How To Make And Use Poppets In Your Craft

A poppet is simply a figurine representing a person or animal. They are typically made from fabric cut into a humanoid form and stuffed with herbs, stones, powders, etc. Taglocks — something connected to the being you’re representing, anything from fingernails to just a photograph — are then added to form a link and voila, your poppet is complete.

If you only went by the movies, you’d believe poppets are for harming another and nothing else. Not the case at all! They can be used for health, protection, love, luck, wealth — anything. You’d also have no idea that the use of dolls to magically represent someone else goes back as far as ancient Egypt and even Greece. Witchcraft cultures all over the world have incorporated dolls into their magic as a way to represent another and either control or make things happen to that individual. And though they are often depicted as fabric dolls or wax figurines, you can make a poppet out of almost anything, fill it with anything, and make it work in many ways....<<<Read More>>>....

What are Spells and Spellcraft?

 Spells and spell craft are just one type of magic and this kind is very personal as it harnesses and releases your inner personal power and energy. It is just the same as a prayer.  You want something to happen and therefore you are thinking with intent.

You will see on in books literally thousands and thousands of spells for one thing or another but the best spells are always the ones you write yourself (or at least adapt in some way!).

A traditional witch practises magic everyday, casting spells is just ‘something we do’.  Just like Christians would ‘pray’ or children ‘make a wish’, these are just the same ideas with different names.  We all, no matter what you call it, want something to happen.  Because we do not follow any dogma or rede (unlike Wiccans for example) we will do whatever we feel is needed for any particular situation and take responsibility for our own actions.  A spell is not bad or good (or black or white), it is the caster who wields the intent and therefore the caster who has the power to sway the spell one way or another.

However, you need to think about what you want to get from the spell.  Remember the old saying “be careful what you wish for”.  This is very true for spells. Maybe you have written a spell to banish debt or to bring money your way. Have you thought about how that money may come to you?  Someone may die and leave you an inheritance. You have to really think about what you want, how you could get it and if you really need what you are asking for at all.

Spells can be as long or as short as you want or need them to be. They can be flamboyant or simple, easy to do or require a full ritual. It is up to you, there are no hard and fast rules to witchcraft, you do what you need to do at any given time.  As I said before, magic is a part of you, you can decide how and when you use it.

The one thing spells should have, and should also be given, the same with magic, is respect.  Don’t be fooled in thinking that all you are doing is making a flippant request. Spells work, magic happens. Be careful what you wish for….<<<Read More>>>...

Food for Thought #488

 

A Workplace Egregore

Another type of Egregore thought form formation can occur in a work place, when there is a group of colleagues who have built up a rapport with each other over time, and are almost existing in that workplace environment as one entity. They spend time with each other in work, and out of work.

Then there is the one employee in the work place who is not part of that group, but who works with this group, who doesn't share the same rapport with them.

Gradually over time, the one individual will begin to feel uncomfortable, and out of place ... until he or she eventually leaves. This can be an intentional will/wish of the group ... or it can just be created without any of the group being unaware that they are pushing the individual out. Quite often, there will be one person within the group who is jealous of the solitary worker; or doesn't like the solitary worker for whatever reason. This person within the tight knit group can then work on his/her fellow workers to also not like the solitary worker. They can thus influence the group mind, or the egregore ... and then push the group to exert some disapproval on the solitary person ... resulting in the solitary co-worker to quit.

This can equally work when there is an established close knitted group within a workplace and a new employee starts in the work place ... very soon the new employee could get a vibe that they are not wanted ... and thus leave ... this can be either an intentional will by one or more members of the group ... or a subconscious intention.

Asafoetida Herb, Powerful in Good and Baneful Magick

Metaphysically Inc: Asafoetida (Hing) is a powerful herb, that stands among the strongest of all as a tool in magickal rites. As its main component is sulfur, it can substitute for sulfur in magickal workings; as well it can substitute for baneful herbs and Mars attributed herbs. It is a gum harvested from the rhizome of the Ferula assa-foetida plant. In magick its powder is most commonly used, but granules of its gum can be used as well. Most often it is burnt, but it's also worn or carried, and made into poultices. Raw, it cannot be ingested but in the smallest amounts, as it causes severe diarrhea and vomiting.

Much of the power of this plant is in the smell, and also in its concentration of sulfur. Make no mistake, it stinks, and its smell may lead some to feel nauseous or even vomit. Be sure to test your degree of sensitivity to its odor before using it in any significant amount. Though its smell repels, its sulfur content pulls attributes from the sun, which puts a positive spin on its overall properties. You will soon discover that asafoetida can be useful in an unusually wide range of magickal and healing applications, both good and bad....Read More⇒

The Power of 3

[Spells and Magic]: People have a fascination with the number 3. The number 3 is normally present while performing Magical and Spiritual rituals. Most Incantations and Invocations are done in repetitions of three. However, there is the more powerful 3 X 3. This is where we repeat the three lines of the Incantation three times, which of course is nine lines.

The number Three is the first of 6 sacred numbers. The number 3 represents the Pagan and Christian Trinity." It is represented geometrically in the triangle, and spiritually as the 3rd Eye. In the Occult one can multiply and add three to other sacred numbers to create new numbers. However, one can also group threes in two's and threes, because greater power is achieved when a sacred number is grouped. In the case of three, greater power is achieved when it is shown as 33, or 333. Occultists have used 333 as the hidden symbol by which they present the more offensive number 666. 333 + 333 equals 666.

When the details of an event are so arranged as to contain certain sacred occult numbers or numeric combinations, this is literally an occult signature on the event. Mathematically, 666 can be created when three pairs of threes are added. Thus, (3+3) + (3+3) + (3+3) = 666. Now, eliminate the parentheses and the plus sign, and you have 33 space, 33 space, 33, representing the number 666 ...read more>>>...

The Easiest Way to Break a Curse or Hex (and Keep It Broken!)

[exemplore.com]: If you are cursed, then it is most likely low-end magick practiced by an amateur. Professionals are generally occupied with more important things. However, amateurs can have a lot of raw power even when their technique is lacking, and their curses can be very dangerous.

Hexes are intentionally malevolent spells. A hex is never accidental and is usually cast by someone with knowledge in witchcraft. Curses, on the other hand, are sometimes less intentional and can be set in motion when someone simply thinks or speaks ill against another.

There are a couple of ways to deal with a curse. The first is to become an initiate in some tradition of magick and learn to protect yourself. This is not for everyone (no matter what some of the books may say, not everyone is suited to magick) and is extremely time-consuming, difficult, and brings its own dangers.The second way is to use a simple spell that anyone can do without real training. You don't need practice, but you do need to follow all the instructions carefully and conscientiously...read more>>>...

A Word On 'Magical Potions'

Spells and Magick: Also known as a Philtre, a form of a Magickal Charm, a concoction of herbs and and extracts of or excretions of animals including animal parts. More intense forms of this practice were used in Alchemy. Sorcerers, Witches, Evil and Good doers of the Occult Arts engaging in the art of Magickal Potions. Intended use being to cause Love or Lust of one they desire, or perhaps make one fall asleep or maybe even bring the end to ones life. One can easily visualize the Being standing by the Cauldron mixing away the brew to is soon to slew...read more>>>...

Spell Breaker

"Begone o’ weary spells
This place, this person ... be tired of thy silly games
Begone ... cease thy mischief at once
From this place, thy presence hast been withdrawn
Take with ye thy selfish avarice and bitter shame
Begone o’ nameless ones ... the spell cast has now been broken
Wither the will of they who summoned ye ... depart this place" - Matthew James 

The Principles Of A Sorcerer's Art

© Written by Matthew James

PRINCIPLE 1"What exists within the macrocosm exists also within the microcosm. Whatever is generated by the mind will manifest itself in the physical world eventually."

PRINCIPLE 2
"Patience - The allowance of passage for the spell to act"

PRINCIPLE 3
"Dissolution of human time - A concept by an explanation, nothing more. Past, present and future be one. The moment you be in now is all that matters. It is the focal point."

PRINCIPLE 4
"Belief - The dissolution of doubt and all other negative energies which destroy."

PRINCIPLE 5
"Trust - You do what the energy source implores implicitly."

PRINCIPLE 6
"Compassion - Be compassionate NOT emotional. Emotions are the anvil."

PRINCIPLE 7
"Curiosity - Always question the link."

PRINCIPLE 8
"Nothingness - Accept you are but a channel for higher forces. You are nothing. You have no thoughts of your own."

PRINCIPLE 9
"Simplicity - Keep yourself and your rules simple."

PRINCIPLE 10
"Discipline - Keep your spell under strictest control AT ALL TIMES."

There must be no room for flaws or comebacks.

There MUST always be a verse cast into the ritual which covers for all strands and fibres which cannot have been comprehended - namely the provision for the unforeseen or that which cannot be controlled.

Always be prepared for the spell dissolving and all of its web returning on you.

Be warned - never weave anything which you wouldn’t like being woven around you.

© Copyright Matthew James 1986

A Word on 'Hexing Spells'

Lady Bridget: A "hex" is a spell that is cast either on another person who has harmed someone, or on a situation that has harmed someone. Sometimes hexing the situation is preferable to naming names if you aren't positive you know the correct persons' identity. A hex is done on a person is without their permission, obviously, and so is considered imposing your will on another person, and therefore is unethical magick...read more>>>...

Law Of Three

What you do for good or for ill shall be returned to you threefold. As ye sow so shall ye reap. But three times more...

The "Threefold Law of Return" or "Law Of Three" is essentially a natural law of cause and effect. The Goddess charges all witches to take great care in all that they do, say, or think. The Goddess charges us to exercise great care in all that we, as Witches, do and say and even think.

This law appears to act as a prohibition (which it does at surface level) but it is also a blessing. Witches seek to help and heal all life and when working for good the good will be returned to you, only threefold. Quite a bonus! Work with bad intentions and that too is returned to you threefold.

It would be very easy, as a witch, to take measures to exact revenge on someone who may richly deserve it. But justice, not revenge, is the Witches' way. Rather than exact revenge yourself (and have it returned threefold to you) simply ask the God and Goddess for justice to be done.

Wiccan beliefs assure that what is merited by a persons actions will come to pass. You need only to ask the God and Goddess for "justice to be done". This is in line with natural laws and the promises of the Ancient Ones. Once you have asked in the correct manner you can rest assured that the situation will be taken care of. The issue can then be released and you can go about your normal business. (Psychic Revelation)

10 Sure Signs of Being Cursed

Amazines.com: If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you want to know more about curses. Perhaps you suspect that a curse or hex may have been placed upon you. If so, keep reading. Or perhaps you just want to stay protected from curses. This is the article for you then, too. Whatever your interest, these are the top ten signs that you are almost certainly cursed:

10. Nightmares, night terrors, sleep paralysis, or strange nighttime sensations. One of the most evident symptoms of being cursed or hexed is trouble sleeping. This can range from sleep paralysis and nightmares to simply having an unusually restless sleep. While everyone has the occasional nightmare, consistent experiences of nightmares is a strong indication a curse has been placed on an individual.
9. Loss of energy. Curses and hexes can turn individuals described as vibrant and positive to dull and boring. Fatigue and sudden loss of energy is a strong symptom of most curses. This is especially true for curses and hexes placed to drain individuals of their energy. Psychic vampires are notable for working in this fashion...read more>>>...

A Word on 'Hex Spells'

A hex is generally a spell or bewitchment. It is derived from "hexe", a German word for "witch", and comes from the folklore of the Pennsylvania Dutch. In folklore it can be good or bad, but now is generally known by its negative connotations ... read more>>>..

Lady Bridget: A "hex" is a spell that is cast either on another person who has harmed someone, or on a situation that has harmed someone. Sometimes hexing the situation is preferable to naming names if you aren't positive you know the correct persons' identity. A hex is done on a person is without their permission, obviously, and so is considered imposing your will on another person, and therefore is unethical magick. 

The Use of Spells/Magick in Modern Times

Spells are works of creativity to protect a person or persons from impending unpleasantness. As Meya Deren wrote in The Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti, London, 1953, "Magic is an individual action, undertaken because the cosmos is not believed to be benevolent by nature, or at least, not benevolent enough to that person.“ This excerpt was taken from Judika Illes' book Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells. Anything that occurs naturally on earth can be considered magic, and any action taken using what the earth offers us, can be considered a spell. The spelling of magic or magick does not alter the meaning. The usage of the spelling magick is to differential between optical illusion magic and the spell magic. A mother in her kitchen adding peppermint to her baby’s bottle for colic can be considered using spell magic to heal her baby, for example. Spells were developed long ago as a means to heal or as a dance to bring rain. Many cultures have used spells in one way or another as a means to bring about a desired effect. Many traditions are built around a spell, and many may not even realize that they are practicing a spell...read more>>>...

The Law of Similarity [Sub-law of Law of Association]

The basis of sympathetic magick: effects resemble causes. Things which seem alike are alike. The Law of Similarity is used to empower magick. Just waving a wand in the air to summon lightning is not as efficient as throwing the wand to the ground to simulate a strike of lightning. A witch wishing to cast a healing spell for a person may make a poppet, or doll, to represent that person. Using the Law of Similarity, the magician can produce any effect just by imitating it. In the magickal circle, the poppet_becomes_ the ill person. (Earth Witchery)

'Casting The Ritual Circle'

"widdershins" = counter-clockwise
"deosil" = clockwise

In the northern hemisphere, circles are cast deosil and dismissed widdershins. In the southern hemisphere this is reversed and the circle is cast widdershins and dismissed deosil.


 If you are in the southern hemisphere don't forget to reverse the directions.

A circle may be cast with an athame, wand, sword, incense stick, feather, sprig of herbs or even your finger, it is the energy that you put into the circle that forms it, not the tool you use. Some people find it useful to trace the circle on the floor with salt so it is easier to see it's boundaries. You may do this if it helps you. In the past many magicians did this as a regular part of casting their circle, and it won't hurt anything if you would like to do it. You may also use a chalk outline, flower petals, crystals, or candles...read more>>>...

A Word On 'Invocation & Evocation'

An important thing to consider ... Magickal INVOCATION & EVOCATION. There is a big difference! Know it is only the experienced magician, with many years of supervised rituals, that will invoke a spirit. The experienced magician will always invoke as the individual ... a rule of thumb - never invoke any force for a group of people! That is a disastrous course of action ....... it is almost impossible to control! Anyone who does ... is asking for trouble.

There are basically two ways of summoning an entity or working with energy; these are known as "Evocation" and "Invocation."

Spiritual evocation is summoning an entity whether it be a spirit, deceased person, or elemental and the being appears OUTSIDE of the operator. When working with energy, the energy is always on the outside of the operator and never inside his/her body. With evocation, there is never a direct tie or connection.

Invocation on the other hand is taking the spirit into one’s self. The being actually enters the operator’s body. Any time energy is invoked, a powerful connection is established. One must know the difference when working a spell, as ignorance, inexperience or misapplication of the above can result in a spell backfiring or other undesirable outcomes.

Ritual Cleansing With White Sage

Step-by-step instructions for ritual cleansing:

Before performing a cleansing of a space, it’s best to cleanse yourself, mentally, emotionally, and physically. For the physical cleansings, take a shower and use a sea salt scrub with peppermint or take a hot bath with sea salts. For the mental and emotional aspect, as you bathe, picture all frustrations, annoyances, and disappointments leaving you and pouring down the drain along with the dirty water.


Put on fresh, clean clothes that are comfortable. Light-colored, natural fabrics work well in most cases. If you are performing the cleansing ritual as a result of highly negative activity, its best to wear black clothing to protect yourself from whatever is causing the disruption.

See yourself surrounded by white light and beam it out as far as you can. This protective shell will serve to allow you to complete the ritual safely.

Picture whatever force will be helping you with the cleansing (God, gods, goddesses, watchers, elemental forces, etc.) and ask for assistance.

When you arrive at the space you will be cleansing, take a moment to meditate on your purpose for being there. Take several deep breaths and let all tension leave you.

Upon entering the home or space, sprinkle Holy Water and say, “God’s peace be in this home and in all who live here.” – Optional, but recommended.

Light the sage, sweetgrass braid, and incense (cedar or sandalwood). Once they begin to glow, blow out the flame. Put them in a shell or fireproof bowl to avoid burning anything.

Pick up the sage wand and beginning at the entrance of the house or other space, move counterclockwise through the space. This direction is called “wittershins” and is the direction used for banishing unwanted energy. If you feel so compelled, you may also clear the space moving in a clockwise direction. Try it both ways and see which feels right to you. Move along the entire perimeter of the home, waving the smoldering sage wand up and down or in a circular motion to allow the smoke to permeate the area. Outline windows and doorways, open closets and cabinets, to insure that there is no place for the negative energy to hide. As you wave the wand, say the prayer that appears at the end of this section. If you have a favorite psalm or prayer you feel comfortable with, then feel free to use that instead.

If the home has more than floor, cleanse the main floor first, then proceed to the other floors.

Once this is complete, pick up the sweetgrass braid and move around the perimeter once again, this time in a clockwise direction. Imagine light reaching to every corner of the space.

At the end of this portion of the cleansing, thank whatever Powers helped you to clear the space and declare that this space is now filled with love, light, peace, and happiness.

Cleansings can be done whenever you feel it needs it. Symptoms that tell you the space needs to be cleared include a heavy feeling in the air, unusual or more frequent moodiness of the people living in the space, a stretch of “bad luck,” or any other type of disruption taking place.

In between cleansings, the area can be kept clear by burning cedar or sandalwood incense and by being thankful for the many wonderful things in your life.
 
Source: ForestWitch

Evocation

"Great Spirit, protect me, lead me to that magical destination
Permit me to have the voice and the words that others will listen to
Allow me to be your tool there,
Lead your people to the success they deserve, through me
I am your servant, I ask only for a happy life
I ask for fulfilment and an ascension on the wheel
Grant me passage to the star worlds
For there are many souls there I wish to visit
Friends of mine I have not seen for so long
Ever since your impressions touched my spirit and I agreed to this mighty fall
I am your humble servant and I have done all that you ask so far,
I ask now that you grant me this wish in payment for all I have sacrificed for you"

Extract taken from 'Migrating Shaman' written by Matthew James December 2002