The Importance of Image

I have had several people in my area ask about how I dress or don't dress and how I act. I feel that as a real witch it is my duty to dispel the myth and fraud of Witchcraft that has been created by both Hollywood and other individuals who just want attention. But more so I have an image to up hold as a pagan mother!

Palm Reading: The Fingers Cont. Jewelry(Lesson 8)

This post is to continue the lesson on the fingers. Jewelry on the fingers can be a good indication of a person's character.

Palm Reading: Interpreting the Fingers (Lesson 7)

In palm reading each individual  finger has a meaning as well as it's relation to the other fingers and the palm as well. When reading the fingers you have to take into account previous injuries or illness such as arthritis that has changed their shapes and can give a deceptive reading.

Palm Reading: Lesson 6

This post will focus on the last of the 4 major lines on the palm, the fate line. Not everyone has this line but if they do it usually runs down the center of the palm. This line should be read from the wrist up towards the fingers.

Palm Reading: Lesson 5

This lesson will focus on the life line of the palm. This is the line that starts at the top of the thumb base, between the thumb and index finger, and curves around the palm to the wrist. It should be read in this direction as well.

Palm Reading: Lesson 4

I'm going to explain the Head Line today. The head line should be read from the thumb to the pinkie finger or towards each other in up turned palms.

Palm Reading: Lesson 3

Today I am going to focus on one of the 4 major lines of the palm. The heart line.

Palm Reading: Lesson 2

Today I am going to explain the beginning basic of palm reading. Identifying the 4 major lines, palm shape, the fingers in relation to the palm, and what each type signifies.

Beginning Palm Reading

I would like to begin a basic lesson on how to read palms.

Gatherings Explained

I have been asked what the different gatherings of the coven are for so here is a detailed explanation of the different type including full moon, new moon, and Esbats and Sabbats.

Ghosts and Goblins: Why We Decorate

During the month of October it's not unusual to see homes with skeletons, ghosts, and much more displayed! Haunted houses become fashionable to attend, real or make believe. Carved pumpkins and witches on brooms with their black cats curled up at their feet. Why is it that during this month we start to think of such things, why is death such a part of our lives in the month of October? Here is a brief break down of the holiday of Samhain.

The History of Trick-or-Treating

I know I promised this yesterday, I'm sorry but in a house with 7+ children I feel like Old Mother Hubbard and forget a few things! Well here it is today! Better late than never!

As the day grows nearer children everywhere start planning their costumes, getting their bags ready, and drawing up their routes. Parents start getting together planning groups and looking for safe areas. Parties are planned, candy is bought, make-up is applied. So much excitement and fun ahead. But do you know what the back story is on this fun tradition?

Legends of the Jack-o-lantern

Everyone knows that carved pumpkins and Halloween/Samhain go hand in hand but do you know why? Here are a few stories of how they came about!

PET SAFETY

PET OWNERS
Safety tips for Samhain
1) Be careful with all decorations. Place candles where they are stable and away from pets and their fur! Fake cob webs should be placed carefully because they can pose a danger to wild birds not to mention a strangulation and entanglement hazard to cats and dogs. Be sure to get rid of old pumpkins ASAP because rotten pumpkins can be dangerous to wild life. 

2) If you must dress your pet up be sure that their vision and breathing are unhindered and that they are OK wearing it. 

3) Place cats and dogs safely inside your home because repeated door opening for trick-or-treaters allows for several chances to escape.

4) Your pets may be safe around people and children but terrified of hobgoblins and ghosts! Leave them at home inside safe. Costumes may frighten your pet and they may become excited and nervous around them.

5) Provide your pets with healthy pet friendly treats. Chocolate is toxic to animals and other goodies can pose a danger as well.

Keep your pets safe during the holiday and protect them. Please share this with your friends as well!

Blessed Be,

Lady Alice

October Harvest Recipe

October is the time for apple and squash harvests. Here is a recipe I made for our wedding guests! I can't wait for our anniversary!

Extended Timeline for Witchcraft History

This is a work in progress for the history of witchcraft.

Sexual Beliefs of a Witch

So a close family friend (who shall remain anonymous, but is never the less highly valued for their acceptance and love) has brought it to my attention that a local preacher has taken to stating facts about  a "local group of evil witches" (meaning me) who are sexual deviants who practice in, what they have from inside information (really now, I say LIAR), sexual deviations. They have taken to stating that witches are well known for their beliefs in sexual perversions, practices of rape, molestation, wild sexual orgies, and bestiality. Well...

Egregores: Good or Bad

 Egregore (also spelled Egregor) is an occult concept representing a "thought form" or "collective group mind", an autonomous psychic entity made up of, and influencing, the thoughts of a group of people. The symbiotic relationship of an Egregore and it's group mentality has been compared to the more recent, non-occult concepts of corporations (as a legal entity) and the meme.

Voodoo and Witchcraft

I've been asked if Voodoo and Witchcraft are the same thing or if there are any similarities.

Homemade Cold Remedies

Cold season has hit my home early this year! And I don't mean all this cooler weather. I'm talking stopped up noses, runny noses, runny stopped up noses, congestion, sneezing, coughing, fevers, and a whole boat load of others! Here is a few of the things I do at home to help ease the discomfort.

New Moon Ritual for New Beginnings

This month's new moon is here! September is the largest Harvest month and a time to start things new. Samhain is just around the corner bringing a new year and Mabon is soon here to give thanks. Thanks to the Goddess for her blessings and thanks to the God for the crops and seeds for the next year. Here is a ritual for new beginnings!

Mabon

Mabon is the Autumnal Equinox. This year it is September 22 for the northern hemisphere. Mabon is the pagan Thanksgiving. It is a feast to celebrate and share the second harvest.

How Does a Ritual Work

I've explained working rituals but I would like to go a little deeper into explaining the how of a ritual. Not the how to do it but how it actually works. I've had many students become discouraged because they felt their rituals didn't have the same power. That is the beginning of their problem, belief.

How to Become a Witch

One question I have been asked in many emails is "how did you become a witch?", well it's not just like someone waved a wand over me and did it!

Acceptance

Acceptance is hard for some people to give. They see it as defeat when in fact it's not defeat it's accepting that you value your relationship more than being the same.

Witchcraft: A History

Before the Christian church was fully formed and opinions on witches was tainted by Exodus 22:18, witches and mystics were revered by people.

Timeline for the Salem Witch Trials

I have been asked by an online student for a timeline of the Witch Trials in Salem Mass. Matthew is in Germany and wishes to know more about our history of the Craft here in America. I think this would be a great share with others as well. So here is a list to start us off Matthew.

Self dedication or Traditional

I've had a few people email me asking if I am traditional or if I am solitary. I've also been asked which is better.

Blue Moon Ritual

This year's blue moon, or thirteenth full moon, will be August 31. This can be a time of personal cleansing, or a time to seek the Goddess's blessing. Here is a blue moon cleansing ritual!

Important Dates in Recent Times

Erin Brinkley made the comment in an email to me about witchcraft being a religion. Her exact comment was "How can you say your ideas are a religion? Witchcraft is a joke and not a real belief system." Well just to answer her question, something I usually don't do when I get hate mail, here is a small look at our history for my "haters".

The Black Mass

R. B. from Winder, GA wrote to me asking about a rite called the Black Mass. He wanted to know what it is and how to preform it.

Ghosts and Spirits

Amanda C in Utah asked about ghosts, spirits, and phantoms and how they are associated with witchcraft.

The Great Rite and sex Magic

So, Sharron G. from Ontario, Canada, asked about sex magic and The Great Rite.

Red Velvet

Ok Keli B. from Athens GA! I know this isn't witch but it's great for cakes and ale for big gatherings!

How Did I know I was a Witch

I have been asked how I knew I was a witch by Emma J. from New Mexico. So I will take a few moments to answer this.

The Old Laws

These are the Laws of Old. They are the laws witches were supposed to bide by. These were written a very long time ago when things were very dangerous for us. In deed, in some countries is still is! Even here in America we are subject to ignorance and hatred. But for the most part in America we have no fear of being tried and put to death for it. For the most part these laws were to protect us from harm. I present them here for you to read and understand how far we have come and who we are as a people.

Dealing With Stress in Children With Meditation

My children go back to school soon, and they are so anxious. It's stressful for the whole family. Shopping for uniforms, supplies, and just meeting new teachers! I like to help my kids with this transition by helping them to meditate. Here is how meditation can work for children (even my rambunctious two year old and my exploring 5 month old) to help them slow down and think clearly during stressful situations.

Wiccan Funeral Ritual

I am often asked about how a funeral for a Pagan goes. It seems many people don't have one. Mostly because once you are dead you have very little say and most of their loved ones are Christian and bury them in their traditions. If you want a Wiccan funeral service you need to make arrangements before you die legally to insure your wishes are respected. Here is one of the ceremonies I have done. This is the ceremony the individual provided for me to do. 

Lammas Feast

3 of my beautiful gifts from the Goddess celebrate their birthdays between July 26 and August 4! Lammas is my holiday! This year on August 1st we are having a cookout to celebrate their birthdays! I am inviting anyone who wishes to join us and enjoy some good food to come on over! Just email me at dancingmooncoven@yahoo.com and let me know. It will be August 1, 2012 at 4pm. just shoot me an email for location and directions and other info!

Blessed be!
Lady Alice

Protection Charm

This is a pretty powerful protection spell. It should be preformed during the full moon (the next being august 2, full moon schedules) at midnight.

Ritual for Releasing Anger

This was sent to me by a friend the other day because I have been having issues with letting go anger over a bad time in my life. It's not anger towards those around me and I try to hide it but when you have things in your mind that effect emotions others can feel it. No matter how good your poker face is.

Altar Dedication Ritual

Here is a ritual for any new altar you set up.

Superstitions

We tend to be superstitious but I think superstition in more demographic than pagan!

Family Familiars

I have heard a lot of debate over the subject of animal familiars. I've heard everything from evil to lost loved ones. I have had the extraordinary pleasure of having a familiar myself and let me tell you there was nothing evil about him! However, he could be mean when he wanted to! What is a familiar, and how do you get one? Let's take a minute to talk about it!

The Triple Goddess

For witches our Goddess has three aspects, the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. Following the three  stages of life a woman passes through. Different stages depend on the time of the year and phases of the moon.

Witch's Boards

A witch's board or a Quija Board is not something the dabblers and fools should mess with. They are a gate way between worlds and they invite the spirit entity to communicate through you! In other words possess your body! Just like all magic and rituals in witchcraft they have to be properly opened and closed. Spirits aren't always good and friendly. With this warning there are still those out there who will ignore me, so here is a little information on them.

The Goddess Charge

This is the charge to the Goddess I use from my book of shadows. You should use the charge to the Goddess anytime you do moon magic or rituals and any ritual you want the Goddess's specific aids. You are asking the Goddess to not only bless your ritual but you are also inviting her to use your body as a vessel. You are asking her to flow through you and to allow her light to fill you and flow into your works.

Banishing Ritual

This banishing ritual is one I use to protect my family from specific harmful intent. It should be performed during the waning moon. It is good to prevent harm from happening and to banish any ill will directed towards you. 

A Witch's Secret Garden

Most every witch has an herb garden whether it be small pots on their kitchen counter to flower beds in their yard. If you happen to be one with extraordinary luck to have the space to spread out I would suggest doing so! Some plants return each year or provide all year long. As you plant flower beds around your yard try to look into herbs such as sage, rosemary, and other flowering herbs. Not only will they look nice and return next year, but they will also provide fresh herbs for both kitchen and coven, and they will encourage bees to help pollinate your garden! Here are a few tips for when and where to plant them for the most harmony. Even if it's just some plants around your house!

Candle Working

A little advice for candle preparations.

Why Both a God and a Goddess

I've had many people tell me that they feel that men are looked down upon in Witchcraft. That they feel that women are held above men and just like Christians revere the male deity, witches hold the Goddess higher than the God. While it is true that in some traditions of Witchcraft the high priestess leads the coven, both the male and the female are seen as equals. In my coven I am the High Priestess and I lead my coven, but I am the founder of the coven. I have a council of elders who assist me with the inner workings of the coven and help arrange and carry out different things.

A Ritual for the Loss of a Loved One

No matter the measures we take to prepare ourselves for the loss of our loved ones, nothing will keep us from feeling the pain in our hearts when it happens. Their absence reminds us of how much we need them in our lives. Not a day goes by that I don't find myself wishing to be able to lift the phone to my ear and hear my grandmother's sweet voice or wish I could still hold my son and rub my face in his crazy thick hair! This ritual helps to bring me comfort in times when it is hardest to bare.

When Old Witchcraft Becomes Modern Medicine

Many modern medical practices used to be labeled as witchcraft. The use of "remedies" was looked down upon and discouraged, and even punished. If you were suffering some ailment it was a penance for something you did wrong. The use of minerals and herbs to heal the body was devilry. Even midwives were considered evil because the suffering of a woman in labor was placed upon all women for the punishment of Eve for her part in the Original Sin. Labor pain was a punishment for all women due to one woman's supposed rebellion against the Christian god, and she was supposed to remember this and not try to ease it. (Obviously women didn't come up with this rule and if men had to have pain as well it wouldn't exist!) But however the use of home remedies is just old timey folk medicine! Passed down from mother to daughter or father to son.

The Salem "Witch" Trials and the Truth

Let's take a minute to think about the men and women murdered for being witches during the witch craze of 1692. I have heard a few make the comment that "if we still burned them like we did in Salem..." and I want to set the record straight from my view point on it. First off there were no actual witches put to death in Salem, second what happened never actually ended!

The Horned God

In pagan beliefs the God is usually the most misinterpreted one by other religions. Christians view his stag horns and automatically think SATAN! When is truth the bible never describes Satan as having deer's horns. You have the goat of the Baphomet in the Satanic pentacle, which is a goat not a deer.

Wiccan Wheel Turning 'Round

The wheel of the year is essentially a visual representation of the pagan year. It shows how the seasons are a continuous circle of repetition. When one season ends and another follows it is in a constant loop. So, too, is life. We are born, we grow, we age, we pass, and then we are reborn to begin again. The seasons represent the constant birth, death, and rebirth cycles of both the Goddess and God.

Home Blessing Rituals

When you move into a new home you want it to be yours! One thing about not building your own home is that the person who lived before you in it leaves their energies, good or bad! I live in a home built in the 1880's, it has wonderful histories! But it also has those peoples' energies still in here! Some are not so bad but others...

The Pentagram and Pentacle

One of the most tale telling signs of a witch is the Pentacle. It is a very misunderstood symbol, in most parts thanks to early Christian witch hunters. It has come to be called a devil symbol and evil. However that could be farthest from the truth! Just checking to see what search was used to lead people to my blog I noticed one of the top searches was "devil star" and "devil worshiping symbols". The truth behind the symbol is much more beautiful.

That dusty old broom closet

Why should witches have to continue to hide? Why do we give the church the right to continue to hunt us and attack us? Why are we allowing ourselves to be forced into hiding still to this day? Why is it a church can legally go to a soldier's funeral to protest that person's life but a pagan soldier cannot have a symbol of their religion on their headstone? Why is it a church is allowed to make me feel uncomfortable in my own home by coming to my house and trying to force their religion on me but I am not allowed to publicly sell my homemade homeopathic goods in my own town?

Inner workings of an eclectic coven

I have often been asked how do I call eclectics a coven. Well, Websters defines a coven as:

A question of skyclad

It is true that some traditions require ritual nudity, but however the concept of nudity can make many cringe in fear and avoid rituals. There are several things to take to mind about ritual nudity. Legality being the first and foremost consideration to bear in mind. Comfort being the second.

Basics are Basic

I have given a list and break down of the basic ritual tools used for witchcraft. For all rituals and Sabbat rituals you will need these tools. There are other tools that we use. Various different herbs, stones or crystals, oils, even fruits and vegetables, and a few other things. Usually a ritual requiring a special tool will state the reason for it.

Cauldron's Bubble

The cauldron is a very versatile item! A witch should try to come about several various sizes! They can be used for anything from placing offerings in them to actually brewing "potions"! Like the challis, the cauldron represents the womb of the Goddess.  It is also a symbol of earth and water.

The Ties That Bind

In witchcraft one of the most misunderstood tools is the cords. What color should they be? Why do we use them? How long should they be? What should they be made of? Are there different types of cords for different rituals? I will try to explain these as best as I can. If anyone has any other information I forget please feel free to email me with it so that I can update my knowledge! dancingmooncoven@yahoo.com

Black or White Magic?

I get asked almost daily if I'm a good witch or a bad witch, I guess people watch too much Wizard of Oz or just Television in general. The truth is there are both good and bad witches out there and then most of the time the bad witches are people who are misunderstanding of the craft. Can magic be used for bad? Yes it can. Can witchcraft be used for personal gain? Yes it can. Are there witches out there that use it to hurt others? Yes there are. But......

My cat has 9 tails!

A cat of nine tails is another name for the scourge! The scourge is used in witchcraft not as a punishment but as ritual cleanser! It is not exactly used to leave whelps (unless you want it too!).

Altar Tiles

The altar tile or paten is a disk placed in the center of the altar where offerings and other tools, including the water and salt dish are placed to consecrate them.

Consecrating Tools

This is the ritual I learned for consecrating tools. This is from my personal book of shadows. Please be sure to follow all directions and consecrate all of your tools before ritual use. When they are not in use I suggest storing them where others will not be tempted to handle them. Nothing draws more interest from all types than a witch's altar. Curiosity gets the best of everyone! Not to mention no one wants anyone pawing their possessions! For others to handle your ritual tools would be bad because it would interfere with the charge and could leave behind negative and/or unwanted energies.

Magic Wands, Wands of Magic

Wands stir up images of wizards and dragons, but a wand is important for focusing energies especially during rituals to the element of air. The wand is a phallic symbol and masculine. It can be used in place of the Athame or sword when the element of air is involved as they are both symbols of fire. Wands can be everything from a raw twig to an elaborately ornate one that you buy! Some very important elements should however be kept in mind for your wand.

Cup of Wine

The challis and wine are two of the tools of witchcraft that are symbolic of the Goddess. The challis representing the cup of life or the womb. The wine would be the life that flows from it. In witchcraft the challis is always an offering to the Goddess and a libation is first poured out to the Goddess and offerings of liquid are given in the challis. So, what is a challis? Do you have to consume alcohol?

Your BoS

A Book of Shadows is a witch's right hand tool. (My page on this can be found at this link Book of shadows) It is where they write down everything they have learned. You can't hope to remember EVERYTHING! No matter how you create you BoS, hand written or typed, you should be the one to create every word and page within it. If you photocopy the pages from another person you are creating just another copy of someone else's book. There will be parts you miss and possible mistakes you won't catch. You should create your own Book of Shadows as a reflection of you. Keep it safe and take care of it and in times of need it will take care of you! Buying a blank BoS is fine, but buying a prewriten book is just not acceptable. Besides any good witch takes pride in the creation of their BoS!

Blessed be,
Lady Alice

Incense

Incense can open the mind through the sense of smell! Different smells can have a strong effect on the mind, they can trigger memories and influence emotions. Our sense of taste and smell are so closely related that without one we cannot have the other. Incense can be used during meditations to focus the mind. Different types burn differently and for different duration. Sticks will burn at different rates depending on size. Cones can burn for a long time because of their high resin content. You can burn whole resins using charcoal burners (please use caution with charcoal inside). Whether you make your own or buy them is up to you. The type you use is also up to your comfort levels, some people find the smell of burning incense to be too strong. I suggest they try to use essential oils and a warmer or scented candles because they have a milder odor. Which ever you choose to use please be sure to use caution! Burn them on a heat proof surface in a stable area! I suggest placing them in a heat proof dish on a bed of sand to absorb the heat. Carefully handle the censor as you lift and move it.

Different scents can have different influences on the mind and can be different for every individual. Some might find the smell of hot apple pie or cookies baking to be a reminder of childhood while others may not enjoy so fondly. The same with incense. This is a general meaning list, but I suggest finding the smells that work best for yourself. Experiment and try many!

Candles

Candles and incense are a great part of rituals and ceremonies. The warmth of light the lit candle gives off can set a soothing mood!

I will start with candles and their uses.

The reason to understand

To answer a friends question, "Why are you just posting boring stuff about knives and directions and not any of the good stuff?", a witch's tools are the good stuff! Having an understanding of their function and symbolism is very important. It is as important as a Christian understanding why the cross is worshiped! The quarters are and must be called and respected for each and every ritual. They must be understood and respected. A witch not following the ritual correctly isn't a serious devotion to the craft but a "fluffy" who just likes attention. You must know your tools and why you use them, it's like having a shed full of tools and not knowing what they are used for. This is the "good stuff"! The tools and their uses is very interesting to me, why we use them, properly using them. The quarters are a balance to everything, they are the basic elements of life and one must know and respect them in order to work with them. The fact that you continue to think they are boring and not worth your time shows me that you are not ready to be my student and that you would give my name a bad connotation to anyone who knew I was your teacher. This comment is why I refuse to allow you into my circle and be a part of my ritual. When you can understand and properly respect that witchcraft is more than hocus pocus, then I will be willing to teach you, but for now you are just a child acting out against your parents and I won't have you disrespect my religion to do so. Now, I love you but I will have your respect if you want mine. I am not trying to hurt your feelings but to let others who are thinking the same thing know that Wicca, Witchcraft, and other types of paganism are religions and should be respected as such and if one chooses to be a follower they should also be willing to devote themselves to learning and understanding them.

Blessed be,
Lady Alice

Athame and Boline, Not the same thing

An Athame is a ritual knife used during ceremonies. Traditionally it has a black handle and a double edged blade. The Athame is used in rituals as a channel for a witch to focus their energies.

A Boline is another knife used during rituals for cutting herbs and other ritual needs for cutting. Traditionally it has a white handle and a double edged blade. The blade of this knife should be sharp and well cared for because nothing is more dangerous than a dull knife!

Usually a witch has both knives. They are special knives set aside only for ritual use. Cutting garden herbs with the Boline is acceptable if it is for ritual usage. Knives with wooden handles are great because you can easily carve runes and symbols into them. Both are masculine and phallic in nature representing the God and fire.

Broom sticks!

Witches and brooms are a familiar combination! Though I do get a little irritated being asked if I can fly on mine! My best come back for this is asking them if they can walk on water! That being said a witch's besom is a very important part of magic. We use it to "sweep" all the negative energy out of our ritual areas. I make brooms and sell them for handfastings and other ritual use. I make them big and small! Usually when I make them for weddings I ask the couple for their colors and I tailor make it to fit their details. I have found that many people like several different styles from fanned to round, from thick and bristly to long and slim. Several things should be remembered about brooms. First being, their brush should never actually touch the ground when it's used to "sweep" out the circle. It is a symbolic cleansing. Second I have never actually flown ON my broom (flew to India once WITH it!). You can hang your broom over the door to your house to ward of negative energies that may try to come in. 

New Moon Ritual

Perform this ceremony outside if at all possible -- it's the best way to get a good look at the sliver of new moon. You'll need a moon candle, wrapped in a black cloth, to place on your altar. (This is traditionally a white pillar-style candle). You'll also need a hand-held mirror. Tie some silver and white ribbons on it if you wish. Finally, have a small bowl of Blessing Oil handy.

Dark moon ritual

All you need is you and the Dark Moon! 

On the night of the Dark Moon, as late as you can possibly stay awake, stand outside and breathe in the blackness of the night. It is Hecate’s night, the Crone Goddess has covered you in her blanket and given you the time to consider all those things in your life that you no longer need. You are safe within the womb of the Dark Goddess.

Meditation

Meditation is a form of mental exercise to help focus your mind. Meditation helps you be able to focus inside your own body and mind. You must be fully self aware to be able to focus energies into rituals. Things you can control are a great start. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Concentrate on each breath in and each breath out. Feel how it fills your lungs and how your heart reacts to the oxygen filling your lungs. With each breath in visualize a strong wind blowing through a room stirring things up, as you breath out visualize all the clutter blowing out the door. As you focus on your breath begin to be aware of your heart beating. Count each beat time your breaths by a beat count, breathe in for a count of three beats and then breath out for the same count.

Mid-summer

Wednesday June 20 will be the summer solstice for the northern hemisphere this year. Pagans called the Midsummer moon the "Honey Moon" for the mead made from fermented honey that was part of wedding ceremonies performed at the Summer Solstice. Ancient Pagans celebrated Midsummer with bonfires, when couples would leap through the flames, believing their crops would grow as high as the couples were able to jump. Midsummer was thought to be a time of magic, when evil spirits were said to appear. To thwart them, Pagans often wore protective garlands of herbs and flowers. One of the most powerful of them was a plant called 'chase-devil', which is known today as St. John's Wort and still used by modern herbalists as a mood stabilizer (funny how ancient witchcraft is now called modern medicine). The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and is a day to celebrate feast to the God. The summer solstice, Litha, is a celebration of the spirit or soul.

Setting up an Altar

Altars are our working surface. It's like an artist's pallet or a carpenter's work bench. It reflects their character and is functional in the aid of their crafts. A witch's altar is just that too. It is a surface from which to work rituals and spells. It can be a special table bought and solely devoted to nothing else or it can be the top of a small box use to hold and carry all the tools. I have had both. When I lived with my parents I had a small end table that I used and stored everything in it's drawer, when I lived in a tiny apartment I had a small wooden box I used because I could move it from room to room. I am currently in the process of setting up a special altar room in my home, but also a spot in my yard! An altar must be big enough to accommodate all of you essential working tools with a little room left over to comfortably allow for special ritual items. A crowded altar can make ritual work a pain and it can destroy your focus. An altar can also be a special cloth you spread out for rituals and then roll up and put away after. Just be sure it is something you feel comfortable working on, especially with lit candles.

Dismissing Your Circle

When you have finished your ritual the quarters will need to be dismissed. Again moving from one quarter to the next beginning in the North and moving counter clockwise. This time draw a banishing pentagram in the air and thank each element for joining you.

North Quarter

"Guardians of the North, Powers of Earth, you who are the stabilizer and nurturer, solid as the mountains, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite."

West Quarter

"Guardians of the West, Powers of Water, you who are emotions and pure love. Who is the morning dew, and the torrential rains, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite."

South Quarter

"Guardians of the South, Powers of Fire, you who are passion and the hearth. Great One who lives within the coals of the home fires as well as wild fires, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite."

East quarter

"Guardians of the East, Powers of Air; you who are thought and morning breeze and the wrath of storms, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite."

Calling the Quarters/ Casting a Circle

When calling the quarters you are doing more than just walking the cardinal directions of the compass. You are asking the elements in that direction to join and bless your magic. You're seeking their support and powers to assist with your workings. Respect and understanding is the first thing to begin with. With anything it is the first thing! You should know the workings of calling the quarters and casting your circle for anything to work, but if improperly called things can be disastrous. Knowing which direction to start and which direction to travel is a very important part of rituals. Begin in the East and call to the guardians while drawing an invoking pentagram in the air. Then move clockwise to the south, west, north, and finally returning to the east.

Altars and tools

Just a quick word to let those who sent me an email. Later I will post about calling the quarters and opening a circle. I just didn't include it in my previous post because my focus was on the Full Moon ritual and it would have made for a very long post! Maybe a few posts of the next few days explaining each quarter and what it signifies. There are several ways that a room can be set up to balance these things to aid in rituals. But still to no end, OUTSIDE works better than any environment.

Full moon ritual to the Goddess

With Venus soon moving across the sun and tonight's moon reaching full, I think a little dedication to the Goddess is in order! Here is a simple full moon ritual from my personal book of shadows, it can be done both in a group and as a solitary! It can be done anytime there is a full moon as it is not Sabbat specific ritual but a calling for the moon or Goddess's energies. Enjoy!

Animals and souls

I foster with my local Humane Society. I find it rewarding! We are currently trying to raise money to build a shelter by selling small paw print tags, like the March of Dimes does, for a $1. I sent invites to friends hoping they can help out. I've had many friends accepting the invite. Which is wonderful! However several  friends declined and one even sent me a nasty little message about it being a waste of money and resources and the animals that are strays should be euthanized. I was heart broken at such a comment! I couldn't believe that and asked for an explanation. I was then entered into a debate about animals having emotions and souls!!! Apparently some people believe animals don't have feelings and when they die they just die because they don't have souls. I've had several pets, not being a spring chicken anymore, in my life time. They all had their own personalities and personal quirks, many of them loved something others disliked! They showed every emotion, from happy to jealousy, that humans have! I've seen a mother give birth to a litter and mourn for the one who didn't make it, I've seen a cat sit for days and figure out child locks on a cabinet door where his treats were stored! I've seen animals that know how to communicate when they wanted something. To think that humans are the only animal with the ability to reason, or feel emotion, is the most self centered, egotistical rubbish I have ever heard! Animals feel a lot more than humans can, they mourn the loss of a human when no one else does. My belief is that animals of all kinds are a creation of the Goddess and God and are a creation of love! Since I believe in reincarnation I also hold a personal belief that our souls can sometimes be reborn as animals either as a reward or to learn a lesson. They deserve the same love and respect as humans! They could be an ancestor sent to watch over us. I would like to hear other's thoughts on this subject, just shoot me an email at dancingmooncoven@yahoo.com or join my group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancingmooncoven/  to discuss it.
Blessed Be
Lady Alice