The Modern Witchcraft Grimoire Read online

  Direct your pentagram by saying something as simple as “I now consecrate this pentagram to do the work of the Goddess and God, and charge it to assist me in my magickal work, in harmony with Divine Will, my own true will, and for the good of all concerned.” Or write a more elegant and personal incantation. If you wish, invite a favorite deity to join you in performing the ritual.

  After you’ve finished the ritual and opened the circle, write in your grimoire what you did to consecrate and charge your pentagram. How did you infuse it with your energy? Did a god or goddess participate? If you anointed your pentagram with an essential oil, you may want to dab a bit on the page where you describe your ritual. If you uttered a magickal charge, write it here too. Describe how you felt during the process. What did you sense, see, intuit, or otherwise experience?

  THE ATHAME

  The origins of the word “athame” have been lost to history. Some people speculate that it may have come from Arthana, a term for a knife mentioned in the early grimoire The Clavicule of Solomon. This ritual dagger is usually a double-edged knife about four to six inches long, although some Wiccans prefer crescent-shaped athames that represent the moon. It needn’t be sharp because you’re unlikely to cut anything physical with your athame, except perhaps to inscribe symbols on candles. One of its main purposes is to symbolically remove negative energies. You can also use it to slice through obstacles and sever bonds, again symbolically. If you wish, you can cast a circle with an athame instead of a wand—and if someone needs to leave a circle during a ritual, you can “cut” a doorway with your athame to allow passage.

  Choosing or Creating Your Athame

  Unless you have smithing and carpentry skills you’ll probably acquire a readymade athame. Tradition says you should procure your athame yourself, and it should never be used by anyone else. However, if you feel drawn to purchase a vintage dagger for your magick work, make sure it hasn’t drawn blood in the past. Some magicians believe that an athame used to physically harm another will never again be functional in magick work, although in ancient times witches often “fed” special ritual knives with blood. Before you use any tool for magick work, you must cleanse it of all energies other than your own.

  Like the wand, the phallic-shaped athame represents the masculine force. It corresponds to the element of air too, so you could decorate its handle with symbols such as those for the zodiac signs Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius or the elemental symbol for air (an upward-pointing triangle with a horizontal line through the center). To personalize it, you may want to:

  Engrave your Craft name on the handle.

  Add runes, sigils, or other images and words that hold meaning for you.

  Decorate it with gemstones that relate to the air element: clear quartz, aquamarine, garnet, or zircon.

  Tie yellow ribbons––the color associated with the air element––to its handle.

  Fasten feathers to its handle.

  In your grimoire, describe how you acquired your athame. How do you plan to work with it? How did you personalize it? How did you decorate it? What signs or symbols did you choose (if any) and why? What did you experience during the process?

  Consecrating and Charging Your Athame

  Before you begin working with your athame, purify it to disperse all unwanted energies. Wash it first with mild soap and warm water, then dry it. Next, hold it in the smoke of burning incense. You can design a complex ritual for consecrating and charging your athame or keep it simple. Call upon deities or spirits to assist you, if you like. Compose a special incantation or affirmation to direct it for your purposes. If you decide to anoint your athame with essential oil, select one that corresponds to the element of air, such as carnation, clove, or ginger.

  After you’ve completed your ritual, write in your grimoire what you did to consecrate and charge your athame. Did a god or goddess participate in the ritual? If you anointed your athame with an essential oil, you may want to dab a bit on the page where you describe your ritual. If you uttered a magickal charge, write it down too. Describe how you felt during the process. What did you sense, see, intuit, or otherwise experience?

  THE CHALICE

  What’s the most famous chalice of all? The Holy Grail, of course. Many people believe it now lies submerged in the sacred Chalice Well in Glastonbury, England. In rituals and rites, witches often drink a ceremonial beverage from a chalice. That’s why many chalices feature long stems—so they can be passed easily from hand to hand. Sharing the cup with coven members signifies connectedness and unity of purpose. You may choose to drink magick potions you’ve concocted from your chalice too, as we discussed earlier.

  Choosing or Creating Your Chalice

  A symbol of the feminine force, the chalice’s shape clearly suggests the womb. Therefore silver, because it’s ruled by the moon, is a good material for your magick chalice. Some people prefer crystal, blue or indigo glass, or ceramic chalices, however—the choice is entirely yours. A quick online search will turn up pictures of many fabulous chalices, some dating back more than a thousand years. The chalice also symbolizes the water element, and water is linked with the emotions, intuition, imagination, and dreams. Therefore, you could think of your chalice as the cradle of the emotions, as well as a vessel that holds and nourishes your hopes and dreams.

  To personalize your chalice, you may wish to mark it with symbols of the water element, such as those for the astrological signs Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces, or the elemental glyph for water (a downward-pointing triangle). Or, decorate it with “watery” gems such as moonstones, pearls, or sapphires. Perhaps you’d like to paint your chalice to resemble a flower, such as the blue-and-orange crocus favored by members of The Golden Dawn (be sure to use lead-free paint).

  Within the pages of your book of shadows, describe how you selected your chalice and how you plan to work with it. Did you do anything to personalize it? What did you experience during the process? Note anything you consider relevant.

  Consecrating and Charging Your Chalice

  Wash your chalice in warm water with mild soap (or vinegar and water) before using it for magick work. This removes both dust and unwanted ambient energies that could interfere with your intentions.

  The ritual you design to consecrate and charge your chalice may be complex or simple—whatever works for you. A brief blessing may be all you need, but if you feel drawn to plunge your chalice into a sacred well for a lunar month, go for it. Alternately, you could sprinkle it with “holy” water from a spring, sea, or lake that is special to you. Maybe you’d like to invite a particular deity, such as Oshun, Mami Wata, or Poseidon, to join in your ceremony. Chant, sing, or recite a special incantation to dedicate your chalice to the Goddess and to your magickal work. If you decide to anoint your chalice with an essential oil, select one that corresponds to the element of water such as jasmine or ylang-ylang. Make sure the oil you use has no toxic properties.

  After you’ve completed your ritual, write in your grimoire what you did to consecrate and charge your chalice. Did a god or goddess participate in the ritual? If you anointed your chalice with an essential oil, you may want to dab a bit on the page where you describe your ritual. If you uttered a magickal charge, write it here too. Describe how you felt during the process. What did you sense, see, intuit, or otherwise experience?

  OTHER TOOLS FOR MAGICKAL WORK

  Although the four tools we’ve already discussed serve as the primary implements of the Craft, you may decide that you’d like to add other items to your collection. If you’re new to the Craft, I suggest you start slow and assess your needs, your intentions, and your practice before you go on a magickal shopping spree. Some tools, such as candles, are inexpensive and readily available. Others, such as crystal balls, are not only costly but bring powerful energies into your environment and you must be willing to assume responsibility for them.

  Here’s a short list of some favorite witchy tools you may want to work with:

  Cauldron—great for b
rewing magickal concoctions, cooking celebratory meals, and containing small ritual fires

  Sword—use it for circle-casting, to slice through obstacles (symbolically), or in banishing work

  Bell—marks the steps in a ritual or meditation, and may summon a deity or spirit

  Besom (broom)—sweeps unwanted energies from a sacred or ritual space

  Crystals—augment the power of spells, aid scrying and meditation, assist in healing, and much more

  Singing bowls—attune the chakras and attract harmonious cosmic energies for rituals, spellworking, and journeying

  Cords and ribbons—seal spells, bind unwanted entities, and hold energies for future use

  Scrying mirror or crystal ball—lets you gaze into areas beyond your normal range of vision

  Oracles (tarot cards, runes, pendulums, etc.)—predict the future, guide the present, and augment spells and rituals

  As you deepen yourself in magickal practice you may find that objects you once considered ordinary now have mystical uses. Treat the tools you bring into your practice as the sacred implements they are. Respect and care for them as you would dear friends, and they will serve you for a lifetime.

  No Worries Spell

  Worrying never makes things better—in fact, it can exacerbate a troublesome situation. Instead, take out your magick tools and chase those fearful thoughts away. Perform this spell at midnight, during the waning moon.

  TOOLS AND INGREDIENTS

  A dark blue candle

  A candleholder

  Matches or a lighter

  A hand drum or gong

  An athame

  A bell

  Cast a circle around the area where you will do your spell.

  Fit the candle in its holder, set it on your altar (or other surface where it can burn safely), and light it.

  Begin playing the drum or gong to break up negative thoughts and vibrations. Feel the sound resonating through you, stirring up your power and confidence. Play for as long as you like.

  When you feel ready, chant the following incantation aloud. If possible, shout it out—really assert yourself! “Doubt and fear

  Don’t come near.

  By the dawn

  Be you gone.

  By this sign [with your athame draw a pentagram in the air in front of you]

  And light divine

  Peace is mine.

  I am strong

  All day long.

  My worries flee

  Magickally.

  I ring this bell [ring the bell]

  To bind this spell,

  And all is well.”

  As you chant, envision your fears receding into the darkness, losing their strength. When you’re ready, extinguish the candle and open the circle.

  Chapter 16

  INGREDIENTS FOR SPELLS

  Today, few people use eye of newt and toe of frog in spells. Witches are more likely to choose everyday ingredients we can find in any supermarket or New Age store—or better yet, in the natural environment. Utilizing objects from nature is a wonderful way to enhance your connection with Mother Earth and to increase the power of your spells by adding the energies of plants, stones, and so on.

  Since ancient times, witches, shamans, sorcerers, and other magicians have looked to nature for spell materials. They used herbs and flowers to make healing potions, salves, poultices, and tonics. Gemstones and crystals provided protection, augmented personal powers, and attracted blessings. The natural world still provides a cornucopia of plants, minerals, and other treasures that you can incorporate into your own magickal workings.

  SYMPATHETIC MAGICK

  The basic philosophy of sympathetic magick is simple: like attracts like. This means that in spellwork, an item can serve as a representative or stand-in for another item that’s similar to it in some way. It also means that the similarities are not coincidental and that they signify a connection—physical, spiritual, energetic, or otherwise—between the two items. Ginseng root, for example, resembles the human body, a similarity that some healers believe contributes to ginseng’s medicinal properties. When you do spells, you can utilize associations between objects in order to make your spells more effective. In some instances, you may be aware of these connections; in other cases, the understanding happens at a subconscious level.

  Because similarities exist between items, you can often substitute one ingredient for another in a spell. As we’ve already discussed, the color pink corresponds to the energy of love. So if you’re doing a love spell, you could use a pink rose or a piece of rose quartz—both resonate with loving vibrations. The energy of the flower is quicker, the stone’s more enduring.

  CANDLES

  Early sun-worshipping civilizations considered fire the embodiment of the Divine on earth. The ancient Greek story of Prometheus illustrates this link. Prometheus, one of the race of Titans, stole the sacred fire from Zeus on Mount Olympus and brought it to humankind. For this act, Prometheus suffered horribly—but his gift enabled human beings to enjoy a better existence on earth. Today, witches still associate the sun with the God and the moon with the Goddess, and burn candles to express the power of the fire element.

  Candles are probably the most popular component in spells and rituals. The concept of illumination carries both a practical meaning—visible light that enables you to conduct your work—and an esoteric one—an inspiration or awakening that enlivens your spell’s energy and expands your understanding. Candles provide a focal point for your attention, helping you to still your mind, and their soft, flickering light creates an ambiance that shifts you out of your ordinary existence.

  Light in the Dark

  The term “candle” comes from candere, a Latin word meaning “to shine.” Candles represent hope, a light in the darkness, a beacon that shows the way to safety and comfort. Five thousand years ago, the Egyptians formed beeswax into candles similar to the ones we use today. Beeswax candles with reed wicks have been discovered in the tombs of Egyptian rulers, placed there, perhaps, to light their souls’ journey into the realm beyond.

  Spellworking with Candles

  When you consecrate a candle to a magickal purpose, you infuse it with your intention and thereby transform it from something mundane into something magickal. Lighting the candle links you to the Divine. The burning wick consuming the wax symbolizes the deities infusing the material world with their power, so that a desired outcome may manifest.

  Witches usually keep on hand a supply of candles in a range of colors. When you cast spells, it’s important to remember these color connections (refer to the table in Chapter 12). If you’re doing a love spell, for example, burn a red or pink candle that represents passion, affection, and the heart. Prosperity spells call for green, gold, or silver candles, the colors of money.

  Candles can enhance just about any spell. Many magick workers set candles on their altars: white, red, or gold to symbolize male/yang/god; black, blue, or silver to represent female/yin/goddess energies. Some formal rituals involve carefully placing candles in specific spots and moving them according to prescribed patterns, perhaps over a period of days or weeks.

  Candle Spell to Increase Your Influence

  Begin this spell during the waxing moon, preferably on a Sunday. It increases the light you shine into the world and simultaneously turns the “spotlight” on you.

  TOOLS AND INGREDIENTS

  A candle (in a candleholder) to represent you

  7 candles (in candleholders) each one a different color of the visible spectrum

  Matches or a lighter

  Set the candle that represents you on your altar.

  Arrange the other candles close together in a circle around “you.”

  Light all the candles and let them burn for several minutes—until your attention starts to wander—then snuff them out.

  The next day, move the 7 candles out a bit, expanding the circle on your altar and symbolically your circle of influence. Light all the candles and let them
burn for several minutes, then snuff them out.

  Repeat this for 7 days. On the last day, let all the candles burn down completely.

  You can also cast a circle with candles in which to perform spells and rituals. Position candles around the space where you plan to do your magick, and then light them in a clockwise manner, beginning at the easternmost point. To open the circle after you’ve finished your working, snuff out the candles in reverse order.

  Engraving Candles

  Many spells call for engraving candles with symbols that represent your intentions. Select one or more symbols that resonate with you—runes, sigils, astrological glyphs, names, numbers, etc.—and that depict the purpose of your spell. Practice drawing these images in your book of shadows beforehand. In candle carving, you can’t erase a mistake!

  When you’re ready, hold the candle in your hand and close your eyes. Visualize your thoughts permeating the wax and becoming one with the candle itself. Then, using a ballpoint pen, toothpick, nail, or pin, etch the word or symbol into the wax. (If you’re really careful, you can use your athame.) Don’t become overly concerned with the artistic renderings of symbols, however. Your intention is the most important aspect of this work, not whether you can draw well. The magick is in performing the task and imbuing the candle with your intention.

  When you’ve finished engraving your candle, you can dress it (see the following) or burn it as is. As the wax burns, your intention is released into the atmosphere where it can begin manifesting.