Semi-Wicked Kind of Witch

Cold as Ice

2012-02-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Often, people turn to me for advice on how to get someone off their back - be it a co-worker, a family member, a vampiric friend. "He constantly irritates me," or "She gossips about me to everyone." They're hoping I can cast some sort of spell or give them some potion that will magically make this person disappear from their life.

This is where KISS comes in (Keep it Simple, Student). In most cases, the simplest solutions are the most effective. And in these sorts of cases, the simple solution I've come to rely on is putting someone on ice.

I've done it to several people throughout the years - from co-workers to frenemies. And it has proven to be effective time and time again. The process "freezes" that person's actions so they don't touch you. How does it work? This easily:

The Icelandic Hold
Needed:
A picture of the person
-or-
Their name written on a piece of paper
One baggie
Water

Instructions:
Take the picture of the person OR their name written on a piece of paper (as always, the picture is more powerful, but if you don't have one, the paper will do), and put it into a baggie. Fill the baggie with water (not too full!), place in the freezer and Voila! No more pain in the ass.

You can craft an incantation to go along with it, you can add stuff to the baggie if you want - whatever you intuitively feel will enhance the spell be sure to add.

As the water freezes to ice, that person's ability to touch you is frozen as well.

Disposal:
Should the time come when you need to dispose of the baggie, there are several ways you can do it. You can simply dump it into the trash on trash day, so it's taken far away from your house. Or you can dispose of the baggie, and dump the ice packet into flowing water (a river) and watch it go far away from you.

As for how long you need to keep them on ice, that's up to you. I've had some people in my freezer for years. Others for months.

It's always better to be safe than sorry... so don't be quick about taking that person out!

Happy 2012

2012-01-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

For the last few years, I've done several solitary rituals at home on New Year's Eve - rituals to get rid of the old and bring in the new.

This year was different - I felt that I needed to get back to the basics. To keep it simple. And so I did.

I began by simply cleaning the house. I dusted, vacuumed and shampooed the carpets. I put away all the Christmas decorations. I washed my dirty laundry. I swept and mopped and wiped things down. By about 11 p.m., I was done.

I had some champagne, and wondered if I should do something more with my extra time - perhaps I should do a ritual after all? The answer was no - my intuition told me I was done for the night.

When I got up in the morning, I saged the house, then used a besom to sweep out any remaining karmic residue. After that, I opened up the windows and let 2012 into the house.

Then I sat down, and sent thank you cards to those who had been special to me in 2011, wishing them happy new year. I celebrated with more champagne - and again wondered if I should do something else. A little candle magic perhaps? A wish list? Resolution setting?

Again the answer was no. "Keep it simple" was the unspoken response - and so I did.

Two days later, I feel light. Complete. The way I rung in 2012 was the right way for me to do it. But why no magic?

Ahhh... that's my mistake: thinking that a spiritual cleaning isn't magic. Because it is. Sometimes as witches we forget the simple things - the basics.

You see, magic needn't be complicated to work. We don't always have to call in the Gods and Goddesses, light the candles, ward the area, and use a bunch of tools.

Magic works best when one listens to the Universe - ask what needs to be done, and listen to the response. This year I did - and was surprised with the response. I heeded it anyway - and already see some of the results.

Happy casting in 2012!

New Wand

2009-09-14T13:20:00.001-07:00

The Wand Lady (as I call her) had a booth set up at Pagan Pride Day, held this year at Deer Park in Sparks. She is usually at the psychic fair, but wasn't at the last one. She has the most beautiful wands I've ever seen. She makes them out of wood, and some just out of crystals.

This was the first time I've ever seen her offer low priced wands. The lower priced wands were all woods, wire wrapped (most in copper) with a quartz crystal at the end. They all had different crystals at the bottoms.

I found two three that I was torn between: an oak moss wand, a redwood wand and a madrone wand. I was fascinated with the oak moss wand, but after holding it realized that the moss chafed off every time it was held. I wasn't sure I would be happy if the moss part, which gave the wand a mysterious and powerful look, were to disappear after several uses.

The redwood wand captured my attention because I'm from California, where redwoods abound. And the Wand Lady picked up all these wood pieces in the Santa Cruz mountains - an area that I love. Redwoods are ancient trees, and I felt that the wand could be quite powerful.

However, when I held the madrone wand, my friend Claire said from her standpoint, it fit me like a glove. She said the color matched my hair, and it does.

I picked each wand up in my left hand. It is not my dominant hand, so I figured (rightly or wrongly) that whatever came through would be the wands' strengths. Each felt good, so it didn't help me out as much as I hoped.

In the end, I went with the madrone wand, which has rhyolite at the end. Rhyolite promotes change, diversity and progress - all the aspects I need in my life right now. And for $10, how could I pass it up?

Today I sat down and talked with the spirit of the wand. I asked it what it could do for me. It showed me a picture of it squeezing through fences and barriers. I took it to mean that it could cause change where I thought none could happen.

I then asked it couldn't do. The word "hate" floated before my eyes. It let me know that it could not be used for curses or bindings.

When I asked what it looked like, a translucent image of a wizened old man floated before me. That made perfect sense to me; the property of translucence could get through barriers, and the wise part knows no good comes of hate.

After my session with the wand ended, I placed it on my work shelf next to my copper wand. I can't wait to use it.

Unintended Consequences

2009-08-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Magic quite frequently has unintended consequences. You know, those little life details that accompany the fruits of your labor. Conjure up a phone call from a lover, and you will get it - but perhaps he's calling to tell you he's canceling your date or found a new lover. As the saying goes, "Be careful what you pray for; you might just get it."

I knew I wanted to try poppet magic, and I had just the target. My problem: I had no intimacy with the target. I only know her to exist, and to be a thorn in my side when it came to my significant other. I didn't know what she looked like. I didn't have a picture of her. No taglocks to speak of. So how do I construct a poppet to torment her?

I lucked out - I obtained a pullover of hers. Soon after, she did something out of jealousy that affected me, so I felt the time was right. And it was: as luck would have it, it was during a waning moon. I pulled out the piece of clothing and got to work.

If you haven't made a poppet before, it's labor intensive work. Because I felt that could be the case, I enclosed my space within a magical circle. I gathered my supplies, and got down to business.

Stuffing each cavity takes thought. What to stuff in the cavity? What will yield the most reward? It was both fun and challenging to find ingredients and items to place in the cavities. Fun? Yes. I know in this particular case, the magic wasn't, as some would say, "white." But yes, it certainly was fun.

After the activation ceremony, I placed the poppet on my altar and began working with it daily. At some point in time, I didn't feel the need to work with it every day - but once in awhile I would feel the need to "prompt" it again.

Yesterday I received a call - did I, by any chance, have a red pullover in my possession? Danielle sent her boyfriend over to get it.

Um. Huh?

Well, duh. Of course. Girlfriend's clothes were all high end: Ann Taylor. Banana Republic. The Loft. The pullover? From Wal-Mart. I should have known.

But... and here's where the unintended consequences come in... it worked. Anyway. You see, the owner of the pullover was the cause of the most recent jealous reaction. It was because of her that Girlfriend went over the edge. Had a snit fit. Put Ex-Boyfriend through the ringer.

Bwahahahahaaaaa.... sometimes I just love magic, unintended consequences or not!

Dead Man Flirting

2009-08-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

Graveyard dirt. Believe it or not, it's a key ingredient in many spells. Unfortunately, graveyard dirt isn't easy to come by. You can purchase it in stores, but who knows if it really came from a graveyard? And, if you've been to a cemetery recently, you know that most graves are covered with grass, so digging up dirt would be a desecration of sorts.

Another little known fact: to be used effectively, graveyard dirt must be obtained ethically. That is, with full consent of the deceased. It helps to aid the Goddess Oya in this endeavor - and there is a way to do that as well.

I've had need for graveyard dirt on several occasions recently. I decided it was time to do a little research so I could stock my cabinet with this much needed and hard-to-come-by resource.

I thought of the perfect graveyard, in my hometown of Fremont. There is a little cemetery not far from Ohlone College. When I was a kid, we often walked our dog there, and spent time honoring those long since gone. Some of the graves date back to the early 1800's, and we assumed there were no family members left to visit. So, we'd visit instead.

This weekend was the perfect time. I helped my dad at the flea market (conveniently held at Ohlone), and after I was able to excuse myself, I went to CVS to get the last needed requirement: wine. See, Oya likes her gift of nine pennies to be doused in wine - specifically, red wine (that's my kind of Goddess!). I grabbed a four-pack of Merlot, checked out, and drove back to the cemetery.

At the entrance, I called to Oya. I let her know I had pennies and wine for her and asked to to allow me entrance. Before I could finish, I swear I heard Oya say "What are you waiting for! Give me my pennies." So, I did. Then I left the wine at the foot of the stairs. I heard her say, "Don't cap the wine!" I made sure to keep it open, because I certainly did not want to piss her off.

The next step was to talk to the spirits. I let them know why I was there, and told them a bit about my history and what I planned to do with the graveyard dirt. This is the part that can literally take hours. I was hoping it wouldn't, as I had to get back to my parents' house to check on my mom.

I walked around, and visited graves. I spent a lot of time with those who were veterans, hoping that our mutual connection of service would grant me permission. I sensed that a former Corporal in the Army wanted to grant me permission, but his wife did not want him to. I walked around some more. Some clearly told me to move on. Others were eerily silent.

I saw one grave that someone had clearly been at recently, and not in a good way. I talked to the pair (sisters, it looked like), and apologized for the state someone left their graves in. I looked around for a garbage can so I could clean up, but none was found. I moved on.

I visited grave after grave. I talked to many, and didn't make much of a connection. Finally, I asked Oya for help. "Oya! I'm having trouble locating a helpful spirit here. Is there somewhere I should be looking at specifically?" Oya answered me with the help of a squirrel. I saw him poised at the edge of a gravestone, and then he ran. I wasn't sure which grave to check out, the one he started at or the one he ended at. I decided to check them all out.

I talked to all those spirits in the immediate vicinity of the squirrel sighting. The only one who engaged with me was one Richard "Dick" Valencia. He died in 1999, at the age of 74. His wife had not yet joined him, but her name was already engraved on the headstone next to his.

I told him what type of spells I wanted to use the graveyard dirt in: Protection, Love and Banishment spells. He said "I can help you with protection and maybe banishment. But, girlie, I can help you more with sex than I can with love." He was joking with me - and I so did not expect that. We "conversed" for awhile, and he continually flirted with me. I asked him if his wife would mind if I took dirt from his grave, and he said "Who cares? I want you to have it." So, I took two handfuls of dirt and left him nine dimes in return.

After leaving the nine dimes, he was delighted. He said, "Take more dirt!" I told him I'd only feel comfortable taking another handful, and that's what I took. He told me he liked my red hair. I thanked him. We talked for a few more minutes, but since I had the dirt and had left the dimes, it was time for me to go. Before I left, I kissed his gravestone. I swear I felt him blush.

He escorted me part of the way out. When I felt he was no longer with me, I said good-bye and thank you to Oya, and left. I knew, though, when I got home I'd have to check the Internet to see if I could find out any information about him.

Tonight I checked, and I found him easily. It turns out his nickname was "Muscles" and he was apparently really well liked. I could tell that, though, from his spirit. He headed "The Big Dick Golf Tournament" in the Bay Area, and was an avid sportsman, hence his ability to readily admit the dirt from his grave could aid with protection. And, I do imagine that his sportsman-like physique probably did make him a big hit with the ladies, so perhaps he wasn't joking when he said he could help me with sex magic.

Either way, as read about him on the 'Net, I felt him next to me again. He didn't say anything, though, he just seemed to delight in reading his obituary. Plus, he seemed to just enjoy my company.

It's kind of sad that the only guy enjoying my company this weekend is a dead man, but I'll tell you, I'll take what I can get. After all, a compliment is a compliment, no matter who it comes from.

Thank you, Muscles. It was nice talking to you.

To Bind from Harm

2009-07-14T15:00:00.001-07:00

Thee I bid
Thee I bind
And thee I bend unto my mind

Candle Magic

2009-02-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

Candle magic is my preferred method of spellwork. I've had more success with magic when I use candles than with any other type of tools. I'm not quite sure why that is - perhaps because of my Christian background. As candles are used in all sorts of religions for all sorts of purposes, the use of candles as a spiritual tool is not foreign to me.

This week, I discovered a book I bought ages ago stuffed in a box labeled simply "Magic books." That book is Practical Candleburning Rituals: Spells and Rituals for Every Purpose by Raymond Buckland.

Buckland's book outlines several different spells, and each has a Christian method of performance along with a Pagan-method of performance. This appealed to my Christian senses - candle magic for Christians? Why the hell not?

I picked out a spell to perform, and actually ended up choosing the Pagan method of application. The aspect I like best about the spell is that it is not finished in a day. I will have to continue to reignite this spell over a course of time. This appeals to me as the end result is something that would naturally take some time to happen - it's not anything I would expect to happen overnight. In this aspect, it makes sense to me that the spell to cause the end result would also need time and attention.

And you know, maybe that's why candle magic and I get along so well - I understand the energy of candles and I love the ritual of candle work. Candles have always represented magic and spirituality to me. No wonder it works for me.

Yule Incense

2008-12-19T07:56:00.001-08:00

When the Black Hat Society came over to my place for a Yule celebration, we made a Yule incense together. I had diligently looked up recipes for Yule, and had a pretty solid recipe (made up of 9 ingredients, as per the Risting Tradition). However, when I opened the choosing of herbs to the members, they all had something different in mind.

I went with it.

Even though I burned the Yule incense we made that day while I decorated my Christmas tree, I felt I needed more. Well, not more as in quantity; more as in a blend that contained exactly what I wanted and thought should be in it. So I made up another one.

Yule Incense

Base: White Oak Bark for luck
Life: Frankincense, for spiritual growth and to represent the birth of Christ
Death: Mistletoe, to banish evil
Birth: Cedar, for money
Repose: Blessed Thistle, a sacred herb and used to call in spiritual help in my home.
Awaken: Cloves, riches
Shield: Rosemary, for protection
Blending: Peppermint, for purification (and the fact that Peppermint pretty much goes with everything).
Focus: Sage, for wishes and focus of intent.

I burned some of the incense on "Mini Yule," a day marked on one of my mailing lists. Did I notice a difference between the BHS incense and my own? I did. It was subtle, but I think the difference didn't lie entirely with the ingredient mix; I think it was borne from the fact that I made it on my own, therefore there it had a different energy and intent.

All for one...

2008-12-18T22:09:00.000-08:00

When I found out I was laid off, I realized that I shouldn't be using what little money I have in my bank account go for class when it should instead be going for food and rent and heat. So, I told my instructor that I would probably have to stop going to class, but would rejoin the class as soon as I got another job.

My coven-mates found out that I was laid off and was going to axe Thursday night class, so they huddled together and decided to pay my way until I find a job. I was - and am - touched.

But receiving charity is sort of a hard thing to deal with as well. In some ways, I don't feel worthy. In others, I feel like I am taking advantage. And yet, as my brother and sisters in the Tradition, this is what they feel they need to do for me - for us - so that we will continue to grow together.

I know I should just stop feeling weird and accept the gift of the classes. If the shoe was on the other foot, I know I would do the same for them. However, as the shoe is currently on this foot, it feels as if it doesn't quite fit right. I guess I need to just ignore it and keep on walking...this is just a lesson I have to learn: acceptance.

It turns out acceptance is more difficult that I expected it would be.

Druish

2008-12-18T22:02:00.000-08:00

Tonight before class began, one of the owners of the store said she had a funny story about a couple who came in earlier. When the girls asked if they could help the couple find anything, the man said "Yes, we are looking for books on Wick."

"Wick? Are you sure?"

"Yes," replied the man. "Wick."

"Perhaps you mean Wicca? Or maybe witch?"

"No...Wick. My wife, she's Druish and wants a book on Wick."

"That's funny," muttered another customer standing by. "She doesn't look Druish."

We had a good laugh at the couples' expense and decided that maybe it was time to design a Druish tradition. I'm sure it would involve lots of magical latkes and eight days of candle magic in December. As long as I could still wear a Yarmulke in a skyclad ritual, I suppose I'd be happy.

It's Official

2008-11-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am part of a coven. I don't know if I like the word "coven," because it seems to have such awful connotations, thanks to the media. However, despite the word itself, it's wonderful to be part of a group of like-minded people.

Last night we celebrated Samhain together. We started with a dinner to honor our pets, both living and deceased. Then we moved away from the table and began the second part of our ritual. We crafted "wish bottles" which will be opened on Mabon of next year. We each did our own, and then we crafted a group bottle. It was during the crafting of the group bottle that we discussed making it official. It turns out we all sort of all ready thought of ourselves as a coven.

After the issue of "are we or are we not a coven" was put to rest, I led a guided meditation so the rest of the group could visit with their ancestors. I think it turned out quite well. The trick, though, I quickly discovered was knowing when to be silent to give the participants a chance to commune with their ancestors and when to move on.

At first, I wasn't sure how to know, but as I recited the meditation, I tuned in to the group. It was an odd experience for me, as I am normally not so in tune with so many people at one time. During the silences, I found I could tune into people and just know if they were still communing or if their conversations had come to an end.

I have never celebrated Samhain before - alone or in a group. I've wanted to...but just never really did. Last year I did perform a small banishing and blessing ceremony at home, however I wouldn't really call that celebrating. It was more of a brief acknowledgment that yes, it's Samhain and the Wheel has turned yet again.

Before closing the circle last night, we decided to meet each month for the full moon. I'm glad we picked the full moon...it's the one phase of the moon that I've always had a great affinity for.

After choosing the date for our next meeting, J opened the wards, and all of a sudden I felt vulnerable and unsafe. K stated that she saw a werewolf run past the house, and then I was scared to go out to my car. Thank goodness for C and J, for they walked us out and I felt less scared because of the company.

I arrived home safe and sound and happy...I believe it's going to be a very good year.

Left Out

2008-08-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Right now, our Thursday night class has one instructor and seven classmates. The instructor and two of our classmates are in a coven together. They often talk about some of the things they've done together, never seeming to be aware that the rest of us might feel left out.

At this week's class, J stated that five of us met to celebrate the full moon. One classmate was visibly upset, and stated she felt left out. JurNee said it wasn't meant to be exclusionary; that they were part of a coven and we fully expected that as such, they would have celebrated the full moon together. It turns out (supposedly) that they haven't met in ages.

After class, a few of us discussed whether or not we should invite them to the next ritual. J immediately said that he didn't think so; that he really liked our energy as a whole, and felt that the new mix would change that. Unfortunately, I wasn't there to put in my two cents worth of drivel, however it does appear that we will continue to meet as five for now, as it's not our fault that their coven isn't meeting regularly.

Additionally, our instructor stated at the onset that one of the main functions of class was to practice magic with others, in hopes that we would form our own covens. So, if that was one of the main objectives, then why are they miffed that they weren't included in our works? After all, we've never been invited to be part of theirs. We're supposed to be okay with that... and I think we are. Funny, though, how us "lesser" witches are then supposed to be sure to include everyone in class in our own rituals.

It's weird how high school dynamics invade our life, even at this stage in our walk.

Full Moon

2008-08-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, five of us from the journey-level Risting class met to celebrate the full moon. This was our first time meeting together to create magic together.

We met at C & J's home in Northwest Reno. It was such a lovely home...rich in color, homey and cozy inside. I felt instantly at home (after being served a glass of wine!), and settled in for some talk before K arrived.

We are all so diverse, and yet we share a strong, common ground. With the exception of K, young and vibrant, we all came to this path later in life. Some of us are still hiding it from our families. Some of us don't. And some of us just share what is relevant, and keep the rest for ourselves.

When darkness came, we went outside to C & J's magical garden. Thankfully, C had written out a ritual for us to perform together. We took bits from class (passing fire, water and salt) and incorporated bits from books in order to call in the directions, and to perform a few other elements we hadn't learned in class.

When the circle was cast and the wards put up, the ritual began. It was so nice and peaceful. The best part was when J lead us on a meditative journey. After our journeys, we shared our tales and then partook of cakes and ale (Squaw bread and wine) before the ants decided to dine on our feet.

We left shortly after closing the circle, as C & J normally hit the sheets at 9 p.m. Yet, even though I left their place on Saturday, I felt them with me all week long, as well as the magic of the ceremony.

We have decided to celebrate together more often, and so next on our schedule is Mabon. This time JurNee and myself will be putting the ritual together. The prospect of doing so is both scary and exciting...I'm a wallflower, so helping to direct the next ritual will force me onto the dance floor. Hopefully I won't pull an Elaine Bennis while I'm out there.