Lady Spice a wiccan Grimoire or BOS: February 2013

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Casting the Circle

Casting the Circle

You will need:

Altar
2 x Altar candles
Water bowl
Salt dish
Pentacle
Censer
Athame
Bell
Presence Lamp
4 x Quarter candles
Sword (optional)
Candle snuffer (optional)

Additionally, you will all need to be fit to enter into the presence of the Gods; you will need to start in the dark.

The Ritual Leader (RL) will wait until it feels like time to begin, then rises:

i. Lighting of the Candle

RL: "I light this Candle (lights Presence Lamp)
in the name of that ancient presence,
which is, was, and ever shall be
male, female, all-knowing, all-powerful
and present everywhere.

And in the names of the four Mighty Ones,
the rulers of the elements,
may power and blessing descend
in this hour upon this place
and those gathered here."

RL lights the two altar candles, the charcoal, and the four quarter candles from the Presence Lamp.

ii. Exorcism of the Water

RL kneels before the altar and places the Water bowl upon the Pentacle.
RL purifies the water by plunging the tip of his/her athame into the water, saying:

RL: "I exorcise thee, O Creature of Water, that thou cast out from
thee all the impurity and uncleanliness of the world of phantasm.
In the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen"

iii. Blessing of the Salt

RL sets the Water bowl aside and in its place sets the Salt dish upon the Pentacle.
RL touches salt with tip of athame, saying:

RL:"Blessings be upon thee, O Creature of Salt; let all malignity and
hindrance be cast forth from thee, and let all good enter within.
Wherefore do I bless and consecrate thee, that thou mayest aid me.
In the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen."

Using the tip of the athame, RL takes three measures of salt and puts them into the water, then stirs deosil three times with the athame, saying:

RL: "But ever mind that as water and salt purifies the body,
so the scourge purifies the soul. So mote it be!"

iv. Casting the Circle

RL draws a circle, continuous from north deosil unto north with the Sword (or athame), saying:

RL: "I conjure thee, O Circle of Power, that thou beest
a boundary between the world of men and the realms of the Mighty Ones;
a meeting place of love and joy and truth;
a shield against all wickedness and evil;
a rampart and protection that shall preserve and contain
the power that we raise within thee.
Wherefore do I bless thee, and consecrate thee,
in the names of Cernunnos and Cerridwen."

(If others are without, a gate is opened, and they are now brought into the Circle with a kiss, and the Circle is resealed.)

v. Consecration of the Circle with the Four Elements

RL takes up the consecrated water and asperges the Circle with his/her fingertips, from north deosil unto north; and then touches each person within with the water, being touched in turn by his/her working partner (or another of the opposite sex to RL, if available). Water bowl is returned to altar.

RL Then takes up the censer, and likewise censes the Circle from north unto north.

Lastly, RL takes around the Presence Lemp (or a candle lit from the Presence Lamp and returned to it).

vi. Calling the Mighty Ones

All stand and salute the East. RL stands in front of group facing East. Maiden (M) stands at back of group with the Bell. M rings Bell.

With athame, RL draws three deosil circles and then an invoking earth pentagram, saying:

RL: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air;
I, N..., do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our rites and guard the Circle!"

All turn and face South. RL and M move to corresponding positions; others just turn in place. M rings bell.

With athame, RL draws three deosil circles and then an invoking earth pentagram, saying:

RL: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Lords of Fire;
I, N..., do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our
rites and guard the Circle!"

Similarly, in West:

RL: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Lords of Water;
Lords of Death and Initiation;
I, N..., do summon, stir and call you up, to witness our
rites and guard the Circle!"

And in North:

RL: "Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, ye Lords of Earth;
Boreas, thou Guardian of the Northern Portals;
I, N..., do summon, sitr and call you up, to witness our
rites and guard the Circle!"

All turn back to the East and salute.

Now all turn to North again. M rings Bell. RL says:

RL: "Ye Mighty Ones,
Lords of the Watchtowers of the Universe,
Dread Lords of the outer spaces,
Thou powerful God, thou gentle Goddess,
We invite you to our meeting.
(pause)
O thou Loving Cerridwen,
O thou Mighty Cernunnos,
we gather (or 'I stand') before you
to ..." (state intent)

The Circle is now cast and Perfect.

←Previous: Charge of the

wiccans

http://www.christopherpenczak.com/
Christopher Penczak (born 1973) is an author in the fields of paganism and magic. In 2000, he was ordained as a minister by the Universal Brotherhood
Margot Adler (born April 16, 1946) is an American author, journalist, lecturer, Wiccan priestess and radio journalist and correspondent for National Public Radio

Zsuzsanna Budapest - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zsuzsanna_Budapest

Zsuzsanna Emese Mokcsay (born 30 January 1940 in Budapest, Hungary) is an American author, activist, journalist, playwright and song-writer of Hungarian ...
Goddess ~ Dianic Witch ~ Women's Spirituality ~ Z Budapest ...

www.zbudapest.com blog.zbudapest.com

You +1'd this publicly. Undo

Founder of the Susan B. Anthony coven. Z's books about woman-centered ways of knowing, celebration, and ritual are excerpted here

http://www.fionahorne.com/

witches

Stewart and Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone Janet Farrar (born Janet Owen on 24 June 1950) is a British teacher and author of books on Wicca and Neopaganism. Along with her two husbands, Stewart Farrar and Gavin Bone, Farrar has published "some of the most influential books on modern Witchcraft to date."With Stewart Farrar: http://www.callaighe.com

^{1981: Eight Sabbats for Witches}
^{1984: The Witches' Way}
^{1987: The Witches' Goddess: The Feminine Principle of Divinity}
^{1989: The Witches' God: Lord of the Dance}
^{1990: Spells and How they Work}
^{1996: A Witches' Bible: The Complete Witches' Handbook (re-issue of The Witches' Way and Eight Sabbats for Witches)}^{With Stewart Farrar and Gavin Bone}^{1995: The Pagan Path}
^{1999: The Healing Craft: Healing Practices for Witches and Pagans}
^{2001: The Complete Dictionary of European Gods and Goddesses}
^{With Virginia Russell}
^{1999: The Magical History of the Hors}^{With Gavin Bone}
^{2004: Progressive Witchcraft: Spirituality, Mysteries, and Training in Modern Wicca}

Scott Cunningham: Scott Douglas Cunningham (June 27, 1956 – March 28, 1993) was a U.S. writer. Cunningham is the author of several books on Wicca and various other alternative religious subjects.Books

Cover of Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, Cunningham's most successful book

1980 - Shadow of Love (fiction)
1982 - Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise (ISBN 0-87542-120-2)
1983 - Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic (ISBN 0-87542-121-0)
1985 - Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (ISBN 0-87542-122-9)
1987 - The Magical Household: Spells and Rituals for the Home (with David Harrington) (ISBN 0-87542-124-5)
1987 - Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem, and Metal Magic (ISBN 0-87542-126-1)
1988 - The Truth About Witchcraft Today (ISBN 0-87542-127-X)
1988 - Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (ISBN 0-87542-118-0)
1989 - The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews (ISBN 0-87542-128-8)
1989 - Magical Aromatherapy: The Power of Scent (ISBN 0-87542-129-6)
1991 - Earth, Air, Fire, and Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic (ISBN 0-87542-131-8)
1991 - The Magic in Food (ISBN 0-87542-130-X)
1993 - Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen (ISBN 0-7387-0226-9)
1993 - Divination For Beginners (ISBN 0-7387-0384-2)
1993 - Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner (ISBN 0-87542-184-9)
1993 - Spell Crafts: Creating Magical Objects (with David Harrington) (ISBN 0-87542-185-7)
1993 - The Truth About Herb Magic (ISBN 0-87542-132-6)
1994 - The Truth About Witchcraft (ISBN 0-87542-357-4)
1995 - Hawaiian Magic and Spirituality (ISBN 1-56718-199-6)
1997 - Pocket Guide to Fortune Telling (ISBN 0-89594-875-3)
1999 - Dreaming the Divine: Techniques for Sacred Sleep (ISBN 1-56718-192-9)
2009 - Cunningham's Book of Shadows: The Path of An American Traditionalist (ISBN 0-73871-914-5) – A rediscovered manuscript written by Cunningham in the late 1970s or

Starhawk:

Starhawk's Web of Earth-Based Spirituality, Activism, and ...

www.starhawk.org/

Starhawk (born Miriam Simos on June 17, 1951) is an American writer and activist.^[1] She is well known as a theorist of Paganism, and is one of the foremost popular voices of ecofeminism. She is a columnist for Beliefnet.com and for On Faith, the Newsweek/Washington Post online forum on religion. Starhawk's book The Spiral Dance (1979) was one of the main inspirations behind the Neopagan movement. In 2012, she was listed in Watkins' Mind Body Spirit magazine as one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People.^[2]Non-fiction

^{The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess}^{(1979, 1989, 1999)}
^{Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, and Politics}^{(1982, 1988, 1997)}
^{Truth or Dare (1988)}
^{Webs of Power: Notes from the Global Uprising (2003)}
^{The Earth Path (2004)}
^{The Empowerment Manual: A Guide for Collaborative Groups (2011)}

^{As co-author}

^With^{M. Macha Nightmare}^{and the}^{Reclaiming Collective}^{: The Pagan Book of Living and Dying] (1997)}
^With^{Anne Hill}^and^{Diane Baker}^{: Circle Round: Raising Children in the Goddess Tradition (1998)}
^{With Hilary Valentine: The Twelve Wild Swans: A Journey Into Magic, Healing and Action (2000)}

^Fiction

^{The Fifth Sacred Thing}⁽¹⁹⁹³⁾
^{Walking to Mercury (1997)}
^{The Last Wild Witch (2009)}

^{Other media}

^{Starhawk has contributed to films:}

^{Signs Out of Time: The Story of Archaeologist}^{Marija Gimbutas}
^{Goddess Remembered}
^{The Burning Times}
^{Full Circle}
^{United Natures (2013) directed by Peter Charles Downey}

^{She participated in the}^Reclaiming^{CDs Chants: Ritual Music, and recorded the guided meditation Way to the Well.}
^{On YouTube Starhawk speaks on spirituality and activism at}^UUA^{. She also wrote the call-to-action for the women's peace organization Code Pink}
Silver Ravenwolf: Silver RavenWolf (born September 11, 1956), born Jenine E. Trayer, is an American New Age author and lecturer who focuses on Neowicca
Non-FictionSilver RavenWolf (Pennsylvania) is a nationally recognized leader and elder of Wicca, and through her writing has been instrumental in guiding the future of one of the fastest-growing faiths in America today. The author of seventeen books, she has been interviewed by The New York Times, Newsweek Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal, and her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Bust Magazine, the Baltimore Sun, the St. Petersburg Times, the National Review, Publishers Weekly, Body & Soul Magazine, and Teen Lit Magazine.
Her many titles include the bestselling Solitary Witch, Teen Witch, To Ride A Silver Broomstick, To Stir A Magick Cauldron, To Light A Sacred Flame, American Folk Magick, Angels: Companions in Magick, Silver’s Spells for Prosperity, Silver's Spells for Protection, Silver's Spells for Love, Halloween, and the Witches’ Night Out teen fiction series. Her new book Hedge Witch is forthcoming from Llewellyn in September 2008.American Folk Magick: Charms, Spells & Herbals (1999) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-720-X, ISBN 978-1-56718-720-5

Angels: Companions in Magick (2002) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-724-2, ISBN 978-1-56718-724-3
Halloween: Spells, Recipes & Customs (1999) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-719-6, ISBN 978-1-56718-719-9
HedgeWitch: Spells, Crafts & Rituals For Natural Magick (2008) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 0-7387-1423-2, ISBN 978-0-7387-1423-3
Hex Craft: Dutch Country Pow-wow Magick (1997) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-723-4, ISBN 978-1-56718-723-6
Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton (introduction by Silver Ravenwolf) (2002) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-485-5, ISBN 978-1-56718-485-3
Mindlight: Secrets of Energy, Magick & Manifestation (2006) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 0-7387-0985-9, ISBN 978-0-7387-0985-7
Silver's Spells for Abundance (2004) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 0-7387-0525-X, ISBN 978-0-7387-0525-5
Silver's Spells for Love (2001) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-552-5, ISBN 978-1-56718-552-2
Silver's Spells for Protection (2000) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-729-3, ISBN 978-1-56718-729-8
TeenWitch!: Wicca for a New Generation (2003) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-725-0, ISBN 978-1-56718-725-0
To Light a Sacred Flame: Practical Witchcraft for the Millennium (2002) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-721-8, ISBN 978-1-56718-721-2
To Ride a Silver Broomstick: New Generation Witchcraft (2002) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 0-87542-791-X, ISBN 978-0-87542-791-1
To Stir a Magick Cauldron: A Witch's Guide to Casting and Conjuring (2005) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-424-3, ISBN 978-1-56718-424-2
Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation (2003) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 0-7387-0319-2, ISBN 978-0-7387-0319-0
Witches Runes: Insights from the Old European Magickal Traditions (Cards) (with Nigel Jackson) (2002) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-553-3, ISBN 978-1-56718-553-9
A Witch's Notebook: Lessons in Witchcraft (2005) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 0-7387-0662-0, ISBN 978-0-7387-0662-7

Fiction

Beneath a Mountain Moon (1995) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-722-6, ISBN 978-1-56718-722-9
Murder at Witches' Bluff: A Novel of Suspense and Magick (2000) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-727-7, ISBN 978-1-56718-727-4

Witches' Chillers series:

Witches' Night Out (2000) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-728-5, ISBN 978-1-56718-728-1
Witches' Night of Fear (2001) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 1-56718-718-8, ISBN 978-1-56718-718-2
Witches' Key to Terror (2001) Llewellyn Publications ISBN 0-7387-0049-5, ISBN 978-0-7387-0049-6

http://silverravenwolf.wordpress.com/

Laurie Cabot and the Cabot Tradition.Laurie Cabot is an American Witchcraft high priestess, and was one of the first people to popularize Witchcraft in the United States. She is the author of such books as The Power of the Witch, The Witch in Every Woman, Celebrate the Earth, while also founding the Cabot Tradition of the Science of Witchcraft and the Witches' League for Public Awareness to defend the civil rights of Witches everywhere. In the 1970s, Cabot was declared the "official Witch of Salem, Massachusetts", by then-Governor Michael Dukakis, to honor her work with special needs children.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurie-Cabot-and-the-Cabot-Kent-Hermetic-Temple/290687978961www.lauriecabot.com

traditions of wicca

Dianic Wicca *The Dianic Craft includes two distinct branches: *1. One branch, founded in Texas by Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts, gives primacy to the Goddess in its theology, but honors the Horned God as Her Beloved Consort. Covens are mixed, including both women and men. This branch is sometimes called 'Old Dianic', and there are still covens of this tradition, especially in Texas. Other covens, similar in teleology but not directly descended from the McFarland/Roberts line, are sprinkled around the country. *2. The other branch, sometimes called Feminist Dianic Witchcraft, focus exclusively on the Goddess and consists of women-only covens and groups. These tend to be loosely structured and non-hierarchical, using consensus- decision- making and simple, creative, experimental ritual. They are politically feminist groups, usually very supportive, personal and emotionally intimate. There is a strong lesbian presence in the movement, though most covens are open to women of all orientations. The major network is Re-Formed Congregation of the Goddess, which publishes "Of a Like Mind" newspaper and sponsors conferences on Dianic Craft. [* Amber K]

Celtic Wicca (Church of Wicca) The Church of Wicca was founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost. They offer correspondence courses in their brand of Wicca, which is sometimes called Celtic Wicca. The Church of Wicca has just recently begun including a Goddess in their deity structure, and has been very patrofocal as Wiccan traditions go. The Church of Wicca terms itself "Baptist Wicca" *The Frosts call their tradition of Wicca Celtic. To me it seems more of a mixture of high magic and eclectic Wicca, with a smattering of Celtic thrown in. For instance, they use three circles, one within the others, made of salt, sulphur and herbs with runes and symbols between them instead of just one circle. They also insist on a white- handled athame and will not have a black handled one, whereas all the other traditions I have heard or read about use a black handled one. It seems to me the Wicca they practice and teach should not be called Celtic at all; but since a lot of it is made up or put together by them from other traditions they should also give it a made-up name; say Frostism. If you DON'T have to pay for the course, and have some extra time, it would probably be worth reading just for comparison. [*From Circe, who took their correspondence course.] The Frosts have always been rather more public than most traditions (advertising their course in the Enquirer and similar publications) which has earned them heavy criticism in less public Craft groups.

Georgian Wicca If one word could best describe the Georgean Tradition, it would be 'eclectic. Even though the material provided to students was nominally Alexandrian, there was never any imperative to follow that path blindly. George Patterson (the tradition's founder) always said 'If it works use it, if it doesn't, don't'. The newsletter was always full of contributions from people of many traditions. I've always felt Pat's intent was to provide jumping off points for students and members. So even though I can claim initiation into more than one tradition, I'll always consider myself 'Georgian first: George is greatly missed, may the God-dess watch over him. Bright Blessings, Lord Fafner.

Discordianism (Erisian) *The Discordian or Erisian movement is described as a 'Non- Prophet Irreligious Disorganization and has claimed 'The Erisian revelation is not a complicated put-on disguised as a new religion, but a new religion disguised as a complicated put-on. " It all started with the *'Principia Discordia, or How I Found the Goddess and What I Did to Her When I Found Her'*, a collection of articles and ideas compiled by Greg Hill (Malaclypse the Young-er). The central theme is 'Chaos is every bit as important as Order' as illustrated in the story of The curse of Greyface: *Humor is central to Discordianism, but Discordianism should not be dismissed as a joke. Profound experiences frequently accompany the practice or Erisinaism. It is a perceptual game, one which demonstrates that the absurd is just as valid as the mundane and chaos is just as valid as order. It frees the practitioner from the order games (that most have forgotten are games) to play games with order or games with chaos, or both. The effects of Discordianism upon an individual can be far reaching and amazingly liberating. [Although a great many immature individuals have played at Discordianism and thereby side stepped any chance of spiritual growth whatsoever
Grey Cat *wryly*]

Lady Sheba - 1974.

Drawing Down the Moon

All ye assembled at mine shrine, Mother Darksome and Divine.

Mine the Scourge and mine the Kiss, Here I charge you in this sign.

All you assembled in my sight, Bow before my spirit bright.

Aphrodite, Arianhod, Lover of the Horned God.

Mighty Queen of Witchery and night,

Morgan, Erione, Nisene, Diana, Bridgid, Melusine,

Am I named of old by men, Artemis and Cerridwen,

Hell's dark mistress, Heaven's Queen.

Ye who ask of me a rune, Or would ask of me a boon,

Meet me in some secret glade, Dancing round in greenwood shade.

By the light of the Full Moon.

In a place wild and lone, Dance about mine altar stone,

Work my holy mystery, Ye who are feign to sorcery.

I bring ye secrets yet unknown.

No more shall ye know slavery, who give true worship unto me.

Ye who tread my round on Sabbat night,

come ye naked to my rite, in token that ye be really free.

I teach ye the mystery of rebirth, work ye my mysteries in mirth.

Heart joined to heart and lip to lip,

five are the points of fellowship,

that bring ye ecstasy on earth,

for I am the circle of rebirth.

I ask no sacrifice, but do vow,

no other Law but love I know,

By naught but love may I be known.

All things living are mine own,

from me they come, to me they go.

I invoke Thee and call upon Thee Mighty Mothers of us all.

Bringer of Fruitfulness by seed and by root.

I invoke Thee by stem and bud.

I invoke Thee by life and love

and call upon Thee to descend into the body

of this Thy Priestess and Servant.

Hear with her ears, speak with her tongue,

touch with her hands, kiss with her lips,

that thy servants may be fulfilled.

Lady Sheba - 1974.

The Grimoire of Lady Sheba

The Charge Of The Goddess

Written by Doreen Valiente

Whenever ye have need of anything,

once in the month and better it be when the moon is full,

then shall ye assemble in some secret place,

and adore the spirit of me,

who am Queen of all witches.

There shall ye assemble,

ye who are fain to learn all sorcery,

yet have not won its deepest secrets;

to these will I teach all things that are as yet unknown.

And ye shall be free from slavery;

and as a sign that ye be truly free,

you shall be naked in your rites;

and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love,

all in my praise.

For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit,

and mine also is joy on earth;

for my law is love unto all beings.

Keep pure your highest ideals;

strive ever towards them,

let nothing stop you or turn you aside.

For mine is the secret door which

opens upon the Land of Youth,

and mine is the cup of the wine of life,

and the Cauldron of Cerridwen,

which is the Holy Vessel of Immortality.

I am the gracious Goddess,

who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man.

Upon earth,

I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal;

and beyond death,

I give peace, and freedom,

and reunion with those who have gone before.

Nor do I demand sacrifice;

for behold, I am the Mother of all living,

and my love is poured out upon the Earth.

I am the beauty of the green earth,

and the white moon among the stars,

and the mystery of the waters,

and the desire of the heart of man.

Call unto thy soul, arise, and come unto me.

For I am the soul of Nature,

who gives life to the Universe.

From me all things proceed,

and unto me all things must return;

and before my face, beloved of gods and of men,

let thine innermost divine self be enfolded,

in the rapture of the infinite.

Let my worship be within the heart that rejoicest,

for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals.

Therefore, let there be beauty and strength,

power and compassion, honor and humility,

mirth and reverence within you.

And thou who thinketh to seek for me,

know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not,

unless thou knoweth the mystery;

that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee,

thou wilt never find it without thee.

For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning;

and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.

famous wiccans

Gerald Gardner: Gerald Gardner is considered by many to be the father of modern Wicca and is
responsible for founding the Gardnerian Tradition. Anyone remotely
interested in Witchcraft or Wicca should educate themselves, even to a small degree, about his life and teachings. Gerald Gardner may refer to: Gerald Gardner (Wiccan) (1884–1964), English Wiccan and author; www.geraldgardner.com High Magic's Aid (1949). This is a novel which is set in Medieval England, based very closely on Margaret Murray's works and the magical system described in The Key of Solomon. Gardner sold copies of this book at his Witchcraft Museum on the Isle of Man. The fictional setting was necessitated by the harsh laws against witchcraft which were still on the books as of 1949, and (reputedly) secrecy requirements placed on him by the traditionalist coven which he had joined. Although High Magic's Aid may not quite succeed as a historical novel, it is quite readble and is a significant document in the evolution of modern Wicca.
Witchcraft Today (1951) and the Meaning of Witchcraft (1959) (Note: these books are currently out of print, but should be obtainable on the used book market). These books are non-fictional, popularized recitations of Gardners' evolving views on Wicca. After the repeal of the witchcraft laws in England in 1951, Gardner finally convinced his traditionalist coven to allow him to publish some of the details of their previously secret beliefs and practices. Or so the story goes; in any case, these are transitional books in which Gardner is weaving together the various strands of modern Wicca. These books created a sensation and Gardner became what amounted to the first Wiccan media star.

Alex Sanders: Alexander Sanders is credited with founding the Alexandrian Tradition of
Wicca.Alex Sanders (6 June 1926 – 30 April 1988), born Orrell Alexander Carter, was an English occultist and High Priest in the Pagan religion of Wicca, ritual cycle deals mostly with the division of the year between the Holly King and the Oak King and several ritual dramas deal with the dying/resurrected God theme. As with Gardnerians, the High Priestess is supposedly the highest authority. However, it is odd that the primary spokespersons for both traditions have been men. [*This material provided by Gillan]
Alexandrian Wicca is the creation of Alex Sanders (with his then wife Maxine) who claimed to have been initiated by his grandmother in 1933. It's principal proponents are Janet and Stewart Fararr whose books set forth most, if not all, of the Alexandrian tradition. Contrary to popular belief, the name Alexandrian refers not to Alex Sanders, but to Ancient Alexandria. Although similar to Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca tends to be more eclectic, and liberal. Some of Gardnerisms strict rules, such as the requirement of ritual nudity, have been made optional by Alexandrian Wicca. Mary Nesnick, an American initiate in Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions founded a 'new' tradition called Algard. This tradition brings together both Gardnerian and Alexandrian teachings under a single banner. This was possible due to the great similarities between the two traditions.

Doreen Valiente: the author of the Wiccan Rede? It is sometimes said that
the "Wiccan Rede" was written by Valiente during her time with Gardner.
Actually, the origins of the Wiccan Rede are a little fuzzy. A version of it
was published in Green Egg magazine in 1975 by Lady Gwynne, and this appears
to be the first time the poem was seen in print. It's possible that Valiente
may have referred to the Wiccan Rede at some point, leading people to think
she had actually written it. Doreen Valiente:Author of the Famed Wiccan Rede
Doreen Edith Dominy Valiente (4 January 1922 – 1 September 1999), who also went under the craft name Ameth,^[1] was an influential English Wiccan who was involved in a number of different early traditions, including Gardnerianism, Cochrane's Craft and the Coven of Atho. Responsible for writing much of the early Gardnerian religious liturgy, in later years she also helped to play a big part in bringing the Neopagan religion of Wicca to wider public attention through the publication of a string of books on the subject.

1962: Where Witchcraft Lives

1973: An ABC of Witchcraft

1975: Natural Magic

1978: Witchcraft for Tomorrow

1989: The Rebirth of Witchcraft

2000: Charge of the Goddess, a collection of poems, published posthumously

Valiente also edited and wrote the introduction to the 1990 book, Witchcraft: A Tradition Renewed by Evan John Jones, which was about forms of Witchcraft other than the Gardnerian and Alexandrian traditions, such as Cochrane's Craft. doreenvaliente.org
- Ray Buckland is credited with being the person responsible for introducing Gardnerian Wicca to the United States in 1964. He later began the Seax Wica Tradition.

www.raybuckland.com Official web site of Raymond Buckland, author of over forty books on many different aspects of New Age/occult subjects including Wicca, Gypsies, Spiritualism
Stewart and Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone

A Pocket Guide to the Supernatural. Ace Books, NY. 1969, 1975.

Practical Candleburning Rituals. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1970, 1976, 1982, 200.

Witchcraft Ancient and Modern. House of Collectibles, NY. 1970.

Witchcraft From the Inside: Origins of the Fastest Growing Religious Movement in America. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1971, 1975, 1995.

pseudonym Tony Earll (1970, 1972). MU Revealed. Warner Paperback Library, NY.

with Hereward Carrington (1975). Amazing Secrets of the Psychic World. Parker/Prentice Hall, NJ.

The Tree: Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft. Samuel Weiser (Red Wheel/Weiser), ME. 1974, 1978, 2005.

Here is the Occult. House of Collectibles, NY. 1974, 2009.

The Anatomy of the Occult. Samuel Weiser, ME. 1977.

The Magick of Chant-O-Matics. Parker/Prentice Hall, NJ. 1978, 1980.

Practical Color Magick. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1983.

Color Magick: Unleash Your Inner Powers. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 2002.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1986, 2002.

Secrets of Gypsy Fortune Telling. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1988.

Secrets of Gypsy Love Magick. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1990.

Secrets of Gypsy Dream Reading. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1990.

Scottish Witchcraft: The History and Magick of the Picts. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1991.

with Kathleen Binger (1992). The Book of African Divination. Inner Traditions, VT.

Doors to Other Worlds. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1993.

The Truth About Spirit Communication. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1995.

The Committee (novel). Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1993.

Cardinal's Sin: Psychic Defenders Uncover Evil in the Vatican (novel). Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1996.

Ray Buckland's Magic Cauldron. Galde Press, MN. 1995.

Advanced Candle Magick: More Spells and Rituals for Every Purpose. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1996.

Witchcraft: Yesterday and Today (video). Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1990.

Gypsy Witchcraft & Magic. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1998.

Gypsy Dream Dictionary. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 1999.

Coin Divination. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 2000.

The Buckland Romani Tarot. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 2001.

Wicca for Life. Citadel, NY. 2001.

The Witch Book: The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Wicca, and Neo-paganism. Visible Ink Press, NY. 2001.

The Fortune-Telling Book. Visible Ink Press, NY. 2003.

Signs, Symbols & Omens: An Illustrated Guide to Magical & Spiritual Symbolism. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 2003.

Cards of Alchemy. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 2003.

Wicca For One. Citadel, NY. 2004.

Buckland's Book of Spirit Communications. Llewellyn Publications, MN. 2004.

The Spirit Book: The Encyclopedia of Clairvoyance, Channeling, and Spirit Communication. Visible Ink Press, NY. 2005.

Mediumship and Spirit Communication. Buckland Books. 2005.

Face to Face with God?. Buckland Books. 2006.

Ouija - "Yes! Yes!". Doorway Publications. 2006.

Death, Where is Thy Sting?. Buckland Books. 2006.

Dragons, Shamans & Spiritualists. Buckland Books. 2007.

Buckland's Doorway to Candle Magic. Buckland Books. 2007.

the Torque of Kernow (novel). Galde Press/Buckland Books. 2008.

The Weiser's Field Guide to Ghosts. Red Wheel/Weiser. 2009.

Buckland's Book of Gypsy Magic. Red Wheel/Weiser. 2010.

books

Serith, Ceisiwr: A Book of Pagan Prayer

There is nothing else on the market like Ceisiwr Serith's A Book of Pagan Prayer. Despite the fact that some view prayer as a Christian concept, many Pagans do pray. This unique book features hundreds of prayers written to meet the needs of Pagans from a wide range of traditions. There are prayers for life events, such as handfastings, births, and deaths; for times of the year such as the harvest and midsummer, as well as petitions and litanies offered to different gods. Serith also covers the theories behind prayer -- how and why we do it, as well as tips on creating your own, personal prayers. Chances are that once you've started using this book, it will stay near your altar for years to come.

Starhawk: The Spiral Dance

While The Spiral Dance is one of the best-known books on Wicca, it's also one of the most spiritually profound. Written by noted activist Starhawk, The Spiral Dance leads us on a journey through the spirituality of feminine consciousness. Sections on raising the cone of power, trance magic, and magical symbolism make it worth reading. Bear in mind that the original edition of this book was published twenty years ago, and Starhawk herself has said she's reconsidered some of the things she said the first time around -- particularly in reference to the polarity of the male/female. Despite some of the eco-feminist complaints about Starhawk, this book is powerful because it's one of the first of its kind, portraying Woman as Goddess.

Valiente, Doreen: Witchcraft for Tomorrow

If Gerald Gardner is the great-grandfather of modern Wicca, Doreen Valiente is the wise granny who offers wisdom and counsel. A contemporary of Gardner's, she is credited with the beautiful, evocative Charge of the Goddess, and may well have been responsible for much of Gardner's original Book of Shadows. Valiente spends a good amount of the book discussing the historical contexts of a number of rituals and practices in use today, but also takes care to acknowledge that practices and beliefs change even if the intent remains constant, and she points out ancient sources that may or may not be the root of contemporary ideals. Though it helps to have some knowledge of British Traditional Wicca beforehand, this book is a must-read for anyone.

books on wicca

Adler, Margot: Drawing Down the MoonMargot Adler, author of the always-enlightening Drawing Down the Moon, appeared on Nevada's KNPR talking about how modern Paganism and Wicca have spread. You can listen to the podcast by clicking here and scrolling past the bit on Super Staph Infections. Also appearing in the program was history professor Candace Kant, discussing the mainstreaming of Paganism and Wicca. Definitely worth listening to if you've got a few minutes to spare
Buckland, Raymond: Complete Book of Witchcraft

Cunningham, Scott: Wicca - A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner

The late Scott Cunningham wrote a number of books before his untimely death, but Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
Curott, Phyllis: Witch Crafting
Eilers, Dana: Pagans and the Law - Understand Your Rights
Farrar, Janet & Stewart: The Witches' Bible

Gardner, Gerald: Witchcraft Today

Image public domain

Gerald Gardner is the founder of modern Wicca as we know it, and of course of the Gardnerian tradition. His book Witchcraft Today is a worthy read, however, for seekers on any Pagan path. He discusses paganism in Europe, as well as the so-called "witch cult", and goes on to demonstrate how many of history's notable names are connected, one way or another, to what we know today as witchcraft. Although some of the statements in Witchcraft Today should be taken with a grain of salt -- after all, Gardner was a folklorist and that shines through in his writing -- it's still one of the foundations that contemporary Wicca is based on. For its historical value, few things beat this book.

Hutton, Ronald: Triumph of the Moon

Triumph of the Moon is a book about Pagans by a non-Pagan, and Hutton, a highly respected professor, does an excellent job. This book looks at the emergence of contemporary Pagan religions, and how they not only evolved from the Pagan societies of the past, but also owe heavily to 19th-century poets and scholars. In fact, Hutton points out that a good deal of what we consider "ancient" Pagan practice can be attributed to the novelists and romantics of the late Edwardian and early Victorian era. Despite his status as a scholar, Hutton's breezy wit makes this a refreshing read, and you'll learn far more than you ever expected to about today's Pagan religions.

View, share, and get reminders for Wheel of the Year events: WotYCal

Morrison, Dorothy: The Craft - A Witch's Book of Shadows

Russell, Jeffrey: A History of Witchcraft

Historian Jeffrey Russell presents an analysis of witchcraft in an historical context, from the early days of Medieval Europe, through the witch craze of the Renaissance, and up into modern times. Russell doesn't bother trying to fluff up the history to make it more palatable to today's Wiccans, and takes a look at three different kinds of witchcraft -- sorcery, diabolical witchcraft, and modern witchcraft. A noted religious historian, Russell manages to make an entertaining yet informative read, as well as accepting that witchcraft in and of itself can in fact be a religion.

BASIC RITUAL OUTLINE

Cleansing the Area.

Preparing the Altar.(nothing too elaborate, just a few of your favorite tools). Lighting the candles.

Casting the circle.

Welcoming the elements.

Welcoming the Deities.

Stating the Purpose of the ritual.

Magickal workings or devotions.

Raising the Energy. Releasing the Energy.

Grounding.

Thanking the Deities.

Thanking the elements.

Closing(or sometimes called opening) the circle.

Eating snacks!

The Wiccan Rede (Long form)

The Wiccan Rede (Long form)
(also known as The Rede of the Wiccae and the Witches' Creed)
Generally credited to Doreen Valiente

Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destinys pathway, That now we bring forth in the light.

Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air,
By hidden Quintessence we know Them, and we will keep silent and dare.

The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring,
We share with the life Universal, rejoice in the Magical Ring

Four times in the year the Great Sabbat, returns, and the Witches are seen,
At Lammas and Candelas dancing, on May Eve and old Halloween

When daytime and nighttime are equal, when sun is at greatest and least,
The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, again Witches gather in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Covens array,
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, for each golden year and a day.

The power has passed down the ages, each time between woman and man
Each century unto the other, ere times and the ages began.

When drawn is the Magickal circle, by sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies, in the land of shades of that hour.

Our world has no right to know it, and the world beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the great work of Magic is wrought.

For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of Nature, the forms and the forces divine.

And do what thou wilt be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment, By Magick of old be it done.

Eight words the Witches Rede fulfill:
If it Harms none, Do what Thou Will!

info

samantha
Magickal Path: wiccan
Age Group: Adult
Occupation: writer
Gender: Female
Relationship Status: Long-term Relationship
Sexual Orientation: Bi-Sexual
Located in: surrey, British Columbia

Likes: reading, newletter writing, psychology and wicca or earth spiritually

Dislikes: people who think that you are welfare and mental health problems that you don't belong as a person in community.

samantha's Profile...

Yoga
• beading
• cermics
• art
• writing and music
Favorite Movies
• Good Will Hunting
• Into the Wild and the Golden Compass
• Lord of the rings 1
• 2
• &3
Favorite Music
• Shane Philip{Earth shake}
• world wiccan and tribal
Favorite Books
• Anything Fanasty
• witches Will of the Empress
• The Challenging and Fansty Anthology
I believe in the Creator
Of all that is and will beI take refuge, in the Earth
And in all that there isI also take refuge in Nature
And all the creations of the Great MotherNature spirits, elementals attend me
Love of thy mother of the Universe
Embrace me
Love of thy Father of the Universe
Embrace me Embrace me
with a circle of love
Embrace me with a circle of magic
And Bless me to do all that is right and Good
I am in your Service

Chants

Mother
Our Mother,
Gaia, Who art thou Heaven
Hallowed be thy name, The goddess
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done on earth
As above, so shall it be below
Guide our hearts with wisdom and jo
yFor you are the Universe, the Earth and Heavens, forever.Bless this ritual and this sacred space with the three best possible fates.
Energy Matter and Meaning ( Chant around the circle)

God and Goddess,
Lord and Lady, Light and Dark
You who die and are reborn. You are the eternal divinity.You are the all encompassing force.
We thank you for the power that you bring.
Life and death comes and goes, But there is Balance in all things. Let us dance in your hands. Remain among us if you will. Leave us if you must. Hail and Farewell.

Chant 2 (protection, circle use) Before me Fire
Behind me Water
Under me Earth
Over me Air
Around me Spirit

.
With earth before me, life is before me
With Magick behind me, beauty behind me.
With Air and wind above me, the message is sent to the heavens
With fire below me, the power burns bright.
With water within me, The circle is whole
With spirit around me, the circle is cast.