Ritual: New Moon/New Year- How to Make a Witches' Ladder

Blessings to you all, for a New Year full of good health, prosperity, and all your hearts desires!! January 1st, 2014, will mark the first day in 19 years, that a New Moon has kicked off a brand new year!! Use this rare energy to your advantage, and make time to pray or meditate on the things you wish to manifest in 2014! New Moon energy is used for fresh starts, new beginnings, and new goals. Combined with the Capricorn's influence of ambition, organization, and careers, the stars are perfectly aligned, we must simply tap into that energy provided to us and use it wisely!

Below is another ritual from my personal collection, and seemed perfect for this special occasion. It uses the same basic  ritual outline from a former post, 'Finding Your Own Zen', so please reference back to the bottom of that post for that outline, and as always, feel free to add this ritual to your own personal collection :)

New Moon Rite & Witches Ladder

 

*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. You will need one cord of your choice (string, rope, twine, etc.) of about 12 inches long.

 

 

Clear and release before you begin any magic works by sitting quietly, and clearing your mind, sending all worry and doubt out into the Universe, to be recycled into positive energy.

 

Sweep The Circle

Anoint & smudge yourself and anyone else participating

Bless your water and salt, then sprinkle around the perimeter, while reciting the incantation provided in my Basic Outline

Cast the Circle

Call the Quarters

Invocation of the God and Goddess

Light the God and Goddess candles (if any)

New Moon Invocation

New Moon, moon of promise

your reappearance reminds me

that I can always begin anew

for although things change

they also come 'round again

to a point of new beginnings

new directions, second chances

 

Light the New Moon candle
 

O Moon of inspiration

look graciously upon our dreams

O Moon of increase

look kindly upon our efforts

as we commit ourselves

to a new personal phase of growth

 

Witches Ladder

 

{Begin by placing yourself in a comfortable position, then clear and release. Now imagine a ball of golden light in your Heart Chakra.}
 

Say:

"Behold, I am One with the powers of the Universe."

 

{Now imagine that ball of light growing larger and brighter, radiating out in all directions like a sun inside you. Let the ball of light grow to fill your chest, growing stronger and stronger as it does so.

Now take your cord and place it before you.

　 Make three Tuathail, or counter-clockwise, circles above the cord with your hand.}
Say:

"Behold, I cleanse and purify you, sending out for you any impurities which may lie within"

 

 {Imagine the cord surrounded by a golden light. Imagine it shining brightly, then let the image fade.

　 Now make three Deosil, or clockwise, circles above the cord}　

Say:

"Behold, I bless and consecrate you to this purpose!"

 

{Imagine the cord surrounded by a blue-white light, shining brightly. Again hold the image for a moment, then let it fade.}

　Now take the cord in your two hands, or hold your hands to either side of it (palms facing it).　 Imagine a ball of white light between your hands, surrounding the cord.　 Concentrate on the goal you wish to bring about through this spell -focus as hard as you can on the goal for several minutes.　 Imagine the goal inside the ball of light, or some image that represents the goal. See the goal as you want it to be when it is already accomplished and complete -if your goal is to gain a skill for example, imagine yourself already proficient in it. As you imagine this, know that this goal is already accomplished and only needs to be drawn into physical manifestation.

　 Now let the image of the goal and the ball of light fade, and take up your cord. Continue to focus on your goal, seeing it already accomplished.

　 Still concentrating on the goal, take the cord and tie a knot near one end of it.}

　 Say:

"By Knot of One, the spells begun."

 

{Imagine yourself one step closer to having your goal.}

 

 Now tie a second knot a short distance from the first, and say:

　

"By knot of Two, no power undo."

 

Focus even more strongly on the goal, knowing that each knot draws it closer.

Tie a third knot, and say:

 "By knot of Three, so mote it be."　

 

With each knot know that your goal comes closer to you, imagine it more strongly and know that it is truly yours.　

Tie the fourth knot, saying:

　

 "By knot of Four, open the door."

 

Then the fifth:

 "By knot of Five, it comes alive."

 

The sixth:

　  "By knot of Six, the spell is fixed."

 

The seventh:

　 "By knot of Seven, the boon is given."

 

The eighth:

　 "By knot of Eight, decreed by Fate."

 

And lastly tie the ninth knot:

　 "By knot of Nine, now it is mine!"

 

{Now once again imagine white light all around the knotted cord, and place your hands above or beside the cord with palms facing it.　 Again imagine the image of your goal very strongly.　 Then release all of your focused energy and concentration directly into the cord -do this just as you do when you clear and release before or after any working:　 imagine the energy flowing out of you in the form of light or water.　

　 When all of the energy has flowed from you into the knotted cord, take it and seal it in a safe place.　

It is best to bury it in the Earth, and especially good if you can bury it at the foot of a tree.　 This symbolizes the physical manifestation of the goal.}　

 

 

Dismiss the quarters and release the circle

 

The circle is open, but not unbroken
　　　　 may the love of the God and Goddess be forever in our hearts
　　　　 Merry ye meet, and merry ye part
　　　　 and merry ye meet again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







 





  











 

 

 

 

     

Your New Years Tarot Reading is ready to view! Open your heart to healing!

The Healing Star of Aquarius

New Year Tarot Spread

2013-2014

 

Every year I give myself a personal tarot reading, to have better insight into my year ahead. This year I have decided to do one for you all. Some of you I know personally, some I have never met. However, after doing this Universal reading, I feel so connected with each and every one of you. You see, we are all in need of some type of healing as we go into the New Year. I hope this reading inspires you all, to live to the fullest of your potential. To find those hidden talents that are lying dormant within the deepest depths of your soul, waiting to shine through for others to see. And to love one another with all your heart. We are all connected, and this is already proving to be a powerful year ahead, allowing us to open our minds to great possibilities. Namaste my friends, and enjoy!

 

1.( center card) Focus- Ask yourself, what causes you the most pain? What is your priority in healing? Where do you begin?

            Card: Nine of Staves- Protected by a wall of staves, the woman rests for the moment to regroup her thoughts. There is still much to do before success is secured.

            Meaning: A pause in work to reconsider plans. Completion is so close, yet so far away! You are stressing too much on the work that is yet to be completed, instead of pausing to look at it from a new prospective. Don’t give up, simply rest and regroup. The answer will be right in front of you as soon as you slow down long enough to see it.

 

2. ( right card)  Strengths-  Ask yourself, What are your strengths? What are your resources, gifts, talents? What do you need to nurture?

            Card: Five of Swords, Reversed- Two swords are laid down in truce. However, the woman still grasps three others, showing that the fight isn’t over just yet.

            Meaning-Defeat because of indecisiveness. Lack of trust. Learn to trust your instincts. Trust in yourself that making a solid decision with any matter will be the right choice. Learn to listen to that inner voice that speaks to you, and train your eyes to see the signs in nature all around you. Take time to nurture your mind, body and spirit.

 

3. (Bottom right card) Self-understanding- Ask yourself, how can your current insights start the healing process?

            Card: Six of Pentacles- The richly dressed woman decides to help the two beggars. She is so wealthy that giving only adds to her prosperity.

            Meaning: Philanthropy and generosity. Sharing talents with the world. Helping others. Generosity.  Money will never be able to buy happiness, and the most wealthy person in the world may not have a single penny. Give and share freely with compassion in your heart. That is true wealth. Understand your full potential, so that you can shine your light into the world! You may just change a persons’ life by one simple act of kindness.  

 

4. (Bottom left card) Obstacles- Ask yourself, what obstacles to healing do I face? What situations in my past block my growth?

            Card: Princess of Cups- The princess of cups, an adolescent girl as beautiful as Venus, is crowned with a waxing moon. Anticipating love, pleasure, and the ripeness of womanhood. She drinks fully.

            Meaning: Artistic inspiration and receptivity. A young woman who symbolizes the gifts of Venus- love, beauty and emotional richness. Movement in these areas of life. Grace. Keep yourself open to receive the gifts that the Universe has to give you. Find love in yourself and beauty in all things before you seek it in others. Allow yourself to find emotional stability and release the negative energy blocking your true self. Only then will you be able to grow into the Light Being you are destined to become!

 

5. (Upper left card) Advice- Ask yourself, what concrete creative action can I take to support my healing?

            Card: Two of Pentacles- The woman juggles two pentacles. Completely focused upon her act, she does not drop the pentacles.

            Meaning: The ability to juggle several situations at once. Job opportunities. Grace and bounty. Commerce and expansion. Stay positive and focused that you are on the right track, and don’t lose faith in yourself. Success is right around the corner, even if you can’t see your own progress.

 

6. (Top center card) Overview- Ask yourself, How does my healing relate to a larger picture? What does my pain tell me about the story of my life? What will I gain as a result of my healing?

            Card: Princess of Staves- The princess of Staves, a fiery-haired young woman, is as stalwart as the rocks surrounding her. She is an inspiration to others to live passionately without compromise.

            Meaning:  The ability to create beauty that is useful, like the Goddess Freyja. Energy, integrity, creativity. Initiative. New ideas or ventures to be acted upon immediately. A young woman who inspires others to live this mission. We all have a greater purpose to help others, and in doing so will give us peace and pleasure within ourselves. We all have a story to tell, so sit everyone down around the fire and tell it!  Set your own worth, and never let others take that away from you. Bring your amazing creative ideas into fruition. Trust in yourself that you are a born leader, and you will always succeed in all you do.

Breathe in this amazing upcoming year and release and let go of the things holding you back. Meditate to the rhythm of your own heartbeat, and allow it to pulse outward, for the whole world to hear. You ARE a born leader, so step up and accept your new role. WE are the blessed light workers that the winds of change have spoken of! Make this year your own!!

Namaste, and blessings to you all!

 

A little about this deck:

The Goddess Tarot, created by Kris Waldherr

This is my one and only deck, I have had it for over a decade. The artwork is skillfully done, and its representations are beautifully written, and always accurate. The Goddess speaks to me, on a personal level throughout this deck, and I hope some inspiration has touched you as well!

Thank you, Melissa W.  

I have a very important message for you, please take a moment to see your tarot spread! We are all in need of healing, but perhaps you haven't quite known where to start. This spread spoke to me on levels I cannot even begin to explain, and I hope it speaks to you as well. You are looking for answers as you go into the upcoming year, and this is the place to start. We are all connected my friends, and I can feel the pain and hurt you have lived with for so long. It is time for Universal healing, and it starts with you!