The following is a collection of various writers, and of spells collected over the past 5 years on the internet. Where possible the original author is listed. If you believe that your spell, incantion, or writings are listed here, either because you do not believe that you authorized it, or because you no longer wished to have it published, or because you wish to have it changed please contact me through email. If you have a spell, incantion or something you wish to add to the BOS, please also contact me by email.
The image of the witch is at the root of our cultural past. To embrace and affirm this aspect of ourselves is to tap the power of tradition, longevity, and cellular memory. Once we understand ourselves, harmony sets in. In preparing for your spell, first do some serious thinking about just what the image of the witch means to you. Make a list of all her qualities, her powers, her names, how she looks, what she wears, thinks, feels, etc. See her in your mind’s eye with as much clarity and detail as possible. This spell should be cast three times, at the new, full, and dark of the month.
Ingredients:
Large piece of parchment paper
Pen
Two purple candles
Moon Oil (Recipe)
Power incense
A small moonstone
Arrange your altar. Carve moons into your candles and anoint them with oil. Anoint yourself as well, on brow, heart, and hands. Seat yourself comfortably and light the candles, saying:
“With this flame, I awaken the Witch within me.”
Light the incense. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for a while, relax, and let go. Bathe yourself and your aura in white light. Keep breathing deeply and slowly as you begin to sway and weave, letting your body move into a circular motion. Empty yourself of all distractions and anxieties. When you feel flowing and peaceful, let your imagination fill up with images of your inner Witch. Take up the parchment and pen and make a sketch of her (don’t worry about style or quality; the simpler the better).
Write your impressions and ideas beneath the drawing. Set this up between the candles so that it is facing you. Take the moonstone and clasp it to your heart. Keep breathing and weaving as you fill yourself with the image on the parchment.
Draw the Witch image into yourself, see her multiplied a thousand-fold, vibrating in every cell of your body. Repeat the following incantation three times:
“I am willing to be different and strong
I am willing to be different and beautiful
I am willing to be different and free
I am willing to be different from patriarchy
For this difference
Is the same
Sameness
With the Non-Linear
World of Magick
The Goddess
Her forces
My dreams
The moon
My feelings
My creativity
My passion
My deep love
Of all creation...
And the only conforming
I need to do
Is Forming Creation
For I am form
And I am forming
To universal law
And therefore
Must survive...
And even though
I may at times
Feel alone
And misunderstood
I will remember
That I have sisters out there
Who are learning to be free
Like me
And that I am not alone
But all One
And that free women
Were respected
And loved
And will be again
And will be again
And will be
I will it to be
I will it to be
And so doth it be
Forever
And ever
So be it
Blessed be”
As you repeat this chant, let your words flow rhythmically as you weave and sway, let your voice create melody. Improvise, make new words if you feel inspired.
When you feel complete, slip your parchment beneath the altar cloth. Give thanks to the Goddess and God and snuff out the candles.
The moonstone is to carry at all times. Keep it in your pocket, under your pillow, or wear it in a pouch. Whenever you feel the need, hold the stone and rub it with your thumb in a circular motion. Think or say:
“I am safe
I am me
All is well
Blessed be”
Tell no one of this spell until it has come to fullness. Even as you feel your powers strengthen, it may be best to maintain silence. Be discreet about sharing your magick.
Direct passage from the author:
The purpose of this ritual is to tap into your own personal life-force and amplify it into a personal statement of self confidence and strength. Afterwards, when you feel yourself dragging in one area or another, concentrate on the appropriate symbol in the appropriate color for a bit, and you will find yourself tapping back into the energies you established in the ritual.
You will need:
A set of crayons including red, orange, yellow, green, sky blue, dark blue, violet, black, gray, white, silver, and gold.
A medium to work on—cloth or paper on which all the colors will show up.
A red candle Fiery scented incense, such as sage or cedar.
First, establish your working circle, after you’ve gathered all your materials together. Make sure you have a comfortable place to sit and draw. You’ll be here a while.
Face the east and say:
“Spirits of the East, powers of Air, I ask that you be present at this spell-working. Help me find inspiration and visualize the symbols clearly that I may partake of their essence.”
Face the south and say:
“Spirits of the South, powers of Fire, I ask that you be present at this spell-working. Help me find the spirit within to empower the symbols and tune into their color energy. “
Face the west and say:
“Spirits of the West, powers of Water, I ask that you be present at this spell-working. Help me to seek the mystery within, that the symbols I draw here may work upon my emotions for my Highest Good.”
Face the north and say:
“Spirits of the North, powers of Earth, I ask that you be present at this spell-working. Help me to manifest the symbols in the third-dimensional world so that their energies may become a part of my physical existence.”
Face the sky and say:
“Father Sky, I ask that you watch over me in this spell-working. Lend me your wisdom so that I may bring safely link my inner vision with the outer Self. “ Place your hands on the earth and say:
“Mother Earth, I ask that you watch over me in this spell-working. Let me ground myself deeply in you and draw on your strength and energy to sustain me in my work. “
Face your altar in the center of the circle and say:
“Sacred center, Spirit of all that is, of whom we are all only aspects, unite this sphere into a protected space for the spell-working I plan to do here. “
Using the red crayon, visualize the color as life essence. Draw a human body, using a star-like shape. Draw the first symbol that comes to your mind when you think of strength and power. (Draw it in red below the human body shape.) Now take the orange crayon. This color represents vitality, potency, courage- draw the first symbol of these qualities that comes to mind slightly above and to the left of the last symbol. With the yellow crayon in hand, concentrate on intellect, and your request for knowledge. Draw a symbol of this directly to the left of the human body shape. Using the green crayon, visualize expansion, abundance, prosperity, growth, love. When you have felt its energy, draw a symbol of above and to the left of the human body. Take up the sky blue crayon, and feel it’s energy of expression, communication, spiritual gain, joy, and self-achievement. Draw a symbol of those directly above the central symbol (body). Using a dark blue crayon, draw a symbol to the lower-right of the last symbol. This one should represent synthesis and inner wisdom. It should align with the green shape. In violet, which represents spirituality and guidance, draw a symbol of those traits directly to the right of the red central sign. White is used to link the life-force. Draw a symbol that represents a cycle or strong bond below and to the right of the central symbol. This main pattern is complete. It should resemble a circle of colors and symbols surrounding the body. Now, trace from the central body, directly to the left. Here, you should come upon the yellow symbol. To the left of that symbol, you will draw another sign, in silver. Hold the silver crayon and feel it’s energy, imagine the journey you are embarking on, and draw a symbol of it. Take the gray crayon and visualize flexibility, endurance, persistence and resolve needed to accomplish the changes you desire. When you feel it’s energy, draw a symbol of those strengths at the very top/center. (above the human body, and above the light blue sign.) The gold crayon represents activity. Draw your symbol of activation to the far-right (lined up horizontally with the silver symbol). Using black, feel and see the changes you want occurring, the power of this ritual going to work. Draw a symbol of this directly beneath the red symbol under the body. (The bottom of the page, centered.)
Give blessings to all invoked gods, goddesses, and spirits, using a chant to each quarter like this:
“Spirits of the east, powers of air, thank you for your presence and aid in this work. Depart in peace, my thanks and blessings.“
Open the circle, release the energy, and say:
“To all spirits visible and invisible that have been present in this ritual, depart in peace, my thanks and blessings.“
Hang the resulting picture up somewhere where you can see it often. When you need any of the specific traits energized in each symbol, simply think of that particular color and symbol as depicted in your masterpiece!
This a ritual that you can change to suit you!
“Oh Dear Goddess of love and light
I ask for your power on this night.
By the powers of the stars above me,
So shall it be.“
Visualize your arms and hands soaking up the powers of the moon, and into your body Put out the candle and leave it on your altar overnight. The next morning, repeat the spell to the sun, with this chant:
“Oh Dear Lord of the sky and sea,
Lend your magick unto me.
By soil, wind, flame, and sea,
This is my will, so mote it be.“
Soak up the powers of the Sun. Go to your altar, light the purple candle from the night before, and meditate on it until it burns out.
“Turn and turn about,
Out, out, out.
Badness put to rout,
End to every doubt
Out, out, out.”
“sweep” the hurtful emotions out of the window with your hands. In an oil burner, burn ylang-ylang, myrrh and coriander essential oils. Circle clockwise saying:
“Winding, winding, winding,
Peace and joy now finding
A love that’s true and binding
Winding, winding, winding.”
It is done!
#2
Ingredients:
chestnut
sage
tobacco
black taper candle
Carefully drill or cut a hole in a chestnut. Chestnuts increase your
willpower and cause others to believe you. Stuff it with a pinch of sage
and a pinch of loose tobacco to make your arguments foolproof. Drip the
wax of the black taper candle over the opening to seal it. Black candles
are not evil. They are burned to influence, bring focus and concentration,
and to absorb negative energy. They are also used to cloak information or
hide secrets. When you enter the courtroom, carry this talisman in your
right pocket to bring luck, believability, and a favorable verdict.
Altar clothes
Athame
Beads
Baskets
Bell
Boline
Book of Shadows
Books for info
Bowls
Brooms
Candles
Candle holders
Capes and Costumes
Cauldron
Chalices
Chants
Crystals and Gems
Crystal Balls
Deacnter
Divination Tools
Earth
Feathers
Glass jar with cork
Glue
Herbs, dried plant, spices
Holy water
Holy Oil
Incense, bricks, burners, and fire resistant plates
India Ink
Fabric for crafts
Felt
Lighters
Magick mirror
Magical jewelry
Matches
Mortar and Pestle
Oil
Musical tapes
Paint
Parchment paper
Pendulum
Pentagrams
Pentacle
Pitchers
Knife
Potpourri pot
Pouches
Quill pens
Rawhide, jewelry clasps, etc.
Rice
Runes
Rope
Salt
Scales
Scissors
Sea Salts
Seeds
Statues
String
Stencil and brushes
Talisman
Tarot cards
Tabacco
Wands
Wooden boxes
Wooden Spoons
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of dried calendula petals. Steep for 10 min. then strain. drink 2or 3 cups of warm tea daily.
WOUND DRESSING
To facilitate healing of skin wounds, soak a compression calendula tea and apply to affected area.
GARGLE
Infuse about a ½ cup dried powered calendula flowers into 1 cup olive oil and soak for 14 days; strain well and refrigerate. if you would prefer a salve instead, add 1oz. beeswax to ½-3/4 cup oil and ½ cup calendula flowers. This ointment helps in the healing of chapped skin and cold sores.
VARICOSE VIENS
Gently apply to affected areas twice daily. do not rub or massage just gently spread thin layer over affected areas! The ointment promotes blood circulation and helps speed healing.
BED SORES
Gently rub ointment into the sores several times a day, if necessary cover w/gauze or bandages.
NAIL INFECTIONS
The ointments anti-inflammatory and germ killing actions are useful for infections in the nail bed. apply directly to the affected area several times a day.
CALENDULA OINTMENT MAY ALSO HELP:
Cut that have a light rose colored border indicting possible infection athlete’s foot or other fungal skin infection skin wounds that are superficially inflamed or discharging pus
How to make a Good Luck Herb Jar
To attract good fortune into your life or to change a streak of bad luck to good, fill a clean jar with any combination of the following herbs.
buckthorn bark
chamomile
clover
dandelion
frankincense
heal-all
honeysuckle
huckleberry leaves
Irish moss
jobs tears
john the conqueror
khus-khus
lotus
lucky hand root
mistle toe
mojo wish bean
myrrh
nutmeg,
peony root
queen of the meadow
rose hips
rosemary
sacred bark
sandalwood
spearmint
star anise
thyme
tonka bean
Seal the jar tightly and keep it in your kitchen on a shelf or windowsill. Place your hands on the jar each morning and say.
“To God and Goddess do I pray. Guide me through another day. Let good fortune come my way. Good luck hither now I say.”
After reciting the incantation, gently shake the jar a few times and then kiss it and put it back.
This introduction is a selection of writings on Magickal Protection which is used as supplement in The Mystic Gryphon’s class on protection. In addition, it is part of a larger work which will eventually become an entire book as soon as the author gets finished putting everything on paper.
Why do we need to do this?
Magickal Protection is essential for anyone who aspires to the Craft or subjects relating to the Craft. A Witch, or any practitioner of magick, as a servant of the Light, has the potential to attract negative influences which will try to stop your work or progress. Also, a Witch, or practitioner of magick, has the potential to have negative energy directed at her/him by more unscrupulous entities. We also have the potential to walk into a negatively charged area. Poverty stricken areas usually have a higher concentration of people putting off negative emotions such as worry and fear. Negative emotions or energy attract a certain form of creature which feeds off the negative energy and tries to promote the conditions or feelings which create it. Negativity build up can occur anywhere, a home where there is a lot of fighting, around prisons, etc. It is imperative that you know how to shield yourself from the influence of such negative forces. The potential for exposure to negativity is not limited to a Witch or a practioner of magick but to everyone. It seems, however, that as you become more advanced, stronger if you will, that the potential for these happenings increase. I propose the reason for this is that as you become more in tune with the universe and energy surrounding you, you begin to vibrate at higher levels. On the etheric level, your astral form will begin to “glow” more brightly and thus the potential for attracting attention increases. This is not to say that anyone will definitely attract unwanted attention but the possibility does exist.
As we move along the magickal path, we will meet many entities and forces. These forces can be broken into three categories of intent: good(positive), neutral, bad (negative). By far, you will meet more good and neutral forces than bad. This is the same as everyday life, you meet people who are good, neutral or bad. Since there is a possibility for meeting a bad or negative force, should we be worried? Yes and no. Be worried to the point of being aware that something can happen is good - it means that you know that something could happen and are that much more prepared to handle such an encounter. If you spend all of your time looking for ambushes and traps with every step you take then this might be a little extreme or bad. Forewarned is forearmed. During our workings and travels, we learn to recognize these classes of forces, how to find them and how to avoid them. When meeting any force you have several options: talk to them, ignore them and walk away, take an aggressive stance if you feel threatened, try to reason with a more unsavory force, etc. Whatever you do will return three fold, do unto others as you would have them do undo you. These are statements of truth. For the most part, meeting and being friendly is the best choice but unfortunately it does not always result in a friendly response. As with meeting people on the physical level your options for encounters are the same on the Magickal levels.
Magickal Protection can be thought of as a martial art. Learning such an art provides you with a means to defend yourself (defense) if needed and if all else fails, an offensive form which you can use to defend yourself. The techniques presented here will help to keep negative forces away from you and teach you how to get rid of them.
Forms of Magickal Protection
Magickal Protection can be resolved into two basic categories, physical and non-physical. Non-physical protections involve shaping of energy into a shield and wrapping it about yourself, object/place or another person (but only with permission). Physical forms of protection involve the use of crystals, herbs, symbols, talismans, etc. to hold protective energies about you or an area.
Anyone can trance dance because there are no steps, no external expectations; your spirit takes over. Our bodies move beyond normal reality and are guided to move in a way that frees our vital energy. This vital energy is our spirit. It is what heals us and allows us to feel our joy, our passion, our excitement for living.
We have re-pressed our “wild self” because our culture has very few acceptable ways to express this self. Yet it is a vital part of our being. Life is about being fully present in the body. We can enjoy our bodies and be spiritual at the same time. The body dances ecstatically with the spirit and the mind to unite them by bringing in the breath.
Trance dance is done blindfolded so that it becomes a totally internal experience. This allows many people who feel inhibited to drop their inhibitions and not worry about what other people might think. It is amazing how many people do not allow themselves the gift of dance for this reason alone. It also uses special breathing patterns and music that assists people to move into altered states of consciousness. This allows people who think they have no rhythm to dance, because their mind stops interfering with the self that does feel the rhythm.
Trance dance for me has been an answer to a long time prayer. For years I have been aware of a yearning within myself to dance. I have taken classes in belly dancing, ballroom dancing, Indian classic dance, and Hula dancing. But none of these were an answer because they called for intense discipline and consistency and some years of study. Because I traveled so much in my life, I knew none of these would be suitable.
After giving in to the great depths of sadness from traumatically losing my beloved husband, I had to make a decision. I would either allow my spirit to whither and die or I would have to find something that made me feel alive again. That was when trance dance came into my life and re-awakened within me the joy and ecstasy of living. I danced to survive. In sadness I felt separation. In dance I feel the unity of spirit. For me now trance dance is a way to continue the dance of life and share with others a way to move from the dullness to the light.
Trance dancers experience the healing power of rhythm. Rhythm produces certain fundamental results because of the natural laws of resonance and entertainment. Resonance is the natural ability of something to vibrate to a frequency from a source other than itself. When we are surrounded by the powerful beat of drums and other percussion, the resonating systems of our body, including the brain, begin to vibrate in response.
The beat is essential in altering brain waves, entraining them from beta, which is the cycle of our daily activity and cognitive thought, into relaxed alpha and eventually the trance state of theta.
When we hear trance rhythms, all parts of our brain come into activity. Our lower reptilian brain, our mid brain or mammalian brain, and our new brain (neo-cortex) come into alignment and function as a unified whole. Rhythm especially stimulates the "alert system” of our reptilian brain. The loud repetitive drumbeat covers all other stimulus and sensory input, it blocks out the usual brain clutter and causes the emotional and intuitive processes of the mid brain to come into the foreground. This induces trance, uncovers far memory and awakens non linear creativity.
As we have lost touch with the spirit of nature, the rhythms of our bodies and our planet. we have also stopped creating a spiritual “rhythm conscious” community. We have forgotten the pleasure and joyous healing of rhythmic rituals when people would play their drums and dance together. All this will change as we create a wave of spirit rhythm consciousness.
Trance dance is not about performance or musical skill but transformation and expansion of consciousness and healing our bodies, our planet and our community. We dance together to awaken our ancient shamanic rhythm, risking becoming part of something larger than ourselves.
First, for people who are comfortable working in almost any setting, try taking stones, crystals, etc. & using them as your circle boundaries. You could cast your circle as you place the stones. When you place the eastern stone, call the powers of that quarter & so on. For Witches who like to change the atmosphere a little more, try buying or making a circle cloth. This is a circular piece of material, in a size that is comfortable for you, that is your magickal circle. You simply take it out, lay it down & energize like you would with any other casting. Perform your rites, & when you are finished, your entire circle folds neatly for easy storage.
This circle cloth can be anywhere from simple to elaborate. Buy a piece of material that you like, & cut out a circle. Cut the circle to the diameter of circle that you normally cast for your workings, be it three, four, or six feet. Most importantly, make the diameter of your cloth a size that you are comfortable with. It can be left as simple as that, or you could decorate your cloth with power symbols, runes, astrological symbols, or whatever you choose. Just stitch, paint, draw, or glue on the symbols you want.
For those Witches with no craft talent whatsoever, go to your local store & find the tablecloth section. One of the sizes is a 72-inch round. This just happens to be a six foot circle. once again, either pick a color pattern you like or leave the cloth plain or decorate to suit your tradition. Have fun trying these ideas.
Choose a length of wood - I use tree branches that must be pruned anyway. I like a 12 inch length about the thickness of my finger. When selecting the wood I refer to the magickal vibrations of the different woods. I use apple for love magick, seven barks for money magick, Elder for fairie magick, oak for nature magick, willow for general magick.
You will want a quartz crystal point for the tip - you could use rose quartz on the love wand or amethyst on a wand for spiritual contact and guidance. Gouge a bit of wood out of the tip of the wand to help hold the crystal glue with high temp hot glue gun or a strong hold glue - let set. Now use glue on bottom sides of crystal and top ionch or so of wood, wrap with leather strips or cord or embroidery thread in a color that goes with the purpose of the wand. That helps to secure the crystal. Now wrap the base end of the wand by gluing wood and wrapping with leather or yarn to make a hand hold. Use the same color as on top and cover about 4 inches. You may decorate the shaft of the wand with symbols that relate to the purpose of the wand, such as runes and other symbols that have meaning for you. You can use a knife, water proof marker, paint, wood burning tool, etc.
You could decorate the end of the top yarn with gemstone beads, metal beads, wood beads and tip it with feathers if you like. Cleanse and consecrate as with any tool.
It helps you centralize your personal power. Therefore, each item places on it should have a specific purpose. Don’t have anything there that is not needed. When the altar is dormant, you can set decorative articles on it in celebration of reverence, but don’t clutter it up.
It can serve as a work table, like that of a master craftsman. As such, it should be large enough for comfortable crafting of tools, talismans, etc.
It enables you to honor the Universe and your beliefs, even when you are not physically present.
The Table Altar
The physical construction of your table altar is your choice. Witches use coffee tables, dressers, cinder blocks with two planks, desks, computer tables, etc. You can make your own altar if you are handy with woodworking tools.
The altar can be permanent or portable, and any size that is comfortable to you. There are even space-saver tables now on the market; when you fold down the side leaves, they are as small as two feet across. Most of them have wheels to enhance their portability, and can be maneuvered into small area for storage.
The top of the altar should have enough space so you can work comfortably if you are planning to use it as a magickal work table. As a working altar, there should be enough space for you to place two illuminator candles or lamps safely on either side of you to provide adequate lighting.
If the altar is a permanent one, you may wish to keep the lamps or candles there at all times. You never know when you may need to use the table on short notice for helping someone. Your altar can be decorated with magickal symbols and designs by carving, using a wood-burning tool, or painting it various color combinations.
Some Witches prefer to place the altar at the North or East points of the sacred space. This is not an absolutely necessary practice, as when you cast the magick circle around the altar area you aren’t working in the present dimension anyway, and North, South, East and West are merely reference points of the material world.
Wall altars are usually made from shelves, indentations or alcove in the wall. In our case, we have set the entire wall between a door and a window aside as an altar. The wall has been stenciled, has various items hanging on it (including a broom, a framed picture of the God and Goddess entwined, a large wreath of grapevines woven into a pentacle), and two double glass shelves for gems, stones, nature’s gifts, a bell and small statues of witches and priestesses cast in pewter.
Each of these things means something special to the family, weather it was gathered from the yard, picked up on a hiking trip, or purchased as a gift for one another on our holidays.
We also have a small altar in the living room that holds a stone pyramid that can be touched by the adults who enter and leave the room. Some families use the mantle above their fireplace as an altar. Candles, lamps, pictures, nature items, masks, tec., adorn these areas.
A wall altar does not take much to create. Check local craft shops for decorative wooden shelves. These are unfinished and you can paint or stain them in whatever designs you see fit.
The Stang
The stang is usually made out of the wood that is generally prevalent to your locality. It is best to research the magickal properties of your local trees and choose that which you think most appropriate. The stang as an altar is placed upright in the ground on the outside of the circle, guarding the entrance. Often the stang is decorated for the celebration at hand. Some traditions use only one stang to represent the God. A candle is place “between the horns”, or over the middle prong of the pitchfork. Beneath would be a mask, garlands, and in some Traditions, crossed arrows, Two stangs or pitchforks would indicate one for the God and one for the Goddess.
If you live in a rural area you could probably get away with one of these outside; in fact, if decorated lavishly over Samhain, you would probably start a fad. As an example of how yet another custom has been absorbed by mainstream culture, take the broom craze. Go in any arts and crafts store these days and you will find brooms and baskets galore to be decorated and hung on front doors, in kitchens, etc. At the foot of the stang can be places a small table on which the cakes are set on a platter used only for ritual purposes.
Altar Items
The tools on your altar, and placement thereof, change with the season, celebration, or need. You will collect and make several special tools and decorations over the years. Some things will become standard for each ritual. Other items will be discarded or given away. Begin by choosing an altar cloth. It should be large enough to cover the entire surface of the altar. The color and pattern are optional. I have used everything from plain black velvet or satin to a designer sheet! For general working, the choice should be a plain color such as black, blue or dark green. For seasonal celebrations and other rites, I use a colored pattern that brings out the mood of the occasion.
On top of the altar cloth, I have a working cloth. This should be smaller, the size of a place mat, and it should be kept in mind that it will get soiled due to your various projects and rituals. You may be mixing herbs and inks, or creating other magickal items that would stain your altar cloth. If you have spent a great deal of money on the material for the altar cloth, you don’t want to ruin it with an “Oops!”
All candleholders should be large enough to catch any drips, and sturdy enough that they will not easily tip if the altar gets bumped. Candles skirts, which are little rings designed to catch drips, can also be purchased if you just can’t part with that favorite holder even though it spits wax everywhere.
I usually use white pillar candles or hurricane lamps for illuminators. On holidays I change the color of the pillar candles to match the season. Keep a large tablespoon on hand to bent out the wax as the pillar candles burn. This will keep the candle in good working order for quite a while, as pillar candles are usually expensive.
A relatively new fad in the illumination arena is the use of oil candles. Usually made of clear glass in interesting shapes and asbestos wicks, these vessels of light are like the temple candles of old. Many Tradition Witches are using these small lamps both for illumination and magick. Oils for these candles come in a various of colors and create a striking addition to any magickal working.
Most Witches like to have a representation of a deity or deities on their altar, as well as a picture or a statue of their power animal. Representation of the deity can be in form of a statue, pictures, or even a specific colored candle or gem.
There should be room on the altar for an incense burner, holy water, cup or chalice and a pentacle. The pentacle is placed in the center of the altar space, or above if you are working on your mat. The altar should also contain two objects, both the same design, one colored black and one white. I use them to represent balance in all things - one to repel and one to draw. Some Witches prefer the use of candles to represent this universal law.
Foxglove is known by many folk names, Faerie Fingers, Fox Bells, Lus na mbau side (Gaelic), Witches Thumbs, and many more. Each plant may produce several stalks, bearing multiple, bell-shaped flowers that tower up the stalk, often reaching a height of 4-6 feet. The most beautiful Foxglove plants I have ever seen were growing in Monterey, California. I was so impressed by this plant, it has become a must in my garden every year.
Digitalis is the common drug that is derived from this plant. It is used as a cardiac stimulant. The extracted digitoxin from root, leaves, and flowers, increases the force of heart contractions, making it beneficial for congestive heart failure. As the drug causes increased contractions, it helps the heart to empty its ventricles, giving it more time to rest between contractions and fill with blood from the veins.
Digitalis/Foxglove must never be administered without supervision of a physician, as incorrect dosing can easily be fatal. The signs of Foxglove poisoning include: strong, slow pulse, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, tremors, and convulsions.
Even though Foxglove is considered poisonous for medicinal purposes, it is a beautiful plant and a special treat to grow in the garden, just make sure it is kept out of the reach of your pets, children, and other wild creatures that may wonder into your garden. For magical uses, Foxglove grown in the garden protects the garden and home. It is feminine gender, ruled by the planet Venus and the element water. It can also be used for dyeing purposes, the flowers producing a chartreuse color when used with alum.
Foxglove can be grown from seed, germinating in about 14 days. Plant the seed in loose soil, covering with ¼ inch soil. It must be planted in late spring or early summer to become strong enough to survive the winter, blooming the second season after planting. It can tolerate a variety of soils and growing conditions, growing best in partial shade and kept relatively moist. Foxgloves can also tolerate freezing temperatures, requiring some protection from the snow in the winter.
When planning your gardens this spring, consider growing Foxglove for its magical properties and beauty. You will be pleasantly surprised by this showy plant, and you may even notice a few Faerie Folk dropping by!
“Ashes to ashes
Spirit to spirit
Take this soul
Banish this evil!”
Snuff out the candles starting from the upper right point of the pentagram (Water), so that the last one to snuff out is the one that symbolizes the Spirit.
Repeat monthly at the time of the Full Moon, if possible, or, use as
needed. This is designed to "lock" your home against unwanted intruders
- but don't forget to bolt the doors as well.
LOVE INCENSE
2 parts Sandalwood
1/2 part Basil
1/2 part Bergamot
few drops Rose oil
few drops Lavender Oil
Burn to attract love, to strengthen the love you have, & to expand your ability to give & receive love.
LOVE INCENSE 2
2 Parts Dragon's Blood
1 part Orris
1/2 Part Cinnamon
1/2 part rose petals
few drops Musk oil
few drops Patchouly oil
Another like the above.
LUGHNASADH INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 part Heather
1 Part Apple Blossoms
1 pich Blackberry leaves
few drops Ambergris oil
Burn during Wiccan rituals on Aug 1 or 2, or at that time to attune with the coming harvest.
MABON INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Sandalwood
1 Part Cypress
1 Part Juniper
1 Part Pine
1/2 Part Oakmoss
(or few drops of Oakmoss Bouquet)
1 Pinch Pulverized oak leaf
Burn during Wiccan ceremonies on Mabon or at that time to attune with the change of the seasons.
MARS INCENSE (Planetary)
4 Parts Benzoin
1 Part Pine needles (or resin)
a scant pinch Black pepper
Burn to attract its influences, or during spells involving lust,
physical strength, competetions, ritua; concerning men, etc.
MARS INCENSE 2
2 Parts Galangal
1 Part Coriander
1 part Clove
1/2 Part Basil
A scant pinch Black Pepper
MARS INCENSE 3
2 Parts Dragon's Blood
1 Part Cardamom
1 Part Clove
1 Part Grains of Paradise
MEDICINE WHEEL INCENSE
2 Parts Sage
1 Part Sweetgrass
1 part Pine resin or needles
1 part Osha root (or Angelica)
scant picture Tobacco
Burn during rites revering American Indian deities & spirits, & to attune with the energies of this land.
MEDITATION INCENSE
1 Part Gum Acacia (arabic)
1 Part Sandalwood
Burn a small amount prior to meditation to relax the conscious mind.
MERCURY INCENSE (Planetary)
2 parts benzoin
1 Part Mace
1/2 part Marjoram
few drops Lavender oil
Burn to invoke its powers, or during spells involving intelligence, travel, divination & so on.
MERCURY INCENSE 2
2 Parts Benzoin
1 Part Frankincense
1 Part Mace
MERCURY INCENSE 3
2 Parts Sandalwood
1 Part Gum Mastic
1/2 Part Lavender
few drops Lavender oil
MEXICAN MAGIC INCENSE
2 Parts Copal
1 Part Frankincense
1 Part Rosemary
Smolder during Mexican - American folk magic rituals & spells.
MIDSUMMER INCENSE
2 Parts Sandalwood
1 Part Mugwort
1 Part Camomile
1 Part Gardenia petals
few drops Rose oil
few drops Lavender oil
few drops yarrow oil
Burn at Wiccan rituals at the Summer Solstice or at that time of the year to attune with the seasons & the Sun.
MIDSUMMER INCENSE 2
3 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Benzoin
1 Part Dragon's Blood
1 Part Thyme
1 Part rosemary
1 Pinch Vervain
few drops Red Wine
MOON INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part sandalwood
few drops Eucalyptus oil
few drops Jasmine oil
few drops Camphor oil
Burn to attract its influences, & also during psychic workings, love
magick, healing, rituals involving the home & dream magick.
MOON INCENSE 2
4 Parts Sandalwood
2 Parts Wood Aloe
1 Part Eucalyptus
1 Part Pul. Cucumber seeds
1 part Mugwort
1/2 Part Ranuculus blossoms
1 Part Selenetrope
few drops Ambergris oil
May substitute Gardenia or jasmine for selenetrope.
MOON INCENSE 3
2 parts Juniper berries
1 Part Orris
1 Part Calamus
few drops Spirits of Camphor-or- Camphor Tincture or 1/4 part genuine camphor
few drops lotus bouquet
MOON INCENSE 4
2 Parts Myrrh
2 parts Gardenia petals
1 part Rose petals
1 Part lemon peel
1/2 part Camohor
few drops Jasmine oil
MOONFIRE INCENSE
1 Part Rose
1 Part Orris
1 part Bay
1 Part Juniper
1 part Dragon's blood
1/2 part Potassium nitrate
Burn for divination, love & harmony. The saltpeter is included to make
it sparkle & glow. Don't add too much though - it'll explode!
NEPTUNE INCENSE
Lay incense coals on a bed of sea salt. When the coals are hot, toss on a mixture of:
1/2 tsp myrrh gum
11/2 tsp copal resin
1 tbsp sandalwood chips
1 tsp dried Irish moss
3 drops oakmoss oil
NINE WOODS INCENSE
Rowan Wood (or Sandalwood)
Dogwood
Popular
Juniper
Cedar
Pine
HollyBranches
* elder (or oak)
Take sawdust of each, mix together & burn indoors on charcoal when a ritual fire is necessary or desired but not practical. the incense emits the aroma of an open campfire.
OFFERTORY INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Myrrh
1 Part Cinnamon
1/2 part Rose petals
1/2 part Vervain
Burn while honoring the Goddesses & Gods, & as an offering.
OPENING EYES TO SPIRIT WORLD
1/3 tsp Mastic
1/3 tsp Amaramth
1/3 tsp yarrow
OSTARA INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Benzoin
1 Part Dragon's Blood
1/2 Part Nutmeg
1/2 part Violet flowers
(or few drops violet oil)
1/2 Part Orange peel
1/2 Part Rose petals
Burn during Wiccan rituals on Ostara or to Welcome the Spring & to refresh your life.
PELE INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 part Dragon's Blood
1 Part Red Sandalwood
1 Part Orange peel
1 Part Cinnamon
few drops Clove oil
Burn while honoring Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes. When
needing additional strength for any ritual; when you feel manipulated by
others, or for Fire spells in general. Burn when you wish to be fulfilled with the power of Pele.
PISCES INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Eucalyptus
1 Part Lemon Peel
few drops Sandalwood oil
Use as a personal altar or household incense to increase your powers.
PROPHECY INCENSE (CAUTION)
1 part Heawort seed
1 Part Violet root
1 part parsley
1 part Hempseed*
Burn for divination & psychic work.
PLANETARY INCENSE (CAUTION)
1 Part Myrrh
1 Part Gum mastic
1 Part Costus
1 Part Oponax
1 Part storax
1 Part Thyme
1 Part Frankincense
1 part camphor
1 Part red Sandalwood
1 Part Wood Aloe
1 Part Euphorbium*
For general magickal workings. The baneful substance euphorbium, can be
replaced w/tobacco. Gum Arabic can be used in place of the Storax. Gum
oponax is unobtainable - use an oponax oil or gum arabic.
PROPHETIC DREAM INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Buchu
Burn before bedtime to stimulate the psychic mind to produce future-revealing dreams, & to ensure that the conscious mind remembers them in the morning.
PROSPERITY INCENSE
2 parts Frankincense
1 Part Cinnamon
1 Part Nutmeg
1 part Lemon Balm
1 Part Citron
Burn to attract wealth.
PROTECTION INCENSE
2 parts Frankincense
1 Part Dragon's Blood
1/2 part Betony
Burn for both physical & psychic protection while visualizing.
PROTECTION INCENSE 2
2 Parts frankincense
1 Part sandalwood
1/2 Part Rosemary
PROTECTION INCENSE 3
1 Part Frankincense
1 part myrrh
1/2 part Clove
PROTECTION INCENSE 4
2 parts Frankincense
1/2 Part Cumin
PROTECTION INCENSE 5
2 parts Frankincense
1 part Copal
1 Part Dragon's Blood
PROTECTION INCENSE 6
4 parts Frankincense
3 parts Myrrh
2 Parts juniper berries
1 Part Rosemary
1/2 part Avens
1/2 part Mugwort
1/2 part yarrow
1/2 part St. John's Wort
1/2 part Angelica
1/2 Part Basil
PSYCHIC INCENSE
3 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Bistort
Smolder to sharpen psychic powers.
PSYCHIC INCENSE 2
2 Parts Sandalwood
1 Part Gum Acacia (or Arabic)
PSYCHIC INCENSE 3
1 Part frankincense
1 part Sandalwood
1 Part Cinnamon
1 Part Nutmeg
few drops Orange oil
few drops clove oil
PURIFICATION INCENSE (caution)
4 Prtas Frankincense
2 Parts Bay
1 part camphor
1 pinch finely pwd salt
1 pinch Sulfur*
Burn to purify the atmosphere of a disturbed home. Leave the windows
open & do not inhale the sulphurous fumes!
PURIFICATION INCENSE 2
2 Parts sandalwood
1 Part Cinnamon
Leave windows open
PURIFICATION INCENSE 3
3 Parts frankincense
1 part vervain
RAIN INCENSE (caution)
4 parts Heather
1 Part fern
1/2 part Henbane*
Burn out of doors on a deserted hill to attract rain. do not inhale fumes!
"RAISE THE DEAD" INCENSE
1 part Pepperwort
1 Part Red Storax
1 pinch Saffron
few drops Musk oil
Compound & fumigate about the tombs & graves of the dead. This will
cause spirits & ghosts to gatehr, at least according to ancient writings.
RICHES & FAVORS INCENSE
2 Parts Benzoin
1 Part Wood Aloe
1/2 Part Peppermint
1/2 Part Clove
Burn when you need favors & wealth.
SABBAT INCENSE
4 parts frankincense
2 parts Myrrh
2 parts Benzoin
1/2 part Fennel
1/2 part Bay
1/2 part thyme
1/2 part Pennyroyal
1/2 part Solomn's Seal
1/4 part Rue
1/4 part wormwood
1/4 part Camomile
1/4 part Rose petals
Burn at Wiccan Sabbats.
SAGITTARIUS INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Myrrh
1 Part Clove
Use as a personal altar or household incense to increase your own powers.
SAHUMERIA AZTECA INCENSE
2 Parts Copal
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Rosemary
1 Part Sage
1 part Lemongrass
1 part bay
1/2 part marigold
1/2 part Yerba Santa
For ancient Aztecan rituals & all Mexican-American folk magic. Also use
as a general purification incense. It's a famous incense in contemporary Mexican folk magic.
SATURN INCENSE (Planetary)
2 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Poppy seed
1 Part Gum Arabic
1 Part Myrrh
1/4 Henbane Seed *
1/4 Part Mandrake *
few drops Olive oil
Burn for Saturn influences; also for spells dealing with buildings,
studying past lives, banishing illness, pests & negative habits. This
incense can be hazardous to your health; for a recommended Saturian
incense see formula #3 below or substitute 1/2 part Tobacco for the Henbane & Mandrake.
SATURN INCENSE 2(Caution)
2 Parts Cypress
2 Parts Ash Leaves
1 Part Alum
1 Part Gum Scammony
1 Part Asafoetida *
1 Part Sulphur *
1/4 Part Black Nightshade *
Another like the above, but not recommended. By omitting the black
nightshade, the incense is fairly innocuous but still smells incredibly
foul!
SATURN INCENSE # 3
2 Parts Sandalwood
2 Parts Myrrh
1 Part Dittany of Crete
few drops Cypress Oil
few drops Patchouly Oil
This is the recommended Saturn incense formula. If you're going to use one of the four, use this one.
SATURN INCENSE # 4
1 Part Pepperwort
1 Part Mandrake
1 Part Myrrh
few drops Musk Oil
•SCORPIO INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Galangal
1 Part Pine resin (pitch)
Use as a personal altar or household incense to increase your powers.
SCRYING INCENSE
1 Part Mugwort
1 part Wormwood
Burn a small amount prior to scrying in a quartz crystal sphere, in
flames, water & so on. Warning - smells bad!
SIGHT INCENSE
2 Parts Gum Mastic
2 Parts Juniper
1 Part Sandalwood
1 Part Cinnamon
1 Part Calamus
few drops Ambergris Oil
few drops Patchouly Oil
Mix, empower & burn to promote psychic awareness. This is another
version of the recipe; others contain Hemp.
SPIRIT INCENSE (caution)
4 Parts Coriander
1 Part Smallage
1/4 Part Henbane *
1/4 Part Hemlock *
Burn outdoors to draw spirits together. As usual, do not inhale fumes!
SPIRIT INCENSE # 2 (caution)
Root of the weedy herb Sagepen
Juice of Hemlock *
Juice of Henbane *
Tapsus barbatus
Red Sandalwood
Black Poppy seed
Fume to make spirits & strange shapes appear. To make them flee, add
parsley to this mixture, as this chases away all spirits & destroys all visions.
SPIRIT INCENSE # 3
1 Part Anise
a Part Coriander
1 Part Cardamom
Smolder to cause spirits to gather.
SPIRIT INCENSE # 4
1 Part Sandalwood
1 Part Lavender
Burn on the altar to invite good energies (or spirits) to be present during magical rituals.
SPIRIT INCENSE # 5
2 Parts Sandalwood
1 Part Willow Bark
Burn out of doors at night during the Waxing Moon.
SPIRIT INCENSE # 6
3 Parts Wood Aloe
1 Part Costus
1 Part Crocus
few drops Ambergris Oil
few drops Musk Oil
SPIRIT INCENSE # 7 (caution)
3 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Coriander
1 Part Fennel Root
1 Part Cassia
1/2 Part Henbane *
These incense (Spirit) are only included for traditional purposes. They are not recommended!
SPIRITS DEPART INCENSE (caution)
1 Part Calamint
1 Part Peony
1 Part Mint (Spearmint)
1/4 part Castor Beans *
Burn out of doors to drive away all evil spirits & vain imaginings. Castor beans are poisonous!
SPIRITS DEPART INCENSE # 2
2 Parts Fennel seed
2 Parts Dill seed
1/2 Part Rue
another like the above.
SPIRIT PORTAL INCENSE
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Lavender
pinch of wormwood
SPRING SABBAT INCENSE
3 parts Frankincense
2 Parts Sandalwood
1 Part Benzoin
1 Part Cinnamon
few drops Patchouly oil
Burn during Spring & Summer Sabbat rituals.
STUDY INCENSE
2 Parts Gum Mastic
1 Part Rosemary
Smolder to strengthen the conscious mind for study, to develop concentration & to improve the memory.
SUCCESS INCENSE
3 Parts Wood Aloe
2 Parts Red Storax
1 Part Nutmeg
Burn for success in all undertakings. Since red storax is unavailable, substitute Frankincense or Gum Arabic.
SUN INCENSE
3 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Myrrh
1 Part Wood Aloe
1/2 part Balm of Gilead
1/2 Part Bay
1/2 Part Carnation
few drops Ambergris Oil
few drops Musk Oil
few drops Olive Oil
Burn to draw the influences of the Sun & for spells involving
promotions, friendships, healing, energy & magickal power.
SUN INCENSE 2
3 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Sandalwood
1 Part Bay
1 pinch Saffron
few drops Orange Oil
Another like the above.
SUN INCENSE 3
3 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Galangal
2 Parts Bay
1/4 Part Mistletoe *
few drops Red Wine
few drops Honey
A third like the above.
TALISMAN CONSECRATION (caution)
Alum
Gum Scanony
Asafoetida *
Sulphur *
Cypress
Black Hellebore *
Ash leaves
Burn in an earthen dish & hold the talismans in the smoke. Not recommended.
TALISMAN CONSECRATION 2(non-toxic)
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Cypress
1 part Ash Leaves
1 Part Tobacco
1 pinch Valerian
1 pinch Alum
1 pinch Asafoetida *
Recommended - but smells!
TAURUS INCENSE
2 parts Sandalwood
2 Parts Benzoin
few drops Rose Oil
Use as a personal altar or household incense to increase your powers.
TEMPLE INCENSE
3 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Myrrh
few drops Lavender Oil
few drops Sandalwood Oil
Smolder in the temple or "magic room", or as a general magickal incense. Also increases spirituality.
THIEF INCENSE (to see a thief)
1 Part Crocus
1 pinch Alum
In ancient Egypt this mixture was placed on a brazier & the seer stared into the coals.
THOUSAND-NAMED SOLAR INCENSE
3 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Clove
1/2 Part Red Sandalwood
1/2 Part Sandalwood
1/4 Part Orange Flowers
3 pinches Orris
Burn for Solar influences.
TRUE LOVE INCENSE
1 Part Cinnamon
1 Part Orris
few drops Patchouly oil
Burn for love.
UNIVERSAL INCENSE
3 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Benzoin
1 Part Myrrh
1 Part Sandalwood
1 Part Rosemary
Burn for all positive magickal purposes. If used for neghative magickal goals, it will cancel out the spell or ritual.
VENUS INCENSE (Planetary)
3 Parts Wood Aloe
1 Part Red rose petals
1 pinch crushed Red Coral (opt.)
few drops Olive Oil
few drops Musk Oil
Few drops Ambergris Oil
Mix well & burn for Venusian influences, such as love, healing,
partnerships & rituals involving women. Coral should be omitted.
VENUS INCENSE 2
1 part Violets
1 Part Rose petals
1/2 Part Olive leaves
another like the above.
VENUS INCENSE 3
2 Parts Sandalwood
2 Parts Benzoin
1 Part Rosebuds
few drops Patchouly Oil
few drops Rose oil
A third like the above.
VIRGO INCENSE
1 Part Mace
1 Part Cypress
few drops Patchouly Oil
Use as a personal altar or household incense to increase your powers.
VISION INCENSE
3 parts Cinquefoil
3 Parts Chicory Root
1 Part Clove
•VISION INCENSE 2
3 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Bay
1/2 part Damania
Burn small amounts prior to psychic workings.
VISION INCENSE 3 (caution)
1 Part Calamus
1 Part fennel Root
1 Part Pomegranate skin
1 Part Red Sandalwood
1 Part Black Poppy seed
1/2 Part Henbane *
Another like the above but not recommended.
WATER INCENSE (elemental)
2 Parts Benzoin
1 part Myrrh
1 Part Sandalwood
few drops Lotus bouquet
few drops Ambergris oil
Burn to attract the influences of this element, as well as to develop
psychism, to promote love, fertility, beauty and so on.
WEALTH INCENSE
1 part Nutmeg
1 Part Pepperwort
1 pinch Saffron
Burn to attract Wealth.
WEALTH INCENSE 2
2 parts Pine needles or resin
1 Part Cinnamon
1 Part Galangal
few drops Patchouly Oil
another like the above.
WEALTH INCENSE 3
2 Parts Frankincense
1 Part Cinnamon
1 Part Nutmeg
1/2 part Clove
1/2 Part Ginger
1/2 part mace
a third like the above.
WITCHES' SIGHT INCENSE
Gum mastic
Juniper
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Cinnamon
few drops Musk oil
few drops Ambergris oil
For Tarot readings, crystal ball readings, meditating.
YULE INCENSE
2 Parts Frankincense
2 Parts Pine needles or resin
1 Part Cedar
1 Part Juniper Berries
Mix & smolder at Wiccan rites on Yule or during the winter months.
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