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The Origin of Satanic Holidays

Satanic Holidays were adapted like many other holidays, from the pagan calendar year, and sourced mainly from the Satanic Bible which also used the typical pagan holiday system of recognizing the changes of season.

A traditional reference for Satanic Holidays can be found in the Satanic Bible, where LaVey describes seven different Satanic Holidays or celebrations throughout the year, three of them being major Holidays or events for Satanists.

These three major holidays for Satanists are the birthday, Walpurgisnacht and Halloween. The birthday is considered to be the most important day of the year. The Satanist celebrates the birthday as a way of glorifying the self. Satanists also celebrate Walpurgis, on April 30th as the night that LaVey created the Church of Satan. Halloween or Samhain is also celebrated as the night where the veil of the astral is at its most thin.

While the Satanic Bible focuses on the three main holidays, there are also other holidays for Satanists to celebrate and observe throughout the year. The Solstices and equinoxes are celebrated within Satanism by those that wish to include natural elements into their practices. If one wishes, they could include a demonic element to each solstice and equinox as well.

Satanic Holidays Calendar

The Holiday Calendar for Satanists is very similar to the pagan model, listing seven different holidays in total, while the traditional Wiccan calendar year has eight. An example of the typical pagan calendar year can be found in the Witches Bible, written by LaVey, which describes the solstices, procession of equinoxes and other holidays, which are connected with the celebration of their gods and goddesses. Of course, remember that all of this is dependent on what hemisphere of the earth that you live in.

It is also important to note and keep sacred the day that one enters into Satanism. This entrance into Satanism is done through pact-making with Satan or some other ritual (like a black mass) to commemorate one’s commitment to the path of Satanism and the path of the self.

Eight Possible Holidays for Satanists:

1. The Birthday: arguably the most important holiday in Satanism. It is because the day of your birth is special; it has allowed you to enjoy all that life has to offer and a new year on this earth gives you another opportunity to become a better person. Satanism is often seen as the path of the Self so it makes sense that one’s birthday should be a sacred moment in time.

2. Spring Equinox, 21st March: Life is awakening in spring and so during spring the moment is celebrated by recognizing a renewing of the self and the world around you. Perhaps Lucifer would be a good choice to associate with this holiday, as Lucifer (portrayed as the morning star, Venus) is seen in the east where the sun rises, and the day begins. Also, visit the SpiritualSatanist Blog to read about the Easter Ritual for Lucifer

3. Walpurgisnacht, 30th April: This holiday is associated with the creation of the Church of Satan. Founded in the late 60’s by Anton LaVey, it signified the first time a Satanic association had been publicly recognized.

4. Summer Solstice, 22nd June: When the sun is at its height and the day is longest, we have the summer solstice. We are reminded that events of the year are at their height. An association for this holiday would likely be North, and Belial, represented by the Sun, which fuels the material world around us each day.

5. Autumn Equinox, 21st September: The time of autumn is not only a time for harvest but for preparation for the winter. It is a good time to recognize the moon, West, and Lilith for its benefits for us here on earth each year. This symbolism can be understood through the cycle of the moon, and the cycle of the seasons.

6. Samhain, 31st October: Pronounced as Sow-Han, this holiday is known to many others as Halloween or all hallow’s eve. It is the moment when the ‘veil’ is lifted between the physical and the spiritual world. It is often celebrated by Satanists as one of the most fun times of year! For a history on this holiday and a Satanic Halloween Ritual visit the page How Do Satanists Celebrate Halloween? at the Spiritual Satanist Blog.

7. Winter Solstice, 22nd: During this time the earth enters a slumber and winter sets in, reminding us of the cycle of life and death that we experience all around us every day. In this we are reminded of Satan and its planetary counterpart, Saturn, and south to the earth below us, reflecting on the necessity of endings for a new beginning to occur.

8. Your Initiation: The day that you initiate into Satanism you are making a commitment to yourself. Perhaps you chose to make a pact or you commemorated it with a ritual. The timing of this act is personal and should be held sacred to you as a Satanist as a reminder of where you have been and where you may be headed.

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Satanic Beliefs

The Nine Satanic Statements are a set of nine assertions made by LaVey in the introductory chapters of The Satanic Bible. They are considered a touchstone of contemporary organized Satanism that constitute, in effect, brief aphorisms that capture Satanic philosophy.[110] The first three statements touch on "indulgence", "vital existence" and "undefiled wisdom" which presents a positive view of the Satanist as a carnal, physical and pragmatic being, where enjoyment of physical existence and an undiluted view of this-worldly truth are promoted as the core values of Satanism, combining elements of Darwinism and Epicureanism. Statement four, five and six deal in matters of ethics, through "kindness to those who deserve it", "vengeance" and "responsibility to the responsible", painting a harsh picture of society and human relations by emphasizing justice rather than love. Statements seven, eight and nine reject the dignity of man, sin and the Christian church. Humans are characterized as "just another animal", traditional "sins" are promoted as means for gratification, and religion as mere business. The adversarial and antinomian aspect of Satan takes precedence in support of statements four through nine, with non-conformity being presented as a core ideal.[111]

Satan represents indulgence instead of abstinence.

Satan represents vital existence instead of spiritual pipe dreams.

Satan represents undefiled wisdominstead of hypocritical self-deceit.

Satan represents kindness to those who deserve it, instead of love wasted on ingrates.

Satan represents vengeance instead of turning the other cheek.

Satan represents responsibility to the responsible instead of concern for psychic vampires.

Satan represents man as just another animal who, because of his "divine spiritual and intellectual development", has become the most vicious animal of all.

Satan represents all of the so-called sins, as they all lead to physical, mental, or emotional gratification.

Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years.[112]

The Eleven Satanic Rules of the EarthEdit

Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.

Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.

When in another's home, show them respect or else do not go there.

If a guest in your home annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.

Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.

Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and they cry out to be relieved.

Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.

Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.

Do not harm little children.

Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.

When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask them to stop. If they do not stop, destroy them.[113][need quotation to verify]

The Nine Satanic SinsEdit

These sins, published by LaVey in 1987, outline characteristics Satanists should avoid:[114]

Stupidity

Pretentiousness

Solipsism

Self-deceit

Herd Conformity

Lack of Perspective

Forgetfulness of Past Orthodoxies

Counterproductive Pride

Lack of Aesthetics

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The Satanic Temple Tenets

One should strive to act with compassion and empathy towards all creatures in accordance with reason.

The struggle for justice is an ongoing and necessary pursuit that should prevail over laws and institutions.

One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.

The freedoms of others should be respected, including the freedom to offend. To wilfully and unjustly encroach upon the freedoms of another is to forgo your own.

Beliefs should conform to our best scientific understanding of the world. We should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit our beliefs.

People are fallible. If we make a mistake, we should do our best to rectify it and resolve any harm that may have been caused.

Every tenet is a guiding principle designed to inspire nobility in action and thought. The spirit of compassion, wisdom, and justice should always prevail over the written or spoken word.

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wheel of the year

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💀 Curse Correspondences 💀

Crystals:

Agate - for use on a target who has entered a space uninvited, i.e. someone breaking into your home or vehicle

Alexandrite - causes obsession and delusions

Amethyst - causes sensitivity and self-destruction

Astrophyllite - causes those who have died at the hands of another to torment the target from the grave

Diamond - causes blindness, confusion, and disorientation

Diopside - lowers inhibitions and causes secrets to be revealed

Emerald - causes greed, selfishness, and isolation

Flint - causes conflicts

Garnet - leeches energy from a target

Kunzite - induces vulnerability

Kyanite - used to infiltrate a target’s mind

Meteorite - used as a catalyst in baneful magick

Obsidian - used for general aggressive magick

Onyx - causes nightmares and mental torment, and is used to break up relationships

Opal - used to store negative energy, and then to be given to a target

Ruby - used to focus your intent on a target

Colors:

Black - law, justice, manifestation, sorrow

Red - force, energy, confrontation, jealousy, anger

Greenish Yellow - strife, discord, illness, conflict, jealousy, greed

Magenta - catalyst

Herbs:

Ague Weed - confusion

Angelica Root - misery, strife, distress, discord

Asafoetida - drives enemies away

Bayberry - depression

Bindweed - binding

Blackberry Root - distress

Black Salt - misery, strife, distress, discord

Bladderwrack - illness

Bloodroot - substitute for blood

Blueberry - confusion, strife

Boneset - distress, confusion

Cayenne Pepper - anxiety

Chicory - discord

Chili Powder - discord, misery, strife

Cinquefoil - discomfort

Clove - stopping gossip

Cramp Bark - pain, illness

Dogbane - deception

Dragon’s Blood - destruction, strife, misery

Hemlock - discord, sadness

Henbane - illness, discord, melancholy

Jezebel Root - wickedness, ending relationships, punishing unfaithful lovers

Knot Weed - binding

Lemon - sourness, bitterness

Lemon Verbena - a boost of power, ending relationships

Lime - sourness, bitterness

Lobelia - discord

Mace - misery, strife

Mandrake - misery, strife

Mistletoe - isolation, confusion

Mullein - spirit work, nightmares

Mustard Seed - strife, discord

Myrrh - a boost of power

Nightshade (Belladonna) - discord, illness

Onion - strife

Patchouli - illness

Poke Root - confusion, discord

Poppy Seed - discord

Rue - misery

Safflower - destruction

Spanish Moss - bad luck

Slippery Elm - ending relationships

Stinging Nettle - jealousy, envy, discomfort

Sumac - bad luck

Tobacco - a substitute for any baneful herb

Tormentil - distress, harm, discord

Vetiver - silence

Wormwood (Absinthe) - misery, strife

Yew - spirit work

Yohimbe Bark - impotency

Planets:

Mars - power, force, energy, war, conflict, jealousy

Saturn - law, justice, chaos, revenge

Neptune - confusion, illusion, chaos

Pluto - death, mystery, crisis

Lunar Phases:

Waning - binding

Dark - destruction, banishing, justice

Black - power, manifestation

Taglocks:

DNA (saliva, nail clippings, hair, blood, etc.)

Drawings

Photos

The target’s name written on paper

The target’s signature

An item that belongs to the target

Other Ingredients:

Cigarette butts

Broken glass

Razorblades

Vinegar

Lemon/lime juice

Alcohol

Bones

Needles

Nails

Thorns

Blood

Urine

Saliva

Shark teeth

Catfish spines

Murex seashells

Flying Devil Oil

Dead insects

Black sand

Charcoal

Disclaimer: I do not condone the unethical practice of collecting or harvesting animal parts, or forcefully obtaining certain biological taglocks. These are just ideas, and I am not responsible for anything you choose to do with them.

Updated: 3-9-2017

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Broken Wings Curse

For someone who is getting a little too cocky and needs their ego brought down. It’s what I came up with in my situation.

Keep reading

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Resources for Spirit Work

Please note - though I myself am not a spirit worker, I’ve done enough research and seen enough of other people’s personal stories to say this: spirit work is not always light and fluffy and happy (obviously it can be, but not all the time). Spirits are not all willing to work with you peacefully - some are even downright rude or aggressive. It can be dangerous, and there are risks of getting involved with other entities not of this world. Make sure you know what you are getting into completely and are well prepared before engaging. Read and practice at your own discretion.

Updated: August 18th, 2016

General

[A Beginner’s Guide to Spirit Companionship]

[All the Spirits, All the Places] (tw: gif)

[Are You Overcomplicating Spirit Companionship for Yourself?]

[Bonding 101] (tw: gif)

[Boundaries - The First Component of Constructive Spirit Work]

[Branches of Spirit Work]

[Caution: Calling/Attaching Spirits]

[Common Spirit ‘Scams’]

[Considerate Spirit Offerings]

[Dealing with Spirit Anxiety]

[Dealing with Spirit-Induced Trauma and Injuries]

[Dealing with Spirits You Don’t Want to Deal With]

[Discernment and You]

[Guardian/Protective Spirits]

[House Rules]

[How to Make Your Home More Inviting For Spirits]

[I Have No Time for My Spirit Companions]

[If an “Unbound” Spirit Approaches You]

[A More In-Depth Guide to Dealing with House Spirits]

[On Large Spirit Families]

[Settling In: Getting to Know Your House Spirits]

[Spirit-Caused Wounds]

[Spirit Companions: DIY]

[Spirit Companionship]

Spirit Companionship: [What Is It?]; [Why Choose Companionship?]; [Misconceptions]; [It’s a Commitment]

[Spirit Companionship and Insecurity vs. Trust in Yourself]

Spirit Companionship FAQ: [Part 1]; [Part 2]

[Spirit Defense]

[Spirit Do’s And Don’ts]

[Spirit Etiquette]

[Spirit Guides vs. Companions]

[Spirit Work]

[Spirit Work Basics]

[Spirit Work: The Importance of Putting Yourself First] (tw: gif)

[Spirit Worker Reminders]

[Spirits And Astral Walking]

[Spirits and Demons and Where to Start]

[Spirits and the Danger of Spirit Work, FAQ]

[Thoughts on Spirit Work]

[Working with Spirits]

[Working with Spirits: Contracts]

Communication

[Communicating with House Spirits]

[Contacting Spirit Guides and Other Entities]

[Contacting Your Spirit Guides]

[Guide: How to Communicate with Spirits, Gods, and Other Unseen]

[How I Communicate with Spirits]

How to Communicate With Your Spirit Companion: [Part 1]; [Part 2]

[In-Depth Psychic Communication Guide for Spirit Contact]

[So You Want to Talk to Spirits?]

[Spirit Communication: Tips]

[Spirits: Communications And Customs]

[Ten Things to Avoid When Communicating with Spirits]

[Tuning to the Dead]

Channeling

[Channel a Spirit] (an ask)

[Tips on Channeling Spirits] (an ask)

Possession

[How to Avoid Getting Possessed] (an ask)

[On the Topic of Possession, Attacks, and Other Spirit Problems]

[Spirit Vessels]

[What Exactly is Horsing] (an ask)

Banishing / Exorcism

[Dealing With Dead People - Banishing & Exorcism]

[Exorcism 101]

[How to Banish a Spirit]

[Kicking Them Out - An Intro to Banishings, Cleaning House, and Astral Relationship Intervention]

Spells and Magic

[Banishment Spell, Spirits Begone] (tw: sigil)

[Bottle of Spirit Be-Gone]

[Candle Spell to Banish Negative Energies or Spirits]

[Creating a Spirit Trap Stone]

[For Pleasing Household Spirits]

[“Get the Fuck Out!” Spell - Dead People Verison]

[Quick Protection Ward]

[Ritual to Invite Spirit Contact]

[Samhain Spirit Spell]

[Séance Water]

[Selective Spirit Door-Bar]

[The Soul Alchemists Trap Box]

[Spirit Drive-Out]

[Spirit Poppets]

[The Spirit Vessel]

[Spirit Working Powder]

Sigils

[A variety of spirit companion sigils]

[“Get out of my house, you wispy motherfuckers”]

[“I am not fearful of otherworldly entities”]

[“I am protected from malicious spirits”]

[“I am protected from negative spirits”]

[“I can easily channel spirits without negative impact”]

[“I can see spirits and ghosts”]

[“I communicate easily and quickly with spirits around me”]

[“I communicate with spirits with ease”]

[“I easily communicate with ghosts”]

[“I see and communicate with spirits with ease”]

[“I will have success in spirit work”]

[“Nice, positive spirits are attracted to me and communicate with me”]

[“No malicious beings may enter”]

[“Only kind spirits may enter and stay here”]

[“Protect this dwelling from all negative and evil spirits”]

[“Spirits bring me knowledge not harm”]

[“Spirits cannot enter through these portals without being invited”]

[“Spirits will not and cannot enter through this portal without being invited first”]

Blogs

[blackbearmagic]

[spiritconnect]

[spirithighway]

[spiritvexer]

[thedragonslibrary]

[thiscrookedcrown]

[urbanspellcraft]

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Explaining Traditional Craft

Practices like Wicca tend to place focus more on ceremonial magic (Western Occult Tradition) practices, and ritual. Gerald Gardner, the founder of Wicca, had amassed an array of knowledge from the occult and the esoteric. Many of his influences for Wicca arose from the practices of the Order of the Golden Dawn, Freemasons, Rosicrucians, as well as many of Aleister Crowley's writings. Wiccans tend to see all gods and goddesses representing the primary God and Goddess with an emphasis being placed on the Goddess over the God and incorporating deities from various cultures and traditions. Wiccan beliefs include the Threefold Law, Wiccan Rede as well as the full Wheel of the Year.

In the Traditional Craft many practitioners work with the deities associated from the land in which they reside, their ancestral heritage, folk magic (often passed down from family member to family member) and through deities shown to them through their journeys or Going Within. Many tend to originate from Britain. Traditional Crafters place strong emphasis on the various cultural attributes and historical significance of the deities when incorporating them into ritual. For some practitioners of Traditional Craft there is emphasis placed on The Horned God, but the God and Goddess are often typically seen as equal and balanced. The Gods and Goddesses in Traditional Craft as well as all beings are often seen as equal to the practitioner and something to be honored as an equal as opposed to being strictly revered.One doesn't require Deities or the worship thereof as everything in reality is considered sacred.

In Traditional Craft nature is seen as both a beautiful yet harsh force. The perfect, ultimate balance of all things. Both harsh and gentle, both dark and light. It is neither good nor evil. Traditional Witches work with both the light and the dark aspects and are not afraid to defend their family and their own. It is through the lessons of Mother Nature that Traditional Crafters strive for balance throughout all aspects of their lives. Traditional Witches tend to follow The Law of Return, or Cause and Effect, which is, "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." and equally balanced, different to the Wiccan Law of Threefold Return.

Traditional Witches tend to view everything and it's connection to the Otherworld as being profoundly linked in an intricate web of energy. In the idea of reincarnation or rebirth it is more viewed in the sense of passing through many different stages of life even after death. Once we pass from this world we will then take another form whether it be actual reincarnating into another person, the land, an animal, or becoming a spirit or energy whether resembling something close to human or not, but ever changing. In Traditional Craft it is about expanding of consciousness into realms of spirit in such a profound way that upon returning tangible changes are brought about into your reality. And from then on to carry those extrasensory abilities and things learned from the other side with you. We do this by going through a state of intense trance or Going Within. While many pagan practices tend to incorporate this Traditional Crafters take this very seriously and view it as a pivotal, predominant aspect of their Craft. Many in the Traditional Craft work with various spirits, spirit guides and the like and welcome them into their workings to help aid in their spellwork. It is the energy that is of utmost importance and helps manifest the desired results. In Traditional Craft it is believed that the entire Earth and everything encompassing it is sacred, therefore a ritual circle is not cast. There are, however, times where a Compass Round might be necessary dependent upon the desired outcome. There is not so much emphasis placed on Ritual and more upon the inner preparation of the mind. As with all various forms of Craft, it is about the practitioner and not so much the tools, though many modern day Traditional Crafters do have their own set of tools and correspondences. There are some Traditional Witches that have come to incorporate various forms of ceremonial magic though many more still do not. As with everything it is up to the practitioner.

Herein lies a brief introduction into Traditional Witchcraft and it's practices. While there are many different paths and belief systems it is important to note that all different paths and beliefs should be respected as it is about the individual practitioner and their own personal journey. There is no right or wrong and while we all hold differing beliefs no one way is inherently better than another.

#traditional witchcraft #witchcraft #amino

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Laying A compass

You will need:

Your Sovereignty cord

Stang

land offerings

Navigational compass

quarter markers

To begin, use your navigational compass to find magnetic north and determine which direction is east. Make offerings to the land. Stand in silence for three or more cycles of breath. Then stomp upon the ground three times and state intention aloud. Walk clockwise drawing the space by dragging your left foot or the stand as you mark each direction, either by name or placing an item at each apporpriate point. Finish in the east.

Be sure to hold the stang in your left hand so it scribes the space outside of where you will be working. As you go say;

By east (place item)

By south (place item)

by west (place item)

Now anchor the stang in the apropriate place (in the center or in the south). At this time if you feel the need for a more fortified compass, plow the space around you with the sword in a clockwise direction, purify with incense, and bless it with saltwater. then charge the space by dancing or moving about it counterclockwise, using the center as a pivot point while performing the following compass chant:

I take a step and travel forth

to journey, beyond up, and down,

from top of tree to solid ground’to journey on through blackest night

to seek and chiill and terror fright

to vist worlds and those be gone

beyond horizons and through the dawn.

I travel through betwixt i know,

between the worlds and hedges go.

Over the hill and down the way,

to claim the night and rule the day.

by east, by south, by west, by noth.

Repeating from “i take a step and travel forth...” continue until you feel the space is ready. you will feel a definite change in atmosphere when it is time. The chant is used to charge the space, induce a alpha trance, alert spirits, focus you on the matter at hand, and transition you into ritual mind-set. If you are working with others it will also unite the group mind. Once you feel ready proceed with intended work.

When you are finished and have returned to the middle plane, sit silently with closed eyes for several minutes. Process what you set out to do and determine if anything was discovered or accomplished. afterward, if you created a more fortified compass, sweep the area counterclockwise with your besom. Then remove markers, thank the land, and clean up the space. THis practice requires no additional closing.

Christopher Orapello and Tara-Love Maguire. 2018. ”Besom, Stang and Sword”

#traditional witchcraft #witchcraft #spells #laying a compass

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Incense Scrying

As an air witch, I scry using incense smoke opposed to a crystal ball or a bowl of water or a mirror.

What you’ll need:

Censer to hold your incense

Incense of your choice

Amethyst

Lighter or Matches

How to scry

Place your censer down and place the amethyst next to it or around it. Put your incense in the censer and light the incense using the matches. Gaze into the smoke- focus.

What do you see, what does it form? Take note of the things you see. Remember, you won’t always be able to see something when scrying and more importantly, you might not always understand what the things you see mean. Write them down and research, this form of Divination is especially good for communicating with deities from my experiences.

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This ritual is about introducing you to the powers and spirits of the world at large, rather than purely about initiation or dedication. It is really quite a simple ritual, despite how lengthy it appears in print. It is meant to establish communication and to begin a relationship with the spirits of your region. The Witch Lord is only one component of your local landscape. He should be viewed as a mentor and guide, rather than as a deity or being to worship. He may visit your dreams or be seen in the leaves of the trees on a breezy silent night, but he is most surely your first step into the world of the Craft.

You will need these items to perform the rite:

-An offering bowl (if you are working indoors)

-A navigational compass

-A bag of small, shiny objects, like glass beads

-A bottle of locally produced red wine or a reasonable substitute

-A small loaf of locally baked bread

-A pair of scissors

-A red cord roughly ¼ inch in diameter and cut 24 inches longer than you are tall.

Perform this rite on a full moon in a secluded outdoor location. If this is not possible, you can perform the rite indoors. If outside, wear dark clothes to take advantage of the cover of night.

On your way to the space, see if you can find a suitable stick or branch about waist height and bring it with you. Do not remove the branch without asking permission of the spirit of the wood. Explain your need and wait for an answer. If you feel it is permissible, leave some of the shiny objects you brought with you—but don't lose your car keys! Verbally thank the branch and the space, and continue on your way with the branch. If you are unable to procure a branch or stick, or know in advance you will not be able to find one, bring a staff or cane with you. The stick/ branch is not required to perform the rite and there's always a way to substitute any ritual component.

Once at the site, make peace with your surroundings and ask permission of the land and its accompanying spirits to proceed. If you are not welcome in that space, you will. Facing east, sit in silence upon the earth for several minutes, feeling the solitude and embracing the local sounds of the night. Sit for several more minutes, experiencing this sensation of being a point in space. Once you have reached this point, stand up. If you have a branch or stick, bring it with you as you take a step and a half forward toward the east. Pause for several breaths before beginning the second part of the ritual—

THE CROSSROAD RITE

This is a short ritual to create a crossroads wherever you happen to be. Depending on why you are performing the rite, it can be modified to fit your intent and to fulfill a variety of functions. Here, the rite is being used to create an intersection to fulfill the role of an actual crossroads, a liminal space. It is also emblematic of the phrase “the Crooked Path,” which is another label for witchcraft itself. The rite delineates a working area by heading in different directions and forming a Solar Cross. In other paths, this same symbol is also referred to as the Mark of Cain.

Standing slightly east and forward from where you were just seated, face the east. If you have a branch or staff, hold it in your left hand with one end touching the ground. Say the following aloud, addressing the space as you do so:

From the east, I go to west.

Turn and take three steps to the west, dragging the branch so that it inscribes the ground, marking a trail. Now, standing three steps to the west, turn right and say:

About to north.

Continuing to drag your branch or foot, walk one-quarter of a circle around to the north. Then turn right, face the south, and say:

And then to south.

As you take three steps, crossing the center of the space where you were originally seated in meditation, say:

Crossing roads as I go about.

Facing south, turn right and, continuing to drag your branch or foot, walk one-quarter of the way around the circle to the west and say:

Laying the ground for a witch’s work.

In the west, turn right and walk three steps to the east. Say:

Down at the crossroads is where I vow.

In the east, turn right and, continuing to drag your branch or foot, walk one-quarter of the way around the circle to the south. Say:

To meet with she and he and they and thou.

In the south, turn right and walk three steps to the north. Say:

Upon this night, and in this hour.

In the north, turn right and, continuing to drag your branch or foot, walk one-quarter of the way around the circle to the east, completing the rite. Say:

I call upon thee to beseech thy power.

HAILING THE WITCH LORD

Once the crossroads is established, walk from the east to the center of the space. Knock or stomp three times upon the ground (or floor), then pause and call upon the Witch Lord using the following words (or something spontaneous of your own devising):

Hail the dread Lord of witchcraft, the wilderness and night! I, (state your full name), call upon you, To visit and recognize me as a wanderer, And new disciple of the Crooked Path. I stand before you of my own free will, In silence and in secret, To know the wonders of your ways. Lord of Wild Abandon, Uniter of Worlds, Grant me your passion, permit me your blessing, As I embark upon this journey on this full moon night. From this time forth, be my guide to the greater realms, Throughout, about, above, and below, As I desire—it is so!

Take out the bottle of wine you brought with you. Open it and say:

With this wine, the blood of the land—May it fill me with your passion and thus—It is so.

Take a drink of the wine, then pour some on your left index finger and anoint your forehead. Pour out the rest of the bottle onto the ground around you while turning clockwise. If you are performing this rite indoors, pour the wine out four times into the offering bowl instead. Then take out the bread you brought with you, hold it before you, and say:

With this bread, made of the land, May it fill me with your blessing and thus—It is so.

Eat a single piece of bread, then scatter pieces of it to the east, south, west, and north. If you are performing this rite indoors, break off four pieces of bread, hold up each in turn to its appropriate direction, then place them into the offering bowl. Once the offering is complete, proceed to the final portion of the rite—creating the witch’s cord.

THE CORD OF SOVEREIGNTY

The Cord of Sovereignty is the witch’s cord of initiation. It is made by tying knots along the cord, from foot to head. Once the last knot has been tied, the cord is cut. To begin, tie a knot in one end of the cord. Hold this knot under your left foot between your big toe and your index toe. Thread the cord between these two toes so that your foot is holding the knot to the floor. Once this is done, say:

With this first knot, may I always be grounded, walk a balanced life, and stand strong against any threat or tyranny.

Draw the rest of the cord up and tie another knot level with your groin. Say:

With this second knot, may I maintain dominion over my own being; I am my own person, now and evermore so.

From the groin, draw the cord up and tie a knot level with your belly. Say:

With this third knot, may I always be full of food and drink, as well as with knowledge, wisdom, and life.

From the heart, draw the cord up and tie a knot level with your throat. Say:

With this fifth knot, may I forever hold sway over my own speech and may I honor my oaths and any words that I speak henceforth.

From the throat, draw the cord up and tie a knot level with your third eye—a spot on your forehead between your brows. Say:

With this sixth knot, may I see and know beyond the veil and in life. And with this sight, may all be revealed unto me.

From your third eye, draw the cord up and tie a knot level with the crown of your head. Say:

With this seventh knot, may the Witch Lord and Witch Queen aid and empower me in all that I do.

Using the scissors, cut the cord an inch or so past the final knot and, while holding the cord, say:

With this Cord of Sovereignty, may I seize governance over my own self through wherever this path will take me. May I be empowered to pursue my dreams and to succeed in attaining them in accordance with my Will. So mote it be!

You can wear the cord as you see fit. Tie it around your waist, drape it around your neck and over your shoulders, or wrap it around your left arm—whatever is most comfortable and practical for you. Once the cord is in place, sit down, close your eyes, and relax. Take a few minutes to allow this moment to sink in. During this time, you may receive information through mental images. Instead of trying to clear your mind, explore the random thoughts that present themselves. You may be visited by the Witch Lord himself; you may be given a new name; you may make contact with a familiar spirit, or with something more. These conversations and experiences, whether they occur mentally or verbally, are significant. So be sure to keep an open mind and be observant.

When the time feels appropriate, get up from your meditation and thank the Witch Lord. Knock or stomp three times upon the ground (or floor) and then depart. Be sure to take the empty wine bottle with you. Leave some glass beads as additional thanks and either leave the branch you found, thanking it for its service, or, if you feel an affinity for it, bring it home to turn into a wand or staff, depending on its size and shape. If it has any leaves, be sure to save them, as they will help you identify what type of wood the branch is. Different varieties of wood hold different meanings or associations, and all things have their own voice. So be sure to begin paying attention to these sorts of messages or directions, if you don’t do so already.

If you performed this ritual at home, clean up the space and go outside for some fresh air. Re-engaging with the rest of the world outside your ritual space can be a little disconcerting, so it is always a good idea to reground yourself. If you keep a journal, write down your thoughts and experiences for later reflection. For the next month, you may want to sleep with your cord under your pillow to further enhance your relationship with it. Witches’ cords are powerful tools, as they embody the witches themselves and their will. After sleeping close to your cord for a month, keep it in a secret location and wear it whenever you do a working.

For more on the practice of modern traditional witchcraft, read the book used as source material for this post. It is a very insightful work!

Christopher Oraphello and TaraLove Maguire. 2018. “Besom, Stang, and Sword”.

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