Witchcraft Mini Lessons

Witchcraft Mini Lessons

 

 

If you are looking for direction on your own path to spirituality, you may wonder.. are you a witch? Do you want to be? What is wicca, witchcraft and paganism anyway?

 

These mini lessons are intended as a guide... go through them in your own time.. you may find that you don't even need them by the end!

 

Enjoy the journey :)

 

 Is Wicca right for you?
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/is-wicca-right-for-you.html

 

 In the beginning....
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/a-year-and-day-in-beginning.html  

 

 

 

Topics to Study for your Year and a Day
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/topics-to-study-for-year-and-day.html

Witchcraft Mini Lesson #1

So you want to be a Wiccan?

http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/witchcraft-mini-lesson-1-so-you-want-to.html

 

Witchcraft Mini Lesson #2

Your Book of Shadows

http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/witchcraft-mini-lessons-2-your-book-of.html

Where do I start?
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/where-do-i-start.html

History and Origin of Wicca
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/history-and-origin-of-wicca.html

The Wiccan Rede
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/the-wiccan-rede.html

Finding a Pagan path
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/finding-pagan-path.html

13 Principles of Wiccan belief
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/the-principles-of-belief-from-american.html

Onya Broomstick! - an attempt at going through the lessons in To Ride a Silver Broomstick.
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/on-ya-broomstick.html



Resources:
http://zenpaganesque.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/stumbled-upon-online-resources-for.html

   

Witchcraft Mini lessons # 2 - Your Book of Shadows

~ Witchcraft Mini Lessons #2 ~

Your Book of Shadows

Think of your Book of Shadows (BOS) as your library of magickal information – witchcraft basics, correspondences, spells, resources, even Sabbat information and recipes! Some prefer to call their BOS a Grimoire (grim-wa), but this can be a completely different book. Others use a Grimoire as a magickal journal (tra la la la la) – tracking thoug...hts, experiences and the spells you perform.

Technology means you don’t need to have a physical book of shadows anymore. There is sooo much information on the internet (not all good mind you!) that you can easily cut and paste it into a word document. You would probably be better off creating a folder on your computer with subfolders for each topic.
Otherwise get yourself a folder and some dividers! You can always purchase or make your own special book of shadows later.

Remember anything you make yourself has your energy within it, and will be a more powerful tool for you. Your BOS is special – it is your own. You can put whatever you want in there, but as a Witch, your BOS will probably contain some or all of the following:

Basic Information
• Altars
• Tools
• Casting a circle and conducting rituals
• Glossary
• The Wheel of the Year
• Healing information – including techniques
• Initiation and dedication information

Correspondences
• Days of the Week
• Colours
• Elements & Elementals
• Months
• Incense
• Planets
• Astrological Correspondences

The Moon
• Moon phases and their meanings
• Esbats
• Drawing down the moon rituals
• Moon deities
• Spells and rituals specifically tied to the Moon phases.

Spells, Rituals and Chants
• Ones you write yourself
• Ones you get from others (and note the source so that you can find them again, or find other stuff from your favourite sites or books.)
• The Charge of the Goddess (there are a number of these around – or you could write one yourself)
• The Charge of the God (see above).

Pagan and Witchcraft Ethics, guides and golden rules
• Wiccan Rede
• Witches Rune
• The 13 Principles of Witchcraft

Deities
• Information you research or learn about the deities
• Your experiences with them and how you relate to them

Herbs
• Herbal Correspondences
• Information on how to grow, harvest and use herbs
• You reflections on the herbs you grow and use
• Ways you can incorporate them safely into your spells.

Divination
• Runes – Meanings, associations, uses as a language, record of your readings and experiences working with them
• Tarot and/or Oracle Cards – Meanings (the Little White book vs. your Intuition), Associations, Divination, records of readings, Tarot Path working and spells

Crystals
• Crystal correspondences
• Meanings, your associations
• Ways you can use them for life in general, healing, dreaming and spells
• Crystals for Chakra information

Food
• Magickal uses of different foods
• Recipes for Sabbats and Esbats.
• Recipes for incorporating magickal herbs into your life, or for healing

Dreams
• Dream information – dream journal, dream journeying
• Lucid dreaming
• Your interpretations of dreams
• Your own dream dictionary

Meditation and Astral travelling
• Ones you create
• Ideas for mediations
• Ones you use from others – being sure to keep the source so you know where to go back for more!
• Your experiences on the astral plane
• Places you visit, people you meet, messages you receive

Resources
• Your list of books and websites where you find your information – so you can return for more gems

Don't forget - you can put whatever you want in there It is totally up to you. Get creative! Or just keep it simple... there is no right or wrong way to create your BOS. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise


Sources: Much thanks to Ramblings of a Rainbow Witch - her list on what to include in a BOS formed a lovely backbone to the one I have created above
Image: the_lure_of_a_book_by_fictionchick-d5fjtd9

Witchcraft Mini Lesson #1 So you want to be Wiccan?

Witchcraft Mini Lessons #1

First things first. Why are you here?

Think about it. What are you looking for? Be honest with yourself –because following Wicca and Witchcraft requires you to know yourself. You are part of the Universe: you must understand your place within it. Becoming in tune with your thoughts, feelings and intentions will allow you to be more connected with the Source, and see...

the interconnectedness of the world around you. For example - if magic is your main goal – It will make your magic much more powerful and effective.

You will need a notebook – this can either be your book of shadows or a diary. Be honest with yourself – you are the only person who will read it. Write yourself a letter or at least write a paragraph answering the following questions… without research – just write the first things that come to mind. You don’t have to answer all of the questions, but you should try. You need to know the light and dark aspects of yourself and recognise them.

• What is a Witch?
• What is Witchcraft? Wicca? Paganism? God? Goddess? The Universe?
• Why are you here and what are you hoping to find? What do you want to happen?
• What brought you here?
• How do you feel?
• What do you think studying the Path, or Witchcraft, will do for you?
• What do you think you will gain, or lose by studying Witchcraft?
• What type of Witch do you want to be?
• Write a statement of purpose to come back to this time next year – to see how you have grown... or not 


Source: To Ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver RavenWolf was the main inspiration for this lesson

The Emperor

Key phrase – Reasoned Authority
Archetype – The Father and the Hero

Symbolism - fatherhood, masculine sexuality, confidence, courage. Masculine Authority and power.

· Developed strength and vigilance; producer and planter of seeds, determining which ones are worthy of growing – seeds can represent ideas and opportunities
· Passing on secrets of success, showing you how to survive, he is at the heart of order, rationality and a methodical approach.
· Clear thinking, discipline, going ahead with decision with extreme confidence.
· Announcing principles, assuming responsibility for actions.
· Mythologically related to Zeus, metaphysically – the masculine aspect of the God Self and Supreme Authority.
· He tells us to use reason in handing out problems, to set limits, respect and live within societies regulations, to pursue out ambitions with confidence and courage.
· Discipline leads to self-sufficiency, however he is positioned to resist change other than his own.
· Presence in a layout could signify delegating responsibility; examine own authoritative behaviour or lack thereof.
· Look for control issues

Shadow: getting angry or vindictive when out authority is challenged exercising oppressive self-control or hardly any; depending on others to control our behaviour; difficulty making definitive decisions and carrying them out; confusing authority with aggressiveness or domination.

When you draw this card:
· Check your recent behaviour for signs of stubbornness or lack of responsibility
· Recognise and appreciate how you utilise your strengths and self-discipline
· Use more logical reasoning when evaluating your immediate problem.
· Consider accepting more responsibility for your project or for your actions in a relationship.
· Review your ideas or behaviour regarding a current authority in your life.

(Echols, Mueller & Thomson 1996)

The Fool meets The Emperor
The next person the Fool encounters is the Father in the figure of the Emperor (4). He is the representative of structure and authority. As a baby leaves his mother's arms, he learns that there are patterns to his world. Objects respond in predictable ways that can be explored. The child experiences a new kind of pleasure that comes from discovering order.

The Fool also encounters rules. He learns that his will is not always paramount and there are certain behaviours necessary for his well-being. There are people in authority who will enforce such guidelines. These restrictions can be frustrating, but, through the patient direction of the Father, the Fool begins to understand their purpose.
(http://www.learntarot.com/journey.htm)

Image: http://www.newmoontradingco.com/page/page/5565623.htm

The Sphinx - The Sands of Time

Well this is the last entry in the Eye of Horus divination book... I've really enjoyed going through each of these, learning some of the basics :) And there are still more I want to do too. I've heard of Thoth - so I will look into him. There are a couple of others, I can't think of their names right now. I sort of feel sad in a way - but now I can move into deeper stories... I've already looked into Isis and some more to share there... hope you enjoyed them :) Feel free to suggest any that I should cover or look into!

So here we are with the Sphinx:

• The Sphinx is a composite creature with a lion's body and a human head.
• The most famous of the Sphinxes is the Great Sphinx at Giza which is thought to date from the reign of Khafre, the fourth king of the fourth dynasty.
• However it is also thought that the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Egypt were built long before then by a highly evolved people from a forgotten time.
• The Great Sphinx has witnessed numerous changes and is the guardian of many secrets.

(Lawson 1996)

The Pyramids - Structures of Power

The pyramids are awe- inspiring. When we look at them from a 'modern' point of view, we wonder how the Egyptians did it. Moving all those heavy rocks and pieces of stone into an amazing formation - true feats of the human endeavour. Did aliens make them? Did slaves make them? Did they use some kind of machinery? Their minds?

There is so much we don't know about Ancient Egypt - all we are left to surmise is the hieroglyphics, archaeological evidence and logic. However we are coming to a point of time where logic doesn't quite have the hold on us anymore - human consciousness is shifting, slowly but surely, to a place beyond the five sensory logic. Maybe there is some untapped universal source within us that can perform 'miracles'? We will know in time. 

• The pyramids are a monument to the collective genius of Ancient Egyptian culture.
• They are the collective achievement of the gods and Pharaohs who inspired them, the architects who designed them and the vast workforce of stone masons and labourers who built them.
• The exact interpretation of their purpose, the technology of their design, the precise engineering and the manner in which the building materials were manoeuvred continues today.

How exciting!

(Lawson 1996)

For more information - you should really check out this link: http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/pyramid-code/

 

Imhotep - Sacred Scribe and Architect

 

 

Imhotep

 

• Served as a high courtier with King Djoser in the third dynasty.
• Was a living historical figure given the honour of deification.
• Immortalised as the embodiment of the scribal wisdom and a god of creative, scientific and architectural skill.
• Held the office of chief executive and master sculptor.
• Credited with the invention of building with cut stone and an author of a book of instructions.
• He was possibly the architect of the step pyramid at Saqqara.
• Depicted with open papyrus across his lap.
• His colours are oranges and yellows. 

(Lawson, 1996)
Image : http://www.vopus.org/en/gnosis/great-characters/imhotep-master-of-sciences.html

Meretseger - Lover of Silence

When I opened the book to this page, I found a note from 19/10/1997 which said "Number one - best path to spirituality" with the date. Fascinating. I was 16 then, my whole life before me. And then instead of reading "Silence" when I made the picture, I read "Science" and I was like, wow. Lover of Science, being the best way to spirituality. What a spin out. Lately I have been thinking about a different style of Witchcraft, and if it is even possible - Scientific Witchcraft. I love that the term is traditionally an oxymoron.. not possible. But EVERYTHING is possible. We are only restricted by our imagination.

So then I make the picture, and see its not Science. Ooops. Instead of making a new one I changed the word - hence the stars - couldn't get the overlay the right green colour :)

And looking at the affirmations of Meretseger, they still sound like me right now. There are still values I can (and probably should) adopt here. And no, its not honesty! You can't bullshit a bullshitter blah blah.. but what if the stories are true?

Anyway,

Meretseger :)

• Cobra goddess said to dwell on the mountain that overlooks the Valley of the Kings
• Often depicted as a coiled snake or a snake with a human head, or even a female headed scorpion.
• Meretseger is translated as "she who loves Silence" or "beloved of him (Osiris) who makes silence'.
• Was often endowed with the guardianship of secluded tombs.
• She is both  merciful and potentially dangerous - said to bring healing to those who are honest and respectful and retribution to those who are not.
• Her colour is dark green

(Lawson, 1996)


Image:http://www.creaturemag.com/tag/ed-j-brown/

APIS - Bull God

More about Apis:

• He was a living deity, represented by a series of living bulls especially chosen from the herd and decorated for ceremonial purposes.
• He was thought to be a manifestation of the creator god Ptah and he worshiped the energy of creation.
• Often called the son of Ptah and was seen to be his messenger.
•  Frequently depicted with a sun or moon disk resting between his horns and bearing the "Uraeus', the cobra emblem of royalty.
• Often shown with the wings of the vulture goddess placed protectively on his back. The hairs of his tail are split and plaited into two, perhaps representing Upper and Lower Egypt.
• His colour is violet.

(Lawson 1996)




Image: http://the-ancient-pharaohs.blogspot.com.au/2010/12/some-gods-of-egyptians.html

HEKET - Frog Goddess

I find something really calming about Heket. I like frogs too. And green is my favourite colour. There is something about Heket :)

• She is the divine midwife of Ancient Egypt, the protector of new life.
• Depicted as a frog or a woman with the head of a frog.
• She was frequently invoked to bring protection to the process of childbirth, or to defend the family unit and guard the home.
• Women would wear amulets and scarabs with her image during childbirth, and she brought relief to mothers.
• Her influence brings the first signs of life, the quickening, to the unborn child and hastens the last stages of labour.
• Midwives were often given the title 'servants of Heket' in honour of their work.
• Her colours are green and pink.

(Lawson 1996)
Image : http://www.elfwood.com/~cuypers/Heket.2650721.html

Min - God of Fertility

Wow. This is awkward. I'm guessing I have a lot of repressed sexual energy, cos I feel like a total prude right now. Hahaha! I didn't really know about Min before I googled his image - just saw the name was the next one in the list - and all of a sudden, all this pictures of statues and drawings of the god with a massive erect penis are in my face.

He should be proud. It is no 'min(i)'. And typically, like any man, there are statues of him proudly holding it. I dunno. I had to find the most unobvious picture of Min and is doodle I could. Call it my prudish western modern sensibilities. I was tempted to add the sentence "I have a giant donger" to the affirmations above. I'm sure as far as affirmations go, this one could be helpful! 

Also watching the Pyramid Code, I learnt that the crowns on their heads actually depict the lymph glands - which coincide with the chakras. I find that fascinating - so I gotta find out which one this is. Probably one of the lower chakras... :)

So in case you are wondering about Min

• He represents sexual procreation. His fertility and blatant sexual power are symbolised by his erect phallus at a right angle to his body.
• He protected the eastern desert and often shown with a whip to destroy enemies.
• He has two high plumes on his head with ribbon (ok, so not lymph glands)
• Similarities to Pan, the Greek God. He could have been his forerunner, as he is a nature spirit who celebrates the fertility of the earth and the free sexuality of living things.
• Associated with fertile vegetation and thunder.
• His colours are orange, yellow and green.

(Lawson 1996)

Four of Pentacles



http://paintedonmysoul.deviantart.com/art/Four-Of-Pentacles-98617702

Key phrase: feeling truly wealthy – a subjective attitude and inner evaluation

·         Feeling possessive over what you have worked for.

·         Protecting your money, position, and crafts from others who might want to copy and steal.

·         Feeling as though you need to put material comfort before spiritual comfort.

·         Take note – being miserly is no an impetus for spiritual growth.

·         The 4 of Pentacles assumes responsibility for himself – having gained success, he feels it is better to hang on to position, power, people, attitudes of money.

·         He is insulated, defensive, feeling that he has no need for others’ input. He has difficulties in sharing.

·         Spontaneity and generosity are absent. This card’s opposite is the inability to structure and organise life.  Are we giving too much of ourselves away without recognising our own needs and priorities?

·         Delusion that we are separate from other things in our environment. Inference that wealth marks the end of illusion and recognition of our god-self and oneness with all.

The 4 of pentacles is a Shadow card when representing Greed.

Other shadow aspects:  mistaking material possession for our sense of identity; using material or financial gains to insulate ourselves; having limited interests in anything but wealth; keeping our feelings from being readily accessible or understandable.

When this card appears:

·         Consider what you are holding onto and whether it might really be holding onto you.

·         You may need to reorganise your situation or project, including getting more input from others.

·         You may be too inflexible in your demands or your view of your issue/situation.

·         Determine whether you now have the security and confidence to permit you to be more generous in situations or relationship, or, conversely, whether you give too much away and now need to protect yourself.

 

(Echols, Mueller, Thomson, 1996)

Three of Pentacles

Key phrase – the spiritual force of work.

 

         Nobility of work – perform your tasks with divine intent, or as a conduit for the divine within you.

Ground your creative visions in physical effort.

Pay attention to progress and put value on your – this will lead to self-worth and nourish your soul.

 

This card indicates the mastery of skills and their use in the market place.

 

Emphasises the person and spiritual benefits of creating great quality, setting standards of integrity, committing to focus physically, mentally and spiritually for the best outcome.

 

        Shows a need to build out own inner temple – the Sanctuary of the Self.

 

Shadow: failure to establish goals, priorities, neglecting to carry out our responsibilities or being indifferent to the way we do carry them out and thinking that we can or have to do everything ourselves.

When the 3 of Pentacles shows up:

·         Consider the gains that may be available or made by working with others.

·         Develop an overall plan for your situation or project.

·         New tasks or projects may offer you the opportunity to recognise the spiritual aspects of your work.

·         Expand your satisfaction or pleasure with your work. You may have to change your style of working, your attitude or redefine your role so you can express glory through your efforts.

Image: http://grosenberg.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/tarot-post-three-of-pentacles/

ANAT - Warrior Goddess

More about Anat:

• Depicted with a high crown flanked with plumes and carried a shield, lance and battle axe.
• She originated near the coast of Syria and her influence extended into Egypt.
• Legends cast her as one of the wives of Seth, others depict her as a sister and sexual partner of Baal, the god of stormy weather.
• Was seen as a protectress and had the courage and determination of an avenging angel.
• Also viewed as a fertility goddess and was linked to the fertility god Min.
• Her connection with life-blood was indicative of her ability to bring prosperity to the land and the people who worshipped her.
• Her colour is red.

(Lawson 1996)

Cerridwen

Festival of Cerridwen: July 3rd

Colour of the day: Turquoise
Incense of the day: Carnation

July 3rd is dedicated to the goddess Cerridwen, the Welsh goddess of fertility, wisdom, magic, and divination. This festival celebrates the fertility of the land and is a reward for the labours of summer.

Her name means 'White Sow', because the sow was a symbol of divine fertility and rebirth; hence, the sow is her special symbol. Cerridwen is a lunar Goddess and seen both as mother and crone. She was credited with prophetic foresight and magical shape shifting abilities. Cerridwen also keeps the cauldron of rebirth, in which souls are rejuvenated before moving on to a new life.

Honour Cerridwen with a feast involving her symbols. Serve a rich pork roast or barbecued ribs, along with foods that pigs adore, such as corn, nuts, and truffles. Decorate the table or altar with images of white pigs. Include a cast-iron cauldron if you have one.

Invoke Cerridwen with words such as these:

Cerridwen,
Crafty one,
Come and see
What we’ve done.
Cerridwen,
Great White Sow,
We call you—
Be here now!


All information courtesy of my dear Wiccan Sister, Moonflower Willow Phoenix

KHEPRI - Scarab Beetle of the Sun

 



 

Khepri

• The Egyptians likened the activity of the scarab beetle pushing dung across the ground to the Sun as it moves across the sky.
• Khepri is the Sun God and creator in the form of a scarab.
• He is imagined to have created himself, not through reproductive means, thus represents the initial spark of life/creation.
• Usually depicted as a dung beetle, hard-winged beetle or a man with a head of a scarab.
• Sometimes linked to other aspects of the Sun God by being depicted with the head of a Ram.
• His colours are black, blue and gold.

(Lawson 1996)

Maat - Goddess of Cosmic Harmony

Who is Maat?

• The Goddess Maat is often depicted with an Ostrich feather in her head, or kneeling with wings.
• Pharaohs invested themselves with the right to govern, claiming their rulership upheld the laws of the universe that Maat embodied.
• Her wisdom was crucial to the assessment of the dead, allowing those with a blameless life into paradise.
• Her influence rules legal matters and creates sound judgement, maintaining order and balance in the world.
• Her existence made life, and life after death, possible.
• Her colours are whites and mauves.

(Lawson 1996)

Hapy - God of the Flooded Nile

Hapy is:

• The personification of the yearly flooding of the Nile, dwells in an area presided over by Khnum.
• Depicted in human form with aquatic plants on his head, a paunch and hanging breasts - symbolising abundance.
• A god without a temple or sanctuary but he commanded great respect because of the fertility he bestowed on the land.
• A male god with a maternal nature, who blessed the people of Egypt with their livelihood.
• His colours are the greens of the Nile water and vegetation.

(Lawson, 1996)

KHNUM - Creator of Life

About Khnum

• Often described as the creator of life, all things and the entire world.
• A ram god who fashions gods, men, birds, fish and cattle out of clay before breathing life into them.
• Giver of health and the languages of the human race.
• Often depicted with human body and ram's head, sitting at the potter's wheel.
• His divinity encompassed other deities such as Geb, Shu, Osiris and Ra.
• His colours are violet and reddish gold.

(Lawson 1996)

KHONSU - God of the Moon

More about Khonsu

• Youthful God of the moon, depicted as human, but can also take the form of a hawk, because he is a God of the sky.
• On his head bears a crescent moon which cups a full moon.
• Thought to be a child of Amun and his consort Mut.
• His name means 'wanderer' which refers to the path of the Moon across the sky and his role as navigator of human destinies.
• His colour is the silvery white of the moon.

(Lawson 1996)

Introduction to Runes

I have always found Runes fascinating. I don't have a long history with the Futhark runes, I did buy the kit 15 years ago and used them a few times, but it was the Goddess Runes I loved. At the expense of Wild Witch I am going to start posting about Runes, so here they are :) I'm learning about them, along with you dear reader :)



Elder Futhark Runes and their meanings found on http://ayearandadaywicca.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/runes/



What are Runes?

·         Runic Alphabets are the ancient alphabets used by the Germanic peoples of Europe in around 150-1100 AD. The letters from the alphabets are known as runes

·         Runology is the study of runic alphabets, runic inscriptions, rune stones and their history.

·         Runes were replaced by the Latin alphabet as Christianity spread through Europe.

Origin of the Runes

It is said in the poem Havamal, in the Poetic Edda, that Odin hung upside down from Yggdrasil for night days and nights, and learned the secret of the Runes.

How many types of Runes are there?

There are three best known types of Runes are

1.      Elder Futhark  (AD 150-800)

2.      Anglo-Saxon Futhorc (AD400 – 1100)

3.      Younger Futhark ( AD 800 – 1100) – these runes are divided into long branch (“Danish”), short branch (“Rök”) and staveless runes (“Hälsinge” or “Stavestyle”). From the Younger rune, the Marcomannic runes, Medieval runes (AD 110-1500) and Dalecarlian runes (AD 1500-1800) developed.

Younger Futhark Runes found on http://elric888.deviantart.com/art/Younger-Futhark-brush-Set-270750698

The reason they are called the Futhark Runes is because the first 6 letters are F, u, th, a, r, k

History of Runes

·         Runes were used by Germanic peoples from 1^st – 2^nd Century AD.

·         There is no distinction in the surviving inscriptions between long and short vowels.

·         The origin of the name Runes may come from the Gothic runa or root run- meaning “secret” or “whisper”. The root run- in Baltic languages means speech. In Finnish runo means “song” or “poem”. Old English – “mystery”

How were Runes used?

·         Were (and can be) used as symbols of power – etched into wands, talismans, amulets to invoke the power of their meaning in those tools.

·         Have been used as written language for communication – you will even see them now as decorations, tattoos, signatures. It is probable that there are people using them as a form of communication, even though it’s not official. By this I don’t mean tribes of people hidden in forests and caves... but people in groups, or covens, or even solitaries who use them in their own book of shadows or for spells and rituals.

·         The use of Runes is what Buckland refers to as the power of the written word – and there are many scripts from the Theban Script (Witches Alphabet) to Egyptian hieroglyphs to Angelic and Pictish alphabets.

·         Runes are commonly used as a divination tool – much like Tarot cards. One can choose a single rune and consider its meaning, or they can do spreads and interpret the combinations of Runes a variety of ways.

Source Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runes

Source – Buckland’s’ Complete Book of Witchcraft

 

The Goddess Runes :)

Goddess Runes from Image from http://www.owl-lady.com/em-runes/?S=D



 

 

Now these are the Runes I'm familiar with - I have to admit, these are the ones I have been using since I was 15, not the Elder Futhark or other variants. So naturally I understand these better than the other ones. But I am also here to learn so we can all learn together!

With these runes, you cup them in your hands while thinking of the question. You then take out the blank runes and place the one representing the questioner (you or the other person, ) or the person you are asking a question about in front of you. Then you shake the runs a little more and 'throw' them. Not actually throwing them of course! But you basically open your hands and they will fall around the question stone in various shapes and styles - the fun then is in reading and interpreting what you see. I love them. Unfortunately I have lost one of them somehow, and I do feel its' loss.. so haven't been able to do any rune readings - I need to go and find 16 stones in nature somewhere to make the set anew.. or find a missing stone

If you want to read more about Goddess Runes, then definitely get yourself a copy of "Goddess
Runes" by P.M.H Atwater, 1996, Avon Books.
 

Tarot - Questions to Consider

RA - God of the Sun

 

 

The Mighty Ra ...

• Also known as Re.
• Sun god of Heliopolis whose other forms are Atum and Khepri.
• Depicted as a falcon with a sun disc on his head.
• When passing in the Underworld he has the head of an old man or as a ram-headed God.  
• The Sun crossing the sky was thought to be his eye, or his body.
• As Atum-Re, he is the creator God, endowed with many live-giving properties.
• Said to have created humankind from his tears.
• He ordered the cycle of the three seasons which make up the Egyptian year.
• Colour is the gold of the Sun.

(Lawnson 1996)

AMUN - Lord of Concealment

 

 

 

Who was Amun?

• Held as supreme in the Egyptian pantheon.
• Often depicted on a throne, thought to be a forerunner to other gods and goddesses.
• Might have been an incarnation or manifestation of ancient Sun God Ra.
• Amun was thought to be invisible to mortals, his name means concealment or 'hidden one'.
• His flesh is the blue of lapis lazuli, a stone prized by the Gods. 

(Lawson, 1996)

 

 

 

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HATHOR - Mother of the Pharoah

Honour thy Mother, Hathor :)

• Universal Cow goddess associated with childbirth.
• Often depicted with a crown of cow horns and a sun disc.
• Like Isis, sometimes described as the mother of the Pharaoh and thus associated with the birth right and right to rule.
• She is the sensual goddess of love, music and beauty.
• The Greeks likened her to Aphrodite.
• Colours are deep oranges, pinks and peaches - colours of vitality.

(Lawson 1996)

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ANUBIS - Lord of the Afterlife

Tell me more about Anubis!

• Said to be the son of Nephthys, conceived during a liaison with Osiris, husband of Isis. She is also the sister of Osiris. Apparently Isis adopted Anubis as her own son.
• Anubis had special healing powers, and was cast as a rescuer, working with unconscious and anaesthetised people, leading the blind.
• He protects all who cannot see.
• Provides safety and guidance for travellers.
• Brings healing to those who are suffering.
• His colour is terracotta.

(Lawson 1996)