|
|
School of the Wise
Home } Sundancer's Writings } Basic Beliefs } Magick } Sabbats/Wheel of the Year }
Candle/Color Correspondences } Crystals, Gems & Stones } Deities } Divination }
Element(al)s/Directions } Esbats/Moon Magick & Lore } FAQ's } Healing }
Incense, Oils & Aromatherapy } Laws, Rules & Ordains } Rituals } Spells }
Tools } Spiritual Articles by Others } Links
Course #1 Lesson #11 One of the most important things that we can do to our tools is to make sure that they have the proper energies, and have been properly cared for, not only physically, but also magickally. The process of cleansing, consecrating, and charging the tools does this, and there are many ways in which one can do this. Obviously, since we are studying this text, we will look at the way in which Silver recommends, but keep in mind that if there is another way that you prefer, that is fine too. The three main reasons that Silver gives for going through this process with your tools, and your sacred space, is to remove negative energy, meld the positive energies from yourself and your surroundings, and to instill this energy for positive purposes.
The Elements
The Elements are very common throughout the Craft, and it is important that you have a basic understanding of what they are, and what they mean. While the following is in now way intended to be the “be all and end all” list regarding the elements, it should help you begin to understand them, and how to work with them.
Air- it is directionally located in the East, and the eastern corner of the circle is said to be its place. It represents intellect, communication, and knowledge, amongst other things.
Fire- it is directionally located in the South, and represents energy, passion, purification, and courage.
Water- is located in the West, and represents intuition and emotion.
Earth – is located in the North and represents growth, fertility, and abundance.
Exercise
On pages 98-99 Silver gives us a wonderful exercise that helped me immensely early on in my spiritual development to get acquainted with, and learn from, the elements. Even if you have been working with the elements for some time, I believe it will be beneficial to your growth if you take time and work on this exercise. Be sure and record your observations and thoughts. I’d recommend coming back to this exercise in a week, and then a week later, and see how your ability improves and what changes you may have in your perception of the elements.
Formula for Holy Water
Again, there are many ways that one can make holy, or magickal, water, but this way is very effective. Magick water is used for many things including cleansing, healing, casting circles and much more. The important thing, in my opinion, is to remember that what you are creating is important and special, and should be treated as such. It is wise to store your magickal water in glass jars, since this is more natural than plastic.
I’d just like to clarify a few things that I found to be confusing about this section when I first worked on it. When casting the circle you can use water, salt, rope, or your wand/athame. It just depends on what you are most comfortable with. I’d suggest trying each at some point, so you can evaluate how they work and choose the best one for you. It is important to remember and realize that the circle represents sacred, powerful space and should never be treated too lightly.
Many Wiccans will cast the circle in a clock wise direction, or desoil, three times, often with different items. For example, one may cast the circle the first time with the wand, the second time with salt, and lastly with water. Again, this is personal preference. I generally cast it one time with water. Desoil is the natural movement of energy, and is the direction most often used in the circle. Three is a magickal number, and is said to be strong. So a circle cast three times may be stronger, but I’d suggest that it depends on what you are comfortable with. A properly cast circle that was done once will be just as effective.
Finally, Silver discusses the third eye chakra. Personally, the first time I read this I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about, so let me see if I can help clarify this a little. The chakra are the energy centers in our body, and they are said to help regulate physical and spiritual energies within our body. Many illness and problems can result from chakras that are not properly functioning. These Cherokees can be opened and closed with practice, and this is an area we will study more in-depth later. Do not worry if you are not proficient with this practice yet, it takes time. For now, focus on simply sending your positive energies into the water, and that will be sufficient.
Cleansing the Space/Tools
We have discussed earlier the main reasons why we want to cleanse our tools. There is one more very important aspect to this process, and that is this allows us time to become familiar with our tools, both their physical properties, and their energy. Don't worry if you do not have all your tools at this time. I still don't have all the tools I’d like to have lol. Take the time to work with the tools you have, get used to their feel and energy, and they will serve you much better. In time you will be able to pick your tools out of a box of others, simply by the way they feel in your hand.
When you are ready to start planning your rite, be sure and consider the day and time. You want to make sure that you will have ample time to enjoy the process, and not feel like you are rushed because someone is waiting for you. The new moon is probably the best time for this work, as that is a time that is good for new beginnings, which is what this is. However, I believe that with the right intentions and proper mind set, any time will work just as well.
Physically cleaning the physical space in which you are going to work, especially if this is going to be your sacred space, will help train your mind that this space is now sacred and special. It is a time to get used to what you are about to create. Be thinking about the many wonderful things you hope to enjoy in this space while you prepare it.
Silver also briefly touches on two very important parts of the magick itself; that being the will and emotion. If you asked me what the keys to magick is, my answer would be you have to want something (will) really bad (emotion) before it will happen. You can't just flippantly throw energies around and expect for things to happen, or at least not happen in the way you were hoping. It is important that you have the will and emotion involved, in order to achieve the energy level necessary for your magick to be successful. That is why I strongly advise against using pre-made rituals. If you do use them, make sure you take time to personalize them. Without putting some of your heart and soul into the working, I don't believe that your magick will be as effective as it could be.
The ritual bath or shower is a wonderful thing! This is a time to allow yourself to mentally get ready for what you are about to do. It's a time for cleansing your mind of all the worries of the day, and of the life we lead. Take this time to prepare yourself, double check your rite in your mind, and maybe think about the tools you will need. But above all, take time to relax and focus. If you don't have a chance to take a shower, make time for getting focused. A lot of times my mate and I will be going to a rite with our Coven and on the ride there we are generally silent and getting ourselves focused. I can always tell when I took this time before hand, because it takes me less time to get focused when we get into the circle.
When you are cleansing your space or tools with the elements, think about their traits, and especially the ones that you want to add to the tool, the space, or your life. Personally, I am about as Fire as one can get, and I try to incorporate the traits of the other elements to help me become a more balanced person. This is one way to accomplish that.
Finally, when you are cleansing the tools I’d recommend using all four elements. If I were to cleanse my athame for example, I would sprinkle it with water, run it through the candle flame for Fire, run it through the incense smoke for Air, and rub it with dirt or salt for earth. For each element I would pause and think about exactly what I want to incorporate into these tools, and usually finish each element off with “I invoke the positive energies of the (direction)” to make sure I don't miss any lol. I like to cover my bases.
Summary
A note about your self-dedication. I know that right now, especially if you are still new to the Craft, you may be dying to get on with this dedication. My advice? Slow down! The Lord and Lady are well aware of the fact that this is a new path, and that you are interested but wanting to make sure before you make a decision. They respect that, and I would even go so far as to say they expect that. I believe it is best if you take some time, continue your studies, and work with what you learn, before jumping in and making your dedication. This is an important step and not one that should be rushed, nor taken lightly. You will know when you are ready, and once you reach that point, wait another 30 days. Then, go for it!
Lesson 11 Quiz
1. T/F There is only one right way to make holy (magick) water.
2. List 3 reasons cleansing, consecrating, and charging tools and sacred space.
3. Which element represents purification and courage.
4. T/F I must complete my self-dedication before I can practice witchcraft.
5. T/F I have completed the writing assignments for this lesson.
Lesson 11 Quiz Answers
1. False
2. Remove negative energy, meld the positive energies from yourself and your surroundings, and to instill this energy for positive purposes.
3. Fire
4. False
5. True?
Continue to Lesson Twelve
Site design and content are property of
Web Of Shadows, copyright 2000.
