can influence each other and create change. A natural example of this can be seen in the nature of gravity. Newton’s law of universal gravitation states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force which is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of distance between their centers; this means that the larger the object and the closer it is to another object, the greater its gravitational force will be. This law of gravity shows that objects carry their own force and ability to influence the nature and future of other objects.

What on earth does that have to do with magic? Well, magic uses spiritual energy and spiritual energy works according to its own set of scientific laws. Spiritual energy is contained in all things and its intensity and nature vary according to the natural cycles of the physical object or being in which it resides (human, plant, animal, metal, star, planet, etc.). To work magic successfully we must work according to natural law. Magic is in fact a physical science, and this is why certain rules and procedures must be followed to achieve the desired result. We are all gifted with spiritual energy and this energy has its own type of mass, albeit a delicate mass. Our focus and intention act as our own form of mental gravity that we can use to harness the energy and direct it to our goals.

This is where the importance of timing comes in. Spiritual energy ebbs and flows according to natural cycles and using this observation, we have learned to time our rituals and spells to coincide with specific points within these cycles. Put more simply, we practice positive, growth-related magic during the waxing of the energy cycle and negative, introspective, dissolution-related magic during the waning of the energy cycle. The waxing of an energy cycle is from the cycle’s point of beginning to its peak of strength; the waning of an energy cycle is from just after the peak of strength down through its decline back to the “zero point” where it began. In an act of magical alignment, witches fuel their spells with the proper flow of energy based on its point in the cycle. This cosmic dance is most clearly seen in the monthly phases of the moon. How does someone know when the waxing or waning times of the energy cycle are occurring? The answer is through the observation of natural phenomena.

The first and largest sign of nature’s cycle is the season. Witches are very connected to the earth and our religious rituals are (partially) in celebration of the cycle of birth, life, and death reflected in the turning of the seasons. Witches in the Southern Hemisphere may choose to follow their own natural cycle, or may choose to simply adapt to that of the Northern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the calendar year begins in winter, the time of hibernation, sleep, and seeming death. Winter is dominated by the power of earth—cold, solid, stable earth at rest. It is the key waning time in nature’s cycle. As the year moves forward, the season of spring begins. This is the time of the first stirrings of new life. It is the beginning of the waxing time of the year. Spring is dominated by the power of air—warming, windy, sweeping-away-the-gloom air. The season of summer comes next and is the key waxing time in nature’s cycle. In summer we have the fullness of life. The power of life is at its greatest strength. Summer is dominated by the power of fire—hot, dry, lively fire. Finally, after the power of life has reached its zenith, the cycle begins to wane and the time of decline begins to emerge with the autumn. Autumn begins the waning half of the year and is dominated by the power of water—flowing, rainy, dewy water. The waxing half of the year is naturally more attuned to magic intended to be constructive: love, prosperity, growth, luck, etc. The waning half of the year is naturally more attuned to magic intended to be introspective, destructive, or dissolving: inner psychic work, bindings, banishments, etc. That being said, I would not advise someone to wait until October (in the northern hemisphere) or April (in the southern hemisphere) to cast a spell to dissolve a chronic ailment (a spell best done during a waning period) if there is immediate need.

The second means of observing and utilizing the universal cycle is through astrological correspondence. In astrology the planets of our solar system (as well as our moon and some asteroids) carry certain qualities and characteristics that correspond to aspects of our everyday lives. Jupiter, for example, is related to growth, expansion, luck, and wealth. These planetary natures are significant as well as their interaction with one another. These interactions are known as “aspects”; charting these aspects can become a lifelong area of study. Astrology is the system of observing the movements and interactions of heavenly bodies and relating their interplay to the cycles of our everyday lives. It is an intense discipline that a magically minded person can use to gain an understanding of universal energy tides and the most propitious times to work various types of magic. This is a worthwhile area of study that will lead to a deeper level of magic and a greater connection to nature’s cycles; however, it is a very complex system and requires years of study and practice to fully master.

Fortunately, there are other ways to tap into the correct cycle of nature’s power. The third and most often-used method of attuning to nature’s energy cycles is to time your work according to the moon. The moon is more than just earth’s only natural satellite; it is a source of power and a key component of life. The moon controls the tides; affects the natural cycles of plants, animals, and humans; and in its waxing and waning, it provides energy shifts that we may align with to amplify our magic.

Just as with the seasons, the waxing phase of the moon is the best time to work magic for positive and constructive ends. During the full moon, the constructive power of the moon is at its strongest because it is at the peak of its waxing phase and opposite of the sun. In relation to magic, both positive and constructive spells can be used to indicate “good” or “white” magic such as spells to improve luck or find love. Positive magic is very similar to constructive magic and both are often used interchangeably; a distinction should be noted in that constructive magic is designed to create something as opposed to merely increase a thing or situation already in existence. Fertility spells are a great example of constructive magic. Positive spells are more specifically used to increase or build up something, such as a relationship, a business, etc.

During the waning phase of the moon, it is best to work magic for negative and destructive ends. During the new moon, the destructive power of the moon is at its greatest because it is at the peak of its waning phase and aligned with the sun. Both negative and destructive magic can be used to refer to hexing- or cursing-types of spells, but negative magic can also be used to refer to any magic that creates decline or deals with the past, releasing, or banishing (releasing of negativity such as shame, doubt, stress, weight, fear or phobias, etc.). Destructive is more specifically related to magic designed to end something (such as ending a relationship, destroying illness, quitting smoking, etc.). Negative implies “to remove” whereas destructive implies “to destroy”; this is a subtle yet sometimes very important distinction.

Another useful method of magical timing is working according to the days of the week. Each day of the week has an associated planet, color, energy, etc. that can be utilized to enhance magical practice. Monday is the day of the moon, a day for psychic work and connecting to Goddess energy, the feminine divine forces of the universe. Tuesday is the day of Mars, a day for action, masculine energy, and more aggressive-type magic. Wednesday is the day of Mercury, a day for communication, mental improvement, and learning. Thursday is the day of Jupiter, a day for expansion, luck, and influencing people in authority. Friday is the day of Venus, a day for love, beauty, and partnership magic. Saturday is the day of Saturn, a day for grounding, binding, and dissolution. Sunday is the day of the sun, a day for energy, strength, healing, and connecting to God energy, the masculine divine forces of the universe. (For further magical associations, please refer to appendix two).

Correspondence

Every item used in magic is utilized for its specific pattern of energy. “Correspondence” is used here to mean similarity or equivalence between two or more things. Different energy patterns have influences over different areas of life; because it is scientifically known that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can only change form, it is understood that the greater energy of the universe is expressed in our immediate environment; this is what is meant by the term “as above, so below.” The power of the macrocosm is equally expressed in the microcosm of our everyday lives.

Items and objects that bear resemblance to or are related to one another in some way usually carry similar energy patterns. For example, roses and peach blossoms are botanically related to each other and both have energy that has love-enhancing properties. Additionally, various planets, colors, herbs, stones, and metals that share similar qualities and energies have been grouped together accordingly in what are known as tables of correspondence. A table of correspondence can be very useful in developing your own spells and recipes as the table shows which ingredients are in harmony with your magical goal. When designing a spell or ritual, it is always best to only use items that share similar energies; otherwise, you will send out a mixed message and the efficiency of your spell will be decreased. Tables of correspondence are included as appendices at the back of this book.

Altar

Another way in which magical correspondence is utilized is in altar arrangement. Altars are used as a focal point for our magic, to hold the tools and ingredients of our spells and give us an energetic center from which to begin our magical process. This helps to focus, program, and release the power of the spell. During outdoor ritual, often a bonfire or a tree would serve a makeshift altar with items being placed at the base of the tree or burned in the fire to release the energy of the spell. Indoors, an altar would be created on a table or a dresser.

Many people see an altar and assume that the items placed upon it are set in a random pattern or arranged to be aesthetically pleasing; this is not so. Altars should be arranged according to the patterns of energy flow and with the tools placed at their most powerful and appropriate places. This creates a circuit of energy and results in more effective spell work. The following tools carry certain patterns of energy and are used to bring influences to our altars and into our lives: cauldron, cup, knife, wand, pentacle or altar stone, and censer. Let’s examine each tool and its individual functions separately.

Altar Tools

Cauldron: The cauldron is a round pot that preferably has three legs and is made of iron. This vessel is seen as a representation of the Goddess and the realm of spiritual energy. It is a sacred grail of transformation and is used to hold objects and candles during spells or (sometimes) to cook holiday meals or brew potions.

Cup: The cup is seen as another Goddess symbol and as a vessel of the element of water. The cup carries with it all of the qualities of the water element: love, psychic ability, healing, sleep, dreams, the feminine force, and so forth. The cup is used to carry water or wine for toasts, cleansings, and blessings.

Knife: To most modern witches, this is known as an athame (ah-thuh-may) and is a large, double-edged, black-handled knife used primarily to direct energy. The knife represents the masculine force and is companion to the cup. To some it is seen as aligned to fire; to others (myself included), it represents the power of air and all the qualities of this element (the mind, thought, influence, communication, etc.).

Wand: The wand is usually a straight, sanded, and blessed stick of wood used to direct energy, in healing rites, and as an invocatory aid. Wands are sometimes made of metal and set with crystals. To some, the wand is seen to represent air; to others (myself included), it represents the power of fire (it is made of wood, after all). The power of fire carries with it the qualities of force, change, sexuality, action, creation, destruction, protection, etc. The wand is a symbol of masculine energy.

Pentacle or Altar Stone: A pentacle is a disk or platter that has been painted or engraved with a pentagram (five-pointed star with the point up) and any other symbols important to its owner. An altar stone is either a large stone used as an altar, a small quartz stone placed on the altar (such as a crystal ball), or a stone platform on which to stand during ceremony. No matter which of these is used, all represent the power of earth and bringing things into the realm of physical reality. Pentacles in particular are used as platters on which to set talismans or other objects to be consecrated or magically charged. Sometimes an offering plate is used in place of a pentacle or stone.

Censer: A censer is a container in which incense is burned during ritual. On occasion, the cauldron can double as a censer. Burning incense carries the energy of your intent out into the realm of air and is used to lend atmosphere and energy to aid in the manifestation of your goal. Ritually appropriate incense recipes will be given in Chapter fourteen

Please note that the tools are not absolutely essential. The most important part of magical work is the intent, determination, and emotion of the spell caster; the tools are just an added focus or boost to the power that comes from within.

Altar Arrangement

The altar itself should be arranged so that when you are standing in front of it, you are facing north. In my work, I use the cauldron to define the center as the spiritual nexus point where all forces come together. Energy is drawn in from the left side of the altar and flows to the right. Tools and items designed to attract energy are placed on the left side of the altar and tools and objects that project energy are placed on the right side. In some cases, this means nothing more than a darker candle on the left, a lighter shade of the same color candle on the right, and perhaps some herbs or a crystal sitting on your altar. Altar design should be a personal creation. Remember that adjustments to suit both taste and necessity can be made in the creation of your own altars at any time.

In the traditional sense, there are ideal circumstances for your altar. A Goddess image of some sort should be placed at the back of the altar in the middle with the censer being placed before her, in between the image and cauldron. A platter, pentacle, stone, or offering plate should be placed below the cauldron, in the middle of the altar. In the upper left hand corner of the altar, a bowl of sea salt should be placed to neutralize any energy that is not in harmony with your goal. A black candle should be placed to the left of the Goddess image; this candle will be an altar candle and will help draw in energy. To the left of the cauldron, another candle should be placed that is in the appropriate color to draw in the specific energy matching your goal. To the left of the platter, a wand is placed with a crystal tip point facing right. Finally, in the lower left hand corner of the altar, there should be a cup filled with blessed saltwater. This helps draw in nurturing energy and will be used to cleanse your working space.

Now that the left side is complete, we move on to the right. In the upper right hand corner of the altar, place the container of incense that is to be burned during your spell. To the right of the Goddess image, place a white candle. This will be your other altar candle and will help project your energy. To the right of the cauldron, place another candle in an appropriate color (a lighter shade preferably) to project the energy of your desired goal. To the right of the platter, lay your knife with the point of the blade placed facing right. Lastly, in the lower right corner of the altar, set your altar stone (if you have one), crystal ball, or small pentacle to bring in the energy of the earth and help ground your rite into reality. Any other additional materials should be arranged on the appropriate side of the altar according to personal taste. This altar design is mostly utilized for full-fledged ritual and isn’t necessarily needed for every spell. There are many simple spells in this book that won’t require elaborate altars. Just keep in mind the circuit flows from left to right.