You can sense energy within yourself by holding your hands slightly apart and bouncing them toward each other.  This creates what is known as an energy ball.  You can use this positive energy to help in healings; for yourself or others.  As a group, when doing this exercise the positive healing energies are amazing and very powerful.

The first step toward successful smudging and space cleansing is to become aware of the subtle energy – both in ourselves and in the atmosphere.  This is a process you can learn quite easily, and, with a little practice and dedication, you should soon become adept at sensing subtle energy.

Sensing Energy In Yourself

1)  Choose a time when you can be quiet and alone – this exercise requires a peaceful environment and concentration.  Wash your hands, take off any rings, bracelets, watches, or any other accessories.

2)  Sit down with your hands resting on your lap, palms facing upward and close your eyes.

3)  Relax your hands and focus your attention on your palms.  Turn you palms to face each other, hold them about 18 inches apart.  Slightly curve them as if you were holding a soft ball.  You may well feel a warmth or a tingling between your hands – that is subtle energy.

4)  Bounce your palms toward each other as if you were gently squeezing and releasing the invisible ball.  Feel the energy shift as you move – it may feel like a cool breeze.  Imagine the ball gently expanding until it reaches the size of a beach ball.

5)  Now bring your palms together as if you were holding a tennis ball.  Ask yourself whether the energy feels any different.

Sensing Energy Elsewhere

You can swiftly learn to feel energy in the house.  Start by practicing on animals and plants.  Try “stroking” a cat or dog with your fingers about six inches away from it – feel its energy.  Try putting your hands over a living plant – sense the energy.  Now compare it with the energy given off by a bunch of fresh flowers; learn to detect the subtle differences.

From her you could progress to sensing the energy in objects around the home.  See if you can detect the difference between a handcrafted object and a mass-produced one.  If you become adept, you may find you can tell the history of an object.  This practice, called psychometry is used by psychics.

Sensing Energy in the Home

1)  Start at the entrance of the room and hold your hand a few inches from the wall in a motion that is similar to stroking a dog.

2)  Be sensitive and concentrate, “listening” with your hand for the energy.  You may find some areas are quite calm and smooth; others will be disturbed, stuck. or stale.  Talk to the house and reassure it that you are going to cleanse and purify it to release it from any negativity.

3)  When you return to the entrance, make a note of any stuck areas.  There are where you will need to direct the most energy when you smudge the room.

Smudging is the common name given to the sacred smoke bowl blessings.  A powerful cleansing technique from the Native North American tradition.  Smudging calls on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies and restore balance.  It is the art of cleansing yourself and your environment using simple ritual and ceremony.  For thousands of years smudging has been a part of Native American tradition but now its power of cleansing is available to everyone.

The Power of Smudging

How can smudging be so powerful?  The answer lies in the subatomic world of subtle or spiritual energy.  Homes and bodies are not just made of purely physical matter; they also vibrate with quiet, invisible energy.  Cleansing a space or our bodies with techniques such as smudging clears away all the emotional and psychic “garbage” that may have gathered over years or even hundreds of years.  It’s like spiritual spring cleaning.

The effect of smudging can be surprisingly swift and dramatic.  There are a variety of different rituals available that can help with a number of different areas such as; helping you banish stress and attract love, soothe you, or give you energy.  They can bring your family closer together and let you adjust to the healing seasonal rhythms of the year.  Above all, they can turn any space, however humble, into a soothing sanctuary – a place of renewal and happiness.

An Age-Old Tradition

Smudging’s are not newfangled ideas, nor are they airy-fairy new-age dribble.  Native North American tradition dates back millenia, and most traditional cultures – from the Zulus to the Maoris, from the Chinese to the Balinese – have age-old forms of cleansing and blessing rituals.  Even the West retains relics of them although we have long forgotten the true purpose behind many such rituals and ceremonies.  Incense wafting through a church cleanses the atmosphere just as surely as the medicine man’s bowl of sacred smoke , or smudge.  The bells that ring out on Sunday are intended to purify the whole parish and lead the community into worship, just as the shaman’s drum can lead us on sacred journeys to the spirit world.

The most important thing to remember is to approach smudging with a pure heart, an open-mind, and a sense of adventure .. it could change your entire life.

You can do a protection spell for your home in Winter, particularly if you have experienced any grief, relationship disturbances or other sadness during the last year.

For the protection ritual, you will need a white-candle and a bowl of salted water.  You may also wish to prepare some herbs to place at doorways and windows for protection.  Fennel or a sprig of St. John’s wort, saved from your Midsummer’s Eve gathering, can be hung over the entrance doors, and a bunch of fennel may be used to splash salt water around the house and to sprinkle the water around each door and window to cleanse the space.  Other herbs, such as camphor or caraway, could also be used in the water.

Place your candle and matches at your front door along with your bundles of herbs.  tie your bundles with a piece of red-coloured string.  Taking your bowl of salted water(with or without herbs), walk slowly around the outside of your house and splash water around its perimeter.  It is important to follow in the motion of the sun, walking around your house in a clockwise motion in the Northern Hemisphere or anti-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.  Keeping the appropriate motion, enter the house and light the candle at the entrance.

Move through the house from room to room, concentration on the candle and keeping any eye on where you are going.  In each room splash some of the salted water at the door and at all the windows.  If appropriate, take your basket of herbs and place one bundle above each door and window.

If you work with needle and thread, you may consider this other spell to protect your house.  Each time you finish with a bit of thread and there is some left over, put the leftover thread into a small jar with the words “protect this house from hardship and harm”.  Eventually the jar will fill up and can be sealed with a protective herb and stored in the highest place in the house.

To anchor these spells, you could also plant basil or dill in a window box or herb graden to keep bringing you protection and good fortune, or plant a tree such as the rowan or mountain ash to watch over your house and family.

Spellcasting is an art as ancient as mankind.  The shamans of prehistory practiced magic to bring good hunts and to cure illness among the tribe.  These attempts to influence the outcome of events by magical means continued through the centuries, in every land, in one form or another.  Today, magical rituals are still practiced by indigenous tribes as well as followers of neopagan groups.  Indeed, the art of spellcraft is as relevant today as it was in the Stone Age.  We still have difficulties and situations that need a resolution, although admittedly the types of problems may have changed.

Making Magic

So what is magic, and do you have to become an initiated witch or wizard to practice it?  Magic is within us and all around us.  All we have to do to harness its powers is to learn a few tricks.  Anyone can do this.  Yes, witches and wizards do practice spellcraft, but you do not have to become one to learn the basics.  Simple spells abound, you just have to look for them.  These are spells where you don’t have to use long and complicated rituals, rather they use easy-to-find ingredients and props that focus the will onto what is required.

These types of spells are designed to bring about positive changes in your life.  To set about magic with a bad purpose in mind would be highly unethical and, as the old lore goes, such a spell would rebound upon the caster by the power of three.  Negative magic twists the user and generally turns him or her into someone who is not a very nice person with not a very nice life.  On the other hand, positive magic can only enhance both you and your environment, bringing you the success, friendships, romances, and jobs that you wish for.  When performed with a good heart, a small dos of humour, and a heap of sincerity, magic does work – so be careful what you wish for!

With winter fast approaching, why not bring the outdoors in?  Plant special herbs for luck and harmony in your home, and enjoy them until you can plant them again outside, once the nice weather has returned.

Gardens are special places with a magic of their own.  Besides attracting nature spirits, plants also contain other properties.  These can be medicinal, culinary, or magical, and thus can be used for many things.

You Will Need:

Crocks or Pots (depending on the number of herbs you are planting and the size of the container, whether planting together or separate)

Some Compost

A Few Pieces of Broken Crocks (to be placed in bottom of planting crock/pot for drainage)

Sage, Rosemary, Basil, Thyme

A Bit of Glitter or Star Shaped Sequins

Plant your own mini garden using either the plants listed above, or other ones of your own choosing.  This garden as described contains herbs that will protect your home, and extend the blessings of health, luck, harmony, and prosperity to all who live there.

You can start the garden from seed but it is easier and quicker to buy small specially grown plants from your local nursery.  Start by drawing a small pentacle on each of the crocks or pots that you are using for planting the herbs.   Using this ancient symbol will give your plants an extra magical power.

Now add some compost to your crock/pot filling it almost to the brim and then gently make a hole in the compost before tapping the herb out of it’s plastic container and then lower  the plant inside.  Make sure your plant is well watered before removing it from it’s original container.  Firm the soil carefully around the roots and make sure that the rootball is just below the level of the soil.  The plants for this magical garden were picked for the following properties:

Sage – harmony within the house, wisdom, and skill

Rosemary – good luck, remembrance of the ancestors

Basil – prosperity and protection

Thyme – health and strength

When you have finished planting, give the compost a good watering, then sprinkle the surface with a little glitter to remind you how wonderful these plants are.  If you wish, you could say a  little prayer asking the plant spirits to be healthy and strong.  Place the crock/pot(s) in a warm and sunny place and remember to water it when the soil is dry.  If the rosemary and sage get too large, they can always be split down and given to a friend.

Now sit back and watch the magic happen.  Use these herbs for spells, cooking, or just for the harmony live plants in the home naturally provide.

The Elements … The four elements of earth, air, fire and water make up the magical world we live in.

Ancient wisdom tells us that the elements are representative of the energies in the environment around us.  All aspects of magic either consciously or subconsciously use these forces.  For example, whenever we light a candle, we are working with the energy of fire.  Incense brings to a spell the energy of air.  Therefore, having a basic knowledge of elemental working is important in spell-craft.

Earth

This element symbolizes stability and security.  It can be represented by soil, sand, rocks, and pebbles, and plants.  It is also represented by the witch’s symbol of the pentagram.  Earth energy is useful in money spells, and spells to protect the environment.  Its direction is north.

Air

Air carries ideas, inspirations, and news.  Bring air into your spells by lighting incense or performing your ritual on a hilltop.  Trees also carry the element of air.  Air energy is useful for getting your wishes heard and for clearing the mind.  Its direction is east.

Fire

The heat of fire brings energy, power, and passion to magic.  Used extensively in candle magic, the flame of fire can add much to most spells.  However, use with respect and care; fire is a volatile energy that can help you, but it can also harm.  Its direction is south.

Water

Water cleanses and heals as well as being representative of the emotions.  To bring water energy to your spell, place a bowl of it on your altar.  Water is good for psychic work, love, purification, and healing.  Its direction is west.

Why not explore the elements for yourself and see what they can do for you …

October Full Moon is on the 4th, in the year 2009

In this ritual, you will “Draw Down the Moon”, a process of infusing oneself with the energy and life-force of the full moon.  You will also read  “The Charge of the Goddess” (found at the end of this post), an ancient scripture gifted from the Goddess herself.  It is considered an authentic piece of Craft history, handed down in varied versions, from Charles Leland’s Gospel of Aradia, to Dorren Valiente, and Starhawk’s Spiral Dance.  Beautiful, evocative, magical in itself, the Charge is an essential part of any Esbat ritual.

Supplies:

One white pillar candle for centre of your altar, a copy of the Charge of the Goddess to be read out loud, small pieces of parchment paper, upon which you’ve written anything that you wish to see manifest over the next four weeks, your cauldron, for burning the pieces of parchment, a Tarot deck, runes, or any other divinatory tool.

White and silver are symbolic for this ritual.  Try an altar cloth in white damask, with a quartz crystal ball in the center as a symbol of the Moon.  Silver candlesticks with dangling cut-glass “crystals” hold the God and Goddesscandles; arrange a slender glass vase with baby’s breath and three white roses, andset the white pillar candle on a round bevel-edged mirror.  A huge white moonsail shell stands for the Goddess, and a creamy deer antler represents the God; a few more strategically placed pieces of clear quartz catch the candlelight, and silver star-shaped confetti is sprinkled everywhere.  Breathtaking!

The Body of the Ritual

Light the white pillar candle.

Stand at the altar … Repeat these words,

“Tonight, we welcome the Mother.  Full, and bright in all her glory.

Rich, milk-white Goddess of mystery and light.  Come, blessed Moon, Lady of Magic.

Pour your light over me.  Fill me with your fire.  Blood and bone, bright with your power, Witch and Goddess are one.”

Draw Down the Moon

Take your athame in your right hand.  Take a deep breath and centre yourself.  Raise your arms above you, as if welcoming heaven.  If you are outside, be in the moonlight.   If you are indoors, imagine.

The Goddess silvers the sky and all the Earth below her.  Her light is cool, translucent, streaming down in glittering waves and washing over everything, over you.  Breathe it in.  Close your eyes and open your crown chakra, on top of your head, and your heart centre, just above your solar plexus; let the moonlight flood inside you.  Breathe more deeply, as the energy animates you.  Your body quickens; your skin feels electrified as you take in more and more of the Goddess’ power.  You open your eyes, and they burn in the darkness; the eyes of a wolf, a tiger, a creature of instinct in the deepest forest at midnight.  Everything is sharp, focused, charged with light; you are the Goddess embodied, and magic is indeed afoot!  Now read the “Charge of the Goddess” aloud.

Charge of the Goddess

Here my words, and know me.  I shall be called by many names, in many tongues’ past ancient days, beyond this moment, and through the end of time – at once Artemis, Diana, Ishtar, Aphrodite, Venus, the Morrigan, and Queen of the Witches.  I am the Great Goddess, Mother of All.

Whenever you have need of my aid – once a month and best when the Moon is full – shall you assemble in some secret place, to call me and to honour my spirit.  Know that my truths and my love shall make you free, for no man can enslave you, or prevent your worship of me in your mind and in your heart.  I require no sacrifice or pain of your bodies, for I am the Mother of all living things, and my only law is Love Unto All.

Listen well when you come into my presence, and I shall teach you of deep mysteries, ancient and powerful, the rhythms of the planets and the seasons, the circle of life and earth and life renewed.  That which is unknown shall be known, and that which is hidden shall be revealed; even the most secretive soul shall find illumination in me.

For I am the beauty of the green Earth, the silver Moon that sails among the stars, the mystery of the flowing waters,  and the desire of the heart of Man.  From me all things are born, and to me all things in their season return.  Let my joyous worship be in your hearts; dance, sing, and feast in my name, for all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals.  Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you, for these are the gifts I offer to all my children.

And you who seek to know me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery – for if that which you seek you find not within yourself, you will never find it without.

Hear my words, and know me truly; Lady of Moonlight and Magic; Maiden, Mother, and Crone.  For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I will welcome you into my arms once more at the end of all your days.”

Now perform any other spell-work, consecration of tools, etc.  Give thanks for wish fulfillment, or something else that has occurred since the last Moon Rite.  Read your new wish aloud.  (If in a group setting and privacy is an issue, read your wish silently).  Light the parchment with the flame of the pillar candle, and drop it into the cauldron.  Read aloud the following …

“Goddess Silver, Goddess Bright, Take this wish from me tonight.  Full, to dark, and round again, Please grant this wish for me by then”.

Now choose a rune or Tarot card and interpret it as a message from the Goddess regarding the coming four weeks.

  Lunar Celebrations

Of all that is mysterious, and wonderous, and magical about Wicca, the most powerful of all is the Moon.  Since ancient times, people have looked to the Moon to define order of their days.  The Sun’s cycle could only dictate the passing of the seasons; people needed a way to mark time in smaller increments.  The first calendars, therefore, were lunar, the division of weeks and months decided by the Moon’s waxing and waning phases.  The Chinese philosophy of yin and yang is based on these same principles, and both Muslim and Jewish cultures still divide thier years by the Moon’s cycle.

The tangible nature of the Moon’s energy is indisputable.  Ocean tides, spawning fish, earthquakes, and catastrophic weather phenomena have all been studied in direct correlation to the Moon’s cyclical temper.  Since emotions correspond to the element of water, jsut as tides are braced and buffeted by the Moon’s influence so too is the human psyche.  Research done by psychiatrists, police investigators, and hospitals show dramatic fluctuations in criminal and psychotic behaviours during both the Full and New Moon phases.  But the effects are not purely negative; heightened psychic and intuitive awareness, precognitive dreams, and enhanced healing and manifestation ability are all gifts of the Moon’s watery spirit.

Women have always been the most aware of, and thus mos profoundly connected to, the Moon’s unique energies, as the path of the Moon is a celestial illustration of the menstual cycle.  Because of this instinctual connection, women were the healers and the sages in the clans of our ancestors as well as the keepers of the calendar, charting the most auspicious times for planting, harvesting, gatherings, and ritual.  For this same connection, the Moon is seen as the Goddess, changing in her monthly circles as do women’s bodies; the cycle of increased hormone production, ovulation, and menses in women corresponding exactly to the Maiden (New), Mother (Full), and Corne (Dark) phases of the Moon.

So, what does all of this mean to a Witch?  In a word, magic.  The Craft, with its reverence for the feminine, has always been irrevocably linked to the mystical influence of the Moon.  Each Moon phase has a distinct energy that can be tapped for specific magical purposes; many a Witches observe both New and Full Moon Esbats, and work magic in between as well, according to need.  The word Esbat literally means “to frolic”, and there is merriment aplenty whenever Witches gather to celebrate in the glow of the Goddess. 

Moon Magic

There are thirteen Full Moons in a calendar year, due to the rotation of the Earth, and each has a number of ancient names and magical meanings.  For the October Full Moon it is known as the Blood Moon, Falling Leaf Moon, or Moon of Storms.  This is a time for transition, release, inner peace, past lives, and karmic completion.

October 4th, 2009 – Full Moon

Here is the Mother in all her glory, sailing high in the heavens, trailing silvery skirts across the bright Earth.  Magic that calls forth personal power, abundance, protection, fertility, and psychic awareness is the most fruitful during this time.  Cleansing of ritual tools, crystals, Tarot decks, and the like can also be done now.  The power of this phase can be accessed for a period of seven days – three days prior to, the night of, and three days after the Full Moon.  Magic worked during the Full Moon often takes one complete Moon cycle to come to fruition.

The Full Moon is also the time to honour the Goddess.  Whitches do this in the Craft by “Drawing Down the Moon”, a ritual that brings the Moon’s power directly into the physical body.  Done well, a Drawing fills you with the most extrodinary energy – tingling, electrified, aliv, our senses heightened, the air fairly crackling around you.  And any ritual magic worked after embodying the Goddess in this way is practically guaranteed to catch the universe’s attention.

I would love to hear from any of you, on how you might celebrate this full moon or if you have any stories of the effects a full moon has had on you or anyone you know.

Blessings, Francesca