When is a Witch Really a Witch?

I recently read an interesting & thought-provoking essay/poem by Juniper entitled I am Not a Real Witch.  Go ahead, read it & come back.

Juniper got me thinking. When is a witch really a witch?

• When the words, "I am a witch" are first uttered, even if only internally?
• When they first began to study in earnest?
• Upon initiation in a coven/tradition?
• Upon completion of a self-initiation ritual?
• When the first spell is cast?
• When the first successful spell is cast?
• When they first began celebrating the sabbats?
• After a complete turn of the wheel?
• When they first have a terrifying/amazing/startling interaction with a spirit/plant/animal?
• Some other milestone in the journey?

These are the things I started thinking about.  What say you?  When did you know you were a witch?

Wild & Bright Blessings!

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Oh, as for my answer:  I think I was always a witch, I just hadn't the courage to tap into the source of energy.  I began exploring witchcraft when I was 11 years old, and returned a few times quietly in various ways.  I didn't fully commit until I was in my 40's.  It was then that I felt comfortable enough in who I was to challenge my family belief system.  I think there have been many stages of my witchy journey & hope there will be many more.  When did I become a Real Witch?  

The first time I became aware of & accountable for the consequences of my intentions.  When I began to consciously decide which path & direction to take.  When I learned that my thoughts & intentions have a direct result upon the world.  The power did not change at that moment, but my use of it did.

From that point, I began my growth as a witch.  It was the most amazing turning point of my life!

My Dearest Confident

I have a dear confident.  

She knows all my secrets.

I spill to her my hearts desires, joys and pain.

She listens when no one else can.

Incapable of judgment, she speaks the truth.  

She shows me where I've been.

She shows me how much I've grown.  

She determines my future path.

She illuminates the patterns of my life.

I have a dear confident.

She is ink

on crisp white paper.

I love her dearly.

~*Rhi*~

)O(

*The practice of keeping a journal was the defining factor in my healing.  Through journal keeping I was finally able to communicate my desires to myself.  Within 1 month of writing, I had the courage to begin my investigation into witchcraft.  I've never been more at home!


Wild & Bright Blessings!

The Winter Vortex

Winter is not my favorite time of year. I used to think I could live in the Northwest, but now know that I NEED sunlight.  When my God of the Sun perpetually hides in the clouds, I start to spiral down into a vortex of melancholy.

As everyone around me gets ramped up & excited about the December holidays, I start to experience:

• Afternoon slumps with decreased energy and concentration
• Carbohydrate cravings
• Decreased interest in work or other activities
• Increased appetite with weight gain
• Increased sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness
• Lack of energy
• Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
• Social withdrawal

Recognize any of these?  They are the classic signs of S.A.D., or Seasonal Affective Disorder.  While my S.A.D. is mild & undiagnosed, it still exists & is often accompanied by:

• An obsessive need to strangle anyone singing Christmas carols
• The desire to smack the crap out of those well-meaning bell ringers
• A huge variety of excuses as to why I cannot attend holiday parties
• An absolute refusal to decorate my home with an embellished tree
• A general inclination towards misbehavior 

Personally, I think the last "issue" (inclination towards misbehavior) is probably the one I need to nurture.

Or, maybe Winter is the time I need to slow down, focus on home, sit quietly & meditate.

 

What if all this angst is because my major totem animals are gone this time of the year?

Hummingbird

Butterfly

Dragonfly

Perhaps it's time to focus on some of my other totem animals:

Jaguar

Wolf

Maybe the meditations of the week will be - "What would Jaguar do?" & "What would Wolf do?"

Off to meditation land!

Wild & Bright (ok, a bit dull) Blessings,

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

A New Magickal Cologne

I'm an avid reader of many things herbal.  Mountain Rose has started a new blog in addition to their monthly newsletter.  When I read this recipe on their blog, I was immediately attracted to it. 

Mountain Rose’s Orange Spice Cologne

- 1 organic Cinnamon Stick
- 25 organic whole Cardamom Pods
- 15 organic Cloves
- 1 organic Vanilla Bean, cut into small pieces
- 1 fresh organic Orange peel, zest only
- 8 oz Vodka

Crush spices in a mortar and pestle. Combine with Vanilla Bean pieces, Orange peel zest, and vodka in a glass mason jar. Cap tightly and shake once or more per day. After 2-6 weeks, strain the spices and pour the infused liquid into a glass bottle with a mister top. Simply add more spices if you desire a stronger cologne.

Before making any recipes, I always look for the magickal properties so that I may use the blend in the most appropriate way.  My current reference is Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs for this cologne.

Cinnamon – Sun & Fire; sacred to Aphrodite; Powers of spirituality, success, healing, power, psychic powers, lust, protection & love.

Cardamom – Venus & Water; sacred to Erzulie; Powers of lust & love

Cloves – Jupiter & Fire; not associated with a specific deity; Powers of protection, exorcism, love & money

Vanilla – Venus & Water; not associated with a specific deity; Powers of love, lust & mental powers

Orange – Sun & Fire; not associated with a specific deity; Powers of love, divination, luck & money

So, based on these correspondences, this will become my newest blend for date night!  It's sensual smell & magickal properties ought to do quite nicely.

Wild & Bright Blessings!

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Time To Make Some Blessed Water

Good thing I read Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom this morning.  Mrs. B. reminded me, with her post on Marie Laveau's 5 & 7 Holy Waters, that I'm out of Blessed Water. Uh oh...better get started, this witch's Holy Water is one of her stock tools!

So, it's off to DeLeon Springs to collect some spring water. 

The water from this spring flows from the earth at about 20 million gallons per day and is a consistent 72 degrees year round.  It is beautifully clear & perfect for making blessed water.

Once the water is collected, it is time to do some ritual cleansing & charging. 

• 1 Cup Spring Water or Storm Water
• 2 pinches Sea Salt
• 2 drops Rose Essential Oil
• Final Container (& a funnel if needed)
• Candles - black for the goddess, white for the god, blue for the water
• Incense - myrrh & sandalwood
• A few drops of previously charged Holy Water (unless this is the 1st time making)

Place all items on the altar.  Cleanse space & cast a circle, inviting the Elements, God & Goddess, lighting the white & black candles. The God & Goddess chosen are water spirits, directly related to what I'm currently working on. I'll leave the deity choosing to you, because it's important that you're comfortable working with any selected deity. 

Oshun

Once the atmosphere is set, it's time to work.  

• Light the incense & pass each material & tool through the smoke, saying "The power of air cleanses this __________ of all harmful energies".  Pass the water through last, saying "The power of air cleanses this water of all harmful energies, & brings insight & wisdom to all workings in which it is used."
• Pour the blessed water into it's final container, adding a few drops of the previously charged water (or just put the new water into the previous water's container), saying "I join these waters, their power amplifies as they merge.  The power of this water is purification, purification of the three minds & all workings in which it is used."
• Add the salt to the collected water, saying "The power of earth cleanses this water of all harmful energies & brings fertility & stability to all works in which it is used"
• Light the blue candle & pass the salt water over the flame, saying "The power of fire cleanses this water of all harmful energies & brings passion to all works in which it is used"
• Add the rose essential oil to the water, saying "The enchantment of rose brings love for all into workings with this water"
• Sit or stand quietly in your circle, concentrating & gathering power in whatever way works best.  Once you feel ready, bring the container of Holy Water into your hands, directing energy into the water, saying "Spirit (or name your god & goddess) bring your blessing to join with mine.  We empower this Holy Water for the highest good, harming none.  We empower this Holy Water for the highest good, harming none.  We empower this Holy Water for the highest good, harming none."  Strongly visualize the water glowing with a rainbow of colors - I usually start with red & move through the colors of the chakra until the water is swirling with brilliant white light at the end.  You can stir the waters deosil during this time if your powers of visualization are strong enough to keep your eyes open.  I will be stirring mine with a vulture feather tip, as vultures are one of nature's purifiers, creating nourishment from decay.
• "So Mote It Be."

Close your circle as usual, bidding "Hail & Farewell" to the Elements & deities that have joined you.  Store your Holy Water on your altar if possible.

Feel free to use any clear, natural, fresh water as your base.  Storm water is especially energetic & I often use it when I can.  Rain water (without the storm aspect) has a beautiful, peaceful energy.  Sea water seems to bring moon energies with it & needs no addition of salt.  Lake waters can bring a slow-release aspect to your workings.  I've not worked with river water yet, if you have, I'd love to know what aspects it may bring.


Wild & Bright Blessings!

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

Some Yule Music For You

In my anticipation for the upcoming solstice, I thought I'd find some music to play around the house.  Here are a few Yule songs & other appropriate songs/presentations to brighten your December:









Wild & Bright Blessings!

~*Rhi*~

    )O(

The Great Magickal Release

December is all about releasing what doesn't work in your life to make room for the wonderful.  I've been pondering how best to go about this in 2010 & stumbled upon Silver RavenWolf's blog.

The GREAT Magickal Release Countdown

The countdown officially started yesterday, December 1st, but I'm sure we can catch up!

Enough blogging for now...I'm off to start the project for Day #1.

Wild & Bright Blessings,

~*Rhi*~

    )O(