Spirited (31 page)

By fortune's plot and fate's good way

I now perform my task this day

For cunning is the path I walk

Its name ablaze in all my talk

Guide my words and visions fair

To know, keep silent, to will, and to dare.

Shrine of the Ancients

A shrine is a place of reverence. It is a peaceful and strategically positioned expression of one's faith. The shrine I speak of is one that may also be called a hearth—the spiritual heart of the home.

In this section, I will outline the benefits of creating your own Shrine of the Ancients—an expression of your devotion to your own ancestral line. It is essential for anyone interested in fulfilling the cunning charge to acknowledge that which has given us life, purpose, and direction.

Before building the shrine, you need to research. Look into your family's past, into their history. Dig up old records and photo albums, and unlock your mind to the dusty cabinets of memories long forgotten. You may be surprised at what you find. Ask your parents about their parents, and if your grandparents are still alive, ask them about their lives. Open up to each perspective and cultivate the experience.

Prod your relatives about family traditions and look into the reasons of why they are and what they mean. Study up on the culture, geography, and customs of the country or ethnic group your family descends from. For instance, the cultural heritage of my Balinese family is so rich in folklore, mythology, healing, and spirituality that it's hard to ignore the beauty and divine energy that inhabits my father's legacy.

It's important to take a healthy interest in your parents' lives and their own beliefs. Ask about it, and you'll soon find yourself entrenched in an unfolding tapestry of experience. Delve deep and untwine the threads of the past so that you become more aware of how and why you, the culmination of everything that has happened in your family line, came to be. It could be the awakening you're looking for.

You should now have an intuitive understanding of the ancestral energies that watch over your family. Enter your sacred space and focus on this energy, channelling it and expressing it in the form of inspired prose, a poem, a picture, or a photograph (anything that has a material body). Bless and cleanse the product of your channelling, and keep it on your altar for a few days. This time should be used to design and construct your physical shrine. My parents have a small box with the foundation of 30 cm by 25 cm and 15 cm in depth. This basic design can be applied to any shrine.

After you have finished making the shrine, find a suitable place to position it on the wall, perhaps above your altar or next to your bed. If you parents aren't averse to the idea, you could even put it up in the main living area.

The following is a ritual designed specifically for the blessing and consecrating of your Shrine of the Ancients.

You will need:

The physical shrine

Frankincense incense (stick variety)

Moon or holy water

Rock salt

1 white votive candle

Several items of significance representing both sides
of the family

Ground and centre. Establish your space by formally addressing your ancestors by name (if possible) and calling upon the guidance and protection of the ancients. Now focus your attention on the physical shrine before you. To the south of it should be placed a dish of rock salt, to the west a chalice of moon water, to the north a white candle, and to the east a stick of frankincense. Light the stick of incense, and place your hands a few inches above the tip of the incense, allowing the smoke to waft through your fingers. Recite the following:

Air of fire, purifying smoke, I call on thee to dispel all negativity from this Shrine of the Ancients. So mote it be.

In a sunwise manner, trace a ring of smoke around the shrine, and visualise white light circulating and cleansing with the air.

Pick up the dish of salt, and hold it in your palms to the south/north in an offering gesture. Focus on earth, and speak the following:

Crystals of the earth, vibrating with power, I call on thee to cleanse and charge this Shrine of the Ancients. So mote it be.

Sprinkle the grains of salt in a sunwise manner around the shrine and once again visualise white light cleansing it.

Pick up the chalice of moon water, and repeat the following while concentrating on water:

Blessed water, tears of the sea's shining face, I call on thee to bless and consecrate this Shrine of the Ancients. So mote it be.

Use your fingertips to flick the water in a sunwise manner, visualising as before.

Light the white votive candle, and focusing on fire, say:

Bright and humble flame that burns within the temple, I call on thee to illumine and burn away the darkness that harbours past wounds. I hereby call on the powers of healing and the mighty force of the ancients and of the ancestors who share my blood. May you feel and be drawn to the warmth of this flame, and may it forever burn as a token of my love for you. Dwell within this shrine and guard us, your family. Within and without, blessed be.

Pick up the candle and circle it once around the shrine deosil, envisioning the flame expanding into a wave of pulsating white light.

Make the sign of the pentagram over the shrine and declare it as consecrated.

Position the shrine in the chosen location, and decorate it with the items of significance to your families.

To complete the ritual, leave the white votive burning in the centre of the shrine. Whenever you wish to invoke the presence of your ancestors or if you wish to consult the ancients, light the candle, and open your awareness to their guidance. Continue to replace the candle whenever it burns out, and honour your ancestors daily. Compose a short prayer that you can say before going to bed. You will have created for yourself and your family a portal of love and a reflection of eternity. This is the heart and hearth of your being.

May your path be blessed, cunning one.

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What is it about tradition that makes people feel so self-assured? Humans are not known for their cultivation of change. The possibility of change often scares people so much that they cling to the only thing that appears to offer permanence, which tends to be tradition.

Within Witchcraft, there still remain traditional aspects. Fasting, casting the circle, going skyclad, and pinching out the candles are examples of these. There is something archaic and beautiful about the old-time customs and practices. In Witchcraft, these traditions offer a sense of history and continuity.

Fasting, abstaining from sexual activity, and ritual bathing are all traditional aspects of Ceremonial Magick and have been absorbed into contemporary Witchcraft practices over time. These activities are part of the “preliminary energy-raising,” as discussed in previous chapters, and are believed to aid in the releasing of specific energies that help to focus the mind on the task ahead.

As Paganism grows in popularity, its diversity flourishes. New traditions, concepts, and movements are introduced in order to cater to the vast interests of all. Tradition still remains a strong influence, and for that reason, this chapter is dedicated to its place in our spirituality.

Pre-Spell Jitters

Preliminary energy-raising, which refers to prior energy work before the actual spell or ritual is begun, is comprised of various techniques aimed at heightening psychic awareness and initiating the flow of energy. Fasting, bathing, meditation, and periodic celibacy are the most common methods used, and all owe their efficacy to the transformation of consciousness initiated by the omittance of habitual activities. Preliminary activities are divided into two categories—subliminal and active.

Subliminal methods derive from the idea that abstaining from human routine/activity (e.g., eating, sex) causes the individual to crave. They are then constantly made aware of why they aren't eating or having sex, etc. Thinking about the working to come and honouring a periodic vow to emphasise the power of the working is a tried and true method.

Simply refraining from any routine activity will produce the desired effects; however, if you are devoted to your cause, you need to take this further. Fasting can go on for a period of days or even weeks if the individual is capable of it—think of the Hindu holy man, the Sadhu, and how he keeps from eating and drinking for years on end. Obviously, it's not plausible for a growing youth to commit to such extreme lengths, but a day or two should suffice. Always make sure you are physically capable beforehand and consult your doctor or healer.

If you want to be specific, you could stop eating a particular food, such as bread, eggs, or a type of fruit. Each type of food has traditional associations, and therefore when one is not consumed for a period of time, the body begins to crave it, and you are left thinking about the absence of this food in relation to your working. If, for example, you were going to cast a love spell, you could stop eating apples for a month in order to link your preliminary activities with the Witch's code and therefore with the working.

Active methods are extensions of subliminal techniques. These methods consist of therapeutic physical relaxations, such as meditation and bathing, in order to stimulate the mind into a peaceful state.

Through preliminary work, we are focused before we enter the circle. We have built up a reservoir of power for the working.

Whichever route you decide to take is up to you. Make sure that you are fully aware of what you are doing and how it will affect the working. Once you have achieved a considerable release of preliminary energy, you should be fit for the working. Good luck to you, and may the gods be with you!

Tools of the Trade

The Altar

The defining feature of many Pagan traditions today is the use, symbolism, and placement of the altar and tools. Often the difference in a tool's lore can be the catalyst for the founding of a new tradition.

Ancient Paganism in its various traditions may not have used an altar as a focal point. Depending on the technology of the culture, the altar could be as simple as a tree stump or as complex as a marble sarcophagus. The Wiccan religion draws much of its inspiration from the cultures of Western Europe. Though many Wiccans will go to extraordinary lengths to prove the historical accuracy of their practices, many of the trappings of ritual descend from the ceremonial and occult groups of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The modern Pagan altar could be said to represent the remnants of the romanticised stone slabs of the Celtic Druids or the shrines to the
lare
and
lasa
of the ancient Roman households.

The altar is a personal shrine and expression of devotion to the gods. It can be any height, shape, or material, as long as it is still practical. Whether it be designed and constructed from scratch or bought brand-new from your local Pagan speciality store, the effect is the same: a physical manifestation of the universe within your home.

An altar is usually made of wood. Some traditions believe the altar must be crafted from a nonconductive material. This is said to heighten the effect of the conductive tools (the athame in particular) used to direct the energy within magickal work. Ultimately, the will of the Witch is the overriding factor of any ritual's success.

The main argument concerning altars is the positioning of them. Many Pagans (me included) place their altars in the east, the place of the rising sun. Other Pagans prefer to position their altars in the north, representative of the realm of the gods and of manifestation (in the Northern Hemisphere). Others will place their altar in the centre of the circle as a focal point to direct the raised energy.

Below, I have provided meanings for each cardinal direction, including centre, so you may make the informed choice of where to place your altar. (
Note:
I have given the Eurocentric elemental correspondences for symbolism's sake.)

East:
Ruled by air, it is the birthplace of creativity, inspiration, wisdom, and eloquence. Home of the sylphs, the east is the beginning of new life. Place your altar in the east to receive the flowing gift of communication and to open the doors to the spiritual realms.

North:
Ruled by earth, north is the home of the gods and assists in both the grounding and manifestation of your energy. To place your altar here is to link your energy to the physical world and to ensure a smoother transition of energy from the metaphysical worlds to the earthly planes. This is the realm of the gnomes. The gnomes are the humble warriors of your circle and will guard you well. North is the place of silence and secrecy.

West:
Ruled by water, west is the realm of emotion, compassion, healing, and love. The west honours the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, and concentrates on the ancient, primal home of many of the world's goddesses. This is the kingdom of the merpeople, or undines, and to place the altar in the west is to honour the depths and darkness of the mystery.

South:
Ruled by fire, this is the home of passion, integrity, courage, and power. Place your altar in the south to invoke determination, pride, and spontaneity. The south is the realm of the salamanders, amphibious creatures that can withstand fire, and is a place of change.

Centre:
Ruled by Spirit, the centre of your circle is the apex of your cone of power. The centre is the pinnacle of focus within your sacred space and represents the creative energies of the universe. Place your altar in the centre to make the best of the natural channel within your circle and to honour the great unity of Spirit.

Altars are generally placed in your sacred space. However, if your sacred space is in a public park or garden, it would be best to keep your altar at home, in your room. If you are still in the broom closet, it is a good idea to have a portable makeshift altar. Store your materials and tools somewhere private. Otherwise, you can display your altar openly within your room.

Ultimately, the altar is the focal point of ritual and represents the physical qualities of Magick. The altar is the stage of the “play” of Magick, so to speak. All gestures, words, and physical symbolism enacted on its surface further intensify the link between the material world and the spiritual planes. The altar is the anchor of the ship of Magick, giving substance to the energy raised within the circle and supplying fertile land for the seeds of Magick to be sown. Your altar is the home of Magick in action. It is the filter of your intent and the translator of your symbolism; honour it well.

Tools

The tools of Witchcraft are varied and can be extensive. No one Witch will have the same assortment of tools as the next.

Many Witches in restrictive situations do not own ritual tools, as this would compromise their security. This is fine, as one makes do with what they have. The very reasons we use things like candles, bells, and wands is to connect with the unconscious self. It is essential to remember that tools are not mere foci; they are our allies.

Tool Etiquette

Tools are personal to each Witch. They are the physical representations of the Witch's Craft. Tools may be bought (newly or at second-hand stores), given as gifts, or found. However, each tool brings something new to the Witch's Craft. Each tool has specific correspondences, qualities and energies that help to inspire new feelings and experiences in our spirituality. Many Pagans form very close bonds with their tools (even physically) and will prefer not to go ahead with magickal work if the tool isn't present. However, these attachments to material objects are at times spiritually dangerous, instigating a psychological need. As such, there are a number of mores governing the handling of tools by others. The two main arguments constituting tool etiquette are (1) no one but the owner of the tool should be permitted to handle the tool, and (2) the handling and usage of the tool performed by trusted individuals further intensifies the energy of the tool.

The former stems from the more Ceremonially inclined folk who think of purity as energy bound unto itself, and the latter has links with the Eclectic and Kitchen Witch movements. I shall deal with both arguments respectively below.

The belief that if another person touches a tool it somehow contaminates the energy stems from the esoteric teachings of Ceremonialist orders. It is based on the idea that as each person has an energy imprint, a foreign touch may disrupt the flow of pure energy. This is because tools are ritually empowered and imbued with the personal energy of the Witch/magician. It is also a breach of trust to handle another's tools without asking permission beforehand. If you desire to make contact with another's tools, make sure you approach the person beforehand to ensure it is okay. Trust is deeply valued within Paganism, and to break these bounds is disrespectful at best.

The second argument is based on the idea that the handling of tools (by trusted individuals) increases the power and therefore its effectiveness. This seems to stem from the Eclectic-styled Kitchen Witch practices.

Kitchen Witchery is a tradition of the hearth and home and is centred on the family and practicality of Magick. I believe that this form of Witchcraft has the most historical credibility. As such, it can be assumed that children born into the homes of Kitchen Witches are encouraged to learn the Craft firsthand. They would be given permission to handle tools. A Pagan friend of mine who attended an open ritual I organised several years ago kindly allowed me to use her athame. I hesitated before taking it, but she simply said that the more power in it, the
better
.

Personally, I have no qualms with either argument. Basically it comes down to circumstance and feeling. Don't go chaining yourself to any particular school of thought unless you are completely confident in your choice. Allow yourself room for a flowing and less rigid philosophy. Ensure that you listen to your intuition when it decides to chime in.

Pagans honour respect, and while that definitely entails respect for others and respect for belongings, remember to save a little of that respect for yourself. Generally, tools should only be touched by folk with open minds.

When in Circle …

The four main tools of Witchcraft constitute and mark the boundaries of the circle during ritual. Traditionally, each tool is ruled by a specific element.

There are generally three ways to mark the boundaries of the circle using tools. The first entails a traditional approach, the second is far more natural, and the third is practical. For simplicity's sake, I shall refer once again to the Eurocentric elemental orientation.