Wicca

Wicca Supports Warm, Loving Marriages

/ Moonwater / Leave a comment
Love and Marriage

Love and Marriage

Wicca Supports Warm, Loving Marriages

Wiccans use the phrase “As long as love shall last” in their marriage ceremonies called handfastings. What does this mean? Let’s look at a definition of love. Webster’s Dictionary defines love as something that “suggests very great fondness or deep devotion for someone or some thing.”

I will go a step further and describe love as a commitment to the well-being of another person. We can be temporarily angry with a loved one but still retain a full commitment to his or her well-being.

Love remains the reason we get married in the first place. Wiccans do two things. They celebrate the value of love and they hold the realistic idea that it sometimes does not last in some relationships.

Some mainstream religions push the idea that marriage is always “until death do you part.” This bothers me. Is a loveless marriage helpful? For anyone? What does it say to children? Your mother and I hate each other, you get to have such a bitter relationship, too.

The religions who push marriage regardless of love keep saying “a commitment to the institution of marriage.” The institution is more important than the people? (Personally I try to stay out of institutions.)

Wiccans believe you stay together (are married) as long as love shall last. It can last for a year or perhaps a lifetime and beyond. You are not shackled to a person merely because someone or some institution said so.

No one should be made to stay in a loveless relationship. It can only harm the participants. As with all relationships, a marriage is here to teach us lessons in life. If we have learned all we need to (spiritually, that is) from a particular relationship, it is likely that it is time to transform the relationship. You could remain friends, for example. Otherwise, we may be stunting our spiritual growth. Let’s face it. Sometimes, we literally need to move on and away from a person. Think of it. Are all of your childhood friends still your best friends?

This is one reason we add as long as love shall last to our handfastings.

Blessed Be,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Wicca Celebrates Sex!

/ Moonwater / Leave a comment
Sex and Lovemaking

Sex and Lovemaking

Wicca and Sex

Have you noticed that many mainstream religions seem to have major hang-ups about sex? These faiths have many rules regarding sex. They tell you when you can and especially when you can’t have sex. They often say sex is “sinful” and “dirty.” They even suggest that the “truly righteous completely abstain from such deplorable practices.”

These rigid mindsets have twisted much of society concerning sex. Although sex helps us feel happy and healthy, so many religions deny their practitioners of fulfilling this fundamental need.

On the other hand, in Wicca, the Gods show us sex as a beautiful part of life. Not something to be ashamed of or avoided. Just notice how sexuality and sensuality are celebrated. You have Aphrodite, a joyful, sexy goddess. Think of the randy energy of Pan. How about the stories and songs about Venus (yes, another name for Aphrodite)?

There are many forms of sex, for example, the activities shared by some friends. Here I’ll be specific and talk about lovemaking. Wiccans have understood the precious gift of lovemaking from the beginning. They see it for what it truly is: something sacred. To make love is a pure act and to Wiccans we are reenacting the divine ritual between the God and the Goddess. This ritual can be for procreation or for pleasure. Whichever one chooses, the act itself is a powerful and sacred bond that connects the participants to all of creation.

When I hear of some religions’ intolerance of certain forms of lovemaking and certain partners, it deeply saddens me. Such intolerance denies the beauty of creating and cherishing another. Such intolerance creates separation and the chained people are separated from the wholeness of the universe.

Wiccans revere the sexual act as deeply sacred. We see it in its rightful place among the other cycles in the turning of the wheel.

Sex is not evil. Lovemaking is not dirty or sinful. It is a part of our sacred lives. Practiced by caring, loving, consenting, of age people, it is a part of human nature, and a gift from the Gods.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Litha/Midsummer

/ Moonwater / 2 Comments
Bee

Bee

Litha/Midsummer

The Summer Solstice Litha, also known as Midsummer, represents when the God is at his height in power and fertility. The sun now takes its longest path across the sky and we experience the longest day of the year. This completes the sun’s waxing cycle and begins the waning part of the solar year. The days become increasingly shorter until the Wheel of the Year returns to Yule when the days once again wax with the sun. The days grow longer.

Wiccans enjoy collecting and drying of herbs during Litha. Many of them take nice walks out in nature to harvest herbs. Herbs harvested during this period have greater magickal powers than herbs gathered at other times of the year. Herbs reach their peak of strength and potency during Litha.

Once again, the bonfire holds a prominent place. The God rises to his peak as his power and strength expands at Litha.

Along the line of a bonfire, when my coven meets for Litha, we do a barbeque. Meat and fire form a good combo for this Sabbat! Yum!

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Using Herbs for Magick at Midsummer (Litha)

/ Moonwater / Leave a comment
The Herb Catnip

The Herb Catnip

Using Herbs for Magick at Midsummer (Litha)

Many Wiccans enjoy harvesting and drying herbs at Midsummer, also known as Litha. At its annual height of power, the Sun (representing the God) makes the herbs quite powerful at this time. Wiccans recognize that herbs, so empowered, are best harvested during the Litha Sabbat.

We harvest flowers and plants and hang them to dry during Litha.

Warning: Never use plants that have had pesticides and other chemicals sprayed upon them in your practice.

To collect herbs, you will use a boline, a knife with a curved blade and a white handle. Wiccans use this tool for all of their cutting, from harvesting herbs to carving symbols in candles.

To harvest a herb, cut the plant while leaving a long enough stem so you can tie it in a bundle. Then, hang the bundle upside down. In this way, the plant’s energies will be concentrated at the head of the plant, the part you are going to use.

Hang your herbs in a dry place where there is no direct sunlight—to avoid the sun leaching out the essences you’re trying to capture. Use an attic or if none is available just be sure the area you choose is dry.

Once you’re certain that the herbs are thoroughly dried you can take one of two steps. Either grind them with a mortar and pestle or package the whole leaves of the herb. Be sure to use air tight containers, made of either glass or ceramic. These materials will not contaminate your herbs with chemicals like plastic tends to.

Wiccans enjoy using the energies of herbs in their magic.

Consider expanding your use of herbs, too.

Blessed be,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Wiccan Traditions

/ Moonwater / Leave a comment
Traditions the Paths We Walk

Traditions the Paths We Walk

A word on Traditions

What is a “Tradition” in Wicca? It’s commonly called a “Trad,” and it’s a system of rituals and beliefs that a particular group follows. One Trad is Dianic which is known for its worship of a single Goddess and having a focus on feminism.

Another Trad is Gardnerian Wicca. Gardner stated that the New Forest Coven initiated him into their group in 1939. Many consider Gardnerian Wicca to be the earliest Wiccan Trad–from which many other Trads sprouted.

Trads come in many forms. Just like Christianity has many forms, the Trads in Wicca form different groups with different ways of doing things.

I find that the essence of a Trad is that it gets a person closer to Deity.

Unfortunately, much Wiccan knowledge has been fragmented sometimes due to people splitting off before they learned more and deeper knowledge.

At this point, I invite us of the Wiccan spirituality to realize that we all hold pieces of the same picture. However, none of us can see this picture by ourselves because we only hold a few of the original pieces.

We need to all gather together to make a whole picture. Coming together, we will be better able to see our own “missing pieces” and collect these missing pieces of knowledge. Then we can restore our own pieces to the larger puzzle.

If we don’t do this, much of what was learned and known will be forgotten. This piecing back together of the puzzle is something we all need to do. If we don’t, we may lose something very dear.

So let’s keep our community strong! Let’s get to know each other and respect our differences because there’s something to learn from someone different.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Offerings

/ Moonwater / 12 Comments
Offerings

Offerings: picture by David O.

Offerings

Why do we give offerings and what are they?

Offerings are small gifts we present to the Gods. They can be many things from candles to wine. You can even offer up your time to a good cause for a deity. I used to volunteer at an animal shelter, for example. More often I offer candles and incense up as offerings. I take a candle and hold it up and say something like: “Here is a candle, please take this offering as thanks for ______”.

Then I light the candle and place it on my alter to burn down completely. Never extinguish a candle once you have lit it for an offering to the Gods. This is considered taking back the gift and is insulting to the deity. Always let it burn down completely down and out on a safe heat proof surface.

You can also do this process with incense and other herbs. Burn incense and or herbs to the Deity you want to honor. Besides burning candles, incense and herbs you can pour a libation (a liquid offering) out onto the earth. You can use anything: wine, juice and blessed water.

Why do we present offerings to the Gods? We say thank you for the Gods help on things we have asked for. After a spell is successful, we will make an offering to say thank you for their help.

Some Popular Offerings:

  • candles
  • incense
  • wine
  • herbs
  • seeds
  • ground corn
  • hand made objects
  • fruit
  • milk
  • bread (cakes)
  • time (volunteering at an organization)
  • crystals
  • coins
  • donations of clothes or other things to a shelter (animal or human)

So say thank you to the Gods.

They help us every day.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Ointments

/ Moonwater / 2 Comments
Ointments

Ointments

Herbs as Ointments

When I make an ointment using herbs, I use vegetable shortening. You can use lard if you want but this substance smells terrible.

To make an herb ointment, use one cup of vegetable shortening to three tablespoons herbs.

Melt shortening down and add herb(s) into base and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain liquid and let cool. Store sealed, air tight, in a cool place. That’s how we make an herb ointment. Be sure to use a glass jar or ceramic jug to store it in. Using plastic or metal will interfere with the ointment’s chemistry. For example, plastic has chemicals that can leach out in your ointment.

Where do I apply it?

Depending on what your using it for, apply to affected area (perhaps a rash that needs healing) or dab on wrists and neck. Never put an ointment on an open wound. This will block off air flow to the wound and can cause infection.

Ointments can often smell nice (like my lavender ointment) and that’s a great two-for-one opportunity: healing and a pleasant fragrance.

Blessed Be,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Sabbats – Beltane

/ Moonwater / Leave a comment
Sunflowers

Sunflowers

 

Beltane

To our ancestors, Beltane celebrates the beginning of summer. Bale or “bon” fires are an important part of the Beltane Sabbat. All fires at home or in shops were extinguished and then re-lit from the sacred bonfires that blazed on the tops of the surrounding hills. This was also the time when the herds were blessed. The people marched their cattle around and between the bonfires to bring good luck and fertility and to protect them during the year.

The Sabbat Beltane, coincides with when the God actually impregnates the Goddess. This sacred act ensures the continued fertility for crops and animals throughout the light half of the year (between the Spring and Fall Equinoxes.)  A popular symbol for this sacred act, the May Pole represents the impregnation of the goddess. A May Pole is a pole set erect in the ground with ribbons attached on the top. People then each take a ribbon and dance in a weaving pattern around the pole. The pole represents God’s phallus and the colorful ribbons that the dancers wind around the May Pole represent the goddess with her flowers a-blooming. And so the impregnation of the Goddess is fulfilled.

Blessed be,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Magick with Poppets

/ Moonwater / Leave a comment
Irises

Irises

Poppets

What is a poppet? A poppet is a doll made of cloth and stuffed with herbs. Wiccans often make a poppet to represent themselves.

Poppets are easy to make. Take two rectangular pieces of cloth. Draw a human shape (like a ginger bread man) on one piece of your fabric.

Poppet Outline

Poppet Outline

Lay one piece on top of the other and cut out the shape. You should have two cut out pieces of cloth that are the same shape and size.

Cut out poppet

Cut out poppet

Next start with the body and sew up both sides together, sewing everything but the head; leave that open.

You’ll need to decide which herbs will best suit your desires. For example, one might use cinnamon (yes, I know it is a spice) to attract money. Another example: to attract love and friendship, you can choose to use rose petals.

Take your herbs and your poppet. Once you have filled the body, sew up the head to seal the herbs inside. You can add hair or other features to your doll to make it look more like you.

Hold your completed poppet in your hands and visualize your intent. You can chant to help charge your poppet.

When you are done, place the poppet in a safe place where it will not be disturbed until you need to use it again.

Blessed Be,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Herbs

/ Moonwater / 2 Comments
The Herb Catnip

The Herb Catnip

Herbs

Wiccans use herbs for all sorts of things from medicine to protection. Humans have used herbal remedies made from plants for thousands of years. Herbs comprise the oldest medicines humans have had. Many Wiccans use herbs to heal and keep themselves healthy. Being witches we want to use nature as our healer when we get sick.

Before considering the use of herbs, heed these important considerations:

1) If you have a serious condition and/or illness, modern medicine should be used in conjunction with the old ways. For example, you shouldn’t skip a trip to a medical doctor because you have heard that St. John’s Wort would help with depression. Always consult with your medical doctor about herbs you’re considering because some herbs may conflict with medications your doctor has prescribed or over the counter medications–or even other herbs.

2) Avoid taking an herb that you are unfamiliar with. Some herbs can be quite dangerous if used incorrectly. Certain herbs are poisonous like Belladonna. So always talk with your herbal friendly medical doctor before taking them.

3) Some herbs you may buy at a new age store may only be graded for magickal use. This means do NOT take such herbs internally. Be certain that the herbs you buy are food grade safe. Just because feverfew tea helps reduce a fever does NOT mean that you shouldn’t use aspirin or some other modern medicine if the fever is really bad and doesn’t go down. Be smart and use your head. If your affliction is serious consult a medical doctor.

Having covered the above concerns, we will focus mainly on the magical uses of herbs.

The Sachet

First, we’re going to discuss a container for herbs known as a sachet. Take a small piece of cloth in a color that corresponds with the type of magick you will be doing. See this color chart below:

  • Red: sex, desire, vitality, strength, healing blood disorders
  • Orange: charm, confidence, joy, jealousy, persuasion.
  • Yellow: intellectual development, joy, intellectual strength.
  • Green: prosperity, abundance, fertility, money matters.
  • Blue: healing, protection, spiritual development.
  • Purple: The occult, power, magick
  • Pink: love, friendship, compassion
  • Black: decrease, death, revenge, retribution, contacting the dead. (I strongly suggest that you take great care if you have any thoughts about revenge or retribution. The focus points of revenge or retribution hurt the practitioner! Remember the Law of Three! I strongly recommend avoiding the use of black cloth except for the Samhain practice of contacting the dead.)

Place the piece of cloth down onto the table or working surface. Place selected herbs (about a tablespoon when all combined) in the middle of your cloth. You can use a smaller amount for a smaller more portable sachet if you like. This can be placed in your purse or pocket to be carried with you. Gather up your corners of the cloth and then tie them with some string. Make the sachet closed and secure. Now you can do a ritual to dedicate the sachet to its purpose.

Blessed Be,

Moonwater SilverClaw