Handfasting and Handparting

January 29th, 2009 | → Leave Comment Filed under Lore |

Handfasting

Handfasting is a traditional Celtic ceremony of (temporary or permanent) betrothal or wedding.
In the present day, some Neopagans practice this ritual. The marriage vows taken may be for “a year and a day”, a lifetime, “for all of eternity” or “for as long as love shall last”. Whether the ceremony is legal, or a private spiritual commitment, is up to the couple. Depending on the state where the handfasting is performed, and whether or not the officiant is a legally recognized minister, the ceremony itself may be legally binding, or couples may choose to make it legal by also having a civil ceremony. Modern handfastings are performed for heterosexual or homosexual couples, as well as for larger groups in the case of polyamorous relationships. Currently, handfasting is a legal Pagan wedding ceremony in Scotland, but not in England, Wales or Ireland.

As with many Neopagan rituals, some groups may use historically attested forms of the ceremony, striving to be as traditional as possible, while others may use only the basic idea of handfasting and largely create a new ceremony.

As many different traditions of Neopaganism use some variation on the handfasting ceremony, there is no universal ritual form that is followed, and the elements included are generally up to the couple being handfasted. In cases where the couple belong to a specific religious or cultural tradition, there may be a specific form of the ritual used by all or most members of that particular tradition. The couple may conduct the ceremony themselves or may have an officiant perform the ceremony. In some traditions, the couple may jump over a broom at the end of the ceremony. Some may instead leap over a small fire together. Today, some couples opt for a handfasting ceremony in place of, or incorporated into, their public wedding. As summer is the traditional time for handfastings, they are often held outdoors.

In addition to exchanging rings, couples have thier hands and wrists tied together.

There are many materials that you may choose to use, although some carry meaning from specific cultures.  Silk cord is a traditional fabric for the ceremony, but other options are:

• Rope – used in Latino ceremonies
  • Draped in a figure eight over the couple’s shoulders while they kneel at the altar.  This may be done by the officiant, a family member, or the couple’s godmothers.
• Kente cloth, grass plait, cowrie shell plait
  • Used in African-American ceremonies, the tying is performed by the ceremony officiant, a close friend, or a family member.  The bride’s right wrist is tied to the groom’s left wrist. 
• String
  • Used in a Hasthagranthi ritual in Hindu wedding ceremonies. 
• Buddhist Rosary
  • During a Buddhist ceremony, a mala – the rosary, is tied around the wrists by the officiant of the ceremony or the parents of the couple.
• Prayer Stole
  • The bride’s prayer stole may be used to tie the couple’s wrists to demonstrate not only the couple’s unity, but also their unity in their devotion to God.  The officiant will make the sign of the cross following the tying ritual.

The DFW  wedding exchange has a typical Pagan Handfasting ritual break down here:http://www.dfwx.com/medieval.html

Handparting

A corresponding divorce ceremony called a handparting is sometimes practiced. In a Wiccan handparting, the couple may jump backwards over the broom before parting hands. At this time, release from thier previous vows are made, and an untying of cords or rope. Rings are also removed and given back to the partner. Any other symbolic items given to eachother are also destroyed or buried.

Information on the Elements

January 19th, 2009 | → Leave Comment Filed under Learning, Lore, My Book of Shadows |

Its a good idea, and good practice to utilize elemental altars. What I mean by that is create an altar 4 times a year utilizing each element. This will help you not only get better acquainted with the elements but also teach you how to utilize what you have learned with each element to incorporate into your spellworkings which call for particular elemental objects and herbs. Since it is winter, I currently have in my home, an altar to Earth. Try creating a new altar every season and in addtion to your altar, remember to take a walk and find something outside that represents this time of year to you, and place this on your altar as well. They don’t have to be extravagant, keep it simple. 4 or 5 objects are plenty! A vase with flowers for the element, an object such as chalice, or element appropriate object. A personal diety or patron saint statue and a crystal is just fine! Be creative and make it your own!

Below you will find a PDF and DOC of each element charted with color, moon phase, direction, minerals and etc so you can build your own Elemental Altar.

Tarot Cards

January 15th, 2009 | → Leave Comment Filed under Lore |

I am not going to lie to you guys. Just because I’m a witch, doesn’t mean I’m morally incapable of cheating. I’m a notorious short cutter. If there is a short cut to anything I WILL find it. No lie! Tarot is no exception. Granted I have been studying Tarot for years and I’m still fairly incapable of giving an accurate reading. Why is this? Because I tend to doubt/second guess everything. I’m horrible at it.

Want to know a Secret? I mean technicly I can give a perfect Tarot reading, if you are actually watching me. But what goes on inside my head while I’m doing it? Wow, its alot of “Oh crap, what does this mean again? Oh yeah, no wait, I think that means inverted, no wait, thats right, damn it, I forgot, well, i know part of what it means, eh, wing rest of it”

How many of us do this exact same thing? I know I can’t be the only one. We’re always thinking “if we just had a little cheat sheet to glance at every once in a while……”

LO AND BEHOLD! Here it is. Enjoy all you Tarot strugglers.

Tarot Card Cheat Sheet in Word or Adobe Reader. Feel free to print it out and keep in a secret place.

How to Raise Energy

January 14th, 2009 | → Leave Comment Filed under Lore |

Many times in Wicca you will hear about Energy Raising, but what is that exactly?

Energy raising is one of the main componets to successful rituals with spellworking or just gatherings in general. This will not only help with the success of the ritual/spell but when done within a group setting, actually empower it.

Raising energy can be done in a variety of ways: singing, chanting, dancing, and visualization (guided or otherwise). Here are some suggestions for raising energy.

Roots and Branches

Close your eyes and imagine the following:

Your feet sink into the ground, becoming roots growing deep into our Mother the Earth, Her energies are all around, rising up like sap through your feet and legs; filling your body. Feel them in every cell. You are one with her.

You are a great strong tree. Stand tall with arms upstretched. These are your branches reaching up to our Father the Sky. Your leaves drink in the power of the Sun. The energies course down your arms and into the center of your being. Earth and sky energies mix. Feel the life-giving energy swirling thoughout your body. More energy is taken in with every breath. Fill the circle with this energy. Continue to draw it in and to send it out. You are at one with all that is. The life that pulses through nature, pulses through you.

There are many diffrent ways to raise energy. This is just one example.  Always remember you are free to make up your own for what works best for you.

Mantras

Make a simple chant using the names of the goddess and god you are going to invoke.
Rearrange them until the syllables flow rhythmically. It only needs to be a simple mantralike chant. One example is the typical goddess chant:
“isis, astarte, diana, hecate, demeter, kali, inana”

If you have drums, rattles, tambourines, or other percussion instruments, use them to emphasize the beat.
Dance around in a cirlce.
If unable to dance, sit and sway with your eyes closed. Feel the chant resonate within you.

The following You Tube videos are good methods of energy raising:

Personal Energy raising technique:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKdLyrP3–0

Mantra type of energy raising:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdWa5J7_SZQ

How to conduct yourself in a coven.

January 12th, 2009 | → Leave Comment Filed under Information |

1) When you are performing a working in group. Please be sure that any working you do is positive. Remember if you are utilizing the energy of a circle or coven for your working, any negativity will not only be upon you but everyone else in your group, they all fall subject to 3 fold. If you are doing a working for someone else (friend, relative, spouse) make sure their permission is obtained first! No matter how noble or honorable your intentions may be, never force your will on anyone.

2) Never raise energy unless you intend to use it. Doing so could leave you feeling sick, stressed, nervous/anxious.

3) Meditate, ground and release daily.

4) You are not obligated in any way to explain what you do to anyone. Coven matters area always off limits to discuss. The reason is when you are doing a ritual with your group, a lot of personal information is divulged about your personal life, especially when your ritual is to help an issue you may have. This is no ones business.

5) Never enter the circle with doubts, fear or untrustworthiness. Always enter with perfect love and perfect trust.

6) Always be considerate of coven members. Help each other with ritual writing and spellworkings.

7) Do not enter the circle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, save the wine for after.

8 ) Everyone has certain strengths and weaknesses and things that they may be better at than you and vice-versa. Please recognize this.

9)  Always communicate with your HPS/HP/Shrine Keeper or other leadership when you have an issue or a problem, instead of letting it boil over.

10) Do bring Wine, Cakes, Candles, Incense and other Circle supplies from time to time, even when it’s not “your turn.” It’s best to keep a supply on hand of the Ritual supplies you use, so that if someone who has cakes or wine is absent, there’s no need to make a mad dash for the store.
 
11) NEVER tell anyone who is in your coven. Names or otherwise unless you have permission from the individuals.

12) Do not tell anyone where your coven meets under any circumstances. Spouses/Life Partners/Guardians/Children are exempt from this (for emergency purposes) but make sure they never tell anyone else.

13) Never bring people to any Coven meeting or Circle without permission from the leader

14) It is your responsibility to come to the coven meeting at the appointed times. Coven meetings are often scheduled for advanced notice so you have ample time to make the necessary time allotments.

15) Cell phones need to be OFF/SILENCED from the time the circle is cast, until it is reopened. You may turn them on right after.

16) Always come prepared and wear appropriate attire used specifically for rituals.

17) Always be on time, once a circle is cast, no one enters. Please respect this rule.

Imbolc

January 11th, 2009 | → Leave Comment Filed under Lore |

Imbolc (Candlemas) is February 2nd

Imbolc, also called the Feast of Brighid, celebrates the approach of Spring. The term “Imbolc” means “in milk” and at this time, pregnant sheep begin to lactate. This is one of the sure signs that spring is coming soon. Although the days are getting longer this is still the heart of winter and Brighid, the Celtic Goddess of Healing, Powetry and Smithcraft is honored. Her gift of smithcraft comes with an added bonus - Fire.  This may be the reason some celebrate this day as the day of the Celitc Fire Goddess. This is a time of new beginings and growth. At this time think of your goals and dreams for this year that you will accmplish. At this time, greet the pregnant Maiden Goddess and give her thanks for soon she will give birth to the spring.

Herbs: Snowdrop, Bay, Heather, First Flower of the year.

Incense: Rosemary, Cinnamon, Westeria, Vanilla, Violet, Frankinsense, Myrrh

Color: Red and White

Decoration: Besoms, Red and White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid’s Crosses.

Food: Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.

Altar: Decorate your altar in white and shades of red, early blooming flowers and stones such as Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise and clear Quartz, the stone of ice. Also, as with any Sabbat, take a walk, and pick up anything that reminds you of this time of year and place this on your altar as well.

Deities of Imbolc: Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus

What is your Astrological Candle color?

January 8th, 2009 | → Leave Comment Filed under Information, Lore |

 Alot of rituals and spells will call for a candle that represents you. This can be confusing for those who have no idea what that is.  What this means is your astrological candle in the color of your sign. I am an Aquarius so that means my color is Blue. So what is the Secondary color mean? Quite simply, this is the alternate that you can use (if you can not find the color you need OR you don’t have one). This can also be utilized when performing a spell that requires the candle for your loved one or person you are doing the magick for. I would reccomend a good stock of your primary and secondary candle colors for use in meditation when focusing on personal issues.

I have also placed this chart permanently under the Candle burning and spellcraft tab for quick refrence in the future.