Dark Moon Esbat to Honor Hecate

Dark Moon Esbat to Honor Hecate

Arrange your altar with all of your tools and other items the way you wish and then bless the altar saying:

I bless You now that You may aid
The energy flow as magick is made
I cast out negative energy
Leaving only the positive to live and breathe
Within you as I start this Rite
Blessed be in joy, love and light

Then pick up the wand and draw an invoking pentagram in the air above the altar.  Replace the wand and say:

Blessed Be, O Creature of Light
Tools now of magick with power and might.

RITUAL SWEEP WITH BESOM (going widdershins)

Witche's Broom, swift in flight
Cast Out Darkness, Bring in Light
Earth be hallow; Air be clear; Fire bright; as water heals
A sacred bridge this site shall be, as my will, so mote it be.

CAST THE CIRCLE 

with your magickal sickle or staff.  (Note, some Witches are using a Sickle to cast the Circle of Hecate.  The sickle is the symbol of the Crone--of harvesting and death.  It is an ancient women's tool--more so than the sword.)

I conjure thee, great womb of the Goddess Hecate
Cauldron of a Witche's power, within who's sacred precinct
are we separate from the world of care, safe from harm and strife.
May it be a shield against all wickedness and evil;
A boundary between the world of seekers
and the realm of the Mighty Ones;
 a guardian and protection that shall preserve and contain
the powers that we shall raise this night of the Dark Moon Wherefore, do I bless thee and consecrate thee in the name of the Goddess Hecate.

Bless and consecrate the water, incense, and salt which is on your altar with your athame by casting out any impurities and uncleanliness of the spirit unknown.  Then combining salt and water cleanse circle with a chant.  Then add your incense to your charcoal and cleanse circle chanting a chant. 

EVOKE  QUARTERS & LIGHT THEIR CANDLES

Winds of the East

Come to me now, O winds of the East Whirl and twirl 'til magick has ceased. Blow through my mind and the energy raise Blow away clouds and blow away haze. The Circle is opened--your power please lend Your presence is welcomed--I bid you come in.
(Light candle - draw an invoking pentagram in the air with your wand)

Fire of the South

Come to me now, O Southerly fires! Warm light, pure strength--add flame to desires Cleanse and purify all actions mundane Protect well this Circle with your pure light and flame. The Circle is opened--your power please lend Your presence is welcomed--I bid you come in.
(Light candle - draw an invoking pentagram in the air with your wand)

Waters of the West

Come now, O waters of the Western port! Tides rise and fall, and all harm abort. Wash away troubles and rinse away pain Wash over my spirit with your oceans and rain. The Circle is opened--your power please lend Your presence is welcomed--I bid you come in.
(Light candle - draw an invoking pentagram in the air with your wand)

Earth of the North

Come, Earthly power to me from the North! Lend your strength and stability-give me your support As your soil is fertile, this Circle shall be Nourish all works, as you nourish the tree. The Circle is opened--your power please lend Your presence is welcomed--I bid you come in.
(Light candle - draw an invoking pentagram in the air with your wand)

 

CIRCLE IS SEALED 

(make an invoking pentagram in the air over your altar)

The Circle is sealed and I am completely cut off from the outside world so that I may give honor to the Goddess Hecate, Great Goddess of the Dark Moon.
  LIGHTING THE TRIPLE GODDESS CANDLES

Three Candles I do Light In Honor of Thee, O Goddess this sacred Night White for the Maiden pure as Snow Red for the Mother full within, and Black for the Crone, old and wise

DRAWING DOWN THE MOON-

INVOCATION TO THE DARK GODDESS HECATE

I call upon She who unveils the mystery, Ancient Crone, Hecate, who reigns as darkness falls upon the unlit sky Queen of Heaven, Earth and the Underworld. Hecate, this is your time, Eternal Goddess, Lady of the Night. I have prepared this sacred Circle for you, O Wise One, Come now into me, your Priestess, Fill me with your presence O gracious Queen of Witches As I do perform this Rite in your honor.

(Imagine the Dark Moon and see this haze descending from the moon into you.  Feel Her slowly envelope you, starting at the top of your head and slowly moving down to your feet.  Feel this vibrating energy of the Goddess Hecate fill your very being.  When Her energies reach your feet, know that you are walking as Hecate, as She is you and you are She. 

Charge of the Crone Hecate

I am the Queen of Magick, hidden in the deepest night. I am the mystery of the other world and the fear that coils about your heart in the times of your trial.  I am the soul of nature that gives form to the Universe. My torches light the way for enlightenment and illumination. My sickle of death cuts away things that are dead & no longer needed It is I who awaits you at the end of your spiral dance. I am She who has no secrets but a thousand secrets. I am the aged Old Crone of Darkness who face of death portends life anew and filled with Luna's secrets. All acts of magick and mysteries are my rituals and My greatest ritual is love itself. You who seek to remove My veil and know My true face, Know that all your questing and efforts are for not, Until thy own face beholds and knows the mysteries of they own self. For you to truly know Me, you must look in your own heart and know and accept thy self. For those of you who call upon Me and My powers for magick, beware! For My magick is swift and without regards to the consequences. Those that know Me shall glide safely through troubles, For it is My dark cloak of protection that is wrapped about you. Close your eyes My child and call to me, for I am there, within your Darkness.  

PRAISE TO HECATE

In this most sacred Night of the Dark Moon And mystical hour of the night Does the Goddess Hecate reign supreme And in Her name do I now give Her praise. HAIL TO THEE HECATE; HAIL TO THEE HECATE HAIL TO THEE HECATE, TRIPLE GODDESS OF THE MOON

 

Blessings of Cakes and Wine

  - wine should be in Chalice and with athame bless the wine and then the cakes as follows:

I bless thee of Creature of Wine (cakes) Knowing that when I drink (eat) of the I partake in the powers of the mysteries of You Great Goddess Hecate

LIBATION 

 (Take the chalice of wine in both hands and hold it up and say:)

In honor of the O Great Goddess Hecate Do I pour this Libation and drinketh this Toast All Life is your Own All fruits of the Earth your power, your wisdom, your liberation I thank You for Your blessings and strength Join with me; Feast with me; Enjoy with me.
(You can pour a few drops of wine onto the ground in front of the altar as an offering to Hecate, if you are outside.  If you are in your temple, then pour some wine into your Libation bowl along with an offering of cakes) Then raise the chalice to your lips and drink.)

(You can now medicate, consult the tarot, or any other divinatory devices, or simply sit back and relax.   Remember eating of the cakes helps ground you from the energy of the circle, and from the cone of power that you built if you did magick.)

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL

O Hecate, My Queen, My Goddess You who awaits for me at the end of Life. I thank you for thy blessings and of your spirit from your Cauldron of the sacred fire on this night of the Dark Moon I bid thee farewell
(Put out Goddess candle)

Thanking the Triple Goddess

Wise Crone, who face is hidden from the starlit night Thank you for joining my sacred this night. I bid thee farewell
(Put out Crone/black Candle)

Mother, nurturer and giver of life Who dances across the nightly sky in your silvery light Thank you for joining my sacred circle this night I bid thee farewell
(Put out the Mother/red candle)

Maiden, bringer of new ideas and inspiration Who dances across the sky in carefree glee and anticipation Thank you for joining my sacred circle this night I bid thee Farewell
(Put out the Maiden/white candle)

QUARTERS RELEASED 

(I go widdershins, since I went deosil to welcome)

O twirling Breezes and winds of the East Who protected this Circle and witnessed all feats Of magick performed and blessing poured out I thank you for coming and gathering about. But now comes the time for this Circle to end I release you back to the dark, fertile realm where you reign Hail and farewell until I see you again.
(Put out candle - draw banishing pentagram in air with wand)

O Northern forests, mountains and plains Who protected this Circle and witnessed all gains Of magick performed and all blessings poured out I thank you for coming and gathering about. But now comes the time for this Circle to end I release you back to the dark, fertile realm where you reign Hail and farewell until I see you again.
(Put out candle - draw banishing pentagram in air with wand)

O Oceans and rainstorm and streams of the West Who protected this Circle and witnessed all quests Of magick performed and blessing poured out I thank you for coming and gathering about. But now comes the time for this Circle to end I release you back to the dark, fertile realm where you reign Hail and farewell until I see you again.
(Put out candle - draw banishing pentagram in air with wand)

O Southern Fires and bright, dancing flames Who protected this Circle and witnessed all claims Of magick performed and blessing poured out I thank you for coming and gathering about. But now comes the time for this Circle to end I release you back to the dark, fertile realm where you reign Hail and farewell until I see you again.

(Put out candle - draw banishing pentagram in air with wand)

Return to the East and draw a banishing pentagram in the air with your wand to break the seal of the Circle.

CALLING BACK THE CIRCLE

  ( I go widdershins in calling back the Circle.  Use whatever tool you cast the Circle with.  I prefer using my sickle of Hecate or staff/wand)

Power cast and then forgotten is power wasted Wherefore do I call Ye back O Circle of Power into my mighty staff (or sickle) By the holy flame, this Circle disappears and becomes no more Everything is as it was since the beginning of time.

The Circle is opened by unbroken May the love of the Goddess be ever in your heart Merry Meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet again

Tarot: Spell Spread for Witches

3+ cards, left to right.
1..........2...........3
Use before casting a spell to see what forces are afoot, what angle/method you should use, and the ultimate outcome if you cast the way you plan to cast.
1. The Need. Why do you want to cast this spell? What is going on?
2. The Method. How should you cast the spell? (This is where it breaks down for me. If there's a problem with the spell or my intention, it shows up here in a method that doesn't make sense or is negative.) I only put one card here, but if you want more details, you can add more cards to this position. Maybe 4 cards to represent the 4 elements?
3. The Outcome. What will be the result of your spell? What happens as a result? Sometimes the outcome is positive even though the method card(s) seems messed up, which usually tells me that either the spell is superfluous, or that I need to approach it in a totally different way. 
  
Source

7 Core Beliefs at the Heart of Being a Witch

I'm alive ♥
I'll admit, I haven't been doing too well, but today I'm feeling quite uplifted and decided to read and do some work out of a chapter in "The Goddess is in the Details" by Deborah Blake and decided to do a post on it.

Chapter 2 is about the 7 core beliefs that's at the heart of our beliefs for most wiccans. At the end of the chapter is a "Something to do/try" which asks the reader to examine how they shape your actions or even the way you look at the world.

I thought I would share these beliefs, my thoughts, and ask for yours. Feel free to share 1, 2, or all your answers for each one. I'd love to hear the comparison. For me, some answers overlap. Maybe it's the same for you, maybe not. Either way, I hope you choose to share! let's continue.

The Wiccan Rede- "An it harm none, Do as Ye Will"
This is one that means a lot to me. Although I'm not quite through it all yet, this fundamental belief has helped me walk away from a lot of self destructive behaviors as I know that "harm none" applies of course not just to others, but to myself as well.

What you put out is what you get back: The Law of Returns
This one has definitely made me more mindful in my actions. Careful to weigh the consequences of my actions, and to think before I do.

Personal Responsibility, Free Will for All
I have learned to be more responsible for myself, of course, but also learned to adapt the life changing attitude that I cannot change others, I can only change myself and how I respond to the actions of others.

As Above, So Below: Words Have Power
This goes back to being mindful. Awareness in everything I do, and what I put out into the world.

Magick is Real, and We can Use it to Bring about Positive Change
This has really been a revelation. Now, I don't believe in using magick for "quick fixes". In fact, I don't use it very often. But when I do, it has been very powerful and has made astounding changes for me. This has given me such a greater sense of control of my life, and really put me "in the driver's set", so to speak.

We are a Part of Nature
This one has changed the way I treat my environment, and how I feel about the way others treat the environment. I feel so differently about the way I look at the world when I step outside, or even just glance out the window.

The Divine is in Everything
This goes back a bit to the previous answer. I have such a greater reverence for nature, and even for others, and also myself. Really, the whole world around me. Something as simple as feeling the warmth of the sun or seeing the light of the moon is an uplifting, divine experience for me at this point.   

So that's my list. Again, I'd love to hear your answers. You can answer all, you can answer one.
And I'd like to say, it was very nice to be writing to you all again! ♥

Will Be Back to Posting Soon...

All has not been well in my world I'm afraid. Just spent a week in the hospital, and I'm on bed rest til I see the doctor on the 6th should too much movement send me into cardiac arrest... (I'm serious.)

But, as soon as my energy picks up I'll be back to doing posts and videos, I promise. Really miss you guys and this community! ♥♥♥

Just getting my etsy store back in order, starting a new workbook in a couple days, hoping to make some new products soon...Baby steps. Really wanna do a video, was planning on doing the Ritual of Gestures but then that whole "too much movement" "bed rest" thing...=/

Wish me well!

A Ritual of Gestures

I'm hoping to get a video done on this, but since that requires a little more energy than I have a this time, and my 

blog has been sadly neglected for this very reason, I thought I'd share it with you all now.

Ritual of Gestures

Stand in the ritual area.  Still your thoughts.  Breathe deeply for half a 
minute or so until composed and calm. Turn your mind to your Deities. 

Face North. Lift both hands to waist height, palms down. Press your fingers 
together,  creating two solid, flat planes. Sense solidity, foundation, 
fertility. Invoke the powers of the Earth through the gesture. 

Moments Later, turn toward the East. Raise your hands a foot higher, your palms 
facing away from you (no longer parallel with the ground), and elbows slightly 
bent. Spread your fingers and hold this position, sensing movement and 
communication. Invoke the forces  of Air through the gesture. 

Face South. Lift your hands fully above your head.  Keeping the elbows straight, 
grasp  your fingers  into tight fists. Feel force, power, creation and 
destruction. Invoke the forces  of Fire through the gesture. 

Turn to the West. Lower your hands a foot or so. Bend the elbows, turn your 
palms  upward and cup them, pressing the thumbs against the forefingers. Sense 
fluidity, the  ocean, liquidity. Invoke the forces of Water through the gesture. 

Face North again. Throw your head back and raise both hands to the sky, palms 
up, fingers spread.  Drink in the essence of The One, the unknowable, 
unapproachable ultimate source of all. Sense the mysteries within the universe. 

Lower your projective hand (your writing hand) but keep your receptive hand 
high.   Pressing the third, forth and fifth fingers against the palm, lift the 
forefinger and thumb to  create a rough crescent shape. Sense the reality of the 
Goddess. Sense Her love, Her fertility, Her compassion. Sense the powers of the 
Moon in the gesture; the force of the eternal seas - the presence of the 
Goddess.  Lower your receptive hand; lift your projective hand. Bend down the 
middle and forth fingers toward the palm, and trap them with the thumb.  Lift 
the forefinger and little finger up to the sky, creating a horned image.  Sense 
the reality of the God. Sense the power of the Sun in the gesture; the untamed  
energies of the  woodlands -  the presence of the God. 

Lower your projective hand. Lay down flat. Spread your legs and arms until 
you've created the pattern of a pentagram. Sense the powers of the elements 
running through you; merging and coalescing into your being. Sense them as 
emanations from The One, the Goddess and God. 

Meditate.  Commune.  Communicate. 
When finished, simply stand up.  Your rite of gestures is over. 

Divination Series - Part 8 - Stichomancy/Rhapsodomancy

Whose heard of Stichomancy, or its alternative, Rhapsodomancy? I sure hadn't until this Series, but amusingly enough had been engaging in this practice a good decade or so ago with my best friend of the time using a dictionary while bingeing on peanut butter oreos.

So what is Stichomancy (aka Bibliomancy), you're asking?
According to thefreedictionary.com:
Stich´o`man`cy

n.

1.

Divination by lines, or passages of books, taken at hazard.

So yeah. Pretty simple, right? We'll get to a basic "how to", but first, some more history:According to the Oxford English Dictionary the word bibliomancy - meaning “divination by books, or by verses of the Bible” – was first recorded in 1753. Sometimes this term is used synonymously with stichomancy (from sticho- “row, line, verse”) which can be defined as “divination by lines of verse in books taken at hazard”, and was first recorded ca. 1693. To make use of stichomancy, you don’t need a bible, all you need is a book or any reading material for that matter; even a magazine or newspaper can work just fine. Sometimes we are faced with decisions we just can’t find an answer to, and stichomancy can help reveal your subconscious thoughts and desires. It really works by the law of attraction: you will attract a passage in a book that you are meant to read at this point in time. Carl Jung called it synchronicity: same things happen at the same time. The book passage you will choose will be in perfect alignment with your vibration of energy. You can’t make a mistake. All forms of divination work that way. How To Bibliomancy practitioners traditionally use the bible to extract answers from. In stichomancy, any kind of any time period by any author can be used. Some psychics think that the book of choice should not be a very old book or any book that has been read by the person asking the question, because old and used books already have too much history in common with the questioner. Dog-eared books and books that always open on the same pages (those which have been read the most passionately) are perfect for others. I personally prefer books without a history. What you prefer is what may work for you. Very often, brand new books that do not have a history with the questioner but are fresh from the press, lead to astonishing and exact answers. So, how do you do this? You pick a book, preferably a new one with no history. You may take a book that has been in the possession of someone else. You ask a question with the intention of receiving an answer or a hint from the universe. You can say it aloud or to yourself. You open the book by putting a finger or finger nail anywhere you like between the pages. Then you pick a paragraph or passage without looking. Some people do this blind-folded, some don't. The Interpretation Of Book Passages Bibliomancy and stichomancy are very free techniques. They are a combination of interpreting poertry and throwing dices. This doesn't mean that they are techniques that will not be enjoyed by people who want straight answers. Sometimes they can really give you "aha!" moments by giving you astonishingly accurate book passages. Sometimes they don't. And that's when you have to contact your inner artist and ask her or him what to make of this. If you are an abstract thinker, stichomancy techniques may be thing for you.

So there you have it. Stichomancy. Who knew?

Nighttime Rite + Pre-Circle Blessing - 2 in 1 Blog/Video Blog

Direct Link  - Like/Subscribe/Comment if you Enjoyed!

Pre-Circle Blessing

 Blessed be my feet, that I may walk in Sacred Paths

Blessed be my knees, that I may kneel at the Altar of the Ancient Ones

Blessed be my second chakra, that I may bring forth Life, Art, and Joy

Blessed be my heart, which is formed in Beauty, that I may Love, and Recieve Love

Blessed be my lips, that I may speak Words of Power in Times to Come

Blessed be my mind's eye, that I may see the unseen, and recieve Messages of the Spirit

This rite should be done at night, between dusk and dawn.

Opening

"Hail Dark Lady of the Crossroads,
of wisdom hard-won,
grant me Thy blessing, purify my heart,
and teach me the truth of my soul;
show me that death is but the gateway to life.
Blessed Be."

Main Prayer

Lady,
You offer me a lambent grail
of softly glowing moonlight,
as between one heartbeat and the next
souls flit from life to life
with death a well-worn pathway
of the Wise -
a place of respite and release.
Deeply I drink -
a willing sacrifice to eternal motion -
a moment of spirit upon the wind
and another life experience to embrace.

Meditation

How death is but a gateway to life.

Dream Images

In the Name of the Dark Crone: I see the Crone as teacher.

Closing Prayer

"I bow to Thee Hecate, Diana, Mari and thank
Thee for Thy blessing - the Cauldron of Night
full of life, and death, and life again;
Thy magic gives me wings.
Blessed Be."

Samhain Rites for the Afternoon

Opening

"O God of Thunder, God of Might,

set aside Your lightning bolts

and take Your ease of Love with me.

You are the God of laughter!

You are the God of all delights!

Blessed Be."

Main Prayer

Lord,

The solitary motion of

the heart

can be found on the edge of

Winter's shadow.

The Great God sleeps.

The Mother's womb grows

every sort of possibility

and holds the kernel of returning light.

The absence of the God

provides opportunities for

inner seeing;

visions unfold like the

unveiling of the Sun

from morning mist.

I seek the God in

hidden landscapes of my

silent soul as

He sleeps and dreams

me into being.

The Dark Night cloaks

revelation in the God's enigmatic heart.

Meditation

What kernels of possibility are hidden in your heart awaiting revelation?

Daily Affirmation

In the Name of the God: I will honor my visions, and dream dreams.

Closing Prayer

"Thanks to Thee, Lord of the Dance,

for leading me into the deeper mysteries

of the heart.

Be with me now and always.

Blessed Be."