The Journey to Trad Witchcraft

by

Adrian Eglinton

Version 4.1

1
 Copyright 2008 Adrian Eglinton, BlueMoonManor.com and TradWitchcraft.com All
Rights Reserved. The purchaser may copy and store one copy of The Journey To Trad
Witchcraft for his or her own personal use. Other than this one exception, no part of the
text of The Journey To Trad Witchcraft can be reproduced, stored, transmitted, or
published in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the
copyright owner. See Legal Stuff for more information.

This is Version 4.1

The sage and command/power revision.

Adrian Eglinton
P.O. Box 243053
Boynton Beach, FL 33424-3053
USA

2
 Table of Contents

Preface..................................................................................... 5
Preface..................................................................................... 6
Introduction............................................................................ 8
First Things to Do............................................................................................15
Chapter One - Traditionalist Concepts................................. 18
In Essence........................................................................................................19
Naturalistic Spirituality ................................................................... 20
The God & Goddess ..........................................................................21
The Horned God..............................................................................................21
The Goddess Diana......................................................................................... 23
Polytheism & Alternatives ............................................................... 24
The Spirits........................................................................................ 25
The OtherSide.................................................................................. 28
Balance............................................................................................. 30
Fate .................................................................................................. 30
Cunning Fire .....................................................................................31
The Familiar .................................................................................... 33
This n' That ...................................................................................... 34
Chapter Two - Going Within ................................................ 39
Breathing Exercise........................................................................... 42
Confidence Meditative Ritual.......................................................... 44
Glowing Ball Meditation...................................................................47
Spirit Guide Meditation................................................................... 49
Candle Meditation ............................................................................51
Connect With the Universe ............................................................. 52
Visualization .................................................................................... 53
Visualization Practice Exercises.......................................................55
Self-Improvement Visualization Technique ................................... 56
Chapter Three - Sabbats, Full Moons, Esbats & Festivals ... 57
The Full Moons................................................................................ 58
On The Special Day ........................................................................................ 58
The Festivals .................................................................................... 62
How to Observe the Festivals......................................................................... 63

3
 List of Festivals ................................................................................ 64
Chapter Four - Ritual Tools.................................................. 70
How to Make a Wand, Staff or Stang..............................................................76
Chapter Five - Rituals ........................................................... 79
The Rituals....................................................................................... 83
Purification Ritual ........................................................................... 84
The Compass Round........................................................................ 85
The Glowing Ball ............................................................................. 87
Tool Cleansing & Saining Ritual...................................................... 88
Use of the Dagger* & Wand*........................................................... 90
Laying a Compass Round .................................................................91
The Ritual ........................................................................................................91
Ale & Bread Ritual ........................................................................... 95
Closing the Compass Round.............................................................97
Libation to the Gods ........................................................................ 98
Chapter Six - Magic............................................................... 99
What is a Spell? ............................................................................................ 100
The Premise of Magic ..................................................................... 101
The Universe is All Energy ............................................................................103
Factors: ..........................................................................................................104
Inner Preparation:.........................................................................................105
The Crafting of Spells .....................................................................106
The Crafting of Spells .....................................................................107
The Use of Rhythm and Rhyme ....................................................................107
The Timing of Spells..................................................................................... 108
Days of the Week ...........................................................................................110
Time of Day ....................................................................................................111
Spell Tarot Card Spread ................................................................. 112
Spell Casting Preparation............................................................... 114
A Spell Working .............................................................................. 116
Spellcasting Procedure .................................................................................. 116
Curse Elimination...........................................................................120
The Ritual ...................................................................................................... 121
Beating the Bounds.........................................................................123
Home Purification & Blessing Ritual .............................................124
Talismans & Amulets......................................................................128
Cleansing .......................................................................................................129
Charging ........................................................................................................130
Chapter Seven - Divination .................................................132
Tarot................................................................................................132
Scrying ............................................................................................133
How to Make a Scry Mirror...........................................................................136

4
Chapter Eight - Self-Dedication ......................................... 138
Preparation....................................................................................................139
On the Day of the Ritual................................................................................140
The Self-Dedication Ritual .............................................................142
Chapter Nine - Lexicon of Old Crafter Terms .....................145
Chapter Ten - Final Thoughts ............................................ 150
Index ....................................................................................153

5
 Preface

W elcome to The Journey to Trad Witchcraft Course. This is an eBook

Course in the beliefs, practices, and applied magical arts of the Blue Moon
Manor Trad of the Traditional Craft of the British Isles, which is Traditional
British Witchcraft. This Course material is an orientation to the Traditional Craft
for those that wish to be seekers. It is provided to start you on your way.

This Course will prepare you to follow a very practical approach to Traditionalist
British Witchcraft. This is how the Traditional Craft is practiced in my household.
It is reflective of what was taught to me by my teachers, and as I have evolved it
with my own preferences.

Hereditary or not, no tradition remains static. It is only natural that in each

generation individual Crafters (witches) emphasize parts in the Old Craft they
like, and limit that which they do not. This is simple human nature. Thus, all
traditions evolve and tend to be personalized. Each generation of British Crafters
have always altered and changed the practices that have come down to them, to
better suit their personal tastes and circumstances.

Therefore, the Blue Moon Manor Trad is hereditary only in the sense that we are
Traditionalist and true to the beliefs and practices of the Traditional Craft. This
Trad is not strictly "hereditary" because this Trad was not influenced by only one
hereditary family practice but by several hereditary family practices.

Like so many in Trad Witchcraft, I have reworded rituals and magical spells using
today's vernacular. This is normally done as all Crafters word their own spells
according to their own manner of speech. Crafters never used the spells of others
without changing them to their tastes, and thus "owning" them. Although I have
access to much older material, my personal belief is that it is inappropriate to
teach in the 21st century using obscure jargon from a by-gone century. Some may
think this un-romantic, but I consider it practical. Practicality is an important Old
Craft value.

In addition, in the Going Within (meditation) chapter, I have modernized the

meditations and visualizations to agree with the manner best understood by the
modern seeker. In every case, the meditations and visualisations are in absolute
harmony with the true essence and intent of the Old Ways.

6
In this Course:

I will assume you know nothing about the Traditional Craft (witchcraft).
Nevertheless, if you do have some knowledge of Trad Witchcraft, I
recommend that you do not skip ahead in the text. Each Trad (tradition) is
different, and the way Blue Moon Manor understands witchcraft may well
be different from the method you know.

Although at times I include divergent information that is commonly

believed or practiced by Trads other than Blue Moon Manor, the emphases
is on the beliefs and practices of this Trad, Blue Moon Manor, which, like
any other Trad, is unique.

I will always provide you with the most correct information I can provide.
However, as we believe each seeker must find their own way and integrate
the information they learn in a manner that resonates with them, never
assume that I "have all the answers." There are other ways of
understanding the Traditional Craft, other practices and beliefs different
from my own. The information I provide is presented only for your
consideration.

To start, I suggest you first read this eBook Course through completely. When
you finish, then re-read the Course slowly so you can study each section very
carefully. If there is anything unclear to you, write and ask. My email address is
adrian@blue-moon-manor.com .

Canadian Standard Form

I am a Canadian. In Canada, both British and American spellings are considered
correct form. I follow Canadian standards, so you will see both British and
American spelling throughout this Course. Some may note that I am not
completely consistent.

7
 Introduction

T he Traditional Craft is the modern expression of the indigenous Naturalistic

Spirituality of the British Isles. It is a religious tradition centered in Nature,
the gods (the same thing), and the spirits. The Traditional Magical Arts are an
expression of this spirituality.

The Land is of great importance to the Trad Crafter for the energy of magic comes
from the Universe, as represented by the very Land we stand on. The Traditional
Craft is always close to shamanistic workings, to "going within," as this is the key
to unlocking truth, and going beyond the veil for insight and enlightenment.
However, shamanistic practices are not a requisite, although all Trad Crafters use
techniques to focus and control the mind - what others call "meditation."

Commonalities
The Traditional Craft includes a very wide range of family, group, and regional
traditions, or "Trads." It is common to find differences in belief and practices
from one Trad to another. However, in this diversity there are commonalities
that are at the core of British witchcraft. Indeed, the commonalities found in
Trads mark the parameters of Traditional British Witchcraft. In a sense, this
Course is about these commonalities.

Devoid of Extremes
I do not teach a hereditary tradition. I was taught by members of a group in
London. They were hereditary, but from different families. I view Blue Moon
Manor as a rather 'middle of the road' Trad. I was taught a practical path; one
steeped in the core of our spiritual tradition yet also set in practicality. Blue Moon
Manor and this Course is a reflection of that teaching and what I have learned
since those early days.

I cannot necessarily tell you exactly which ideas are clearly steeped in the exact
practices of 300 - 400 years ago, and which are of a later era. Trad Crafters by
nature are like magpies, we all adopt things that are useful, and so did our
ancestors. Every generation picks and selects, alters and changes as they see fit,
according to their needs, likes and dislikes. In my opinion, even hereditary
traditions changed in each generation. Blue Moon Manor Trad is as valid as any
hereditary tradition. It comprises the traditionally based techniques and time-

8
honoured practices that are the keys to opening the doors of knowledge,
awareness, and interaction with the here-and-how and the OtherSide.

Witch, Witchcraft, and Coven

Historically, practitioners of the Traditional Craft never used the terms "witch,"
"witchcraft," and "coven." These words were tainted by those behind the very
creation of these terms, the Christians. "The term "coven" was an invention of the
Inquisition to create the illusion of a powerful anti-Christian organization."

Their creation were acts of intolerance, defamation, denigration, and persecution.

Their use was aimed at the complete subjection of the general population and the
utter destruction of the magical folk.

Is it no wonder that most Traditional Crafters would never use these terms. Why
use hateful terms used by a Christian priesthood bent upon the total obliteration
of our sacred religion and age-old practices?

However, since the 1950's, thanks to Gerald Gardner, the terms "witch,"
"witchcraft," or "coven" have come to be commonly used within the Neo-
Pagan/Wicca communities. Even more of the Traditional Witchcraft community
now use these terms when speaking or writing to outsiders.

Some Old Names Used For The Traditional Craft:

The practitioners of the Nameless Arte had no special name for their practice,
or for themselves. It was referred to indirectly, such as the term just mentioned.
Before Christianity, there was no need for Britons to have a name for their
religious tradition because there was no competition. However, over the
centuries, the local folk came up with terms to refer to the practitioners of the
Traditional Craft. Each locality or region had their own term. Some of these
include:

Cunning Craft ("Cunning" from the Old Saxon word cunnan, which
means "to know"
Old Cunning Ways
Old Cunning Craft
Old Craft
Secret Craft
Hidden Craft
Elder Craft
Elder Faith
Crooked Path (to 'trod the Crooked Path')
Old Persuasion
Crooks and Straits

9
 Wisecraft
Ways of the Horned One
Among other terms.

Some Names Used Today For The Traditional Craft:

Today, several other terms are now used that refer to the beliefs, practices and
magical arts of the Traditional Craft of the British Isles. These include:

Traditionalism
Traditional British Witchcraft
Traditional Witchcraft (commonly used by some Traditionalists;
nevertheless, some point out that the term is generic and logically refers to
all of those that practice a cultural tradition in witchcraft worldwide)
Trad Witchcraft
The Traditional Craft
The Trad Craft
British Traditional Witchcraft (This term is incorrectly used by
American Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccans in referring to their own
Wiccan tradition. Therefore, to avoid confusion I usually do not use it.
However, correctly, it is our term and not Gardnerian or Alexandrian.)

Note I did not list "The Craft" which correctly refers only to ceremonial
magick, which we do not practice. It is true that some Trad Crafters will use this
term. However, it seems to originate from Freemasonry so in my opinion, that
term should be avoided.

Those that follow Traditional British Witchcraft may use some other terms to
refer to their distinct types of practice. These include:

Green Witchcraft
Kitchen Witchery
Cottage Witchery, and
Hedge Witchcraft

They are not the same thing and should not be confused. Here are their correct
definitions:

Note that the terms "witchcraft" and "witchery" are used interchangeably.

Green Witchcraft
A Green Witch works more closely with plants and herbs than the average
Crafter. Although a Green Witch may not necessarily be a qualified herbalist, they

10
will generally have some knowledge about herb use. Green Witches enjoy
gardening and working outdoors, in the fields, and in the forest in order to
feel closer to the gods. Some are solitary while others are within groups.

Kitchen Witchery
Also known as Cottage Witchery, this has always been the most popular
form of witchcraft practiced in Britain. They work primarily as a solitary in the
home, being mindful that the home is sacred. They generally do not especially
enjoy being outside the house, or in the woods, preferring to be near their
hearth.

Kitchen Witches / Cottage Witches tend to focus on practicality. While they

may not necessarily be a qualified herbalist, they will generally have some
knowledge about the healing uses of herbs. They tend to use readily
available kitchen utensils for magical and ritual use, rather than having
separate dedicated ritual tools. They will likely work with a familiar spirit, and
may use some shamanic techniques such as drumming to help induce an
altered state of consciousness.

The modern Kitchen or Cottage Witch is in many ways akin to the old village
Cunning Man or Wise Woman who would be called upon for advice, spells, herbal
cures and healing potions by local villagers.

Hedge Witchcraft
A Hedge Witch is a Traditional Crafter who is very knowledgeable of herbal
medicine use and uses shamanic-like practices. In previous ages, the Hedge
Witch were also akin to the old village Cunning Man or Wise Woman who would
be called upon for advice, spells, herbal cures and healing potions by the local
folk.

The public use to think a Hedge Witch was cunning folk that lived near the village
boundary hedge, or a witch that lived in a cottage with a Hawthorn hedge. In
England, hawthorn shrubs were commonly used as hedges. They were used to
surround their cottages to have total privacy. The hawthorn has deeply cleft
leaves, thorns, and in season, bright red fruit. It creates an impenetrable hedge. If
untrimmed, the hawthorn will grow into a small tree.

However, to the informed, a Hedge Witch was so named because they accessed
beyond the physical/mental boundary, or hedge, to enter the world beyond. This
was accessed through a trance state. Notoriously, some old Hedge Witches used
psychoactive herbs which would be prepared and applied to a besom (broom)
which allowed the witch to "ride the hedges" or enter a drug trance and have

11
the feeling of flying the skies while riding their besom. Thus is the source of the
stereotype image of a witch flying on a broom.

In ancient folklore (of Germanic origin, not Celtic), the hedge was the border
between this world and the spirit world, with the witch seated on a hedge with a
foot in both worlds.

Other names for the Hedge Witch include:

Hedge Rider
Walker on the Wind
Night Travelers
Myrk Riders
Wyrd Rider
Gandreidh (or Wand Rider)
Haegtesse (Anglo-Saxon)

It may be commonly believed that working with psychoactive herbs is an

easier way to "ride the hedges," but this is not so. Many who try to use herbals
end up with a "hippy-druggy trip" and a major headache, if they are lucky. Many
have poisoned and killed themselves. It is truly a very foolish thing to attempt;
and it is a spiritual waste of time. The successful use of herbal substances
requires considerable knowledge. A very small error can easily lead to falling
victim to personal disaster.

Achieving a trance state and austral travel are much more meaningful, easier, and
safer without drug or alcohol use. Shamanic techniques lead to proper control
of the mind that enables crossing the veil between the worlds in a completely
controlled and balanced manner. It is far wiser to utilise meditative and
visualisation techniques to achieve this state.

While some may learn to achieve this level of command of shamanic techniques
on their own, others may want to find a mentor for one-on-one training.

Modern Hedge Witchery

There are some people today that are strictly non-shamanic practitioners yet they
call themselves Hedge Witches. These are usually solitary self-initiated Wiccans
encouraged by the factually incorrect Wiccan author Rae Beth. Miss Beth's
disappointing books "redefined the term Hedge Witchery for the modern era."
Well, this redefinition is simply rubbish. Her path is not Hedge Witchery; it is a
liberal form of Wicca, what some have called "McWicca."

Please remember that Hedge Witchery is a noble shamanic herbalist path.

Only those that engage in herbalism and shamanic practices within the
framework of the Traditional Craft have the right to call themselves Hedge
Witches.

12
Current Names for a Traditional Crafter:
Traditional Crafter
Trad Crafter
Traditionalist
practitioner

And of course, those that fit the criterion:

Hedge Witch
Green Witch
Kitchen Witch
Cottage Witch

Some Historic Names for a Traditional Crafter:

Peller (Cornwall) perhaps a diminutive of speller or dispeller.
Cunning Man, Cunning Woman, Cunning Folk - Used
throughout England, especially in London and other large cities.
Wizard - From the Middle English word, wysard, meaning "wise
man" or male witch. Unfortunately, this term is not used in the
witchcraft community today.
Warlock - From Old Norse, meaning "caller of spirits," a male
practitioner of magic. This title was commonly used in old Scotland.
Nevertheless, Wiccans incorrectly consider the term derogatory
because they believe the term means "oath breaker" or "liar" in Old
Scottish. This is not true.
Hexen (Anglo-Saxon - Germanic)
Wise Man, Wise Women
Medicine Man
Crone
Conjuror
White Witch - a term used to indicate a healer

Traditional British Witchcraft is not Wicca

Many people confuse Wicca with Traditional British Witchcraft. Gerald Gardner
founded Wicca as a distinct religion in the 1950's. Wicca does not reflect the
same core beliefs, nor the same practices, nor do they use the same form of magic
that is traditionally and historically part of British Witchcraft. Wicca and
Traditional British Witchcraft is not the same thing.

For a more in depth discussion, click and go to Traditional British Witchcraft

Compared To Wicca which is on the Blue Moon Manor website.

13
Ceremonial Magick
In order to understand what we do, I will start by telling you what we do not do.
We do NOT do 'ceremonial magick'. Ceremonial magick, also known as 'high
magick', (spelt with a "k") is the magick of the continental European occult
tradition, known as the Western Esoteric Tradition or the Western Occult
Tradition. This tradition may have started in the 12th century, but an earlier date
is possible. Although there is no direct evidence, many believe its roots date back
to the magic performed by the temple priests of ancient Egypt, and possibly to
ancient Israel, even though Judaism forbids the use of magic in any form.

The Western Esoteric Tradition includes the Freemasons, the Rosicrucians, and
The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, to name only a few. These groups came
to Britain during the Enlightenment. Some Trad Crafters were influenced by
ceremonial magick and incorporated some aspects of it, especially
correspondences, into their own Trad practice. The amount of influence varies
from Trad to Trad. Many Trads have minimal influence, such as Blue Moon
Manor.

High magick is noted for strictly organized, very long, and elaborate rituals. A
large number of required accessories are used.

The Western Esoteric Tradition is not witchcraft. Their members consider

themselves "magickians" and not "witches" or "Traditional Crafters."

Traditional Magic of the British Isles

Although some Traditional Crafters today like to think our magical heritage is
Celtic in origin, in reality the Celts or druids had minimal influence. In Celtic
society, magic was reserved for the druids, their priests. It is regrettable that the
heritage of druid religion has not survived to the modern age. No trace of the
beliefs and practices of the Celtic/Druid religion have been
discovered. Those that take part in modern Druid religion take part in an 18th
century recreation, one very much divorced from the historic druids.

In our Traditional Witchcraft, our magical heritage and spirituality has come
down to us from the Anglo-Saxons, primarily from the Saxons. That is a
Germanic origin, not Celtic. This Course will delineate our belief system and our
magical arts system which reflects this Germanic tradition in considerable detail.

The world of Traditional British magic is many faceted. A primary goal should
be its utilisation in the advancement of spiritual and personal growth.
It is highly effective in that area. In addition, economic stability, better health,
and greater happiness will come through the use of magic for self-development.

14
Magic is a vehicle to help you connect with the sacred land, with the
Horned God and Mother Earth, and with the spirits.

Those who are inexperienced and wish only to dabble in magic for revenge, greed,
or to impose their will on other people should realize that approaching magic in
this vein is very unlikely to produce successful results. Those that try to master
the higher arts of magic without a pure heart quickly find the effort futile.

Trad Witchcraft is a commitment of respect to our ancestors, to the spirituality of

Nature and the gods, and to a way of life with magic at its very centre. Learning
magic entails learning to manipulate energies. This is not a discipline that
happens easily or overnight. To become an adept practitioner requires a major
dedication of time, work, and practice. The purpose of this Course is to help show
you the way.

First Things to Do

If you are completely new to Traditional British Witchcraft, understand that one
does not "convert" to Trad Witchcraft. One coming to this path must simply gain
a mental determination to walk the Trad Witchcraft path. It is the active
process of walking this path that makes you a seeker of the Horned God and
the Goddess Diana, a follower and supporter of the magnificent spirituality of
Nature and a practitioner of Nature's very gift to each of us, the powers of the
Magical Arts.

There are two golden stables that mark all of those aligned with the Traditional
Craft. For those that are new, focusing on these two stables is a good way to start
immediately on your journey to Trad Witchcraft. Both reflect fundamental
principles that are at the very core of the Old Craft.

1) Learn How to "Go Within"

Traditional Crafters (witches) have always trained their seekers to "quiet the
mind," and to "see beyond what you look at." Today we call these abilities
meditation and visualisation. They are a necessary ability in all magical

15
workings; and you need to gain a fair degree of proficiency before you begin to do
effective magic.

Begin by learning to Go Within, to meditate. Regular meditation naturally leads

to good visualization ability.

In the free Introductory Course on Traditional Magic (use to be called the Mini-
Course), I take you through the steps that lead to visualisation. If you did not
spend much time in the Introductory Course, that is a mistake. Go back and start
there, one Lesson at a time, and master each technique I show you. To start with,
you should do each technique every day for a week. Many of these techniques you
will be doing often, from now on. If you have not registered for the Introductory
Course, you should do so now. They are that important.

You should begin with the Breathing Exercise, and progress to other
techniques including The Glowing Ball, a.k.a. The Glowing Ball Meditation
Ritual, which is an important preparatory exercise before ritual and magical
workings.

2) Get Closer to Nature

In reality, we are one with the land, one with Nature. Trad Crafters have
always revered Nature. We believe: The entire Earth is sacred and
everything in it has the spark of the gods.

However, in today's urban world, most people in our society disregard Nature
and are effectively disconnected from the natural world.

To reconnect, you need to start by paying attention to the world of Nature you
live in. Study and even meditate on the plant life and animal life around you. Sit
in your backyard and take everything in. Go on walks and notice the trees and
plants you pass. You can do this even if you live in the city. Locate parks in your
area and visit them.

If you live near woods, and if it is safe, take walks in the woods. The woods have
a special divine energy that you should experience as much as possible. Forests
are cathedrals of the Horned God. Nothing can make you feel closer to the divine
than to be surrounded by Nature, to walk in a beautiful field, to enjoy dramatic
landscape, or to stand under the Goddess' brilliant moon. Become aware of the
seasons and of the phases of the moon. These are ways to be in touch with the
Earth, our natural environment, and with the gods.

The idea is to take a mental re-orientation to become aware and

closer of Nature. You can volunteer at one of many Nature organisations to
help wildlife, the SPCA, or the environment. You can study herbalism, botany, or

16
any topic that captures your imagination. Buy some plants for your apartment or
house and learn how to look after them correctly. Plant a garden. Do whatever
best suits your personality, temperament, and interests.

But also,

3) Keep a Journal
There is considerable merit in keeping a journal of your experiences while
learning and experiencing witchcraft and magic. Admittedly, too few new seekers
to Trad Witchcraft bother to do so. This is a mistake. Important thoughts and
impressions can be lost. Yes, keeping a journal is a bother, but everything
worthwhile takes effort. A well-kept journal can be extremely beneficial. It will
develop into a wonderful gift to yourself that cannot be replaced.

^
________________________________________________________________
1. Roots & Bones No. 1, "Witchcraft's Germanic Roots" By Robin Le Fay, page 1

17
 Chapter One - Traditionalist Concepts

T raditional British Witchcraft, is a continuation of the beliefs and practices of

our pagan ancestors. Our Trad, Blue Moon Manor, is Anglo-Saxon
(Germanic) in heritage, with a touch of things Celtic thrown in. These beliefs and
practices have been passed-down from generation to generation in Hereditary
Witchcraft families. This is divinely focused. Of course, not all that was once
known has survived the ages. That which has survived is the foundation of today's
practice.

At the center of our observance are the magical arts. Some say that magic is a tool
and can be used regardless of religious beliefs. That is true. Magical practice can
be as secular an activity as breathing.

However, our magic is infused with our beliefs and the aid and support of the
gods and spirits that we call upon to help us. Our magic is not a non-religious
exercise but a profoundly religious endeavour steeped in the bedrock of our
religious beliefs.

Is Traditional British Witchcraft Truly a Religion?

According to an Encyclopdia Britannica website, religion is the "Relation
of human beings to God or the gods or to whatever they consider sacred or, in
some cases, merely supernatural..." Also, religion is "...human beings' relation to
that which they regard as holy, sacred, spiritual, or divine. Religion is commonly
regarded as consisting of a person's relation to God or to gods or spirits."

Princeton University states on their websites that religion is "...a strong

belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny..."

Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance states on their website that,

"Religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a
code of ethics, a philosophy of life, and a worldview."

It is clear that Traditional British Witchcraft is well within the stated academic
criterion of a religion. We hold Nature and spirits to be sacred. We believe in
divinity, who is the creative force of the Universe, and who is synonymous with
Nature. We maintain ethical standards and guiding principles of life. In addition,

18
our worldview is that of Naturalistic Spirituality, which I discuss later.
Traditional British Witchcraft is clearly a religion.

Not Eclectic
Trad Witchcraft is NOT an eclectic path. We maintain a standard of beliefs and
practices that we all adhere. It is a way of life. Traditional Crafters, witches, have
always had some latitude in selecting what they wished to believe and follow in
practice. Nevertheless, there are commonalities of belief and practice that form a
parameter that defines the Traditional Witch. Latitude in thought and practice
has its limits and must not conflict with the fundamental beliefs, principles and
practices that form the commonalities of the Old Craft.

In Essence
Traditional Crafters are not monotheistic and few worship (formalized adulation)
the gods. However, most do pray (make supplication) to the gods. This is
reflected in our being very light in formal ritual, and rather heavy in inner
workings, the mental side of witchcraft, which includes "Going Within," or
meditation techniques, and which can include some shamanistic techniques.

There is nothing more important than Nature to the Traditional Crafter. Many in
Traditional Witchcraft believe in Naturalistic Spirituality, the belief that God
(the prime force of the Universe) and Nature is actually the same thing.

Many Traditional Witches call on the god, The Horned God of the Wooded
Wild, and the goddess, Diana, Goddess of the Moon, in ritual and in
spellwork. However, the god and goddess are personifications of God (the prime
force of the Universe) and are seen ONLY as representatives of God.

I should point out that a large minority work primarily with a pantheon of gods
and goddesses. While I regard and respect that approach, it is not what we do in
this Trad. I speak about this later.

For us, in spellwork, of great importance are the spirits, such as land spirits. We
acknowledge each spirit as a separate, unique and equal entity. They help us in
our workings, if we ask; and we do.

This "Essence" reflects the core beliefs among most practitioners of Traditional
Witchcraft and of our Trad, Blue Moon Manor. I believe it is the majority view.
The next sections I elaborate on the points I made in this "Essence," then proceed
to other important traditional concepts.

19
 Naturalistic Spirituality

T here is nothing more important than Nature to the Traditional Witch. Many
in Traditional British Witchcraft believe in Naturalistic Spirituality, a
form of pantheism that subscribes to the belief that God and Nature is
actually the same thing.

We view Nature as encompassing all of the physical world and the SpiritWorld,
and that Nature is the personification of the divine. In doing so we believe
in humanistic naturalism, as Nature is without bounds and the universe is the
result of Nature.

In understanding the Traditionalist concept of Nature, there are several qualities

about Nature:
1. The realm of Nature includes the physical world (Earth) and the
Spiritual World (heaven).
2. Nature is always innately neutral. That means that all natural forces,
including magic, are neutral. Consequently, natural disasters cannot be
evil in itself, but should be seen only as events of fate.
3. Magic is part of the natural world. There is no such thing as the
"supernatural." Therefore, magic is subject to the laws of Nature, which is
the same as the laws of physics.

The Importance of the Land

Because of the significance of Nature, it is obvious that land is also of prime
meaning. As I stated in the Introduction, "The Land is of great importance for the
energy of magic comes from the Universe, as represented by the very Land we
stand on." Therefore, we consider land and the air above it to be sacred.

The Nature of Nature

It is very popular today to take a myopic Wiccan view of Nature, venerating it as
all wonder and beauty, a realm of benevolent and positive power that is full of
agreeable and helpful spirits. However, this is a completely unbalanced view. This
is NOT how our ancestors saw Nature and it is NOT how Traditional Witches see
Nature today.

20
It is easy to understand psychologically. Those that have always lived in the city
have never actually experienced the hardships of living within Nature. Without a
proper orientation, it is natural to view Nature in terms of idealism and fantasy.

In reality, Nature is neutral. It is neither good nor bad. Nature is a balance of

kindness and cruelty; it is both giving and taking. As there is great light
and beauty in Nature so to is great darkness and repulsiveness. Both aspects are
inherent in Nature. So too, some spirits are harmful and destructive, whether
they are in humans on Earth or in pure spirit in the SpiritWorld.

By viewing the nature of Nature and spirits truthfully, we add a distinct

advantage to our lives and to our magic. Objectivity is always the better way.

The God & Goddess

A t the centre of Germanic and Celtic spiritual traditions have always been the
two prime forces of Nature, embodied as the Horned God and the Goddess
Diana, but known by many other names.

We view the Horned God and the Goddess Diana as the personification of
God or Nature, representing the balance of God or Nature. They bring the
abstract concept of Naturalistic Spirituality in a manner that can be easily
understood and appreciated by everyone.

The Horned God

The term "the Horned God" is syncretic, meaning that this term unites into one
entity or figure a range of senior male god figures from regions and locales across
Britain. In one form or another, the Horned God has always been the physical
and spiritual masculine power of Nature. He has been worshiped in Germanic
and Celtic Europe since Palaeolithic times. Although known by different names,
he was the head of every European pagan society's pantheon, differing only in
name, appearance, and sometimes by the roles he played.

21
Most commonly, as in Britain and France, he is the God of the hunt, wealth,
fertility, and the harvest. His designations vary from region to region, but some of
his titles include Lord of Light, Lord of the Underworld, the Sun King, the
Hunter, the Shepherd, the Healer, the God of Summer, and the God of Winter.
He is the King of the Land. He is ever-present in his forest, which is his cathedral.
He is the growing force of life, representing change and truth. The Horned God is
not to be feared. Residing in the forest, he is the Woodland Spirit and is always
accessible by prayer.

His depiction is seen in many forms across Europe. Sometimes as the stylised
Green Man on the stonework in English churches and even appearing in his
aspect as Woodwo, the Wildman of the Woods, on the Imperial Arms of Prussia.

The Horned God is important to our ancestral past and the perfect male
personification of Nature, of God.

The Re-making of the Horned God into the Christian Devil

Around 1100 C.E., the marginally Christianized people in Europe began to return
to their Pagan God and Goddess in large numbers. The Christians had great
trouble explaining to a greatly distressed public why they had to suffer repeated
deadly plagues, endless bloody wars, and incredible numbers of deaths,
enormous suffering and grinding poverty, and widespread Church cleric
hypocrisy and corruption. The Church's Jesus was claimed to be their "Sheppard"
and "a loving and kind God." A stupefied public felt betrayed. They saw their
appalling experiences as solid proof of the fundamental failings of the new
Christian religion.

They were right. However, the Christian priests in Rome came up with a bold
idea. They adopted an image of the Great Horned God and called it
Satan. By adopting the Horned God's image and transforming it into the image
of their Devil, the Christian Church discovered a new and clever way to trick the
public into thinking that Paganism was evil, that Paganism was the real cause of
their ills. The plagues and massive suffering were purported to be the one true
Gods retribution for the "sin" of the public's "false idolatry."

This tactic worked surprisingly well.

Christ's priests then came up with an even more diabolical plan. The Christian
priesthood then tailored the image of Satan for each locale. They took the
physical likeness of each locale's previously publicly known depiction of their
Horned God and created a localized custom figure for "Satan."

This may have been the first international use of pictorial propaganda.

22
This tactic was incredibly successful. As the years passed, the locally customized
pictures of "the real Devil" sprung up across Europe and stroked dread into the
hearts of the European populace. Of course, priests also went on sermonic tirades
in support the Church's effort to obliterate all traces of Paganism. The populace
slowly turned from their true gods and became fearful adherents of Christianity,
as ordered.

Europe then settled into the most repressive of the Dark Ages.

Some of the names used for the Horned God at different times and locations:

The Horned One

The Horned God of the Wooded Wilde
Great Horned God
Cernunnos (Gaulo-Roman), Cernunos (Britano- Roman), pronounced
"KR nn s", which means "The Horned One" in old Gaelic. In Gaul, the
Druid priests replaced local and regional gods with Cernunnos in order to
unify their religion nationally.
The Old One
Old Hornie
Lord of the Hunt
Lord of Misrule - in his capacity as conqueror of the profane world
Horned Master of the Hunt
Lord of the Beasts
The Old One
Horned Leader of the Hosts of Air - (Norse), referencing to Odin as
leader of the Wild Hunt
Carnac (locales in Gaul)
Wodan (Saxon)
Woodwo (Prussia)
Gwynn (Welsh)
Gruagach (Lowland Scottish)

Along with others.

The Goddess Diana

The term "the Goddess Diana," as we use it is also syncretic, meaning that this
term unites into one entity or figure a range of senior female goddess figures from
regions and locales across Britain. In one form or another, the Goddess has
always been the physical and spiritual feminine power of Nature. She is the
Mother Goddess, the splendid Mother Earth. She has been worshiped in
Germanic and Celtic Europe since Palaeolithic times, and is on every European
pagan society's pantheon, differing only in name, appearance and sometimes by
the roles she played.

23
The Goddess is the regenerative power that brings balance to death and
guarantees the circle of life.

Some of the names used for the Goddess at different times and locations:

The Goddess Diana (Britano-Roman)

Mother Goddess
Mother Nature
Cerridwen (Celtic)
Brighid (Celtic)
Stag Goddess (Anglo-Saxon)
Great Goddess
Goddess of the Moon
Goddess of the Stag and Archery (Germanic)
Freya (Anglo-Saxon)
Aradia (Britano-Roman)
Danu (Irish)

Polytheism & Alternatives

S ome Traditional Crafters have other belief systems. These are usually held as
a parallel belief system to Naturalistic Spirituality.

Animism
Animism is the belief in spirits or souls. To that extent, animism is a foundation
on which all religions are built. Others believe that spirits inhabit all animal life
and inanimate objects, such as trees, rocks, water, wind, and fire. We agree. God
is everywhere. It is not such a big jump to think that spirit is everywhere,
including the entirety of our environment. We not only believe in such nature
spirits, the elementals, but we use them in some of our workings.

24
Polytheism
Polytheism is the belief in the existence and worship of more than one god,
usually a formal pantheon of gods and goddesses.

Most Traditional Witches that say they are polytheists are so only to the extent
that they incorporate spirits or spirit entities (gods) into their religious system. It
is my understanding that these gods are not worshipped in the manner of the
original culture where the pantheon originated. However, to those that subscribe
to polytheism, this wider concept of the gods is incorporated into a meaningful
whole.

Henotheism
Henotheism is a form of polytheism, which is belief and worship of more than
one god, usually a pantheon. The difference with henotheism that one of the gods
is considered supreme.

Some believe Wiccans subscribe to a henotheism in its belief that the gods and
goddesses of so many civilizations are all one God and Goddess, while reserving
the position of supreme authority to "The One," a supreme Godhead. An
alternative view is that Wiccans are duotheists, in which the primary deities are
one Goddess and one God, who are seen as together making up a larger whole,
"The One," that is both the transcendent divine and the substance of all creation.
But let's not split hairs.

The Spirits

W e are all spirits. A spirit is a soul, which is a "life force," a higher self that is
our real essence. Spirits are immortal, the spirit never dies. Spirits are
sentient beings (meaning they have conscious ability to have sensations and
perceptions) that occupy the physical world (Earth and other planets) and the
OtherSide, what others call heaven.

I am aware that some Traditional Crafters believe the spirit and the soul to be two
distinct things. I do not share that view.

25
Our spirit is our own property and cannot be stolen or possessed.

After Life on Earth

When our physical body dies, our spirit, which is eternal, leaves the body and
passes on to the OtherSide, which is our real home. Spirits should never be
feared. They do not endanger us nor will they harm us.

Our past family members and friends from previous lives live on the OtherSide.
Of course, some might have reincarnated (transmigrated) back to Earth for
another lifetime. In sleep, we often visit the OtherSide and visit with them as we
do with other humans on Earth.

Spirits have different personalities and some have a warped sense of humor and
delight in tricking humans.

Spirits & Ghosts

A spirit is energy. When the physical body dies, normally the spirit will pass on to
the OtherSide without difficulty. However, sometimes the spirit will resist
passing on and will remain on the Earth plane. This is a ghost.

There are many reasons why a spirit may select to stay. Of course, none of these
reasons are really good. Nevertheless, spirits believe they must stay because they
think they are needed to protect or help someone still alive (which ghosts cannot
help), or to seek revenge (which they are unable to perform). It is always better to
pass on to the SpiritWorld and help from there. Sometimes a "ghost" is not
mentally well or they have some other personal problem. Sometimes they are
confused and believe they are still alive. Sometimes they fear being rejected by
God or believe they are prevented from going home to the OtherSide. Of course,
all of these reasons are false. All spirits are accepted to the OtherSide or
reincarnate (transmigrate) immediately. There is no "Hell," although some spirits
need to have re-training or re-educating.

Ghosts usually stay at one location; usually their old homes and they tend to be a
tad cranky and irritable. They can be more easily seen and heard than other
spirits. Nevertheless, no matter how hard they try, ghosts cannot harm anyone.

However, that does not mean they won't play tricks, because they can put on a
display that can seem fearful. However, they cannot pick up a gun and shoot you,
and they cannot create a fire and burn the house down.

If you see a ghost, sometimes they will appear ill, injured, diseased, unhappy or
angry. That is clear proof you are seeing a ghost and not seeing a visiting spirit.

26
Spirits are always happy and healthy. Sprits are also usually appear as young
adults, although not always.

Know that ghosts can always easily proceed to the OtherSide whenever they want.
If you come across a ghost, you can be very helpful if you tell the ghost they are
dead and can meet their family and friends if they would go on to the OtherSide.
Encourage them to do so and they will usually listen to you.

The Directionals
The directionals, or elementals, are lower-level creature spirits, sometimes
referred to as Faeries or Nature Spirits, which personify the four elements of
earth, air, fire, and water. They are the "life force" in nature and as such,
they govern all nature and weather. They reside in all natural things
including animal life, insects, rocks, and plant life.

Directionals are so named because each of the four elements is associated with
the cardinal directions of the compass. Although these can vary from Trad to
Trad, the following is the one we follow:

Earth = North
Air = East
Fire = South
Water = West

In some traditions, including Blue Moon Manor, the directionals are sometimes
invited (but never commanded) to a compass round for particularly important
spellwork or for spellwork that involves one of the directionals, such as
something involving the Earth or the weather.

Note: I recommend that you not invite the directionals until you have gained
experience and you have confidence in your magical workings. They require
polite but firm and proper handling by one with a commanding presence. These
nature spirits can be bad tempered and they can be harmful if they get out of
control.

Alternative Assignments
A popular alternative to the above elemental cardinal point assignments is to use:

Air = North
Earth = East
Fire = South
Water = West

27
There are very some interesting reasons why some practitioners place air in the
north. There is some evidence the Celts may have preferred this alignment, but it
is not clear. There are arguments that support these assignments based on logic,
but this logic may be irrelevant. In addition, it does appear in some hereditary
traditions.

The thing is, there are no right or wrong elemental cardinal point assignments;
they all work equally well. Earth in the north has been used by many Trads for
hundreds of years. There is also the fact that assignments are not considered an
important issue in many Trads, including this Trad. Besides, this alternative is
not the way I was taught. To me, Earth "feels" right to me assigned in the north.

So, it is entirely up to you. Use whichever assignments you feel to be best for you.
As with all aspects in British Witchcraft, in the final analysis, how "you feel" is
an important factor you must consider.

The OtherSide

T he OtherSide is also known as the SpiritWorld or heaven. It is the true home

of every spirit, angel, and all other celestial entities. It is where we come
from, where we usually live, and where we will return at the end of our present
temporary existence on Earth.

The OtherSide is on another plane of existence and operates at a different

frequency than the physical world. Physically, it is about three feet above the
ground level of many planets, including Earth's ground level. You may have heard
about spirits that seem to be floating about three feet above the floor. Well, they
were not floating. Their floor level is three feet above ours.

It is important to know that Traditional Witches view the interaction between

the physical world and the OtherSide as "on going" and not dependent on
ritual. Therefore, when witches do ritual or magic, spirits are always present. It is
not necessary to have an invocation, except when a specific spirit or the
elementals are desired.

The OtherSide is "paradise." It is a place of complete harmony, pleasure, and

delight. Whatever illness, injury, or other problems we had on Earth, are simply

28
not present on the OtherSide. There, spirits are all in a state of complete wellness
and contentment.

Death and the OtherSide are things we should never fear. Nor should we fear
spirits or ghosts. While some spirits and ghosts may be mischievous, they are
very limited in their ability to harm humans on Earth. Remember, evil is always
human-made. Evil is always a human decision to act in a harmful way.

Spirit Guides & Angles

There are various types of entities, spirits, and angels on the OtherSide. Various
spirits are available to you for protection, advice, and healing.

Each person has between four and six angles that will act on your behave. Angles
cannot speak, so they will never speak to you. Your spirit guide can speak to you.

Each one of us has at least one spirit guide. This type of guide you knew in a past
life and are often a dead relative of a previous generation, such as a great uncle or
a great-grandmother. They have already learnt the lessons you are on Earth to
learn, so they have agreed to remain back and serve as your teacher and adviser.

However, you need to be fully aware that our purpose in living on Earth is to
experience life and learn from our experiences. Furthermore, we plan our life's
journey on Earth before we are born. These details include the "bad" things that
happen to us as well as the good. This means we create the personal disasters in
our lives. Repeat: We plan our own disasters. This cannot be changed.

Our spirit guides cannot and will not change our "fate" nor interfere with your
free will. However, they will try to help us through difficult periods and they will
give us every type of help they can provide within the limits we have placed.

Your spirit guide has communicated with you in several ways. Perhaps the most
common is to receive a thought or idea telepathically or with infused knowledge.
You could become aware of something from "instinct," your conscience, or an
idea you become suddenly aware of. You can go to bed with a specific problem on
your mind and wake up with a solution. Dreams are a medium of considerable
contact.

Two-way communication with our Guides is difficult because we live in a third-

dimensional world and they do not. Our energy fields are denser than the
OtherSide. So, it is necessary to construct an avenue for spirits to make contact
with us, otherwise it is very hard for them to communicate with us.

An "avenue of thought" is an access place they can enter. If you want help, all you
have to do is to ask. It can help to create a mutually understood bond. Tell your
Guide how you wish to identify him/her, any type of character will do, say a thin

29
older man with a purple beard. Give your character a name. They will gladly
accept the name. And they will know that you have discovered them.

Meditation is a way to meet with your Spirit Guide. For a technique that works,
see Spirit Guide Meditation in the Going Within Section. The more you
communicate with your Spirit Guide, the easier communications will become.
You can and should invite your Spirit Guide to your Compass, to magical
workings and rituals. Communicate with your Spirit Guide on a regular basis, and
don't forget to thank them for their attention and devotion to you.

Remember, you can simply speak and your Spirit Guide will always hear you.

Balance

T he concept of balance is very important to the way Traditional witches

think. Balance in all things is important. This is reflected in the innate
balance between The Horned God and The Goddess Diana, which is symbolic of
life itself. The innate logic of balance is seen in the balance between the sexes,
between life and death, of light and darkness, black and white, of land and the
seas, of the mountain and valley, of hill and dale, of day and night.

We live in a world of balance. The maintenance of balance helps to insure

harmony and fairness. Therefore, the Trad Crafter always considers balance in
thinking and judgement.

Fate

30
F ate is a primary belief in British Witchcraft. We write our own fate before we
are born. We come to Earth to see our fate unwrap and display the lessons we
are meant to learn within our lifetime. We are all as students in a classroom. Our
"real" lives and our "real" homes are on the OtherSide, in the SpiritWorld.

The important events in our lives are more than accidents that happens, they are
essential to our reason for being. With the concept of fate in mind, it would seem
there is little room for the free will of an individual.

However, the existence of fate does not necessarily mean that everything in our
lives is fated. Thus, there is some room for free will. Perhaps free will also exists
as an elective in certain circumstances. After all, the existence of free will does
empower the individual because his ability to choose gives significance to his life.
Choice is essential in placing meaning to our lives.

Free will not only gives meaning to the individual, but it also strengthens the
importance of fate. Although these ideas may not be immediately obvious, it is
logical. Free will empowers and defines the individual. His free-will choices
make him distinct from all others. Now, we may assume that fate has a purpose
and is therefore more important than any event itself. Therefore, there must be
some reason for the fate of an individual. Without free will, it is impossible to
think of events as having nothing more than coincidence simply because there is
no particular reason why they occurred to the individual.

Too often fate and free will are thought to be irreconcilably opposing forces.
However, it is my view that they are two aspects that compliment each other,
each one immeasurably adding to the experience of our lives.

Cunning Fire

A primary concept in the Magical Arts of the Traditional Craft of the British
Isles, the Cunning Fire is the awakened awareness, sometimes gained
through a epiphany, that the spirit of the gods, the very power of universal

31
energy, exists in all of Nature, including human beings. It also refers to the
application of active energy that exists in all matter and which is manifest in
animals as body heat.

Accessing the energy of the Cunning Fire enables man to act like the gods for it
provides the special ability to create language, literature, music, technology, and
to change the world for better or worse.

To the initiated or those that achieve realisation, or enlightenment, it becomes

manifest in humans as spiritual light, which is said to allow the enlightened to
see through the darkness of human ignorance.

A state of realisation can be achieved through techniques that expand awareness.

Such techniques are meditative in nature and by possible other means, generate
reality altering powers that enable the act of experiencing this state in moments
of mystical ecstasy.

The Cunning Fire is very much in the realm of the Shamanic witch, one of
visionary ecstasy, the mysterium tremendum. With proper training, one can
access this essence of Cunning Fire to change the world for better or worse, and it
is said that it can even change fate.

W. B. Yeats used the term Fire in the Head to refer to Cunning Fire in his poetry.

The Cunning Fire is also called:

Secret Fire
Invisible Fire
Whist Fire
Serpent Fire

Note that Wicca does not accept this traditional concept of magical energy.

32
 The Familiar

A familiar is a spirit, a Traditional Crafter's companion spirit. Today, this

usually means an animal spirit in the form of a physical animal. The most
common have been the cat, especially black cats, but also dogs, ferrets, owls,
rabbits, and mice have also been common familiars. Familiars can be any animal,
usually a small house animal or even an insect. The familiar serves in a dedicated
capacity. Most are general magical helpers, aiding in spell casting and other
works of magic, while others are protectors of hearth and home, or personal
guardians during dream or astral work.

Unlike the frightening tales of "demon familiars" told at witch trials in the Middle
Ages and the Renaissance, familiars are actually very benevolent by nature,
imparting knowledge and guidance as well as companionship and love.

Familiars are important because animals are more sensitive to vibrations from
the unseen world. They are helpful to the witch in being a psychic sensor,
warning of the presence of negative energy by their behavior. They are helpful in
attracting added energy to magical workings because of their close affinity with
the SpiritWorld.

The finding of an animal familiar is a very personal thing. The Crafter will make
known a desire for a suitable animal, psychically. The actual finding of the right
animal is immediately realized by a feeling of strong kinship between the witch
and the animal. When this occurs, a new familiar has been found.

A familiar can be in spirit form, but play the same role as animal familiars. In
fact, this is the more traditional manner of a familiar. Spirit familiars can move
about more freely. They are experienced by the Crafter by voice, vision, or the
strong feeling of presence. Sometimes the familiar will be associated with an
object, such as a piece if jewelry, to make contact with the spirit easy.

The familiar is a characteristic only of English witchcraft, and does not appear in
any other form of witchcraft, such as Irish or Scottish or German. While it is
characteristic of English witchcraft, you need not be English to obtain a familiar,
or several. Just remember it is an English concept.

33
 This n' That

Evil
One important belief we have is that the evil does not exist as a force in the
world nor is it a power in itself. Instead, evil exists only as individual
human decisions to do harm to others. Thus, we humans generate the evil
we have in our world.

We also completely reject the concept of Satan (or the Devil) and Hell. Satan
and Hell are a Jewish inventions that were adopted by Christianity and Islam.
Satan does not exist. Hell does not exist.

White Magic / Dark Magic

We do not believe in the "supernatural." We believe the entire Universe is
natural. Therefore, magic is a natural force of Nature, because magic works
within Nature, within the "laws of the Universe" (science). As such, magic is
always neutral. Magic is neither moral nor immoral. The choices we make when
doing magic is our own choice of action. That choice can be moral or immoral.
The making of choices in working magic and in life is an essential aspect of our
life journey, to our growth as sentient beings, and possibly to the divine plan.

Therefore, there is no left-hand or right-hand path, no good or bad magic. Each

Crafter will do both white magic and dark magic in his or her lifetime.

Equality
One of the hallmarks of Traditional British Witchcraft is the principle of
complete equality between all spirits, living and dead. That means we believe in
the equality of all beings in the Universe. That means we believe that all
people are equal and must be treated as equals, regardless of sex, sexual
orientation, race, or by any other criterion.

Attitude Towards Sex

We consider sex to be sacred and special. It is not dirty or bad or evil.
However, sex is to be enjoyed and revered as a special blessing from the gods,
which in British Witchcraft means that it is a gift from Nature.

34
Reincarnation, Well Not Quite
Although this modern term makes some old Crafters cringe, an Old Craft version
of reincarnation, or "transmigration," comes from Celtic culture. The druids,
the Celtic priesthood, taught the doctrine of the transmigration of spirits. A
version of this is generally accepted among Traditional Crafters today.

However, reincarnation and transmigration is not the same thing. With

transmigration, after the death of the body the spirit leaves the body and goes to
the SpiritWorld. The spirit can do one of several things. One of the things the
spirit can do is to return to earth and live another lifetime.

Some spirits return to Earth many times. Others return only a few times, yet
others never come to Earth. Many Trad Crafters believe the spirit returns to
Earth to be reborn into the same tribe or extended family. Usually we re-
encounter family, friends and lovers from past lives.

Many believe that we choose the details of each life before we are born, including
our family and life experiences.

A Witch is Made and Not Born

British Witchcraft is learned. It is not a birthright. Being born into a witchcraft
household can be a major advantage, but it is not a determining factor if one is a
witch or not. Religion is a conscious decision. The choice to become a practicing
Crafter must be consciously made.

Being psychic does not mean you are a Crafter. There are many Traditional
Crafters that are not especially psychic.

To be a Crafter means an acceptance of choice, and receiving the proper training.

This can certainly be self-training, as finding a qualified mentor can be difficult.
This goes to fate. If you were intended to locate a mentor, then you will find one
at the appropriate time.

Code of Ethics
There is no ancient written code of behaviour to follow. The ethics of
Traditionalists is simple: Take responsibility for your own actions. This is
reflected in The Law of Return, which states that for every action there is an
equal reaction. This is a principle in the physics of energy, which is also known as
the "principle of cause and effect." Although the Law of Return,

35
The Pentagram & The Pentacle
The terms pentagram and pentacle are sometimes used synonymously or
interchangeably.

A pentagram is a five-pointed star. It has been in use since ancient times as

a religious symbol. The pentagram may have originated as far back as pre-history
as a symbol of the Mother Goddess from England to Egypt. The English words,
cereal, cardiac, carnal, corn, core and kernel derive from the name of the
Goddess.

The Mother Goddess' sacred fruit is the apple, which when cut open horizontally
will reveal a five-pointed star formation at the core, with a seed in each point of
the star. Some Pagans always cut the apple in this manner.

A pentacle is a five-pointed star within a circle. It is often used as an

amulet for protection. Although not as popular among Traditionalists as other
British Pagans, the pentacle resonates as a meaningful symbol of their
spirituality.

Grimoire
A grimoire is a book of spells and other witchy information kept by most Trad
Crafters today. Historically, this was certainly not the case, as by law the common
people were not allowed to learn how to read and write. Today, we can 'read and
write' AND keep a grimoire without it costing us incarceration or execution.

Soo... keeping a grimoire aint a bad idea. In fact, I think it's a necessity. A good
grimoire is for ease of reference. As any other good Crafter, you will be constantly
discovering new ideas, new approaches, new techniques that you will want to
keep for reference or possibly incorporate into your own practice. This is what the
grimoire is for. You can even use the alternative, perhaps the older spelling,
"Gramarye," if you like.

A Witchcraft Tradition is Not Mastered Quickly

Traditional British Witchcraft is a rich religion that encompasses your spirit,
your entire being, your life. It is not a quick-learn curiosity, but an on-going
experience with Nature, experience in learning about life, the world, and devotion
to the gods. That is not something with a beginning and an end. It is life itself.

36
Dedication
In Traditional British Witchcraft, rights of passage ceremonies such as
dedication and initiation are variable between Trad and Trad. Many Trad covens
do not have right of passage ceremonies because they are not hierarchical and
such ceremonies are not especially traditional in their Trad. Nevertheless, some
groups (or covens) have adopted dedication and/or initiation because these
rituals can have personal meaning to seekers. Therefore, they can serve a
practical purpose.

Most of the people taking this course will be solitary practitioners. You are free to
have your own dedication ceremony, when you feel it is right to do so. You may
follow the example provided later in this Course.

The Crafter's Mind

The manner in which you sense and comprehend the world around you will be a
major factor in how your life unfolds. It is always best for a Traditional Crafter to
be mildly sceptical by nature, yet also have the freedom and great advantage of an
open mind. You need to be discerning and even critical of new ideas, yet maintain
an objectivity that will allow you to accept those ideas that are worthy of your
attention and best for you to accept. Traditional Crafters have been described as
being like Magpies, always searching and adopting.

As a seeker in the Traditional Craft, you must gain the Crafters' habit of being
observant and inquisitive. You need to look for connections and always strive for
balance. The world is rarely back and white, but usually shades of grey. But grey
comes in many shades for you to consider.

In dealing with people, it is always best to be always patient, considerate, and

courteous. Most Trad Crafters are non-assuming people, easy going and friendly.
Those with opposing points of view should be treated with respect and
diplomacy. It is never acceptable to argue with fools. It is always a waste of time
and energy. That makes it unconstructive. Stand up for your beliefs, but also
know when to keep quiet and leave.

It is always important to be mindful that all paths lead to the same source. It is
incumbent on us to respect all peaceful paths, even if you do not agree with them.

It is always imprudent to show off before others. That will draw attention to you
and this is usually very undesirable.

As time goes on you will gain confidence in your rituals and workings. Experience
with the techniques of Going Within will enhance your self-esteem, your general

37
awareness and insight. You will begin to see your body and your environment as
your temple and this will bring you closer to the gods and spirits.

Remember, your mind is a very powerful tool. That plus "know how" is all you
really need. For you are well capable of doing incredible change, both in yourself
and in the world around you.

^
________________________________________________________________
1 Religion, Encyclopdia Britannica at
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9063138/religion

2 WorldNet Search, Princeton University database at

http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=religion

3 Conclusion at end of article, Definitions of the word "religion" at

http://www.religioustolerance.org/rel_defn.htm

4 Primitive Culture by Sir Edward Burnett Taylor (1871), p. 77

38
 Chapter Two - Going Within

T he Traditional Magic of British Witchcraft is a modern version of what

derives from the ancient tribal magic, beliefs, and shamanistic techniques
practiced in early Anglo-Saxon Britain, primarily from the Saxons.

The degree of shamanistic practices found in Trads today varies from one group
to another. Common to all groups, or Trads, is the shamanic practice of Going
Within, to journey within yourself, to delve into the mind in order to gain access
to a higher plane to bring influence and command over the self and the
environment.

Many terms were used for this process, including terms such as to "focus the
mind," and many others. Today, this is commonly referred to by the Asian term
that has become so popular - meditation. Of course, until recently, it was never
called "meditation" in Britain. Nevertheless, that is what it is.

Most people of the Old Ways used meditation as a vital tool in their magic. Many
ways were utilised in training the mind of seekers. One method was to have
seekers sit and look at the flame of a candle for periods of time until the seeker
gained the ability to "shift the mind into concentration at will." This capacity to
control the ability to "focus intently" is a key ingredient in the working of all
magical practices, and is fundamental to magical success.

I wish to be clear that the ability to effectively meditate and to easily visualise,
which goes hand-in-hand with meditation, is central to all magical practice and
must be mastered. Thankfully, it is not difficult to learn. It just takes practice.

The Road to Inner Peace

Although there are different ways to meditate, the result is the same - a
disciplined mind.

A core difference between the Western or British traditions and the Eastern or
Asian traditions is that in Asia, the goal is typically to "empty" the mind of all
thoughts. An Asian technique is to repeat a word over and over as a way to stop
the flow of thoughts. Such Asian methods are in parallel with Western practices,
up to a point.

39
In British magical training, the goal would not center around emptying the mind,
but instead to focus the mind on a thought to the exclusion of all else.

The fact is, both approaches lead to the same end - control of thoughts. Whatever
method used encourages the thinking process to a higher state of awareness and
perception. All practitioners of meditation become aware of this magical quality.

This awareness is the hallmark of enlightenment.

Psychic Intuition
Many seekers initially believe that meditation will bring psychic intuition. Well,
yes, it is possible, but it does so indirectly. The purpose of Going Within is to
bring us into the inner self, the gateway. With regular practice, Going Within will
bring a happier and healthier mind, and it will unlock improved mental
functioning, increased clarity of thought, improve intuition, and improve access
to unconscious resources and innate abilities. In turn, this can mean greater
psychic intuition.

Other Benefits
Going Within is a concentrative practice that allows your mind to become more
peaceful, calm and focused. Meditation will enable you to experience greater
relaxation, clarity, and awareness. It is a strong technique for managing stress. It
has the effect of reducing blood pressure, lowering pulse rate, decreasing and the
metabolic rate.

Regular meditation will enable you to gain deeper understanding of yourself

through the observation of what occurs in your mind.

Practicing meditation will bring about some changes in our lives and ourselves
automatically. You may find that some destructive habits simply drop away with
minimal conscious effort.

Almost everyone has experienced "uncontrolled meditation" or "automatic

meditation". This can happen when you wash dishes, daydream and become
unaware of your surroundings, when you drive a car on "autopilot" and arrive at
your destination without remembering how you got there. So, everyone has the
innate ability to meditate. However, I assume you realise that you should never
deliberately meditate while driving a car or operating machinery.

40
Natural Healing
As you develop, you will begin to realise that a certain healing is occurring. Your
magic will solidify into a greater force. This could be the spirit of passive magic at
work. With each ritual and magic procedure, energy will be created that will of its
own accord, help forge a new level on which you practice. As you grow, so too will
your rituals and magic, along with your sense of personal growth and well-being.

How Long to Meditate?

Those new to meditation may have difficulty meditating for longer than 10 - 15
minutes at a time. This will increase with regular practice. Many people meditate
20 - 60 minutes each day, but the right duration and frequency is for you to
decide.

What Position is Best?

You should use whatever position is most comfortable for you to maintain. The
most traditional position (for non-Asians) is to sit in a comfortable chair. Be
mindful to keep a straight back.

Do I Need a Teacher?
Some do, some do not. If you find that you have difficulty in learning to meditate,
then it may be beneficial for you to join a meditation group at a community
center. You might find a teacher to be invaluable in providing answers to
questions and in providing advice. The group setting can provide encouragement.

It does take determination to learn to meditate; but the more you do it the easier
it will become.

If I Try Harder, Can I Learn Faster?

No. This is a common mistake. Instead, the secret to doing effective meditation is
to "let go" and NOT to consciously force yourself to meditate "harder."

Just be patient, relax, and go with the flow.

It is a matter of letting go and realizing that our spiritual growth is a natural

process. As we let go consciously and receive more input from our inner self, we
learn to trust the feeling that we are in safe hands and something amazing is
about to happen.

41
 Breathing Exercise

Also, found in Lesson 1 in the Introductory Course (Mini-Course).

The first hurdle to Going Within (meditation) is to disregard distractions to

maintain a clear mind for concentration. To disregard is not to deny distractions.
It's a fine line between the two. All people who meditate become aware of
distractions. Beginners often try to deny distraction, which causes tension and a
mental battle to clear the mind. That is not an effective approach. It is better to
mentally acknowledge the distraction, then it slips into disregard. Your focus
remains above the distractions and should return to breathing. In this approach
to meditation, the breathing is the vehicle to clearness of mind.

Learning to meditate can be easier than you think. I have a super easy meditation
that is not only perfect for beginners but is also used by many people that are
much more advanced.

Note: During this meditation, breathe in through the nose and out
through the mouth. Use your diaphragm, which is your stomach, just below
your ribs, to draw air in and back out.

Breathe in deeply FIRST, feeling your abdomen expand. Fill your lungs. Then
release your breath through your mouth, slowly.

You normally exhale twice as long as you inhale, and it's good to keep doing so.

Should you begin to feel lightheaded, then you need to exhale longer and breathe
more slowly.

Step 1: You need to find a quiet place alone where you know you'll have no
interruptions. This should be a room you can darken, but don't make the room
dark yet.

Step 2: If this is not a room with your altar, then you will need to set up an altar.
You will need:
Any regular height table.
One white candle and candle holder.
Incense and holder (this is optional).
A comfortable chair with a firm back, placed in front of the altar.

Step 3: Position the candle directly in front of your chair about 2 feet away on
the table. Light the candle and incense. Now, darken the room.

42
Step 4: Be seated and make sure you are in a comfortable position. It's
important to sit up straight throughout meditation. Your hands may be on
your knees or on your lap, but do NOT cross your arms or legs.

Step 5: Close your eyes. Relax.

Step 6: Concentrate on your breathing, take a deep breath while counting

to four. Now breathe out while counting to eight. You may alter this pattern if it
is more comfortable for you. Continue breathing in this manner for 5 to 20
minutes. You will become very aware of the calming, rhythmic pattern.

Step 7: When you are finished, take a deep breath, look around you, and
return refreshed and aware of energy throughout your body.

Later you will be able to do this meditation for 5 - 15 minutes with little difficulty.

Especially at first, your mind might come up with thoughts, itches, tingles, or
other uncomfortable feelings to annoy you. The mind needs to "get use" to
meditation. You see, normally the mind "runs" in an undisciplined manner and
you pay it no mind. But when you begin to learn to control the mind you will
become very aware of such annoyances.

The best thing to do is to simply put them out of your mind one by one and return
to concentrating on your breathing. Don't expect to be able to master meditation
overnight.

Don't try too hard. When distracted, gently return to concentrating on your
breathing. Remain directed to this and you will ease into meditation well.

43
 Confidence Meditative Ritual

Also, found in Lesson 2 in the Introductory Course (Mini-Course).

Your greatest strength is your self-confidence. It is the most important factor in

the success of your magical workings. It can also be the sole cause of the
miserable failure of a spell and even worse, the resulting backfire effect on your
life.

So, this is a matter of prime importance and an issue you must resolve. You
MUST believe in the process and you MUST believe your spells will "work."

Fortunately, meditation has a powerful effect in correcting negativity. Meditation

will cause a change in your self-perception and bring about a positive frame of
mind. In fact, a positive attitude is a natural side-effect of regular meditation.
This meditation I will teach you today is pointed directly at the problem of self-
confidence, so it is doubly powerful.

When you complete this meditation, you will notice that everything you do and
every piece of magical energy you generate will have more intensity and will have
a stronger effect in your world more than before. It does work.

Step 1: You need to find a quiet place alone where you know you'll have no
interruptions. This should be a room you can darken, but don't make the room
dark yet.

Step 2: If this is not a room with your altar, then you will need to set up an
altar. You will need:
Any regular height table.
One white candle and candle holder.
Incense and holder (this is optional).
A comfortable chair with a firm back, placed in front of the altar.

Step 3: Now I want you to "charge" the candle with your energy. To do this,
be seated, take the candle and hold it between your two hands on your lap.
Close your eyes and visualize the light of your energy flowing into the candle.
Do this until you are satisfied the candle has absorbed your energy, 5 - 10
seconds or longer if you prefer. In doing this, you have created a working
talisman.

Step 4: Position the candle directly in front of your chair about 2 feet away on
the table. Light the candle and incense. Now, darken the room.

44
Step 5: Be seated and make sure you are in a comfortable position. It's
important to sit up straight throughout meditation. Your hands may be on
your knees or on your lap, but do NOT cross your arms or legs.

Step 6: Relax. I want you to now briefly think of the candle as representing
you, and the dark room as representing the nothingness.

Step 7: Slowly take a deep breath in, and then breathe out. Then continue to
breathe normally.

Step 8: Focus on the flame. Visualize the warm energy you placed into the
candle, the candle that represents you, now being released into the nothingness
that is all around you.

Step 9: Close your eyes. Sense the energy filling the room from bottom to top,
to all of the walls. The energy fills the room completely and its warmth slightly
rises, you become aware of the warmth.

Step 10: You know the warmth in the room will remain, but now I want you to
concentrate only on the idea that you now have belief in yourself. Swish all
negative ideas out of your mind. There's not enough room but for your
concentration of a deepening belief in you and your abilities. It continues to
grow, and grow, until you now clearly visualize confidence in you and what
you do.

Allow nothing else but this pure confidence as it glows within you. The
warmth of this confidence and the warmth in the room you now realize is one.
Both radiate confidence and competence. You grow in power, and grow

Continue for at least 5 minutes as you become more and more aware of the
confidence you now have in yourself. You allow nothing else into your mind.

Continue as you become aware that the warmth radiating from you is one with
the warmth in the room and is in fact a power that you possess - a special
power that glows with confidence and glows and grows and grows.

Continue as you now become aware that this power, this confidence is one and
the same power as the power of magic. And that this power is in every part of
your body and spirit. It glows and you are very aware of it.

Step 11: After about 5 minutes or longer, open your eyes, and take three deep
breaths.

You should now feel refreshed and realize a bright sense of confidence.

45
This ritual has planted a seed of core belief in yourself that can be reinforced
whenever you wish. I recommend you do this ritual on a daily basis for one or
two weeks, or as needed.

You will notice a difference in the magic you perform. You will be aware of a
sense of confidence you might not have had before. It will seem that everything
"works" better because of the positive energy this ritual created.

One more thing, don't forget to snuff out the candle.

46
 The Glowing Ball

Also, found in Lesson 3 in the Introductory Course (Mini-Course)

and on the Blue Moon Manor website.

The Glowing Ball Meditation is not a traditional meditation. However, mental

preparation before a working (magic) or ritual is very traditional. Some method
was always used. I learned how to do the Glowing Ball many years ago and it
serves the purpose of self-protection, fortification and creating a focused mind-
set very effectively. I think it is an important technique that should always be
done before spellwork or any important ritual. It allows the mind to enter the
"zone" of ritual consciousness, that gateway magical place between the worlds.

This meditation can also be done as a daily mental exercise, such as first thing in
the morning, after you come home after a 9 to 5 job, after a stressful situation, or
in the evening. Normally it should take 10 - 20 minutes.

Step 1: Be seated, close your eyes and relax.

Step 2: Slowly take a deep breath in, hold it, and then breathe out. You can
breathe in while counting to 6, hold for 3, and then exhale for 6. You may use
another pattern if it seems more comfortable to you.

Repeat this slow breathing for at least 3 minutes. You will become very aware of
the calming, rhythmic pattern.

Step 3: Gradually slow your breathing down, to be slower, slower, and deeper.
Now visualize yourself breathing in freshness and love; and breathing out
negativity and fear.

Step 4: Visualize your feet surrounded with a Glowing ball of beautiful, warm
light. This ball of light always brings peace and relaxation. With the coming in of
the warm light, negativity drops out the bottoms of your feet. You may also
tighten and relax your toes.

Wherever the ball of light goes, tension will leave, and it will charge you with its
energy.

Step 5: Now, the ball of light expands up your legs, then to include your torso.
Let it go down your arms, to your fingers. Then up to your head. Now it
surrounds your entire body. You are now surrounded by this majestic Glowing
ball of warm light.

47
Step 6: Stay in this state of deep relaxation as long as you like, but for at least
several minutes.

Step 7: When you are finished, take three deep breaths and return aware that
you feel refreshed and alive, and aware of energy throughout your body.

Note: Some new Solitary Practitioners will refrain from doing preparatory
meditation because they say it's "too much bother." Inevitably, in time they come
to find out that their magic doesn't exactly sizzle and they come to realize that
preparatory meditation is as important as the spell itself. If the mind isn't in gear,
neither will be the spell.

48
 Spirit Guide Meditation

This meditation is a visit with helping spirit, your spirit guide. This takes 30-45
minutes. Begin with the Glowing Ball Meditation, and then continue:

[Continued from Glowing Ball Meditation:]

Step 8: Imagine your entire body being cleansed, healed, and bathed in this
protecting spiritual light.

Step 9: Now ask your spiritual guide to come to you and to help with the
purpose of this mediation. State your positive intention clearly.

Step 10: Visualize, imagine, sense, and feel you are standing at the top of an
isolated grassy hill in the countryside on a sunny day. When you are ready, walk
down the hill. As you walk down, imagine and feel each step as the grass crunches
below your feet. You move safely and with ease. Use all your senses and fully
experience this casual, comfortable walk.

When you are walking along the bottom of the hill feeling very safe, see yourself
healthy and carefree and allow your sense of being to be part of this place as it
fills your body and mind. Take a moment to imagine or sense it.

Somewhere nearby is a clear, still pond. As you approach the clear, still pond, you
notice a mist is forming near it. This mist hugs the earth. Intuitively, you are
aware that your guide is approaching and is inviting your spirit (soul) into this
realm of enlightenment. Now reach out your hand into the mist. Be aware of your
guide's hand gently slipping into your own.

The mist begins to clear now and you have the opportunity to meet and see your
guide. You can see the clothes the guide is wearing, the style of their hair and any
decorations or adornments they may have. Take it all in and be open to sense
their good intentions as well.

Feel their energy surrounding you, spiritually and physically. Make a mental note
of this feeling so that you can easily recognize it after you return from this
meditation.

Step 11: Greet your guide. You may ask his or her name. Accept whatever is said.

Ask if they have any advice or thoughts for you.

49
Ask any questions that you may have.

You might invite your guide to be part of your daily life.

Step 12: When you are finished, make a point of thanking them sincerely for
everything they do you, and say goodbye.

Notice the mist forming again around them near the pond. Imagine yourself now
moving back from that misty area, back up the hill as your body goes back into
your physical body, still protected by the glowing light.

As your spirit merges back into your body, bring your thoughts back to the
present and think about the good days to come and take in a deep breath feeling
completely at peace. As you open your eyes, feel the energy through your body
and become more and more aware of your surroundings.

It is a good idea to record your journey on an audio tape or in your Journal. Do

this immediately after this meditation, so your thoughts remain clear and fresh.
Of course, you can visit your guide any time you wish. As you become better at it,
you will find that you can visit with your guide and discuss specific problems. You
may find that advice or solutions may become apparent.

50
 Candle Meditation

Meditation with a candle has been a time-honored practice among the Cunning
Folk over the centuries. It is an especially pleasant and powerful meditative
technique. The flickering of the candle is mesmerising and relaxing.

You can use a Candle Meditation as a prelude to other meditation techniques,

such as a healing session, or as a meditation in itself. It can be used in place of the
Glowing Ball Meditation, if you wish.

Use one white candle in a safe holder placed on a table of standard height directly
in front of you. The room should be darkened. Late evening and night are the best
times to use this technique. Make sure the house phone and your cell phone are
turned off.

Be seated in a chair about 2 - 3 feet (about an arm's length away) from the candle.

Do not stare at the flame, but look below it, or to the side, or close your eyes and
you will still see the candle flickering and dancing away.

If thoughts come to you, a good way of handing them is to just allow them in your
mind while you keep most of your attention on the candle flame.

The length of meditation can vary, but is typically from a few minutes to 20
minutes.

51
 Connect With the Universe

This old Going Within shamanic technique reflects the grand simplicity of the
Old Craft. It is intimately attuned to Nature. That is the hallmark of the older
ways, they were simple and they were always in tune with Nature. That is the
essence, the power of the Traditional Craft at its best. The following technique
may be addicting.

The purpose of this exercise is to relate with the Universe and to internalize its
immensity at a spiritual level. In doing this you will come to a point where you
connect with yourself, because you will emulate the Universe. The perfect place
to do this is outside in good weather under a full moon on a starry night in a
quiet, open place, completely free of noise and in complete safety. Finding the
proper location for this experience can be a challenge.

Nevertheless, it can be done inside by a window, or if need be, even not by a

window. Do as best as you can.

Step 1: Be seated, relax, and stare at the Moon. Be aware of all the sounds
around you. Allow yourself to take in the wonder of Nature and the Universe.

Step 2: Slow your breathing and concentrate on the Moon. Be aware of the
vastness of everything.

Step 3: After a while, whilst continuing to concentrate on the Moon, allow your
awareness to detach from your body. Feel your Mind drifting off into space.

Step 4: Keep expanding your feeling, your awareness, your mind to envelope the
stars and beyond. After a while, you will experience grandeur, that which I cannot
put into words. It is the nether place of enchantment, the wanderlust of expanse.

Continue for as long as you like.

Step 5: When you are finished and you return to your body, take a deep
breath, look around you, and return refreshed and aware of energy
throughout your body.

This is an experience of Oneness, of perfect awe, of going beyond consciousness

to commune with the gods. Some people like to do this as their main activity on
the Full Moon Sabbat. Some want to do it every night.

52
 Visualization

We have been raised to believe that daydreaming is wasted time. However, in

magical workings, imagination is a potent means. It is a creative expression of the
sub-conscious mind and as such, it is a very powerful tool.

Rather than to continue to "limit" your daydreaming, you must learn to do the
opposite. You need to "give yourself permission" and (outside of your work hours
and operating machinery and driving an automobile) allow yourself to daydream
as much as your mind sees fit.

Your imagination has been termed the playground of your spirit, unleashing
the very rich expressions of your sub-conscious mind enriches your power by
providing a fertile place for magical workings to start and incubate. This is very
important and is not to be underestimated.

Applied Daydreaming
Visualisation is applied daydreaming, or more correctly, controlled
daydreaming. Visualisation is central to magic and that is why I teach it in the
Mini-Course (Introductory Course). Further exercises are in this chapter.

1) Spellcraft - The ability to do effective visualization adds dynamic energy to

any spell and as such, visualization is the central force in performing spells
successfully. It is the most vital characteristic of good-quality spellcraft. For that
reason it is important to develop the ability to visualize so it can be used when
needed.

2) Attraction - Do you recall the "Law of Attraction" in the best selling book,
The Secret? There is a wonderful movie of the same name. That concept is
actually good old fashioned magical technique!

In addition, the practice of visualization is also in itself an important technique in

self-improvement. It is very effective in attracting whatever you are looking for in
your life, including affluence, friendship, health, love, and happiness. It is an
advanced technique because you must have learned the ability to meditate and to
do simple visualizations.

Magical visualization works from the inside out. You can change your
environment and your situation in life by changing the energy that surrounds
you. This is highly effective. Do not underestimate this technique.

53
Some People Have Difficulty
Some people have difficulty in visualization, no matter how hard they try. This
could be for many reasons. Some people simply are not visually minded. Others
may have a mental block. It could be that they don't really understand it. If you
are one of these people, then you will find magic very difficult to do. Successful
magical technique rests upon the ability to visualize goals very well and the ability
to sense and manipulate the forces of energy that surrounds us. Visualization
enables the ability to sense energy. Therefore, it is vital to the process.

Fortunately, with patience and practice, most people are capable of developing
their ability to visualize and find they can successfully increase their ability as
time goes on. It's not something you can pick up overnight. However, with daily
practice, visualization can be learned by most people.

Should you have difficulty in forming mental images at will or on command, my

advice is to keep on trying. See how it goes over several months. You will
probably be able to notice some improvement. With a little discipline, like
learning to play the piano, you will gain the ability.

Visualization is like controlled daydreaming. Many people tend to have specific

memories when they hear their favourite songs. In fact, it's very common to day
dream while listening to music. Well, if you can daydream while listening to
music, then you are using your imagination. If you can use your imagination,
then you can learn to visualize.

While daydreaming and visualization is not the same thing, they are closely
related. The only difference is control. That control can be learned.

There are several exercises you can do to that will help you in learning basic
visualization. You may wish to do these daily until you learn to visualize easily.

54
 Visualization Practice Exercises

Practice Exercise #1

Locate a painting, photograph or a poster that that has objects in it but is not too
complicated. At a quite location, look at the painting or poster for about five
minutes. Study each of the objects in the design. Notice the colors as well as the
shapes.

After five minutes, turn away from the picture. Sit back and close your eyes. Now
think about the picture and picture in your mind the objects in the picture. See
them in your mind, including their color and texture. Do this for about five
minutes.

Practice Exercise #2

Get a CD player and at a quite location play a favourite song with lyrics that you
understand. Close your eyes and play it several times. Don't try to memorize it,
just listen to it and enjoy it. Allow the song to flow through your mind, but don't
allow thoughts to drift in. Stay focused on the song. Now take a five minute break.

After five minutes, sit down again, close your eyes and play the song in your
mind, with as much detail as possible. Again, allow the song to flow through your
mind, but don't allow other thoughts. Stay focused and hear the song.

Practice Ideas
After doing the above for a week or two, progress to more elaborate imagery.
Picture various scenarios in your mind that reflect daily life, such as:
A party
Asking for a pay raise
Buying a new car
Any event that is significant to you

Run through your scenario with as much detail as possible. Always create a
special positive ending. You become popular at the party, you get the pay raise,
and you buy the car very cheaply. You get the point.

55
 Self-Improvement Visualization

Sit in a comfortable position.

Close your eyes, be completely relaxed.

Regulate your breathing into deep, slow breaths.

Count from 10 to 1 slowly, relaxing more with each breath. Feel your body
completely relaxing. When you feel completely relaxed:

Visualize exactly what you want in your life. Be exact. Include details such
as the time of day, the weather, all that make-up a complete picture. If people are
present, picture it as in life, with talking and movement. It should be like a movie.

Do this for several minutes.

Tell yourself this will happen. Literally, say the words:

"This will happen"

Make an affirmation, something like this one:

"Something like this, or better,

is evident to me in a harmonious way,
and for the good of all concerned."
When done, Open your eyes, focus on your breathing, move around a little, then
continue your day.

It is good to do this Magical Visualization Technique once a day until

you have attracted what you visualize. However, you will need to be patient.
While things can develop quickly, at other times it could make months or years
before a change is evident.

56
 Chapter Three -
Sabbats, Full Moons, Esbats & Festivals

I have previously addressed the problem with the terms "witch," "witchcraft,"
and "coven." Wicca's Gerald Gardner brought these terms into common public
use through the popularity of his publications. Well, that's not all, folks. He also
introduced the terms "sabbat" and "esbat" in new, original ways that are also "out
of sync" with correct usage in the Traditional Craft.

Sabbat
Historically and correctly, a sabbat is a gathering of witches and seekers for
celebration and magic. Historically, a sabbat is held on the Full Moon. However,
a sabbat can be held any time there is a desire for a group to get together.

Gardner changed that meaning to make sabbat synonymous with festival, one of
his selected eight Wicca festivals.

Esbat
Esbat is a term that historically was never used by Traditional Crafters. Wiccans
use this term to refer to their Full Moon sabbats. The term esbat was popularized
by Margaret Murray and her famous misunderstandings of old witchcraft. Gerald
Gardner then decided to adopt the term esbat for, essentially, no good reason.

In my opinion, the term "esbat" should be avoided because it is not historically

correct. I use it occasionally only to be clear to those who are not Traditionalists.

The Festivals
The Festivals were the holidays of the common people in pagan Britain. The
traditional festivals were public holidays and Traditional Crafters could observe a
sabbat, if they wished. However, the festival would be a public day of rest, and it
could be a convenient time for a sabbat, nevertheless, it was not the reason for a
sabbat.

57
 The Full Moons

The sabbats of the Full Moon are times when Traditional Crafters and groups
commemorate this monthly lunar event with celebration, Going Within, and
spellwork.

There are 12 or 13 Full Moons in a year, depending on the year. How the Full
Moon Sabbat is celebrated varies by tradition, although magic always takes a
center role among Trad Crafters. This is because the Full Moon has greater power
and enhances the quality of magical workings during this period.

It is a magically-charged time when spells that have waited are finally said, when
friends might come together to celebrate this magical night, join in community
spells for the welfare of all, and celebrate each other and the gods.

The day before and after the exact date of a Full Moon are added by some
Crafters as an acceptable time for a sabbat. This allows a bit more latitude when
a Full Moon Sabbat can be held so it can occur on the night of a weekend. This
practice is perfectly acceptable.

The Olde Sabbat

In the olden times, the sabbat was a time when many Traditional Crafters either
alone or in a gathering came before the Horned God of the Wooded Wild and the
Goddess of the Moon in a trance dream state. This magical place of the mind was
accessed through gateways of consciousness, including Going Within
(meditation), visualisation, drumming, dancing in ecstasy.

There are no special rituals on a Full Moon, except that which is done for any
sabbat, compass round, or Going Within session.

On The Special Day

In my opinion, as the Full Moon is a special day, it is proper to do special
things in its honour. Wear new cloths for the first time, buy special teats, do
special things. During the eve, I suggest you enjoy a fine dinner with those
most important in your life, followed by a walk under the light of the moon
(if it is safe to do so and it is not raining or snowing). Families with young
children may follow the meal with games.

58
All this is beside Going Within and spellwork. I leave it to you to work out the
schedule. Normally, spellwork would be done later at night.

Couples
Couples can make the Full Moon Sabbat a romantic event. You can have a
romantic dinner and follow that with something more intimate.

Some Traditional Crafters use the inherent power of sex to power their spells. In
fact, Tantric Sex is widely practised by some Crafter couples. The magical
aspects of Tantric sex can be harnessed by a Crafter couple working together to
greatly enhance a particular spell they are casting. This could be called Tantric
Spellwork. If you are interested, there are books available on Tantric Sex. I will
leave it to you to work out the details.

I should mention that should you perform Tantric Spellwork, a compass is not
normally laid and spirits would not be invited.

Of course, the use of sex as a catalyst in spellwork is optional. Some couples use
this method while others do not. Some find it too distracting or awkward. It is
really a couple's voluntary decision.

Also, note that in England, while most Traditional Crafters do have spell
workings occasionally outdoors, most spellwork is normally practiced indoors,
usually in the kitchen, dining room or family room. However, for a couple alone,
Tantric Spellwork would be performed in the bedroom.

A Word About Children and Adolescents

Young children are usually not included in Going Within and spellwork on a
sabbat, especially if you have several children. Of course, this is variable,
depending on your circumstances. Do what seems practical.

Take it very easy with older Children and adolescents. They can be introduced to
sabbat spellwork activities as they master Going Within techniques and they
voluntarily indicate an interest in becoming part of the spell working. This must
be completely voluntary. We never "force" anyone to ritual or spellwork.
Some older children and adolescents will be drawn to the Traditional Craft,
others will not. That is completely acceptable.

Some people are not meant to be Crafters. Never "talk" a child or teenager into
attending or participating in the Traditional Craft. You violate their fundamental
rights by imposing the Traditional Craft on them. They will know when it is right
for them to begin participation. Of course, you can indirectly let them know they
are free to join you. However, let them tell you when they wish to join in.

59
I assume you understand that Traditional Crafter couples are normally never
nude before their children, adolescents, or anyone else. We do not practice being
Skyclad (Wiccan ritual nudity). Nor is sex performed except then a couple is
alone in their bedroom.

Couples with children or adolescents that wish to participate in spellwork should

understand that they could perform most spellwork as a family in the dining
room, as an example. If they wish, the couple could then, later and privately,
perform Tantric Spellwork when they are alone in their bedroom.

Concerning Rituals of the Sabbat:

The following are some key points.

I recommend a Connect With The Universe meditation. It is best to do

it outside under the full moon on a starry night in good weather. However,
it can be done inside by a window, or even not by a window, if you must.
This is found in Chapter 2, Going Within. You may want to do this before
you lay the compass, unless the moon is seen while you are inside the
compass.

Tarot readings can also be done especially related to self-development,

self-improvement.

A compass round can be cast (all seekers should cast a compass).

I would also recommend a Candle Meditation and Scrying for about 10

- 20 minutes.

Spellwork and other rites are to be done as planned.

The Moon Cycle: Here are some terms you should know:

Full Moon - This is the night when the entire moon is completely visible.
Note that the preceding and following nights may appear to have a Full
Moon, but they are not completely full. Nevertheless, a Full Moon Sabbat
can be held on these nights.

Dark Moon - (New Moon) This is when the moon is completely in

shadow and appears completely dark. You should try to get out of the habit
of calling this the "New Moon" as the Christians imposed this name. They
"disapproved" of anything "dark!" However, in the Pagan world, this has
always been "the Dark Moon" because that is what it is - dark!

60
 Waxing Moon - This is when the moon is growing in brilliance from the
Dark Moon to the Full Moon.

Waning Moon - This is when the moon is shrinking in brilliance from

the Full Moon to the Dark Moon.

Blue Moon - 1) Originally, a Blue Moon referred to a full moon that is

pale blue in color. This occurs when the planet Venus is close to the moon
and illuminates it. 2) In the USA, a Blue Moon has come to refer to the
second Full Moon within a calendar month.

Black Moon - This is the second Dark Moon within a calendar month.
This is not a common occurrence.

61
 The Festivals

In Traditional Witchcraft, the festivals are elective times of celebration.

Festivals are of less importance than Full Moon Sabbats.

Before the modern era, the festivals celebrated by Traditional Crafters were the
festivals celebrated by the general pagan population, the common people. There
were no separate rituals in Crafter homes. The Cunning Folk joined their
neighbours in a community celebration of the festivals.

Today, this becomes more complicated. Neo-Pagans and Wiccans keep their
"eight Sabbats," which are their eight festivals. They are a rather different
assortment of festivals than were celebrated in old England. In fact, until the
advent of Wicca, these eight festivals were not celebrated as a unit by any
European culture. Therefore, Traditional Crafters almost never keep all of these
eight festivals.

Many Trads keep only some these festivals and perhaps other festivals associated
with the gods or pantheon they recognize. These are usually not sabbat
celebrations, but personal observances. As an example: Trads that recognize
Roman gods are likely to keep Saturnalia, an ancient Roman holiday, in
addition to their Yuletide celebrations.

Today, some Traditional Crafters celebrate either:

1. The so-called four Celtic festivals, or

2. The four equinoxes and solstices.

Everyone seems today to celebrate the Yuletide season.

Each seeker will need to decide which festivals to observe, and then
observe them. Of course, as time goes on you will have a better idea which
festivals are more important to you.

When to Party
In the Anglo-Saxon/Celtic/Roman tradition, the day started at sundown and
ended the following day at sundown. Therefore, the "eve," the evening before the
date of the festival, was always the start of the festival and usually the start of full
celebrations. As an example: on the conventional calendar, New Years Day is
January 1st, and New Year's Eve is the evening of December 31st.

62
 How to Observe the Festivals
Remember, Festivals are of far less importance than Full Moon Sabbats, and all
Crafters select those festivals to observe by their Trad tradition as well as
personal preference. Observance of a festival involves honoring that day with
activities related to that festival. Here are some suggestions:

1) Before hand, try to read about the festival you plan to observe. This may not
be easy as information can be inconvenient to locate. Note that books about the
festivals written by Wiccan authors present the festivals as viewed in the Wicca
religion. This has nothing to do with how these festivals are celebrated in
Traditional Witchcraft or how these festivals were actually historically celebrated
in olden times. Therefore, I suggest you avoid all Wiccan authors.

2) Decide upon appropriate activities and buy special teats.

3) On the eve, light candles and maybe incense.

4) Go Within

5) Enjoy a special dinner. Families with young children may follow the meal
with games.

6) On the day of the festival, do special things you like doing. Take a long
walk in a park. Visit a museum or art gallery. See a movie. Meditate. Go on a
family outing.

7) Festivals were celebrated by physical observances. However, you may wish to

create a special ritual for each festival you observe. It is your tradition. You can
do as you like.

A very interesting book with festival rituals is Crone's Book of Charms &
Spells by Valerie Worth. This "fictional" literary creation captures the spirit of
some pagan holidays in a very interesting and beautiful manner. Her
"Ceremonies For The Year" beginning on page 103 are quite appropriate,
superbly done, and good fun. If you like them, use them.

63
 List of Festivals

The following are the eight festivals commonly observed in today's British Pagan
community, plus one that should be added. The names used here are the names
used in this Trad. Neo-Pagans and Wiccans may have other names for some of
these festivals, as indicated.

NOTE: By Pagan tradition, all festivals begin on the "eve" of the festival, which is
at sundown on the evening before the date given.

Imbolc ___________________________________________________
Pronunciation: m-OLK
Other Names: Candlemas, Oimelc, Festival of Lights, Brigit's Day
Origin: Celtic
When: February 1 or at the first sign of Spring

Sacred to the Celtic Fire Goddess, Brigit, Imbolc is a time when the sun is
bringing longer days and the people begin to anticipate the coming of spring.
Imbolc is a festival of the hearth and home, and a commemoration of the
warming of the Sun, the lengthening days, and the early signs of spring.

Rituals often included the lighting of candles (sometimes many), hearth fires,
bonfires, special foods, and divination or the watching for weather omens. This
holiday could be the origin of Groundhog Day in the United States. Villagers
would gather wood and build a community bonfire at night.

This holiday comes when most of the US and Canada begin the dreariest month
of the year. What a perfect time for a Festival of Light!

Spring Equinox ____________________________________________

Other Names: Ostara (Celtic), Eostar (Germanic)
Origin: Created by Gerald Gardner
th st nd rd
When: March 20 , 21 , 22 , or 23 , dependent on actual astronomical event

This is the first day of spring. It is loosely based on several old pagan festivals
celebrated around or on the spring equinox. It is believed that Gerald Gardner
created this festival to evenly balance out eight holidays for his eightfold Wheel of
the Year.

64
Many Traditional Crafters observe this day because of its significance as a change
in the seasons.

May Day _________________________________________________

Other Names: Beltane, Bealtaine, Bealltainn, Walpurgisnacht
Origin: Celtic & Anglo-Saxon (Germanic)
st
When: May 1

This is the celebration of the beginning of summer, a major festival. Beltane

means "bright fire" in the Gaelic language; also, it is the name of the month of
May. Historically, the primary ritual was the lighting of a village bonfire just after
midnight. For many, it was an all-night village party, a joyous time richly
celebrated with food and feasting, music and dancing, games and fun.

In England (by Anglo-Saxon tradition), a maypole was erected and decorated.

The young would dance around as they interweaved long ribbons of bright-
colored cloth attached to the top of the pole. The life-affirming maypole was the
focal point of the village rituals.

Those that chose to actually sleep during the night, would rise at daybreak, go
outside and collect flowers and greens to decorate the home. Women would place
flowers in their hair.

This is one of two festivals when spirits roam freely on Earth and witchcraft is at
its most potent. Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is much
easier at this time. The other festival is Samhain, usually celebrated on October
31st.

Today, the Beltane Fire Festival is held every year during the night of April 30th
on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Scotland. As many as 15,000 people attend.

Midsummer ______________________________________________
Other Names: Litha (Wicca), Beltane (some Wiccans)
Origin: Anglo-Saxon (Germanic)
th st
When: June 24 or the exact day of the summer solstice, usually on June 21

The Festival of Midsummer's Eve, night of June 23rd, is still celebrated with
traditional bonfires in parts of Northern Europe. It is a time when Nature is
supreme and time to relax and enjoy the summer.

Today in Scandinavia and in Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and Estonia, Midsummer

is considered the most important public festival of the year and is celebrated on
June 24th. This reflects the summer solstice on the older Julian calendar.
However, the ancient Northern Europeans celebrated Midsummer on the

65
summer solstice. Today that would be usually on June 21st, some years on the
22nd. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year.

In old Europe, celebrations often went on all night. Young people had a
"marching watch" and would wander from bonfire to bonfire. Our ancestors
believed fairy folk would frolic and play tricks on humans. The twilight of the
evenings are thought to be full of magic and mayhem as all Nature danced to
Pan's pipes. The legends of fairy rings and fairy lights probably originate from
glowworms; their neon greenish-yellow glow is still easily seen on summer
nights.

Wise Women and Cunning Men would gather herbs and other natural materials
during bright summer nights, since it was light enough, warm enough, yet a time
when they would not be missed by other town's people.

This was the date of Shakespeares A Midsummer Nights Dream.

Note that Midsummer was renamed Litha by Wicca's Gerald Gardner, even
though there is no historic reason for this new name. Incidentally, some Wiccan
groups refer to this holiday incorrectly as Beltane, despite the fact that Beltane
means "May" in Gaelic.

Lughnasadh _____________________________________________
Pronunciation: LOO-nah-seh
Other Names: Lammas, Harvest Home, Festival of the First Fruits
Origin: Celtic
st
When: August 1 or on the Full Moon

This is the near the end of summer; the Sun is on the wane. Lughnasadh is
named after Lugh (pronounced loo), an ancient name for the Sun God, who was
very handsome, forever youthful, filled with energy and sexual virility. The sun's
strength is dwindling and his energy has gone into the ripening crop.

This harvest festival celebrates the bounty of the fields' harvest. It is a time of
thanksgiving, rejoicing, dancing, games, and feasting. It was a time of market
festivals, horse races, and reunions of distant family and friends.

It is this time of year when applejack (hard apple cider) is made as well as the
other alcoholic beverages consumed during festivals.

On mainland Europe and in Ireland today many people continue to celebrate the
holiday with bonfires and dancing.

66
Autumn Equinox __________________________________________
Other Names: Mabon (Wicca), Harvest Home (Neo-Paganism)
Origin: Created by Gerald Gardner
nd rd
When: September 22 or 23 , dependent on actual astronomical event

This is the first day of autumn. It does not seem to have been observed by any
ancient northern European society. It is believed that Gardner created this
holiday for symmetry for his planned eightfold Wheel of the Year. The name
"Mabon" does not appear to have any historic significance.

Many Traditional Crafters observe this day because of its significance as a change
in the seasons.

Samhain _________________________________________________
Pronunciation: SA-on - not ''Sam Hain"
Other Names: Winter Nights, Shadowfest
Origin: Celtic
st
When: November 1
This is the final harvest festival , when the crops are safely stored, a special time
for thanksgiving and merrymaking. Samhain is Gaelic for "November." It is a
time when the 'veil between the worlds' is most thin, and contact with the
OtherSide is easier. It is still the custom in some areas to set a place for the
dead at the Samhain feast and to tell tales of the ancestors on that night.

On Samhain eve, friendly and unfriendly spirits are free to roam the world. On
the day of the festival, the spirits of those that passed over would visit their loved
ones and friends.

It is especially on this festival that we remember family and friends that have
crossed over to the OtherSide. This is one of two festivals when communicating
with ancestors and departed loved ones is easier and witchcraft is at its most
potent. The other festival is May Day (Beltane).

The Feast of the Dead was celebrated in Germanic and Celtic countries by
leaving a food offering for roaming spirits on the altar, near their doorsteps, or
near street intersections. Today, many still carry out this ancient tradition. Some
light a candle and place it near a window, to aid spirits find their way home.

Bonfires were an important feature of this festival and remain so in some rural
areas. Each village would light two bonfires side by side. The people would walk
between the fires as a ritual of purification. Household hearth fires were
extinguished and solemnly re-lit from the village bonfire. This bonded the
families of the community together and ensured the community bonfire would

67
bring blessings into the home. Ashes from the bonfire were spread over the
harvested fields to protect and bless the land.

Yule _____________________________________________________
Pronunciation: yu-L - not "yul"
Origin: Anglo-Saxon (Germanic)
th
When: December 25

Historically, Yule was celebrated on December 25th even before the Christians
ever heard of it! Yule has been celebrated on December 25th in various Northern
Europe communities since the earliest of times.

The date of December 25th was the date on the old Julian calendar, which
corresponded with the winter solstice. When the official calendar was replaced
with the Gregorian calendar, the winter solstice was moved to December 21st to
December 23rd, depending on the year. Wiccans and many Neo-Pagans observe
the winter solstice as the first day of the Yuletide.

Yule ushers in the twelve days of the Yuletide season, which ends with the
celebration of Twelfth Night (see below). This has always been one of the most
popular and joyful holiday seasons.

It will not come as a surprise to anyone who knows Pagan histories that our
customs, decorations, and themes associated with Yule were taken over by the
Christians when they created Christmas. Many scholars agree that the selection
of December 25 as the birthday celebration of their Jesus was purely political. His
real birthday is unknown but is believed to be sometime in the spring. The church
wished to wipe out Yule and the Roman holiday of Saturnalia, which had always
been immensely popular. They did so by absorbing their traditions into
Christianity.

Yuletide decorations include a decorated tree, plus the use of evergreens,

pinecones, holly, ivy, and mistletoe (which is toxic). The last three items are
hung outside as an invitation to the Nature Spirits to come and join in the
celebration.

The Yule log is a traditional item. It is harvested and specially prepared for the
home hearth or fireplace for Yule. It is lit on Yule eve and is made to burn for
twelve hours. It was thought that the Yule log would offer protection to the home
for the winter. Its ashes are collected and scattered over the fields to bring
fertility.

Today, many homes do not have a fireplace and fewer have a hearth. If that is the
case with you, you can use a symbolic Yule log, a much smaller version, decorate
it and place it on a table, perhaps the dining room table.

68
Today's custom of the Yule tree and the giving of gifts dates back to the
Roman festival of Saturnalia, which was the Roman winter solstice celebration,
held on the 25th of December according to the Julian calendar. In Italy, by the
fourth century C.E., the rituals of Saturnalia were absorbed into the celebrations
of Christmas. However, in Britain, the Saturnalia holiday tree and gift giving were
adopted into Yule during the Roman occupation of Britain, four hundred years
previously. So our tradition of having a decorated Yule tree and the gift giving
were adopted from the Roman pagan holiday of Saturnalia, and not from
Christmas.

Twelfth Night _____________________________________________

Other Names: Conclusion of the Yuletide season
Origin: Anglo-Saxon (Germanic)
th
When: Beginning the twelfth night after Yule, January 6 , concluding the
following day

Celebrated on the twelfth night after Yule, it is the conclusion of the Yuletide
season. Yule was a major celebration in Pagan Europe and is noted for its festive
meal which concluded the Yuletide observances. Young men and young women
between the ages of twelve and fourteen would be presented to those gathered,
receive adult status, and given new adult names, if they wished. Babies born
during the past year would be officially named this night.

Yule decorations would be taken down before noon on the following day after the
festive meal, January 7th. In the old days, it was considered very bad luck to keep
Yule decorations up after that time.

Although this celebration is not popular today, Twelfth Night has deep Pagan
roots. It is appropriate to celebrate this ancient Pagan holiday as the rightful
concluding celebration of the joyful Yuletide season.

^
________________________________________________________________
1. Hutton, Ronald. The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles. Oxford,
Blackwell, 337-341.

69
 Chapter Four - Ritual Tools

S eekers have a natural interest in ritual tools. Wicca places emphasis on ritual
tools representing the four Hermetic elements, the cup, pentacle, athame, and
wand. However, Wicca obtained their obsession with ritual tools from the
ceremonial magick of the Golden Dawn, the Freemasons and others, but NOT
from Tradition British Witchcraft.

The Ole' Cunning Folk, our ancestors, paid only passing interest to tools. Some
used no tools at all! Some Traditional Crafters today use no tools, except perhaps
a knife (for a dagger) or pan (for a cauldron) from the kitchen, a walking stick or
a pitchfork (as a stang) from the garden tool shed. They would consecrate the
tools then they were needed. This was a safe approach due to the Witchcraft Laws
in Britain. Crafters could not risk being caught with "the tools of witchcraft" or
they risked arrest. In previous times they could expect to spend years in a brutal
prison or suffer outright execution.

Besides that, from a magical perspective, the tools themselves have no

inherited magical power whatsoever. Ritual tools cannot be considered
anything more than props.

Nevertheless, today we have the luxury of legal witchcraft. There is a tendency,

especially among new seekers, to relax and have at least some personal ritual
tools. So, while the props are not necessary, they may be desirable. The only true
purpose of ritual tools is 1) to help the Crafter focus, and 2) to help set the right
environment or atmosphere.

With that understanding, there are certain tools that can be used, tools with a
connection to our past folklore, history, and current use:

Staff - This is a straight wooden rod that is usually anywhere from hip to
shoulder in height. It should be made of any preferred holy wood but many are
made of Ash (a discussion about wood selection is in How to Make a Wand, Staff
or Stang, which follows this Tools section). Staffs and stangs are popular.

Stang - (called a Venendum) With an antler affixed to the top, it was also
known as a Gwelen (Cornwall) or Ermula (Saxon). The term Stang is from the
Anglo-Saxon staenga or steng meaning a "pole."

70
A stang is a two-pronged forked staff and it is the favored tool of some Trad
Crafters. It was popularised by Robert Cochrane. It may have originated in West
Country witchcraft, or possibly from East Anglia. However, it is not an ancient
tool. In the countryside, a pitchfork has been used as a stang.

Like every other tool, it had practical purposes. It appears that the stang was the
tool used in outdoor cooking to move the cauldron on and off the fire. There is
some evidence that the stang was used also as a walking stick, as a tool to survey
the countryside, as a tool to mark ley lines, and as a punishment device. In
England, to "ride the stang" was a punishment for wife beaters; the guilty
husband would be carried around town on the stang on men's shoulders.

When used for hallowed purposes, the stang is sacred to the Horned
God of the Wooded Wilde and is used as an altar. It represents a
union of the duality of male and female, life and death, the
SpiritWorld and Earth. Thus, it is symbolic of the supreme Balance of
Nature.

The length of a stang can be anywhere from a couple of feet long to six feet or so
in length. The stang's staff and two prongs can be of one piece of wood with a
natural separation of limbs; or, it can be a straight staff with either great sheep
horns or deer antlers attached at the top. It should be made of any preferred holy
wood but many are made of Ash (a discussion about wood selection is in How to
Make a Wand, Staff or Stang, which follows this section). Some hammer in an
iron nail at the bottom. Some also place an animal's skull on the top.

The presence of a stang at ritual is representative of the presence of the Horned

God. After a compass has been laid, the stang is then placed in the ground either
at the compass center or in the north, depending upon Trad custom. The stang
represents a cosmic alignment, the cosmic axis, with its roots in the
underworld, its trunk passing through the center of this world, and its
top reaching up to the heavens. Thus, it becomes an access to all the
worlds. Besides its use as an altar, a stang can be used to lay a compass, to
invoke the spirits, to focus energy, and then to send energy. However, each Trad
is different and custom decides when and how it is used.

Cord - The older term is Cingulum, which is Latin for "girdle". A cord is
sacred to the Goddess Diana and is symbolic of Her spiritual connection to us, as
Her symbolic umbilical cord. The cord is worn during some or all magic workings
and rituals, depending on Trad custom and practice.

Trads vary in the length of their cords. Trads make their cords either:
1) Four to five feet in length
2) The same length as their body, from head to foot, or

71
 3) Nine feet in length.

Cords are usually in one of two types.

1. The cord is sometimes a single cord with nine knots, the knots are also
sacred to the Goddess.
2. While others plait their ritual cord from three cords and do not use the
nine knots.

Dark Red is a traditional color that is often used. White, green, and black are
also used. A tassel is on one end and a ring or loop at the other.

Bell - In some traditions, a small table bell is used for the calling of spirits and
during the summoning of the Directionals for especially difficult workings or
workings dealing with one of the elements. In folklore, the ringing of a bell serves
as a means of purifying the air of negativity.

Blasting Rod - A wand made from blackthorn or yew usually taken from a
cemetery is called a blasting rod. It is used in workings to ban or curse a place or
individual.

Besom - This is a ritual broom that is often hand-made that in some Trads is
used for the banishment of negative energy, harmful influences, and 'evil' spirits.

A besom is never be used for physical cleaning.

When sweeping, the besom does not touch the floor. Hold the broom several
inches above the floor. You sweep from the middle out, going widdershins.

Boline - (pronounced bl-LN) A boline, sometimes called a Collel Gam, is a

work knife that is used for cutting items for ritual and magical use, such as
cutting flowers for the altar, cutting herbs for incense, and other such things. The
boline originates from ceremonial magick, but it has become somewhat accepted
in some family traditions. The crooked knife, a common form of boline, is
actually of Druid origin and is not related to British witchcraft.

Most Trad Crafters will simply use a kitchen knife, tool shed knife, pocket knife or
hunting knife. It is never consecrated and it is never kept separate for ritual use
(except those Trads that do consecrate it and keep it separate).

72
Bowl - A bowl is used by some witches while working magic to hold energy until
it is discharged. It is usually made of wood. A pentacle disc plate as used in Wicca
in place of the more traditional bowl.

Although the bowl is used by many, other Trad Crafters, such as myself, visualize
the collection of energy in front of them, and do not use a bowl or other energy
collection device.

Candles - One of the most powerful magical tools, candles have been used in
religious rituals since prehistoric times. It was, after all, the main source for
indoor lighting. But beyond that, the flame of a candle represents illumination
from darkness, the brilliance of knowledge, and spiritual purity. Psychologically,
a candle inspires introspection and contemplation.

It has always been standard practice to use white candles for everything-
magic, ritual, meditation and scrying. But use common sense. If you find the
room to be too dark with one candle, use two or more candles. If it is still too dark
for your comfort, then an additional light source can be used, including an
electric light.

I use standard white "utility" candles or Israeli "Shabbot" candles, which are
about the same thing. It does not matter what the candle is made from. Some
will tell you that you need a "natural" candle, such one made from bees wax. Well,
that's nice, however, such attention to such a minor detail is unnecessary and will
not give you a better spell. However, if you really like bee wax candles, then buy
them.

In our London tradition, sometimes we will pass our fingertips of both hands
through the flame of the candle and the smoke of the incense, and then briefly
cover our face for a very brief focus (5-10 seconds). Most Trad Witches do not do
this. Incidentally, always pass your fingers through flame quickly - you should
feel very little heat on your fingers.

It is ALWAYS important to watch candles carefully. House fires from candles

have become a problem in Pagan homes. Be careful. If you don't own a fire
extinguisher, buy one and learn how to use it. When candles are in use in the
home, never leave lit candles unattended!

You may snuff-out a candle when you are finished. Candles used in spellcraft and
ritual are reused for later spell workings or rituals for as many times as necessary
until they are used up.

If you are concerned that a candle may have retained energy from a previous spell
working, you may touch the candle to the floor or ground. That will always
neutralize energy. However, I have never been concerned with this.

73
If you are alone and you must leave the room (a compass), there is no good
reason to leave the candle lit. It is completely acceptable to snuff out the candle
and to relight it when you return. Please do this.

Cauldron - From folk lore, nothing typifies witchcraft more than the cauldron.
A cauldron is a round cooking pot used on an open fire or in the household
hearth. Some come with three legs, a handle, and a lid.

A cauldron (filled with water) can be used for scurrying. Scurrying is an ancient
divination technique of gazing into a dark object.

Many cauldrons are made of iron. The opening should be smaller than the body,
making it pot-bellied. Size is not important. In fact, many use cauldrons that are
a great deal smaller than the traditional huge cooking cauldrons.

In Anglo-Saxon witchcraft, herbal magic substances are prepared in brass

cauldrons, not iron.

If you use a cauldron (and many do not), it is good to have one cauldron for ritual
and another cauldron for magic. The uses of ritual can render a cauldron very
difficult to clean out well enough for the preparation of pure potions. Of course,
most use a kitchen cooking pot.

Chalice - (goblet, horn, glass, cup) A chalice is used to hold wine, ale, beer, or
any other beverage used during ritual or magic. When appropriate, it is used for
libations to the gods.

Do not drink from a pewter and brass chalice! The metals produce a toxin that is
not healthy.

A chalice should never be passed around from person to person in a group in

order for each to drink some wine. That's asking for serious medical trouble. In a
group, each person must have their own chalice or you should provide paper
cups. No exceptions.

Dagger - (or collel, blade, arthame, athame) Arthame is Middle English for
"blade." The dagger should have:
A double-edged blade
A length of between 5 to 13 inches.
A dark wooden handle, usually brown or black.

74
Some Trad Crafters will simply use any regular kitchen, hunting, or tool shed
knife that is handy. It is consecrated before use. However, many now have a
specific dagger for ritual and workings.

Feathers, Stones, Shells - Feathers from a bird, stones, and shells can be
near where ritual or magic is worked in order to provide their own virtue.
Feathers represent freedom. Feathers seen on the ground can be an omen, a
message from a spirit.

Stones, gemstones and crystals are used in a variety of ways. They represent
Mother Earth, the earth element or the spirits of the earth Elemental. They are
used for focus during enhancing power. Energized stones, gemstones, or crystals
can be used as a talisman or amulet, or used in spells and in magical pouches.

Incense & Censor - Incense has no tradition in British Witchcraft that I am

aware. However, today I believe it is used, especially by younger Crafters. It
certainly does add an appropriate atmosphere and dimension to magical
workings and helps with ritual consciousness. In addition, incense can be a
means to purify the air space from negative energy.

Do experiment if you wish. Remember, if you over-do it, opening the window will
not effect the integrity of a compass. Also, do make sure the scent is of the
appropriate correspondent to your spell or ritual.

If you wish, you may snuff-out the incense when you are finished and use the rest
later.

Mazy Stone - (or Moon Stone, Troy Maze) This is a large, flat stone, usually
slate, on which a maze has been carved. A trance state can be induced by
following the maze with your finger while making a low wordless chant or sound.
This is preferably done under a Full Moon.

Robe - You can if you like.

Wand - The wand has been used for thousands of years in religious and
magical rites among many peoples including the Celts. Traditional wands are
made by hand from a tree branch, and are usually the exact length of the
practitioner's arm, from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger, about 12 to 18".
See instructions on How To Make A Wand, Staff or Stang, below.

75
While some Trad Crafters use a wand, many from the Anglo-Saxon (Germanic)
traditions do not. Instead, they will use their power hand (right hand if you are
right-handed, left if left handed), or a staff or stang.

How to Make a Wand, Staff or Stang

It is very desirable for a seeker or witch to make their own wand, staff or stang. It
is not as difficult as you may think.

A wand is usually about - inch in diameter, and its length approximately 9 to

18 inches. The length from your elbow to the tip of your hand's longest finger is
sometimes the measurement used.

A staff or stang can be as short as a walking cane, or up to 7 feet in height. This

depends on personal preference. Remember, the thicker the item, the longer the
staff or stang, the heavier it will be. On a long walk, a tall, thick, heavy staff or
stang can quickly become very uncomfortable and awkward to carry.

Tree Selection
Any wood, except the blackthorn, pine, pear, or yew, can be used for a standard
wand, staff, or stang. However, some traditions like to use certain woods for
specific purposes. Here are some common information and associations:

Apple is for love, making selections, and in healing.

Ash is a very traditional and preferred wood for staffs and stangs. Ash
improves focus and indicates the linking of the inner and outer worlds. It
sometimes has very attractive 'olive' streaks.

Birch is for fertility and healing spells. Birch is sacred to Thor, in His
capacity as a fertility deity. Birch twigs would be placed on cattle and given
to newlyweds to bestow fertility. Birch is one of the first trees to grow on
bare soil and thus it births the entire forest. Criminals were at one time
"birched" to drive out evil influences in them. Nearly every part of the
Birch tree is edible. Its sap was an important source of sugar to Native
Americans and early English settlers.

76
 Elm is sacred to the Mother Goddess, all Earth Goddesses and to the
faeries. It is a preferred wood that adds stability and grounding to a spell.

Hawthorn is a preferred wood as it is effective in protection, love (in

general and never for a specific person), and marriage/handfasting spells.

Hazel is used for healing and gaining knowledge and wisdom.

Maple is used for success and abundance.

Oak can be used for protection, strength, success and stability. It is sacred
to the Roman god Zeus, Herne in England, and Wodin in Germany. The
Oak tree is especially sacred to the Norse and the Celts because of its size,
longevity, and nutritious acorns.

Rowan (Mountain Ash) is sacred to Brigit and is effective for aid,

knowledge, general divination, and protection against enchantment. The
berries have a tiny pentagram on them.

Willow groves are considered especially magical providing inspiration to

artisans that sit among the trees. It is good for general purpose spellwork.

Harvesting
If you decide to harvest your own wand, staff or stang, you should first find out if
any trees in your area have sap that is poisonous or harmful to touch. If so, be
able to identify these trees and avoid them. Poisonous trees are not appropriate
for wands, staffs or stangs for general-purpose spellwork.

When walking in the woods, try to sense the energy from the trees. Touch them.
You will know when you have found an appropriate tree. It will simply feel right.

It is best to cut a healthy branch directly from a live tree.

However, it can be acceptable to look for downed trees so as not to harm a living
tree. If you select a branch on the ground, be extremely careful to check and
make sure it is not infected with insects. This is very difficult to do as larvae can
be inconspicuously deposited.

When harvesting, always ask permission from the tree before cutting.
Leave a token of your gratitude, such as a small coin or some fertilizer
(benefits the tree).

77
Preparation
In preparing a wand, staff or stang, think about keeping the bark on it. Bark can
be quite beautiful on the finished product. Soak the branch if the bark is hard to
remove.

Sand it with fine sandpaper, including the ends.

Then use extra fine sandpaper to give it a smooth shape.

Place it in a quite, dark place and leave it for three days.

Now you are ready for the final finishing. If you wish, you can stain it in order to
bring out the richness of the grain. Others prefer a completely natural look. Let
the wand dry as directed.

To complete finishing, oil with a furniture oil, such as lemon oil, several times,
and let it stand for three more days.

Your wand, staff or stang is now ready for ritual preparation.

78
 Chapter Five - Rituals

R itual and spellcraft are considered very private information by almost all
Traditional Crafters. Even Crafters without an oath of secrecy are very
hesitant to divulge details of their rituals or spellcraft.

Some Trads do a lot of rituals, but this is unusual. Most Trads do a minimum
amount of ritual, compared to other Pagans. It really depends on the individual
and the Trad.

This Course is a major source of factual information about core rituals and spells
with examples that are true to Trad Craft practices as I have learnt them. It is a
basic system that can be adapted by those new to witchcraft who wish to maintain
a system that is authentically Traditionalist yet contemporary.

From the core that I provide, it is your responsibility to add and subtract, put in
and take out as you see fit. I can only provide you with a framework.

The rituals I provide reflect the regionalism of my own London training. If you
wish to associate yourself with another particular god or gods, or another
regionalism or family tradition, do so. I provide these rituals as examples only.

Be aware that many Trad Crafters use spontaneous rituals and wording
that are not scripted. The words come from the heart. Nevertheless, there are
generalities to ritual, so I may have made things in this section a bit more
structured than some may wish.

No matter what some "authorities" tell you, even Trad Crafters from a long
hereditary family tradition would work out their own wording, drop practices
they didn't much like, add practices they did like and still call it "hereditary." It
really doesn't much matter if it came from great-grandmamma, Crafters always
tailored what they did and said according to their own tastes. Remember, British
witchcraft is a personal religion. Nothing is written in stone.

Wordcraft is an art. Ultimately, you will be responsible for creating your own
rituals and spells. However, don't be in a hurry. Take it one step at a time.

79
Ritual Consciousness
For ritual to be beneficial, it is necessary for the practitioner to enter a state of
ritual consciousness. This is an alternate state of awareness that raises
consciousness to a higher level. Ritual consciousness is achieved through
Going Within techniques, including meditation. Sometimes it is called "getting
into the zone."

Dress
It is appropriate to shower or bathe before an important ritual/spellwork session,
such as for a Full Moon Sabbat, but it is not necessary. Many Trad Witches wear
clean street cloths for rituals, while others (a few) wear special clothing and a
robe. The more "traditional" or "old family tradition" that is followed in the
home, the less care is taken about dressing up and using a robe, except for major
events.

It is never appropriate to be nude (or skyclad) during ritual or spellwork.

Deosil and Widdershins

Sometimes I indicate "deosil" and "widdershins" in the rituals when inside a
compass. These directions are very important, as they have a direct effect on
energies. In the Northern Hemisphere (Britain, Canada, USA):

Deosil means to walk or move in a clockwise direction. This attracts or

builds energy. All personal movements in the compass are deosil
(clockwise) except when dissipating negative energy.

Widdershins means counter-clockwise. The term is Germanic in origin.

This dispels energy, especially negative energy. Go widdershins (counter-
clockwise) in ritual to dissipate and get rid of negative energy.

It is important to note that a few Trad Craft traditions are opposite to the
above information. They use widdershins to build energy and deosil to dispel
energy. Only those with this tradition already in their family should use this
understanding.

Those in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa)

should be aware that some believe the exact opposite is true of the directions of
deosil and widdershins as they apply to the Northern Hemisphere (Britain,
Canada, USA). Consult a local authority to determine what you should do.

80
The Pentagram
The pentagram (a five-pointed star pointed up) has been a symbol used among
Traditional Crafters for many hundreds of years. "Witches" with pentagrams are
seen on various woodcuts dating from the Renaissance. So it is not a new symbol
to paganism or to British Witchcraft as some would tell you.

Some are taught to use the sign of the invoking and banishing pentagrams during
rituals. I do not know where this comes from, however, be aware that many Trad
Crafters do not use them. Of course, you may use them if you wish.

For the Invoking Pentagram take the hand, wand* or dagger* and
begin at the top of the pentagram and draw a down stroke to the bottom left
point, continue to draw each stroke in sequence in the air. You can use the sign of
the Pentagram in ritual for other purposes using the dagger. Remember, if you
invoke a spirit, it is done without a dagger* in your hand.

For the Banishing Pentagram take the hand, wand* or dagger* and
begin from your bottom right point of the pentagram and draw an up stroke
to the top centre point, continue to draw each stroke in sequence in the air.

The points do not have any special meaning, although some ascribe "five
elements" to the five points. We don't bother. Besides, we recognize the four
elements, but not especially the fifth element (spirit or aether). Although Aristotle
would certainly disagree, and as much as we deeply respect his genius, he was not
a British witch.

Reuse of Consumable Ritual Items

Snuff-out or pinch-out the candle(s) when you are finished with the final ritual or
spellwork. All consumable ritual items, such as the candle, incense, salt, and any
herb used, can be kept for the next ritual. Water can be used at another ritual if it
was not used in the present ritual. If it was used in the present ritual then it must
be discarded.

81
Proper Disposal of Water
Water used in ritual is never reused. Water used in ritual should always be
poured out away from the ritual area as it is deemed "contaminated." Our
practice is to remove the water immediately after the purification session, and
place it just outside the room.

You can pour it down the drain and run the tap to make sure all the polluted
water goes down the sink. However, DO NOT pour it down the drain if you are on
a septic system as the negativity will collect in the tank. You can always go
outside and pour the polluted water on the ground, but do so away from the
house.

Why Some Have a Daily Ritual

Think back in time. Do you recall in your early childhood, a special story that
your mother or grandmother read to you over and over again at bedtime? You
wanted to have the very same story read again and again because it filled a need
that is basic to humans. The reading of the story became a ritual.

It was the repetition of the same words, said in the same order that was
comforting. You quickly corrected any error, because you wanted it read to you in
the exact same way, every time. The reading of this story became a safe and
comfortable zone where your imagination could glow and you could be in a state
of bliss and total happiness.

In this light, a daily ritual has merit and you may wish to work-up a daily ritual.
With your imagination allowed to roam, your daily rite will become like that
repeated story to your sub-conscious mind. It will become a welcomed retreat
where your imagination will be at ease and your mind will be in that special safe
and comfortable zone.

Of course, doing a daily ritual is not a requirement and is not necessarily

common among Trad Crafters. However, some Crafters do have a daily rite. I just
want to make clear that there is a good reason to have a daily rite and it is an
option you have available to you.

82
 The Rituals

Ritual answers an inner need. Ritual allows us to communicate with the Horned
God and the Goddess in an organized and consistent manner. In Traditional
British Witchcraft ritual and prayer is not standardized. While we have no set
liturgy, there are standard types of rituals and general guidelines that can be
used, if you wish.

What Do I mean, "... if you wish?"

The formality of an organised ritual is always optional. For some Traditionalists,
it is what is done inside the mind that is important, not what is done in physical
ritual. Other Traditionalists always have ritual. And, some of us like some pomp
and ceremony only every now and then. So, when the mood strikes, here are
some examples of some very basic rituals. These do not include rituals for a
specific god of any of the pantheons. If you honour such gods, you may want to
include rituals associated with these gods.

Remember, there are many ways that Crafters do rituals. I cannot emphasize this
enough. The ritual must be personally meaningful. Experiment. Test. See what
works for you and what does not.

However, before I get to those rituals, I always advise a Ground & Balance before
AND after each ritual period and each magical working. I also think it important
to prepare the mind for ritual or magical working, such doing The Glowing Ball.

83
 Purification Ritual

This is a quick cleansing or purification of an area that is typically done just

before laying a compass round, when you or your familiar senses negativity, or
before a ritual, or a magical working.

You will need either a 1) besom, or 2) a sage bundle (available at occult supply
stores), or 3) incense. For incense, it is preferable to use the scent of myrrh,
sandalwood, pine, cinnamon, cedar, frankincense, copal, hyssop, or rosemary.

Note that some Trad Crafters will use sage for general purification inside the
home. However, some will use sage only for purifications outside the house, as
well as the purification of a room after a serious illness or death, or for some
other extraordinary problem inside the house.

With besom, or lit sage or incense in your power hand, Spin slowly
widdershins three times around.

Beginning in the East, walk widdershins, slowly in a continuing spiral, and

pause at each cardinal direction (approximate) and move the sage bundle
or incense up and down three times.

If using sage bundle or incense, then purify the people present by briefly
moving the smoking sage or incense up and down three times in front of each
person and any pets nearby.

When done, snuff out the sage bundle or incense. It can be reused when needed.

Note: While in North America the sage bundle is thought of as North American
Indian in origin, that's not so. In Europe, sage has been used medicinally since
Roman times or earlier, and sage had been used for ritual cleansing in the
Traditional Craft for many centuries. Some do not use sage or incense, just
visualization.

Note: Some Traditional Crafters begin to lay the Compass immediately after the
last purification walk widdershins. They turn around at the end of the walk, pick
up any tool they will use and immediately begin to lay the compass.

84
 The Compass Round

The compass round, sometimes just called a compass, is an ancient device

intended to create a separate space or a "temple" for ritual or magic. It is not the
creation of hollowed ground because we consider all the land and the space
above it to be naturally, already sacred. Therefore, the laying of the
compass does not make a "space sacred" as some would tell you.

The compass should be seen as an 'in-between' where you are separated from
the mundane world. It is an access point between this world and the
OtherSide. It is a place where time and reality seems to be distorted and
suspended.

Many Traditionalists rarely use a compass round. At first, you may think this is
strange. However, the land or room they are in is already hallowed or sacred, so
they feel comfortable to proceed. One could say they are already in their temple.

Conjuring of Spirits
It is not necessary ritually to conjure spirits or gods to come to the compass,
because with the laying of the compass they are already there. A compass is like a
spotlight. Laying a compass will draw the attention of the local land spirits, gods,
and other spirits. For a difficult spell, laying a compass is being considerate of the
spirits. If you are going to ask for their help, you will have a place prepared for
them.

Reasons to Use a Compass

There are times when a compass is desirable. When the need occurs, a compass
will help you align yourself, it will help you focus. It has the effect of being an
aide in creating ritual consciousness. In addition, at times you may feel the
need for more protection. A compass is like a protective wall, so it can be used
for that purpose. A compass can also serve literally as a "compass" to help you
navigate the OtherSide if you were planning to "go oot and aboot," or spirit travel
In fact, I believe that is how the compass got its name.

I would advise that if you feel any need for a compass, then you should lay one.

85
Where to Setup the Compass
You can use any area indoors or outside that is completely private, where you will
not likely be observed or over-heard.

Some will have a permanent area set aside only for magic and ritual, indoors,
outdoors, or maybe both. The area should be delineated and kept undisturbed
from outsiders. I think having such a dedicated area is a fine idea. However, most
Crafters simply use the kitchen or dining room table. I use a desk in the family
room. We do not have a private backyard. Make due with what is available.

The Size of the Compass Round

This is much ado about nothing. The often-quoted size for a compass round is
nine feet. That is a nice size. Some will tell you that you must have a nine-foot
compass. Nonsense. Unless you live in a castle or a palace, it is unlikely you will
have that much room indoors without moving furniture. Are you going to move
furniture every time you wish to have a compass? I should think not. My
suggestion, don't move furniture. Make a smaller compass.

Work out a way to have a compass big enough for your purposes at a location that
is convenient. Laying a compass each time you need one is not intended to be a
major operation.

Also, a compass need not be round! If you have a small square room, does it not
make sense to have the compass at the walls? Practicality has always been the
hallmark of the old Crafter. Use what you have, efficiently. A square compass the
size of a small room is excellent!

Don't Forget the Phones

Before you begin laying a compass, take the house phone off the hook and turn
off your cell phone.

86
 The Glowing Ball

Before laying a compass, it is good to 'go within'. The Glowing Ball meditation is
perfect.

Step 1: Be seated, close your eyes and relax.

Step 2: Slowly take a deep breath in, hold it, and then breathe out. You
can breathe in while counting to 6, hold for 3, and then exhale for 6. You
may use another pattern if it seems more comfortable to you.

Repeat this slow breathing for at least 3 minutes. You will become very
aware of the calming, rhythmic pattern.

Step 3: Gradually slow your breathing down, to be slower, slower, and

deeper. Now visualize yourself breathing in freshness and love; and
breathing out negativity and fear.

Step 4: Visualize your feet surrounded with a Glowing ball of beautiful,

warm light. This ball of light always brings peace and relaxation. With the
coming in of the warm light, negativity drops out the bottoms of your feet.
You may also tighten and relax your toes.

Wherever the ball of light goes, tension will leave, and it will charge you
with its energy.

Step 5: Now, the ball of light expands up your legs, then to include your
torso. Let it go down your arms, to your fingers. Then up to your head. Now
it surrounds your entire body. You are now surrounded by this majestic
Glowing ball of warm light.

Step 6: Stay in this state of deep relaxation for several minutes.

Step 7: When you are ready to continue to the next ritual, take three deep
breaths and return refreshed and alive, aware of energy throughout your
body.

87
 Tool Cleansing & Saining Ritual

Before laying the compass round, the tools to be used within the compass must
be ritually cleansed and sained, or consecrated. This is done in order to get rid of
negative energy that might affect the rituals and magic.

Since we all leave energy when we touch something, avoid allowing others to
touch your ritual tools. Of course, don't bark, "Don't touch that." Just keep the
tools out of their way. If someone does touch a tool, simply do this ritual just
before the tool is used again in the compass, or for magic without a compass.

You will need:

A white candle(s) and holder(s)
Incense and censor
Bowl of water
Bowl of Salt

The Ritual:
You may do the following at a kitchen sink, at a table or altar:

Light the candle(s) and incense to be used in the compass,

Sprinkle a little salt on the item, the shake off the salt,

Sprinkle with water. (You may then wipe the tool dry.)

Pass through the flame of one candle,

Pass item through incense smoke,

Breathe three times on the item,

Place right hand over item. Close your eyes and visualise white light coming
from your palm and passing though the item, eliminating all negative energy.

88
Say:

By Earth, Air, Fire, and Water,

By Moon, Sun, and the Stars above,
This [name tool] is now cleansed and fit for use.
May it now aid,
As magic is made.

Holding the item in hand, some touch the item to the forehead. Close eyes and
visualise a white glow that surrounds you and the item.

Say:

By The Horned God of the Wooded Wilde,

And by the grace of Diana, the Goddess of the Moon:
With the white light,
Let the powers unite,
And fill this [name tool] with energy.

Thus, it shall be so.

Note: To be clear, it is some of your energy that is now in the tool. Tools do not
have any intrinsic energy of their own. This is why tools are not essential for
ritual or magic, but are something used to enhance the experience for your
benefit. Tools are only an aid.

89
 Use of the Dagger* & Wand*

During some rituals, it is inappropriate to use a sharp tool. I indicate in the

rituals when it is appropriate to use a sharp tool and when it is not.

When it says "dagger*"

When "dagger*" is stated in ritual instructions, you may use a dagger or any
knife, athame, or sword, or you may use a stang, staff, wand, or your power hand.

Keep in mind that the sword and larger versions of the staff and stang may be
more appropriate for use out-of-doors rather then inside the house.

When it says "wand*"

When "wand*" is stated in ritual instructions, you may use a wand, stang, staff, or
your power hand. However, you should not use anything with a blade
such as a dagger, knife, athame or sword.

Power Hand
Your "power hand" is your right hand if you are right-handed, or your left hand if
you are left-handed. Some Crafters use only the power hand all the time. Others
use it when it is convenient.

90
 Laying a Compass Round

The laying of the compass round varies greatly from tradition to tradition among
Traditional Crafters. Few would be as elaborate as the example I give here. In
fact, I have added just about everything I could think of-- which is something
many Trad Crafters would avidly avoid. In general, a Traditionalist would go with
the more simple than the more complex. However, you are learning, so I have set
down a system that includes every consideration. Every part has an important
function.

The "Compass Fire"

Indoors, most often one or two candles will be used as the compass fire. That is
perfectly acceptable. However, if you have a fireplace or hearth, then it is
preferable to light a fire and use that as the compass fire when indoors, and the
candles only for light or any additional purification purposes.

The exception to this is if you prefer not to use your fireplace or hearth. If that is
the case, then use one or two candles.

Outdoors, it is preferable to use a balefire in the middle of the compass as the

compass fire. If that is not practical, then use the flame from a gas lantern. Avoid
using candles outside as they can easily blow out (which is highly undesirable) or
be a danger of causing a forest fire (which is also highly undesirable).

A fire for a compass round is lit with matches, preferably wooden matches
rather than a regular matches or a cigarette lighter. But if you only have a
cigarette lighter, then use it.

The Ritual
Take the dagger*. Stand and focus until your mind is quiet. When ready, begin in
the north, Pointing the dagger to the compass round border, scribe deosil 3
times around while saying something like this one time at the beginning:

In the name of The Horned God of the Wooded Wilde

and Diana, Goddess of the Moon:
I lay this compass round.

91
Set-up altar in either the center (large compass) or the north side (if a small
compass)

Two purifications are done, you may select the two you prefer from the ones
below:

1) IF you use a besom, note that you sweep the area only symbolically, you keep
the besom about 3 feet above floor as you sweep the air: In sweeping motions
while going widdershins (counter-clockwise), sweep around the area of the
compass area three times, on the first round say:

Only the positive shall remain,

To live and breathe and be sustained.
If the besom is not handy and you are in a hurry, you can use your hand in place
of the besom.

2) Everyone uses a means of fire, if possible. Light the hearth, fireplace, one or
two candles, (inside), OR a balefire or a lantern (if outside).

Look at one flame for one minute, or close your eyes if you prefer. After about
one minute, say the following:

Flame (or Candle flame) that flickers bright,

Rid negative energy with your light.
Raise your voice as you add:
O power of fire,
Work my will by my desire.

3) IF you use incense OR a sage bunch: Light the incense or sage, Stroke to all
four cardinal directions while going widdershins (counter-clockwise), sweep
around three times, on the first round say:

Herb of healing,
Herb of hope,
Herb for strength,
Energy of Air and Sacred Smoke,
Drift away all negative energy with each stroke.

4) If you wish, you can also use the salt or water purification as well, using the
method in the House Purification ritual.

92
 _______________________

When complete with the above purifications,

Then say:

Between the worlds,

This compass is laid in full array
And all that is negative is now away.

Calling the Spirits?

It is not really necessary to call spirits. They are already there. Laying a compass
is like turning on a spotlight. Spirits will naturally gather around you as you lay
the compass. Some believe the very spirits they want will come without being
invited. Others will invite spirits, especially special spirits they especially want
present, such as a spirit familiar, a relative or friend that has crossed over, or
their spirit guide(s).

NOTE: We NEVER use a dagger to invite and receive friendly spirits, no more
than we would stand at our front door and point a knife at friends and family as
they were invited inside. So, leave the dagger on the altar during invocations.

Hold the wand* in the power hand.

If calling the directionals (not usually done), Raise hands above and forward of
head in invocation stance (in Y formation) and say:

Great Elemental Forces of the North, East, South, and West,

Come, witness, and aid me in this compass round.
Next,
Ring bell three times (if using a bell).

Next,
With hands at sides with palms forward, say:

I call upon my spirit guides, land spirits,

And all other friendly spirits that may wish to attend,
To come, witness, and aid me in this compass round.

If doing spellwork,
Raise hands above and forward of head in invocation stance and say:

93
 Friendly Spirits, light my way,
Aid the magic cast this day.
To Conclude:
Visualize the compass flaming around you and say.

Throughout and about,

Around and around,
With the mundane withdrawn,
The compass is draw,
The compass is laid,
The compass is sound,
The compass is bound!

94
 Ale & Bread Ritual

It is an old pagan custom to say a blessing over a glass of beer or a plate of bread.
Therefore, it is appropriate to add this ritual to a compass ritual especially on a
Sabbat.

Any food and any drink can be used. This includes cookies and milk, wine and
strawberries, ale and bread, or anything in between. Some use fruit juice instead
of ale.

With more than one person, do not use only the altar chalice for a drinking
vessel. Passing and drinking from the same chalice is simply very unhealthy. So,
fill a cup or glass for each person.

Prepare the Libation

If you will do a libation, set a small portion of the ale and bread or cake aside for
later use as a libation to the gods.

Place the ale on the altar or table,

Hold a chalice of ale in power hand, and say:

To My Lord the Horned God of the Wooded Wild

Pass the glasses of ale, deosil, to each person. When each person receives their
glass, they face the altar, lift the glass slightly and say:

My Lord
Drink

Place the dish of bread on the altar table,

Hold a piece of bread or cake in your in power hand, and say:

To My Lady the Goddess Diana,

Goddess of the Hunt and of the Moon

Pass the bread, deosil, to each person. When each person receives their bread,
they face the altar, lift the bread slightly and say:

95
 My Lady

Enjoy the ale and bread standing or seated. In fact, an entire meal may be served.
Of course, conversation is allowed. Anyone may have seconds if portions allow.

If you do a Libation, do so as per custom, often outside, after the compass is

closed.

96
 Closing the Compass Round

What which is opened must be closed.

Say something like:

This brings us to the end of this compass ritual.

I will now close this compass round.
I thank the spirits that have come.
Ye of places near and places far,
From wood and dell, moon and star,
Go forth in peace and trust.
Or stay if you must.

Take the dagger* and go withershins (counter clockwise) three times

around the compass, beginning and ending in the North, which represents our
sacred earth.

Then say:
By my will this compass round is closed.

Snuff or pinch out the candle(s). Then say:

This ritual has ended.

Ground & Balance

Touch the floor/ground with your hand or bare foot. This will balance your
energy level. Retaining too much energy would likely make you feel irritable or
give you a mild headache or mild depression. Too little energy would result in
feeling fatigued or out-of-sorts.

Then do the Libation.

97
 Libation to the Gods

Take the libations you saved from the Ale & Bread Ritual and go outside. At the
same time, you can also take out the water used during ritual purification. It is
now unclean and must be disposed of to the earth. Pets should not drink it. Also,
do not allow the water to touch the ale or bread.

If you live in the city, your kitchen sink is perfectly acceptable.

When outside:

1) Pour the contaminated water to your right or left side.

Then begin the Libation:

2) Slightly raise the bread in the air, then crumble it onto the ground, or place it
on the ground directly in front of you.

3) Slightly raise the ale in the air, and then pour in on the ground. You may bend
down to avoid splashing on your cloths. Say whatever may be appropriate, as an
example:

A Libation to
My Lord, the Horned God of the Wooded Wild
and My Lady, the Goddess Diana, Goddess of the Hunt
and of the Moon.

This assumes you live in a house with land and have complete privacy in your
yard. However, if you do not have complete privacy or you live in an apartment,
then crumble the cake into the trash and pour the wine down the sink. You may
think this seems wrong, but in fact, the trash and the sink drain will return
matter and liquid to the Earth, which is the whole idea.

Don't forget to turn on the house phone and your the cell phone.

98
 Chapter Six - Magic

W e view Nature as encompassing the entire Universe, including the physical

worlds as well as the OtherSide. All that is in the Universe is natural.
Therefore, magic is not supernatural; magic is natural. It is at the very centre of
Nature. Therefore, magic is not supernatural. As the peoples of ages past lived
close to Nature, so they saw magic as a means of solving problems and improving
their lives in a natural way.

The magic of Celtic Britain (Druid priesthood) and the magic of the Anglo-Saxons
were both endemic to their own locales. There was virtually no influence between
the two magical systems, although there were parallels, each system was entirely
different.

The Traditional Magic we use today is primarily Saxon, or Germanic. There are
influences from the Anglos, and there may be influences from the other Germanic
peoples that came to Britain, especially the Jutes and the Friesians. However, it is
difficult to state that our magical system was influenced from the Celts. This is so
because it is believed the Celt common people were not allowed to perform
magic, as magic was strictly reserved for the Druids, their priesthood.
Unfortunately, virtually nothing from Druid magical knowledge has survived the
ages.

In old Britain, there was no one Anglo or Saxon term for magic. Today,
Traditionalists use several terms to refer specifically to Traditional Magic, they
include:

Traditional Magic
Traditional Magical Arts
The Magical Arts
The Nameless Arte
"the praxis of Traditional Magic" means "the practice of Traditional
Magic"
Trad Magic

Note that the term "magick" (with the "k") is never used. This spelling is correctly
used only in reference to ceremonial magick.

99
 What is a Spell?
As you know, we believe God (or the Divine power) is everywhere,
including within ourselves, a spell is a projection of our Divine self-
energy. Thus, the casting of spells is a very spiritual act.

A spell is the manipulation of energy in order to achieve a desired goal

in reality. It works by the focused utilization of one's willpower through the
energy generated by the techniques of going within to raise energy and the use
of visualisation. A spoken formula is said; these are words created by the Crafter
and therefore contain the creative energy of the Crafter- an important ingredient.

Our spellwork incorporates the aide and help of spirits. Co-operative spirits
include a familiar, land spirits, spirit guides, and other friendly spirits including
departed friends and family from our present and past lives. At times when
appropriate, nature spirits (the elementals) can also be asked to help. Spirits can
supplement our energy and be an important ingredient in successful spellcasting.

The purpose of a spell is to achieve a desired goal in reality, to transform or

influence an undesirable situation in order to change it to one's favor. The
purposes of a spell in Traditional Magic include:

To improve oneself spiritually, to gain greater spiritual awareness and

understanding.

To improve ones being, to increasing concentrative powers, control

impulses, control negative behaviour, and improve other personal
development issues.

Banishing, to remove unwanted energy or influences.

Attraction, to attract something that is desired, such as better finances,

friendship, partnership, or a material object.

Binding, to prevent an outside influence from affecting you or your magic,

as in binding a spell for protection.

Cursing & hexing, to bring misfortune or harm as a self-defence against

intended harm from others.

A Word about Curses

If threatened by intended serious harm, the Traditional Crafter may use a curse
for self-defence for the protection of himself/herself, friends, family, or home.
This does not include accidental harm, which is done without the intent to do

100
harm, such as a traffic accident. However, intentional harm is accountable for a
responsible and measured retort.

This stands in marked contrast to Wicca with its ineffectual "do no harm"
philosophy. Instead, the Traditional Crafter believes the use of a justified magical
self-defence to be an honourable responsibility and an obligation on
principle.

Of course, the use of curses may come at a high cost. Such magical devices can
easily leave negative consequences that must be dealt with or suffered. Therefore,
the decision for their use must be carefully considered with practical need and
balance.

Curses are very advanced techniques because of the real danger they can easily
inflict on an unprepared seeker or new Crafter casting them. Therefore, you will
not find them available anywhere on the Internet or in any book or eBook written
by any authentic Traditional Crafter. To do so would be irresponsible and
incompetent. Curses should not be attempted until one has become a seasoned
Crafter in the praxis of Traditional Magic. This means years of development.

The Premise of Magic

Magic is based on the assertion that we are able to alter or manipulate our
environment for the better or for the worse. This ability is innate because we are
spiritual beings and therefore have the ability to access energy. This ability to
access energy is a hidden or undeveloped ability in most people. However,
one can learn to access energy by developing the specific techniques I have taught
you.

With our proper development, we gain the ability to manipulate the world that
surrounds us. That is to say, our natural, innate powers can be honed and
controlled in order to be utilised in reaching set goals. For the Trad Crafter, magic
is a powerful resource and its study and successful use is a lifetime endeavour.

Magic has the capacity to improve your life, to draw a life-mate (a love
relationship) to you. Magic can protect you psychically and sometimes physically.
Magic can be a valuable inspiration and a potent guide in your self-development

101
and aid in unlocking your unrealized creative abilities. Magic can open the door
to your psychic strengths and gifts and guide you in understanding and attuning
yourself to Nature.

There is a fundamental truth that is important for you to understand:

The more you believe in your ability to influence energy;

The more magical energy will come through.

Harmonious Use of Magic

Magic has appropriate and inappropriate uses. Some people try to use magic in a
manner that is out of harmony with Nature; for example, to cast a spell to force
someone specific to love or to hinder someone's romantic feelings. It may be very
tempting to try, but these types of spells are either useless or as often as not, they
backfire, badly! This is because life is subject to Fate. Fate cannot be violated.
In addition, it violates the ethic of personal respect for other people. As such,
imposing a spell for or against the emotion of love on a specific individual is
unethical. With proper training, a seeker will learn to cast spells to make
themselves more appealing, and they can cast general spells to attract friendship
and love, but never of a specific individual.

Within Reality
Magic does not conjure that which is beyond the laws of Nature or that
which is outside of potential reality. In other words, magic can be effective
in situations where the intended outcome of a spell is well within the scope of
natural possibility. Therefore, whatever a spell is cast it must be able to
become manifest within the scope of possibility. This includes physical
possibility as well as other issues surrounding the spell's goal, including fate.

Within Nature
If our powers are natural, how can magical phenomena be explained within the
realm of Nature? This is one explanation.

The physical world is made up of atoms. Atoms are constantly moving. Now, as
we go through life we interact with the people, places, and things that surround
us. In doing so, there is a small exchange of atoms in everything we touch. An
example of this in real life, lets say that your friend Cedric came to visit you at
your home. In doing so, he will leave tiny pieces of himself behind, such as some
very small flakes of skin, strands of hair, etc. A sensitive will be able to sense him.

102
By the same token, our very thoughts and feelings are forms of energy that
continuously flow out into the universe. A sensitive will be able to see and feel
Cedric by becoming aware of his energy that he emitted by his thoughts and
feelings. In this manner the sensitive would be accessing the "Universal
Consciousness."

The Universe is All Energy

Now as we said, everything in the universe is made up of atoms. Atoms are
themselves energy. Therefore, the Universe is composed of nothing but energy.

Energy is constant in its being. Energy never weakens or dissipates, but it can
alter and change. In fact, energy is constantly changing and moving.
Energy is never static. This is what makes magic possible.

The Trad Crafter is effective when doing magic because the Crafter has learnt to
influence and manipulate how energy changes and moves. The Crafter gathers
and focuses their own mentally directed energy and the energy from assisting
spirits, to alter or manipulate the energy of a situation or thing in order
to effect change. To do this, our efforts are delineated by well-defined
intent that governs the desired result.

There is no chance or luck involved. It is an act of physics. Scientists may not

currently understand how this works, but it shall be understood at some point in
the future.

The Importance of Intent

How magic is used is completely up to the individual. Magic is neither good nor
bad, for it is entirely what the Crafter wants that dictates how magic is used. It is
the intent of the spellwork that delineates negative magic from positive magic,
and nothing else. Intent is the overriding principle, a fundamental aspect needed
in any spell or other work of magic.

Intent must be carefully thought-through before hand and must be very

clearly stated at the beginning of the magical working. Without clear intent,
there can be no successful spellworking.

Ritual Consciousness in Magic

For spellwork to be effective, it is necessary for the practitioner to enter a state of
ritual consciousness. This is an alternate state of awareness that raises
consciousness to a higher level. It attunes the conscious and the psychic minds in

103
such a matter as to gain the ability to sense energies, which are then formed and
projected toward a specific goal. Ritual consciousness is achieved through Going
Within techniques, including meditation and visualization. Sometimes it is called
"getting into the zone."

Factors:
The ability of a spell to be implemented towards an intended result is subject to
certain variables:

Encountered Energy
When the energy is collected and sent on its way, it must travel to its destination.
For example, if the intent of a spell is to help heal Cedric in Yorkshire, the spell's
energy must travel to Cedric. In the energy's travels, it will encounter other
energies along the way. These energies may be positive and helpful, completely
neural, or negative and harmful. Usually there is not much trouble and spells will
reach their destination intact.

However, sometimes a spell will arrive that has been harmed or somehow
changed by negative or positive energy. The spell may have become weaker than
intended, stronger than intended, or in some other way altered. The Crafter has
limited control over this possibility. Some Crafters will cast a spell within the
protection of a shielding spells to help counter encountered energy. These types
of shielding spells are called a Preamble Spell and a Postscript Spell. Examples
are provided later in this chapter. Sometimes shielding spells will work and
sometimes they do not.

Fate
As I have stated in Chapter One, fate is a primary belief in British Witchcraft. We
believe that no spell can possibly counteract fate. Fate is not variable. Only those
aspects of our life not governed by fate are variable.

Crafter Praxis Strength

Traditional Magic involves the manipulation the Earth's energies. Learning to do
this is not something that happens easily or overnight. To become an adept
Crafter takes hard work, time, a strong belief system, and considerable practice
and much experience.

104
The glue that pulls the whole thing together is the will of the Crafter. Trad
Crafters vary in experience, training, and in the natural gifts they have inherited
and developed. The stronger the praxis power, the more likely there will be a
successful outcome.

Inner Preparation:
The most important feature in successful magic is the practitioner's inner
preparation.

Focus on Yourself, Not Props

Other items such as correspondences, feathers, stones, whatever, are nice but are
f a r from necessary. So, use supporting items if they are handy, but don't worry
about them if they are not. Remember, it is YOU that provides the energy
used in a spell. Land spirits, your spirit guide and other friendly spirits
certainly can and should help, but your own energy is the prime directive
source.

Go Within
Always do a Glowing Ball, or another such meditational technique. This will
get your mind-set in order and lay the foundation for working magic.

Ground Yourself
Grounding is the process of dispelling unwanted, excess or negative energy and
placing it back into the ground (the universe). To do this:

Touch the ground or floor with the palm(s) of your hands or the
sole(s) of your feet.

It can be done at any time, whenever you feel a need. However, the best times to
ground yourself include:

Just before Going Within,

Before and after magical workings,
Before and after ritual,
Before and/or after dealing with groups of people (teaching or other
stressful situations), and
Before and after any other situation where high amount of energy or
emotion are present.

105
 Also, it is good to ground yourself whenever you wish to take a "magical
stance" and connect yourself to Mother Earth.

106
 The Crafting of Spells

True Traditional Crafters always create their own spells; and many fully
experienced Crafters will not share their spells with others. It's not that some
Crafters want to keep power from others, it is more of an issue of privacy. Some
Crafters consider spells to be highly personal.

Learning to create your own spells is something you must learn to do, starting
from the beginning. I do realise that almost every new seeker has a strong desire
to have spells provided to them. So, I do provide some spells that I have created.
This is ONLY for you to get the feel.

I also know that many new seekers seem to have little faith in their own spells. I
strongly encourage you to do the Confidence Meditation, which I provided in
Mini-Course Lesson Two followed by the Glowing Ball, every time you do
spellwork from now on. You will know when you no longer need to do the
Confidence Meditation, but the Glowing Ball is always good to do.

If you prepare as I have guided you, then your spells will be on the right track.

Becoming a Traditional Crafter requires much effort and hard work! Well, it's up
to you. IF you wish to be a Crafter, then BE a Crafter! Write your own spells.
Prepare properly. This is what Crafters do.

The Use of Rhythm and Rhyme

It is not necessary to make spells rhyme or to use a rhythm in wording. However,
it is a positive aid if you do use it. This is so for several reasons. Not only are
spells with rhyme and rhythm easier to memorize but rhyme and rhythm has
an amazing effect on the unconscious mind and allows us to more
easily enter ritual consciousness.

The state of ritual consciousness is an important factor in the successful spells. It

expands awareness of the non-physical world and creates a connection with Deity
and with Nature. In simple language, ritual consciousness is 'the zone'.
Rhyme and rhythm helps us to get into this zone.

Rhyme and rhythm are also fun to create and fun to use.

107
Certainly, writing spells is an art. As time goes on, you will get the hang of it, and
you will probably like it very much. It is a skill like any other skill. You learn by
doing it. With some practice, you will gain an ability to write rhyme more easily
and more quickly. In fact, you will notice that certain phrases you like will fit into
many spells. Use a rhyme search website to help you, such as the free service at
Rhyme Zone, at: http://www.rhymezone.com/r/rhyme.cgi?.

The Timing of Spells

Rule: A spell can be said at any time for any good reason. Therefore,
when there is a need for an immediate spell, it is always appropriate to go ahead
and do the spellwork. Of course, you ALWAYS do a 3-card Tarot spread first
to see IF you should actually do the spell. If the Tarot is positive, then you do the
spell. If the Tarot is negative, then you do NOT do the spell.

With a positive Tarot reading, and if you have the luxury of time, then you have
the opportunity to enhance the spell by selecting a more advantageous:

Moon cycle,
Day of the week, and
Time of day for the spell.
You may or may not decide to take advantage of these:

Moon Cycle

The moon affects us physiologically. The moon rules over the life-giving liquids
of our bodies, such as the menstrual cycle and the cardiovascular system. The
energy of the lunar cycle can alter our emotional responsiveness and our psychic
energies. Thus, the moon has a direct influence on magical and spiritual
workings.

Because of the cyclical nature of the month, the timing of spells can be
cordinated to the moon phase that is in harmony with the intent or purpose of
the spell.

In utilizing the most appropriate lunar phase, you effectively provide the most
advantageous energy needed to execute appropriate spells. Remember, a Moon
Rise can occur in the day. So, never think that spellcraft is restricted to night!

108
Waning Crescent Moon:
The waning moon is when the Moon declines in size from just after the Full Moon
to just before complete darkness. The crescent is on the left side of the moon.
The waning moon always rises at midnight.

Spellwork is especially favorable in matters concerning banishing, endings,

separations, eliminations, and reversals. This is the time for spells related to the
unwanted, relationship endings, relief of stress, and the riddance of disease,
ailments, and bad habits. It is an appropriate time for house purification and
cleansing.

The Dark Moon

The Dark Moon (or New Moon) is when the moon is completely dark. As the
moon moves in conjunction with the sun, the moon rises in the morning and
crosses the sky unseen during daylight. This means there is no moon in the sky
during the night. Thus, this is the darkest night of the month. The Dark Moon
always rises at sunrise.

In the countryside on a starless night, you cannot see your hand before your face.
It is complete and absolute darkness, like being in a void of perception. Within
this perceptual isolation is mystery and wonder, when the spirit can realise the
possibility of unrealised potential.

Spellwork is especially favorable in matters concerning beginnings of any kind,

recovery from illness, employment, relocation, and personal improvement.

Waxing Crescent Moon

The waxing Moon is on a journey to brightness, from after the Dark Moon to the
Full Moon.

The moon first appears as a thin crescent moon sliver and progresses in size and
brightness. The crescent is on the right side of the moon. The waxing moon
always rises at noon.

This period is especially favorable in matters concerning increasing or to draw

something to you, such as healing, growth, advancement, friendship, protection,
study, spirituality, or fertility.

Full Moon
A Full Moon is when the moon is completely in the sun's light and appears in her
full round silvery luminance. This is when the sun, Earth, and moon line up in

109
that order and on the same line. That is, the sun and moon are on opposite sides
of the Earth, so the moon appears as a full, round, brilliant disc to us. It is during
the Full Moon is when lunar energy is at its most intense. Magic workings are
especially potent at this time. The Full Moon always rises at sunset.

This is always the preferred time for positive spells, particularly those most
difficult. Especially, spells for love, fertility, psychic development, healing and
guidance.

Black Moon
A black moon is the second dark moon (new moon) within a calendar
month. As such, it is rather rare. In working magic, a black moon is a time of
enormous magical power in the spiritual world. Spellwork at this time is
especially powerful.

Days of the Week

You can cordinate the intent of the spell with the correct attributes of
the seven celestial bodies (each represented by a day of the week), and thus
increase the likelihood of success.

Also, you can cordinate the moon phase with the day of the week. They
should both be in harmony. Example: A prosperity spell would best be done
during the period of a waxing moon that occurs on a Thursday.

Sunday
Associated with the Sun, Sunday is best for spells dealing with truth, authority
figures, divine power, hope, friendships, learning, money, healing, or issues
concerning happiness.

Monday
Associated with the Moon, Monday is best for spells dealing with protection,
divination, spiritual growth, or issues concerning motherhood and family.

110
Tuesday
Associated with Mars, Tuesday is best for spells dealing with courage, conflicts,
hunting, physical strength, lust, competition, violence, politics, protection, or
issues concerning legal matters or war.

Wednesday
Associated with Mercury, Wednesday is best for spells dealing with divination,
education, self-improvement, addiction, psychology, debt, loss, resourcefulness,
or issues concerning communication and the arts.

Thursday
Associated with Jupiter, Thursday is best for spells dealing with legal matters,
dedication, faith, loyalty, healing, business, money, or issues concerning
success and prosperity. Large projects or issues are handled well today.

Friday
Associated with Venus, Friday is best for spells dealing with love and fertility,
friendship, protection, or issues concerning the arts, music, and pleasure.

Saturday
Associated with Saturn, Saturday is best for spells dealing with the restriction of
energy, especially banishing spells and the ridding of old energies, binding,
developing patience, increasing focus, being rid of unwanted desires, or issues
concerning protection and life issues (life and death, and the elderly).

Time of Day
You can also cordinate the intent with the time of day, although I think
many pay less regard to this. The most favorable time for casting important spells
is after midnight, preferably on the night of a Full Moon. Or, just before midnight
to keep the spell in a more favorable day.

In general, the period between midnight and sunrise has always been
a prime time for spellcraft because it is the time most favorable to
success.

111
I should mention that I have known some long-time Trad Crafters in London that
cast spells earlier at night, say 10:30 - 11:oo pm, because they usually go to bed by
11:30 pm, or earlier. They were not 'night owls'.

Others will simply cast a spell when they have strong feelings about an issue
rather than waiting until the absolute right day and time of day.

So, I believe the time of day issue is one that the more fastidious Crafter will be
more attuned to. Of course, undoubtedly, there are some Traditional Crafters
that pay careful attention to doing specific spells at exactly the most
advantageous time possible. But I've never known any.

Also, using the exactly correct time of day for casting a particular spell involves a
lot of time in calculating hours of the day (or night) divided by either the time
measured exactly from sunrise to sunset (or from sunset to sunrise). You cannot
simply use a standard 12- or 24-hour clock. That's too much bother for me. I
never time spells by the Time of Day. But of course, you may do so if you wish.
Some people do like using this method.

Spell Tarot Card Spreads

Even with the best of intent, spells can do unintended harm. In short - spells can
backfire! As it is essential that you do spells in a responsible manner, it is
important to do what you can to insure a spell will do what you want it to do.

The only way of finding out if a good spell will actually do well is by
doing a Tarot card spread. In this manner, you can consider the possible
consequences of the spell that you may not know at the time of casting the spell.

Note that spells for protection are an exception and do not require a Tarot
Card Spread.

112
Three-Card Past-Present-Future
A basic spread for a proposed spell is the Three-Card Past-Present-Future
Spread. That will give you basic information to make a determination. This is the
most popular, and the one I recommend.

Ten-Card Spread
At times you may want or need more information. If this is so, then use this Ten-
Card Spread, in this manner:

1 - The spell is based on this need or desire

2 - The hidden need
3 - The hidden influences acting on the spell. This could be of your inner
self or influences outside of your control.
4 - Outside influence
5 - The spell's weakness
6 - The spell's strength
7 - The effect the spell will have in the astral world
8 - The physical world outcome
9 - Probable final outcome
10 ("The Karmic Card") - The nature of the spell's return energy that
comes back to you. Important: If you get a negative card here you
should find out if the spell could be harmful to you or someone else.

Positive Reading
It is important to get a positive reading before doing the spell. A
negative spread is very good reason not to cast the spell. Even if you are new to
Tarot and need to look up every card, I recommend you look up every card.
ALWAYS take your lead from the cards.

If you have no experience with Tarot cards, it is now time to start. See
Recommendations for appropriate Tarot decks and books.

113
 Spell Casting Preparation

The following are the 13 steps in spellwork that all seekers should follow. It is
quite inclusive of every single detail and every step that is possible to do.

You might ask, 'Why should I use these steps?'

Because you are a seeker in training (in guided self-training), and you
need to learn a highly structured and formal method of executing
spells. This is a very effective way to learn procedure.

Remember, you are learning how to direct energy. This learning structure
provides the foundation that is critical to successful spellwork.

If you know any trained Crafters, and you were privileged enough to see them
cast a spell, you may know that many trained Crafters do not go step-by step
through this list of steps. This is because they informally do it mentally. However,
others follow each step and have even much longer versions than I provide.

It depends what works. Traditional Crafters do what works for them. However, I
can't tell you what will work best for you. The only way you can tell is by learning
it all, then decide what is best for you. This decision is made after you have
mastered the entire process and have experience.

First, learn the correct procedures with all its bells and whistles.

Later (much later), when you are proficient, repeat- when you are proficient,
THEN you can drop what you feel is unnecessary or ineffective for you.

Before you begin:

1. Define your intent. Vague desires beget vague spells, which beget vague
results. Vague spells also have a higher probability of backfiring and returning
negative energy to the sender!

Thus so, think through exactly what you wish to accomplish. You must know
exactly what you want in order to ask the universe for it. It is very important
that this be absolutely clear and very exact. You might write your intent on a
piece of paper. Then you can simply read your intent to the spirits so they know
what it is they should do for you. It also sets in your mind what your own energy
should do.

114
Ask Permission - If you are doing a spell for a good friend or a close family
relative (such as a healing from sickness) ask for their approval. Friends and
family deserve this consideration.

2. Think through the visualisation. The visualisations may not always be

only the desired end result. There may be other factors that need to be addressed.
Take the time to think the visualisations through so you don't need to improvise
in the middle of casting the spell.

3. Ground yourself. Touch the floor/ground with your hand(s) or bare foot
(feet).

4. Go within. Do a short Glowing Ball

5. Tarot reading. Before going any further, do a Three-Card Spread Tarot

Reading to determine the likely outcome of the spell. See Tarot Cards Spread for
details. Of course, if you prefer, you can use another divination tool or means.

If you get a negative reading, DO NOT DO THE SPELL. If you are not sure if
the Tarot reading is negative or not, you may do a second clarification spread on
top of the first three cards, or do a 10-card spread to obtain more detailed
information.

6. The words of the spell. Assuming the Tarot reading is positive, work on the
wording of the spell. Write it down. A typical spell is rather brief, maybe 3 to 5
lines of verse, which might be 12 to 36 words. This is the part you create.

You will find that after a while you will notice you use the same phrases over and
over again. At this point, everything is new to you, so you will have to work out
the wording. Do NOT copy anything from any website. The wording MUST be
yours. No one can do this for you.

Remember, the visualization is central to your spell.

7. Organize. Decide what items you will use for the spell, such as a candle,
dagger, ritual bowl, incense, herbs, and gemstone, whatever. Have them all
handy. Think fewer rather than more. Some knowledgeable Trad Crafters will use
only one candle in a dim room and nothing else.

115
 A Spell Working

Following is the form of a typical spell with 'all the bells and whistles'. I have put
in everything. Many Crafters use less than what I have provided. Every Crafter is
different. It is up to you to decide what to have in and what not to include. I have
also cast the form within a compass. This is only an example.

The Main Spell is to be added in the middle as I have indicated.

Spellcasting Procedure
1) Set-Up. At the appropriate time, have a table set up, your altar, and gather
what you will use and go to the place where you will perform the spell. All Seekers
should cast a compass round and light at least one white candle and perhaps
incense (if you use it).

Pass the tips of your fingers through flame and the smoke and cover face as you
begin a very brief meditation (5-10 seconds) which will focus you. (Use two
candles in a dark room, if you wish.) When passing fingers through flame do so
very quickly-- you should NOT feel any heat on your fingers.

As you become better at focusing, concentration, and in visualisation, you might

decide not to cast a compass round except for very important spells. Many
experienced Crafters do not. However, some Crafters always use a compass. The
compass is an aid. You use it when needed. However, during the first year or two,
a compass should always be used to help create a temple of concentration.

Typical position of the tools (If right-handed - opposite if left):

Lantern (if outdoors)

Candle (if indoors)
Incense (if used) Tools (Chalice, dagger*, etc)
Notes

You (seated or sanding)

2) Ground yourself
Stand or sit completely still. Do not cross your arms or legs.
Touch the floor/ground with your bare feet or the palms of your hands.
Return to standing or seated position.

116
3) Do a Glowing Ball

4) Do the Tool Saining and Lay the Compass Round (See Rituals).

While Laying the compass, if you assume the tradition of inviting spirits, invite
friendly spirits.

For important spells or spells involving a joyous event, some Crafters will invite
spirits and the gods while holding a chalice (goblet, horn, or small glass) of wine,
beer or another drink in the power hand.

In my opinion, it is important that you NOT consume alcohol before you

complete all of your spellwork as alcohol may prevent your effective ability to
concentrate. You inability to clearly concentrate means your use of energy will
become far less controlled and therefore potentially dangerous, to yourself and to
others.

5) State the reason for the spell. The universe and the spirits need to know
just what you want or need. They cannot read your mind. Your thoughts are
always private until you verbalise them. So, you must verbalise the intent of the
spell.

Again, for a very positive or joyous event, such as a birth, birthday,

wedding, or other positive celebration, some Crafters will hold a chalice
of wine (or beer etc).
A dagger* is typically only held for a serious business, legal or a
physically dangerous situation, including any threatening situation,
serious court action, or any other situation where violence or seriously
negativity is possible (in action or speech), including military action, or for
hunting game.
A wand* or the power hand is used for everything, depending upon your
tradition, but is especially used for health, personal development, or other
positive issues.
The power hand is used for everything in some traditions, depending
upon your tradition, or when it seems appropriate. The hand or hands are
normally held in a natural upward position, with the hand being in an
open and semi-pointed while the spell is said and sent.

Continue to hold what you have in your hand, and,

Do a brief meditation, then begin the spell casting while visualising the
final goal as you speak or as soon as possible after you speak. Some like to
visualise before they say the spell. Do as you feel to be most comfortable for you.
You may close your eyes to gather more concentration, if you wish. Hold this

117
vision for as long as seems appropriate, perhaps from 5 second to a minute or
longer.

6) Safe Energy Preamble. This is an added preamble that can be added to any
spell, but should be added to spells that are more difficult or spells that involve
known elemental situations (rough weather, etc). This preamble encourages safe
energy and discourages negative energy that might interfere with a spell. This is
said just before the beginning of the main spell.

Go within and meditate and visualise the outcome you desire for one to five
minutes, then say:

Earth, Air, Fire and Water,

Stars above and core below,
Have safety energies flow.
7)
- The spell is recited with visualization is here -

8) Binding Protection Postscript. Some Crafters add a binding postscript as

an added protection from outside energies. This is said just after the main spell.
This encourages the safety of the spell as it travels to its intended destination. It
also encourages the spell not to interfere with anyone, any animal, or any of the
elements it encounters along the way.

Take a moment and visualise the safe arrival of your spell, and say:

By the power of number three,

This spell tied and knotted be;
So that its contents stay together,
And wont harm human, beast, or weather.

9) Affirmation to balance physical and spiritual.

As within, So without,
My harmony exists throughout,
I am one with both these worlds,
Within the two, my spirit twirls.

118
10) Raise energy within yourself with another short meditation, and/or by
chanting, singing, dancing, (if you like doing that) or in whatever method that
seems to work well with you in increasing focus, concentration to raise energy.

Visualise the energy either:

Swirling around in the air just in front of you,
Swirling in the ritual bowl used for this purpose, or
Visualise energy being poured into your chalice, dagger*, or wand*,
on the table in front of you.

11) When you're at a peak: Send the energy to its destination by pointing
forward and upward with the chalice, dagger*, or wand* in the general direction
of the subject (if you know it). If you like, raise both arms in a Y formation or a
gesture of finality, whatever you feel to be appropriate and comfortable for you.
This is a matter of personal style.

Finish by performing a finishing delivery gesture with your arms and saying
something like the following in a firm voice:

Thus by my power,
This energy shall flow,
And thus it shall be so.
This is a good statement of completion; a pronouncement that the magic is to be
successful while not commanding the spirits.

Note that I did not use "So Mote It Be" which Neo-Pagans, Wiccans, and
ceremonial magickians commonly say at the end of a spell. It is true that some
Trad Crafters will use this term. However, it is not native to Traditional British
Witchcraft so in my opinion, it should be avoided.

12) If you like, you may continue with any other rituals you may wish to do. If
you are finished spellwork, then you might have an Ale & Bread Ritual,
especially if it is a Sabbat, or the spellwork concerned is a joyous event, or you
just feel like doing it.

13) If finished, Thank the spirits and Close the Compass Round.

14) Ground yourself (touch the floor/ground with your hand or bare foot) and
if you had wine or other drink during the spellwork, offer a libation to the
gods.

119
 Curse Elimination

This is an alternate version re-written for this Course.

The original is in Issue #2 of The Manor Journal newsletter.

First, understand that in many cases, the power behind most curses is the fear
factor of the victim. That means the effectiveness of a curse depends on the
victim's negative psychological state. In many cases, it is the fear generated by the
victim that does the real harm and fear that is the important power behind a
curse!

Of course, the energy generated by the magic practitioner in casting a curse is

viable and has a negative effect. However, this often plays a lesser role compared
to a mental state of fear. That means that the victim is in a good position to
counter the effectiveness of any curse.

Mental Defence
As a matter of physics and logic, if the energy of a curse is powered by the
directed energy from the magic practitioner's mind, then the directed energy
from the victim's mind might power a neutralization of the curse's power. This
assumes the victim has the mental capacity to do this. Ordinary people may not.
However, any Crafter or good seeker should usually have no trouble doing so. It is
a matter of cutting off the curse's strength by cutting off your fear.

To do this:

1) Do a Glowing Ball

2) Consciously visualize a faucet running with water. The water is your

energy and it nourishes the curse with the energy you provide.

3) Now while still visualizing the faucet running with water, picture
that you turn off the faucet.

The water has now stopped. The curse is no longer getting the energy it needs to
survive. The curse is now greatly weakened.

120
 The Ritual
Follow that with the following ritual. You will need:
A quiet place.
Table (altar) and
A chair placed directly in front of the table.
Dagger*
1 or 2 white utility candle (or any size candle, new or used) in a holder.
An incense stick and holder. Use pine incense if handy. If not, then use
frankincense, sandalwood, cinnamon, myrrh, jasmine, musk, lotus,
honeysuckle, rose, or blueberry.
Matches or a lighter for lighting the candle and incense. Wood matches are
preferable but not necessary.

While this may be done at any time, the night of a full moon is always better,
second best is a waning moon.

Lay a Compass

Place the white candle in holder, incense in holder, and dagger on the table in
front of you.

The dagger should be in front of your power hand (right side of candle if you are
right-handed) on the table.

Light the candle and incense and Lower or turn off the electric lights.

Be seated in the chair directly in front of the lit candle, which should be about 2-
3 feet away.

I recommend a brief meditation before beginning, such as repeating the Golden

Ball.

After the meditation, open your eyes and remain perfectly quiet. Look at the
candle's flame for one minute. If you prefer, you can close your eyes after
looking at the flame for a few seconds.

After about one minute say the following while seated (do NOT pick up the
dagger):

121
 Candle flame that flickers bright,
Rid negative energy with your light.
Herb for healing,
Herb for hope,
Herb for strength,
Help me cope.

I call upon my spirit guides and all other friendly spirits,

that wish to come and aid me in this rite.
Wait a few seconds then stand. Pick up the dagger* in your power hand and
extend your arms up in a Y shape, and continue in a strong voice:

All curses great or small,

From near or far,
However sent,
Of whatever intent,
I now command you to be spent,
Dissolve and go away,
Ye not have me as your prey.
Now leave ["me" or victim's name] without delay,
Thus by my power,
["I am" or Victim's name is] now free of torment.

Perform a finishing gesture with your dagger* while saying:

Thus by my power,
This energy shall flow,
And thus it shall be so.

Snuff or pinch out the candle.

122
 Beating the Bounds

This is an old British ceremony of Celtic origin, although the ritual is common to
many cultures in Europe. The Britano-Roman landowner would walk the
boundary of his property to 1) Affirm ownership, and, 2) To pay homage to
Terminus, the god of boundaries, Pan, the god of fertility, and Faunus, the god of
purification.

As practiced in Britain, a property owner walks the border of his property and
beats the property line markers, such as boundary stones, walls, trees, hedges,
and fences, with a tree stick, usually collected at the beginning of the walk.

Today, some towns, villages, and church parishes conduct a yearly "Beating the
Bounds" ceremony out of respect for tradition. Men and boys circumnavigate the
legal boundary and beat the trees, walls, hedges, and up until the mid-20th
century, sometimes their boys with sticks. The boys were hit so they would
remember very clearly the boundary locations.

Today, if you own land, a "Beating The Bounds" ceremony can be performed (of
course without beating the boys) at any time before a Home Purification and
Blessing Ritual. This can be performed after the purchase of land, and then
repeated each March. Or, it can be done at any time you perform a Home
Purification.

123
 Home Purification & Blessing Ritual

It is necessary to secure our lives from external harm and to protect our hearth
and home. This is a highly effective means of banishing negativity from a home
and adding a wall of safety with a spell of blessing. In this ritual, we invoke the
protection of friendly land spirits to help guard and protect us.

This ritual can be done after a house or apartment/condo is purchased or rented.

It is best done before moving in, after a Beating The Bounds ceremony in March.
You may wish to repeat this ritual yearly thereafter. Or, it can be done whenever
you feel the need.

A compass is usually not cast for a protective spell/ritual, unless you feel a need
to do so. Also, a purification spell does not need a Safe Energy Preamble or a
Binding Protection Postscript.

You will need:

Table, placed in center of building on main floor.

One white utility candle (any size, new or used) in a candle holder for use
during the ritual. At night, lights may be turned on (preferable dim) or a
second candle in holder may be placed on the table for light.
A sage bundle can be used but is optional. (Available at supply stores.)
Incense and holder. Use pine if handy. If not, then use frankincense,
sandalwood, cinnamon, myrrh, jasmine, musk, lotus, honeysuckle, rose, or
blueberry.
Matches for lighting the candle and incense. (Wood matches are always
preferable, but standard matches or a lighter are acceptable.)
Bowl of salt
Bowl of water
A dagger, wand, or your power hand alone (your right hand if you are
right-handed, or left if left-handed) can be used.

Place all items on the table or on the floor if a table is not available.

A brief centering meditation would be appropriate, or do The Glowing Ball.

124
Light the table candle (but not the candle used for the ritual) and say:

O power of fire,
Work my will by my desire.

Friendly Spirits, light my way,

Aid the magic cast this day.

Light the incense and say:

Herb of healing,
Herb of hope,
Herb for strength,
Help me cope.

Take the sage bundle or incense to the front east wall and light it. Or take
incense to the front east wall.

If more than one room is on the front of the house, select the most important
room on the front. Beginning with this east wall, travel along every wall in the
house while waving the sage or incense. Complete one room at a time. Visualize
the smoke of negativity as it flies away from the house. Say the following as you
enter each room.

Energy of Air and Sacred Smoke,

Blow and drift away all negative energy with each stroke.

Return the incense to the table at the house center.

Take the candle to the front south wall. Travel along every wall in the house.
Visualize the glow of negativity as it fly away from the house. Say the following
as you enter each room:

Candle flame that flickers bright,

Rid negative energy with your light.

Return the candle to the table at the house center.

Take the water to the front west wall and asperge (very lightly sprinkle). Travel
along every wall in the house, asperge. Visualize the water of negativity as it
flows away from the ground of the house. Say the following as you enter each
room:

125
 Sacred Water comes to this house,
Clean away all negativity with each douse.

Place the bowl of water outside the house. Cover it so a cat, dog, or bird won't
drink from it.

Take the salt to the front north wall, Travel along every wall in the house,
lightly sprinkle salt. Visualize the vapour of negativity as it floats away from the
house. Say the following as you enter each room:

Salt of the Earth, both fertile and pure,

Against negative energy, this house secure.

Return the salt to the table at the house center.

If family members are present, put your palm up briefly so they know to remain
quiet and allow you some time undisturbed. Bow your head.

Visualize the family happily living in the house for at least one minute. When
ready,

Pick up the dagger* in your power hand and extend your arms up in a Y shape,
and continue in a strong voice:

Spirits of this home and hearth,

I (or we) request that you
Bless this house and give it warmth!
Bring joy to those who grace this door!
Bring rest and comfort to the tired.
Imbue this house with love and light,
And laughter, joy, and sunshine bright!
Make this home a happy place,
Where all feel welcome in its space.
And see that only good befalls,
Those who live within these walls.

Perform a finishing gesture with the dagger while saying:

126
 Thus by my power,
This energy shall flow,
And thus it shall be so.

Snuff or pinch out the candle.

Touch the floor with your hands or bare feet to neutralize excess energy.

127
 Talismans & Amulets

A charm is the common term used by the public for both talisman and amulet
jewelry. However, they are much more than just jewelry. In Medieval days the
Pentagram was called the endless knot and was used as an amulet or a
protective talisman above doorways and windows.

Talisman
A talisman is an object cleansed and charged with energy intended to
attract a specific force or other positive energy such as to enhance
health, increase wealth, to help in the achievement of a positive goal,
or for any other positive purpose.

Today, the most common form of talisman is an object worn or carried on the
body such as jewelry, a stone, a piece of glass or metal or other object.

A talisman is never intended as a protection, for that you need an Amulet.

Amulet
An amulet is the opposite of a talisman; it is an object cleansed and
charged with energy intended to be a defence against negative energy
by deflecting or sending away a specific danger, misfortune, or any
negative energy or energies.

Today, the most common form of amulet is a charm ornament worn on a

necklace. Although any charm can be used, the most common designs are that of
an eye (to protect against the "evil eye"), a stylized hand (the Yud HaShem worn
by Sephardic Jews), and a Pentacle (five-pointed star in a circle worn).

But an amulet can actually be of any object, such as a watch, a necklace without a
charm, or a gem, stone, coin, or even an inscription on paper, parchment, wood
or other material.

128
 Cleansing
The cleansing or purification of an object before charging an object as a talisman
or amulet is very simple. Any type of meditation/visualization to expel negative
energy, and/or purification technique can be used. The following are some
standard methods. You can do one of them, two or all three.

Always light one white candle, place candle in candle holder and place on
table/altar in front of you.

Lay the object to me cleansed in front of you on the table/altar.

Be seated facing the table/altar.

Method One: Visualization

In front of a candle, meditate briefly for 1-3 minutes. (Do not stare at the flame,
look to one side or close your eyes.) When ready, raise the palms of your hands
about a foot away from the object, which remains on the table/altar. For 1-3
minutes, visualize negativity as a grey mist or smoke leaving the object.

Method Two: By Fire

Pick up the candle in candleholder. While keeping the candle upright, and while
stroking the candle over the object as it lays on the table/altar either three or nine
times, exactly, say:

Candle flame that flickers bright,

Rid negative energy with your light.

O power of fire,
Work my will by my desire.

Method Three: By Air

Light an incense stick. While stroking the incense over the object as it lays on the
table/altar either three or nine times, exactly, say:

Herb of healing,
Herb of hope,
Herb for strength,
Energy of Air and Sacred Smoke,
Drift away all negative energy with each stroke.

129
 Charging
The only difference between a talisman and an amulet is the purpose of the
energy. A talisman is charged with energy to attract positive energy. An amulet is
charged with energy to deflect negative energy.

With the candle still lit, meditate briefly to focus.

Take the charm in one hand and cover the charm with the other hand. Visualize
energy building up in the charm for the purpose of the charm, energy to attract
positive energy or the specific goal of the talisman, or energy to defend the wearer
from harm or the specific harm that is the goal of the amulet. The energy is
flowing out of your body into the charm. Visualize the flowing energy as golden or
white light.

Continue this golden or white energy to continue to flow for 1-3 minutes, until
you are satisfied the charm is full of your energy.

From time to time raise the charm up to your forehead while continuing the
visualization.

The charm becomes a talisman or amulet when you feel it is fully charged. Now
charged, the talisman or amulet will be fed by the life energy force of the person
who carries it.

Sniff out the candle and incense. Either put the talisman or amulet on or wrap it
and put it away for safekeeping.

It is better for the person who will wear the talisman/amulet to cleanse and
charge the charm himself or herself. This assumes they are able to do so.
However, you may cleanse and charge a charm for someone who is unable to do it
correctly themselves.

Re-Cleansing / Re-Charging
Over an extended period, external energies will counteract the effectiveness of the
talisman or amulet and the energy charge will wear down. Periodically, these
energies will have to be removed by re-cleansing and the talisman or amulet
recharged in the same manner as charged originally.

General Care

130
Talismans and amulets are charged with energy. Each talisman and amulet
should not touch another talisman or amulet or another human (unless it was
charged for that person). When not worn, a talisman or amulet should be
wrapped separately and placed at a location where another person will not touch
it.

^
________________________________________________________________
1 The Dissimilarity of Ancient Irish Magic from That of the Anglo-Saxons by
Wilfrid Bonser, Folklore, Vol. 37, No. 3 (Sep. 30, 1926), p. 271

131
 Chapter Seven - Divination

T he practice of divination is a quality of witchcraft. To one degree or another

we all have psychic ability, the sixth sense. It is a natural gift. Even if you
think you have no knack for it, that is not true. All people have the ability to
develop and improve their psychic ability to the point of practical application. It
is true that some people can develop their ability easier than others can, just as
some people learn to read easier than others do. However, we all have the
fundamental capacity to improve our psychic ability.

There are several things you can do to aid in your development. Going Within
will help train the mind to focus and expand awareness. Also, nostril breathing
exercises such as the Breathing Exercise in Lesson One of the Mini-Course is
very good, especially when you are outside in the fresh air. Fresh air and proper
breathing are important as they bring balance, relaxation, and it facilitates focus.

As a mild aid, you may want to try some Rosemary or Mugwort tea prior to a
Tarot or scry session. Don't ingest too much Rosemary as too much can be toxic.

Although there are many ways to do divination, I will focus on two means that are
popular today, namely, Tarot and three forms of scrying.

Tarot
Reading Tarot cards may not have an especially long history among most
Traditional Crafters, but it is certainly very popular today. In my opinion, it is an
effective means of: 1) gaining insight into yourself, and 2) an important aid in
learning more about the world around you.

These are the two aspects of Tarot that make it so beneficial. Used for divination,
Tarot has the capacity to reveal aspects of the past, present, and future. However,
Tarot can also be an important tool in self-development and even personal
transformation. For Tarot can be very revealing about our psychological makeup,
our strengths and our weaknesses. It can zero in on problems that impede full
personal realization. More importantly, Tarot can provide precise guidance in
resolving these factors. It is a master tool of insight, awareness, and personal
revelation. I cannot explain why or how it works; only that it does work. It is

132
certainly appropriate to say that it is a magical blessing to those that take the time
to learn card meanings and interpretation.
I encourage all seekers to buy a deck of Tarot cards, a good book on interpreting
the cards, and learn how to interpret the cards. I recommend you buy only one
deck based on the original Rider-Waite symbolism. This is important, as
many decks are now available that are very attractive but poorly designed, and
consequently hard to read. My specific recommendations are here.

Scrying
Scrying (skrry-ing) is the practice of using a reflective surface or translucent
body to aid psychic abilities. Often the purpose is to gain insight concerning an
event in the past, present, or future, to find a lost item, or to gain insight into a
problem.

Scrying dates back to ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, and
Germans practiced scrying using lakes and other bodies of water, as well as
various transparent or light-catching items, such as crystal, black glass, polished
quartz, and oil.

Although crystal balls are a tad inconvenient to move and a bit expensive, they
are becoming more popular. Nevertheless, they were not especially popular
among old Crafters. Of course, if you want to use one, please do so. There are
books available on their use. Incidentally, if you plan to buy one, you might wish
to avoid Austrian Quartz.

The idea behind scrying is to focus on something to allow your mind to produce
images that will be meaningful to you. The work is done by your mind.

The most popular means of scrying are the more traditional bowl of water, black
mirror, and the single candle.

Whatever technique you use you will have to focus your mind, so:

Find a quiet area, free of distractions

At night - Dim or turn off the electric lights
During the day - Close the blinds and curtains
Light one or more candles.
Light incense, preferably Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Lavender, Lilac, Sage,
Sandalwood, or Wisteria
Use a comfortable firm chair by a solid table.

133
Scrying can be done at any time; however, it is usually best done at night when
the reception of psychic vibrations is best and the room can be made darker. The
night of a full moon is a very good time for scrying.

When scrying, blink when you need to. Do not strain your eyes. Gaze for a period
no more than 5 to 10 minutes, otherwise your eyes will become strained. You will
need to be patient because it may take several sessions before you begin to see
anything.

Water Scrying
Water Scrying is an ancient form of divination especially popular among those
that use shamanistic techniques. The surface of a lake or other outdoor calm
water would be used at night under the light of the moon. If you live near a lake
or other still body of water, you may wish to try this.

To scry indoors, select a large, deep bowl made from glass, crystal, brass, or
silver. The bowl should have no design on the sides and have a smooth and even
rim.

The water used can be from any source, but it is best if you can locate water from
a natural source such as a stream, well, or collected rainwater. If it is too
inconvenient, then bottled spring water or water from the tap can be used.
Prepare water by placing the bowl of water in the light of a full moon or placing it
in the sun for about an hour. This will allow energy to collect in the water. This
need not be done with water to be used in a crystal bowl. The water you prepared
can be stored and re-used for scrying for about one month. Then change water.

How To Scry:
1) Have a subject or a question in mind. Place bowl on a flat surface directly in
front of you. If you use a glass or crystal bowl, place bowl on a black cloth. Some
people place blue or black ink or dye into the water. I have never done this;
however, you may wish to consider it.

2) Close your eyes for a few moments to relax. You may wish to do a brief
meditation to centre yourself.

3) When ready, pass your left hand several times over the water. This imparts
sensitivity onto the water and it is an invitation to the spirits.

4) Gaze into (not at) the still water and make your mind blank until images
appear. Gaze in a soft, half-focused manner such as when daydreaming.

134
Sometimes it is better to focus on the top, sometimes at the bottom, sometimes in
the middle. It is important to be patient. Allow your mind to create images using
the colourations and reflections in the water.

If you are scrying for an answer to a question, keep the question in mind but do
not speculate. Just allow it to float in the background of your mind while you
scry.

At first, you may have to try several times before you get a response. However,
each time you scry, your results will increase.

Candle Scrying
Set the candle about two feet in front of you. Do not gaze directly into the flame
as you can damage your eyes. Look below the flame. You can also close your eyes
and gaze at the glow through your eyelids. Do what is most comfortable.

Black Mirror Scrying

Another common means of scrying is the use of a black mirror. Black mirrors are
more convenient than water scrying. Black mirror scrying is also best done at
night when the reception of psychic vibrations is best.

Use the same technique as with Water Scrying.

If you wish to buy a black mirror, they are available. However, the ultimate is an
obsidian mirror. It is thought the famous Trad Crafter John Dee, advisor to H.M.
Queen Elizabeth I, used an obsidian mirror. Obsidian provides a superior black
surface. Unfortunately, obsidian requires a long process of grinding and
smoothing to achieve a reflective mirror. As a result, they are very hard to locate
and they are quite expensive. If you try to buy one, be aware there are fake
obsidian mirrors available at lower prices.

However, you need not buy one. Many people make their own black mirror from
a picture frame and black paint. See How to Make a Scry Mirror, below.

Interpretation of Images
It is always very difficult to someone else to interpret your scrying images.
Everyone has their own personal symbolism or image associations. Part of
scrying is determining what the images you see mean to you. No one can do that
for you because what an image means to one person may be completely different
to another.

135
Also, keep in mind that your images may be nothing but repetition of the same
idea, as your mind or a spirit might go through multiple images all with the same
meaning. If you find an image to be completely meaningless, make sure to record
the image with the date and time. You may find later that the image does have
relevance to you.

Should you scry for someone else, do not try to interpret images. Report exactly
what you see and ask them how they would interpret the image.

How to Make a Scry Mirror

To make your own mirror you will need:

A picture frame with glass, not plastic. Any size will do but some prefer a
round or oval glass area and the ability for the frame to stand up. It can be
inexpensive.

A dark spray paint. Any dark color will do, such as dark blue, brown, or
green, however black is the favourite.

A sheet of "peel & stick" felt.

The procedure:

1) Remove the glass from the frame, wash and dry the glass well.

2) Select the side of the glass to be painted. If you see scratches and nicks on one
side, that's the side to paint. This way, they will be less noticeable.

3) Paint the glass. I recommend you do it outside, or at least paint in a very well-
ventilated area. Don't forget to put down newspaper.

Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and remove all fingerprints and smudges. Shake
the paint can well and then apply the paint in even light strokes. Always keep the
paint can moving to avoid pooling. Let the coat dry. Coat at least twice, or until
color is solid.

4) When the glass is dry, hold it up to a light. If you see thin areas, give it another
coat.

136
5) After the paint is dry, cut the "peel & stick" felt to fit the glass pane. Then apply
the felt very carefully to the painted side.

6) When done and everything is neat and tidy, replace the glass in the frame with
the paint-felt side on the inside.

137
 Chapter Eight - Self-Dedication

I n the "ole days," a seeker often became an apprentice to the village "Wise
Woman" or the "Village Wizard." Preferably, the apprentice would live with the
Traditional Crafter's family and learn witchcraft naturally, through observation
and mentoring. This is still the ideal manner of learning and to some degree, it is
still done today. When the seeker was ready, there would rarely be a dedication or
an initiation because in time the seeker would simply assume the Crafter's role. A
ceremony was considered irrelevant and unnecessary.

Today, there are too few Crafters willing to mentor and far too many candidates
wanting to become seekers. So, many of those interested in Trad Witchcraft can
only learn from a course like this one. It is not the best way, but it is acceptable
for basic information. Even back in the old times, many seekers were never able
to locate a Crafter for an apprenticeship. So, they obtained their knowledge little
by little by whatever source they could find. Maybe one or two villages away, a
Trad Crafter would give advice and point the way. One thing is certain, if one has
the commitment, one would find a way to learn. That has always been the case.
Many solitaries learned in this manner.

Ultimately, it is learning the knowledge that is important, not the manner of

learning.

Today, there are several reasons why a Dedication Ceremony is a very good idea.
It is a ritual that is a watershed event. It makes it possible for a seeker to
acknowledge to himself or herself the existence of a new life journey. It celebrates
a life-changing commitment. In solitary practice, this ritual gains special
meaning as it is a demonstration of devotion and a confirmation of intent.

This self-dedication is meant to be a solitary ritual. Traditional Crafters and other

seekers may attend; however, ordinary friends or family CANNOT attend.

Ritual Timing
The ritual can be done at any time. However, it is preferable to perform this ritual
during a Full Moon Sabbat. If possible, it is preferable for the ceremony to begin
late at night, say midnight.

138
Ritual Location
We believe that all land and air everywhere is sacred, so you can do the ritual
anywhere. If it is difficult to locate an outdoor location where you will not be
disturbed, if the weather is unco-operative, or if you prefer, you can do the ritual
indoors.

Assuming the weather is good, you may find it appropriate to hold your ceremony
in or near the woods. It could also be more enjoyable. I suggest you look for an
isolated forest clearing, hill top, or a place that use to be a Pagan sacred area. This
is a place of special energy that can be beneficial. However, it should be a place
where you are likely to remain undisturbed.

In North America, many US State and Canadian Provincial Parks might be your
best bet if you are willing to do the ritual during the day, which is acceptable.
Parks often do not allow nighttime visitors. Some close at sundown. Others have
overnight camping.

If you decide to go camping, plan carefully. If you have no experience read up on

safe camping and obtain advice from knowledgeable people, including park
personnel. If camping in a remote area during hunting season, wear a bright,
colourful jacket and hat. Use a walking stick. For some strange reason Americans
rarely use them. Make sure you understand and follow correct campfire
procedures. Make sure the campfire is completely out before you leave.

Look for a boulder or large rock to serve as an altar and the center of your
compass round. If you use a stang, you can use both a stang and a boulder.

Preparation
What you will need:

If indoors, use a fire in the hearth or a fireplace as the center of the

ceremony. If you do not have a hearth or fireplace then use one or two
candles placed on a table, an altar, as the center of the ceremony. Even
with a fire in a hearth or fireplace, candles can also be used for lighting.

If outside, if practical use a campfire as the center of the ceremony. This

is called a balefire. In your backyard, you might use a wood fire in a
charcoal cooker, if it is legal in your area. If these are not practical, then
use a lantern. Don't forget the matches. Don't use candles outside. Note:
before using any form of fire outdoors, know proper fire safety procedures
and follow them strictly.

o ALWAYS carry a Fire Extinguisher to all outdoor rituals just in

case you start a fire by accident.

139
 A wand, staff, stang, croomstick. These may be obtained from a tree
branch and made. This tool should be prepared and consecrated ahead of
time. Use what you feel to be most comfortable for you.

A dagger

A chalice or drinking cup of any kind

Four rocks or stones collected from four different locations, traditionally

from crossroads. If indoors, instead you can use four candles in small
hurricane-type enclosures (glass all around like a cup).

Wine, beer, or other drink, need not be alcoholic

Some type of cake, biscuit, or bread.

Small bowl

Spring or well water, or Salt

A Cord. Refer to the Ritual Tools chapter for more information.

Make sure to copy and bring the words of each of the rites and Going
Within meditations with you.

Indoors, I like using a little incense, so I would include it. However, incense is not
strictly traditional to old witchcraft. This brings up a point. Crafters have always
done what they feel comfortable doing. There really are no fixed regulations. No
bosses, either. Also, if something you read, heard or were told does not feel right,
then it usually isn't right for you.

It is a good idea to invite the land spirits, spirit guide and "any other friendly
spirits that wish to attend" a day or a week before your dedication ritual. Give
them the date and time. Oddly enough, more will attend if they have time to
schedule their visit. Just state the invitation in a normal voice and they will hear
you. Spirits always hear us when we speak to them.

On the Day of the Ritual

Ritual Bath
During the day or evening before the ritual, take a slow ritual bath. Place either
Epsom salts or sea salt in the bath water, about 2-4 tablespoons. Visualize the
sending of white light into the water as you stir it in. This will charge the water.

140
Then visualize the cleaning of your body by performing a meditation. Then
visualize the filling of your aura with fresh white light.

Males may shave their beard, if they wish.

Wear the type of shoes you would normally wear, whatever feels most
comfortable. You will change your cloths at the end of the ceremony.

If Outside: Some remove their wallet, watch, keys, and jewelry (not body
jewelry). If you do, place what you take off in a bag for safekeeping. A sealable
freezer bag is good. Then hide it so no one can easily steal it.

If Indoors: Disconnect the smoke alarm in the room of the Dedication. Turn off
the phones. Turn down the lights until the candle(s) is (are) lit. Then turn the
lights off.

A Note About Gods

If you recognize a pantheon or other specific gods other than the Horned God and
the Goddess Diana, then change the names of the gods I have used in the
following Self-Dedication Ritual. This ritual is only an example.

141
 The Self-Dedication Ritual

Begin with a Glowing Ball Meditation and/or Connect With the Universe.

Sain the Tools - Consecrate the tools that need it.

Lay a Compass Round

Make and light the balefire or lantern if outdoors, or the candles / fireplace /
hearth if indoors.

In the name of The Horned God of the Wooded Wilde

and The Goddess Diana of The Luminous Moon.
This is my Dedication.

Welcome spirits that have come to this sacred event.

Sain the Fire (Consecrate the campfire, or whatever fire you use). Hold the
dagger* in power hand and with your arms in a Y manner, say (Naturally, say
"candles" instead of "balefire" if indoors):

Balefire, balefire burning bright,

Magic swirls upon this night.
By this I dub thee of pure fire,
Separate and hollowed,
Thus as I command,
So this energy shall flow,
And thus it shall be so.

Declare Your Intentions. Say something like this, with nothing in your
hands:

I am here at this time to dedicate myself to

the Old Elder Ways of the Traditional Craft.

142
Purification of the Self
Visualize being bathed in white light flooding in from above for a period of one
minute.

Dedication Declaration
When ready, Stand before altar/fire with your wand*, dagger* or power hand. (If
outside and using a staff, stang, or croomstick: plant your staff, stang, or
croomstick in the ground, and stand before it and raise both hands/arms in Y
formation and say:

I, [your first and last legal name],

a child of the Great Horned God and of Mother Earth,
Proclaim that as of this magical night,
as witnessed under the brilliance of the Full Moon,
I dedicate myself to The Horned God of the Wooded Wilde
And The Goddess Diana of The Luminous Moon.
I shall honour and serve them to the best of my ability.

I dedicate myself to the study and the practice the Traditional Craft.
I shall do my best to follow the Old Ways
and do what is right and just.
To these sacred tasks I thus affirm this night
With my heart, body, and spirit.

I ask my spirit guide, the land spirits, and my spirit friends

To aid me
To help me,
To protect me, and
Inspire me in this my sacred path.

Help me to gain the understanding and knowledge that I need,

So I can grow personally and spiritually,
And become a better person than I am now.

I stand before all of you that witness this tonight,

Listen to my words,
Look into my heart.
And do that which I ask.

143
Affirmation to balance physical and spiritual.

As within, So without,
My harmony exists throughout,
I am one with both these worlds,
Within the two, my spirit twirls

Thus as I affirm to you tonight,

So this energy shall flow,
And thus it shall be so.

Ale & Bread Ritual

This may be extended with a full meal, and often is. You may also do other
activities IN the compass. Add anything else you would like, including additional
prayers, chanting, singing, or meditation such as a Spirit Guide Meditation. It
may be a good idea to do the Spirit Guide Meditation before the Ale & Bread
Rite).

When finished and ready, Close the Compass Round

If inside: Don't forget to turn on the cell phone and plug in the house phone.

144
 Chapter Nine -
Lexicon of Old Crafter Terms

T his Lexicon is a supplement to the Glossary of Witchcraft Terms

located on the Blue Moon Manor website. That Glossary was revised in
March 2008 and it is not duplicated here. So, I suggest you review it completely,
and refer to it when needed.

You will note that some terms in this glossary are in the Latin language. Britain
was a Roman province for hundreds of years. The pre-Christian pagan Romans
had an open and accepting attitude towards British pagan religions. Things that
are Roman, including the use of some terms, naturally came into general use
among the British peoples. This is reflected in some Old Crafter terminology.

anima loci - Where the "Divine resides and communes with man." Places
of this character include certain wells, lakes, mountains, stone formations, and
monoliths. This is sometimes referred to as "the soul of a place." See genius
loci.

ban - A curse.

balefire - A fire made from bales of wood which is lit in the nowl, or center, of a
compass round for 'hallowing and saining' purposes (for ritual and magic). A
balefire is also for light and heat, its usefulness overlapping the hallowed and the
mundane.

Beating the Bounds - This is an old British ritual derived from Roman
religious tradition and law. A landowner (not a renter) walks the boundary of his
property to 1) Affirm ownership, and, 2) To pay homage to Terminus, the god of
boundaries, Pan, the god of fertility, and Faunus, the god of purification. See
Beating the Bounds in Chapter 6, Magic.

145
crafting - a magical working or magic act such as saying a spell.

croomstick - a staff with a hooked end such as a shepherd's crook.

The Crooked Path also Crooks and Straits - Old terms for the Old Craft. To
"trod the Crooked Path" was synonymous with the life of a Crafter. The common
people go on the "straight path" of conventional religion, whereas the Crafter
does not take the easy straight line, but a crooked path that is filled with twists
and turns, hardship and joy, truth and knowledge.

daimon - (or daemon) From the Greek, meaning spirit, specifically spirits in
Nature and divine spirits. Or Genius in Latin.

In England during mediaeval times, the Christian priesthood deliberately

misrepresented this Greek term to create the English word "demon" and gave it
a new meaning, "evil spirits."

dod and rig - Used in some Trads, a dod is a small wooden peg used in the
formal creation of a compass. It is placed in the earth in the nowl (compass
centre), and the rig, or cord, is used to measure the compass round. A second dod
is then placed in the north, and the rig is attached to both dods upon the
completion of the measurement.

genius loci - From the Latin, meaning the "guardian spirit" or numen (land
spirit) of a place.

Great Nowl - The Northern Star or Pole Star

grimoire - A book of spells and other witchy information kept by most Trad
Crafters today. Historically, this was certainly not the case, as by law the common
people were not allowed to learn how to read and write. Today, we can read and
write AND keep a grimoire without it costing us incarceration or execution. Soo...
it ain't a bad idea. You can even use a capital "G" or use the alternative, perhaps
the original, spelling, "gramarye." The origin of the "grimoire" is probably from
ceremonial magic.

BTW, a BOS, or Book of Shadows, is a Wiccan term.

146
hallowed - Something that is sacred or holy.

Lilith's Lantern - The Moon

Magister - An adept master of the praxis of Traditional Magic, a male Trad

leader, or male head of a Traditionalist group (coven).

Magistrix (pronounced MJ-s-trix) (also Magistra) - An adept mistress of the

praxis of Traditional Magic, a female Trad leader, or female head of a
Traditionalist group (coven).

Nameless Arte - Used in conversation in reference to the general praxis of

Traditional Magic.

nowl - The centre of a compass round or some other area used for magical
workings.

numen - From the Latin, meaning "presence," the power of a deity or the spirit
of a place or object. In Trad Witchcraft, numen usually refers to the "land
spirit" of a place, natural phenomena or object. (Plural: numina) Norse-based
traditions use the term "seid."

oot and aboot - Synonymous with transvection, spirit travel, when the
practitioner leaves their body and travels into other relative dimensions and
worlds, sometimes also known as "lifting."

overlooking - (also eyebiting) an act of cursing by staring at the intended

victim.

perry dancers - The Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis.

praxis - From the Latin, meaning "process" meaning the practice of a magical
skill. Also, among Trad Crafters, praxis is also used as a general term, namely,
"the praxis of the Traditional Craft."

sain - Meaning to sanctify or to make holy (consecrate) a specific place,

147
person, or thing to protect it from negative energies. The act of saining in order
to cleans and sanctify.

Seidhfolk - Those that follow the Seidhr, see following...

Seidhr - From the Old Norse meaning "spellworking," "ceremony," or

"sorcery" Seidhr is a "form of magic" in the Northern tradition that is associated
with the god Odin. It is ''characterized by the use of an altered state of
consciousness or trance-state. It is considered the old Nordic form of
shamanism.

skry - Or scry, from the Old English word descry, "to see" or to observe the
future with the use of bowls of water, mirrors, or crystals.

southways - Another term for deosil, to move clockwise within a compass

round.

Sub Rosa - From the Latin, meaning "under the rose." During dinners or
other occasions in Roman Britain, a rose would be suspended from the ceiling or
wall to indicate that all conversations said "Sub Rosa" were understood to be
strictly confidential.

twilight sleep - To be in a trance state.

ward - 1) The land spirit or guardian spirit of a place. 2) As a verb, to ward is

the ritual act of creating/reinforcing a protective barrier for a place, as in the
phrase "to ward and wane" as in to "ward a house." 3) Also, to ward off is
to chase off or drive away negativity through the creation of magical protective
energies.

warlock - From the Old Norse, meaning "caller of spirits," a male

practitioner of magic. This title was commonly used in old Scotland.
Nevertheless, Wiccans consider the term derogatory because they incorrectly
believe the term means "oath breaker" or "liar" in Old Scottish. It does not.

witches ladder - A magical cord that has been knotted to hold feathers,
shells, stones or other objects and is used for magical purposes. In some Irish

148
Trads, it is used as a "witch's rosary" with meditations, or prayers said as it is
moved through the hands.

wizard - This term comes from the Middle English word wysard, meaning
"wise man," a male witch.

wort - Old term for a plant or herb, fresh or dried. The term "wort cunning"
means herbal knowledge.

wraingates - Another term for widdershins, to move counter-clockwise

within a compass round.

^
________________________________________________________________
1 [Quotes are from Seidhe website at http://www.vinlandsvolva.com/seidr.html]:
Form of magic: Fee and Leeming, Gods, Heroes, and Kings - The Battle
for Mythic Britain. .. with the god Odin: Orchard, Cassells Dictionary
of Norse Myth & Legend. The old Nordic form of shamanism: Host,
from The Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies website.

149
 Chapter Ten - Final Thoughts

I n the "The Crafter's Mind" section in Chapter 1, I told you about several
points that I think ring true. These points reflect some of the worthy attributes
of an effective Traditional Crafter. Because I believe these attributes go hand-in-
hand with the Old Craft principles of balance and practicality, there is no better
way to conclude this Course than to repeat them in my Final Thoughts:

The manner in which you sense and comprehend the world around
you will be a major factor in how your life unfolds. It is always best for
a Traditional Crafter to be mildly sceptical by nature, yet also have
the freedom and great advantage of an open mind. You need to be
discerning and even critical of new ideas, yet maintain an objectivity
that will allow you to accept those ideas that are worthy of your
attention and best for you to accept. Traditional Crafters have been
described as being like Magpies, always searching and adopting.

As a seeker in the Traditional Craft, you must gain the Crafters' habit
of being observant and inquisitive. You need to look for
connections and always strive for balance. The world is rarely back
and white, but usually shades of grey. But grey comes in many shades
for you to consider.

In dealing with people, it is always best to be always patient,

considerate, and courteous. Most Trad Crafters are non-assuming
people, easy going and friendly. Those with opposing points of view
should be treated with respect and diplomacy. It is never acceptable
to argue with fools. It is always a waste of time and energy. That
makes it unconstructive. Stand up for your beliefs, but also know when
to keep quiet and leave.

It is always important to be mindful that all paths lead to the same

source. It is incumbent on us to respect all peaceful paths, even if you
do not agree with them.

150
There are a few more ideas I wish to share with you. I think one of the things
spiritually awakened people come to realize is that modern man has a way of
compartmentalizing their lives in a manner that is illogical and spiritually
detrimental. For example, too many middle-aged Southern US churchgoers go to
church on Sunday, then go to work on Monday devoid of the ethics their religion
teaches. They ascribe honestly and other ethical standards as "too liberal" or "too
idealistic" to be practical in "real life." Thus, they place their work life as a
separate existence unrelated to their religious training.

To the Traditional Crafter, that makes totally no sense.

Our ancestors didn't perform rituals, workings, and were close to the spirits on
the weekend only to mentally separate themselves and go back to their everyday
businesses on Monday as if nothing had happened. They didn't feel that type of
disconnectedness.

Instead, our ancestors felt as close to the spirits on the weekdays as

they did on the weekend. That is because they felt all aspects of their lives
were closely related. They saw spirituality in absolutely everything around them,
not only just in Nature but also in all of their own work and daily experiences.
They perceived divinity as a constant, not just during a compass, but also in
everything, all the time. They felt enveloped by divinity. They didn't feel they
lived next to Nature; they felt part of Nature, a part of universal divinity.

That is a completely different way of looking at life. It is a much more traditional

way and, in fact, the only acceptable way for a person close to the spirits. The
Magical Life is not somehow suspended when we leave from the front door of our
houses when we go to work Monday morning. The Traditional Crafter always
feels life to be enwrapped in divinity.

One of the greatest life lessons to be learned by those on their journey to Trad
Witchcraft is the fundamental need for each of us to not only understand but to
also know and feel that the elements of our spirituality does truly permeate into
every level of our daily lives. Our spirituality is not just an "ideal" it must become
part of us.

We can no more separate bits and pieces of our lives from our spirituality than we
can be separated from our spirit. For our very essence is our spirit. We are part of
Nature. We are part of the divine. In "reality," all is one.

I hope you have found this Course on Trad Witchcraft to be meaningful and
personally important to you. Should you decide to do rituals and magic workings

151
in the traditional manner, then I am most honoured. My deepest desire and
greatest joy is to provide pertinent and factual information that can truly help you
along your spiritual path.

As I said in Chapter 1, "As time goes on you will gain confidence in your rituals
and workings. Experience with the techniques of Going Within will enhance your
self-esteem, your general awareness, and your insight. You will begin to see your
body and your environment as your temple and this will bring you closer to the
spirits."

Ultimately, you don't need leaders or books to follow the Traditional Craft, you
just need yourself. Your mind is a very powerful tool. That plus a little "know
how" is all you really need. For you are well capable of doing incredible change,
both in yourself and in the world around you.

Should you have any comments about this Course or a question about any of this
content, please do contact me at adrian@blue-moon-manor.com .

May Fortuna's favor fall upon true Crafters all.

And may the gods be with you.

Copyright 2008 Adrian Eglinton, BlueMoonManor.com and TradWitchcraft.com All

Rights Reserved. The purchaser may copy and store one copy of this Grimoire of
Techniques & Rituals for his or her own personal use. Other than this one exception, no
part of the text of this Grimoire of Techniques & Rituals can be reproduced, stored,
transmitted, or published in any form or by any means without the prior written
permission of the copyright owner. See Legal Stuff for more information.

152
 Index

A Spell Working, 116 Cunning Fire, 31

A Witch is Made and Not Born, 35 Current Names for a Trad Crafter, 13
After Life on Earth, 26 Curse Elimination, 120
Ale & Bread Ritual, 95 Curse Elimination Ritual, 120
Amulet, 128 Curses, 100
Animism, 24 Dagger, 74
Athame, 74 Dark Moon, 109
Attitude Towards Sex, 34 Days of the Week (in Timing of Spells),
Autumn Equinox, 67 110
Balance, 30 Deosil and Widdershins, 80
Beating the Bounds (Ritual), 123 Devoid of Extremes, 8
Bell, 72 Dictionary (Lexicon of Old Crafter Terms -
Beltane (May Day), 65 Chapter Nine), 145
Besom, 72 Directionals, 27
Black Mirror Scrying, 135 Divination:
Black Moon, 110 Scrying, 133
Blasting Rod, 72 Tarot, 132
Boline, 72 Divination - Chapter Seven, 132
Bowl, 73 Elementals, 27
Breathing Exercise, 42 Elementals - Alternate Assignments, 27
Candle Meditation, 51 Equality, 34
Candle Scrying, 135 Esbat, 57
Candles, 73 Evil, 34
Cauldron, 74 Factors (in Magic), 104
Ceremonial Magick, 14 Factors in Magic:
Chalice, 74 Crafter Praxis Strength, 104
Charging (Talismans & Amulets), 130 Encountered Energy, 104
Cingulum, 71 Fate, 104
Cleansing (Talismans & Amulets), 128 Familiar, 33
Closing a Compass Round Ritual, 97 Fate, 30
Commonalities, 8 Feathers, Stones, Shells, 75
Compass Fire, 91 Festivals: 62
Compass Round, 85 Autumn Equinox, 67
Conjuring of Spirits, 85 How to Observe, 63
Reasons to Use a Compass, 85 Imbolc, 64
Size of the Compass Round, 86 Lughnasadh, 66
Where to Setup the Compass, 86 May Day, 65
Concerning Rituals of the Sabbat, 60 Midsummer, 65
Confidence Meditative Ritual, 44 Samhain, 67
Connect With the Universe, 52 Spring Equinox (Ostara), 64
Cord, 71 Twelfth Night, 69
Crafter's Mind, 37 Yule, 68
Crafting of Spells, 107 Festivals List, 64

153
Final Thoughts - Chapter Ten, 150 Laying a Compass Round Ritual, 91
First Things to Do, 15 Learn How to "Go Within", 15
Full Moon (in Moon Cycle), 109 Lexicon of Old Crafter Terms -
Full Moons: 58 Chapter Nine, 145
Children and Adolescents, 59 Libation to the Gods, 98
Couples, 59 List of Festivals, 64
On The Special Day, 58 Lughnasadh, 66
General Care (Talismans & Amulets), 130 Magic - Chapter Six, 99
Get Closer to Nature, 16 May Day, 65
Glossary (Lexicon of Old Crafter Terms - Mazy Stone, 75
Chapter Nine), 145 Midsummer, 65
Going Within Modern Hedge Witchery, 12
Do I Need a Teacher?, 41 Moon Cycle: 60
How Long to Meditate?, 41 Black Moon, 110
If I Try Harder, Can I Learn Faster?, 41 Dark Moon, 109
Natural Healing, 41 Full Moon, 109
Other Benefits, 40 Waning Crescent Moon, 109
Psychic Intuition, 40 Waxing Crescent Moon, 109
Road to Inner Peace, 39 Moon Cycle (in Timing of Spells), 108
What Position is Best?, 41 Names:
Going Within - Chapter Two, 39 Goddess, 24
Green Witchcraft, 10 The Horned God, 23
Grimoire, 36 Trad Craft, 10
Harmonious Use of Magic, 102 Trad Craft - Old Names, 9
Heaven, 28 Trad Crafters, 13
Hedge Witchcraft, 11 Trad Crafters - Old Names, 13
Henotheism, 25 Naturalistic Spirituality, 20
Home Purification & Blessing New Moon, 109
Ritual, 124 Other Side, 28
How to Make a Scry Mirror, 136 Pentacle, 36
How to Make a Wand, Staff or Stang, 76 Pentagram, 36
How to Observe the Festivals, 63 Pentagram (in Rituals), 81
How To Scry, 134 Polytheism, 25
Imbolc, 64 Polytheism & Alternatives, 24
Importance of Intent (Magic), 103 Positive Reading (in Spell Tarot Card
In Essence, 19 Spreads), 113
Incense & Censor, 75 Preface, 6
Inner Preparation: Premise of Magic, 101
Focus on Yourself, Not Props, 105 Proper Disposal of Water, 82
Go Within, 105 Purification Ritual, 84
Ground Yourself, 105 Re-Cleansing / Re-Charging (Talismans &
Inner Preparation (in Magic), 105 Amulets), 130
Interpretation of Images (Scrying), 135 Reincarnation, 35
Intro: Traditional Magic of the British Re-making of the Horned God, 22
Isles, 14 Rhythm and Rhyme (in Spellcrafting), 107
Introduction, 8 Ritual Consciousness, 80
Is Traditional British Witchcraft Truly a Ritual Consciousness in Magic, 103
Religion?, 18 Ritual Tools - Chapter Four, 70
Keep a Journal, 17 Rituals
Kitchen Witchery, 11 Compass Round
Laying a Compass Round, 91 Compass Fire, 91

154
Rituals - Chapter Five, 79 Talisman, 128
Sabbats, Full Moons, & Festivals - Tarot (Divination), 132
Chapter Three, 57 Tarot Card Spreads (in Spellcrafting), 112
Samhain, 67 Ten-Card Spread, 113
Scrying: 133 The Glowing Ball (in Going Within), 47
Black Mirror Scrying, 135 The Glowing Ball (in Rituals - Compass
Candle Scrying, 135 Round), 87
How to Make a Scry Mirror, 136 The God & Goddess, 21
How To Scry, 134 The Goddess Diana, 23
Interpretation of Images, 135 The Horned God, 21
Water Scrying, 134 The Importance of the Land, 20
Self-Dedication - Chapter Eight, 138 The Nature of Nature, 20
Self-Improvement Visualization, 56 This n' That, 34
Some Historic Names for a Traditional Three-Card Past-Present-Future, 112
Crafter, 13 Timing of Spells: 108
Some names used for the Horned God, 23 Days of the Week, 110
Some Names Used Today For The Moon Cycle, 108
Traditional Craft, 10 Time of Day, 111
Some of the names used for the Goddess, Tool Cleansing & Saining, 88
24 Tool Cleansing & Saining Ritual, 88
Some Old Names Used For The Traditional British Witchcraft is not
Traditional Craft, 9 Wicca, 13
Spell Casting Preparation, 114 Traditionalist Concepts - Chapter
Spell Tarot Card Spreads: 112 One, 18
Positive Reading, 113 Transmigration, 35
Ten-Card Spread, 113 Twelfth Night, 69
Three-Card Past-Present-Future, 112 Universe is All Energy, 103
Spell Working, 116 Use of Rhythm and Rhyme (in
Spellcasting Procedure, 116 Spellcrafting), 107
Spirit Guide Meditation, 49 Use of the Dagger* & Wand*, 90
Spirit Guides & Angles, 29 Venendum, 70
Spirits, 25 Visualization, 53
Spirits & Ghosts, 26 Visualization Practice Exercises, 55
SpiritWorld, 28 Wand, 75
Spring Equinox, 64 Waning Crescent Moon, 109
Staff, 70 Water Scrying, 134
Stang, 70 Waxing Crescent Moon, 109
Summerland, 28 What is a Spell?, 100
Talismans & Amulets, 128 White Magic / Dark Magic, 34
Amulet, 128 Why Some Have a Daily Ritual, 82
Charging, 130 Witchcraft is Not Mastered Quickly, 36
Cleansing, 128 Within Nature (Magic), 102
General Care, 130 Within Reality (Magic), 102
Re-Cleansing / Re-Charging, 130 Yule, 68

155