Simple Magick

Banishing Old Memories Spell

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:57:00 +0000

Color of the day: White
Incense of the day: Yarrow

Get a white cord or ribbon, a green fluorite bead, a cup of water, and an empty bowl. Pour the water into the bowl, saying “River of forgetfulness, wash me clean and bless me. Take away [name the specific memory] and leave my mind strong and clear.” Dip the cord into the water, saying, “White of purity and innocence, renew me.” Dip the bead into the water, saying, “Stone of perspective, clear my mind.” Now concentrate on the memory, pouring it into the cord. The memory is gone from your mind and is now in the cord. Pour the water out on the ground. Put the bead on the cord. Wear the cord around your ankle or wrist until it falls off on its own. When the cord falls away, the memory will be completely gone.

By: Deborah Lipp

Related: religion, wicca, pagan, spells

Update: Palin's Anti-Pagan Coreligionists

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:57:00 +0000

Since I first posted about Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin's troubling co-religionists, the mainstream press and several major blogs have homed in on the blessing Palin received from the African Bishop Thomas Muthee.

"Palin describes the visit of Pastor Thomas Muthee to the Wasilla Assembly of God in 2005. "As I was mayor and Pastor Muthee was here and he was praying over me, and you know how he speaks and he's so bold. And he was praying 'Lord make a way, Lord make a way,'" Palin remarked. “And I'm thinking, this guy’s really bold, he doesn't even know what I'm going to do, he doesn’t know what my plans are," she continued. "And he’s praying not 'oh Lord if it be your will may she become governor,' no, he just prayed for it. He said, 'Lord make a way and let her do this next step. And that’s exactly what happened.'" “So, again, very very powerful, coming from this church,” she added." Click here for the full story

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Far From Stares And Jeers, Pagans Affirm Their Rites

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:57:00 +0000

The Reverend Kendra Vaughan Hovey, head of the First Church of Wicca in Duxbury, knows all about cold shoulders, hard stares, and verbal assaults.

Usually, Wiccans, witches, and other pagans worship in small, closeted groups. Hovey's church is one of a handful of such congregations across the United States that offer public sessions.

Opening the doors to what many Christians consider heretical and occult practice also has led to not-so-subtle accusations.

Raised Jewish, Hovey, 41, said the intolerance she experienced as a Jew has helped build a thick skin against prejudice. She says she feels a similar intolerance as a practicing witch in a new religion, which she joined when she was 11. Click here for the full story

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Pagans Show Their Pride Under 'Wide Umbrella'

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 22:57:00 +0000

Lisa Butler was brought up in a Christian family, but was agnostic until “I got to a point in life where I realized there was definitely something bigger than me.”

So Butler went searching for that something.

She researched various religious beliefs, read a great deal on religious thought, and attended a variety of services.

Then she came upon “some information on witchcraft, and it spoke to my heart.”

Butler organized the second annual Pagan Pride Day 2008 on Sunday at the former Ted Williams Camp in Lakeville, Mass., which drew a couple hundred participants despite driving rain throughout the morning. Click here for the full story

Related: religion, wicca, pagan, spells

Hildegard of Bingen

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:32:00 +0000

Color of the day: Yellow
Incense of the day: Lavender

Hildegard of Bingen was an extraordinary woman of the twelfth century. She was a nun in Germany, a visionary, mystic, composer, poet, healer, and an herbalist. She was well-traveled and highly regarded by those in power during her time. Consider her words and meditate on them.

I, the fiery life of divine wisdom, I ignite the beauty of the plains.
I sparkle the waters, I burn in the Sun, and the Moon, and the stars.
I am the breeze that nurtures all things green.
I encourage blossoms to flourish with ripening fruits.
I am led by the spirit to feed the purest stream.
I am the rain coming from the dew that causes the grasses to laugh with the joy of life.

By: Ellen Dugan

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Ten Ways to Celebrate Mabon

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:32:00 +0000

Mabon is the time of the autumn equinox, and the harvest is winding down. The fields are nearly bare, because the crops have been stored for the coming winter. Mabon is a time when we take a few moments to honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the second harvest. On or around September 21, for many Pagan and Wiccan traditions it is a time of giving thanks for the things we have, whether it is abundant crops or other blessings. It is also a time of balance and reflection, following the theme of equal hours light and dark. Here are some ways you and your family can celebrate this day of bounty and abundance. Click here for the full story

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Halloween Is Harmless Holiday; Lighten Up On Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:32:00 +0000

Q: I do not like the implications of Halloween, but my husband does, so we allow the kids to dress up as fun/positive characters. Our son is now 7 and is asking to go to the local haunted house. My husband thinks this is OK, but I would like to keep the negative aspects of Halloween out of the picture as much as possible. What say you?

A: Halloween may have its roots in ancient pagan rituals, but then so does the Christmas tree and the Maypole. Speaking as an evangelical Christian, I think the brouhaha over Halloween is much ado about nothing, as is the brouhaha over the Harry Potter books. I do believe there's evil afoot in the world, but the notion that Halloween somehow lures children to the Dark Side is more than a tad over the top. Click here for the full story

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Misty Protection Charm

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Color of the day: Black
Incense of the day: Cedar

Celtic myths and folktales are full of stories about the power of mist. Those who are about to undergo an otherworld encounter often find themselves in an open landscape, suddenly surrounded by a magical mist. When the mist parts, they are in an unknown land, and frequently have interactions with gods or the spirits of the Sidhe (or fairy folk). Interestingly, the Gaelic word for mist, ceò, also means “amazement.” If you find yourself in a misty landscape, use this charm to encourage and intensify a positive spiritual experience with the spirits who dwell in the mist:

Spirits of mist, spirits of dew,
I open my heart
And soul to you.
Gods of mist, gods of rain,
I walk along
This path again.
Those who dwell
Within this place
I honor you
And ask for peace.

Gods and spirits of the mist,
May this encounter
Be truly blessed.

By: Sharynne NicMhacha

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New Near Death Experience Study

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:56:00 +0000

For a number of years, Dr Sam Parnia and Dr Peter Fenwick have been working on an experiment to test for awareness after the point of death. Their investigation has now been expanded into a larger study called AWARE (AWAreness during REsuscitation), to be launched by the Human Consciousness Project of the University of Southampton – "an international collaboration of scientists and physicians who have joined forces to study the human brain, consciousness and clinical death.":

A number of recent scientific studies carried out by independent researchers have demonstrated that 10-20 per cent of people who go through cardiac arrest and clinical death report lucid, well structured thought processes, reasoning, memories and sometimes detailed recall of events during their encounter with death.

During the AWARE study, doctors will use sophisticated technology to study the brain and consciousness during cardiac arrest. At the same time, they will test the validity of out of body experiences and claims of being able to ‘see’ and ‘hear’ during cardiac arrest.

Apart from anecdotal stories and some testing back in the 1970s (perhaps most notably, Charles Tart's experiments with 'Miss Z', as well as tests on Robert Monroe), there has been little solid scientific examination of claims of veridical perception during OBEs and NDEs. Should be interesting to see how it all goes.

By Greg

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Three Simple Love Charms

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:53:00 +0000

Herbal, Onion and Candle Spells for Love

Most people either want to bring love into their lives or improve the relationship that they already have. These simple love spells will help you to do just that.

These three spells all require little time and effort. They are quick to perform yet powerful.

Herbal Love Spell

The first is an herbal love spell. Based on the target, you choose an herb that represents their zodiac sign.

Chicory for Pisces
Rosemary for Aries
Spearmint for Taurus
Anise for Gemini
Tarragon for Cancer
Peppermint for Leo
Catnip for Virgo
Cayenne for Libra
Aloe for Scorpio
Sage for Sagittarius
Comfrey for Capricorn
Chilies for Aquarius

Take the herb that corresponds to the one you love, add the petals of a white rose (symbol for love) place it in a cloth bag and keep it under your pillow. Every night before you go to bed say: "Even in my time of sleep, my true love I vow to keep". When you feel that the one you desire has been brought closer to you, burn the herbs and rose. While they burn think of the flames of passion.

Onion Spell for Love

This second love spell involves an onion, a new pot and dirt. You have to use dirt from the ground, not potting soil for this one. Simply write the name of the one you desire on the bottom of an onion bulb, plant it in a new pot with the dirt. Place the pot on a windowsill, one facing the direction in which your intended one lives works best. Repeat the name of the one you desire over it every morning and every night until it begins to bloom. After it begins to bloom say the following over it every day for a week: "As it's roots grow, As it's leaves grow, as it's flowers grow, so does (insert name) love grow. You should notice a difference within a full moon cycle.

Candle Love Spell

This last one is a quick candle spell for attracting love and passion into your life. This is also useful for a relationship that seems to need a boost in the romance department. Get a red candle that is only red on the outside but the wax is white on the inside (most inexpensive candles are only colored on the outside) Place it in a dish. Take the petals of one red and one white rose and place them in the dish, surrounding the candle. Burn the candle for 10 minutes a night, starting the night of the full moon, if you can wait that long. As the candle burns, Chant: "As our love glows in this candlelight, We grow closer on this night" Do this every night for 10 straight nights.It will have worked by then.

By Alexandra Romanov

Related: religion, wicca, pagan, spells

Kern County Pagan Pride Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:50:00 +0000

Sunday, September 21st at Stramler Park in Bakersfield. Come join us to celebrate the Harvest! Admission to the festival is open to the public, and free with a donation of a non-perishable food item for a local food bank.

The day’s activities will include live music and dance performances, workshops, a ritual to celebrate the Harvest, craft vendors, psychic readers, healers and more. Children’s activities will include making pinwheels as part of the “Pinwheels for Peace” project. Click here for the full story

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Untangling Deception Spell

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:55:00 +0000

Color of the day: Lavender
Incense of the day: Narcissus

Today is mystery writer Agatha Christie’s birthday (1890–1976). The Full Moon is a perfect time to seek clarity and untangle deception, either from others or from ourselves. Gather together a clear glass bowl or a silver metal bowl and ten yards or more of yarn in the color of your choice. Under the Full Moon, preferably outdoors, cast a circle and create sacred space in your preferred manner. Tangle—but don’t knot—the yarn, while chanting, “In my life I perceive deception, tangled up and clouding perception.” When the yarn is tangled but not knotted, place it in the bowl. With a deep breath, hold the bowl up to the Full Moon and ask, “O Mother Goddess, bright one. Illuminate my perception and bring me clarity.” When you feel she’s filled your bowl with her clear wisdom, lower it. Slowly remove the yarn by pulling one end and ensuring that it is removed as a single strand. Open your heart and mind to hear the wisdom that will come as you unwind the yarn. Thank the Moon goddess and close your circle as you are accustomed. Place the yarn on your altar for one Moon cycle and then burn it or bury it.

By: Gail Wood

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Who Are The British Creationists?

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:54:00 +0000

At first glance the Genesis Expo museum, in the naval town of Portsmouth, looks like any other repository of natural history exhibits: fossils of dinosaurs and unusual rock formations.

But focus on the narrative of the information panels alongside them, and you start to realise this is a museum with a difference - one dedicated to the theory of creationism.

The revelation that US vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin says creationism should be taught in schools, alongside that of evolutionary theory, has raised few eyebrows in the US. An estimated 47% of Americans reject outright Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, accepting instead the Bible's account of the creation of the universe - as laid out in the first chapter of Genesis.

But in Britain, where a portrait of Darwin appears on the back of the £10 note, his theory of life evolving from primitive to complex structures by means of natural selection appears to be unchallenged orthodoxy.

Not so, say those on both sides of the creationist divide - a point amply proved by the existence of the Genesis Expo museum, to date Britain's only creationist museum. Click here for the full story

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MabonThe Pagan Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:52:00 +0000

It's Mabon time-the time of the autumnal equinox-a time when light and dark hang in perfect balance. In the pagan and Wiccan traditions, Mabon is a time of thanksgiving, when Wiccans and pagans come together to celebrate the second harvest.

Wiccan and pagan tradition boast three harvest festivals: the first is called Lammas which takes place in August; Mabon which takes place on the autumnal equinox, and Samhain (pronounced sow when) which is celebrated on October 31, 2008. Click here for the full story

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Technopaganism, Where the New Meets the Old

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:50:00 +0000

While I was at Pagan Unity Days in Charleston, SC, a few folks who attended my presentation asked me to provide a transcript of everything we talked about, so they would have some of the online sources we discussed. For those of you who were there (and those who weren't!), here's a rough transcript of my session on Technopaganism - Using New Technology to Study Old Religions. Links are included within the text.

While we're on the topic, though, it's a good time to bring this up. Although inherently Pagan paths are typically nature-based religions, many of us find we can blend our spirituality with modern technology. It's a way of using both science and religion together, walking with one foot in both worlds, rather than choosing one to the exclusion of the other. So here's the question -- how many of you have found a way to blend science or technology with your spiritual beliefs? Ever used a cell phone in a communication spell? Ever smash a floppy disk to bits with a sledgehammer as part of a banishing ritual? Chime in, down in the comments section, and share your ideas!

By Patti Wigington

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Spell for Wisdom from the Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:26:00 +0000

Color of the day: Orange
Incense of the day: Juniper

Did you know that Full Moons last three days? All the documented effects of the Full Moon (from changes in the crime rate to changes in fish behavior) last from the day before Full until the day after Full. So today you can use Full Moon energy even though tomorrow is when the Moon is Full. Sit in a circle of white candles and light them in clockwise sequence. Hold up a mirror so that it catches candlelight and your face. If you are outdoors, catch moonlight in the mirror as well as (or instead of) candlelight. Feel moonlight rushing into the mirror, into your face. Ask the goddess to tell you your path for the next month. Receive her wisdom through the Moon. Meditate on what you receive. When ready, thank the goddess and let the candles burn down on their own.

By: Deborah Lipp

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Mabon: The Gods of the Vine

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Fall is lurking just beyond the trees, and as the first of the leaves begin to change colors, it's a good time to consider the grape harvest, which is so intricately tied to the shifting of the seasons. This is the season to celebrate the making (and of course, consumption) of wine and other things grape-related. Wander outdoors somewhere this time of year, and you may even be fortunate enough to stumble upon some wild grapes.

This is the season to celebrate Dionysus and his counterpart Bacchus, and all the celebration that comes along with them. It's the season in which the Green Man makes his appearance, and shows in the forests in his many aspects as Herne the Hunter, Cernunnos, or even Puck of the wild woods. Take a moment to honor these gods of vegetation, and celebrate the harvest of grapes as Mabon approaches: Gods of the Vine.

By Patti Wigington

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Why It’s Dangerous To Be A Witch In A Recession

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:14:00 +0000

Why did people murder suspected witches in renaissance Europe? And why do they still do so today in sub-Saharan Africa? As someone whose main source of information about witch trials is Monty Python and the Holy Grail, I was fascinated to learn that witch-burning has its own grim economics.

Clearly, some of the fervour for murdering women – typically elderly widows – had cultural and religious origins. In the early medieval period, the Catholic Church dismissed the idea that witches had supernatural powers, and some Church documents argued that it was heresy to believe in witchcraft. Without Church support, it’s easy to see why witch trials were not popular. Click here for the full story

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The Sweet Things in Life Spell

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:32:00 +0000

Color of the day: Gray
Incense of the day: Ivy

Today is Roald Dahl’s birthday, author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and many other children’s books. Sit down and get comfortable in your favorite chair or couch in your home. Cuddle up in a warm comforter or blanket; surround yourself with happy things. Have a warm mug of hot chocolate and a plate of chocolate cookies in your lap. Close your eyes and think of all the sweet things in your life and send out wishes for your life to be filled with even more sweetness. Focus this warm, happy feeling and direct it into the mug of chocolate and the cookies. Slowly and deliberately, sip and savor the drink and eat the cookies.

From the spirits
I ask this favor,
My sweet life
I will savor.
Bring me sweetness
And delight
As I eat chocolate
Dark and light!
As within, so without,
So I will without doubt.

Be happy, and as you drink and eat, feel the energy infuse throughout your body and your life.

By: Gail Wood

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Who Is Allah?

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:32:00 +0000

Europeans love to mock the salience of religion in American society. But they won’t be laughing for very long. It is a well-documented fact that the de-Christianization of Europe in the name of “tolerance” is rapidly driving the spiritually shiftless continent into the arms of Islam. And now, amidst the postmodern theological confusion that defines contemporary Europe, even Catholic clergy are jumping on the Islamomania bandwagon.

The latest post-Christian theological spectacle comes to us from the Netherlands (of Ayaan Hirsi Ali fame), where the Roman Catholic Bishop of Breda, Tiny Muskens, says he wants Christians to start calling God “Allah” because he believes such a gesture would promote “rapprochement between Christianity and Islam”. Appearing on Dutch television, the 71-year-old cleric said: “Allah is a very beautiful word for God. Shouldn’t we all say that from now on we will name God Allah? [...] What does God care what we call him?” Click here for the full story

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A circle of thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:27:00 +0000

As harvest season comes to a close, Pagans observe Mabon, a celebration of the richness of their lives, and begin the six-week spiritual preparation for the Celtic New Year, which begins Nov. 1.

Priestess Byron Ballard leads the rite at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Mystic Journeys, 333 Merrimon Ave.

Mabon is celebrated at the autumnal equinox, and Ballard and Jill Yarnall have added a local twist to the celebration. Click here for the full story

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Palin's Anti-Pagan Coreligionists

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Here I was thinking to myself that the chances of a modern Pagan angle to the Republican VP pick of Alaska's Sarah Palin would be truly minimal. Sure, you had her support of aerial wolf hunting (a cruel method that violates the ethic of "fair chase"), and her drill-happy attitudes towards ANWR, but nothing explicitly anti-Pagan had emerged. But a number of bloggers, most notably Bruce Wilson at Talk2Action, have been digging into Palin's religious background and found some disturbingly anti-Pagan connections. Click here for the full story

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Delay sought on hearing over nativity display

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:19:00 +0000

The group suing over the installation of a nativity scene at Green Bay City Hall last Christmas wants to delay Monday's hearing on the issue.

Richard Bolton, the lawyer representing the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation and 14 Green Bay residents who support the effort, filed a motion this week seeking a delay. Click here for the full story

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Metal Elemental Spell

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:00:00 +0000

Color of the day: Rose
Incense of the day: Vanilla

Chinese magical tradition recognizes five elements: earth, metal, wood, fire, and water. Metal relates to the colors gold and silver, the west, meticulous behavior, sense of smell, and spicy flavors or fragrances. Working with metal improves your relation with the elemental spirits of machinery. To commune with metal elementals, you’ll need a fan and a stick of spicy incense such as cinnamon, clove, or sandalwood. You can work this in your car, near your computer, or near other important equipment, etc. Light the incense and waft the smoke around. Then say:

Little bright spirits,
Meticulous and steady,
Masters of metal,
Come hear my praises.
Without you,
Nothing would work.
You are essential.
You are everywhere.
Gears, springs,
Bearings, motherboards,
For this I give thanks.

Whenever you need to deal with machines, remember to treat them nicely; the metal elementals will remember you fondly and help everything go well.

By: Elizabeth Barrette

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Pagan Pride Day set for Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Sapphire) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:59:00 +0000

Seven years ago, Dru Ann Welch put on a Wiccan pentacle -- a symbol of her newfound Pagan faith. Click here for the full story

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