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!

 

Learning to Let Go; A Personal Journey of Friendship and Loss

As winter quickly approaches, I am left with the stain of Summer left on my mind. I am already longing for summer nights again and fresh fruit from the Farmer's Market. Unfortunately, our days have become shorter, our nights colder, and there has already been slick ice and bitterly cold air to stop me dead in my tracks.



The warmth of summer is frozen under sheets of ice. Bare trees stand naked and vulnerable, the Dark half of the year is upon us, and the annual death and rebirth cycle has been completed. And even though this past year has been very good to me, and my family, I cannot shake the loss that I endured recently. A life-long friend of mine for 25 years, betrayed my trust and my friendship, forcing me to sever all ties to her and her children. I have never had to physically remove a person from my life like that, it was sudden, and completely uncalled for. However, it was the only way to let go and move on, from the chaos she had chosen to bring into my life.

But, I haven't been unable to move on. I haven't yet forgiven her, so that I can have peace. I still have anger and hurt towards her, and the things that she did, the selfish things, that she didn't even seem to care who she hurt. I know I shouldn't feel guilty for the actions of another person. But something inside me is keeping me from moving past this, It keeps telling me that it is unfinished. I want more than anything, to stand before her, shake her awake, and make her see what she has done. Make her feel what I feel. I know better though. I know she will never see my side. She will never hurt the way I am hurt. So I will probably never have a chance at releasing the energy I have, swirling around this sore, raw topic.

So what do I do with that energy?? How to I turn it into something positive and release it? I have done releasing spells, letting her go from my life, and wishing her only the best. but deep down I know it has only been on the surface. I haven't really  put my intent out into the universe 100%. I do sincerely wish her only the best though. I want more than anything for her to find happiness in her life, a life that she can feel alive in once again, after years of loneliness. But I also wish for her to find happiness in a life that she can be honest in. Honest to herself. I suppose though, that that makes me selfish to think that way. It's not about what I want for her. It's about what she wants for herself. It's about the actions and choices in her own life, that she will make and live with, to find her own personal happiness.   

One of the main foundations of Wicca, taken directly from the Wiccan Rede is, 'An it harm none, do what thou will'. I strive to follow this on a daily basis, constantly reminding myself to watch my actions, so that I do not harm another person, or animal, or spirit. I know there are times when morals and values stand in the way, and harming another person seems small compared to the larger picture. it is still, non-the-less, a constant in my life, and something I take very seriously. Which is why, I suppose, that I took my friend's actions so personal. She's not Wiccan, and has never really studied the path. She's never really taken the time to fully understand my views, or my faith. It hurts my feelings that she never cared to, and in the past she has even made remarks about it, in her mind to be funny, but in my mind I knew she was only speaking her truth about how she felt about a non-Christian way of life.

She will always, however, be my childhood best friend. I will always remember the good memories we made as children, the inside jokes that no one else understood, and probably never will. We were there for each other during a time of innocence and growth, when we needed each other the most, and I will never forget that. Life has a funny way of catching up with people. Our friends and family grow up, into their own ways of life. They move away and get married. Have children. And the old personalities, the old friends that you knew, get shed away, like snake skin. Leaving a fresh person standing before you that you don't even recognize. A person that is full of new ideas and perspectives.





 We must all walk along our own paths, and see things in our light. That is the way it is intended to be. That is how the cycle must go. Always and for eternity. There is no stopping it, or slowing it down, or even reversing it. The cycle of death and rebirth will always be. Old relationships must die, before new ones can begin to grow and flourish. Accept that into your heart, and you will always be moving forward, as you are meant to. And never feel guilty for being yourself. No matter who may say harsh things, and false assumptions. NEVER feel guilty for being honest, because the people who truly love you, and understand you, would never want you to settle for second best. Namaste.   

Bunnies Warm the Heart

          

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