A new horizion

I have not spoken too much about my personal life in this blog. I wanted it to be more informative about Wicca. But I have come to realize that it seems almost cold. I meant this blog to be a diary of my progress through the craft, of my learning experiences and my growth. I have clearly deviated from that course, and wish to pull myself back on track. I will start with this little bloog that has almost nothing to do with my being a witch, and everything to do with the other aspects ate are me.

As you may or may not know (depending on whether you are a friend reading this, or a family member, or a complete stranger) I have been working at what I call the-job-from-hell for almost two years now with the "Idiot-boss-demon" and the "Hellish-pit-lord." I have despised it, but with bills to pay and college to complete, I had little choice but to stick with it.

As you may or may not know, I am a History major. I am passionate about ancient world history, mythology, folklore, archeology, anthropology, ancient civilizations and religions. Some of you may also know that I have loved horses, art, fantasy and reading since I was a child.

There isn't much one can do with a history degree, unless you desire to go to at least another 2-4 years of college to get a teacher's degree on top of that. I myself am a little tired of widdling money away taking classes I probably won't need and can learn myself from reading newer and more up-to-date books then the ancient texts used in my classes...

So, lately I have been resigned to the fact that I was pretty stuck in the cruddy job I had now at a terrible company with terrible, selfish, heartless fellow employees (with a couple exceptions).

But then, one of the dreams I never thought possible came true. Browsing an online job site I stumbled upon a job at Pineland Farms, a prestigious riding academy in southern maine. (Also a therapudic riding center and a maine-grown market). I didn't expect to get the job, but working with horses has always been a dream, so I decided to apply. Imagine my shock when I got a response!

In the last 6 months I must have put in close to 100 resumes to different jobs and not gotten a single call back or interview (except from the few temp-agencies I accidently sent apps to. they are a sneaky breed). So when I got a response, followed soon after by an actual interview, I was shocked.

Then came the call I had been dreaming of. I was hired!

I can leave this job-from-hell far behind me! I gave a respectful 2 week notice... and even offered to do what I could to help in my free time. But still they treat me as garbage. The lowest rung on the employee ladder. I wouldn't mind if there was any kind of actual ladder to this job, but it appears as if all 20 of the other employees are on one rung together, and I am on a rung below them. far far below.

The more days that pass and the shove work at me, heaps and heaps of work they want done before I leave... the more I consider leaving sooner then my noticed alloted... just walking away from this job I despise.

But i try not to think about it... I try to think only about next monday... my first day at my dream job. And friday at 4pm when I can walk out those front doors and never look back... it will be all the more sweeter and satisfying if I make it the whole week... but it is not easy.

Anyway, I need to get back to work, but expect a bit more personal blogs from now on, pictures of my job at Pineland, and more about me as a person and my path through wicca, and less like a how-to-book ^_^

Sacred Space

The picture to the left is not my sacred space, but it is as close to it as I can find a picture of. Why can't I just take a picture of my sacred space? Because mine is in my mind.

But first let me explain what Sacred Space is. It is a place of peace and harmony, a place where you can go to feel revitalized, refreshed, and at peace. Many witches have Sacred Space. Most either have it in their homes, or their yards, areas of their house or home that the cleanse regularly, and where they feel safe, and secure. It is where many witches do their ritual work. Some have their alters in their sacred space all the time, some move their alters in to work.

Growing up with Christian Parents who at first were not pleased at my choice of religious change, I could not create a sacred space in the house. Sure - I could have gone behind their backs and created it anyway... but that would have imbued my sacred space with the negativity of lying to my parents. I also respected their beliefs, and it was after all their house. So, instead I create sacred space in my mind.

My Sacred Space:
In my mind, I removed all other thoughts, and began to build my sacred space. I let it come to me, adding things here and there, piece by piece. It started with a waterfall about ten feet high. High enough to jump off into the large deep pond below. The rocks of the waterfall slowly gave way to a grassy hill, that leads into a stretch of grassy meadow on the pond's eastern shore. Around the pond on the other sides, and around the meadow, is a thick forest. It is almost always dark in the forest, and I have yet to explore into it. It feel enchanted, and sacred, and I feel I should be invited, but the sacred space is my own.

So woods surround my space on all sides, encasing the meadow, the mond and the waterfall inside a wall of trees. On the eastern shore of the pond is a large flat rock that I often sit on or lay on and watch the fish in the pond. I like to watch the sun and the moon rise and set. It is a magickal place.

Before, I would invision myself doing rituals here. I would lay in bed, and in my mind I would imagine I was walking the circle in the meadow, and casting my spells in my sacred space. All in my mind.

Just like prayers can be answered if you say them in your mind, so can spells work if done in your mind.

Now my sacred space is my bedroom. My parents are okay with my religious choice. But I still refrain from doing any actual spells in my physical house, as I know that though my parents no longer ban me from having books on wicca in the house, and they no longer try and talk me out of my religious choice, I can tell they are still uncomfortable with it, as are my sisters. (Mostly because my parents or sisters often make offhand remarks about me casting spells, or curses on them. They are joking, and do not mean to offend me [though it does hurt a little] and I understand the fear that causes them to say these things).

I dream of the day when I can one day have my own home, my own sacred space, and practice my religion freely. I can now sympothize with the puritians we learned about in my early years of school, who left for America for religious freedom. I will be doing a similar thing when I strike out on my own and leave my parent's house.

So, How do you make sacred space?
There are many different ways to do this, but the most basic is simply to cleanse the area and empower it in a similar way you would cleanse, and empower your tools for wicca, or your circle for spellwork.

First, physically clean the area. That is right. Actual physical mess can create negative energy. I myself have trouble keeping my room clean, but it is easier to keep up with if you know that leaving it messy can pull in negative energy.

Second, find the center point of your sacred space. From this point choose in which direction your four elemental points will go. It is whatever fits with you personally. For example, the standard for water is in the west, but for me living on the east coast, the closest water is the ocean to the east, so I put water in the east. I put fire in the south, because the further south you head from where I live, the warmer it gets. North is air, because it reminds me of the crisp, fresh air of the mountains, and alaska. That leaves earth to the west, and the long stretches of the midwest plains and mountains. I put down insence for air, a small bowl of water for water, a candle for fire and a small bowl of salt for earth.

Third, if you are casting a spell now, and not just making sacred space, make sure you have everything you need. Some people just make sacred space when they are going to preform magick. Myself, I re-empower my sacred space every friday. Some people only make it when doing a spell. Basically making sacred space is casting a circle.

Fourth, stand in the center. Center yourself, clear your mind, stretch are shake all over to just loosen up a bit. You should always be relaxed and calm. Don't worry about making mistakes, your bedroom won't blow up. Visualize a white light pouring down from above and filling you up. Once you get that warm, tingly feeling, head on over to whichever point you put air. For me, it is north. Repeat these words: "Welcome powers of the north and air, fill my words with magick." now envision that white light inside you spilling out from your hands and filling this area.

Fifth, move clockwise around the room. It doesn't matter where you start, just move clockwise to each element. For fire say: "Welcome powers of the south and fire, ignite my heart with magick."

For water say "Welcome powers of the east and water, flow into this sacred space with magick." Remember to visualize the white light filling the area.

Lastly, go to the earth direction and say "Welcome powers of the west and earth, give my magick rich soils in which to grow."

Sixth, go to the center once more. This is the time in which you would cast a spell if you were going to do so. I generally do not, and just make the sacred space. I cast an actual circle before doing magick, and just refresh my sacred space every week.

If you are making sacred space instead of using a circle, or along with using a circle, you can retrace your steps around the sacred space, thank the powers for helping you, and finish. I myself going around, thank the powers for cleansing my sacred space, and bid them farewell. You don't want to keep them there. But their effects will linger on, making your sacred space a warm and inviting place.

Whether you did a spell or ritual or not, it is always good to ground and center yourself after any working. This is done traditionally by eating cake and drinking wine. You may be too young to drink wine, and may not have cake on hand. I myself don't like to drink, so I eat a piece of bread and drink some fruit juice. As long as you eat and drink something, it doesn't really matter what you choose.

Pick up the elemental representations (insence, candle, etc) and put them away.

Try to keep your sacred space clean. You wouldn't leave clothes lying around a church? or dirty dishes on an alter would you?

I am terrible at keeping my room clean, which is why I still mostly use the sacred space in my mind, and clean my room well before doing any actual spellwork.

Sow how do you use envisioned sacred space?
Before casting your circle, stand in the center of the space you will work in. Close your eyes and picture your mental sacred space. Picture it stretching out to fill the room. when you get really good at visualization, you will hardly notice the walls of your room, or the pictures on the wall, but will see your sacred space. I am not even that good at visualization yet however.

Once you feel your sacred space is up around you, then proceed with the casting of your circle and your magick.

You can also do magick spells in your mind. Simply lay on your bed or sit on the floor. light some insence, play some nice music, whatever calms you and keeps you focused, then preform your spell in your mind.

Enjoy your sacred space!
Blessed Be
Epona Waterlily.

Casting of the Runes

Not long ago I purchased a set of "Fairy Runes" from the Sacred Mists online shoppe. They are a beautiful set of colored quartz stones enscribed with Elder Futhark Runes in gold.

For those of you not familiar with the Futhark Runes, you might be surprised to know you have actually seen them before. They are also known as Germanic Runes.

If you have ever read Lord of the Rings, or played almost any Fantasy based RPG game, you have probably seen these rune symbols. They are the Dwarven writing in most fantasy (especially Lord of the Rings).

You may also recognize some of the symbols. There are quite a few that look like our own letters. In fact, if you were to see a page written in runes, it probably wouldn't be too difficult to get the jist of what is being said. Most people who write with runes, write in English, but use the runes to represent the letters. Many Witches write their Book of Shadows in a runic alphabet, either Futhark or what is known as Witch's Runes. My own is in Futhark.

What is the purpose of runes?
They can be a divination tool, like Tarot Cards. Basically anything that is based on chance can be a divination tool. You could assign meaning to a simple 6-sided die you find in any board game, ask a question, and give it a roll. You certainly don't need fancy tarot cards or runestones.

However, some people, myself included, simply enjoy the excentricity of runes or tarot cards. And the stones are so very pretty. :) And some people believe that the runes hold power that can aid in the divination. I am a firm believer in the mind... I believe that if you strongly believe something is powerful, like a stack of cards, or a set of runes, you yourself give them power.

It is the same way with the Self. If you believe you are powerful, if you have strong belief in yourself, strong self-esteem, and courage - then your spells and workings will be all the stronger for it.

How do you read rune stones?
There are many ways to read the stones, and many ways still to interpret them. I myself am a big fan of the book by Ralf Blum. He is Christian (or some derivitive there of) and talks of God, and of the Spiritual Warrior in his book, but it is the best and most thorough description of the rune meanings I have come across. (Though feel free to correct me if you know a better!).

A book of some sort, or even an internet website if one can be found, will have the meanings of the stones. I would take the time to write out my own personal meanings, but each person is different. The meanings I have for the runes have grown with me and my skill of reading them. Over time, you will begin to put meaning to the runes yourself, something slightly different then the book you learned from might say.

To read the runes, simply place them into some kind of bag or box. You can read for yourself, or for another person. If you are reading for another person, I often like to have that person pick out the runes themselves. It is a matter of your own personal feelings. Some people feel very strongly that they do not want other people touching their runes, because they may transmit negative energy to them. I don't disagree - it happens. But that is what cleansing rituals are for. :) I believe that if the person being read for picks the runes themselves, it more firmly ensures that the reading is for them.

Reading runes is very similar to reading tarot cards. The most basic "spread" in tarot cards is the three card spread - past, present, and future. Runes also have a three rune spread. Runes, however, or more meant to be question answerers, then fortune tellers.

The first rune in the spread is The Obstacle. This is a rune meant to be the problems you will face. For example, the first casting I did on myself I asked a question about my relationship with my boyfriend, Joe. The rune reading I did told me that I would face hardships centered around Myself, and the need to re-evaluate myself. Actually, it was far more harsh then that... my rune reading told me I basically had to tear myself apart and rebuild myself anew. Like a pheonix rising from the ashes.

The second Rune is the Outcome - what may or may not happen should you succeed in overcoming the obstacles before you. In my rune reading, the outcome was a pleasant one, it spoke of inner peace, harmony, and tranquility of the spirit.

You can actually cut the reading there, and not pick a third rune. You have your answer. But some people pull a third rune, an Overview rune. this can either summorize the entire endevour, or be something to keep in mind. For me, it was a rune reminding me that the journey I had to take was a journey of the soul, the mind, and the spiritual self. A mental journey, not a physical one.

That is the three rune spread. Rune reading is a living artform, it can change from person to person as each brings their own flavor. For me, I almost always do the three-rune spread, as it is simple, and easy to understand for those I give readings to. However, I often draw "explanitory runes" as I go along. For instance, if I, or the person I am reading for, does not understand the meaning of the rune I pulled for the Obstacles, I may draw another rune in relation to the Obstacle rune, to perhaps help bring it into perspective.

Sometimes, I also simple ask a direct question, and draw a single rune to answer it.

Are the Runes always right?
This is a hard question to answer. As time goes on you will better understand the meaning of the runes, and you will notice a higher accuracy rate to your readings as you begin to better understand what the stones are telling you. When you start out, you will just be using the meaning the books give to you, and as the meanings are slightly different for each person, your rune readings in the beginning may not make sense, or may be way off the mark.

Over time, you will begin to see patters, and get gut feelings and instincts as to the meanings of the runes. Don't ignore these gut feelings! Embrace them, and you will find your readings becoming more accurate.

But, as with any divination tool - they don't always work. Why? Well, some believe that runes or tarot cards Always give the right answer, but that sometimes we in our limited knowledge of the spirits and the gods cannot understand the messages being sent to us. Some believe that whether the runes are right or wrong depends on the energy of those using them. So if a skeptic goes for a rune reading, their negativity and disbelief may cause the runes to rebel against the reader, and give wrong answers.

For me - I think that if the runes are wrong, it is either because their meaning is not yet fully understood, or that it is not the right time for answers from runes. Perhaps the gods believe your problem is one you must face on your own.

So... reading runes isn't a game?
Yes and no. Reading runes can be fun. I often offer to do rune readings from friends at parties, just for some laughs. And I have no problem pulling out my runes for a friend who has a question. So rune readings can be light, and happy, and fun.

They can also be very serious and important. I seek council from the runes before doing spellwork. It is always a good idea to use tarot cards, or runes, or a pendulum before doing a spell, to ask advice from the heavens if it is the right time to cast a spell, or if you should hold off.

For example, those of you who read my blog regularly may know of some troubles in the relationship department with me and Joe. I am generally against love spells, but had contemplated doing one to help Joe and I come closer together. (Note: I NEVER cast spells that go against free will. I was not going to cast a spell to force Joe to love me, or stay with me, or anything of the like. I was going to cast a spell that would open our hearts, and help us communicate).

I did a rune reading that basically told me I should tackle the problems between us on my own, and not with any magick, and so I did not cast the spell. Joe and I are still having problems, but I do not regret following the advice of the runes, because I have learned a great deal on my own, lessons I may not have learned if magick had smoothed the bumps out of the road.

Can anyone use runes, or do you have to be a Witch?
Remember Ralph Blum? He is Christian, but he literally wrote the book on runes. There is such a thing as a Christian Witch, and Blum is probably pretty close to that destinction - but to answer the question - no, you do not need to be a witch. Tarot Cards and Runestones are tools of divination. Though most Witches use them, they are not Wiccan tools, and certainly not strictly Wiccan. Anyone can use them.

Some people who are not Wiccan believe that divination is communing with demons. And often lump all of the divination, magick, witchcraft, occult, all together in one big pot. This is not the case. The point is - it doesn't matter what religious or spiritual beliefs you hold - anyone can use rune stones.

A sad day

It is a sad thing indeed to see a pet go. Whether they leave due to death, or because you are moving to a home that does not accept dogs, or because you can no longer care for the dog. Whatever the reason, it is a sad day indeed.

Two weeks ago, our boxer, Daisy, attacked our other dog Brisco. The two have been living fine side-by-side for years, and often played together. But this was no game. Nor was it some attempt by Daisy to seek dominance over Brisco. Daisy tried to kill Brisco. If we had not interviened he would not have lived. What had caused this? Well, we had assumed that Daisy retaliated when Brisco stole her treat (she was playing with it instead of eating it). We seperated them for the rest of the day, but later that evening they played together as if nothing had gone wrong.

A week or so later, Daisy attacked Brisco again, this time it happened when Dad had come home, and both dogs went for the same window to watch - and somehow that spawned a fight. It happened twice in that one day, and we feared we would have to give Daisy up.

Dad had a thought however. He had noticed that Daisy had a bit of an ear infection - and she he proposed taking her to the vet. Perhaps she was in pain from the infection, and that was causing the trouble and making her snappy. The vet confirmed she had an ear infection and gave her medication. We needed to apply it for two weeks.

In the past week Daisy has attacked Brisco two more times, both with the intent to kill, and has even drawn blood on a couple of the occasions. Brisco is now terrified of Daisy and sleeps in my room while Daisy is locked in mom and dads bedroom at night. We keep them seperated, and mom has started taking Brisco in to work.

But yesterday, when Dad and I came back from the grocery store, Daisy attacked Brisco once more. She got her teeth stuck in his collar, and bloodied her own mouth a bit before we were able to pull them apart. Last night, while I was with Joe at the movies, mom and dad decided that Daisy has to go.

The reasoning is simple.

1. Brisco is terrified of Daisy, and growls and snaps at her if she gets too close. Even if this is a medical problem and will go away when she is no longer in pain of the ear infection, he is terrified of her, and that may never be fixed.

2. This is how she reacts to pain. If she should get another infection, or anything else - this is how we would know about it. We would come home to find Brisco - or one of the cats - dead.

3. There is also the chance that if she somehow gets sick or in pain, she could just as easily turn on any of us.

So, the deicion was made to take Daisy to the Animal Refuge League. They will take her, continue to fix up her ear infection, and give her some behavioral tests. It could be that they will discover she is just fine to be adopted to a home without other animals, and probably not small children. Boxers are a popular breed, and they should have no trouble finding a single person or a couple, or a family with older children in which to place her, that has no other animals.

I do not think that they will need to euthenize her. I do not think she will try to attack adults. At least I hope she wouldn't. She is showing no aggression at all towards us, or towards the cats that we have noticed (Though Anubis is keeping his distance from her lately for some reason. The two used to play together a lot).

I am sad to see Daisy go... but I know both Mom and Dad are taking it harder then me. Mom doesn't like giving up any animal. And Dad always favored pure-bred boxer Daisy over mutt Brisco. I think he is having the harder time. I think he would much rather give up Brisco and keep Daisy. But because of the cats, and the fact that Granny isn't comfortable around Daisy - thats not an option. Besides, he also realizes that Daisy as a pure bred boxer will have a much easier time being adopted then Brisco, who is getting old, and isn't very playful.

Mom and Dad have both decided that this is it for dogs. They will keep Brisco, but once he is gone, they won't be getting anymore dogs. I think that is probably a good idea. Mom loves dogs, but Granny is constantly complaining about the barking and so forth. And mom and dad have become increasingly busy with yard work and projects fixing up the house, and they just don't really have the time and money for more dogs.

They did say, however, that if I am still here after Brisco is gone - which I doubt I will be - I am more then welcome to get a small dog.

I someday want a dog of my own of course - but that probably won't come until I have my own place. Which hopefully with be sometime between now and 2012. When I do have my own place, I already know which kind of dog I want. Though our German Shepard, Tye, was the best dog we every had, and the entire family's favorite by far, the dog I remember enjoying most was Oliver - one of our two cocker spanies. He was a chocolate colored spaniel, an American cocker spaniel (as apposed to an English cocker spaniel) and he was my dog. My name was on his paperwork and everything. He followed me around, slept in my bed, and sat and howled at the door when I left for school in the morning, and was sitting right by the door when I got home.

I remember keenly the time one of my mom's old professors, who I grew up calling "Uncle John" came over. Oliver had never met him before. But I invited Uncle John in, made him some coffee, and we sat in the livingroom talking until Mom got home from work. Oliver spent the entire time in my lap, glaring over at John as if to say "Make one move buddy, and I am going for the ankles..." lol.

At any rate, I would want to get a little cocker spaniel puppy, and I would take it with me everywhere. Hiking, and for walks, and maybe even get it to climb into a canoe or kayak with me :) That would be fun.

But, future plans and dreams aside... we will be taking Daisy to the ARL in 15-20 minutes... I am going with Dad because I don't think he would like to go alone. I think he is taking this harder then anyone else.

Choosing a Magickal Name

Choosing your magickal name is not always easy. Some people will tell you that theirs just came to them, and they didn't have to do much work at all for it. Others will tell you that they searched for ages before finding the one that fit them best.



How did I come by my name?
Well, I always loved horses. From the time I was a little girl, I remember my mother would take me to see the policemen on horses in the parade. And later, when I grew older and we moved more to the edges of the city then in the thick of it, I was fortunate enough to have a neighbor who loved children, and owned horses. Every weekend she would take me, and my new best friend, Nicole, to the stables. We would spend all morning mucking stalls, and brushing the horses, feeding and watering them, and cleaning the tack. For our hard work we were rewarded with riding lessons in the afternoon.



As I began to get into fantasy, and magic, my love of horses evolved and grew into a love of unicorns. I would read any fantasy book I could get my hands on about unicorns. When I grew up, and got into Wicca, I knew my magickal name should have something to do with horses or unicorns. I even considered taking the name "Unicorn." but it didn't feal right.



That is one important factor - whether the name feels right to you. Some people may tell you that your name needs to match your number - and involes adding up the letters in the name to see if the number of the name equals your number. In my opinion - that isn't really important. I found a lot of names that matched my number (which is 4) and none of them really resonated with me. But Epona does not equal 4, but still fit. (However, Epona Waterlily does equal 4. But according to the people who use numbers in choosing their magickal name, your first name should equal your number, and your first + last name should equal your number.)



It took me quite a while to find my magickal name. It finally came to me shortly after I joined the Sacred Mists. One of the assignments in my very first lesson was to research some gods and goddesses. In my search for ones to write about, I stumbled upon Epona. She was a goddess of horses, mules and donkeys in the Gallo-Roman religion in Gaul. Symbolized in stone carvings as a woman riding a horse, sometimes with a foal, or a woman standing between two foals. She was also a goddess of fertility, and was often symbolized as a white mare. Something lit up in my mind like someone turning on the light!

At first I had reservations. If you went out and asked random people who Epona was, many would say "The horse from Zelda." I knew that if I chose Epona as my name, most people would think I had gotten it from the nintendo video game Zelda. But in the end, the name just fit me so well, I shrugged off the unease of people equating me with some video game, and chose Epona as my name.

My last name was easy. Water is my element, and lilies, especially waterlilies are my favorite flower. That one came to me the same day I settled on Epona. So in one day I had my magickal name.


Will it work out the same for you?
Not nessissarily. It may come to you in a dream, it may be a name you have always liked, it may be given to you by an elder, or it may tumble into your lap one day. Or, just as possible, it may take your months of searching to find one that fits you.


What is the purpose of a magickal name?
It comes from an old belief that your real name can be a powerful tool, and can be used against you. If someone knows your real name, they may be able to use it against you. As such, many occultists choose names to use in rituals, so negative entities won't know your birth name and use it to gain power over you. And so your magickal name is a form of protection. You use it in ritual, or with fellow pagans.

Some witches, wiccans, and pagans choose to have two magickal names. One that you go by in the magickal community, and one that only you know and use in ritual. I myself just have the one magickal name. Though my friends and family know it - they don't use it. They use my real name, Carrie. However, among fellow witches at Sacred Mists, I go by Epona - and in other places as well. Though I have no problems sharing my real name with those that ask.

Most Wiccans will take on and shed many magickal names over their careers. For example, I may choose a new one when I graduate from the Sacred Mists, to symbolize a new rebirth in this life, just as my current magickal name symbolizes my rebirth into Wicca. Though I am fond of Epona Waterlily... and may choose to keep it, I have yet to decide.

And of course, you do not have to choose a magickal name. Many witches and wiccans just use their own names. Some aren't comfortable having multiple names. Perhaps because they believe that only your birth name has power, or perhaps they just like their real names. Either way, choosing a magickal name is a personal choice.

Good luck to you in your search.
Blessed Be
Epona Waterlily.

What is Wicca?

This is both an easy, and a hard question to answer sometimes. Most people who ask the question want a simple and short answer, not an entire novel. Though it would be easy to fill pages and pages on what Wicca is, the best and shortest answer to give is simply;

"Wicca is a positive, nature-based religion that uses Love, Positive Creativity, and and Spirit to enact positive change in their lives and empower themselves."

Let me set a few things straight. Many wiccans, witches, and pagans can get touchy on termonology, so its best to get these out of the way before we even begin.

Wicca is a religion.
Witchcraft is a Practice.
Pagan is any religion that is not Christian, Jewish, or Islam (or a derivitive thereof).

Not all Wiccans practice Witchcraft. Not all of those who practice Witchcraft are Wiccan.
The term Witch, however, can mean either a practitioner of Witchcraft, or a Wiccan. Though some Wiccans do not like being called a Witch, and some who practice Witchcraft don't like the idea of Wiccans who don't being called Witch. Unfortunatly, there isn't a way around that. So the best thing to do is just ask the person their beliefs, and if they prefer to be called a Witch, or not.

The Wiccan Rede:
You have probably heard of this once or twice, even if you are unsure exactly what it is. The Wiccan Rede is to a Witch, as the Ten Commandments are to the Christian. It is a code of moral and religious behavior. By its nature, Wicca is a very open religion. Unlike Christianity it is not overly strict and rigid, and can be described as a living, breathing entity that constantly grows and changes. Wiccan really allows the individual to practice their religion the way they want. As such, there are Wiccans who do not follow the Rede.

Bid ye the Wiccan Laws ye must,

in perfect love and perfect trust.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:
An ye harm none, do as ye will.

And ever mind the rule of three,
what ye sends out comes back to thee.
Follow this with mind and heart,
and merry meet and merry ye part.

That is a small piece of the Wiccan Rede (and the most well known). The key phrases in the above is the actual Rede "and it harm none, do as ye will" and the three fold law "ever mind the rule of three, what you send out comes back to thee"

The Rede - This can be a very strict rule if you think about it. And it harm none, do as ye will. Well, almost any action can be seen as harming. Walk on the grass, and you kill dozens of bugs with each step. Use anti-bacterial soap, and you are killing billions of bacteria on your hands. Sneeze, and you may create a typhoon in Japan. Obviously, it is impossible not to sneeze, and not washing your hands is insanitary, so the Rede could almost be an impossible rule to follow completely. But, so long as you try, and consider your actions before you act, you shouldn't have much trouble. Even then, there may be situations that seem like no matter what you do, someone will get hurt. These are a fact of life, unfortunatly. Just do your best.

Threefold Law - It is a common belief among not just Wiccans, but many religions, that if you do bad things, bad things will happen to you (or if you do good things, that good will be returned). You may have heard of this as Karma. The difference between Karma and the threefold law, is that many wiccans (and other pagans) believe that by the time the energy you send out (be it good or bad) gets back to you - it has increased by three. Why three? Well, three is a very divine number.

Think of the holy trinity, The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Now thing of an older trinity - Mother, Maiden and Crone (the trinity of the Goddess). There is more, mother, father and child. Sun, moon and earth. etc. So three just makes sense.

Gods and Goddesses:
Many Wiccans worship more then one God. In fact, they worship many. It is my belief that all religions worship the same great entity - the same Creator. Wiccans call this Spirit. Christians call it God. There are many names for it and many different religions, and paths to worship. I don't believe any are right, and I don't believe any are wrong. Wiccans view Spirit as having two halves, a male, and female.

Wiccans also view these as being split up to even more gods and goddesses. Wiccans often pic a pantheon to work with. For example, the Egyptian Gods, Celtic, Norse, Greek, Roman, Native American, some even choose to work with the Christian God, and use Jesus and Mary to represent the Lord and Lady.


Spells, Rituals and Rites:
This is the part of Wicca that incorperates Witchcraft. Not all Wiccans cast spells, or preform rituals. Some don't even have alters or anything like that. Some just choose to pray, and to believe. Those that are Wiccan and practice Witchcraft, use spells and rituals to bring about change.

Remember the first definition I gave? How Wiccans use Love, Positive Creativity, and Spirit to create possitive change? Well, spells and rituals is a way to do that. (There are other ways, like creating arts and crafts, or volunteering, or singing, or anything else that is positive, to create possitive change in the world). Spells, and rituals are ways to focus the energy of possitive creation, love, and spirit to create and effect change. You should always strive for this change to be a good change. Real Wiccans do not cast curses, or hexes, or jinxes on people. They work to help, to protect, and to make better.


How can I become a Witch?
Well, let me tell you, dressing in black, wearing a pentacle, and calling yourself a witch, does not a witch make. And it is not nice to threaten to hex, or curse your friends or enemies to get attention, or to stand out. You should only go into the practice of Wicca with an open heart, and an open mind.

Some Wiccans will tell you that to be a true Witch you must join a coven and complete 3 or more years of training.

Some wiccans will tell you that all you need to do is live as a witch, and a witch you will be.

I personally believe that when you begin to use Love, Possitive Creativity and Spirit to create possitive change in yourself and your life, then you are a fellow Witch in my eyes. :)

Love Spells

One of the most common questions I get asked as a witch is "Do you know any good love spells?"

I know a few. But the more apt question would be - "Have you ever cast a love spell?" The answer would be irrefutably "No."

Why not? you might wonder. It is my strong opinion that love spells border on evil. Of course, more then likely you do not have evil intentions on your mind at all. But love spells border dangerously on hindering Free Will. Forcing someone to love you, is a form of rape, in my mind. Would you force someone to sleep with you? Force someone to marry you? No - probably not. Nor should you force someone to love you.

Now, not all love spells are intended to force someone to love you. And many believe that no spell can actually make someone feel something that they don't feel. So, if John Doe doesn't love you, no spell you can cast will MAKE him love you.

So, what do they do? They twist feelings and emotions, bend them out of balance. John Doe may not love you, but a love spell can turn affection, or simple friendship or care, into lust. Lust is a four letter word in my book - Lust is love's twisted evil sister.

Love spells more often then not, backfire. Either they make John Doe so infatuated with you that he stalks you, or forces himself on you, or becomes jealous and controlling. Or, if there is no affection or care at all in him for you, it can amplify other feelings, like hate, disgust, or fear. Generally, Love spells have disasterous results. I urge anyone with relationship problems to Never do love spells.

Does that mean magick cannot help you? Of course not. There are alternatives to love spells!

Instead of casting a spell on a specific person, instead try casting a spell asking for love to come into your life, or to draw love to you. Never cast a love spell on a specific person. It is wrong to force them to love you. However, if it is a certain person you love, and you are seeking his love in return, try a spell that will help him understand his own feelings. This may result in him realizing he has no feelings for you, but it could also result in him realizing he does.

But NEVER mess with free will.

And generally spells are a last resort with love. I prefer my love to be pure, and untainted or un-tampered with. I like to know that he loves me for me, and not because of some spell, or magickal prodding. So before even trying spells, try simply to talk with him. To explain how you feel, and ask how he feels in return.

Ouija Boards

I spend a lot of time on Yahoo! answers in the Mythology & Folklore section, and one of the most common questions asked revolve around the Ouija or Spirit Board.

Most questions are about how to use them safely, or about people's experiences with them. I have used the Spirit Board a few times over the years, and wanted to share my knowledge with the people who are curious about how to use them safely.

First a very very important warning. Ouija Boards CAN BE DANGEROUS! I understand that telling you not to use them may only make you more apt to use it anyway, because it seems exciting, or you are a skeptic. Whatever the reason, it is true that someone is more likely to do something if told not to. That said, Please Please PLEASE head my warning - Do NOT use an Ouija board. Period. If you want to contact relatives or friends who have passed on - try going to a genuine psychic or medium. Or try tarot cards, pendulum, or runes. But please, do not use a spirit board! They can be dangerous to anyone, especially those who do not know how to use them safely.

That said, if you still insist on using it - please at least read my safety guidelines here. They will help protect you from the negativity or downright evil that you may draw to yourself. And yes, it can happen. You should not use the Ouija board unless you are skilled enough to handle the situation if you draw out something evil or sinister. But, like I said before, most of you will still use it anyway. So here are some ways to keep yourself safe....

First some history. The first reported case of the use of something resembling a Spirit Board was in China, around 1200 BC! It was used for divination. But it was in the 19th century in America that the boards became very popular. In the early 1900s (1920s, 1930s) American had a boom in "spiritual" and "occult" practices. Palm reading, tarot cards, and Ouija boards became extremely popular, especially among women. Since then the Ouija board has been both famous and infamous. There are terror stories and urban legends surrounding the Ouija board. Stories of girls slumber parties where they used the board and later they all died terrible deaths.

So if they are so scary, why are they still so popular? Well - for the same reason teens will gathered in a dark bathroom in front of the mirror chanting "Bloody Mary" and hoping to see her ghost, or why people go to horror movies. People enjoy being scared when they are sure nothing "Really" bad will happen.

Well let me tell you, the Ouija board IS DANGEROUS. I advise anyone who wants to use the board to first understand the proper ways to protect yourself.

But protect yourself from what? you ask.

Ouija Boards create a doorway between our world, and the lower planes, also called the Spirit worlds, or the Astral planes. Normally, spirits cannot pass between worlds unless there are doors. These doors are not just Ouija boards, but can be objects tied to spirits, like divination tools, or even times of the year or day, like Samhein (Halloween) or dawn and dusk (known as the twilight times. the times between night and day). Using an Ouija board opens one of these doorways, so spirits can effect the board and converse with you. There is no way to stop evil or negative entities from coming through - the only thing you can do is learn to protect yourself should it happen.

First, how to use the board safely. You will need an Ouija board, obviously. You will also need at least one candle, preferably white, and some incense, either incense sticks, cones, or oils. (You can put incense oils on the top of the candle around the wick. The flame heats the oils and produces the smell). Beginners should NOT use the board alone.

Much of the protection comes from your own instinctual defenses. The more people, the stronger the defense of your own spirits.

The people who participate should always be serious and respectful. If you come to the board distrusting it, or with the intent to move the pointer yourself to scare your friends, you will lessen the protection of the group and your strength against the negativity - it is basically an invite for dangerous spirits. Despite the fact that the Ouija board can be purchased in the game isle of a toy store, does not make it a game!

Do not use drugs, or drink, or use any other form of intoxicant while using the board, for the same reasons, it lowers your mental strength, and thus your ability to hold up mental shields/barriers.

Your mind needs to be clean, clear, and focused. Try not to think negative thoughts. Just focus on the question at hand.

NEVER ask questions about death.
NEVER ask when you, or your friends will die.
NEVER ask the spirit its name or how it died, and
NEVER ask the spirit to show itself. EVER.

One of the most IMPORTANT things to do is to protect yourself mentally and visually. If you are of a Christian religion, then pray for protection, and imagine your guardian angel beside you, or god's love protecting you in a white sphere. If you are more pagan/spiritual - envision yourself wrapped in a glowing white sphere of protective energy. We call this a Shield. (It is also good against psychic attacks). No matter what your religion, visiualizing shields of protecting white light around yourself is OK, and does not go against any rules/tennants/laws of your faith.

You may also speak a prayer, or a rite before you begin, or ask the god and goddess to protect you. Ask whatever higher power, or guardians or spirit guides for protection. Always in your mind envision that protection surrounding you and have pure, solid faith in its protection. Faith is a powerful tool - it creates a very powerful barrier against negativity and evil.

Now you may begin.

Set up the board on a table where all involved can reach it easily without stretching or twisting. Keep your arms relaxed, and put only the lightest pressure on the pointer. Use just your fingertips. ( You may notice that under your fingernails it is pinkish, but if you press down with your fingertips you will get a band of white at the tips from the pressure. Keep an eye on the fingertips of those taking part - if you see this band of white, it might mean they are applying too much pressure, and moving the pointer. Your fingers should be very light on the board. )
Set up the board at night, after the sun has set. I do not recommend using the board during storms, or when it is noisy out or around. It should be calm and quiet.

Watch the candle. If it flickers, and grows dull, that is a sign the spirit is trying to manifest. If this happens, close the board and put it away. (See steps on closing the board below)

It is best if someone keeps pen and paper to record the answers. Start with simple yes or no questions. It is best if only one person does the talking. Ask the questions in a clear and steady voice. This is the basic first question to ask - "Are there any spirits that would like to speak to us tonight?" Ask simple questions until a spirit contacts you - then you can begin to delve deaper as your learn more about who your are conversing with. It may take time, even 20 or more minutes, before a spirit will come forth. Be patient, and keep 2-4 fingers on the pointer (also called a Planchette) at all times.

Start with simple questions, ones that require just yes or no, or simple answers. Keep pen and paper to write down the answers.

Closing the Board:
This is vital. If you do not close the board down at the end of every session, then you leave the door open for any spirits that want to get in. Closing down the board is closing the door you have made to the lower planes. IT IS VITAL.

To do this, thank the spirits for speaking with you. Wish them peace, and then say goodbye. Wait for the pointer to move to the word goodbye, or spell it out. You can then put the board away and blow out the candle.

However, if the spirit is stubborn and refuses to say goodbye (try saying goodbye two or three times) then move the pointer to Goodbye yourself. In a strong, firm, and demanding voice say "GOODBYE" and "LEAVE" If you feel this is enough, you may put away the board. Or you can slam the pointer down on a hard surface (don't break it) or pass it through the flame of a candle (be very careful, especially if it is plastic. If it is paper or cardboard, just pass it over the top of the candle, or pass it through very quickly so it doesn't catch fire).

Try not to use the board for longer then an hour. It is difficult to keep up your defenses much longer then that, and is also tiring for both you and the spirits.

It is also good to ground and center yourself afterward, as if completing a ritual. Eat and drink something (cake and juice is good), and meditate for a few moments.

Safety note:
The more often you use a board, the stronger the connection gets (which also means the harder to close the door it gets). Spirit boards can be a great way to ask spirits for guidance, get information, or just have fun. But it can become addictive. Try to limit how often you use it. Try not to use it more then once a week.

Also - it is well known that creating magickal tools makes them stronger. My own spirit board is sanded, smoothed and stained cherry wood, with the letters burned in with my wood-burning tool. You can try creating your own as well, even just using cardboard, so long as the surface is smooth so the pointer can easily glide over it.

And lastly, but very important, watch the candle. If it flickers, and grows dull, that is a sign the spirit is trying to manifest. If this happens, close the board and put it away.

I hope this helps people learn to use the board safely, and answers the questions that many of you have.

Good luck, and Blessed Be!
-Epona Waterlily

Sleep Paralysis

Have you ever experienced a dream so vivid, you wake up wondering if it actually took place? How about a dream so real, and so terrifying, that you wake up panting, and soaked in cold sweat?  Well let me ask you this, have you ever had a dream where you were completely self-aware, and aware of your surroundings, and yourself, and your thoughts, but could not move, could not open your eyes, but still you saw?

A little background. Around the time I started seriously getting into Wicca and throwing off the chains of my former beliefs, I was also changing my sleeping habits.  I was old enough now that my parents no longer gave me a bedtime, so like most young adults I spent late nights enjoying my freedom, up until 2 or 3 in the morning, and sleeping until 3 in the afternoon when able. And subsequently complaining about how tired I was when I had to get up for school in the morning.  I also got into the habit of taking naps in the day as well. Not a very healthy sleep cycle, let me tell you.

One night I was sleeping when suddenly there was a great rush of wind past my ears. I felt such a weight on my chest I thought I was going to suffocate. I felt like I was being strangled with my blankets. I couldn't move my arms or legs, or my head, and though I tried vainly to scream for my parents across the hall not a sound came from my throat. I was aware, though my eyes were closed, of my room around me. I could see the blue blanket with its white stars. I could see everything around me, my night stand, the tv, my dresser, the posters on my wall. It was as if, thought my eyes were closed, I could see.

I finally managed to burst through the dream and came awake, sitting up like a bolt. I found myself panting as if out of breath, and my shirt and sheets were drenched in sweat. I was terrified. I felt drowsy as well, my eyelids were heavy and my brain felt fuzzy. I had to fight to stay away, because I knew if I fell back asleep, the dream would take me.  So I got up and went downstairs, unable to sleep the rest of the night.

A couple weeks later I had the same dream, but this time, along with the rush of air by my ears, I heard a demonic voice in a language I could not understand. When I woke from this terror I had trouble convincing myself it wasn't Lucifer himself trying to win me to the darkside.  Perhaps my choice of religion wasn't a good idea after all?  But no, I could feel in my soul that Wicca was for me... so why was this happening to me?  

The next dream I not only heard the demonic voice, but a second voice. This one was quieter, so I strained to listen rather then block it out as I had with the demonic voice. It sounded like a young man, and he was saying something about me "coming of age."

That was it... I had to find out what these dreams were all about. Was I being visited by angels and demons in my sleep?  So I did some research. But, instead of doing medical research, I did spiritual research and I learned of a thing called a Psychic Vampire Attack. According to the text, what this writer said was an attack by a psychic vampire leaching my life energy, had the exact same symptoms I was feeling.  Wonderful. 

Then something strange happened.  The next dream I had, I dreamed a dark, cloaked figure was standing in my room leaning over me, and that the rush past my ears was him leaching energy from me.  Well wait a second - where did the demon and angel go? The next day I decided more research was in order.

I read about The Hag. An old witch that sits on your chest at night.  I read bout alien abductions. And finally, I found the truth.  In a medical journal I read about Sleep Paralysis.  

There are levels to your sleep.  Specifically the ones I read about where the "twilight" times just before and just after REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the deepest, most restful sleep.  According to this medical journal, your brain and your body fall asleep separately. Though most often they happen at the same time.  Sleep Paralysis was when your body feel asleep, but your mind remained awake (or your mind woke up before your body).  So in essence, you are awake, but your body is paralyzed.  During REM sleep, you don't move, you don't toss and turn, because your body paralyzes itself to rest and to keep you from moving about during dreams.  So what happens is your body is still asleep, but your mind is awake.  And so the thoughts in your mind become vivid hallucinations, but you cannot move.

Then, something very strange happened.  Once I had learned what was happening to me (I even went and discussed it with a doctor, who told me all about how my sleeping schedule was probably causing it) I found that I could control these dreams... I even had one where it was a dog standing on my chest, licking my face.  I cannot stop the dreams from coming, but in my mind I can change what is happening.  I still feel a weight on my chest, and still feel the rushing of air past my ears, and I still feel paralyzed and unable to move. But it is no longer terrifying.  The only really negative aspect now is the way I feel when I wake up. Dizzy, and my mind fuzzy as if stuffed with cotton, and it is hard pulling myself out of it, when my mind so strongly wants me to fall back to sleep.  But now that I know what it is, I no longer fear it.  It is an annoyance, but no more.

I now have much better sleep habits, and have been months without an "episode" of sleep paralysis. 

So what is the moral of the story?

Just because we are spiritual people, does not mean we should turn our back on medical science and knowledge.  If I had not researched the medical reasons behind my episodes, I might still be suffering from terrifying dreams today.  

I strongly believe that Science is not evil, and that though Science may prove evolution, and even figure out where the world came from, how it got here, I do not think it will ever DISPROVE the existence of the supernatural, or of a higher power of any kind.  Even if Science completely maps out without a shadow of a doubt with definitive proof how humans evolve and where the world and universe came from - who is to say that the laws and findings of Science is not in itself a tool of the higher power?  Perhaps Math, and Science, and Physics are themselves a kind of magick created by the Creator at the time of creation like a bluebrint to his/her/its design? 

So, my thoughts are, it isn't Science vs Religion, they can exist in harmony.

A New Home

I come to blogger on the waters of change and chance.  I was formerly of Myspace, but grew distasteful of it in short order.  What once was a wonderful site I used to keep in touch with friends and blog about my daily life, turned into a scene of drama equal to the soap operas on TV, complete with twists and turns and heated arguments.  It was no longer a place to keep in touch, but a means to peddle drama. It became more about how many friends you had. And people would get offended or hurt if their picture was moved lower down the line of your "top friends" just image the chaos of someone was bumped off! It was like those real-life shows they have now... who gets "voted off" your friends list, and who stays?  Putting her next to him in your myspace insinuated something. Posting new pictures in your photo albums was high priority - the world was ending if your new image didn't have a dozen comments by lunch-time.

Myspace was not for me. I wanted a place that was more about the blogging. More about getting my thoughts down somewhere and out of my head. For me, blogging helps me clear my thoughts, helps me organize my mind and makes my world clearer. I may begin a blog with one opinion or idea in mind, and by the end I have talked myself around to a new perspective, usually for the better!

So, a little about myself perhaps?  I am 24 years old as of this march. That makes me a pisces for those of you who don't memorize the astrological calendar.  I am currently attending college at the University of Southern Maine, working towards a BA in history. I am a year away from graduation, and when I completely my BA I fully intend to go back to school to get a Masters in Education, and be a teacher here in Maine. I cannot decide what grade I would like to teach. I am leaning towards middle or high school, where the kids are old enough to appreciate history.  Though it was in my young years that my love of history first came to be when I saw my first show on ancient Egypt.

I am a witch. That is, a practicing Witch of the Celtic Tradition, in the wonderful nature-based religion of Wicca. I have been so for years now, but am only just beginning my formal education in it. I am on the very first lesson of the very first Degree. (The first of up to five degrees) I was not born a witch. My parents are both devout christians.  My father is perfectly accepting of my choice of religion, and even interested enough to discuss it with me.  My mother, like her mother before her, is fully in the belief that I am on a fast-track to eternal damnation, but would never forcefully try to "save" me. Instead she drops what she believes are casual hints and subtle prodding to get me to change my tune.  Which is actually backwards. Mom always seemed more spiritual then religious, and Dad always seemed the one to be close-minded.

I first got into Wicca back in middle school, seventh grade I believe it was.  My friend had gotten into it after seeing the movie the Craft, and also Practical Magic.  I had always loved fantasy, unicorns and dragons and fairies and wizards, so Witchcraft was right up my ally.  We formed a circle with her sister and another friend, and for a few months enjoyed our little game of witchcraft.  My friend lost interest, as did our other friend, but her sister continued to share my interest in this mysterious new religion.  We grew closer, and I became better friends with the sister, Amanda.

Amanda and I would grow apart however. Her ideas of Witchcraft never altered from those she first got from the movie the Craft and our little games at lunch and recess. She would snarl and yell at anyone who dared say "God Bless You" when she sneezed. She would threaten people with curses, hexes, and jinxes if they did not do as she wanted, or if they wouldn't stop picking on her.  Whereas I was more interested in the ancient religion practiced by our pagan ancestors.  I began to study, and when I tried to share my findings with her, she would stubbornly refuse to see reason.  I didn't want to scare people.  Our friendship grew tenuous.

Over the course of the next few years, I would slow down in my investigations into the craft, and later stop all together, only to pick it up again after high school.  I spent weeks learning the many differences of as many religions as I could.  Buddhist, Christianity, Islam, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, all I could find.  I researched the basics, the differences, the similarities. But it was Wicca that continued to call to me.

One day I was in a local spiritual shop browsing the shelves for a new book on religions. The clerk came over and asked if I need a hand. I confessed I wasn't sure what I was looking for.  She smiled and offered her help, pulling a pretty crystal pendulum from her pocket.  Now let me say at first I was skeptical.  I doubted she could tell what I needed from a simple pendulum. And most of you who read this may roll your eyes as well. "give me a break... you really believe this stuff?"  I do now.  Let me tell you, that woman took out a dozen books, one at a time, and held the pendulum over them for a few seconds. It moved side to side lazily, until she pulled on the 12th or 13th book, and the pendulum changed direction from left to right, to up and down.

The book was called Teen Witch by Silver Ravenwolf. I scoffed. I was 22. I wasn't a Teenager anymore. I didn't need some teenage wishy-washy fluff book. And I wasn't even sure Wicca was for me yet.  But, out of sheer curiosity, I bought the book, took it home, and began to read.

That book changed my spiritual life forever.

Let me tell you, it is very hard to shake off a religion. I had been born and raise christian. Baptized as a child, I went to church every sunday until I was 10, when my parents moved and never bothered to find a new church. Everyone I knew was christian, or catholic, or some form of biblical religion. It was all I had ever known.  And when a single religion is all you have ever known, and when that religion teaches you that to NOT practice that religion is a one-way ticket to hell, it is very hard to throw off the chains, so to speak.

Now let me make it completely clear, I hold no animosity towards christianity. It is a beautiful religion, as all religions are. But it was not for me.  And through Silver Ravenwolf's words I was able to cast off the old religion, and walk new down the Wiccan Path.  And the way she wrote it really felt as if she were walking beside me, hand in hand, pointing out all the beauty of witchcraft as we moved down the wooded path.

And so here I am, two years later, beginning my formal training into the Celtic Tradition. A proud student of the Sacred Mists.

I hope I have not bored you with my little story. I thank you for taking the time to get to know me.

Blessed Be