Wicca/Witchcraft/Magick?, page 3

reply to post by OkamiZaku

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Hey there,

Just been catching up on the latest posts here ... it's becoming a really informative thread.

Don't be coy about wanting to learn what 'Du Magick' is all about ... to evolve into a well balanced witch you need to be aware of all parts of the craft ... and that includes the darker corners that we don't talk about in polite company.
So you are wise to be curious at this stage. You sound like a sensible soul who is not about to go off trying to summon demons willy-nilly, then a few weeks down the line start a new thread asking if anyone can help you get rid of the negative energies that have attached themselves to you.

Personally I think it's more accurate to describe the Satanic Practices as being 'black magick' ... but that has nothing to do with Witchcraft or even Demonology.

As you may already be aware, Witches do not believe in the enitity known as Satan (the Devil) ... Old Nick is a creation of the Christian faith. This 'epitome of all that is evil' was drawn like a dagger by the church during the years of Christian conversion, to convince the Pagans that 'Pan The Lord Of Untamed Nature' was in fact the devil himelf (both having horns / cloven hooves ... you get the picture) !

Coincidence ? I don't think so !

But I digress.

Witches would think of the darker practices as 'The Shadow Side' ... and every witch not only needs to be aware of their 'shadow' side but they also need to acknowledge it as part of who they are ... no-one is good in thought or deed 24-7.

There is an excellent trilogy of books by Ann Moura (Aoumiel), called GREEN WITCHCRAFT I, II, III.

Book 1; Covers Folk Magic ... Faery Lore ... & Herb Craft

Book 2; (the one that may be of interest to you); Covers Balancing The Light & Shadow

Book 3; Is a 'Manual' that covers ALL the basic principles of Witchcraft ... this might be worth a looksee first (for anyone at the beginning of their journey).

I'm sure they are available online but as 'emmy' mentioned, Waterstones' have an excellent Mind, Body, Spirit section.


You can also have a look at my website which I designed with beginners in mind (link in my signature below this post). There may be a few things of interst to you there.

Elements are found in all forms of nature (the building blocks of the Universe) and as Witchcraft is an Earth-Centric practice 'elementals' play a massive part in our daily routines and spell-workings.


What are 'Elementals' ?

'Elementals' are the nature spirits of the 4 elements ...


Earth elementals called GNOMES = North = soil / stones / trees etc

Air elementals called UNDINES = East = feathers / smoke / incense etc

Fire elementals called SALAMANDERS = South = bonfires / candles / metamorphic rocks etc

Water elementals called SYLPHS = West = sea / rivers / springs etc


Most witches own an 'elemental jar' ... this is a jar where you add something of every element eg;

leaf or stone (E) ... feathers - maybe a white and a black one to represent balance - (A) ... candlewax - the remains of the candle you have used to conscecrate your jar - (F) ... seashells (W)

Once you have collected the items you require, seal the jar and keep it on a window ledge that catches the light (sun and moon) ... this will keep the items inside fully charged, and the energy in your home will be perpetually cleansed.

I would recommend you change the jar and collect new items annually ... discard the old jar (with contents) as far away from your home as possible either by burying it in a wild place of nature (woods are preferable) ... or throw it into the sea from a high place when the tide is going out.

The purpose of this is to banish any negative energy that the jar may have extracted from your home over the previous year.

You should create your elemental jar during the waxing moon phase (new to full) and when it's time to discard it this should be done during a waning moon phase (full to new)

Well I hope that's enough to get you started. Woody

reply to post by woodwytch

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Well, thank you very much. Prehaps, maybe, if I were to be at one with the elements. maybe it is possible that I could learn to manipulate them?

Anywho, thank you for you advice, I'll get to all of this eventually. At the moment, I am in the process of learning the ways of this and white magick. The reason I would like to know black magick, however, is so I can balance my magick, like you said! Any sources of black magick will do, really, and hopefully with this thread I'll get to find some things or two.

But, like I said, I'm still not ready for all of this, so I'm still in the process of learning about this.

If I'm making any sense, anyways.



[edit on 1-10-2008 by OkamiZaku]

reply to post by OkamiZaku

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You sound like a wise person who understands that something like this cannot be learned overnight ... good for you !

Here are a few suggestions for reading ('Du Magick') ...


(i) The Master Grimoire of Magickal Rites & Ceremonies by Nathan Elkana

(contains lots of spells/rituals some black ... some white but you get a good idea of such things from this - excellent source for beginners because it's not too deep - don't know if it's still in print though)


(ii) The History of Witchcraft & Demonology by Montague Summers

(provides some background of the darker side a little heavier to get through but informative and worth a look)


(iii) Magick in Theory & Practice by Aleister Crowley

(I have to say that I personally do not like or agree with the 'giant ego' that was Mr Crowley ... whilst there are others who consider him to have been the 'King Of The Witches' - a title I believe he gave himself - but of course it all comes down to the individual and I live by the rule of 'each to there own'. I only add this as 'recommended reading matter' because I believe all would-be Witches should read at least one of his tomes - one is usually enough, unless the reader is themself nought but an ego - IMHO the works of Mr Crowley are a perfect deterent to those who seek to develop and evolve into a well-rounded human-being ... who just happens to be a Witch)


It is important to know about the 'Du' so that you are aware of the importance to be spiritually and psychically protected when you practice the craft ... forewarned is forearmed so to speak.

I wish you well and hope you find the path you seek. Woody

[edit on 1-10-2008 by woodwytch]

reply to post by emmy

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I was in the Army. 14R was my first job (Bradly linebacker crew member, basically mech infantry with surface to air missiles.) I think that book really would have helped me, although I haven't read it and can't say for sure. When I was in Iraq I over heard some comrades talking about my 'lifestyle' and saying how they should burn me at the stake . These were the guys that were supposed to be watching my back. Combat makes you do weird things I guess. After that I became very closed about my beliefs and have just recently started opening up. Thanks Ats


On a lighter note I am quite impressed with the knowledge members are presenting here, and look forward to sharing and growing with you all.

edit: I added the part about Iraq because even though we here at ATS are open minded about the subject there are still people that fear and misunderstand it. I didn't think people were still stuck in the 1400's like these guys were/are.

[edit on 1-10-2008 by hILB3rT]

[edit on 1-10-2008 by hILB3rT]

reply to post by woodwytch

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I have been wanting to ask you for sometime about past lives but never found you in a thread where it would be appropriate. Basically I have a feeling on 2 past lives but no substantial evidence of either. Where would you suggest I start to find out more?

reply to post by hILB3rT

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Hey, it's not easy to come out of the broom closet, but I have found that most people are open minded enough usually.

reply to post by hILB3rT

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You'd be surprised just how many people would still 'burn you at the stake' given half a chance (even here) !

I put it down to either fear or ignorance on their part but even after all this time it still tends to shock me when you realize just how nasty people can be about the 'lifestyle' we have chosen.

Perfect example; I made a couple of posts on another thread the other day ('weird find' or something like that) ... and some guy, who I've never even seen on the boards before, launched a full-blown, very personal attack on me because of my beliefs ... I was totally stunned. His post was removed by one of the MODS and I thought that was an end to it ... but no, he continued his attack of pure venom via u2u (unbelievable ... and sad) !!!

And I suppose it's because of people like him that I have spent the last few years on a bit of a personal crusade, in an effort to portray the 'reality' of this path (that's why I set-up the website). Rather than let newcomers fall into the trap of believing all the bulls@*t that is offered up. It really makes me angry because it has such a detrimental effect on Pagan beliefs as a whole. This is why the OP is wise to want to learn about the 'Du' ... 'know your enemy' then you are aware and know when to protect yourself againt it.

My advise ... never let anyone try to knock you off course ... we have to find the path that suits us as an individual ... whatever route that is and Pagan ways have as much validity as any other belief system because we understand and interact with the things that most others miss !

As I've said many times before, 'real' Pagans connect with the God-source every single day because of their ability to 'see' the world around them through clear eyes ... not just on Sundays or when things go wrong as some of other faiths do ... to us it is a way of life.

So, whilst it does hurt when you hear people belittling your faith and way of life, don't ever deny who you are or the path you have chosen ... just feel sorry for them, because they have no idea about the reality of such things ... it's like they live in a single room with the shades drawn 24-7 ... they miss so much !

It's good to hear you are opening-up again. Woody



(edit to add); I just saw your other post asking me about PLM.
(so as not to derail this thread) ... Did you ever see my old thread ?

'Spontaneous Pastlife Memory' click the SPLM link in my signature if not.

It grew to 14 pages and in amongst those pages people asked some brilliant questions (which I answered) but they also offered there own experiences which makes it a really good 'manual'. It still flickers back to life from time to time with a new post now and again.

Also lot's of info about PLM on my website (link also in signature).

If you don't find what you're looking for there give me a shout and I'll give you some other tips.

I'm actually about to try out a new method with one of my members (also a member here), who wanted to know if I could regress him long-distance

(this is something that more and more people have been asking me recently, so I've been giving it a lot of thought).

Web-cam was the only thing I could think of. He is willing to give it a try so if it develops into a successful method it is definately a new service that I shall be offering. I'll keep you updated.

Basically, the person being regressed via webcam would have someone they trusted in the room with them to take notes etc and I would monitor the person on the webcam ... closest thing to being on my couch ... just have to see if the results are as good. WW



[edit on 2-10-2008 by woodwytch]

reply to post by emmy

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'they launched a huge attack on you' ? ... and then some !!!
I did reply to his post on the thread but not his u2u ... I hoped that would pee him of more than feeding his poisonous words with another reply.

I like to imagine him seething in front of his computer screen and getting more frustrated by the second because I haven't bought into his childish game.

Now I've got over the shock I think it's quite funny that someone would have such a strong reaction to something I've written ... people never cease to amaze me.

(OP sorry this is off topic). Woody

reply to post by woodwytch

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Sorry to hear that you were attacked here of all places. Considering the nature of this site I would think that people would be a little more open minded. Although lately I have come across a lot of posts that throw wild accusations but have no facts to back them up. Which is sad. I don't mind being proven wrong it's part of the learning process, but at least be able to back up what you say.

I'm going to head over to your other thread for a while and see what I can learn from it. Please do keep us updated with your new experiment. I hope it turns out well.

reply to post by woodwytch

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Thank you, once again. By the way, would any of these books happen to be in the "New Age" section of any bookstore? Because, honestly, when it comes to buying things over the internet, it takes a heck of a long time to do so, for me. I could explain why, but then I would be just plain off topic.

Is it possible that you could tell me of some books that may be in a bookstore (those with a source of information of black magick in it, I mean). In the book I'm reading at the moment, the author is strictly a white witch and only tells that black magick is bad and stuff; everything else is about white magick spells and stuff.

But, anywho, thank you!

reply to post by woodwytch

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Sorry for the double-posting, mods.

But, would that person attacking you happen to be a Christian? I'm just wondering, because I've noticed that they can be REALLY opinionated sometimes.

reply to post by OkamiZaku

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Hey there,

The books (ii) & (iii) that I mentioned will (or should) be available in bookstores ... and yes, they will be found in either the New-Age or Mind/Body/Spirit section.

Some bookstores will order stuff in for you, if they don't have it in stock so long as you have a title and author for them to find it in their system.


'Was the angry guy a Christian' ... don't know in all honesty but I did check-out his profile (out of curiosity) and he claims to be 'open minded' er hum !


I know what you mean though and I have to say religion (whatever form it takes) does tend to bring out the worst in some people. But having said that there are several people who have tagged me as one of their friends who are Christians, and they are prepared to view what lies outside of the box ... I think this is great (how it should be) ... and of course that applies the other way around. What a great world we would live in if everyone was more tolerant *sp of each others beliefs.


This is a point I've tried to make in the opening chapter of my second book 'The Atlantean Analysis' (it covers more than the title implies)

(quick quotes from Chapter 1);

(i) 'Mankind is a complex breed of hypocrisy, contradiction and ego' !


(ii) 'To a Christian the story of Jesus Christ turning water into wine barely raises an eyebrow ... it is their religious belief and their faith is unshaken.

And yet the idea of an Alchemist turning base-metal into gold seems absurd ... to the very same people'.


(iii) '... in this so-called 'AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT' the Oxford Dictionary & Theasaurus define the word 'Pagan' as follows;

PAGAN ... GODLESS/IRRELIGEOUS/SAVAGE/UNCIVILIZED/HEATHEN/IDOLATOR

Can you even begin to imagine the outrage that would ensue such a torrent of abuse, had it been aimed at any other religion' ?


(iv) 'Whether we call our personal 'divine entity' PAN ... JEHOVAH ... BUDDAH or BOB, we are all talking about the same thing. Insomuch as JOHN ... JACK ... JAN and JOHANN, are all derivations of the same name.

Surely in this day and age the importance shouldn't lie in 'how' we choose to pay our respects to the 'transcendental architect of creation'. The critical point must be the realization that faith is individual and personal ... we should feel comfortable ... not competitive' !

(If you want to read a bit more of this I have the Introduction & Chapter 1 on my website. The book itsellf is still a work in progress).


But I think we should always remind ourselves that there are ignorant people in ALL walks of life and we should not dismiss a whole section of society because of the simple few !

And the comment made about people not agreeing with us is spot-on. It is an excellent devise that makes (or should) us review our own opinions and update them when necessary so that we can further our development. We can often learn a lot from those who would sleight us.

Woody

(edit to add); The 'angry guy thread' was called 'A Strange Find' not 'weird find' as I said earlier. WW

[edit on 2-10-2008 by woodwytch]

[edit on 2-10-2008 by woodwytch]

reply to post by woodwytch

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Yeah, I know what you mean, and if anything, I find it very interesting.

By the way, you wouldn't happen to know of any Wiccan forums, would you?

Oh, and, whilst I was reading the book I'm reading right now, it said that there is something about astrology that tells you if you've lived before. I feel like a new soul, but I am not sure...

Originally posted by OkamiZaku
reply to post by woodwytch

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Oh, and, whilst I was reading the book I'm reading right now, it said that there is something about astrology that tells you if you've lived before. I feel like a new soul, but I am not sure...

What book is this, if you don't mind me asking? I like all that stuff I think I might have lived before.

Apparently, as a wee tot, I used to say to my mum and dad (when they tried to stop me from doing something), that "my other mum lets me!" either I saw dead people or I had a life before. It's one or the other

reply to post by emmy

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The one that I said I was reading at the beggining of this thread. But, I'll just tell you it anyways. It's "The Wiccan Handbook" by Eileen Holland.

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