http://beginningwitchcraft.blogspot.com/ 2009-11-03 daily 0.8 Beginning Witchcraft Beginning Witchcraft: October 2009

MERRY MEET BEGINNERS!




You are embarking on a great journey that will change your life. I will get you started on the basics and answer any questions you have or take any suggestions you have for the blog. Let's make this a learning community!
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxWillow
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Friday, October 30, 2009

SAMHAIN


Samhain, pronounced Sow-en, falls between Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 and is more commonly known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween. Samhain is considered the most important of the Witches' sabbats [holidays].

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There are eight Wiccan sabbats, which are divided into four High Holy Days and four Lesser Holy Days. Wiccans also celebrate the phases of the moon, and any such gathering is called and Esbat. The four High Holy Days are Samhain (Nov. 1), Imbolc (Feb. 1), Beltane (May 1), and Lughnasadh (August 1). The four Lesser Holy Days correspond with the solstices and equinoxes, so their dates vary each year; Ostara (the spring equinox) falls between March 20 and 22, Midsummer (the summer solstice) falls between June 20 and 22, Mabon (the autumnal equinox) falls between Sept. 20 and 22, and Yule (the winter solstice) falls between Dec. 20 and 22).

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Samhain is often referred to as the Witch's New Year because it's the official end of the Light Half of the year, and therefore the beginning of the Dark Half of the year. Samhain is also the time of the year when we harvest the last of the crops and get ready for winter. Because Samhain marks the end of the harvest season, it also represents the beginning of the year to come.

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Some Wiccans express this time of the year with the metaphor of the Oak King being overcome by the Holly King. The Oak King is embodies the young and virile king of summer and the Holly King embodies the lord of the underworld and winter. The Oak King loses the battle and temporarily leaves this world while the Holly King rules until he [the Oak King] is born again at Yule.

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CANDLE MAGICK

The following list is meant to be used as a guide in choosing a candle color for your personal use. Please remember that color is another "tool" and you need choose what works best for you in your magickal workings. If you do not have the color mentioned for a particular need, allow your intuition and the Goddess guide you in choosing one for your purposes.
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WHITE

The Goddess
Higher Self
Purity
Peace
Virginity
(substitutes any other color)

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BLACK

Binding
Shapeshifting
Protection
Repels Negativity

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BROWN

Special Favors
To Influence Friendships

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SILVER

The Goddess
Astral energy
Female energy
Telepathy
Clairvoyance
Intuition
Dreams

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PURPLE
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Third Eye
Psychic Ability
Hidden Knowledge
To Influence People in High Places
Spiritual Power

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BLUE
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Element of Water
Wisdom
Protection
Calm
Good Fortune
Opening Blocked Communication
Spiritual Inspiration

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GREEN
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The Element of Earth
Physical Healing
Monetary success
Mother Earth
Tree and Plant Magic
Growth
Personal Goals

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PINK

Affection
Romance
Affection
Caring
Nurturing
Planetary Good Will

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RED

Element of Fire
Passion
Strength
Fast action
Career Goals
Lust
Driving Force
Survival
Blood of the Moon

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ORANGE

General Success
Property Deals
Legal matters
Justice
Selling

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COPPER
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Professional Growth
Business Fertility
Career Maneuvers
Passion
Money Goals

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GOLD

The God
Promote Winning
Power of the Male
Happiness

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YELLOW
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The Element of Air
Intelligence
The Sun
Memory
Logical Imagination
To Accelerate Learning
To Break Mental Blocks
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LOVE SPELL


There is nothing wrong with doing a love spell to bring love into your life. Doing the spell with a certain person in mind is not. That would be messing with someone's free will, which is not okay. That would violate the Wiccan Rede, "And it harm none, do as you will." With this in mind, here is a list of spell ingredients you can choose from.
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FLOWERS AND HERBS (H-Herb, O-Oil)

Camomile H, O
Gardenia H
Hibiscus H
Jasmine H, O
Lavender H, O
Lotus H
Plumeria H
Rose H, O
Stephanotis H
Violet H
Yarrow H, O
Ylang-Ylang O

Basil H, O
Catnip H
Cinnamon H, O
Clove H, O
Copal (Resin) H
Dragon's Blood (Resin) H
Ginger H, O
Lemon H, O
Lime H, O
Orange H, O
Peppermint H, O
Rosemary H, O
Thyme H

STONES

Rhodochrosite represents selfless Love and Compassion.
Angelite has energies of love, healing, power and protection.
Moonstone can reunite lovers who have quarreled. Brings success in love.
Rose Quartz is the stone of universal love. It is also the stone of love in marriage.
CANDLES

Pink Love
Red Passion
INCENSE

Sandalwood
Dragon's Blood

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

RELEASING THE MAGICK CIRCLE

After your ritual is over do not forget to release the 4 Quarters, Goddess and the Circle. To release when you are done shows respect for the energies for their time in showing up. This is always done Widdershins (Counterclockwise) to undo or release. Again, here is my version. In time, you will develop your own to go along with your beliefs and preferences.

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Closing the Circle/Salute (Counterclockwise)
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Take the Athamé or Wand and retract the energy of the circle back into yourself moving widdershins beginning in the north around to the west using the following chant:
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"Circle Round, now be Unbound
as I make my way around.
I now Dissolve this Sacred Space
and send all Powers back to place.
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Circle Round, now be Unbound
as I make my way around.
Stay if you can, Go if you must,
with Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
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Circle Round, now be Unbound
as I make my way around.
My Work is finished for the Night/Day
and now I End my Magick Rite/Way."
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Once the circle is closed, say the following salute:
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"The circle is open, but always unbroken."

As above,
So Below.

As the Goddess wills to me,
So Mote it Be!

RELEASING THE 4 QUARTERS AND GODDESS

After your ritual is over do not forget to release the 4 Quarters, Goddess and the Circle. To release when you are done shows respect for the energies for their time in showing up. This is always done Widdershins (Counterclockwise) to undo or release. Again, here is my version. In time, you will develop your own to go along with your beliefs and preferences.
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Releasing the 4 Quarters and Goddess (Counterclockwise)
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Uriel, Guardian of the Watchtower of the North!
Earth lord, thank you for participating in this rite.
Go if you must, stay if you like.
Hail and farewell.
(Strike bell)
Blessed Be. (Use Candle Snuffer to put out Candle)

Gabriel, Guardian of the Watchtower of the West!
Water lord, thank you for participating in this rite.
Go if you must, stay if you like.
Hail and farewell.
(Strike bell)
Blessed Be. (Use Candle Snuffer)

Michael, Guardian of the Watchtower of the South!
Fire lord, thank you for participating in this rite.
Go if you must, stay if you like.
Hail and farewell.
(Strike bell)
Blessed Be. (Use Candle Snuffer)

Raphael, Guardian of the Watchtower of the East!
Air lord, thank you for participating in this rite.
Go if you must, stay if you like.
Hail and farewell.
(Strike bell)
Blessed Be. (Use Candle Snuffer)

Go to your Goddess Candle on your altar.
Goddess of the Universe!
Thank you for blessing this rite with Your presence.
Go if you must, stay if you like.
Hail and farewell.
(Strike bell)
(Point wand skyward) As Above.
(Point wand to ground) So Below.
Blessed Be.
(Use Candle Snuffer)
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NEXT: Release the Circle

CALLING THE 4 QUARTERS AND GODDESS

First:
Physically and spiritually cleanse the space: see Casting a Magick Circle.
Set up Quarter Candles and Quartz Crystals.
Do Circle Blessing.
You can use a bell or a gong to call the quarters.

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This is a highly personal decision about how you approach and address the 4 Quarters and the Goddess. Consult some magic books to get an idea of all the variations and possibilities. For demonstration purposes I will print my version that I use. I use the 4 Archangels as the Guardians of the Watchtower. This is just my personal preference. You will of course develope your own in time.
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Start in the East Quadrant. Always move Clockwise. Light each candle, then say:
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Hail Raphael! Guardian of the Portal Watchtower of the East!
I call you forth! (Strike bell)
Air lord, you are wise, and I need your wisdom.
Please attend this circle. Enjoy and protect this rite.
As the Goddess wills to thee,
So Mote it Be!
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Hail Michael! Guardian of the Portal Watchtower of the South!
I call you forth!
(Strike bell)
Fire lord, you are passionate, and I need your passion.
Please attend this circle. Enjoy and protect this rite.
As the Goddess wills to thee,
So Mote it Be!
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Hail Gabriel! Guardian of the Portal Watchtower of the West!
I call you forth!
(Strike bell)
Water lord, you are compassionate, and I need your compassion.
Please attend this circle. Enjoy and protect this rite.
As the Goddess wills to thee,
So Mote it Be!
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Hail Uriel! Guardian of the Portal Watchtower of the North!
I call you forth!
(Strike bell)
Earth lord, you are firm, and I need your firmness.
Please attend this circle. Enjoy and protect this rite.
As the Goddess wills to thee,
So Mote it Be!
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I Invoke Thee, Goddess of the Universe!
Attend this circle and bless this rite.
(Strike bell)
As I reach my hands to thee,
Descend now—reside in me.
(Point wand skyward) As Above.
(Point wand to ground) So Below.
As You will to me,
So Mote it Be!
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You are now ready to begin your ritual, spellwork, etc.!

Casting a Magick Circle

CIRCLE CASTING
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You will need:
Salt Water
Sage Bundle
Compass
4 Quarter Candles (on candle safe holders): these are for on the floor around the circle.
East: Blue Candle
South: Red Candle
West: Teal, Aqua or Sea Green Candle
North: Brown Candle
Quartz Crystals or Clusters: to fill in around the Quarter Candles on the circle
Wand or Athame
Lighter or Matches
Candle Snuffer: Never blow out candles during a ritual--this is disruptive to the magickal energies.
This is the area that you are using as a "portal between worlds." This circle will exist on the physical and spiritual planes. Your magick will be heard and made manifest in multiple dimensions. It filters down from the other dimensions and appears last in our physical dimension. Don't be discouraged if your magical workings do not manifest immediately. Rest assured that they are being processed in the other dimensions first. It's like a trickle-down effect.
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First: prepare to cleanse the area physically.
Carpet or rug: Vacuum
Hard surfaces: Mop with salt water. Be careful with hardwood floors. Just a damp mop.
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Second: prepare to cleanse the area spiritually.
Smudge the area. Light a sage bundle. Walk the smoke through the area to cleanse it of negative energy.
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Mark the outline of your circle.
Use your compass to find N, S, E and W. Set up your Quarter Candles accordingly--don't light them yet!
Use the Quartz Crystals to full in the circle between the candles. Quartz has high vibrational energies and will strengthen and reinforce your circle.
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Put your alter in the center of the circle. OR If you have a permanent alter: cast your circle around the altar.
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CIRCLE BLESSING
Take each element from your alter (individually) and go once deosil (Clockwise) around the circle. While walking disperse the element while reciting the corresponding blessing:
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Powers of (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) this circle grace,
Purify, cleanse and bless this space.
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CASTING THE CIRCLE
Face north. Hold your athamé or wand out at waist level. Walk deosil (clockwise)thrice (3 times) around
the circle perimeter charging it with this chant. Recite one verse for each of the three circles:
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Round and Round the Circle's Cast,
Joining Present, Future and Past
A Sacred Place—A Portal—Worlds Apart,
Where Powers Merge and Magicks Start.
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Round and Round the Circle's Cast,
Joining Present, Future and Past
I consecrate this circle a Sacred space,
The power between worlds I will trace.
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Round and Round the Circle's Cast,
Joining Present, Future and Past
Thrice is the Circle cast this Night/Day
and now begins my Magick Rite/Way.
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Once the circle has been cast, salute in the following way:
Take up Athame or wand and point it to the sky, while saying,
"As above..."
Then lower Athame or wand to point it at the ground, while saying,
"So below."

As the Goddess wills to me,
So Mote it Be!
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Now you are ready to CALL THE 4 QUARTERS AND THE GODDESS!

Altar Setup

SETTING UP YOUR ALTAR
Your altar can be simple and temporary (a folding end table) to elaborate and permanent (coffee table, night stand, dresser or a table in a dedicated "witch room" where you do all your rituals and keep your supplies).
BASIC SETUP
The North Quadrant of Your Altar
A representation of EARTH: Salt
The South Quadrant
A representation of FIRE: A Red Candle
Athame (Knife) or Sword
The East Quadrant
A representation of AIR: Incense
Place your wand in the East
Your besom or broom leans against the edge of the table
The West Quadrant
A representation of WATER: Water or Sea Shells
A Chalice of wine or grape juice for communion (Optional)
BOS: Book of Shadows
FRONT CORNERS OF THE ALTAR
Illuminator Candles to provide light
CENTER OF THE ALTAR
Pentacle: 5 Pointed Star
White Candle for the Goddess
This is an example of a simple altar setup. For a more elaborate setup check out Silver RavenWolf's books.
Blessed Be,
Willow

Monday, October 26, 2009

The 5 Elements

SPIRIT


Yin/Yang Feminine/Masculine
Direction Above
Time All
Season Any
Zodiac All
Angel Metatron
Tools White Candle, Incense
Colors White, Sky Blue, Purple
Stones Quartz Crystal, Angelite, Amethyst
Thoughts High ideals, good of the planet and mankind
Witches Pyramid “I am”

EARTH
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Yin Female
Direction North
Time Midnight
Season Winter
Zodiac Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Angel Uriel
Tools Pentacle, Money, Salt
Colors Brown, Black, Deep Green
Stones Hematite, Tree Agate, Garnet, Rhodonite
Thoughts Realistic, patient, solid, fertility, fruit, labors
Witches Pyramid “To be silent”

AIR


Yang Male
Direction East
Time Dawn -- Beginnings
Season Spring -- Birth
Zodiac Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Angel Raphael
Tools Incense, Feathers, Fan
Colors Yellow, Gold, Blue
Stones Lapis Lazuli, Amethyst, Angelite, Sodalite, Moonstone
Thoughts Intellect, ideas, logic, scholarship
Witches Pyramid “To know”


FIRE
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Yang Male
Direction South
Time Noon
Season Summer
Zodiac Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Angel Michael
Tools Candle, Oil Lamp
Colors Orange, Red, Yellow
Stones Carnelian, Malachite, Citrine, Tiger Eye, Rhodochrosite
Thoughts Temper, will to get things done, desire, healing
Witches Pyramid “To will”



WATER
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Yin Female
Direction West
Time Sunset -- Twilight -- Transition
Season Autumn -- Death -- In Between Time
Zodiac Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Angel Gabriel
Tools Cup or Challis, Dish of Water, Sea Shell
Colors Deep Blue, Sea Green, Silver, Aquamarine
Stones Blue Lace Agate, Amazonite, Aventurine, Rhodochrosite
Thoughts Feelings, dramatic, sensual, otherworldly, love, creativity
Witches Pyramid "To Feel"
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So You Want to be a Witch?

Merry Meet, Beginners!

This is a great journey you have embarked upon. It will require a lot of discipline and study. Anything worth doing does. Hope I haven't lost anyone yet.

I suggest you get a good book to guide you on your journey. Anything by Silver Ravenwolf is good. Her most comprehensive is "The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation Solitary Witch." (See store below) It is awesome! It gives a history of Witchcraft, tool and rituals, holidays of the Craft, your responsibilities and yes, SPELLS!

Don't just skip to the end to get to the good parts! You need to be properly prepared first. Do I hear groaning out there? I hope not.

Everyone should be excited because our biggest celebration of the whole witch year is almost here. Samhain! All Hallows Eve! Okay, you know it better as Halloween. No, it's not about the candy. It marks the beginning and end of a witches' year. A full turning of the circle. It is the day when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. The spirits of the departed can return to this earth. Fun, right!

Anyway, here is The Wiccan Rede and The Witches Creed. Bye for now.
Blessed Be.
Willow



The Wiccan Rede
Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about, to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name, let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes, to represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power, causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand, ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify, and to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning, adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree, that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine, giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen, to represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree, burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark, in the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane, the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows, watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn, soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night, power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall, use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule, light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day, time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height, time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all, when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree, by the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend, or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should, three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow, wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do, unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"



The Witches Creed


Hear now the words of the witches,The secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny's pathway, That now we bring forth into light.
Mysterious water and fire, The earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them, And will and 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 Candlemas dancing, On May Eve and old Hallowe'en.

When day-time and night-time are equal, When sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned, And Witches gather in feast.
Thirteen silver moons in a year are, Thirteen is the coven's array.
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, For each golden year and a day.

The power that was passed down the age, Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other, Ere time and the ages began.
When drawn is the magical circle, By sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies, In land of the shades for that hour.
This world has no right then to know it. And world of beyond will tell naught.
The oldest of Gods are invoked there, The Great Work of magic is wrought.
For the two are mystical pillars, That stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature, The forms and the forces divine.

The dark and the light in succession, The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess: Of this our ancestors teach.
By night he's the wild winds rider, The Horn'd One, the Lord of the Shades.
By day he's the King of the Woodland, The dweller in green forest glades.

She is youthful or old as she pleases, She sails the torn clouds in her barque,
The bright silver lady of midnight, The crone who weaves spells in the dark.
The master and mistress of magic, That dwell in the deeps of the mind,
Immortal and ever-renewing, With power to free or to bind.

So drink the good wine to the Old Gods, And Dance and make love in their praise,
Till Elphame's fair land shall receive us. In peace at the end of our days.
And Do What You Will be the challenge, So be it Love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment. By Magic of old, be it done!

From Doreen Valiente's, "Witchcraft For Tomorrow"