The Path and Life of Witchyredrose

~Some Witchy Thoughts & Things I Have Found~

 ~Witches Sabbats~

              The eight Major Witches Sabbats are:            

Samhain -- (October 31) This is considered the first day of the New Year for most witches and pagans. Also known as Halloween, this is also the day to honor loved ones who have passed away during the previous year. Because the veil is thinnest between the worlds of the living and the dead on this day, Samhain is a good day for divination. Colors for this day include black, purple and orange.

Yule -- (December 20-22, depending on when the solstice falls) This day is also know as the Winter Solstice. It recognizes the shortest day of the year, and symbolizes the death and rebirth of the sun, as represented by the God. Gift giving, decorated evergreen trees, holly sprigs, and of course, the Yule log are only a few of the symbols of this season. Yule's colors are red, green and white..

Imbolic -- (February 2) Also know as Candlemas or Imbolic, this holidays signals the end of winter's gloom and the anticipation of the coming spring for most witches and pagans. Candles to banish the darkness of the winter season are the symbols of this day. White and pastels are the colors for imbolic..

Ostara -- (March 20 -22, depending on when the equinox falls) This holiday, also known as the Spring Equinox, celebrates the newness of spring and the rebirth of life on the earth. Symbols of new life to come, such as seeds and eggs, take center stage on this day, and pastel colors are used as well..

Beltane -- (May 1) This holiday celebrates the joys of love and union, and honors the sacred marriage of the God and Goddess. For this reason, Beltane, also known, as May Day is an especially favorite time for handfastings, pagan wedding ceremonies, to be performed. Symbols of this day include any trinkets signifying romantic love, maypoles and flowers. The rainbow colors of the spectrum herald this day..

Midsummer -- (June 20 -22, depending on when the solstice falls) This holiday, also referred to as Summer Solstice or Litha, is the major solar festival, and recognizes the day when the longest day of the year and the shortest night. This is when the God is in his greatest glory and strength, but it also recognizes his impending and inevitable death. Bonfires and sunflowers are the symbols for this day, and all sun colors -- gold, orange, and yellow -- are appropriate.

Lammas --(August 2) Also known as Lughnassadh or Cornucopia, this is the first festival of the harvest season. Symbols for this festival include the signs of harvest, breads, fruits and vegetables. The holiday colors are browns, dark gold’s, and reds. This is also a good time to harvest herbs for magical use.

Mabon -- (September 20 -22, depending on when the equinox falls) This holiday, the second of the harvest celebrations, and is celebrated much like Lammas. The symbols and colors are the same..

= Copyright 1999 Lady Serenity's Sacred Circle

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~THE WICCAN WAY~
      
Recognizing that there is more than one path to spiritual enlightenment and that 
Wicca is but one of many, and that Wicca holds within itself the belief that 
there is more than one type of step set to the spiral dance, find here listed 
common denominators of the Craft. 
      
That there is above all the Goddess in her three-fold aspect and many are her 
names.  With all her names we call her Maiden, Mother and Crone. 
      
That there is the God, consort and son, giver of strength and most willing of 
sacrifice. 
      
That and it harm none, do what ye will shall be the law. 
      
That each of her children are bound by the three-fold law and that whatever we 
create, be it joy or sorrow, laughter or pain, is brought back to us three-fold. 
      
That as she is the mother of all living things and we are all her children, we 
seek to live in harmony not only with each other, but with the planet earth that 
is our womb and home. 
      
That life upon the earth is not a burden to be born, but a joy to be learned and 
shared with others. 
      
That death is not an ending of existence, but a step in the on-going process of 
life. 
      
That there is no sacrifice of blood, for She is the mother of all living things, 
and from her all things proceed and unto her all things must return. 
      
That each and every one of the children who follows this path has no need of 
another between themselves and the Goddess but may find Her within themselves. 
      
That there shall not by intent be a desecration of another's symbols of beliefs, 
for we are all seeking harmony within the One. 
      
That each person's faith is private unto themselves and that another's belief is 
not to be set out and made public. 
      
That the Wiccan way is not to seek converts, but that the way be made open to 
those who for reasons of their own seek and find the Craft. 
      
And as it is willed, so mote it be!

~A WITCH'S KITCHEN BLESSING~            

 Blessed be this Kitchen of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. Be warmed by the sacred light of the Goddess and the Horned One. May all that is created here by means both magical and mundane bring nourishment, healing, and sustenance, and cause harm to none. With love and peace, with joy and magic, be now and always filled. So mote it be! -Gerina Dunwich                     

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A Pagan Woman's Thirteen Affirmations
 
1. I honor the energy of *birch*, for a new beginning. I am able to
Change myself as I will to do. So mote it be!
 
2. I honor the energy of *rowan* for protection against evil
Enchantment. I will not hobble myself with the chains of past
Failures. So mote it be!
 
3. I honor the energy of *alder*, for the protection of my inner
Oracle. I will listen to the voice of the Goddess Within. So mote it be!
 
4. I honor the energy of *willow*, for the lunar rhythms within me as
A woman. I will recognize and heed my own body's cycles. So mote it be!
 
5. I honor the energy of *ash*, the magician's staff. I will recognize
That "as above, so below," I play a part in the larger scheme of
Things. I will link my inner and outer worlds. So mote it be!
 
6. I honor the energy of *hawthorn* for cleansing and restraint. I
Will choose what I place within my body, and empty myself of all that
Violates my personal well-being. So mote it be!
 
7. I honor the energy of *oak*, the doorway to the mysteries. I will
Call upon the strength of the Horned One when I feel in need of
Protection. So mote it be!
 
8. I honor the energy of *holly*, spear of the warrior. I will not
Remain passive and victimized, but will choose to fight for my own
Freedom. So mote it be!
 
9. I honor the energy of *hazel*, the tree of wisdom. I will heed my
Own inner intuitions, and will be wise and informed in my choices. So
Mote it be!
 
10. I honor the energy of *vine*, the tree of conviviality and
Celebration. I will love myself and will celebrate life, not seeing
The choices I make as deprivations but gifts. So mote it be!
 
 
 
11. I honor the energy of *ivy*, the spiral to center. I will do all
That I do because of my own inner desires. I will listen to myself,
And will remain balanced and centered while I do this work. So mote it be!
 
12. I honor the energy of *reed*, the tool of the hunt. I will take
Direct action when necessary to protect myself, including the
"killing" of old patterns, friendships and associations which harm me.
So mote it be!
 
13. I honor the energy of *elder* which sees the end from the
Beginning. Throughout many lifetimes I have been here. I have the
Knowledge that I have changed myself again and again. I will start
From where I am now, and continue to persist in my path. I will
Succeed. So mote it be!
 
Author Unknown

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  ~KITCHEN WITCH ABC`s~ 

Always stir in a clockwise motion.

Before you chop veggies, offer thanks.

Cut mindfully, gratefully.

Do all preparations in a loving spirit.

Energize food with good thoughts.

Feast gratefully.

Give & share what you can spare.

Home & hearth are sacred.

Invoke blessings of Goddess on all food.

Join hands with friends often .

Kindness shows in serving food.

Love goes into every dish.

Mindfully gather ingredients.

No wasting - recycle, compost, feed animals.

Open your senses, enjoy your surroundings .

Play as well as work.

Quench thirst, thinking of clear clean rivers .

Resolve to be grateful & waste not.

Salivate as you smell fragrance & anticipate flavors.

Thank the Universe & Goddess for health.

Use utensils carefully, then clean up.

Value time spent with loved ones.

When possible grow & harvest your food.

Xtra food is for creative recombining.

Yearly rituals & feasts build traditions .

Zestful living in every area is our goal.

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The Magickal Kitchen

Ah, the magickal kitchen
sacred space for blending the elements
dry & liquid
frothy & whipped

Tools of steel, plastic, wood and glass
--modern alchemical marvels--
the implements for destruction and creation
powered by machine or human sweat
Separate and put back together
something original or traditional,
undiscovered or familiar

An aura of tastes, smells, sounds and textures permeate us
earthy and pungent
sharp and smooth
knives scraping
the clatter of metal upon metal
the crackling of roasting meat
the sizzle of the frying pan
the powdered residue of flour
the grit of salt and sugar
--all mark the boundary of the circle
As each dish is tempered by heat or cold.

Measured against intention
the cooperation of oft times disparate ingredients
come together

            to feed our hungry soul.           

  ~Eleven Things Every Witch Should Know~

 1. Magic is what happens when you open yourself to the Divine. All real magic is a manifestation of the Divine - it is how you co-create reality with deity.

 2. The Divine is within you and is everywhere present in the natural world. And everything is interconnected by this sacred energy.

 3. Wicca is not about information -- it's about transformation, so practice, practice, practice -- and do it as much as possible in Nature! Witchcraft enables you to commune with divinity and to manifest your destiny, your desires and your highest and sacred self.

 4. The real ethics of how Witches live and practice magic are simple: Witches live in a sacred manner because we live in a sacred world. We therefore treat all of life with reverence and respect.

 5. Because all magic flows from our connection to the Sacred, our lives and our magic, must be guided by the sacred nature of the energy with which we work.

 6. The energy Witches work with is not neutral -- it is divine love.

 7. Magic often works in unexpected way because it is not a mechanical process, and the Universe is not a machine. You are living and making magic within a divine, organic, living reality.

 8. Witches don't command and control -- they commune and co-create.

 9. The real secret of successful spellcasting, as with all of magic, is your connection to the Divine power that dwells within you, and surrounds you. And spells do work so be careful what you ask for!

 10. Nature makes the Divine tangible. By working, living, and practicing your magic in harmony with Nature, you are in harmony with the Divine.

 11. The ultimate teacher is the God/Goddess inside you and in the world of Nature all around you. 

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    ~The Kitchen Witch's Creed~

 In this pot, I stir to the sun, An' follow the rule of harming none. Banishment of bane when goin' widdershines; An' with water  and salte negativity is cleansed. Household duties are more than chores, Magick abounds when mopping floors. With this broom I do sweep, to Clean my house and safely keep. Mariglod, Basil, Thyme and Yarrow, My spell is cast for a better tommorrow. Lemons for joy and apples for health, The power within brings great wealth. And in this Kitch I do pray, To truly walk the Witches Way! 

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           ~The Lunar Cycles~        

 Use the lunar cycles to increase the power of your magick and spellcasting.

 New Moon: A new moon's power may be embryonic,but you can be sure that the power of any spell cast at this time will continue to increase as time goes on.This is the time to cast a spell for renewal and growth.The new moon represents the maiden phase of the triple Goddess.

 Waxing Moon: From the time a new moon is sited until it reaches the height of its power as a full moon marks the cycle of the waxing moon.The lunar power constantly increases during this time and as such it's an ideal time to cast a spell requiring the fulfilment of a request.

 Full Moon: Now the moon is at the height of her strength-spells cast at this time are ideal for completion.The Mother is represented by the full moon.

 Waning Moon: The power of the moon is now waning,being drawn inside for later use.You should cast spells now for resolution or for something to be concluded.

 Dark of the Moon: All the power of the moon is now internalised and being withheld for later use. This is the time of the crone.Be cautious when casting spells at this time because while the power of the moon is strong,it is also unpredictable.

 Astrological Phases of the Moon: As the moon enters a new astrological phase its energy and how it affects the inhabitants of the earth is altered.Spells and rituals can benefit from being cast or preformed at specific astrological times.

 Virgo: A mutable earth sign. A time for organisation and attention to detail.

 Libra: A cardinal air sign. Focus on love and relationships, peace and harmony.

 Scorpio: A fixed water sign. Intense and emotional, be wary of judging others to harshly.

 Sagittarius: A mutable fire sign. Time to see the big picture rather than focusing on minor details.

 Capricorn: A cardinal earth sign. Hardworking and business-like. Focus on ambition.

 Aquarius: A fixed air sign. Unusual experiences - open your mind to something different.

 Pisces: A mutable water sign. Empathetic and a time for dreaming about what could be.

 Aries: A cardinal fire sign. New projects are highlighted, emphasise co-operation.

 Taurus: A fixed earth sign. Enjoy life and communicate with nature and beauty.

 Gemini: A mutable air sign. Information and communication, friends and relatives are now highlighted.

 Cancer: A cardinal water sign. Emotional support, home and family.

 Leo: A fixed fire sign. A time for drama,and showy pursuits, socialising and interaction with others.

     ~The Charge of the God~         

Hear the words of the dancing God, the music of whose laughter stirs the winds, whose voice calls the seasons: I who am the Lord of the Hunt and the Power of the Light, sun among the clouds and the secret of the flame I call upon your bodies to arise and come unto me. For I am the flesh of the earth and all its beings. Through me all things must die and with me are reborn. Let my worship be in the body that sings, for behold all acts of willing sacrifice are my rituals. Let there be desire and fear, anger and weakness, joy and peace, awe and longing within you. For these too are part of the mysteries found within yourself, within me, all beginnings have endings, and all endings have beginnings.

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The Witches' Rede of Chivalry
from Magical Rites from the Crystal Well
by Ed Fitch

Insofar as the Craft of the Wises 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 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 otherworlds beyond, and return...bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye do plant, so shall ye harvest."
• 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 heresay is, in a 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.
• Diverse covens may well have diverse news on love between members and with others. When a coven, 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 shall not reveal secrets of another Witch or another coven. Others have labored long and hard for them and cherish them as treasures.
• Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, those who are once-born must see nothing,and must hear nothing.
• Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world.
• The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom.
• Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady has said, "How can thou honor another unless thou give honor to thyself first?"
• Those who seek the mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humans to the highest of thrones and beyond the very stars.

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 ~The Charge of the Goddess~           

Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess; she in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, and whose body encircles the universe: I who am the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, call unto thy soul: Arise, and come unto me. For I am the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed, and unto Me all things must return; and before My face, beloved of gods and of men, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let My worship be within the heart that rejoices; for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek Me, know that thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not, unless thou knowest the Mystery: that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and I am that which is attained at the end of desire. 

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~Incense and Herbs~  

The magical meaning of herbs and incense

 ALFALFA Element is Earth Abundance and fertility. Deities Green Goddess, Demeter, Ogun, Venus Planet is Jupiter and Venus

Alum: (Destroys Negativity) Alum can be placed in a dish, in a room infested with negative energies, as it absorbs the watery energy they live in. Can also be used in magickal inks. Not to be eaten.

Alum Root Herb: (Protection, Sleep) Profoundly protective. Can be carried in red cloth, added to bath water, or made into an infusion and sprinkled about the home or ritual space. Strew herb beneath the bed for protection while sleeping.

Amber Resin Element is Earth. Stability, self-confidence, protection, peace. Planet is Junipter and moon

Anise: Used in: Divination, Fertility, luck, Happiniess, Love, Meditation, Prosperity, Protection

 Asafoetida (Devils Dung): (Protection, Exorcism, Purification) An appropriately named, legendary magickal herb. Asafoetida is one of the most potent ingredients to destroy negetivity. It is said to destroy psychic attacks, curses, hexes, jinxes, and nasty spirits cannot stand the stuff.(Neither can most humans..so it is usally a last resort!)

Angelica: Protects, the dried leaves are burnt during exorcisms. Angelica root can be carried as an amulet.

Apple: Great for making wands, used in love spells and for charms to bring good luck.

ASH (es) Protection, prosperity, fertility, loyalty and fidelity. ASPEN (esp) Clairvoyance and healing.

BALM OF GILEAD Element is Water and Fire. Inspiration, knowledge, new love, mend broken heart, protection, strength. Planet is Junipter and Venus

BANYAN Good luck and wealth.

Basil: Protective, good for love spells and promotes wealth if you carry it in your purse or wallet. Use it for healing relationships and to find out if a partner is genuine

BAY Element is Fire. Wisdom, protection, clairvoyance, purification. Planet is Jupiter and the Sun

BAYBERRY Element is Earth. Money, good luck, peace, harmony, well-being. Planet is Jupiter

BEECH Wishes, divination, happiness.

BELLADONNA Belladonna(Deadly Nightshade):This herb is little used in modern witchcraft, because of its high toxicity. In days gone by, it was used to encourage Astral Projection, and to produce visions, and was probably an ingredient in the legendary flying ointments used by witches in long ago times.(Warning!!! Poison!)

Benzoin: energy, astral projection and purification

BERGAMOT Element is Air. Hex-breaking, Money. Planet is Mercury Betony: Use in purification incenses. Can be used in herb pillows to help prevent nightmares

BIRCH Protection, exorcism, purification.

Birch Bark: Highly protective. Boil some of the bark in water, then add this water to the bath, to cocoon yourself in protective energy. Can be burned on charcoal to remove negetive energies from the home or place of business. Hang some over the front door to protect the home.

Bistort: Can be carried for purification and protection. Used in magickal formulas, or sprinkled in the purse or wallet, to promote prosperity. Dwellings can be cleared of ghosts by burning the root as an incense or making an infusion and sprinkling about the house.

BLACKBERRY Healing, money, protection.

Black Sampson(Echinacea): Used in spells and incenses, for gay men to attract a partner. Carry wrapped in red cloth.

Bladderwrack: To attract customers, and bring good vibrations to your business, make a tea of the herb, and wash shelves, doors and floors with it. Also used to summon the spirits of wind or sea.

BLEEDING HEART Love, attraction, fidelity. Blessed Thistle: Energizing and protective-wards off thieves. Place in a bowl in the home or work space. Particularly good in sick rooms

BLOODROOT Love and luck. Bloodroot:Burn on charcoal, or add an infusion of the herb to bath water to counter hexes and negetive spells. Can be carried in black cloth for protection. Can be carried in red cloth for love

BLUEBELL Luck, truth, friendship. BORAGE Courage, phychic abilities.

Borage:Its basic powers are to give strength and courage. Carry in yellow cloth whenever extra strength is needed. Borage: Traditionally used in drinks to lift the spirits. Usefull during stressfull times, it brings courage and 'good heart' and is very good for fevers and infections. Starflower oil (an alternitive to Evening Primrose oil) comes from borage.

Brimstone(Sulphur): Used in exorcism rituals. Burn a small amount on charcoal with all windows and doors open, sprinkle over candles and add to bath water. Do not eat!! BROOM Purification, divination, prophetic dreams.

Buckeyes(Horse Chestnut): A famous magickal herb used in the magick of drawing money, and making money.

Thee Northe:
This is the realm of the Earth, the stabalizing, fertile and nourishing element, which is the founding of the other three. In a circle, the pentacle, a bowl of salt, or peices of earth may be used to represent Earth in the north corner.
Thee Easte:
The cencer with smoldering incense is assinged to the East in the circle. The East is the home of the intellectual element, Air. Fresh flowers or stick incense can also be used. Air is the element of the mind, communication, movement, divination, and ascetic spirituality.
Thee Southe:
To the southern side of your circle, a candle often represents Fire, the element of transformation, of passion and change, success, health and strength. An oil lamp or peice of lava-rock would work as well.
Thee Weste:
A cup/bowl of water can be placed to the West side of the circle, symbolizing Water, the last element. Water is the realm of the emotions, of the phychic mind, love, healing, beauty and emotional spirituality.
(These four object may also be placed on your altar, their positions corresponding to the directions and their elemental attributes.)

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In most Pagan cultures, the sun god is seen as split between two rival personalities: the god of light and his twin, his 'weird', his 'other self', the god of darkness. They are Gawain and the Green Knight, Gwyn and Gwythyr, Llew and Goronwy, Lugh and Balor, Balan and Balin, the Holly King and the Oak King, etc. Often they are depicted as fighting seasonal battles for the favor of their goddess/lover, such as Creiddylad or Blodeuwedd, who represents Nature.

The god of light is always born at the winter solstice, and his strength waxes with the lengthening days, until the moment of his greatest power, the summer solstice, the longest day. And, like a look in a mirror, his 'shadow self', the lord of darkness, is born at the summer solstice, and his strength waxes with the lengthening nights until the moment of his greatest power, the winter solstice, the longest night.

Indirect evidence supporting this mirror-birth pattern is strongest in the Christianized form of the Pagan myth. Many writers, from Robert Graves to Stewart Farrar, have repeatedly pointed out that Jesus was identified with the Holly King, while John the Baptist was the Oak King. That is why, 'of all the trees that are in the wood, the Holly tree bears the crown.' If the birth of Jesus, the 'light of the world', is celebrated at mid-winter, Christian folk tradition insists that John the Oak King (the 'dark of the world'?) was born (rather than died) at mid-summer.

It is at this point that I must diverge from the opinion of Robert Graves and other writers who have followed him. Graves believes that at midsummer, the Sun King is slain by his rival, the God of Darkness; just as the God of Darkness is, in turn, slain by the God of Light at midwinter. And yet, in Christian folk tradition (derived from the older Pagan strain), it is births, not deaths, that are associated with the solstices. For the feast of John the Baptist, this is all the more conspicuous, as it breaks the rules regarding all other saints.

John is the only saint in the entire Catholic hagiography whose feast day is a commemoration of his birth, rather than his death. A generation ago, Catholic nuns were fond of explaining that a saint is commemorated on the anniversary of his or her death because it was really a 'birth' into the Kingdom of Heaven. But John the Baptist, the sole exception, is emphatically commemorated on the anniversary of his birth into this world. Although this makes no sense viewed from a Christian perspective, it makes perfect poetic sense from the viewpoint of Pagan symbolism. (John's earlier Pagan associations are treated in my essay on Midsummer.)

So if births are associated with the solstices, when do the symbolic deaths occur? When does Goronwy slay Llew and when does Llew, in his turn, slay Goronwy? When does darkness conquer light or light conquer darkness? Obviously (to me, at least), it must be at the two equinoxes. At the autumnal equinox, the hours of light in the day are eclipsed by the hours of darkness. At the vernal equinox, the process is reversed. Also, the autumnal equinox, called 'Harvest Home', is already associated with sacrifice, principally that of the spirit of grain or vegetation. In this case, the god of light would be identical.

In Welsh mythology in particular, there is a startling vindication of the seasonal placement of the sun god's death, the significance of which occurred to me in a recent dream, and which I haven't seen elsewhere. Llew is the Welsh god of light, and his name means 'lion'. (The lion is often the symbol of a sun god.) He is betrayed by his 'virgin' wife Blodeuwedd, into standing with one foot on the rim of a cauldron and the other on the back of a goat. It is only in this way that Llew can be killed, and Blodeuwedd's lover, Goronwy, Llew's dark self, is hiding nearby with a spear at the ready. But as Llew is struck with it, he is not killed. He is instead transformed into an eagle.

Putting this in the form of a Bardic riddle, it would go something like this: Who can tell in what season the Lion (Llew), betrayed by the Virgin (Blodeuwedd), poised on the Balance, is transformed into an Eagle? My readers who are astrologers are probably already gasping in recognition. The sequence is astrological and in proper order: Leo (lion), Virgo (virgin), Libra (balance), and Scorpio (for which the eagle is a well-known alternative symbol). Also, the remaining icons, cauldron and goat, could arguably symbolize Cancer and Capricorn (representing summer and winter), the signs beginning with the two solstice points. So Llew is balanced between cauldron and goat, between summer and winter, on the balance (Libra) point of the autumnal equinox, with one foot on the summer solstice and one foot on the winter solstice.

This, of course, is the answer to a related Bardic riddle. Repeatedly, the 'Mabinogion' tells us that Llew must be standing with one foot on the cauldron and one foot on the goat's back in order to be killed. But nowhere does it tell us why. Why is this particular situation the only one in which Llew can be overcome? Because it represents the equinox point. And the autumnal equinox is the only time of the entire year when light (Llew) can be overcome by darkness (Goronwy).

It should now come as no surprise that, when it is time for Llew to kill Goronwy in his turn, Llew insists that Goronwy stands where he once stood while he (Llew) casts the spear. This is no mere vindictiveness on Llew's part. For, although the 'Mabinogion' does not say so, it should by now be obvious that this is the only time when Goronwy can be overcome. Light can overcome darkness only at the equinox -- this time the vernal equinox. (Curiously, even the Christian tradition retains this association, albeit in a distorted form, by celebrating Jesus' death near the time of the vernal equinox.)

The Welsh myth concludes with Gwydion pursuing the faithless Blodeuwedd through the night sky, and a path of white flowers springs up in the wake of her passing, which we today know as the Milky Way. When Gwydion catches her, he transforms her into an owl, a fitting symbol of autumn, just as her earlier association with flowers (she was made from them) equates her with spring. Thus, while Llew and Goronwy represent summer and winter, Blodeuwedd herself represents both spring and fall, as patron goddess of flowers and owls, respectively.

Although it is far more speculative than the preceding material, a final consideration would pursue this mirror-like life pattern of Llew and Goronwy to its ultimate conclusion. Although Llew is struck with the sunlight spear at the autumnal equinox, and so 'dies' as a human, it takes a while before Gwydion discovers him in his eagle form. How long? We may speculate six weeks, when the sun reaches the midpoint of the sign (or form) of the eagle, Scorpio -- on Halloween. And if this is true, it may be that Llew, the sun god, finally 'dies' to the upper world on Halloween, and now passes through the gates of death, where he is immediately crowned king of the underworld, the Lord of Misrule! (In medieval tradition, the person proclaimed as 'Lord of Misrule' reigned from Halloween to Old Christmas -- or, before the calender changes, until the winter solstice.)

Meanwhile, Goronwy (with Blodeuwedd at his side) is crowned king in the upper world, and occupies Llew's old throne, beginning on Halloween. Thus, by winter solstice, Goronwy has reached his position of greatest strength in our world, at the same moment that Llew, now sitting on Goronwy's old throne, reaches his position of greatest strength in the underworld. However, at the moment of the winter solstice, Llew is born again, as a babe, (and as his own son!) into our world. And as Llew later reaches manhood and dispatches Goronwy at the vernal equinox, Goronwy will then ascend the underworld throne at Beltane, but will be reborn into our world at midsummer, as a babe, later to defeat Llew all over again. And so the cycle closes at last, resembling nothing so much as an intricately woven, never-ending bit of Celtic knotwork.

So Midsummer (to me, at least) is a celebration of the sun god at his zenith, a crowned king on his throne. He is at the height of his power and still 1/4 of a year away from his ritual death at the hands of his rival. However, at the very moment of his greatest strength, his dark twin, the seed of his destruction, is born -- just as the days begin to shorten. The spear and the cauldron have often been used as symbols for this holiday and it should now be easy to see why. Sun gods are virtually always associated with spears (even Jesus is pierced by one), and the midsummer cauldron of Cancer is a symbol of the Goddess in her fullness. If we have learned anything from this story from the fourth branch of the 'Mabinogion', it is about the power of myth -- how it may still instruct and guide us, many centuries after it has passed from oral to written tradition. And in studying it, we have barely scratched the surface.

Document Copyright © 1986, 2005 by Mike Nichols

This document can be re-published only as long as no information is lost or changed, credit is given to the author, and it is provided or used without cost to others.

Other uses of this document must be approved in writing by Mike Nichols.

~Ten Things About Wicca~

1) No conversion or recruitment is necessary...
Wiccans have no insecure compulsion to convert everyone to their way of thinking. People come to Wicca when and if they are ready/interested. Furthermore, you are not required to accept or do anything you don't feel comfortable with.

2) No artificial code of morality...
Out of all the creatures of this Earth, only humans are forced to live under unnatural moral codes. Wiccans have one code - "An it harm none, do as ye will."

3) Progressive Reincarnation...
Wiccans believe we are here to learn and progress, not suffer eternal damnation if we 'slip up' in someone else's eyes.

4) No discrimination...
There is no such thing as being the 'right' race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin to be Wiccan - all are welcome! :)

5) No middle man/woman...
As soon as you know all the basics, you can be your own 'minister' or 'priest', you need never rely upon some religious dictator for spiritual guidance, you can go straight to the source.

6) Be yourself...
By sharing a common interest with others in Wicca, you do not lose your identity as an individual. You are unique and can and should stay that way without becoming a blob in a homogenous mass.

7) No repression...
Wiccans are not forbidden from reading, learning, eating, drinking, or saying anything. You can actually even disagree with someone without being 'excommunicated'.

8) Contribution...
No! Not money, but knowledge! The Craft has always, and will always, be an experimental religion. If it works, we use it. Then we share it so that all in the Craft may benefit.

9) No rigid dogma...
Wiccans DO NOT believe that their way is "the one and only path". The only 'True' path is the one that works for you. All paths are equally valid as long as they Harm None.

10) Self-Empowerment...
Wicca allows you to to truly feel your own power, if you will, and a true sense of self. You are 'allowed' to be the best person that you wish to be with all the love and support that you can possibly hope for. Wicca allows you to take your hopes, dreams, and most heart's desires and manifest them in this reality. All is possible. All is real.

~Some other interesting places to view~

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