Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Witches. The very word brings different images to mind from ugly old hags to real beauties. Witches delight us in stories by challenging our imagination and suspending reality for just a while. Oh, if only I could have a magic wand to get the housework done, suspend time to write more words... now there's a thought.
That brings me to spells. The very first spell I clearly
remember is salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi-bobbidi-boo. Put them together
and what do you get? Cinderella! A magic coach, horses, a footman, glass
slippers and a beautiful ball gown and let’s not forget the handsome prince.
What makes the fairy-godmother’s words a spell? A spell is
much like a prayer said with a great deal of intent, focus, and will that gives
words (or nonsense ones) new meanings. Deborah Blake, an authority on Wiccans,
explains that taking a shower can be a magical event. Your intent or goal is to
wash away the stress of the day. You focus on the water pouring down on you and
visualize your stress being washed away. Your will is to apply energy to the
task. Along with the words she uses to increase the impact of the magick
“Water, water, wash away all the stress of the day,” your shower becomes
magickal.
So, is Cinderella’s fairy-godmother invoking magick?
Her fairy-godmother cast her spell speaking an incantation to create a specific
outcome. She clearly imagined what she wanted. She intended the magic coach,
horse, etc. to all appear. She was keenly focused on the results. And through
sheer will she used all the energy at her disposal to make it happen.
What is a spell? Spells are written or spoken words along with set action sometimes using objects, done together with the intent to bring about
specific results. The words are the important thing. The actions and objects
are used to help the spellcaster concentrate and amplify their request. The spellcaster uses what they feel works best for them candles, herbs, oils, gems and other
things. Color, phases of the moon and the day of the week may also play an
important part of the spell.
- Harm
none. The Wiccan Rede says, “An it harm none, do as ye will.” While
this sounds simple, whatever you do make certain you harm no one. That
includes yourself and anyone else. She pointed out quite clearly that
downstream affects are really unknown. This rule is a guideline and a
reminder that the intent should always be to do good.
- Do
not interfere with free will. Everyone is responsible for their
own actions and should not interfere with the actions of others. Not every
witch (other regular person for that matter) seems to believe in this.
- What
you put out (into the universe) is what you get back. The Law of
Return. I believe very strongly in this rule and I’m not a witch. I call
it paying it forward. I truly believe that if you give of yourself will
come back to you threefold.
- As
above, so below: Words have power. Witches believe that words have
power. It is the reason why spells are said out loud—to announce your
intention to the universe. They also believe symbols can be used to
heighten the effects of words and can stand for objects or ideas.
Sometimes they use candles, stones, water, wine, or anything that will
help connect them to the object or idea. As above, so below means they not
only have the power to effect change through symbolism and their
connection with the universe, but they must also be careful with their
words and thoughts. Ms. Blake gave a great example. If words have power,
and you get back what you put out, think what would happen when you say,
“I hate you.”
- Magick
is real and witches can use it to bring about positive change. With
combination of their belief that they can bring about positive change and
the power of words and symbols, they use intent and focus to alter their
world.
- We
are part of nature. All Pagans have one thing in common—they
respect nature and believe they are a part of it, not above it. While
traditional religions view humans as superior, Pagans see themselves as
guardians. Witches worship the mother earth, the nature goddess. They
follow the cycle of the seasons and strive to connect to nature and stay
close to their primordial gods.
- The
divine is in everything, including us. Pagans believe in the old gods
and goddesses and that there is an element of the divine in everything.
This is at the heart of what it means to be a witch. This connection to
the universe and to the divine gives witches both power and
responsibility. It connects them to every other living being.
So, let me leave you with this. Find a comfortable place to
sit where you won’t be disturbed. Light a white candle, take a sip of red wine,
hold the book your reading, and say:
The winds are still,
as the words unfold.
Strong is the will,
as the story is told.
Peace fills the room,
and carries me away.
Imagination in bloom,
the rest of the day.
RELEASED OCTOBER 25!
Lost: One locket filled with memories.
Will finding it lead Rachel to peace and happiness?
The Witching Hour
by Ruth A. Casie
featured in
Haunted Havenport
with stories by
Emma Kaye
Nicole S. Patrick
Lita Harris
Now available at:
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