Magick Wicca Witchcraft and The Book of Shadows Gregory Branson Trent Intro 1st Chap

Magick: Wicca,
Witchcraft &
the Book of
Shadows
Gregory Branson-Trent
New Image Productions

© 2010 by Gregory Branson-Trent.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior
written permission of the publishers, except by a reviewer who may quote
brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine or journal.
First Printing
New Image Productions has allowed this work to remain exactly as the author
intended, verbatim, without editorial input.
ISBN: 978-0-9844657-1-2
Printed in the United States of America
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Charmed: Wicca, Witchcraft And The Book Of Shadows
Also Available From Gregory Branson-Trent:

Return To The Cemetery: More Ghosts And Hauntings
The Unexplained: Amelia Earhart, Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis, Aliens And Ghosts
Aliens Among Us: A History Of Extraterrestrials, Crop Circles, Abductions, And

UFO‘s
Haunted Hollywood: Ghosts Of The Dead Famous
Creatures Of Myth And Legend: Fairies, Vampires, Werewolves, Dragons And More
Magick: Wicca, Witchcraft And The Book Of Shadows
Ghosts, Hauntings, And The Dark Side Of The Cemetery
Mysteries of the Unexplained: Vampires, Aliens, Ghosts, Atlantis, and Bigfoot
The Encyclopedia of Magick and the Occult: Wicca, Tarot, Chakra, Runes, Crystals
and Stones
Vampires Among Us: The Children Of The Night
The Six Million Dollar Man: Complete Episode Guide
The Bionic Woman: Complete Episode Guide
Wonder Woman: The Complete Episode Guide
The Witch‘s Kitchen: Incense, Oils, And Candle Recipes
Coming Soon:
Grandma Ran A Whore House
A Haunting At Borley
Page 3
Visit www.GregoryBranson-Trent.com.
While there, look for more information about books, place orders,
appearances (and to schedule an appearance), and emailing.
Page 4
Visit Gregory Branson-Trent’s Ghost Hunter’s Blog at

http://gregorybransontrentsghosthuntersblog.blogspot.com
Page 5
This book is lovingly dedicated to c. l. hause.

Thanks for the magick.
Also for my Dad Harvey.
Magick is all around us…embrace it!!!!
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Disclaimer
Wicca is a wonderful belief system and way of life. As with anything in life,
you need to decide for yourself if it is right for you. No one can do this for
you. This book is meant simply as an introduction to the Wiccan way of life
and an instructional tool to get you started. All the information included is
for your use and education. Just remember that the spells included are
powerful and useful, but only if you believe in them. Take them seriously and
believe, and you will be amazed.
Remember, this book is only for educational purposes, and you and only you
are responsible if you choose to do anything based on what you read.
Blessed Be
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Table of Contents
Introduction 9
What Is Magic? 14
Introduction To Wicca 23
The Concept Of Deity 45
Wiccan Protection 51
5000 Years Of
Herbal History 56
Candles / Aromatherapy
& The Book Of Shadows 84
How To Make A Book Of Shadows 98
Magick, Formulas And Spells 102
Animal Guides / Chakras

Astral Projection 242
Inside The Book Of Shadows

Dream Recipes / Reiki 257
Charms Amulets And Talismans / Incense, Resins And Oils 287
Witch‘s Sabbats / Moon Phases//Planetary Associations/Tarot 315
Rituals 338
History And Background Of Wicca 376
Crystals/ Stones And Their Uses 399
Wicca, Witchcraft & Pagan Definitions and Herb Uses reference Pages 438
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Introduction
What Is Wicca?
Contrary to what many people believe, Wicca is a very peaceful,
harmonious and balanced way of thinking and life, which promotes wholeness
with the divine and all which exists.
Wicca is a deep appreciation in watching the sunrise or sunset, the forest in

the light of a glowing moon, a meadow enchanted by the first light of day. It
is the morning dew on the petals of a beautiful flower, the gentle caress of a
warm summer breeze upon your skin, or the warmth of the summer sun on
your face. Wicca is the fall of colorful autumn leaves, and the softness of
winter snow. It is put simply, light and shadow and all that lies in
between. It is the song of the birds and other creatures of the wild. It is being
in the presence of Mother Earth‘s nature and being humbled in reverence. To
be a Witch is to be a healer, a teacher, a seeker, a giver, and a protector of all
things. If this is your path, may you walk it with honor, light and integrity.
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Wicca is a belief system and way of life based upon the reconstruction of
pre-Christian traditions originating in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. While
much of the information of how these ancestors lived, worshiped and believed
has been lost due to the efforts of the medieval church to wipe Wicca
existence from history, we try to reconstruct those beliefs to the best of our
ability with the information that is available.
Thanks to archaeological discoveries, there now is a basis to believe that

the origins of Wicca‘s belief system can be traced even further back to the
Paleolithic peoples who worshipped a Hunter God and a Fertility
Goddess. With the discovery of these cave paintings, estimated to be around
30,000 years old, depicting a man with the head of a stag, and a pregnant
woman standing in a circle with eleven other people, it can reasonably be
assumed that Witchcraft is one of the oldest belief systems known in the
world today. These archetypes are clearly recognized by Wicca as a view of
the Goddess and God aspect of the supreme creative force and predate
Christianity by roughly 28,000 years making it a mere toddler in the spectrum
of time as we know it.
Witchcraft in ancient history was known as "The Craft of the Wise"

because most that followed the path were in tune with the forces of nature,
had knowledge of herbs and medicines, gave council and were valuable parts
of the village and community as Shamanic healers and leaders. They
understood that mankind is not superior to nature, the earth and its creatures.
Instead we are simply one of the many parts, both seen and unseen that
combine to make the whole. These wise people understood that what we take
or use, we must return in kind to maintain balance and equilibrium. Clearly,
modern man with all his applied learning and technology has forgotten
this. Subsequently, we currently face ecological disaster and eventual
extinction because of our hunger for power and a few pieces of gold.
For the past several hundred years, the image of the Witch has been
mistakenly associated with evil, heathenism, and unrighteousness. These
opinions have origin in a couple of different places.
To begin, the medieval church of the 15th through 18th centuries created
these myths to convert the followers of the old nature based religions to the
churches way of thinking. By making the Witch into a diabolical character
and turning the old religious deities into devils and demons, the missionaries
were able to attach fear to these beliefs which aided in the conversion
process. Secondly, as medical science began to surface, the men who were
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engaged in these initial studies had a very poor understanding of female

physiology, especially in the area of a woman's monthly cycle. The
unknowns in this area played very well with the early churches agenda
lending credence to the Witch Hunters claims and authority. The fledgling
medical professions also stood to benefit greatly from this because it took the
power of the women healers away giving it to the male physicians transferring
the respect and power to them.
Unfortunately these misinformed fears and superstitions have carried

forward through the centuries and remain to this day. This is why many who
follow these nature oriented beliefs have adopted the name of Wicca over its
true name of Witchcraft to escape the persecution, harassment and
misinformation associated with the name of Witchcraft and Witch not to
mention the bad publicity the press and Hollywood has given simply to
generate a profit.
What Witchcraft is:
Witchcraft is a spiritual system that fosters the free thought and will of the
individual, encourages learning and an understanding of the earth and nature
thereby affirming the divinity in all living things. Most importantly however,
it teaches responsibility.
We accept responsibility for our actions and deeds as clearly a result of the
choices we make. We do not blame an exterior entity or being for our
shortcomings, weaknesses or mistakes. If we mess up or do something that
brings harm to another, we have no one but ourselves to blame and must face
the consequences resulting from those actions.
Wicca acknowledges the cycles of nature, the lunar phases and the seasons
to celebrate their spirituality and to worship the divine. It is a belief system
that allows the Witch to work with, not in supplication to deities with the
intent of living in harmony and achieving balance with all things.
The spells that are involved are based in healing, love, harmony, wisdom
and creativity. The potions that are stirred might be a headache remedy, a
cold tonic, or an herbal flea bath for pets. Wiccans strive to gain knowledge
of and use the natural remedies placed on this earth by the divine for their
benefit instead of using synthetic drugs unless absolutely necessary.
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We learn from and revere the gift of nature from divine creation by
celebrating the cycles of the sun, moon and seasons. We search within
ourselves for the cycles that correspond to those of the natural world and try to
live in harmony with the movement of this universal energy. Our teachers
are the trees, rivers, lakes, meadows, mountains and animals as well as others
who have walked this path before us. This belief creates a reverence and
respect for the environment, and all life upon the Earth.
Wicca also reveres the spirits of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water
which combine to manifest all creation. From these four elements we obtain
insight to the rhythms of nature and understand they are also the rhythms of
our own lives.
Because Witches have been persecuted for so many centuries, Wiccans

believe in religious freedom first! We do not look at this path as the only
way to achieve spirituality, but as one path among many to the same end. We
are willing to share experience and knowledge with those who seek wisdom
and perspective. Wiccans practice tolerance and acceptance toward all other
religions as long as those faiths do not persecute others or violate the tenant of
"Harm None."
What Witchcraft is not:
Witchcraft or Wicca is not a cult. We do not proclaim ourselves to be

spokespersons for the divine or try to get others to follow as their leaders.
We do not worship Satan or consort with Demons. Satan is a Christian

creation. We do not need a paranoid creation of supreme evil and eternal
damnation to scare us into doing the right thing and helping others.
We do not sacrifice animals or humans because that would violate the basic
tenant of "Harm None." One who does and claims to be a Wiccan or a
Witch is lying.
Wiccans have no need to steal or control the life force of another to achieve
mystical or supernatural powers. They draw energy from within, and from
personal relationships with the divine and nature.
We do not use the forces of nature or the universe to hex or cast spells on
others. Again, "Harm None" is the whole of the law.
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Witches have a very strict belief in the Law of Three which states that
whatever you send out into the world shall return three fold either good or
bad. With this in mind, a "True Witch" would hesitate in doing magick to
harm or manipulate another because that boomerang that is thrown will
eventually come back much larger and harder than thrown.
This is not to say that Wiccans are perfect, we are human too just like
everyone else and make mistakes and errors in judgment. Just as there are
parents who love and nurture their children, there are parents who abuse their
children. As there are many who devote their lives to giving and helping
mankind, likewise there are those who devote their lives to taking advantage
of and using people for their own gain. Unfortunately the same flaws in
human nature apply to witches too.
Most Wiccans continually strive to consider all potential outcomes of their

thoughts and actions pausing to seriously consider the consequences before
undertaking a ritual, spell or rite that could go astray. It is when the path is
followed with the love of the Goddess in heart, and it adheres to the basic
tenant of the Reed that these works are beneficial and achieve harmony and
balance with all things.
The heart of Wicca is not something summed up into a few short words
and can often take on different meaning to each since the Lord and Lady touch
everyone in different ways. Through the wisdom and words set down
through the ages, you will find that you are able to understand the basis of
these beliefs and how they may apply to you. Your inner voice will also
quickly let you know if the intent of what you are reading is for superficial
purposes to benefit self instead of working to benefit the whole. Remember
to read with your heart, for it is when you see life and the world with your
heart and spirit that you truly gain an understanding of what Wicca is.
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1
What Is Magick?
(Yes it is spelled correctly)
I suppose I could ramble on for quite some time about what Magick of Wicca,
Witches and Witchcraft is or is not. Instead, I will offer this brief writing I
found somewhere. Unfortunately I cannot remember where I came across it or
who the author was, but I thought it was clear, concise and to the point. It very
simply dispels everything that some religions, old superstitions and of course
Hollywood have tried to make people believe magick is.
Magick is finding your connection to the Earth and all that is natural, alive
and moving in the universe! It binds all that exists together.
Magick is living in balance with the flow of life, and knowing that you are a
vital force within that flow. Magick is everywhere! In the trees, rain, stars, and
in the sea. It is the spark that quickens a seed to rise up from the soil.
Magick is laughter, joy, wonder and truth of the world around us!
It is the subtle enchantment that reminds us not to waste a single moment of

this gift that we call life! Magick is not greed, or power, or pretense...It is real.
It exists. And it works.
Magick is the mystery that lies in the secret soul of the world. It is the essence
of creation. What we imagine, we have the power to create!
MAGICK IS WITHIN YOU...
With it you can create your dreams, heal your world, love your life and find
the peace that lives in every human heart.
The Concept of Magick
Magick is the use of unnatural or superhuman power by a person to try to

control actions or natural events. People throughout the world have practiced
magick from the dawn of history. But beginning in the 1600's, science has
provided an increasingly greater understanding of the true causes of natural
events. This increased scientific knowledge has reduced people's dependence
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on magick. But many people in non-industrial societies still believe in magick.

Even in industrial societies, many people still trust in such forms of magick as
astrology and fortunetelling.
The word magick also refers to entertainment in which the performer does
tricks of so-called magick. In such entertainment, neither the magician nor the
audience believes that the performer has supernatural powers.
Elements of Magick
The practice of magick includes special words, actions, and objects. Most
magic involves a person, who claims to have supernatural powers.
Magick words: To work most magick, the person sings or speaks special
words in a certain order. These words are called incantations or spells. Some
spells form prayers to demons, spirits, or other supernatural forces. Many
societies believe the magick will not work unless the person recites the spells
perfectly. Other magick words have no meaning, though they supposedly
possess power when spoken by a witch or Wicca practitioner.
Magick actions accompany the words spoken in performing much magick.

Many of these movements act out the desired effect of the magick. For
example, a person trying to make rain fall may sprinkle water on the ground.
The person‘s combined words and actions form a ceremony called a rite or
ritual.
Magick objects include certain plants, stones, and other things with
supernatural powers. Any such object may be called a fetish. But this term
often refers to an object--for example, a carving or a dried snake--honored by
a tribe for its magick powers. Many tribes believe fetishes have magick power
because spirits live in these objects.
Many people carry magick objects called amulets, charms, or talismans to

protect themselves from harm. Many amulets and talismans are stones or rings
engraved with magick symbols.
In some societies, nearly everyone knows how to work some magick. In other
societies, only experts practice magick. Some may be called medicine men,
medicine women, shamans, sorcerers, or witch doctors. In many societies,
shamans must inherit their powers. In others, any person may use magick by
studying the magical arts.
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Many societies believe magick must observe certain rules and taboos
(forbidden actions) for their spells to work. For example, they may be required
not to eat various foods or to avoid sexual activity for a certain period before
the ceremony.
Kinds of Magick
Many anthropologists classify magick as homeopathic or contagious,

according to its basic principle. The Scottish anthropologist Sir James G.
Frazer first described these types in his book The Golden Bough (1890).
Some people divide magick into black magick and white magick. Black
magick harms people, but white magick helps them. Warlocks usually practice
black magick. But a saint may cure a sick person using white magick.
Homeopathic magick is based on the belief that like produces like. In this type
of magick, also called imitative magick, persons act out or imitate what they
want to happen. They often use a model or miniature of whatever they want to
influence. For example, a fisherman may make a model of a fish and pretend
he is netting it. He believes this ritual will assure him a good catch. In some
European folk dances, the dancers leap high into the air to make their crops
grow tall. People once believed that yellow flowers would cure jaundice, a
yellowish discoloration of the body.
Many taboos come from homeopathic magick. People avoid certain harmless
things because they resemble various harmful things. Among the Inuit
(Eskimos), for example, parents have traditionally warned their sons against
playing a string game, such as cat's cradle, in which children loop string
around their fingers. They feared that playing such games might cause the
children's fingers to become tangled in the harpoon lines they will use as
adults.
Contagious magick comes from the belief that after a person has had contact
with certain things; they will continue to influence that person. The most
common examples of contagious magick involve parts of the body that have
been removed, such as fingernails, hair, and teeth. A person's nails and hair
can affect the rest of that person's body long after they have been cut off. A
person can injure an enemy by damaging a lock of hair or a piece of clothing
from the victim. Magick can even be used to cripple an enemy by placing a
sharp object in that person's footprint.
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People who believe in contagious magick fear that an enemy can gain power
over them by obtaining parts of their body. Therefore, they carefully dispose
of their nails, hair, teeth, and even their body wastes.
Witches and voodoo magicians often practice a type of homeopathic magic

called envoutement. The practitioner makes a doll or some other likeness of
an enemy. Then harms the enemy by sticking pins into the doll or injuring it in
some other way. In some societies, the doll includes a lock of hair or a piece
of clothing from the enemy. This type of envoutement is a combination of
homeopathic and contagious magic.
Why People Believe in Magick
People turn to magick chiefly as a form of insurance--that is, they use it along
with actions that actually bring results. For example, hunters may use a
hunting charm. But they also use their hunting skills and knowledge of
animals. The charm may give hunters the extra power they need to hunt even
more successfully than they would without it. If they shoot a lot of game, they
credit the charm for their success. Crops grow without it, and sick people get
well without it, but the belief in magic can bring about many wonderful things.
Many anthropologists believe that people have faith in magick because they
feel a need to believe in it. People may turn to magick to reduce their fear and
uncertainty if they feel they have no control over the outcome of a situation.
For example, farmers use knowledge and skill when they plant their fields.
But they know that weather, insects, or diseases might ruin the crops. So
farmers in some societies may also plant a charm or perform a magick rite to
ensure a good harvest.
History
Ancient times. The use of magick goes back at least as far as 50,000 B.C.
About that time, prehistoric people buried cave bears, probably as a magick
rite. Scientists believe that much prehistoric art had magical purposes. Hunters,
for example, probably used cave paintings of animals in rites intended to help
them hunt the animals.
Magick was important to the ancient Egyptians, who used amulets, magick
figures, and rites. The ancient Greeks and Romans tried to tell the future from
dreams. They also consulted priests called oracles, who interpreted advice
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from the gods.
According to one legend, the Three Wise Men who visited the baby Jesus
were astrologers who located Him by magick use of the stars. The Bible has
many references to magick, sorcery, and witchcraft.
During the Middle Ages, nearly all Europeans believed in magick. The clergy
considered magick sinful but believed in its power. The so-called science of
alchemy included much magick. Alchemists hoped to discover the
philosopher's stone, a magick substance that could change iron, lead, and
other metals into gold. They also sought the elixir of life, a miraculous
substance that could cure disease and lengthen life.
Many men joined a secret brotherhood called the Rosicrucians, an early

version of the present-day Rosicrucian Order. The Rosicrucians studied
magick lore and devoted themselves to curing the sick and helping people in
other ways. The Masons, another secret group, also had elements of magick in
their rituals.
From the 1500's to the 1700's, belief in magick continued widespread. Even
highly educated people believed in its power. The Swiss physician Philippus
Paracelsus, for example, experimented with alchemy and believed in the
power of talismans. Sir Isaac Newton, the famous English astronomer and
mathematician, studied alchemy. Thousands of persons were tried and
executed as witches during this period.
Many forms of magick tried to predict the future. People believed a person's
character could be described or the future foretold in various ways. These
methods included studying the palm of a person's hand, facial features, or
even the moles on a person's skin. Some people used tarot cards, a set of
playing cards with special pictures, for fortunetelling.
After about 1600, advances in science gradually weakened people's belief in

magick. But as late as the 1700's, the Italian magician Count Allesandro di
Cagliostro won fame for his powers. Cagliostro traveled through Europe
selling love potions and elixirs of life.
Magic today still plays an important role in the life of many ethnic groups.
Even among modern peoples, magic has many followers with an interest in
such subjects as astrology, fortunetelling, and witchcraft. For example, many
people who have faith in astrology read their daily horoscope in a newspaper.
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Countless people believe in superstitions that involve forms of magick. Some

persons carry a fetish, such as a rabbit's foot or a lucky penny. They believe
these articles have magic power to bring good luck. Homeopathic magic
appears in the superstition that a newborn baby must be carried upstairs before
it is carried down. This act guarantees that the child will rise in the world and
have a successful life.
Magick also survives in much of today's advertising. The manufacturers of

such products as gasoline and headache remedies boast of new, secret
ingredients. Advertisements may indirectly suggest that a mouthwash or a
tooth paste will magically transform an unpopular person into a popular one.
Many people buy these and other products for the magick qualities suggested
by such advertising.
Whatever the reason or how it is done, the existence of magick cannot be

denied. The following chapters look into many different ways Wiccans
practice magick. The areas range from herbology, gems, crystals, stones, tarot,
spell casting and even the development and creation of spells and a personal
book of shadows.
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Elements & Magick

The
Ancients
divided the
world into four
basic principles
or *elements*
earth, water,
fire, and air.
That viewpoint
has mostly
changed with
advances of
science, but the
four elements
are still
accepted in
magick, for
they are more
closely linked
with emotions,
the human
psyche, and with nature than are modern explanations of the world. These
*magical elements* are also of some importance in astrology. Many occultists
think of the magical elements as forces, or as *qualities* of energy; especially
within the astral world. Each element has a symbol and color. (Common
symbols are -- fire: a triangle pointing up; air: a triangle pointing up and with
a horizontal line through the middle of it; water: a triangle pointing down;
earth: a triangle pointing down and with a horizontal line through the middle
of it.) Colors of the elements are -- earth: brown and green; water: blue; fire:
red; air: yellow... The Eastern tattvic system uses different symbols and colors.
The elements are often used in magick ritual.
Magick sees relationships between things. These relationships are called

'correspondences'. Although magical correspondences are not literally equal to
one another, you can think of them that way (such as gold equals sun). Tables
of these relationships, called 'Correspondence Tables', are available (an
important one is Crowley's '777'). Thus one thing or symbol can be used to
suggest another. This is important in magick, for the magician may surround
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himself with as many appropriate correspondences as he can to vividly affect

the senses; thus making his magical contact with the inner planes more lucid.
The magical elements have correspondences with the tarot cards as the four
suits. The four quarters (directions of the universe as used in magick ritual)
and the Archangels also correspond with these same elements.
Element Suit Quarter Archangel

Earth Pentacles North Uriel
Water Cups West Gabriel
Fire Swords South Michael
Air Wands East Raphael
Astrological signs also correspond with the elements. Taurus, Virgo, and
Capricorn are earth signs. Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are water signs. Aries,
Leo and Sagittarius are fire signs. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are air signs.
ELEMENTALS
The magical elements are said to be peopled by spirits and mythological
entities called elementals or nature spirits. These are grouped into four main
categories:
Earth Water Fire Air
Gnome Undine Jin Sylph

Dwarfs Nymphs Genies Faries
Elves Tritons Angles
Brownies Mermaids
Hobgoblins Mermen
Sirens
Leprechauns Harpies
Salamander
Elementals are usually only visible to those with clairvoyant sight and are
more likely to be seen at night in the mountains or country away from cities --
especially if you are tired or sleepy. Although elementals exist naturally, it is
also possible to create one which will exist for a limited time -- no elemental
has immortality. A created elemental is called an 'artificial elemental'.
To the Ancients, elementals were the physical explanation of the universe.
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However, some contemporary occultists see them only as symbols for forces
and otherwise not 'real' at all. Another word sometimes used for elemental is
'familiar' (usually in medieval witchcraft); the term is ambiguous, as it might
merely be an ordinary household pet such as a dog or cat.
YIN YANG
Chinese philosophy and acupuncture talk of yin yang. This is the idea of
polarity, or opposite pairs, as shown:
Yin Yang
Water Fire
Contraction Expansion
Cold Hot
Feminine Masculine
Moon Sun
Negative Positive
Passive Active
Ebb Flow
Wane Wax
The list could go on. In Chinese literature it is quite long. Some occultists
suggest everything can be similarly arranged into related opposite pairs.
SIMPLE MAGICK
Here is a simple magical technique you may wish to try. To help you to
achieve your goal (magical or otherwise), find a word or short phase which
sums up what it is that you want to accomplish. Write the word (or phrase)
down 10 times each day until you achieve success.
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2
An Introduction to
Traditional Wicca
Often Traditional Wiccans are asked to describe our religion and beliefs for
interested people, who may or may not have confused this with other Pagan
religions, with inversions of Christian/Islamic religions like Satanism, or with
purely magical traditions with no religious base. There is a lot of flexibility in
the ways that Wiccans describe themselves, and one characteristic of Wicca is
a large degree of personal liberty to practice freely. Still, there is an outline
that can be described in general terms. Many traditions will depart from one
particular or another, but groups departing from all or most of these features
are probably non-Wiccan Traditions attempting to stretch or distort the
Wiccan name to cover what they want to do.
Mysteries and Initiation

Wicca is an Initiatory religion descended from the Ancient Mystery
Religions. A mystery religion is not like Catholicism where a Priest is the
contact point between the worshiper and the Deity, or like Protestantism
where a sacred book provides the contact and guidelines for being with the
divine. Rather a Mystery Religion is a religion of personal experience and
responsibility, in which each worshiper is encouraged, taught and expected to
develop an ongoing and positive direct relationship with the Gods. The
religion is called a "Mystery" because such experiences are very hard to
communicate in words, and are usually distorted in the telling. You have to
have been there in person to appreciate what is meant. Near and far-Eastern
religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Shinto are probably Mystery
traditions, but Wicca is very western in cultural flavor and quite different than
eastern religions in many ways.
A Blend of Pagan Roots

Most Wiccan Traditions, .K.A.M. included, have particular roots in the
British Mystery Traditions. This includes traditions of the Picts who lived
before the rise of Celtic consciousness, the early Celts, and some selected
aspects of Celtic Druidism. American Wicca is directly descended from
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British Wicca, brought in the late 1950's by English and American Initiates of
Gardnerian, Alexandrian and Celtic Wicca. These traditions are a little like the
denominations in Christianity, but hopefully far more harmonious.
While British Traditions are very strong in Wicca, or the Craft as it is

sometimes called, other Western Mystery traditions feature prominently,
including the ancient Greek Mysteries of Eleusis, Italian Mysteries of Rome,
Etruria and the general countryside, Mysteries of Egypt and Persia before
Islam, and various Babylonian, Assyrian and other mid-eastern Mysteries that
flourished before the political rise of the advocates of "one god".
What's In a Name?
Wicca, Witchcraft, and "The Craft" are used interchangeably at times by
many kinds of people. It is fair to say that all Wiccans are Witches. It is
important to know that many people call themselves witches who are not in
the least Wiccan, and that Masons also refer to themselves as "Craft", with
good historical precedent. Carefully question people on the particular things
they do and believe as part of their religion rather than relying on labels. Any
real Wiccan would welcome such honest inquiry.
Traditions and Flavor

There are specific Wiccan beliefs and traditions, including worship of an
equal and mated Goddess and God who take many forms and have many
names. Groups who worship only a Goddess or only a God are not traditional
Wicca however they may protest, although they may be perfectly good Pagans
of another sort. The Wiccan Goddess and God are linked to nature, ordinary
love and children -- Wicca is very life affirming in flavor.
Wiccans have nothing to do with other people's deities or devils, like the
Christian God or Satan, the Muslim Allah or the Jewish Jehovah (reputedly
not his real name). Christians often deny this fact because they think that their
particular god is the only God, and everybody else in the whole world must be
worshipping their devil. They're wrong on both counts.
Traditional Wicca is a religion of personal responsibility and growth.

Initiates take on a particular obligation to personal development throughout
their lives, and work hard to achieve what is called "True Will‖. Finding
your Will isn't easy, and requires a lot of honesty, courage and hard work. It is
also very rewarding.
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Wicca is generally a cheerful religion, and has many holidays and festivals.
In fact, most of the more pleasant holidays now on the calendar are descended
from the roots Wicca draws on, including Christmas, May Day, Easter and
Summer Vacation. Wicca is definitely not always serious. Dancing, feasting
and general merriment are a central part of the celebrations.
Wiccan Ethics
Wiccans have ethics which are different in nature than most "one-god"
religions, which hand out a list of "do's and don'ts". We have a single
extremely powerful ethical principal which Initiates are responsible for
applying in specific situations according to their best judgment. That principle
is called the Wiccan Rede (Old-English for rule) and reads:
"An (if) it harm none, do as ye Will"
Based on the earlier mention of "True Will", you will understand that the
Rede is far more complex than it sounds, and is quite different than saying
"Do whatever you want as long as nobody is hurt". Finding out your Will is
difficult sometimes, and figuring out what is harmful, rather than just painful
or unpleasant is not much easier.
Initiation into Wicca

People become Wiccans only by Initiation, which is a process of
contacting and forming a good relationship with the Gods and Goddesses of
Wicca. Initiation is preceded by at least a year and a day of preparation and
study, and must be performed by a qualified Wiccan Priestess and Priest. The
central event of Initiation is between you and your Gods, but the Priestess is
necessary to make the Initiation a Wiccan one, to pass some of her power onto
you as a new-made Priestess or Priest and to connect you to the Tradition
you're joining.
Women hold the central place in Wicca. A Traditional Coven is always

headed by a High Priestess, a Third Degree female Witch with at least three
years and three days of specific training. A Priest is optional, but the Priestess
is essential. Similarly, a Priest may not initiate without a Priestess, but a
Priestess alone is sufficient. Women are primary in Wicca for many reasons,
one of which is that the Goddess is central to our religion.
One Religion at a Time

People often ask "Can I become a Wiccan and still remain a Christian,
Muslim, practicing Jew, etc?‖ The answer is no. The "one god" religions
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reject other paths besides their own, including each other's. "One-god"
religions also do not exalt the Female as does Wicca, and mixing two such
different traditions would water them both down. Besides, you'd have to ask
how serious a person who practiced two religions was about either one. Being
Jewish is an exception, since it is a race and culture as well as a religion.
There are many Wiccan Jews, but they practice Wicca, not Judaism.
Magick and Science

People interested in Wicca are usually curious about the magick that
Wiccans can do. While magick (spelled with a "k" to distinguish from stage
conjuring) is not a religion in itself, it is related to religious beliefs. Wiccans
believe that people have many more abilities than are generally realized, and
that it is a good idea to develop them. Magick is a way of using natural forces
to change consciousness and material conditions as an expression of our "True
Wills". Part of becoming a Wiccan is training in methods of psychic and
magickal development.
Because we believe that everything a person does returns to them

magnified, a Wiccan will not work a magick for harm, since they would pay
too high a price. But a helpful magick is good for both the giver and receiver!
Wicca is entirely compatible with the scientific method, and believes all the
Gods and forces it is worked with to be quite natural, not supernatural at all.
Wiccans do not, however, hold with the kind of scientific dogma or pseudo
religion that sees everything as dead matter and neglects its own method by
trumpeting "facts" without honest examination of evidence.
Priestesses at Large?
Long ago the spiritual (and sometimes physical) ancestors of Wiccans were
Priestesses and Priests to the Pagan culture as well as devotees of their
Mystery. Now that a Pagan culture is rising again, some ask if today's
Wiccans could resume that role. This seems unlikely.
Today's Pagan culture is very diverse and more interested in exploring and
creating new forms than in building on existing traditions. A public role
would either dilute current traditions or force them on an unwilling audience.
The neo-Pagan community generally prefers "media figures" and rapid
membership and growth. This is not compatible with Wiccan‘s slow methods
of training and Initiation, the insistence that livelihood come from work
outside the Craft, or the need for privacy. Wiccan religion is not accepted in
the American workplace or political system, and may never be. The most
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powerful Priestesses are often unknown to all but their Covens. While all
Wiccans are Pagans, all Pagans are not Wiccan, and it is best that it remain so.
The Wiccan Rede

(Full Version)
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 wolfs bane.
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
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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 Embolic 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 its 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 now 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"
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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 magick is wrought.
For the two are mystical pillars,

That stand at the gate of the shrine,
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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!
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Before Time Was
Before time was, there was The One;
The One was all, and all was The One.
And the vast expanse known as the universe was The One,
all wise, all pervading, all powerful, eternally changing.
And space moved. The One molded energy into twin forms,
equal but opposite, fashioning the Goddess and God
from The One and of The One.
The Goddess and God stretched and gave thanks to The One,
but darkness surrounded them.
They were alone, solitary save for The One.
So they formed energy into gases and gases into suns

and planets and moons; They sprinkled the universe with whirling
globes and so all was given shape by the hands of the Goddess and God.
Light arose and the sky was illuminated by a billion suns.

The Goddess and God, satisfied by their works,
rejoiced and loved, and were one.
From their union sprang the seeds of all life,

and the human race so that we might achieve incarnation upon the Earth.
The Goddess chose the Moon as her symbol,

and the God the Sun as his to remind the inhabitants of Earth of their creators.
All are born, live, die and are reborn beneath the Moon and Sun;
All things come to pass there under, and all occurs
with the blessings of The One, the Goddess and God,
as has been the way of existence since before time was.
Various Wiccan
Traditions
Gardnerian Wicca
A retired British civil servant named Gerald B. Gardner is the 'Grandfather',

at the very least, of almost all Neo-Wicca. He was initiated into a coven of
Witches in the New Forest region of England in 1939 by a High Priestess
named 'Old Dorothy' Clutterbuck. In 1949 he wrote a novel [*High Magic's
Aid*] about medieval Witchcraft in which quite a bit of the Craft as practiced
by that coven was used. In 1951 the last of the English laws against
Witchcraft were repealed (primarily due to the pressure of Spiritualists) and
Gardner published *Witchcraft Today*, which set forth a version of the rituals
and traditions of that coven. There is an enormous amount of disagreement
about virtually every statement made in this paragraph.
Gardnerism is both a tradition and a family, and lineage is a family tree.

The High Priestess rules the coven, and the principles of love and trust preside.
We follow our handed down book more carefully than many others, but we
are free to add and improvise, as long as we preserve the original.
*Each Gardnerian coven is autonomous and is headed by a High Priestess

who can turn to her queen (the High Priestess who trained her) for counsel and
advice. This maintains the lineage and creates a pool of experienced and
knowledgeable leaders and teachers.
*Reincarnation and the Wiccan Rede [An it harm none do what you will] are
basic tenants of the tradition. Covens are as much as possible composed of
male/female pairs for balance. Most working is accomplished with the energy
raised by the interaction of the Lord and Lady as represented by the couples in
the coven by dancing, chanting, etc.
*Like many Wiccan traditions, Gardnerians have three degrees. An American

Gardnerian must be of the 3rd degree before she can become a HPS. The
HPS/HP is responsible for conducting services (circles), training their
conveners, and preserving and passing on Gardnerian Craft. *[This material
quoted from Converging Paths Newsletter, Kyril, Brita, & Hugh authors.]
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A lot of the controversy surrounding Gardnerianism questions the sources

of the rituals and other materials, particularly those appearing in print. It is
true that Gardner presented these materials as if they were directly from his
New Forest tradition. It is clear, however, that whatever materials the coven
may have had when he was initiated, Gerald made a lot of changes and added
a great deal. Literary sources of the published Book of Shadows include Blake,
Kipling, Yeats and Crowley. Much of the published material was written by
Doreen Valiente, a member of the coven for a time and later founder of her
own groups and author of many excellent books on the Craft.
Alexandrian Wicca
As most everyone by now is aware, the Alexandrian Tradition is very close

to Gardnerian with a few minor changes. (One of the most obvious ones being
that the Alexandrians use the athame as a symbol for the element of fire and
the wand as a symbol for air). Most of the rituals are very formal and heavily
indebted to ceremonial magick. It is also a polarized tradition and the
sexuality of that female/male polarity is emphasized. The ritual cycle deals
mostly with the division of the year between the Holly King and the Oak King
and several ritual dramas deal with the dying/resurrected God theme. As with
Gardnerians, the High Priestess is supposedly the highest authority. However,
it is odd that the primary spokespersons for both traditions have been men.
Alexandrian Wicca was the creation of Alex Sanders (with his then wife
Maxine) who claimed to have been initiated by his grandmother in 1933. Its
principal proponents are Janet and Stewart Farrar whose books set forth most,
if not all, of the Alexandrian tradition. Contrary to popular belief, the name
Alexandrian refers not to Alex Sanders, but to Ancient Alexandria.
Although similar to Gardnerian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca tends to be

more eclectic, and liberal. Some of Gardnerisms strict rules, such as the
requirement of ritual nudity, have been made optional by Alexandrian Wicca.
Mary Nesnick, an American initiate in Gardnerian and Alexandrian

traditions founded a 'new' tradition called Algard. This tradition brings
together both Gardnerian and Alexandrian teachings under a single banner.
This was possible due to the great similarities between the two traditions.
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Dianic Wicca
The Dianic Craft includes two distinct branches:
1. One branch, founded in Texas by Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts,

gives primacy to the Goddess in its theology, but honors the Horned God as
Her Beloved Consort. Covens are mixed, including both women and men.
This branch is sometimes called 'Old Dianic', and there are still covens of this
tradition, especially in Texas. Other covens, similar in teleology but not
directly descended from the McFarland/Roberts line, are sprinkled around the
country.
2. The other branch, sometimes called Feminist Dianic Witchcraft, focuses

exclusively on the Goddess and consists of women-only covens and groups.
These tend to be loosely structured and non-hierarchical, using consensus-
decision- making and simple, creative, experimental ritual. They are
politically feminist groups, usually very supportive, personal and emotionally
intimate. There is a strong lesbian presence in the movement, though most
covens are open to women of all orientations. The major network is Re-
Formed Congregation of the Goddess, which publishes "Of a Like Mind"
newspaper and sponsors conferences on Dianic Craft.
Celtic Wicca (Church of Wicca)
The Church of Wicca was founded by Gavin and Yvonne Frost. They offer
correspondence courses in their brand of Wicca, which is sometimes called
Celtic Wicca. The Church of Wicca has just recently begun including a
Goddess in their deity structure, and has been very patrofocal as Wiccan
traditions go. The Church of Wicca terms itself "Baptist Wicca"
The Frosts call their tradition of Wicca Celtic. To me it seems more of a

mixture of high magic and eclectic Wicca, with a smattering of Celtic thrown
in. For instance, they use three circles, one within the others, made of salt,
sulfur and herbs with runes and symbols between them instead of just one
circle. They also insist on a white- handled athame and will not have a black
handled one, whereas all the other traditions I have heard or read about use a
black handled one. It seems to me the Wicca they practice and teach should
not be called Celtic at all; but since a lot of it is made up or put together by
them from other traditions they should also give it a made-up name; say
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Frostism. If you DON'T have to pay for the course, and have some extra time,
it would probably be worth reading just for comparison.
The Frosts have always been rather more public than most traditions
(advertising their course in the Enquirer and similar publications) which has
earned them heavy criticism in less public Craft groups.
Georgian Wicca
If one word could best describe the Georgean Tradition, it would be

'eclectic. Even though the material provided to students was nominally
Alexandrian, there was never any imperative to follow that path blindly.
George Patterson (the tradition's founder) always said 'If it works use it, if it
doesn't, don't'.
Discordianism (Erisian)
The Discordian or Erisian movement is described as a Non- Prophet

Irreligious Disorganization and has claimed The Erisian revelation is not a
complicated put-on disguised as a new religion, but a new religion disguised
as a complicated put-on. "It all started with the *'Principia Discordia, or How I
Found the Goddess and What I Did to Her When I Found Her', a collection of
articles and ideas compiled by Greg Hill (Malaclypse the Young-er). The
central theme is 'Chaos is every bit as important as Order' as illustrated in the
story of The curse of Greyface:
Humor is central to Discordianism, but Discordianism should not be

dismissed as a joke. Profound experiences frequently accompany the practice
or Erisinaism. It is a perceptual game, one which demonstrates that the absurd
is just as valid as the mundane and chaos is just as valid as order. It frees the
practitioner from the order games (that most have forgotten are games) to play
games with order or games with chaos, or both. The effects of Discordianism
upon an individual can be far reaching and amazingly liberating.
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Witchcraft, Wicca and

Paganism
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q. Are Wicca and Witchcraft the same thing?
A. Some say yes, and some say no. I suppose the only way to navigate this
question safely is to point out what some may consider the main differences.
In general, Wiccans feel free to review different belief systems, such as Celtic,
Norse, Essene, Gnosis, or Shamanism, and then blend together any points that
"feel" right into their own personal path. Pure Witchcraft on the other hand,
may focus a little more tightly on using Magick and ritual to work with the
elemental and spiritual forces in nature. Regardless, I feel the differences are
slight in that Wicca and Witchcraft both work to achieve balance and harmony
within nature and self.
Q. Who do Witches Worship?
A. There is a single power defined as the One or All, which is composed of

everything it has ever created. This supreme energy force does not rule over
the Universe, it IS the Universe. Since most find it difficult to talk to or call
upon a faceless mass of Divine energy, this supreme power is personified into
male and female aspects as the Goddess and God. This simply makes the
concept easier for the human mind to comprehend and relate to. Some take
this concept a step further and use actual names, like Astarte, Isis, Odin, Pan,
Dianna, Cernunnos, etc., when invoking the Goddess and God. In the end, it is
a personal preference and what a Witch uses depends on what "feels" right for
them individually.
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Q. How do Witches view Christianity? Are Witches Anti-Christian?
A. Not necessarily. Witchcraft, overall, is very tolerant of other religious

views, and does not engage itself in criticizing the beliefs of other people,
providing that their beliefs do not violate the basic tenant of "Harm None."
Witches do object to religions that attempt to suppress the religious beliefs of
others, or every human's right to seek spirituality in their own way. This is
why there is a slight rub between Wiccans, Pagans, Witches, and some
Christians. Many of them feel they have exclusive rights to the divine. We
also have a strong disdain for those who use religion as an excuse to commit
mass genocide. The "Burning Times" are a clear historical example of one
religious group attempting to exert its philosophies and beliefs upon others
using extreme measures.
Perhaps an over simplified way of describing our view is this: Imagine a

beautiful meadow in the forest, and there are many paths leading to this
meadow. It really does not matter which path you take to get there, the
important thing is that you get there without harming anyone or anything
along the way.
Q. Can I follow the path of Wicca or Witchcraft and be a Christian too?

A. Again, some say yes and others maintain that they are completely separate
religions. I believe that if one looks closely at the true teachings of Jesus with
an open heart, you will find some stark commonalities. It is only when one
takes literally the sometimes frail misinterpretations of those who
misunderstood the intent or used the teachings to suit their own political
agendas that one sees wide differences.
As a solitary you are free to choose any path you desire, or any blend that
"feels" right to you. The important thing is to not allow a name or word to
become a stumbling block. It is the intent of your actions and spirituality that
matters in the end. I realize it is a poor comparison; Peanut Butter and
Chocolate are two completely separate things. The fact remains, however, that
they work pretty well when mixed together. Ultimately you must do what
"feels" right to you...
Q. The Wiccan Rede says "An it harm none, do as ye will." Does that mean a
Witch can do anything they want and it‘s OK if they justify the action to
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themselves?
A. An excellent question indeed and the answer is no... The whole premise of
our belief system is based on living in harmony with all things that exist. This
includes, but is not limited to the earth, trees, rivers, lakes, oceans, air, and all
of earth's creatures, as well as other people without regard to race, color,
religion, or sexual orientation.
This is not to say that Witches are perfect, never do anything wrong, or make
mistakes. We are still human. We are aware of, or try to be aware of the
karmic return of our actions, and are very careful not to send out negative
energy in thought or deed.
Yes, sometimes a Witch will focus an energy form toward someone who
needs a psychic zap. This is only done however when a person is consistently
doing something very wrong within society and causing a lot of harm to
others. If and when a Witch does zap someone, they do so with the full
knowledge that it will eventually return to them and there will be a price to
pay according to the Law of Three. There are times when we simply must
make a personal sacrifice for the good of the whole and shoulder this weight.
Q. OK, so if Wicca and Witchcraft are not evil, why do you hold rituals and
ceremonies at night hidden in the woods?
A. This practice has its history in a couple of different things, none of which
have anything to do with evil... In the old world, especially within the Celtic
tribes, the day followed an entirely different schedule than it does in modern
times. The new day for them actually began at sunset. This is also why most
observances of holidays were celebrated on the evening before the actual
calendar day. The second reason is that survival had an entirely different
meaning during those times. Almost without exception, everyone spent their
daylight hours tending the crops, their herds, or engaged in their trade. All
daylight hours were vitally important simply for survival reasons.
Q. What form does the practice of Witchcraft take?
A. The form and context vary from group to group, and between each ritual,
and may run the gamut from elaborate ceremony to spontaneous ritual to
simple meditation.
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Q. How do you see the Goddess and God?
A. Wiccans believe that there are female/male aspects to the One or All and
without the union and balance of these two aspects, nothing can exist. See
Before Time Was or read the answer to question number two above again for
more insight.
Q. Do all Witches practice their religion the same way?
A. Yes and no. Wicca is a highly individualistic religion. Moreover, the

number of different sects within the Craft may give the impression that no two
groups practice the same way. Though practices may vary, most traditions
have many similarities, such as the working of magick and a respect for nature.
Most Witches find enough common ground for mutual support and productive
networking throughout the Craft community.
Q. Is Witchcraft a cult?
A. No. Cults are groups that trade a sense of salvation and belonging for the
ability to think for oneself. They indulge in extravagant homage or adoration
(Webster's Dictionary), usually of an earthly leader of some sort. If you know
a real Witch, you'll quickly come to find the term "Cult" could not apply to us.
Most Wiccans, Witches and pagans come to the Craft individually through
reading and communing with nature. They often will remain solitary in their
beliefs but other will also find like-minded people to celebrate seasonal cycles
or monthly moons with. Witches are extremely individualistic, self sufficient
and defend the right of free will without hesitation.
Q. Do Witches have a bible?
A. No. A bible is supposedly the word of a deity revealed through a prophet.

Witchcraft is a Pagan folk-religion of personal experience. Witchcraft in the
old times was much the same as the beliefs of the Essenes, Gnostics, Druids,
and many other religions. The teachings were passed along by spoken word
through long periods of one-on-one instruction with an Elder of the Craft.
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This approach was taken because the power and knowledge could be misused
in the wrong hands. Therefore, by using only the spoken word, the old masters
could ensure those who wished to follow the path had a true understanding
and their hearts were in the right place as their knowledge of the mysteries
grew. Unfortunately, when the medieval church began its attempts to convert
and eliminate rival belief systems, the teachers were either killed outright or
went underground resulting in much of the ancient knowledge being lost.
Q. If Witches don't have a bible, what do you use?
A. Most modern Witches keep a Book of Shadows, (BOS) or Grimoire,

which is more like an individual‘s workbook, journal, or diary, meaningful to
the person who keeps it. This book contains rituals, discoveries, spells, poetry,
herb lore, etc. Covens almost always keep a similar group book. I am not
exactly sure how the name "Book of Shadows" came to be, but I would
assume that this also ties into the Burning Times when the church set out to
eliminate all texts along with the followers of the old ways. The writings that
existed were more than likely were taken into the shadows and hidden with
the survivors.
Q. The word Tradition is used quite often. What is the exact meaning of this?
A. Here the word Tradition relates to the beliefs of a specific geographical

region such as Celtic, Germanic, Norse, etc., and is sometimes broken down
into further subsets. Essentially it is much the same as the variety of
denominations seen within Christianity, such as Methodist, Mormon or
Catholic.
Q. Do Witches cast spells?
A. Some do and some don't. Spell work should never be the focus of
following this path and those who seek our ways only for this purpose are
very misguided. A spell is a ritual formula, or series of steps, to direct psychic
energy to accomplish a desired end. This energy is drawn from the Earth with
the aid of elementals, concentrated and sent out into the world to achieve a
Page 40
positive goal. Since Witchcraft teaches that whatever one sends out is returned
threefold, Witches are very careful to never send out harmful energy
carelessly. The Christian word for this is "Prayer". The only real difference is
that Witches also invoke the aid of spirit guides, familiars or other elemental
energies to add strength to the process as well as using ritual tools.
Q. Do Witches worship the devil?
A. No. Satan, or the Devil, has absolutely no place in Wicca or Witchcraft.

The worship of Satan is the practice of profaning Christian symbolism and is
thus a Christian heresy, rather than a Pagan religion. The Goddess and God of
the Witches are in no way connected to Satanic practices. Satan, or the Devil,
is a Christian creation and they are more than welcome to keep him.
Q. Are Witches only women?
A. No, although women do seem to predominate in the Craft overall. In fact,

some traditions have only women practitioners, just as others have only men.
A male Witch is simply called a Witch, never a warlock and it is considered
an insult to call a male Witch "Warlock". The word "Warlock" actually means
"oath breaker". Some traditions of Wicca separate between female/male. The
word "Wicce" pronounced (Wik-kay) designates a female Witch and "Wicca"
pronounced (Wik-kah) designates a male Witch.
Q. How do Witches view Sex?
A. Sex is part of nature and sacred to the Deities and Witches. Just like
everyone else, witches think it's wonderful. The Great Rite at Beltane is a
symbolic representation of the union between the Goddess and God resulting
in the creation of all that exists. Very few, if any, traditions engage in sex as a
part of group rites and there are no orgies during ritual. Many couples who
have chosen each other, and jointly follow the path, do use sex magick in their
private rites and rituals, however. It is a deeply intimate sharing of body, spirit
and soul which bonds them together closer than anything else can.
Page 41
Q. What is the purpose of performing ceremonies Skyclad?
A. The term skyclad means "Clad only by the sky". Not all Witches perform
rituals skyclad, but there are those who believe that the absence of clothing
allows energy to transfer to and from them more freely. Many simply feel
closer to the Goddess and God while in their natural form without the
bindings of human technology, insecurities or socially retarded inhibitions
regarding the human form. Many wear a robe or some other clothing made of
natural materials while participating in group activities and go skyclad only
when observing rites alone or with their mate. Regardless, going skyclad
during ritual is in no way a sexual act, it is a deeply spiritual one for those
who "choose" to do so.
Q. Is Witchcraft a religion?
A. Yes, Witchcraft is a nature based religion and it has been recognized as

such in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., Wicca has full recognition
as a religion and is granted all rights as such under the Constitution. The
American Heritage Dictionary defines religion as "a belief in and reverence
for a supernatural power recognized as the creator and governor of the
universe". So yes, it does qualify as such. Our definition differs slightly in that
to us, the creator of the universe IS the universe. Witchcraft, or Wicca, is not
something that can be followed once in a while or when it is convenient or we
need or want something. It is a dedication made to nature, the deities and
yourself. It is a way of life, and as such we are mindful of the balance between
ourselves and all things within the universe at all times.
Q. How do Witches view death?
A. Many Witches believe in reincarnation and the Summerland. After passing

over, Summerland is where the spirit awaits to be returned into a new physical
form. We do not believe in an absolute Heaven or Hell where the spirit spends
eternity as reward or punishment for ones earthly actions.
Page 42
Witches Reed of Chivalry
Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed
of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect
to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves.
Therefore, be it noted that:
Chivalry is a high code of honor which is of most ancient Celtic Pagan origin,
and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways.
It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will
wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return... bringing into creation, on this
world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for
"as ye sow, so shall ye reap."
It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain

godhead.
"This above all...to thine own self be true...."
A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus,
give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.
Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be
known.
Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing
of falsehoods.
Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise
expected of them.
The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a
virtue.
Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to
harm another.
Page 43
Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, diverse
covens and circles may well have diverse views. These views, even if they are
different than yours, should always be given respect. When a coven, circle,
clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices,
and abide thereby.
Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humor are much to be admired.
As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom
increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.
Courage and honor endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains
have crumbled to dust.
Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the
Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.
Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or another Coven. Others
have labored long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures.
Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the
world, and should always seek to make this so.
The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason,
for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom for the well-being of all.
Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady
hath said, "How canst thou honor another unless thou give honor to thyself
firstly?"
Those who seek the Mysteries should consider themselves as select of the
Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones
and beyond to the very stars.
Page 44

Magick Wicca Witchcraft and The Book of Shadows Gregory Branson Trent Intro 1st Chap

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Magick: Wicca,

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© 2010 by Gregory Branson-Trent.

Printed in the United States of America

Also Available From Gregory Branson-Trent:

Aliens Among Us: A History Of Extraterrestrials, Crop Circles, Abductions, And

Haunted Hollywood: Ghosts Of The Dead Famous

Magick: Wicca, Witchcraft And The Book Of Shadows

Ghosts, Hauntings, And The Dark Side Of The Cemetery

Mysteries of the Unexplained: Vampires, Aliens, Ghosts, Atlantis, and Bigfoot

Vampires Among Us: The Children Of The Night

The Six Million Dollar Man: Complete Episode Guide

The Bionic Woman: Complete Episode Guide

Wonder Woman: The Complete Episode Guide

The Witch‘s Kitchen: Incense, Oils, And Candle Recipes

Visit Gregory Branson-Trent’s Ghost Hunter’s Blog at

This book is lovingly dedicated to c. l. hause.

Also for my Dad Harvey.

Magick is all around us…embrace it!!!!

The Concept Of Deity 45

How To Make A Book Of Shadows 98

Magick, Formulas And Spells 102

Animal Guides / Chakras

Inside The Book Of Shadows

Charms Amulets And Talismans / Incense, Resins And Oils 287

Witch‘s Sabbats / Moon Phases//Planetary Associations/Tarot 315

History And Background Of Wicca 376

Crystals/ Stones And Their Uses 399

Wicca is a deep appreciation in watching the sunrise or sunset, the forest in

Thanks to archaeological discoveries, there now is a basis to believe that

Witchcraft in ancient history was known as "The Craft of the Wise"

engaged in these initial studies had a very poor understanding of female

Unfortunately these misinformed fears and superstitions have carried

What Witchcraft is:

Because Witches have been persecuted for so many centuries, Wiccans

What Witchcraft is not:

Witchcraft or Wicca is not a cult. We do not proclaim ourselves to be

We do not worship Satan or consort with Demons. Satan is a Christian

Most Wiccans continually strive to consider all potential outcomes of their

It is the subtle enchantment that reminds us not to waste a single moment of

MAGICK IS WITHIN YOU...

The Concept of Magick

Magick is the use of unnatural or superhuman power by a person to try to

on magick. But many people in non-industrial societies still believe in magick.

Magick actions accompany the words spoken in performing much magick.

Many people carry magick objects called amulets, charms, or talismans to

Many anthropologists classify magick as homeopathic or contagious,

Witches and voodoo magicians often practice a type of homeopathic magic

Why People Believe in Magick

from the gods.

Many men joined a secret brotherhood called the Rosicrucians, an early

After about 1600, advances in science gradually weakened people's belief in

Countless people believe in superstitions that involve forms of magick. Some

Magick also survives in much of today's advertising. The manufacturers of

Whatever the reason or how it is done, the existence of magick cannot be

Elements & Magick

Magick sees relationships between things. These relationships are called

himself with as many appropriate correspondences as he can to vividly affect

Element Suit Quarter Archangel

Earth Water Fire Air

Gnome Undine Jin Sylph

To the Ancients, elementals were the physical explanation of the universe.