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Multiple and "Lesser" Gods

Kardia — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:22:00 GMT

"Only the Creator has the power to be God; looking to anything, or anyone, else for salvation is literally a dead end. ... Other gods have a contagious worthlessness - those who worship worthless gods become worthless in God's sight:"

A few thoughts regarding these comments:

First, the Bible often refers to other gods, and if I'm not mistaken, it simply suggests that we should not place their importance BEFORE that of the creator. It doesn't say they are powerless or that we should completely ignore them and pretend they don't even exist.

Second, I don't know a single person who looks to other gods or goddesses for SALVATION. In most traditions, followers turn to these "lesser deities" for guidance or help. Christians accept help from "angels" which are also considered extensions of the One true power.

Finally, I believe most would agree that the creator is greater than the creation. I was taught that God created all things. This included the heavens and angels or "lesser" gods. It was my understanding that nothing created by God was "worthless". In my humble opinion, just because something was created and thus "lesser" than its creator, this does not make it "worthless". Is there actually scripture that says some things created by God are worthless?

Different Views of Christians and Pagans...

Kardia — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:39:00 GMT

"I think the very different world views of Christians and Pagans needs to be appreciated and respected. We do believe in one God, one truth, and one way to Heaven. That alone makes us "intolerant" in the eyes of many pagans, but it's a basic theological difference."

I would certainly agree that our different views need to be respected. But I'm personally not convinced that our beliefs are really so different. For example, most Wiccans and Pagans believe in ONE true power, (sometimes just referred to as The One), that is represented by both masculine and feminine aspects of the Divine. As you mentioned, Christians believe in one God ... but isn't this God represented by both the Son and the Holy Spirit?

In the Bible the Holy Spirit is referred to in masculine terms, but God's children are said to be BORN of the Holy Spirit, and this personification of God held the traditional feminine role of providing his children with guidance ... teaching and comforting them as they grew. Interestingly enough, the original texts of the Bible NEVER referred to the Holly Spirit in masculine terms, like we do today.

As for multiple gods ... Christians often seek help from "angels", while Pagans tend to ask the "lesser gods" for guidance. We use different words to describe our actions. Is THIS what makes us wrong in your eyes? Isn't this like saying that someone who speaks another language is wrong because they have described a person or thing using different words? I prefer to think we are all following the same God, but are using different "spiritual languages" to describe our beliefs!

The "sin" of Witchcraft?

Kardia — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:48:00 GMT

"Unfortunately, by the Bible's standards, many of the practices done by pagans dishonor Elohim. Again, I do believe this is using the Bible when and where convenient, while completely ignoring the rest."

I'm sure you would agree that we ALL do things from time to time that dishonor the Divine to some degree. A passage in the OT lists the sin of "witchcraft{" right up there with getting a tattoo and shaving or trimming a beard. The fact that most people today do not consider getting a tattoo or shaving a sin, seems to prove your statement about ignoring the parts of the Bible that are not convenient. I'm just curious ... do you feel that shaving dishonors Elohim too?

It would be very helpful if you would clarify exactly what behavior you mean when you say "many of the practices done by pagans dishonor Elohim". . In our previous posts we have already covered prophecy and fortune-telling, but quite honestly, very few of the Pagans or Wiccans I know claim to do this anyway. MOST are drawn to these paths simply because of their love for nature and animals. They have a deep respect for our Mother Earth and all living things. Like Moses, John the Baptist and Jesus, they feel closer to God on a mountain top, in the wilderness or even in the desert, and they prefer to seek divine guidance in these places. I understand and share these feelings, and I'm fairly sure it's not this love for nature that you feel dishonors the Divine.

I honestly can't think of anything significant the average Pagan or Wiccan does that Christians don't also do. When I began to follow the Wiccan path, I asked several Christians I knew to let me know if they caught me doing anything that the Bible said I shouldn't. So far, no one has identified ANY behavior in my life that is condemned by the Scriptures. You seem to feel that Wiccans and Pagans are living a sinful life. Perhaps you could clarify for me what practices we actually do that dishonors God.

There Are No Restrictions For Magic & Miracles!

Kardia — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:31:34 GMT

Most people turn to Wicca because they love nature and they feel drawn to this peaceful earth religion. But a few seem to seek the Craft in hopes to find a magical solution for the challenges in their life. Some have spent years jumping from one path to another, looking for the one that will finally help them get their life in order.

This brings to mind a line from the movie Six Days and Seven Nights, where Harrison Ford was telling Anne Heche that people often came to the island looking for love, but as far as he was concerned, "If they don't bring it with, they ain't gonna find it!" The power of the Divine can be like that too. If we keep hoping to find it through a specific group or organization, we may have a long journey ahead of us.

The truth is, the Divine is within us, and will be with us no matter what path we choose to take. We don't have to be a member of a certain group to experience magic or miracles in our life. We bring the power of the Divine with us on every path we journey down and can tap into it whenever we need to. There are no restrictions!

Kardia

Is Your Magic Wand Broke?

Kardia — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:33:31 GMT

I recently watched a movie called Willow. The main character was a little man that lived in a beautiful forest and dreamed of one day becoming a great sorcerer. Early in the movie a fairy gave Willow a wand to aid him on his journey. He made several attempts to use the wand but the results were never what he hoped for. At the end, when he needed it the most, Willow realized he no longer had the wand and he was forced to rely on his own inner strength and resources to save the day. Magic is like that. Willow's initial attempts to use the wand were not very successful because although he believed in magic, he was expecting the wand to do all the work. If the magic in your life is not what it should be, don't blame it on your wand. Wands, candles, oils and other tools can help you focus your thoughts and set the mood for magical activities. But as Willow learned, it is ultimately the power that resides within you that will determine your success.

You were meant to live a magical life. Although it's not as simple as waving a wand and saying a few special words, the process is not as complicated or mysterious as many people believe. Think of magic as the bloodstream of the universe. It flows through all things. We all have the ability to direct its flow through our lives. Getting the results we want is primarily a matter of training our mind.

However, it's essential that both our thoughts AND feelings reflect what we want. For example, we may send forth words or thoughts that we would like better health or more money, but if the universe picks up that what we are actually feeling is ill or broke, then by the Law of Attraction, more illness or financial challenges may be drawn into our lives.

We need to understand the universe does not communicate with us through mere words. To work properly, our words need to inspire intense feelings within us that send a clear message. We must imagine in our thoughts what it would actually FEEL like to have the things we desire. When the images in our mind are clear enough to generate the feeling of vibrant health or what it's like to drive a new car or have extra money to spend, we will begin to draw more of these things into our lives. The Law of Attraction is really a very simple law, but conditioning our mind to generate the proper signals can be challenging. If you're not getting the results you want, take a closer look at ALL your thoughts and feelings and work on sending out only those that you want multiplied in your life.
Finally, in the movie mentioned above, the town sorcerer gave Willow some great advice. He said, "Forget all you know or think you know. All that you require is your intuition". Above all else, trust your feelings! When you feel good inside about something, that's an indication you're doing the right thing. Let your true feelings or intuition lead you in the direction that's best for you and all things will begin to work the way they were meant to!

Peace and health be with you,
Kardia

A Safe & Responsible Way to Explore Witchcraft

Kardia — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:26:32 GMT

A Facebook fan just emailed me for advice on how to start exploring the craft safely and responsibly. Our visitors often express concern or even fear about practicing magic and casting spells. They worry that if they make a mistake or do something wrong, their spell could backfire, causing bad things to happen.

What you need to remember is that true magic comes from within. The words you utter or the tools you use will not affect the results nearly as much as the thoughts and feelings you actually send forth. My best advice for those who are just starting out is to be less concerned about having the proper candles, aromas and other suggested tools, and more concerned with developing positive thoughts and feelings to send forth. This is the best way to practice the Craft responsibly and protect yourself from drawing unwanted negative energy into your life.

A line from the Wiccan Rede gives us sound advice: Mind the Three-fold Laws you should, three times bad and three times good... This is referring to the well known Law of Attraction. Like will always attract like, and the type of energy you send out into the Universe will be returned to you at least three-fold!.

For more information and examples on how to increase the flow of positive magic in your life, read my blog article "Is Your Magic Wand Broke?" And for the full version of the Wiccan Rede go to: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/rede.htm

WHAT ARE THE BEST FIRST STEPS FOR NEW WICCANS?

Kardia — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:41:00 GMT

Before we suggest any first steps to take on a path towards Witchcraft or Wicca, we'd like to comment on BECOMING a Witch or Wiccan. Many seem to think there is something they must DO before they can be considered a true follower of an ancient path. I personally believe that an initiation or ritual does not make someone a Wiccan any more than simply going to church or getting baptized makes someone a Christian. These are actions that confirm and strengthen your belief, but in my humble opinion, it's what you BELIEVE in your heart that makes you a true follower of the path you choose.

Individuals who come to our site and read about the Wiccan beliefs and practices, often share with us that they feel as if they've "come home" or finally found a name for what they've always believed. If you know in your heart that the teachings of a path are true, and you've been living a life that embraces those beliefs, you are already ON that path, and we feel this makes you a brother or sister of the faith. However, if you're not clear about what is being taught or whether the teachings are right for you, we suggest you take the time to research and learn more about them BEFORE taking any other steps. If you haven't read it yet, you'll find a great article written by Herne, about How to Become a Wiccan or Witch at: http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/howto.htm

Actually, 4 out of 5 readers who emailed us their suggestions, said that the FIRST step is always READ, READ, READ! There are many directions to wander, and the more you read, the more likely you'll be to find a special path that is perfect for YOU. Books are an obvious place to start, but you can also find a wealth of information online. There are hundreds of pages to read at wicca.com and if you manage to get through all of them, you can visit our message boards for information on virtually any topic you wish to explore. http://wicca.com/forums

As for suggested reading, three of our most popular titles for beginners are: The Truth About Witchcraft Today, Wicca for Beginners by Thea Sabin, and Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham. Any books by Cunningham are great for beginners as they are clearly written and cover the basics very well. If you can't find these books at your local library or bookstore, you can get them ftom our online bookstore.

You may find the many rituals and practices confusing, because each book or article you read seems to tell you to do something different. Which is right? What's the best way for you to go? Most often it's what feels right to you ... whatever you are comfortable doing. The important thing to remember is that you are simply honoring the earth and celebrating the bond between yourself and the Divine spirit found in all things. If your activities are not fun, and/or done with a joyful heart, you may want to make some changes. We'll be writing more about rituals and celebrations in the next newsletter.

The second most popular step suggested for a beginner was to start a journal or Book of Shadows. This is a wonderful tool for those new to Wicca or Witchcraft, as it can help you define your understanding of your new path and ultimately design a dedication/self-initiation ritual that is perfect for you. There are no right or wrong entries, as you are just recording your thoughts and experiences. Your journal can be a bound blank book or a simple 3-ring notebook, which ever you prefer.

Finally, once you're certain that this is the lifestyle you wish to follow, you will undoubtedly wish to share a fellowship with others who are similar in mind and spirit. This is a natural desire that can lead to increased fun and learning. Just remember that your primary guidance should always come from within. Seeking a teacher can be beneficial, but the most important thing is to listen to your Little Voice, Gut Feeling, Spirit Twin, Guardian Angel, or whatever you choose to call it. Most of us have found that this inner voice is rarely wrong and you "WILL" know when someone or something is not right for you. The link below will take you to an article with tips on how you can find a teacher and avoid being drawn into a group that's not right for you. http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/teacher.htm

WHAT'S THE IDEAL AGE TO BECOME A WITCH OR WICCAN?

Kardia — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 01:32:00 GMT

Many young readers write us asking if there is a certain age they must reach before "becoming" Wiccan. One email read "I'm 13 ... is it okay for me to learn Wicca now"? Later that day, another asked "I've been Christian my whole life and I'm wondering if it's too late in life for me to change faiths?" We get a great deal of email from individuals asking for guidance on when or how they can become Wiccan or be a Witch. Is there a proper age to take up this path? I don't believe that age matters. What's more important, is WHY a person is drawn to a specific path.

Those who are drawn to these paths because they want to cast spells, control others or command the forces of nature, are seeking the old ways for all the wrong reasons. Most in this category are still in their teens or younger. Our late webmaster Herne wrote "Simply put, it doesn't make sense for the novice to want to command the forces of nature and the universe when you don't fully comprehend or understand them. To do so, only invites total failure or worse if you are successful in casting a spell or opening a portal and letting some nasty out to follow you around."

If you think you might be too old to change faiths, ask yourself if you're actually CHANGING faiths, or just finally embracing beliefs and practices you have always known to be true? In his article, Herne continues to write that "Many find the philosophies of how Wicca and Witchcraft view nature are the same as the one's they currently hold. They just didn't know there was a specific belief system that shared their views. If you've seen striking similarities between what you believe and what you've found in the old Earth-based religions, there are generally accepted ways to increase your awareness and find communion with others who feel the same. The following are the steps I would recommend to any one who wishes to learn more..."

To read the rest of this article, click the first link below or copy and paste it into your browser. At the end of the article you'll find a link to an index with many pages of information about Wicca and Witchcraft paths. The second link below will take you to an area containing other articles written by Herne. Many of our regular visitors are already familiar with these writings, but if you are new to the site, or have not yet been to this area, we think you'll enjoy the thoughts Herne left behind for us.

http://wicca.com/celtic/wicca/howto.htm
http://wicca.com/celtic/ramble/ramble0.htm

CREATING YOUR OWN BOOK OF SHADOWS

Kardia — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:39:00 GMT

The Book of Shadows (or BOS) is a spell book and magical diary or journal of a Witch or Wiccan. Some are passed down through Covens or from one individual to another, but today, solitary practitioners compose most. Your BOS can be a three-ring notebook
or a bound blank book, whatever works best for you. You'll record celebrations, ritual activities, spells and their results this book.

As you explore your path and discover what works best for you, your book will grow. You'll be preserving the details of your communication with the Divine, and creating a chronicle of your journey ... your own personal grimoire.

If you'd like additional help creating your own BOS, we recommend you read Wicca A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham or Crafting Magick with Pen and Ink by Susan Pesznecker. In either of these books, you can find the essential knowledge you need for creating and blessing your own book of shadows. Both titles are available in Nature's Insight Bookstore

MAGIC - IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD!

Kardia — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:17:00 GMT

Whenever I'm asked if magic is real, I feel the need to determine what is meant by "magic." More often than not, those who ask are referring to the magic they've seen in Harry Potter or Charmed ... the type where magic words and a magic wand or amulet give a person the power to fly or transform someone into something outrageous. While words and objects can certainly have power, for the most part, it's the user giving these things their power, and not the other way around.

There is real magic in everything around you, and you already have within you the ability to create a magical life for yourself. Wands, amulets, and especially words, are simply used to help you focus your thoughts. One of the best definitions of magic I found, was in "The 21 Lessons of Merlyn" by Douglas Monroe. The training of the WILL seemed to be the very heart of Merlyn's teachings. He tells his young student "The true definition of Magic, little one, does not center around spells or incantations, or the mysterious waving of arms... no. As is recorded in the Blue Book of our forefathers, true Magic is 'The art and science of changing states of mind at will.' And as we have learned by experience, action follows thought."

The bottom line is that YOU make it happen. Use tools such as relaxing sounds and music, fragrance or aromatherapy, and candles, stones, pendants or even wands, to help you focus your thoughts. But always remember, these are ONLY tools, and not the true source of magic. Real magic is all in your head!

The Religious Mutt

Kardia — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 23:40:25 GMT

There have been Christians, Wiccans and Witches expressing their concern that any attempts to blend these paths could result in an eclectic mish-mash, or a watered down version of the original that would leave followers wandering with no clear direction or destination. If you are happy with the path you are on, and comfortable with the direction you are going, then following in the footsteps of others and holding tight to the old traditions may work best for you. But if your current path does not feel right to you and your heart is telling you there is more to discover, you should consider exploring other Divine teachings without fear that this is wrong.

Honestly, I agree with the statement that a Christian Witch is neither a real Christian (as defined by today's church) or a true Witch (as defined by the old traditions). Perhaps a more accurate label for those on this path would be a Religious Mutt, as this title better reflects the practice of blending and the idea that one is not a purebred.

In the animal world a good breeder works hard to develop the unique qualities of a breed and keep the line pure. For them it can be frustrating when others crossbreed and introduce traits that change the look and personality of something they've worked hard to preserve. So I do understand the concern, but at the same time I see a real need in our world for this new breed of religion.

Our inbox is full of e-mail from individuals who are frustrated by the total separation of these paths. Below are a few examples from today's mail:

***...my problem is convincing my husband there is more than one way to believe. He is a christian and to him nothing else exists. He does not have an open mind at all. To get him to understand is a losing battle for me.

***I come from a Christian background and the few (Pagans) I have been able to talk to have had a very judgmental view on Christianity which upsets me. I'd like to learn more about the Old Ways without cruel commentary on Christianity, as I still hold many Christian beliefs dearly to my heart.

***I am catholic and I am not ready to leave the church and I am trying to figure out how to balance both.

***It is words of wisdom like yours which will truly lead our world to peace; for lack of tolerance for other religions has been the biggest factor for violence throughout time.

I have no desire to pollute the current religions or traditions for those who are happy walking those paths. But there is a definite need to blaze a new trail that will allow those coming from the Christian path to let go of their fear and feel free to explore the beautiful traditions of Wicca or Witchcraft. I also believe that educating Christians about the original teachings of their religion will help them relax and be more tolerant or accepting of those who choose to walk another path. THIS is my true goal. Peace and health be with you all.

Christian or Witch?

Kardia — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:01:00 GMT

A pagan friend of mine recently announced he was now a Christian. He had seemed so happy following his pagan path that I couldn't help but wonder why he made this choice. But I quickly realized that it really didn't matter. He was still the wise and tolerant man that I had known for years. My friend was open-minded enough to allow others to walk their own path without judgment, and I realized he would be a wonderful influence on other Christians! This could be very beneficial in promoting religious peace.

I believe the Divine calls each of us to a place in life where we can best help others. Who are we to question another's path? We all enjoy getting together with others who think and feel the way we do, and becoming a member of a specific religion or group can provide us with that. We just nee to remember there is no right or wrong religion. People and not God created the religions and traditions we follow today. So feel free to follow the path you are most comfortable on or explore several paths if you like. The Divine is within us and will teach us and guide us through that quiet little voice that speaks to our hearts. This holds true no matter what religion we choose to be part of, or even if we belong to no religion at all. Enjoy your journey!

Are Witches Really Condemned to Hell?

Kardia — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:40:00 GMT

If you walk a Pagan path, sooner or later you'll be told by a Christian friend or family member that practicing Witchcraft or magic will "condemn you to Hell." Christians feel this way because they THINK it's what their Bible teaches. Most will quote the following infamous scripture that appears to support this belief: "Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live" (Exodus 22:18).

Obviously, in the original Hebrew language this word did not mean 'witch'. It actually referred to someone who used poisonous herbs to harm others. In Greek, this same word is translated as 'pharmacopeia'- someone who cast curses, and provided people with poisonous herbs to harm others. Today, we might call that person a drug dealer, and a more accurate modern translation might read 'Thou shalt not suffer a drug dealer to live'. The passage was NOT intended to condemn people who used herbs and magic to help others. So, unless you are dealing in poisonous herbs or drugs with the intent to cause harm, this scripture really does not apply to YOU!

Other passages that appear to condemn Witchcraft are also just victim of poor translation or interpretation. ALL of them refer to specific actions that cause harm in some way. For example, in the scriptures people were told to avoid fortunetellers. This was because most of them were fakes who gave false prophecy for money. THAT action was being condemned. The advice was never ment to denounce prophecy, but rather to encourage people to live in the NOW and place their focus on their current situation rather than worry about future and/or past events. Throughout the scriptures it is very clear that prophecy is considered a Divine gift. If you have this gift, you are blessed, not cursed.

Finally, as most already know, the title Magi or Magician originally meant 'wise-one' and was actually a position that commanded great respect. If you are helping others and making the world around you a better place, you deserve that same respect. Don't let anyone convince you your actions are condemned by the Divine.

When Good Spells Go Bad

Kardia — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:35:00 GMT

You thought you found the perfect spell. It seemed to sum up exactly what you wanted to accomplish. You followed it to the letter and thought you did everything right ... but nothing happened ... or worse yet ... it backfired and your situation is even worse now. What went wrong? Did you use the wrong words, light the wrong color candle or was it just a bad day to cast a spell? The answer may be - NONE OF THE ABOVE!

We often receive email from readers who are afraid to even attempt a spell. One reader recently wrote "Even after reading books on Wicca, I still hesitate to do a simple spell or ritual for fear I could do something horribly wrong without realizing it." Another wrote "I don't want to hurt anyone, and am afraid to just experiment with spells on my own." Below are a few tips that should help ease these fears and increase the success level of any spell you do.

Most people put a great deal of importance on the words used in a spell. However, with so many different languages and all the ways we have to express ourselves, would the Divine truly be concerned with the specific wording used? Is there really a need to speak the exact same words that someone else did? A successful spell is actually based less on the words we write or speak, and more on the thoughts and feelings that those words generate. When words inspire intense feelings within us, they become very powerful. Whether we are casting a spell, or just quietly asking for assistance, how we FEEL when we send our thoughts forth can greatly influence the results. It's important to use words that help us visualize what we want and how we will feel when we've experienced the outcome. The stronger our feelings are and the more often we send them out, the greater and faster the response is likely to be. This reaction is also referred to as the Law of Three and/or the Law of Attraction.

Unfortunately, this Law of Attraction can also work against us. For example, according to the bestselling book The Secret, if we just ask for more money or better health, we are actually saying to the Universe, "I am broke" or "I am not well" and I don't have what I want or need." Instead of hearing our verbal request for what we want, the Universe is tuned in to our feelings, which in these examples could result in even MORE lack or challenges being drawn into our life!

To avoid this we should make sure we are visualizing and feeling what it's like to already HAVE what we are asking for. Most spiritual paths teach that whatever we ask for, if we truly believe it's possible and can experience the feeling of already having it, we WILL receive it. If we want to improve our finances, health or relationships, we can best accomplish this by sending thoughts and feelings of thanks to the Universe for what it is helping us achieve. We can rest assured the Divine is reading our feelings and the Universe is hard at work drawing these things to us!

Below are a few other positive tips we received from our readers:

~I have found that when I do protection spells for those I feel passionate about, they tend to just keep going indefinitely. Others only last for a few minutes, probably because I didn't have any deep feelings about it one way or the other. (This is a good example of how much your feelings can influence a spell.)

~Visualization helps a lot. If you can clearly see the outcome you want, it infuses the spell with your passion and lends a direction, sort of like following a map. (This sends a clear picture to the Universe too!)

~ It's a good idea to always include the phrase "may this spell harm none and the end be for the highest good of all concerned.

RICH WITCH – POOR WITCH:

Kardia — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:17:00 GMT

CAN YOU AFFORD TO PRACTICE MAGIC?
The following email excerpt expresses a common concern of those who are just starting out: “I am very low on cash and cannot afford the proper tools … "I feel that my financial status holds me back from fulfilling my destiny of becoming a true Wiccan.”

Below are comments from just a few of the many emails we received in response to this topic:

“Regarding the cost of tools, I purchase my candles at either the dollar store or the thrift store. My athame is an old knife. My goddess figure is made of sculpy (a clay you can shape and then bake in your oven at home). My goblet is an old wine glass. My wand is made from a piece of copper pipe, a crystal my boyfriend gave me, and some pieces of fake leather, all glued together with superglue. … I doubt I have $10 invested. It doesn't really matter what you use. The fact that it is blessed and the manner with which you use it is what's important.”

“I need no wand when my index finger serves the purpose just as well. … For me, intent is the main thing and costs me nothing”

“I would say to any of your readers struggling with not having the funds to buy manufactured magick tools that I have used make-shift supplies with better success than I ever got from something made by another person. I feel that when you literally put energy into making something, that energy stays with the object.”

“Being a 'poor' witch is not just a fun challenge, but opens the mind and creativity, and that is what being a witch is all about - intent - and there is not much you need that you cannot find around you, or that cannot be substituted by something equally effective”.

“Tools can add more excitement or allure to your ritual/spell. And this could make the experience more enchanting. But the most important thing to remember - YOU are the most important tool!”

You might want to think about your magical tools the same way you think about your clothing. Putting on new designer clothes can make you FEEL better about yourself and boost your confidence as you head out into the world. The clothing you choose to wear might even help you get a new job or catch the attention of someone special. What you wear CAN actually influence the outcome of the events in your life. But does that make your clothes magical? Are you powerless to create the life you want if you don’t have expensive clothes? Yes, the right clothes can help, but it’s what’s inside that REALLY makes things happen.

If you don’t have money to buy the tools you want, make the best of what you have. Be creative and find new ways to make old things work. If you can’t buy books, check them out from a library or log on to the Internet for endless hours of reading. I believe the richest, most powerful witches in this world are not the ones with the most money or the best tools … the richest ones are those who can allow the Divine magic to flow through their lives without any tools at all!

“The true definition of magic… does not center around spells or incantations, or the mysterious waving of arms… As it is recorded in the Blue Book of our forefathers, true Magic is ‘The art and science of changing states of mind at will.’ And as we have learned by experience, action follows thought.” From The 21 Lessons of Merlyn, A study in Druid Magic & Lore by Douglas Monroe:

Celebrating Pagan Holidays Around the World

Kardia — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:08:00 GMT

After every article we do on a Sabbat or holiday, we receive emails from all around the globe asking us what the proper time is to celebrate the event in their part of the world. Think of it this way ... the old traditions and rituals were simply intended to help our ancestors stay in tune with nature's cycles. They lived close to the earth, observing its subtle changes, and it was the cycles of the sun, moon and seasons of the earth that determined their activity. Every sabbat or holiday marked a time of change, and a shift in energy that had a physical, mental and spiritual effect on their lives.

Keeping in tune with nature's cycles may sound a bit complicated, but it's not. The bottom line is to celebrate the change in seasons and enjoy whatever activity is appropriate for the current time of year in YOUR part of the world. And don't make your rituals too complicated. They should be fun, a true expression of celebration and thankfulness for what is to come.

And last, but not least, if you miss the exact day or time that the holiday is normally celebrated, it's not the end of the world. What's MOST important is to celebrate when you can. Whenever you stop to observe nature's cycles, and take part in an activity that honors the changes in the seasons around you, you'll find that the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and life becomes more magical. Strive continually to balance your life with the rhythms of the natural world and see what happens!

What is Magic and How Does It Work?

Kardia — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:57:00 GMT

In a previous article we stressed the importance of keeping your thoughts and actions positive. While virtually all of our readers understood and agreed with this, many wrote expressing concern about how this can be accomplished when you are surrounded by negative energy throughout the day. Some readers even felt cursed, as they tried hard to be good, always saying and doing the right thing, but bad things continued to happen to them. Between financial challenges, relationship problems, health issues and family or friends constantly sharing their problems with us, no one is really immune to negative energy.

Whether a situation turns out to be a blessing or a curse may ultimately depend on how you choose to respond. While problems can cause pain, they can also provide a wonderful opportunity for growth. When you view your problem as a challenge to conquer, or an opportunity to discover a creative solution, that's what you will do ... and you'll be a stronger person for it. For those who can stay positive, struggle and crisis can turn into new growth and success.

Sometimes if we can't see any possible solution to our problems, we begin to feel hopeless and simply give up or stop trying to change our situation. NEVER GIVE UP! When you start to run out of energy and feel as if you can't move on, then just stand aside, and allow the Universal Power of the Divine to solve your problems and fight your battles for you. No challenge or accomplishment is too great for this Divine energy. Let it work through you by following your intuition. Think of the quiet little voice inside of you as the Divine directing your path. Allow it to point the way. Follow your hunches and the positive thoughts that pop into your head ... the good feelings you have. When something feels right to you, it IS right for you!

Finally, to increase the positive energy in your life, think of the blessings you would like and expect them to start happening NOW, in unexpected ways. Our last newsletter told how the Universe uses the Law of Attraction to fulfill these blessings, through people, circumstances and events. The key to your success, is to really believe. You can use spells and prayers to help you focus your thoughts, but ultimately, the strength of your faith in the power of the Divine, and your belief that something positive can and will happen by allowing this Universal energy to work through you, is the most important part!

Are Wiccans/Witches Required To Do Spells & Rituals?

Kardia — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:47:00 GMT

We often get email from visitors who don’t feel like a true Wiccan or Witch because they haven’t done a dedication ritual, or they don’t take part in the traditional Pagan holidays that honor the changing seasons. In the past, if you wanted to enter Wicca, you had to know someone who had already been initiated (usually a coven member) to receive initiation. But times have changed, and today, anyone, anywhere in the world can practice Wicca.

It’s customary to dedicate yourself to the Goddess and God when you begin a new spiritual journey. A formal ritual is just an outward confirmation of your beliefs, and does not in itself make you a Witch or Wiccan. That will come with time and devotion. If you’ve been studying the Old Ways and already hold a reverence for nature and feel a connection to our Mother Earth, you are headed in the right direction!

For those who are worried about making a mistake or not doing an initiation or ritual right, you can take comfort in a statement from the best selling book “Wicca” by Scott Cunningham. He had heard numerous stories of women and men who were drawn to Wicca but lacked access to covens and books. They simply lit a candle, drank a little wine, and told the Gods (or Goddess) of their intentions. He felt this was perhaps the best sort of dedication ritual, as it was simple and from the heart.

If you want to join a Coven, you may be required to take part in a special initiation or dedication ritual, in the same way that a Church might require a baptism before accepting a new member. The ceremony will vary from Coven to Coven, and while some may feel their tradition is the only true one, there is no single “right” way to do an initiation. Again, the dedication or initiation ritual is simply an outward way to express your inward decision to walk a new spiritual path.

As for celebrating the Pagan holidays and cycles of the moon, the main focus should be on seasonal activities and having fun! If your rituals seem empty because you simply memorize words and perform activities that have no meaning to you, there is not much benefit in doing them. One reader shared with me that she did not need a special altar or a certain color candle for special occasions. All she needed was to be outside and concentrate on a flower, a star, the moon, the warmth of the sun, the cool earth, or listen to some rippling water to feel connected to all that grows and lives. This person is doing what feels right and is keeping things simple. It’s up to you whether you celebrate the seasons or not, but if you do, choose activities, rituals and/or foods that make each occasion enjoyable.

Finally, in regard to spellwork, a spell could be described as a magical ritual. Magic is the practice of moving natural energies to effect a needed change in our lives and/or the world around us. The majority of Wiccans I know tell me they do not practice spellwork or magic, so it is certainly NOT a requirement.

Learn as much as you can about Wicca and Witchcraft, but don't worry too much about the exact practices. It's ok to use your own words in spells and rituals. Just stay focused on celebrating your life and the life of all that surrounds you, and your spiritual journey will be full of natural magic!