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!!