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Blog Posts of Note:
*Magic, Witches and the Bible
*A brief History of Wicca
*Wicca 101 part 1
*Wicca 101 part 2
*Spells and the Modern Witch
*Do Witches Worship Satan?
*Religious View
*Interview with a Witch
*A Witch's Story of Creation
*One Definition of the Divine
*I am a Witch
* Original Sin, from a Witches point of View
*Why a Witch Could care less about Harry Potter
*Satan is not my Sidekick
*The other people: Or how I learned to stop worrying and love the Bible
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| Spells and the Modern Witch |
| 02.23.05 (11:20 am) [edit] |
What’ the first thing you think of when you hear the word “Witch”?And no, I don’t mean “Black mass, Baby eating, or Devil worship.” Spells. It’s spells right? Love spells, money spells; luck, lust, vengeance, hexes, curses all of these words pop up when someone mentions the word witch. So just how important are casting spells to witches? Do they really do that sort of thing? And if so, how do they do it? And, why the hell doesn’t it work like on, “Buffy the Vampire slayer” or “Charmed.”? Of pretty much all of the true blue Witches and Pagans that I’ve spoken with, spells and the casting of spells is secondary to their faith. There are many who have been a Witch for all of their lives and never cast a single spell. This is because the true nature of been a Witch has nothing to do with making it rain or floating feathers around in the air. Witchcraft is about honouring the Divine and honouring Nature and the Earth as Divine. This is why we fall into the category of “earth based religion”. Most witches believe that Gaia, mother earth, is Divine, and that we are all created from the Divine source, we too are Divine, deserving the same respect and honour we give our Gods. So where do spells fit in? Everyone’s childhood image of a Witch is that of hag with a green face, stirring a cauldron and saying an incantation to turn someone into a frog. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I don’t know a single Witch with a green face. I do know many with cauldrons, and I’ve memorised an incantation or two. But frogs are icky, I stay away from them. Witches do cast spells. This is a truth. Why? Why do people say bless you when you sneeze, why do people say I’ll be thinking of you, on your birthday or some other special occasion? Why do people pray? All because we humans believe that, somehow, our thoughts and our emotions can somehow change things. We believe that: By willing it we can get a parking spot four feet closer to the grocery store. The casting of spells is no different. Witches cast spells because they believe they can affect change. But, Prayers and Spells are different. Praying is good, spells are evil and controlling. Witches are bound by two rules that make the casting of evil, controlling spells not only against the Divine, but also bad for them personally, The Wiccan Rede and The Law of Three. The Wiccan Rede is a very long work of poetry, and I don’t know a single witch who’s read the entire thing. However, the last couple of lines are what matters; “Do as you will and harm none,” remarkably similar to the Golden Rule. Witches follow this rule and know that whatever spell they choose to cast, whether on themselves or for another, must not bring harm to another. This makes casting a spell very tricky. How can you cast a spell for yourself to get your dream job, when it means that someone else could get fired? Can you cast a love spell on someone who truly doesn’t love you back? Doing so, many bring harm to that person as they fight against the energy of the spell. Or, yourself if the love spell makes that person obsessed and dangerous. The Wiccan Rede makes it necessary for a witch to weigh all the possible consequences to their actions not just in spell casting, but in their daily lives as well. Wouldn’t it be nice if that rule applied to world governments? The Law of Three is the second rule that Witches follow. It says essentially that all the energy that you put out, in spell casting, will come back to you three fold, similar to the laws of Karma, but more potent. If we put out good energy with our spells, we get it back three times as strong and vice versa for vengeful, nasty spells. It is not in the best interests of a Witch to cast evil spells. Many witches interpret the law to mean that the same events will keep repeating in our lives until we learn the lesson. If we do something wrong or “evil” the consequences of that action will continue to haunt us until we learn from it. The casting of a spell is actually very easy. Many Witches put a lot of flourish and ritual into it to help them focus their energy, and it’s a lot more fun. But really, casting a spell is a lot like saying a prayer. One takes some quiet time to themselves, perhaps lights a candle, and concentrates their intent on the task at hand, be it a spell or a prayer. Intent means to focus; they give up every other thought in their heads and focus on the one thought. Perhaps they are casting a spell for a loved one to feel better. The witch would think very hard about that person feeling better, looking better, and maybe they imagine that person is up and about again. They would concentrate on that image, perhaps say a rhyme or poem about healing, or they may take a cord and bind the illness by tying it in knots. Whatever they do, the intent is to help their friend heal and feel better. Some Witches use different tools to help them focus their thoughts, a candle or a wand are very common. So are crystals. Yet, casting a spell can be as simple as looking up in the sky and asking for what they want. So why don’t spells work like thy do on TV? Cuz it’s TV and fake. Although it seems very contrary to the airy fairy ways of being a witch, most witches are very pragmatic and understand that the laws of physics govern over spell craft. In ancient times there was no separation of magic and science, there were one and the same. Great pioneers in science, such as Pythagoras, are revered as great contributors to both science and magic! Because the laws of physics govern spells we can’t make pencils float or hair turn different colours. That’s just the way it is. Although I don’t know a single Witch, who wouldn’t think it would be cool to have that power. Like prayer, spells can be very useful in the daily life of a witch. They can make a person feel that they have some control over a chaotic situation and feel as if they are helping when there’s really nothing that can be done. Spell casting is proactive and for many a regular part of their lives. For many Witches though, it is take a back seat to their faith and is more of an added bonus. One of my favourite Healing Spells uses this Poem: Celtic Blessing for Healing This is a very well known spell that can be adapted to suit one’s purpose. It is every good Traditional Nine Knot Spell |
posted by: senguthewolf (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:27 am)
i personally dont believe in witchcraft, for 2 reasons.
1) i knew some peopel who claimed they were witches. one day i guess i pissed them off and they started to "cast" some sort of curse on me. it was weirding me out, so i punched one of them and just walked away lol
and 2) my religion forbids it!
posted by: cmaze (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:31 am)
I used to practice Wicca myself. I still do to some extent, just without being able to practice correctly with my alter. I still get rather angry with people who believe witchcraft is devil worship. Though I do understand that it is merely apart of their faith, but they need to be more open and trusting of people. Another thing that gets me a little angry is how most Christian holidays are pagan in nature. Anyway, great post!
Blessed be.
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:31 am)
those people weren't 'really' witches in my opinion if they were doing that. i'd prpbably have punched them in the nose too.
What's your religion?
don't worry i won't try and convert you. :)
FM
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:34 am)
Reply to: cmaze
it's tough not to get frustrated sometimes. I've had my share of devil worship natter around here, but for the most part everyones been pretty open and understanding.
The holiday thing, well.... Yippee to the Romans for that one i guess.
FM
posted by: senguthewolf (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:36 am)
Reply to: Fairmoon
lol yea it was pretty funny. both watching them do it, and hitting them. im catholic
posted by: rizi (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:41 am)
wow that clears a lot abt witches..i never believe in god or mother earth gaia or any other supernatural force...
i feel that its our own deeds that drives us...
anyway your article cleared a lot of doubts i had abt witchcraft..i will make sure i read a lot about the wiccan rede in future..not that i believe in but i find it fun to read and understand...
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:41 am)
Reply to: senguthewolf
i don't know if it's really funny, but whatever floats your boat.
Don't want to get into to big a theological debate, but isn't it a sin to hurt other people?
FM
posted by: hatred123 (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:42 am)
nice info
posted by: senguthewolf (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:45 am)
Reply to: Fairmoon
yea it is, but who isnt without sin? besides they weirded me out lol
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:48 am)
what's the line, he who is without sin, may he cast the first stone? that's ture, none of us are perfect.
and your argument about beignwerided out has merit. :)
FM
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:49 am)
Reply to: hatred123
thanks
posted by: senguthewolf (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (11:53 am)
Reply to: Fairmoon
yea thats what it is. it wouldve been funnier if they were mimes
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (12:05 pm)
Reply to: senguthewolf
you' a funny duck aren't you?
posted by: senguthewolf (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (1:08 pm)
Reply to: Fairmoon
... duck?
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (4:02 pm)
Reply to: senguthewolf
just a saying
posted by: senguthewolf (reply)
post date: 02.25.05 (4:36 pm)
o lol
posted by: graceshaker (reply)
post date: 02.26.05 (8:57 pm)
do you see spells and blessings as synonymous?
if so how would you describe their similarities to the typical xian?
i ask this bc i think that many xians approach prayer like spell-casting tho they would never admit to it.
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 02.27.05 (9:22 am)
Reply to: graceshaker
"do you see spells and blessings as synonymous?"
uuummmm, yes and no. Yes, because they achieve the same end, helping out.
No, because spells tend to have more flourish and ritual, while a blessing is short sweet and generally a one liner.
"if so how would you describe their similarities to the typical xian?"
probably in the same way that I explained in the article. the method is different, but the intent is the same.
"i ask this bc i think that many xians approach prayer like spell-casting tho they would never admit to it."
I tend to agree, but shhhh, don't say it to loud, we'll scare them.
The similarites are striking. you go to a sarced space, either within ourselves, or a building (church, temple, grove)
you sit quietly reflecting and make a connection with The Divine (God, Goddess)
You concentrate on your intended goal, wish, desire and ask for it.
You say thanks, or amen, perhaps light a candle or some incense to send it on its way and you're done.
Pretty much the same. :)
FM
posted by: moondancer0629 (reply)
post date: 02.28.05 (9:19 pm)
i do believe in witchcraft. I have been practicing for about 3 years and i don't know if the spells themselves work, but i do know about the positive effects they have had on me.
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 03.01.05 (7:24 am)
Reply to: moondancer0629
I've read your blog. It's tough to be an teen age witch, (or do you prefer wiccan?) and have people know about it. I was in highschool too, but didn't tell anyone.
Your a strong person and that's awesome. I think if you choose to help people you'll do a great job at it.
keep on writing. There needs to be more teen witch writers out in the world! :)
FM
posted by: angelineangel (reply)
post date: 03.04.05 (2:16 pm)
crap, now you have me thinking I'm more witch than christian. I use visualization and meditation to heal myself of little colds, to sooth my boy while he's fussing in his sleep, to keep my cats from peeing on the sofa (nothing like visualizing in all seriousness towards your cat the image of him using the box and liking it. And yet, effective.)
Still, I'm all about Jesus. I bet he would have manipulated his cat the same way.
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 03.07.05 (6:25 am)
Reply to: angelineangel
I think that "healing and visualization" cross over religious boundaries. We all know that Jesus "healed with his hands" and so he did work that is like Reiki, or whatever you want to call it.
Since it's all really the same thing and comes from the same source "The Divine." Different people just have different names for it.
There's an interesting phenomenon occuring out in the world called ChristianWicca (I can't remember if it was you i was talking about this with before or not?) Sorry, if I'm repeating myself.
It's the blending of Jesus's teachings and erath based faith. It seems only contradictory until you get down to what Jesus was saying and realise that he was all about getting along and love, and respecting all things as coming from the Divine.
It's cool.
Yeah I bet Jesus would have done the same thing if his cat peed on his couch. :-)
blessings,
FM
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 03.07.05 (6:27 am)
Reply to: angelineangel
sorry about the typos, coffee hasn't kicked in
FM
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 03.11.05 (6:25 am)
Reply to: pantheist
it's funny when one tries to explain the subtleness of real magic. as i said in the article prayer is magic and we know that works too. i'm working on an article about the energy behind magic but it's a slow going article right now. I'm finding it hard to make something so ethereal -concrete. (did that make sense?
FM
posted by: PastorDave (reply)
post date: 08.03.05 (6:50 am)
“Do as you will and harm none,” may sound similar to the Golden Rule, but it has a different focus. The GR focuses upon the other person, but this creed centers on self.
I believe "Do as you will..." can be a very dangerous word of advice.
posted by: Fairmoon (reply)
post date: 08.03.05 (10:37 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
very ture, the golden rule does focus to the other person. At at first glance do as you will does too, but add the harm none. which many wiccans state alone- harm none- the focus is on other people.
Crowley is often criedit for first saying do as thou will. and that's it. Must most people- wiccan or otherwise- were bothered by that self serving and, yes, potentially dangerous statement, and the Harm None was added and is were the emphasis lies.
it's very hard to do much of anything with out considering the conquences of how my small actions could bring harm to someone, someone I might not even know! its why i buy fair trade coffee. :D
FM
Ps, got the CS lewis book from the library today!
Demystifying Misconceptions
This Blog chronicles the journey of one woman as she attempts to define her faith and place in the universe.
I'm a geeky sort of Fae most of the time
Blog Posts of Note:
*Christian and Wiccan at The Same Time
*A Walk with Jesus’ Mom
*Finding God in Wicca
*Universal Myth and Personal Myth- Definitions in Consensus Reality
The Matrix: Systems Healing and Thinking, an Introduction
*Magic, Witches and the Bible
*A brief History of Wicca
*Wicca 101 part 1
*Wicca 101 part 2
*Spells and the Modern Witch
*Do Witches Worship Satan?
*Religious View
*Interview with a Witch
*A Witch's Story of Creation
*One Definition of the Divine
*I am a Witch
* Original Sin, from a Witches point of View
*Why a Witch Could care less about Harry Potter
*Satan is not my Sidekick
*The other people: Or how I learned to stop worrying and love the Bible