Finding Your Own Zen; Living as a Solitary Witch

 For a majority of Pagans and Wiccans, being a solitary practitioner is a way of life. Unlike Christianity, Wicca doesn’t usually fit into the ‘organized religion’ category. The main reason for this is because each and every one of us has a different set of beliefs. A different value system, which allows us to practice and worship in a way that works for us. Although there is a general guideline we follow as Pagans (and harm none, do what ye will, and the rule of 3 for example), the way we incorporate them into our lives may be very different than that of your fellow brothers and sisters. And it is for that main reason alone, that I love my faith, and honor all of the diversity that comes along with it. Although I am not Buddhist, I honor Buddha, and respect him, those who follow him, and the beautiful symbolism associated with this culture. Although I am not 100% Native American, I am drawn to the deities of several Native American tribes, and have often wondered if I lived among them during another life. ‘Wicca’ and ‘Pagan’ are very generalized terms, making your views and preferred deities for worship an endless sea of possibilities. You could be Heathen, or Alexandrian. Or perhaps you follow the Druids or Celtics. Or maybe you follow a more eclectic path like myself, and love to study many religions and cultures, taking with you the things you love from each one. There is no right or wrong way to pray, no wrong God or Goddess to pray to. That is the ultimate beauty of the Craft.    

 

I have been a HPS for several covens, and have always left for the same exact reason: We didn’t all worship the same. It’s not that it was a bad thing, and I never left my covens on bad terms, it’s just that because we all learn and grow in different ways, it has always been easier to fully give myself to the Goddess when I am alone. It just feels more comfortable to me. I have my rituals memorized and I know what my intentions are as I go into my personal circle. I am in a safe place to fully be me. There is no judgment, no right or wrong way.

There are, however, plenty of occasions when a group circle is needed in order to raise energy as a collective. I have definitely had many awesome and personal experiences while in circle with a group of people, large and small. One shared thought begins to form. Many steams of energy and light slowly begin to form into one intense linked stream of energy. It is truly magical when that happens, and not an experience I would trade for anything. When you do choose to work with a group though, make sure everyone’s intentions are true, and that these people are all people you can trust. The best social mixer for meeting fellow Wiccans in your town is to host a monthly Magic Coffee night at your local coffee shop. Get involved with any New Age store your town may have, or even a Non-denominational church in your area. You will be surprised how many of us are really out there ;)

When flying solo, you are your own teacher. Find the best authors and let them serve as your mentors. Find those top 3 ‘go to’ books and keep them readily at hand. Don’t learn 5 different ways to cast a circle, only to have to reference back to your book each time you are in the middle of performing a ritual. Find only one, the one that speaks most to you, and learn it. That way, over time, you will know it, and feel it. Then, you can change it, add or take away from it, to serve your needs. To make it yours. Don’t feel lost just because you don’t have anyone near you to share your rituals and spells with. Embrace that solitude, and grow from within. Only then, will you find others around you that share the same common interests as you.

 

Below I have shared my personal basic ritual outline. I use this any time I am casting a full circle, and calling the quarters. It is the same outline I have used for over 10 years, and has been changed many times to fit my needs. I have used it for Solitary rituals, Sabbat celebrations and more, and it has never failed me. Feel free to add it to your personal book of shadows and use at your own accord.  Blessings to you and yours!! Namaste!

Basic Ritual Outline

*Make sure you gather all your materials, and have your altar set up, prior to beginning. It is frowned upon to leave the circle once it has been cast! I usually set my altar up in the east, however I have also set it up in the North, depending on the need.

Sweep the perimeter of the circle clockwise 3 times while saying;

With besom of heather, all harm and evil must vanish and scatter

With besom of heather, only peaceful and good are invited to enter

(this can also be swapped out with a smudge stick and reciting  ‘smoke of sage’ if you don’t have a besom)

Anoint yourself

Placing a dab of essential oil on your fingertip, place it in the center of your forehead and say

May my mind be free and clear to do thy will

Next place it over your heart and say

May my heart be pure and free to do thy will

Finally over your stomach and say

May my body be of good health always, so mote it be!

Smudge yourself while saying

With smoke of sage I sweep the worldly woes from off my back

May I be blessed as I enter this carefree state

Return to your altar and raise your chalice filled with water. With the other hand over the top, say a small prayer to bless and purify the water. Return it to the table and put 3 pinches of sea salt into the water, stirring with your athame.

Going back to the perimeter of your circle, sprinkle your salt water around while walking 3 times and saying:

Water and salt where thou art cast

Let no evil presence last

Act in complete accordance with me

As I do will, so mote it be

Return your chalice back to your altar and take your Athame and return to the perimeter of your circle.

Cast your circle while saying

By the power of the witch’s staff is the magic circle made

A strong enclosure, a powerful room

Safe within the Goddess’s womb

A sacred place, a world apart

Where energies merge and magic starts

With Air and Fire this circle I tread

To know our will is magic tis said

With Water and earth this circle is complete

To dare and keep silent after we meet

Calling the quarters

East-

Guardians and keepers of the East

Element of Air

The breath of life

I ask you to be here this nite

As I perform a {Full Moon, Protection, etc.} Rite

I bid you hail and welcome!

South-

Guardians and keepers of the South

Element of Fire, energy and will

I ask you to be here this nite

As I perform a {___} Rite

I bid you hail and welcome!

West-

Guardians and keepers of the west

Element of water

Sustainer of life

I ask you to be here this nite

As I perform a {___} Rite

I bid you hail and welcome!

North

Guardians and keepers of the North

Element of Mother Earth

I ask you to be here this nite

As I perform a {___} Rite

I bid you hail and welcome!

Invocation of the God and Goddess

For all the Gods are one God

And all the Goddesses are one Goddess

But there is but one Initiator

And to each man his own truth, and the God within

And to each woman her own truth, and the Goddess within

**Any spell workings and meditations are done now**

Close the quarters, beginning in the North, and working backwards

Mighty ones of the North (west, south, east)

We thank you for your presence on this magical nite

As we performed a {___} rite

Stay if you will, leave if you must

We bid you hail and farewell!

Thank the gods and goddesses for attending your Rite

End by saying

The circle is open but unbroken

May the love of the God and Goddess be forever in my heart

Merry ye meet, and merry ye part

And merry ye meet again!!

 

 

Preparing For Change; The Autumn Equinox (Spell Included!)

Preparing for Change

The Autumn Equinox

 

 

As beings of this Earth, we are blessed with the cycles of Nature that come with it, and a responsibility to honor those cycles. We have our Moon, in all her beauty, shining her silver beams down upon us. And we have our Sun, warming the dirt below our feet with his golden rays. With Spring and Summer come light, rebirth and renewal, and as Fall and Winter approach, we are now fixing to enter the cycles of darkness, death and hibernation.  A change is already in the air. It is inevitable. And as the seasons prepare to change, so must we. By learning to see and accept these changes around us, it allows us to transition a little more smoothly. It gives us time to adjust our sails as we begin to enter the dark half of the year.

Of all the Sabbats and Equinox’s, I do believe that Autumn is a favorite among Pagan and Wiccan tradition. We have cooler evenings to spend outside with family and friends, circled around wood burning fires. Our “witchy” attire is pulled from the broom closet, and we are finally able to wear our favorite black skirt again (without looking downright creepy for wearing black!). Kitchen magic returns in full force, as we bake apple pies and stir cider in our cauldron.  And, even if unintentional, for a brief moment, no matter what your religion or beliefs, the meaning of the Autumn harvest, of family and communion, is honored by everyone, regardless of faith or income bracket.

Beginning to shift your own internal cycle now, will help ease you into the natural cycle of the seasons, and you will feel yourself 'going with the flow' so to speak, instead of waking up one frosty dark morning feeling disoriented and out of sorts. Just as you are watching the squirrels stock up on their winter foods, you should take note and do the same. Clean out your pantry of old, stale foods, and slowly begin to stock up on all those winter staples, like canned broth and soups. If you can your own foods, you are already stock piling those summer foods, but if you don’t, you can still find plenty to buy and store, making sure you always have a meal on hand for a cool November day. Rice, noodles, spices and canned foods are always good to have in stock, as well as all your freezer foods, like meats and frozen veggies.

I watch certain summer flowers die off in the garden, while others begin to take over and shine, and it reminds me to clear out the clutter in my home, physically and spiritually. Pick a cool sunny morning and open all the windows and doors, allowing that sweet aromatic breeze to flow through your space. Sweep every corner starting the furthest from your back door, and work your way through every room, sweeping the cobwebs and dust bunnies, until you reach the back door, sweeping it all out, releasing all the negativity with it. Now is also the perfect time of year, to pull out all your blankets and winter clothes, and get rid of what no serves you. Take inventory of the things you need, and start re-stocking now, before that first freeze hits and you are without a warm fuzzy coat! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to re-stock your magical tools too. Candles and herbs are must-haves, so burn off all those tiny candle pieces, and begin fresh for the Fall!

Fall gardening has already begun too. Garlic and leafy greens are always planted during this time of year, as well as bulbs. They need to go in the ground now, so they can lay dormant through winter, and will be ready to bloom next spring.  Mulch is also put down now, to protect your tender plants as much as possible. Those in pots need to be brought in if you can, so they can be safe throughout the cold season. Herbs can be planted now too, simply grab some tiny pots and get to planting, making sure to keep them in a sunny spot in your home until spring.

Though there is plenty to keep you busy this time of year, don’t forget to take time for yourself. As we enter the dark half of the year, it is a time for reflection. Take note and give thanks, for the things that were brought to you throughout the year. Set new goals for yourself, yet don’t forget to forgive yourself, for the things that may have fallen through this past year, or didn’t quite come to fruition as you had expected. This is a time for rest, so conserve your energy when needed, and know that a new year will bring fresh new ideas, and stamina.

To help with your transition, below is a candle prayer from my favorite author and book, By Candlelight, by Janina Renee.

 

 

For Candlelit Autumn Evenings

Light a candle of your choice, preferably one with your favorite autumn scent or color, 

then say aloud,

I set this candle

Against the lengthening darkness

Change is everywhere

And truly, all life is change

So may I honor the seasons of life

Let me savor the fleeting beauty,

And yet, let go

When time has come and gone

So may change bring new vitality

So may change bring added wisdom

So Mote it Be