So often these days I read Pagan blogs, news outlets and social network posts that name Paganism and Witchcraft as a religion.  This is true for some (including myself), but Witchcraft is also an art.

Considering what we do as Art and ourselves as Artists brings a fresh perspective to the Craft.  I often emphasize the importance of a Daily Practice but even more strongly encourage students and practitioners to blur or entirely erase the boundary between “Practice” and “Life.”

Understanding Witchcraft as an Art and Witches as Artists helps us do this because it undermines the enculturated dichotomy between “religion” and “real life.”

An artist is an artist all the time.  Yes, there are the hours set aside for creating art at the easel or writing desk, but the eye and sensibility of the artist can never really be set aside.  The artist is always paying attention to light and shadow, pattern and color, rhythm and  meter, texture and feeling.

So, too with the Witch.  We set aside time for our Daily Practice but, eventually that practice expands to include the whole fabric of our lives.  The Witch is always paying attention to the patterns of energy.  Our eye is trained toward life-death-sex-rebirth, silence, the sacred and many of the same things an artist gives his attention to.

Craft and Art are often differentiated along class and gender lines.  But, in our art and craft, they are one and the same.  It’s important for the Witch to seek out, give attention to and manifest beauty (and power is Beauty-full).  Our practices are the “piece” we’re currently working on.  Our lives, however, are the Masterpiece.

Go make beautiful magic, Witches!

April  16, 2013

I want to take a moment with you this morning to give attention to the bombing at the Boston Marathon yesterday in Boston, MA.  Let’s just stop for a moment.  Stop reading.  Close your eyes.  Be still and breathe.  Find your center and breathe.  Send a positive thought to those affected.

We’re all affected.  Perhaps not in a personal way.  But, this happened and it impacts every one of us.

A quick survey of my social divination tools, Facebook, Twitter and G+ early last evening clearly revealed the impact this event had.  The emotional responses ranged from outrage to disbelief, angst, anger, fear, panic, paranoia, apathy, grief, hopelessness and even some self-satisfied, “I told you so’s.” Calls to action included donations of blood (the Red Cross says they have enough so please don’t flood the blood banks), to demands for justice, war, prayers for peace and compassion for victims and families to curses against the perpetrators and even the sending of “white light” to the bomber(s).

We’re all affected.

Far be it from me to tell anyone how to interpret these events.  I suspect that our outrage, our desire for revenge and our proclivity to call for more violence doesn’t really serve us.

Anger is an ally.  It tells us something is wrong.  Our outrage at random acts of violence feels justified.  It’s easy to go to the place of dread, panic or paranoia.  It’s almost a default setting to shut down our responses.

I would ask though, that we continue to ground and return to Center. That we enter a state of stillness deep enough to access our core response to this violence (and all violence).  Can we find the  courage to sink beneath our adrenaline-fed emotional states and access our grief?  Below the anger, disbelief, apathy and panic, lies grief.  It is seeded by Love.

Love for humanity.  Love for the strangers wounded or killed and their friends and families.  Love for the people who witnessed in person and through the media.  Love for the first responders.  Love for the city of Boston.  Love for humanity — even in the midst of violence.

From the deep well of love (that might make you weep, which is appropriate), flow compassion and connection.  Open your heart.  Stay with your center.  Here lies the wisdom concerning correct action.  Follow that wisdom with the actions which arise naturally from it.  Every action taken from that deep well–no matter how small or seemingly insignificant–has an impact as great as those bombs exploding. This is your Power in a time when we are angered by our sense of powerlessness.

Love is stronger than fear.

Bless this Life and make it right.

Karina BlackHeart 

Continue reading →

If your own well is empty, how can you quench the thirst of others?

It’s notable that in our desire to be helpful to others we often forgo our own self-care.  Who among us hasn’t pushed on when we needed rest? Cancelled an appointment to be there for a friend? Volunteered for a task knowing our calendars were already too full?  Tried to pass on wisdom we haven’t yet integrated.  We all want to be helpful!

Another way “giving from an empty well” shows up is in our resistance to Manifestation Work.  Many is the time I’ve witnessed Witches’ inability to craft and execute a spell for something they want/need.  Sometimes, there’s a basic disbelief that magic works.  Other times, we don’t feel worthy of receiving what we say we want.  And, still others, we harbor a belief that having what we want constitutes greed and prevents the less fortunate from having what they need.

In each of these circumstances, there is work to do!  Sometimes that work is putting ourselves front and center–creating and maintaining a boundary within which excellent self care can flourish.  Or, we may need to examine and transform our beliefs about the efficacy of magic, our own worthiness or how our world view may be clouding our magical vision.

These are tough assignments!

What’s harder though, is to give from an empty well.  Whether the “water” is our time, energy, wisdom or other manifestations of our Craft, it behooves us to take a look at what’s holding us back as well as what’s pushing us forward when we’re already depleted.

In the coming Daily Witch will be taking a look at how to “catch” yourself if you’re feeling stuck in any of these areas.  Are you subscribed?  Click that big, black subscribe button in the upper right corner of this page to get on board!

Take good care of you, Witch!

Karina BlackHeart

Continue reading →

Let me be clear when I state that it isn’t really any of my business how other people choose to worship or practice the Craft.  However, in the Traditions I practice, Witchcraft is the religion of the Goddess. It is in this spirit that I write on Our Lady of the Moon.

She is nameless and Her names are infinite. In Her guise as Moon, we might call Her
Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Hecate, Aphrodite, Ceridwen, Diana, Mahina, Arionrhod, Marama, Brigid, Isis, Demeter, Selene, Yemoja, Bendis, Hathor, Ix Chel, Mawu, Ealadha, Mari, Lona, Ma.

First published in Aradia, The Gospel of the Witches*, “The Charge of the Goddess”  literally charges us to “ . . .assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Me who is Queen of all the Wise . . . . sing, feast, dance, make music and love, all in my presence.”

Many beautiful and detailed rituals have been performed in answer to Her call.  But, what if you don’t belong to a Tradition or the complicated rituals you read about in books ring hollow for you?  What if you are are seeking a really personal, intimate relationship with Her who is the “Mystery of the Waters and the White Moon among the stars?”  What if we treated Her like a friend, sister or “Mother” as our language suggests she is? 

This ritual can be performed at any phase of the Moon.  For though she is worshipped in her different aspects as Maiden, Mother and Crone, she is but one Goddess–one Moon.  I encourage you to speak to Her with sincerity.  Use language which feels comfortable to you for empty words are empty of power.  Let your visit with Her be heart-felt, informal and sincere. 

For this ritual you will need the following:

• A printed copy of the Charge of the Goddess (I suggest memorizing it so it is part of you rather than a script you read)

• Incense

• An anointing oil

• A white votive candle in a votive holder

• A glass jar of water

• A plate of finger foods you enjoy (ie:  cheese, crackers, fruit)

• Matches

 

This ritual takes place at night, outdoors where you can see the moon.  Dress appropriately for the weather.  If you prefer to perform magic in your robes, cords, jewelry and other symbols of power, that’s fine.  If you prefer to be skyclad, so be it.  If not, that’s perfectly fine as well!  The only requirement here is your heartfelt desire to connect with Our Lady of the Moon.

 

Begin with a simple grounding and centering meditation.  Follow the pattern of your breath until you are calm, centered and ready.

Sit comfortably in the moonlight (or the darkness if the Moon is Dark).  Call the Moon to you using your own words which can be simple language, intricately woven poetry, a chant or a song.  Use the Names which feel most powerful and familiar to you.  Keep it simple and pay attention to your emotions.  The feeling state you wish to call upon yourself is one of joyous anticipation at the thought of spending time with a friend you admire greatly.  As you speak (recite or sing), allow your heart to soften.  Allow your heart to open in love and longing for Her, the Moon.  Turn your face to the Moon as you call Her.

When you feel the light (or darkness) of Her breath upon you, when you feel Her power filling you–be still.  Breathe deeply and soften.  Open to Her.  Drink in Her blessing.

Light the incense and say to the moon, “This is for you, Lady.  I hope you enjoy this gift.”

Light the candle and say to the moon, “Here is a mirror of your light, Lady.  I hope you enjoy the reflection of your beauty.”

Read or recite the Charge of the Goddess.

Take up the oil and say, “I dedicate this oil to you, Lady.  Bless it so it carries your love. Charge it so it carries your power.”  Hold the oil up to the night sky to receive the blessing.  Chant the name(s) of the Moon Goddess which feel most powerful and familiar to you.  You will sense/know when the oil has been blessed and charged.  Trust your instincts.

 Take a little of the oil on your fingertips.

Anoint your crown saying, “Blessed is my Crown.  I am sovereign in my power.”

Anoint your third eye, saying “Blessed is my Sight.  My vision is filled with power.”
Anoint your throat, saying, “Blessed is my Speech. My words manifest power.”

Anoint your heart, saying, “Blessed is my Heart.  My love is my power.”

Anoint your solar plexus (a hands breadth above your navel), saying, “Blessed is my Will.  My action creates power.”

Anoint your pelvis (two fingers breadth below your navel), saying, “Blessed is my Passion.  My desire is the seat of power.”

Anoint your sex saying, “Blessed is my Root.  Here is the creation of power.”

 (Note:  It’s perfectly fine to anoint yourself while wearing clothing.  Never put fragrance or essential oils directly on your genitals–they burn!)

Bring your attention back to the Moon.  Turn your face toward Her again and say,
“You are with me.  I am with you.
As such my words and thoughts and deeds are true.”

 

Feel the truth, love and power within you as you stand with the moon, thus anointed.  Breathe that in.  Take time to experience this fully,  Feel the power and love within you as you take up the jar of water in one hand and the plate of food in the other.

Hold them up to the night sky.  Ask for Her blessing and Her charge as you did with the oil. 

When your instinct tells you the blessing and charge is upon the water and food, sit down and ask her to join you in partaking of it.  As you eat the food and drink the water, tell Her of any concerns you have.  Ask Her for any advice or help you need in your life.  Ask for the wisdom, knowledge, healing or power you seek.  Speak to Her like you would a dear friend.  Be still, quiet and centered so you might discern Her answers.

 Eat and drink slowly.  Savor the Moon drenched food and drink.  Know it is changing you and will continue to change you.  Take time for your conversation with the Moon, the Goddess.  Allow yourself the child-like glee of sitting down for a chat with the Lady of the Moon!

 When you’ve drunk the water and eaten the food you may wish to sing or dance or engage in other pleasurable activity.  Do this as act of love for Her.  Do this as a gift for Her.

 When you sense your visit is complete, simply thank Her as you would a friend who you’ve just spent time with.  Feel your heart open in love for Her.  Tell Her you will see Her again soon.  Blow Her three kisses and your ritual is complete.

You may use the oil to anoint yourself between visits with the moon. Recitation of the blessing of your power centers (chakras) is always appropriate and will actually help invoke those powers into you.  Bring the same vial of oil with you each time you visit.  If you notice the vial is nearly empty, add the remaining oil to a new bottle of the same kind of oil.

*Aradia.  Gospel of the Witches.  Charles Leland.  Pheonix Publishing.
**  “The Charge of the Goddess” may also be found widely on the internet.  It was revised by Doreen Valiente.  A more contemporary version can be found in The Spiral Dance by Starhawk.

 

From Daily Witch

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The personal is magical.

The Will to do magic, practice the Craft, connect with Spirits, to heal, bless, create, empower . . . these impulses are born in us.

Every act of magic–be it worship, devotion, operational, ceremonial, transformational, kitchen witchery, root work, conjure, a reading, a candle spell or love charm–begins within us.  Our own desire, thought, will and action Craft the magic.

If we aren’t whole, how can our magic be effective?  If we lack life force (energy/power), so too will our magic.  If we feel unstable or insecure about ourselves–our bodies, minds, relationships, living situations, decisions–our magic will be imprinted with that instability and insecurity.  It won’t go where it needs to go.  It won’t do what we want it to do.  How can it when we are its creators?

So, yes.  Here at CTW we often discuss what you can do to know yourself more completely and care for yourself more effectively.  There’s a lot to be said about how to treat ourselves well while refusing to fritter away our energy on drama.

Witches have got to get our heads on straight and our hearts opened up!
We’ve got to get our souls in alignment!
We’ve got to get our bodies healthy and strong!
We’ve got to feed ourselves the cleanest most life-filled foods we can find.
We’ve got to nourish our bodies, our minds, our wildness and our creativity.
We’ve got to put ourselves squarely on the path of our highest will for ourselves and communities.

Being a strong Witch begins as an inside job!

If you can look –really look–within yourself, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way as a Witch. The scariest stuff we’ll ever face lives inside us.

Do you know what else lives inside us?  Wonder.  Beauty.  Stardust. Compassion.  Brilliance.  Genius.  Oceans. Wildness.  Will.  Strength.  Truth.  Wisdom.  The Divine.

Go on in.  It’s okay.  Self awareness isn’t all new age hooey or psycho-babble.  Self awareness isn’t wimpy or a waste of energy.

 Self awareness is Bad Ass.

Karina BlackHeart

March 12, 2013

Today, I hesitantly whisper, “Good morning, Spring.  Did you sleep well?”

Here in New England the ground is still littered with piles of snow.  Yet, daytime temperatures are reaching into the 40′s (F).  The clocks have “sprung ahead” so there is more blessed sunlight to warm the earth.  When I drove by the Organic Community Gardens yesterday, I noticed some people there bundled against the cold and practically salivating at the prospect of earth thawed enough to sink fingers into.  Later, as I carried the recycling out of the house, I saw the miracle:  There, close to the house where the sun shines all day, some of the snow had melted to reveal the very back of the flower and herb beds.

Green shoots are pushing up from the soil.

After one of the longest and worst winter’s I remember, Spring is on its way!

In my Training, I was encouraged to pay very close attention to the tiny turnings of the wheels of time:  How does the light falling through a window change during the course of a day and how does that effect the energy in the room? How does the night envelop the street when the  Moon is in her dark phase and how does that effect the energy of the street?  When is the first song-bird heard in spring?  What does that evoke in your heart?  When the crows are noisy, can you find the high call of a hawk nearby?  What do their calls herald?  

Green shoots are pushing up from the soil.

What within you has been frozen and still?  What part of you is breaking open to new growth?  What tender, green and vulnerable part of you when given light, warmth and gentle acceptance might bear beauty, healing and power?

Witches are vigilant.  Pay attention!  The Mysteries we seek too often in books reveal themselves through careful observation of nature.

Continue reading →

March 6, 2013

We were briefly discussing divinatory systems in yesterday’s Daily Witch.  I suggested we have three reliable forms of divination so we might check and check ourselves again.  But, I also mentioned reading signs and omens so we might understand and heed the whisperings of the spirit realms.

Reading signs and omens requires we step outside the box of tarot cards and other structured systems.  It requires a playful yet dedicated approach.  Most importantly, we need to trust ourselves.

Witches of old read the signs of water, clouds, bird flight, the behavior and migration of animals, the heavenly bodies spiraling in the night sky.  They might read the energies carried on wind or the patterns of leaf fall on the forest floor.

Contemporary Witches can learn to read these as well as a variety of other patterns if we can sink down and learn to trust our wild, instinctual natures.

There’s a time when we need to set aside book-learning and return to nature.  Observing her wiles and displays we see patterns emerge.  Sometimes these foretell an immediate truth.  Sometimes the arc of the story is more extended.

Even when studying “systems,” I advise my students to learn through trial, error, trance and study of the cards (runes, shells, coins) themselves.  ”Dare to trust your self! Write your own interpretations.”

When observing nature, what draws your attention?  Do you notice birds and if so, what kind?  Do you have relationship with the plants?  What do they tell you?
When the wind is stalk-still or howling, what do you know?  When the river is rushing and roaring, what news does it carry?  When the moon is ringed by rainbow, what song is it singing in your inner-ear?

Even if we live in urban environments we can find ways to observe nature.  The wind still blows and the rivers flow, the pigeons coo and the crows caw.

When reading the environment this way, we ask again and again and again, “What does it mean?  What am I being shown?  How does this feel?  What are my senses, my belly, my instincts telling me?”  Write down your interpretations.  Follow through with more notes confirming or disproving your readings.

With consistent observation you will see patterns emerge.  When three crows gather and caw you’ll trust your knowing what that means and the arc of time you’re working within.  When the trees bend southward in the winds; when the Queen Anne’s Lace graces the roadside; when the coyote calls in the distance; when the infants of strangers reach toward you–these will hold meaning.

To read signs and omens in the environment a Witch must trust her/his instinctual nature.  This wild part of us has not forgotten how to communicate with nature.  The wild in us has never stopped listening.  It is our rationality which negates meaning–insisting we are separate and that all evidence to the contrary is circumstantial.

This way of reading and knowing is a lot of fun when we begin to apply it to more “mundane” influences in our environments. Let’s discuss tomorrow, Witches!

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Psychic Protection is an important ingredient in
The Care + Feeding of Witches

The Care + Feeding of Witches is an intensive, self-paced Training using video, audio, written materials + a private discussion forum.  Enrollment is open.  Scroll past the video for more info and links.

 

For written information about The Care + Feeding of Witches go right here.
For more introductory video, go here.  Or, you can skip ahead to Enroll Here.

A WITCH NEEDS THE ECSTATIC

Let us feed ourselves moonlight and incense.
Let us revel in the touch of velvet and the songs of rivers.
Let us cleanse ourselves in shadow and light.
Let us agree to care unrelentingly for our most precious gift:  Our very lives.

Let us walk in Beauty and Power.

Let us live in the realms of the ecstatic.

CARE FOR YOURSELF          FEED YOUR SOUL          COURT YOUR POWER