Sowyn

Blessed Sowyn to all.  Tonight, the veil between worlds is the thinnest it has been in years, if not nonexistent.  There will be a lot of energies flying around; try to take advantage of them.

Part Seven

The Wheel of the Year is a cycle beginning and ending on October 31st. It is a series of eight days, or nights, depending on your path, called Sabbats, throughout the year that are considered more magickally powerful than the rest. There are specific rites and rituals for each one, and specific meanings behind them. The rites will be discussed in a later chapter of this series. For now, discussion will focus on each “holiday,” for want of a better term, and the meaning or symbolism behind it. The first one is Samhain, also called Sowyn, and more commonly called Halloween. It is a time of death, in a metaphorical sense, with a promise of rebirth. It is also a time when the veil between worlds is thinnest, when we can peer into the other side. This would be a time to perform any divination or necromantic rites, as the astral plane is closest to this plane on this particular day. The next one is Yule, which is around December 20th. It represents the coming of solar light, and is the longest night of the year. This is a time of growing energies, and a celebration of the birth of the God to the Goddess. It is also a time of symbolic rebirth or renewal. Yule rites and rituals usually involve a renewal of goals or making life changing alterations. Following Yule Is Imbolc, or Candlemas, on February 2. On this day, spring is six weeks away, and the slumbering Earth is starting to get ready to awaken. The last sheaf of wheat from the fall harvest was kept and often made into what was known as a corn dolly, harvest mother, or sheaf mother. This is laid in a bed known as a Bride’s bed, with a priapic or phallus-shaped wand laid across it to form an X. Next we have Ostara, or Eostara, or spring festival. This falls on about March 21 or 22. A reawakening of the world is in order, with flowers blooming, and hibernating animals wakeup. It’s also mating season for most animals, so fertility rites would be especially powerful during this time. Following is Beltane, also spelled Bealltuinn or Bealtaine. Falling on either April 30 or May 1, this day is the opposite, both chronologically and symbolically, of Samhain. It is the second most important day of the Wiccan year, marking the end of winter and the beginning of new life. It also features the unrecognized ritual of the maypole, which symbolizes the wrapping of the God’s member in preparation to being received by the Goddess. Next we have Litha, or Midsummer’s Eve, on or around June 21 or 22. This is actually the first day of summer, and also has the shortest night of the year, as well as the longest day of the year. As with Samhain, the veil between worlds is at its thinnest during the night of this holiday. This is a day of giving thanks for all the things the sun has given us, and to celebrate its dwindling dominance, especially for those on a nocturnal path. It represents a wedding of the heavens and the earth, as the sun’s full power is poured into growing crops. Then there’s Lughnasadh, which falls on about July 31 or Aug 1 or 2. This is the first of the harvest thanksgiving holidays. The altar would traditionally be covered and surrounded by baked loaves of bread made from the first grain harvested, food from the fields, and fish from the stream. After the rites and rituals, athletic competitions and marriage fairs were held. This is also an excellent time for prosperity rituals or embarking on new endeavors. Mabon is next in the cycle, usually occurring on September 21 or 22. This is a time to rest from the harvest, as this is the final harvest. The days and nights are once again equal, but with night regaining dominance. The prosperity rituals started on Lughnasadh can be culminated today. This is the final holiday in the Wheel of the Year, cycling back to Samhain. There are many days of power in the year, as we have seen, with accompanying rites, rituals, and symbols, which will be discussed elsewhere. Enjoy these days, as they are sacred. Namaste.

Part Six

Of All the rituals one can participate in, the Great Rite is the most personal, and the most intimate. It is a working of power, energy exchange, and, to a certain degree, invocation. One must select the right partner to perform this ritual, preferably one's mate, because this forms a bond more intimate, more powerful, more complete than mere sexual activity. Therefore, one should not enter the ritual chamber lightly, for this can cause disastrous consequences, spiritual as well as emotional. The ideal couple is male/female, but can be adjusted for either male/male or female/female. The male or masculine partner represents the God, or masculine aspect of the Source. The female or feminine partner represents the Goddess, or feminine aspect. This rite is performed on Beltane, and is a fertility ritual, ensuring good fortune in situations where hard work reaps later benefits, such as farming, investments, or other long-term goals. Also, if a couple is trying to conceive, this would be the most magickally powerful night to do so. Preparation for this rite is the same as for any other, with one or two notable exceptions. Firstly, it involves another, and secondly, the couple ARE the magickal tools. As with any ritual, first the couple cleanses themselves, preferably in the same bath or shower, to allow them to begin joining energies by exploring each other, and becoming aro0used by each other. After the cleansing, choose an appropriate incense to burn, one that is appealing and that enhances the mood. Then lie with each other on the altar, which, for the purpose of this rite, will be a bed. As you lie there, caressing each other, feel yourself becoming the God/dess as you slowly become more aroused. Slowly come together, as you become infused with power and energies. This should be a slow, sensual coupling, as the God and Goddess, not just some random intercourse. As you approach climax, you will feel the energies coursing through you, into your partner, and back, at the joining of your bodies. When you climax, you should feel an immense surge of power and energy from the Source and from your partner, life energies being poured into you, the vessels. As you recover, the afterglow should be more intense, with your bodies almost crackling from the energies. Once you have recovered enough, close the circle as you see fit, then revel in the sensations. You have been granted an extraordinary gift, and would do well to enjoy it and use it wisely. Namaste.

Part Five

Skrying can be a useful tool in one's magickal workings. It can help calm the mind, show a path intended for one, or allow one to peer through the veils of life and the afterlife. It can also allow one to contact the Source. There are many types of devices used for skrying. Some use a crystal ball, gazing into its depths and interpreting what they see. Some use a metal or glass skrying bowl, containing water that has been allowed to become completely still. Then there are magick mirrors, which can either be store-bought, or, preferably, hand-made. To make a magick mirror, one needs a small, circular piece of glass, and flat black paint. Simply paint one side of the glass black, allow it to dry, then turn it over and gaze into the unpainted side. Some prefer a flat piece of obsidian, for it's identification with nighttime and darkness. To skry, one needs to first clear the mind, using whatever techniques are effective. Then, after quiet and calm are achieved, gaze into your device of choice. Try to look into its depths, seeing past the surface. Remember, one is trying to see beyond the pale, so to speak. One may see symbols, shapes, or even whole pictures. Do not try to focus on them, for the subconscious mind will remember them and store them away for later interpretation. Also, do not simply try to force images to appear, for this is a working of the subconscious. Just let the images flow; the Source will show what needs showing. After the images stop, spend some time reflecting on what you saw. Maybe it was steps to a resolution of unfinished business, or a solution to a problem, or maybe it was simply the Source saying, in essence, "Hi." Even if the images make no sense to the conscious mind, the subconscious mind will connect them as needed, most likely in dreams. A word of caution: I would not recommend the use of a Ouija board. It can tap into dangerous energies, or connect with so-called "evil" entities. If one is not prepared, severe spiritual and psychological harm can occur. Always be careful. Namaste.

Part Four

Many people think you need a wand to perform magick. Well, yes and no. A wand, per se, is not a requirement, but if you choose to use one, think of it as an extension of yourself, or an antenna, transmitting your energy. A wand should be no thicker than your thumb, and no longer than the distance between your elbow and the tip of your middle finger. More important tools for rituals include your athame, or ceremonial dagger. It should be double-edged, with a grip that feels comfortable in your hand. The athame is ued for drawing your magick circle, or for pointing to the four points of the compass: north, south, east, and west, when these directions are included in the ritual. Some people prefer a sword, but this can be impractical for most. Another important tool is your chalice, or ritual cup. This is used for water offerings, or ceremonial wine. It is a sacred vessel and should never be used for mundane purposes. Depending on your preference, the chalice should be made of either gold or silver, and should be like a goblet. Then you have your skrying bowl, or skrying mirror. This is used for, well, skrying. Some people use a crystal ball for this purpose, but it's really a matter of preference. I prefer a piece of flat obsidian, but that's just me. For a skrying bowl, one just needs a large, shallow netal or glass bowl with about two inches of water in it. Let the water become still before attempting to skry. More on that later, though. Another obvious set of tools would be...candles. I know this seems stereotypical, but candles are an essential part of most rituals. They are used for light, to represent the fire element, and to send written requests into the aether. Then there is the pentacle, or focusing disk. This gives one a physical object on which to focus their mouth to properly channel its energies. It also provides a focus for meditation. Also, one needs a representation for each of the four elements: a handful of dirt for earth, water for water, a red candle for fire, and a feather or stick of incense for air. Finally, one needs an altar. It should be waist height, wide enough for all your tools, and preferably draped with an altar cloth. Each of the elemental representations should lie on their respective compass points, and the other tools should be arranged in a convenient place to reach them.

In closing, there are many tools that one needs for rituals, and this list is by no means comprhensive. If you think you need it, you probably do, and miscellaneous items will be added or removed from ritual to ritual as needed. Namaste.

Part Three

Blood is a very powerful magickal substance. It carries not only the life, but the essence of someone as well. It can hold memories, emotions, and powers that reside in one's body. It provides a deep connection to the Source that can be found nowhere else. Therefore, blood magick is one of the most powerful types of magick that can be found.When one uses blood in a ritual, one is applying a very powerful energy to said ritual; therefore always be cautious when using blood, for if not done correctly, the energies provided can produce more harm than good. Also, one should ONLY use one's own blood. To take blood from another, especially against their will, is abhorrent. Plus the ritual will not work as well, because it is not your energy you put into it, but another's. Also, only a small amount is needed, so one need not hurt oneself to obtain the needed quantity. Animal blood is also ineffective, as it comes from a "lower" lifeform and carries less energy, so animal sacrifices are unnecessary and, truth be told, frowned on by most. NEVER kill an animal to harness the energies of its death. If you do so, the repercussions can be, and often are, quite severe.


Tying in with blood magick is sharing of blood, whether donating or feeding. This is a very intense, very intimate act, more so when shared by , for want of a better term, lovers. The very act of opening your flesh for another can be very erotic, but take heed. One slip of the blade can lead to serious injury. Therefore, it is imperative that, for safety's sake, one should only cut oneself. Unless you trust your partner completely, NEVER allow them to cut you, for even the most careful person could slip. Also, one should always sterilize the cutting implement, and make sure the incision site is clean, to prevent the possibility of infection. In modern times, one should also be careful when selecting a donor, due to blood-borne diseases such as HIV. The procedure itself is really simple; first one should do a symbolic cleansing by shower or bath. Again, be sure to have the tools required ready beforehand. After the cleansing is complete, light some incense, select the incision site, and, with a razor blade or other keen, sharp edge, make an incision small enough to be scarless, or choose a site where a scar won't matter. The key is to allow for maximum blood flow with minimum damage. Be sure to sterilize your blade, and clean the incision site as well. Use alcohol for both, as well as for afterward. Once the incision is made and the blood is flowing reasonably well, allow the recipient to drink directly from the wound. After the recipient is done, use alcohol again to cleanse the wound and stop the bleeding. Done properly, this act will tie you to your partner in a very intimate, personal way and allow them to gain some insight into who you are.


In closing, blood is a very powerful substance. It can add energy to a rite, be used to feed another, or seal a magickal rite. But blood is also vey precious, and should never be wasted. Namaste.

Part Two

Rituals are an integral part of any religion. It allows adherents to entered an altered state of mind, one that is more receptive to the energies surrounding the ritual chamber. It provides a structure that the mind can wrap itself around, a rational frame for an irrational activity. It is also known as psychodrama. Pyschodrama is a term for ritualistic activity designed to instill a sense of reverence and power into oneself for the purpose of working magick. Magick is defined as "using one's will to affect changes in circumstances for the betterment of self and others," but it is more than that. Magick is a tool, a means to an end, that end being a reconnecting to the Source. Mankind's ultimate goal is reuniting with the Source, whether they be Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Pagan, or otherwise. There are many means, right and wrong, to reconnect, as many as there are religions. For the purpose of the treatise, only Pagan means will be discussed. Preparation for any ritual begins with gathering the materials needed, then a symbolic cleansing of the body, usually by bath or shower. Then one will progress to a cleansing of the mind, by meditation. One usually begins meditation by finding a quiet spot, assuming a comfortable position, and clearing the mind of all clutter. Once the mind is cleared, then one focuses on the object of the ritual, visualizing it in the best way possible for them, whether by an image connected to the object, or, in the case of communing with the Source, a representation that best suits the aspect of the Source one is communing with. Then, with the image or representation firmly in place in the mind, the ritual begins, usually with an opening of the magickal circle. Some also do a banishing, ridding the chamber of negative energies. The ritual itself can be written out or memorized, but most often, the more successful rituals have no script. During the ritual, energy is raised, harnessed, and put to use. The means of raising such energy are widely varied, and there is really no wrong way to do so. Finally, thanks are given, the circle is closed, and usually the participant grounds themselves by either physically touching the ground, thereby placing unused energy back into the Earth, or releasing the energy to the four winds. This is the basic structure of a ritual process, but it is by no means concrete. Most people add to, or take out, parts of the process as needed. Again, there is no real way to conduct a ritual, provided one feels comfortable in their workings. If something doesn't feel right, by all means, alter it until it does. The beauty of the Pagan path is nothing is set in stone. It is malleable, suited to be adjusted to one's needs. After all, we choose this path for the freedom it offers. And freedom is what we are after, freedom to reconnect with the Source as we see fit. That being said, once we reconnect with the Source, only then will we truly be free, free from care, free from pain, free to love. Namaste.