Rituals

When to Perform Rituals

House Blessing Confidence Spell Gaia Healing Spell Moon Bathing and Purification Rites Purification Bath Purification Spell Spell Affirmation Spell Binding Spell Binding #2 Spell to Let Go Strength Ceremony To Remove Obstacles Native American Ritual Mending a Broken Friendship MÉAN EARRAIGH (SPRING EQUINOX) Tibetan Divination Full Moon Crystal Empowerment Chant How to See Auras Aloe Vera: The First Aid Kit in a Plant

Pentagram Protection Spell Dark Moon Spell Spell to be Seen More Attractively To Maintain Unconditional Love Lost Love Spell Acceptance Ritual Ritual to Overcome Addiction Maiden Healing Ritual Anger Calming Bath Spell for Forgiveness Full Moon Ritual Ritual For Women Reclaiming The God Void of Course Moon Witching your Bedroom Scrying Astral Projection for Beginners Scented Waters, Infusions & Decoctions

"We are an old people,
We are a new people.
We are the same people,
Stronger than before.
I am a strong woman,
I am a healer,
and my soul will never die."

Perform this spell during an eclipse or a waxing moon phase. Arrange sea shells on a secluded beach, in the shape of a circle. If you do not have access to a beach, perform this ritual in a garden or forest using stones, branches or flowers to form the circle.
Kneel at the centre facing the ocean. Light a blue candle and incense of your choice. Raise arms high and recite:
"With smoke and flame this spell's begun.
O Goddess of the stars, moon, and the sun,
Let the healing power begin.
Let the Earth be whole again."

"The Earth is my mother and I am her child.
The earth is my lover, free and wild.
Heal on the outside, heal within.
Land and sea, fire and wind."

"With love sincere,
I chant this prayer to make mankind
Begin to care.
Let every sister and every brother
Heal the wounds of the Great Earth Mother."

"Let the healing power begin,
Let the Earth be whole again.
Heal on the outside, heal within.
Land and sea, fire and wind.
So mote it be!"

You will need a cup, bowl, or chalice of silver. Glass is the best substitute. On the night of a full moon, set the chalice outside or in a window to absorb the moon's lunar rays and energy. Leave it there for a few hours before the ritual.
Place the chalice with water in it, in your non-dominant hand and place your other hand over the top of it. To empower the water, say:
"By the silver light of Lady Moon,
By my hand and will so sure,
By all that is Blessed, true and strong,
I bid you, Cleanse me Pure."
Now, take a moon bath, or anoint yourself with the blessed water.

Anoint your feet:
"Silver Mother of the Night,
Bless my feet that they may always walk securely
Upon your sacred path."
Anoint the forehead:
"Mother of all Life,
Be in my spirit, my magick, and my visualizations.
Fill me with your creative energy,
And cleanse me from thoughts unworthy of your child."

For the moon bath, say:
"By the Silver light of Lady Moon,
By my hand and will so sure,
By all that is Blessed, true and strong,
I bid you, Cleanse me Pure.
May both my hands the good works do,
My feet walk firm the path,
My head and heart stay free from harm,
As I take this sacred bath."

Now is the time to meditate on your goals. Allow the water to drain before you leave the bath. As it is draining, imagine all the negativity being sucked away.
"I am free from all unworthy influences,
Fit to meet, greet, and be the Goddess.
As I was in the beginning of time,
I am now, and will always be.
So mote it be!"

"By the power of my ancestors,
By the power of my descendants,
I let go of old troubles,
I let go of old life.
I am purified from fear,
I am purified from sorrow,
I am purified from my own mistakes.
I am purified like snow.
Blessed be!"

Use salt or incense to purify yourself or another:

"With this I purify you
Of the past,
Of hurts and memories,
Keeping only love."

"I ask for these things,
Their equivalents or better,
According to free will,
Harming or manipulating none,
So mote it be."

"Water to water, a witches' spell.
Cast I now to speed this well.
Focus and powers from out of the night
Gather within and give my spell flight."

"Hear me, O Goddess of the moon,
Hear me, and grant me success
In the ways of Magick.
Send to my spell
Thy powers of enchantment.
Assist me in all my endeavors.
Hear me, for I am a child of the moon,
Grant me the ancient power.
For thou art the Great Goddess,
Mistress of Magick, I worship thee!"

October is a good time to tidy up the soul. First, make a list of things that have to go (i.e. anger at yourself and others, resentments of friends and enemies, bad habits). Go through your soul as if it were a long forgotten attic where cleaning is overdue, then write down what you find.
Decorate altar with black cloth. Place some fallen leaves, two black candles, and incense on the altar. Place the list in the centre. Say:
"Dearest Goddess,
I have come a long way this year,
Carrying my burdens.
I would like to take them off my shoulders
And give them back to you to recycle, bury, to compost.
Here I offer you my resentments against friends and family
And (say your need)
And ask you to absorb them into your black universe.
Relieve me of them and allow me to walk more lightly."
Burn the list from candle flames and imagine all these feelings evaporating into smoke. Say:
"I feel all light, happy and cleansed now.
I thank you for being accessible and
Answering your children's call.
I honor you and thank you."
Gather everything and cast them into a living body of water. Don't look back.

We all have times in our lives when things are hard and we don't have much faith in ourselves. I recommend doing this ritual whenever the feelings of doubt or fear start clouding your thoughts. This is a group ritual, but it is possible to modify it for a solitary practitioner.

Cast the circle and then go around the circle so everyone can say how they became strong.
"I became strong through facing my fears.
I became strong through my friends.
I became strong through my family.
I became strong through making mistakes.
I became strong through taking a stand.
I became strong through dreaming."
Chant and raise power.
The above can be modified to be more personal.

With your athame, trace a pentagram over the object to be protected. Visualiza a ray of protective light coming from the athame. Say this as you trace:

"With this pentagram I lay
Protection here both night and day.
I now invoke the Law of Three:
This is my will, so mote it be!"

(To increase intuitive powers.)

"Void of blackness, darkest night,
Ruled by Crone of power and might.
Push my instincts into life
So intuition grows and thrives.
Crone of Darkness, come to me
And let me know all things unseen."

Fill the bathtub with water and scatter fresh rose petals in it. Light vanilla candles and some incense. As you lie in the water, meditate on all your good features and ignore any flaws you may have. Say:
"Earth, Air, Fire, Sea,
Let the Goddess's Beauty
Shine through me."

Do this spell each month to make your good fortune last. Every full moon, light three candles: white for blessings, pink for love and happiness, and black to represent the fates. View the beautiful full moon and light the candles. Say:
"The kind Fates have blessed my home,
The kind Fates have blessed my heart.
The kind Fates have blessed my loved ones.
I offer thanks with a humble heart.
I thank the Goddess for my life,
I thank the Goddess for continued blessings
Already on their way.
Blessed be!"

This spell is to "cure" a broken heart. After a break-up, on a full moon, go outside underneath the radiant light. Light some black, red, and blue candles and some incense of your choice. Say:
"As you leave my life,
I leave behind my pain.
As you burn to dust,
So does all my hurt.
As I leave you in my past,
I leave with you my sorrow."
Let the candles burn down completely. Take the remains off your property and bury them. Turn around and don't look back! Now follow with a renewal or healing ritual.

Perform this at the new moon. Decorate the altar with fresh flowers, sprouts, spring water, and images of maiden goddesses. Light some white, pink, and blue candles and some incense of your choice. Prepare a ritual bath with lavender, saffron, and laurel. Say:
"I am Maiden, beautiful,
Renewed, Refreshed, Reborn."

Let the water drain out, and imagine all the negative emotions and thoughts draining away from you. Sit at the altar and light the candles. Say:
"With this flame I ignite within me
The spirit of the maiden."
Now would be a good time to either meditate, or invoke a maiden goddess that you feel close to.
"I am whole unto myself
I am the bright maiden
Strong, invincible, free.
I am the dark maiden
Cloaked in veils and mystery.
I am the pulse of the sun
And the pull of the moon.
Flowing from one to the other
In perfect harmony.
Where I walk, no one can hinder me.
I am maiden, forever young and free."
Drink the blessed spring water. Say:
"Maiden Goddesses,
I drink of thy sweetness and strength
And am thus filled with thy spirit."
Eat some sprouts. Say:
"As this seed bursts with new life,
So am I filled with vitality."

Light a white candle in the morning.

"Gracious Lady, hear my plea,
Grant me tolerance that I might see
The need for diversity on the earth
And see its value and its worth.
Help me to find the harmony
In accepting what is meant to be
And replace my negative attitude
With perfect love and fortitude.
Gracious Lady, hear my plea
As I will, so mote it be!"

You need:
paper and pen
green candle
cloth bag
hematite crystal
orange calcite
chrysoprase
Write addiction on the piece of paper and mark through it with a heavy thick line. Inscribe the candle with your name and light it. Say:
"Healing Ancients, I ask of thee
Take this pain away from me.
Remove any trace of this addiction
And heal me of all related afflictions."

Hold hematite to your forehead and say:
"Grant courage now and healing power
Strengthen my will hour by hour."

Place the hematite on the right side of the candle. Hold the chrysoprase to your forehead and say:
"Stone of joy and happiness
Put my urges now to rest."

Place it on the left side of the candle. Hold the calcite to your forehead and say:
"Amplifier of energies
Magnify their powers please."

Place calcite in front of the candle. Say:
"Powers of the Earth unite
Bind the powers of this addiction tight
So it will have no hold on me
As I will so mote it be!"

Hold the paper and say:
"Chains that bind me now break free
I am power, strength, and resiliency.
I have the courage to overcome
This (addiction).
Be gone from me! Do not return!
Your power over me I burn!"

Burn the paper. Watch it burn completely and meditate, visualize your addiction weakening, fading, and dying. Say:
"By flame of fire, I'm purified
Of your delusionary lies.
I'm free of you and all the strife
That you once cast upon my life.
I am healed now, I am free
As I will, so mote it be!"

Light a pale blue candle next to the bath. Pour some oils into the water. Submerse yourself and relax, visualizing your red hot anger cooling because of the cool, refreshing blue water. The fire is being put out and you feel at peace. Say:
"Anger, I command you, GO!
Calming power, through me flow."

Light red, blue, purple and white candles.
"I wash away all hurt and pain,
I wash away scorn and disdain.
All contempt I hereby purge.
Let sweet forgiveness now emerge."

"Oh Ancient Ones of strength and might Come and aid me in this plight. Push through all that is in my way, Let them fall and crumble away, So my path is clear and free. As I will, so mote it be!"

(head over to the page of the gods)

Quarters: East - Buddha, South - Ra, West - Neptune, North - Herne. Invocation: Ground and center. Move, and feel the joy of the dance! Rise up, and dance this invocation!

He is the storm that scours the land
He is the guide of hidden ways
He is the holly and the oak
He is the hunter and the prey
He is the lord of stag and bear
He is the slayer and the slain
He is the blade of sacrifice
He is the blood that heals all pain
He is the word that made the worlds
He is the song in every throat
He is the ivy and the grape
He is the lord of ram and goat
He is the heat in limb and loin
He is the rapture and the fright
He is the first lord of the dance
He is the flame upon the height
He is the sower and the seed
He is the stone beside the track
He is the bearded heads of grain
He is the leaf and branch and bark
He is the lord of horse and boar
He is the blackthorn on the mound
He is the pulse of woodland's heart
He is the home and holy ground
He is the salmon in the pool
He is the winner of the mead
He is the hazel and the ash
He is the secret in the reed
He is the speaker of the rune
He is the coracle on sea
He is the swallowed and reborn
He is the rider of the tree
When all have danced to satiation, bring the dancing to a close, then say:
"Look around and see your sisters!
Reach out and embrace the god you see there!
Feel the presence of the god!"

What/how do you feel now? Share your thoughts and feelings with the group, or record them in a journal or Book of Shadows.

Cast your circle. Stand before the altar facing North and say:
"This is the time of the full moon,
A time of great power for positive manifestation,
A time of increasing and gaining.
The tide of Moon-power is strong.
I am of the Goddess.
I stand before You at Your altar,
In love and adoration.
Be with me Goddess.
Let me feel your presence here tonight."
Go to the east with the bell. Ring it once and say:
"Hail Selene. Help me feel
The Lady's power and presence within my mind."
Go to the South. Ring the bell once and say:
"Hail Cerridwen.
Help me feel the Lady's power and presence within my spirit."
Go to the West. Ring the bell once and say:
"Hail Athene. Help me feel
The Lady's power and presence within my emotions."
Go back to the North. Ring the bell once and say:
"Hail Aphrodite. Help me feel
The Lady's power and presence in my body."

You will probably have an amazing wave of feelings come over you. Let them sink into your body and soul. When you are ready, return the bell to the altar, turn to the North, and raise your arms high above your head. Say:
"Hail Goddess! Moon Mother, Lady of Light,
Mistress of Magick and Animals.
You are the white light of the Moon
Upon the Earth, the brillant rays of sun
Upon life. You are the beginning and ending,
The One who creates and takes away.
Within You, I see myself and all woman.
In this time, You come to me and fill me with your presence."

Communicate with Her now. Tell Her your problems, wishes and anything you wish to tell her. When you are finished say:
"All honor and love to the wonderful Goddess,
For She is the power behind all powers,
The Goddess behind all gods,
The Eternal Life behind death.
I see Her loving face within the moon and rejoice.
All Hail Queen of the heavens and the earth, the eternal on of Wisdom!"

Raise the chalice to toast her and say:
"To Diana and all the Goddesses!"
Now is the time for divination, meditation, and spellwork of any kind. Close the circle when done.

When people start working with lunar energies, they generally start by following the Moon as she moves from sign to sign, and learning about the influences that shift as she changes signs every few days. A person may also start planning activities according to the phase of the Moon, starting projects at or after the New Moon, watching them come to fruition at Full, using the waning phases to evaluate and wrap up, and finally ending the project as the Moon becomes dark again.

Eventually, the interested person will come across the term void-of-course Moon, or the indicator v/c or voc. This is a special condition of the Moon, which occurs for varying amounts of time as the Moon moves from one sign to the next and makes aspects to the other planets. The Moon is considered void-of-course immediately after it has made its last major aspect to a planet within a sign. It ceases to be void when it enters the next sign. If used, these void periods can be a very effective way to get the cosmic energies to make life go more in your favor. This article will explain what voids do to the ebb and flow of everyday life, how to identify when the Moon is void-of-course.

These techniques have little or nothing to do with your personal natal astrological chart. These conditions exist in the world at large and affect everyone more or less the same way. Some people are more sensitive, and some are more aware of the influences than others, but the influences are there for anyone to use. These techniques should not be used in interpreting a natal chart. This type of astrology predates natal (birth chart) astrology, and is some of the oldest arcane knowledge that has been passed down to us through the ages. The systems have been refined and augmented as time passed, and some of these techniques are more modern than others. this specialized branch of astrology, known as horary and electional astrology, is usually practiced today apart from natal astrology (which is the most popular astrology the average person is familiar with from horoscope columns).

How To Use the Void-of-Course
Among the many things the Moon rules is the masses, people in groups, daily routine, habits, instincts and personal patterns. It is the unconscious, and also the unconscious things we do to get through life. Unless you are just learning to drive, driving a car is pretty automatic for most of us, as long as conditions aren't normal. It's the same with all those things we do in a day, brushing our teeth, taking a shower, making coffee, walking to the bus--everything we would consider normal and routine. These little tasks, which might not seem so important or interesting, are what make the ebb and flow of daily life, and we tend only to take notice of them when they don't go as we are used to, whenever our routine is broken. This is where the void Moon can come into play.

Well, now we know that the Moon experiences these cosmic break times, but how does that affect the populace at large? The Moon, which rules daily routines, is on break, and so are we, so to speak. Watch and see how the ebb and flow of life changes as the Moon moves fro sign to sign. Things that were very important from one day are pushed aside as new ideas and concerns move to the forefront of consciousness. There is an actual shifting of gears when the Moon changes signs. But, like a manual transmission car, there has to be a time when things are in neutral, so to speak, so the gears can be changes. That is the void Moon.

The upshot of it all is that there are things that just don't go well when the moon is void, and actually some things that turn out better.

During a void Moon, you should not sign a contract, make plans, close a deal, or start a project. Basically anything which you want to have a concrete real-world result should not be started, signed, or sealed. If you do, these things will never get off the ground, never materialize, have to be redone, or have so many problems and setbacks as to be useless anyhow. False starts and errors abound and judgment is more fallible.

If you leave on a trip (some say arrive at your destination), on a void Moon, be prepared to take what happens. Plans will be altered, itineraries go out the window, and new and strange experiences will manifest. This is fun for a vacation, but bad for a business trip. During voids, business moves meet with unexpected difficulties.

Objects bought during a void Moon either never get used, are "not right" in some way, or you don't find what you were looking for in the first place. You can go grocery shopping, but just stick to the basics--don't look for special items or try new ones. You either won't find them or they will never get eaten and probably will have to be thrown out. Expect to forget some absolutely essential everyday item (like milk or bread), and be sure to carefully count your change and look at the cash register receipt. Silly little mistakes are more common during void Moons. Delay and frustration run higher than normal.

If you have to work on a void Moon, stick to routine and don't try strange new stuff. If you make plans on a void Moon (or some say, plan to met during a void Moon), expect to have mutual misunderstandings. You might show up at the place you agreed but at the wrong time, or your friend might how up at the right time, but in the wrong place. People are more likely to get lost no matter how accurate the directions or how familiar they might be with the neighborhood. You may also discover those strange, interesting out-of-the-way laces you would never ordinarily go. Just be sure to write down the location so you can remember where it is if you ever want to return.

Void Moon time is when you lose objects which are in plain sight. You literally don't see them. You may put something away and forget where it is afterwards, so it becomes effectively lost. Cheer up. You may find it again during another void Moon.

During a void Moon, you can have a conversation, or read something and then totally forget about it later. Save the trashy romances for this time, since you probably won't be able to get any effective work done. You could do dishes, or laundry, or clean house during a void Moon, but you might not finish due to interruptions or distractions. Staying on a diet can be tough, and you are more prone to rationalize cheating. Resolve and willpower in general are a little less strong. There is a feeling of, "what they don't know won't hurt them," or "if nobody knows, then I can get away with it." If you do succumb to temptation, you may have to pay the piper once the Moon moves into the next sign.

On the other hand, if you want to drop a bombshell, and yet have fewer repercussions in the long run, during the void-of-course Moon is the time to do it. Here is a real example. Remember President Reagan, the "Teflon President," who never got blamed for any of the bad stuff? Well, he was very careful to schedule those presidential news conferences where he would answer the hard questions about nasty controversial stuff during void Moons. There would be questions and discussion, yet the next day nothing would ever really be said in the paper or on TV. The topic was just dropped, forgotten, or glossed over, and nobody ever really notices. The void Moon was Reagan's Teflon. Even in August 1988, when Nancy Reagan admitted at the Republican National Convention on live TV with Dan Rather that the Reagans used astrology, it was during a void Moon, and nobody really noticed or cared. (This is the stuff that causes astrologers to tear out their hair). Of course, when President Reagan had something wonderful to say which would make him look good and he wanted people to notice, he was very careful to make sure the Moon was not void, so he would receive maximum notice and credit. He also used other astrological tricks that helped, but the biggest and easiest was the void Moon.

Void Moons are the best for subjective, spiritual, non-material concerns; prayer, yoga, play, parties, psychotherapy, sleep, and meditation. Take a warm bubble bath, listen to music, and relax. Decision-making turns out to be non-realistic. Creativity takes unplanned directions, detours, and improvisations. Routine and habit can proceed smoothly, but may need adjustment later (when the Moon is no longer void). ESP is more active, (though not necessarily more accurate).

In the past, a Native American traveler entering a strange land would have performed this charm in a place where all the elements -- earth, air, fire and water -- combine, in order to become part of that spiritual environment. To achieve a state of harmony, the unwritten wisdom of the ages must be absorbed. Today's schedules and environmental factors do not always make this possible, but substitutes can help achieve the same end.

Ingredients:
A Yellow Candle
A Bowl of Spring Water
An Incense Stick

Method:
Wherever you are in the world, on your arrival, find a private place. Light the candle, for fire, and place it in the south of the room; place the flower, for earth, in the north, the spring water in the west; and the incense stick, for air, in the east. Lie down in the center of your symbols, close your eyes, and use your imagination to see a door in front of you. Go through the door to a luxuriant green paradise, with ladders of sunlight leading upward, and paint a tapestry of colors in your mind as the breeze gently stirs in the leaves. Your eyelids are as heavy as velvet, and a path beckons to you. Follow it, and come to a clearing.

In the clearing, sit and thank Mother Earth for her beauty as the sunlight enfolds you in love and peace. Slowly the light fades and you begin your journey back, taking with you a blessing. Open your eyes and stretch, then write down your experience and allow it to grow inside you.

Place a bowl of magnetic oil charged water in your room to soak up the negativity. Float candled in it to make it a little less obvious and use black stones or black glass marbles to purify.

Place a witch's bottle filled with tacks, broken glass and ceramic, etc. behind your door where nobody can really see it. You can use a ceramic or colored glass bottle to make it less conspicuous.

Place amethyst near your door, or use something decorative with a bit of amethyst on it. Hanging an amethyst ring or cluster on a wreath or similar seasonal item makes your bedroom more festive and helps keep things focused and clear for you, as well.

Place a small guardian totem such as a dragon or gargoyle and explain its duties. People will just think you like statues of animals, usually.

You can inscribe a rune of proptection into your doorway, or place a rune somewhere behind something, if you want to be secretive. Talismans such as the SATOR work well for this.

Place a dream catcher in your window to catch bad dreams before they come to you. Also try a broom under your bed, if you can't find a dream catcher.

If you can, buy a small goldfish bowl and a small fish. Fish are lucky in asian mythology and bring wishes. It can never hurt to pamper a small animal for good karma!

These are all I can think of, except of course, never allowing a mirror to face or reflect a doorway or window. If yours does, move it if possible. If you cannot move it, use a SATOR square or similar protective talisman. Mirrors are doorways and should not be taken lightly in a witch's room.

Although hardly complete, these ideas should get you all started!

"What I broke I am mendingc While my pride I am bending.
When the puzzle has been done
Friendship grows, anger's gone."
As you say this, begin to fit the pieces of the puzzle together until you are done. Leave it as is. Your friendship will begin mending within 24 hours.

And frosts are slain and flowers begotten, And in green underworld and cover blossom by blossom the spring begins. Algernon Charles Swinburne "When the Hounds of Spring"

wholly to be a fool while Spring is in the world my blood approves e.e. cummings, "since feeling is first!"

Méan Earraigh marks the spring equinox, when night and day are of equal length and spring officially begins. Birds begin their nesting and egg-laying, and eggs--symbolic of rebirth, fertility, and immortality--are tossed into fresh furrows or eaten by ploughmen. They are also carried by those engaged in spring planting.

A charming custom is painting eggs with symbols and pictures of what one wishes to manifest in the coming year. The eggs can then be buried in the Earth Mother, who hears the cries and dreams of her children. In some communities, eggs are hidden in the stores of seed grain and left there all season to bless the sowing and encourage the seeds to sprout. Dressed as mummers, "pace-eggers" go from house to house and demand eggs and coins in return for a short performance. Men and women exchange clothing for the show.

The eggs given to the pace-eggers have been wrapped in leaves, roots, flowers, and bark before boiling, to impart color. Later the eggs are used in games, such as attempting to strike an opponent's legs. The eggs might be hidden or rolled down hillsides, after which they are eaten. Blood, ashes from sacred fires, fistfuls of salt, or handfuls of soil from a high mountaintop are scattered on the newly sown fields. Offerings of food and milk are left for the faeries and other spirits who live in and around rocks and are responsible for the fertility of the land. A few fruits from the previous year's harvest are left for the nature spirits. Sacred hilltops are visited, and picnics of figs, fig cakes, cider and ale are enjoyed. The figs are symbolic of fertility, the leaf being the male element and the fruit the female.

Aengus Og is the male deity of the occasion. Son of In Dagda and Boand, he was conceived and born while Elcmar, Boand's husband, was under enchantment. When three days old, Aengus was removed to be fostered by Midir, god of the Otherworld mound at Bri Leith, with his three hostile cranes. These birds guarded the mound and prevented the approach of travelers, and were said to cause even warriors to turn and flee. Aengus, son of the Dawn, and In Dagda are the deities associated with Newgrange (Bruig na Boinne), the great solar temple in the Boyne Valley of Ireland. While the Dagda plays a harp of oak, Aengus plays his harp of gold to the young and blows kisses, which engender amorous desires. The female aspect of this festival is personified by Boand herself, who is sometimes equated with the River Boyne. A legend claims that the Boyne sprang into being when the Goddess Boand was disrespectful of the magical well of Segais. The well rose in anger, the goddess fled, and the River Boyne was created.

Boand is known as "She of the White Cows." It is worthwhile to remember that Brighid was raised on the milk of a white cow with red ears. Otherworldly beasts such as dogs and cows are generally described with this coloring. Sacred kine are often said to emerge from lakes; water is the entrance to the Otherworld. If you visit the River Boyne, you will find that she is quite maternal, flowing gently and sweetly and giving of herself to the land--like a placid milk cow.

Water in a dark bowl - or small pool
Mirrors
Crystals - Crystal Ball Gazing
Tea Leaves - Coffee grinds
Embers in a fire at night
A dimly lit / or candle lit room - looking into the eyes of another person who sits across from you During scrying - one gazes steadily into the scrying surface (feel free to blink or allow your point of focus to wander a bit; this is not a method of self-inflicted torture). Eventually, you should be able to pick out shapes or images in the scrying surface; these may appear as crude sketches, or occasionally with the clarity of a photograph. You will actually see these images with your eyes. Once this happens, images may begin to form in your mind, no longer projected onto the scrying surface. When this happens, allow your attention to focus on these mental images.

From this point forward, the scrying surface is irrelevant; do not be distracted by it. As the images become clearer, you will find that you know things about what you are seeing Ð background information will come to the surface of your mind. Pay attention to what you know about the images you are seeing. Surfaces which provide a random, high contrast visual texture, such as black tea leaves in a white cup or orange sparks in a black ember, are particularly good for the first stage of the scrying process. However, the vividness of the visual images formed in this way may tend to pull your attention back from the purely mental images that should follow, thus disrupting the natural flow of ideas. Smooth, neutral surfaces, like the surface of a dish of black water, a crystal ball, or a black mirror, provide relatively few visual cues to get you started, but if you can make the transition to mental imagery quickly, the visual surface will obligingly fade into the background.

In Tibet, several dough balls are baked of equal weight. Specific sigils are made on the dough prior to baking. These are then baked and placed in a bowl before the deity being invoked. The mantras to that deity are then chanted and the a selected individual (usually a monk) swirls the balls around in a bowl. Whichever falls out first is checked for its sigils. That is then considered to be the deity's response.

You can adapt this ancient method of divination by creating a permanent oracle. You can use several materials.

* obtain marbles in certain colors. If you want a yes or no oracle, then choose one black one white marble; or substitute black or white beans. Your choice. They do not need to be of equal weight as you are going to scry with the colors.

Place these 2 black/white beans or marbles in a cup or bowl. Stir with your fingers, ask the question and stir as fast as you can....whichever one falls out is your response for Yes or No.

* obtain some play dough. Use as many colors as you want. Here you will be using sigils or symbols. Be creative and create your own. I love this method because it teaches the young about magick, casting, oracles and associations, it works well and it is fun.

Using the play dough, make several playdough balls....green, red, brown, purple, etc. Choose the sigils you want to trace on the balls: the money sign for green; a heart for red; a sun for yellow; a cloud for blue; use your imagination! You are making an oracle original to you, based on your psychic instincts.

Allow the dought to dry out overnight. Within 48 hours they will be as hard as rocks.

Wipe them with lemon juice to cleanse and they are ready.

Place them in a bowl; ask your question and start stirring with your hand; faster and faster until one falls out. Analyse the sigil or what the color symbolizes for you.

Full Moon Crystal Empowerment Chant
Place the crystal (example: Amethyst) where the light of the full moon will hit it (eg : window sill).

The chant: "O Gracious moon so full and bright Empower my Amethyst with your lunar light Let this crystal serve me well to cleanse and protect for the longest spell."

RELAXATION
The easiest way to place yourself in a deep state of relaxation is to first begin with your toes. Visualize a soft warm light moving slowly through your toes until it engulfs your feet. As each part of your body becomes submerged in the warm light, allow it to go completely limp. Visualize each body part turning to mist. When you are done relaxing, you should visualize yourself as pure mist. Moving Away From The Physical Body. Because you are no longer solid, it will be possible for you to move away from your physical form. If this is your first time, try to stay inside a boundary, such as your home. When traveling to the astral plains, one can encounter many things which only an experienced traveler will know how to handle. Visualize your misty form seperating from your physical form. Don't be alarmed if you see a cord that attaches you to your body. This is a line that can bring you back if needed. Only a very experienced traveler should disengage this cord. For the beginner, it is important to leave it attached. The cord will lengthen itself to suit your travels, so drift as much as you like within your set boundaries. When you are ready to return, simply will yourself gradually back to your body. Allow a moment to think earthly thoughts and then open your eyes.

TRAVEL WITH FAMILIARS
For extra protection, it is nice to have your familiar along. The only thing you need to do is communicate your desire to travel to your familiar. Animals travel the astral plains constantly, and are more than happy to accompany you. They often make excellent guides. To communicate your desire, look deep into your familars eyes, and concentrate. Stroke them soothingly. Soon they will lay down, and that will be your signal that they are ready to begin. If you are a novice, and your familar seems unwilling to travel, give them time. Sometimes we doubt our own abilities, and our familiars can sense this. After you have traveled several times on your own, your familiar will most likely be happy to join you.

JOURNAL
It is imperative that you document your travels in a journal. You are the one who will benefit from this. As you travel, make note of everything you see. Upon your return, write every detail in your journal. As you become more experienced at astral travel, this record will be invaluable. It will serve as your future guide.

GIVE THANKS
Always remember to thank your guide or guardian for their protection. It is also nice to say a prayer of thanks to the Cerridwyn. Remember that without the Lord and Lady, we are adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

THE ETHERIC AURA
The etheric aura extends about two inches out from the physical body and is usually a shade of blue in colour. The shade of the blue relates to the physical condition and health of the physical body. Athletes have strong etheric aura's of a deeper blue in shade. In the etheric aura you feel all the sensations, both pain and pleasure. Whenever their is pain the flow of energy in that area of the etheric is eratic.

EMOTIONAL AURA
The emotional aura extends about two to four inches from the physical body and appears as rainbow coloured clouds. This aura is associated with feelings. Positive feelings generally create bright colours, where as negative feelings generally create dark colours. Problems in this aura will eventually lead to problems in the first and third aura's.

MENTAL AURA
The mental aura extends about four to eight inches from the physical body and is usually a bright shade of yellow in colour. Within this aura are our thoughts and mental processes. The more active our thinking processes the brighter our mental aura becomes. Within this aura can be found thought forms.

ASTRAL AURA
The astral aura extends about eight to twelve inches from the physical body and appears as brightly coloured rainbow clouds. The astral aura is the bridge between the physical world and the spiritual world.

ETHERIC TEMPLATE AURA
The etheric template aura extends about twelve to twenty four inches from the physical body and appears as a blue print form. There is an empty groove in the etheric aura aura into which the etheric aura fits. The etheric template aura holds the etheric aura in place. It is the template for the etheric dimension.

CELESTIAL AURA
The celestial aura extends about twenty four inches from the physical body and appears as a brightr shimmering light of pastel colours. This is the level of feelings within the world of our spirit. Here we communicate with all the beings of the spiritual world.

KETHERIC TEMPLATE
The ketheric template aura extends about thirty six to forty eight inches from the physical body and appears as an extremley bright golden light that is rapidly pulsating. This aura takes on the form of a golden egg that surrounds and protects everything within it

FEELING THE AURA
Draw a circle on your left hand using your right fingertip. Dont let your finger touch your hand, keep it at a distance of about a half inch. Move slowly. You will feel the power of your aura.

Scented Waters, Infusions & Decoctions
Rose petals, lemon, rosemary, marjoram, orange, pennyroyal, lavender and basil are only a few of the materials that form a base for scented waters. Waters that can be added to your bath or even used to fill finger bowls to wash up after eating ribs and wings. Some scented waters are called infusions or decoctions. No matter the name, all are easy to make.

Scented Waters
To make scented water from flowers use one ounce of fresh OR one half ounce of dried petals and one cup of boiling water. Place petals in a glass sealer jar and pour hot water over the flowers. Cover and leave for one hour. Strain and bottle. Any flower scented water can be enhanced by mixing one or two drops of essential oils to the mixture just prior to bottling. Alternatively, one tablespoon of essential rose oil and eight cups of distilled water will make a stronger scented rose water. Bottle, shake well and leave for approximately one week before using.

Infusions
Added to the bath water, infusions can be soothing and relaxing, invigorating or even help those tired muscles. To make your infusions, use one ounce of fresh or one half ounce of dried herbs and two cups of boiling water. Pour water over herbs, cover and leave until cool, strain and bottle.

Decoctions
Simmer for 30 minutes in a covered saucepan, six tablespoons of chopped, fresh or three tablespoons of dried herbs with two cups of water. Remove from heat, leave covered to cool, strain and bottle.

NOTE: Do not put herbs directly into your bathwater as they will stick to you and your bathtub. Create a scented water using the methods above and add to bath while running the water. The strength of scent you desire will be determined by the amount of scented water you add.

Aloe Vera: The First Aid Kit in a Plant
Cut off an aloe vera leaf and squeeze the gel onto minor cuts, rashes, scrapes, insect bites and sunburns for a quick natural remedy. Aloe vera gel not only soothes and helps heal minor skin injuries, but it also helps prevent infection by forming a protective 'natural bandage' over the skin as it dries.

You can also use aloe vera gel as a facial to treat minor rashes and eruptions. Apply the gel to your face and allow it to dry at least 30 minutes. You can leave it on overnight for maximum effectiveness. To remove, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.