Overview of Basic Candle Magick: Class # 5 ; Intro to Crystal Visions Celtic Wicca 1o1

This class was taken from a wonderful page about Candle Magick.
http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/candles.html#CANDLES%20101
I don't know Joelle personally, but from what I have read of her web site, it looks like incredibly good reading and very educational. I heartily recommend that you read any or all of the items on her extensive site.
http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/map.html




(material below drawn from many sources)

Early candles were made of vegetable waxes produced from plants such as bayberries, candelilla leaves, candletree bark, esparto grass, and various varieties of palm leaves such as carnuba and ouricury. They were also made of animal tissue and secretions, such as spermaceti (whale oil), ambergris, and beeswax (insect secretions). Sometimes entire animals such as the stormy petrel and the candlefish of the Pacific Northwest were threaded with a wick and burned as candles. Tallow candles were made of sheep, cow, or pig fat. All these candles were rather crude, time-consuming to make and smoky.

Of the two kinds of candle fuel, beeswax was considered the better since it burned cleaner than tallow and had a lovely odor compared to tallow's rancid, smoky smell. Being scarce, beeswax was expensive. Only churches and the wealthy could afford beeswax candles.

By the 17th century, European state edicts controlled the weight, size and cost of candles. In 1709, an act of the English Parliament banned the making of candles at home unless a license was purchased and a tax paid.

Matches were invented in 1827, using poisonous phosphorus but were improved by the end of the century, eliminating the need for sparking with flint, steel, and tinder, or for keeping a fire burning 24 hours a day.

Probably most important of all, Paraffin was refined from oil around 1850, making petroleum based candles possible. The combination of paraffin, which burns clean and without odor, and stearins, which harden soft paraffin, with new wick technologies developed in the nineteenth century, revolutionized the candle industry, giving us the tools and materials we still use for candle manufacturing.

Candle Shapes

Container: Any candle that is poured into a container and intended to be burned in the container is a container candle. These candles are often made of soft wax and would not be able to stand on their own outside their enclosures.

The container also prevents soft wax from dripping. Since these candles are safely contained in a vessel, they are often used in restaurants and in religious rituals that require long-burning candles.

Pillar: A thick candle with a geometrical cross section such as a circle, oval, or hexagon is called a pillar. It is usually referred to by its diameter followed by its height. For example, a 3-by 6-inch pillar would be 3 inches in diameter and 6 inches high. Some pillars come in standard sized for commercial and religious use but you can make many variations of pillars by using molds.

Novelty: These are irregularly shaped candles made by molding, sculpting and/or pouring.

Taper: These are the long cylindrical candles that kindle memories of historic candle-dipping. Tapers can be made by dipping wicks into melted wax, by pouring wax into a mold, and by rolling wax around a wick. No matter the method, the result is always candles made to fit into a holder.

Tapers are generally made 1/2 inch or 7/8 inch in diameter at the base because most holders are designed to fit these two sizes. There are, of course, exceptions, such as birthday candles (3/16 inch) and Danish tapers (1/4 inch). Some specialty candleholders are designed to hold a taper larger than 7/8 inch.

Votive and Tea Lights: Although these candles originated in the church, the term now refers to small plug-type candles that are 1 1/2 inches in diameter by 2 to 3 inches high. This shape has become popular for scented candles because their small size allows them to fit easily into small rooms, such as bathrooms.

As votives melt and become liquid in their containers, the wick uses up all the liquid fuel. If you burn a votive on a plate, the burn time will be shorter because the wax will drip and the wick will be unable to use it.

Tea lights are small votives used to warm pots of potpourri and to heat foods. They fit in smaller-than-standard votive cups.

CANDLE COLORS

WHITE: --Self; Protection; Purification; Full Moon Magic; Purity; Innocence; Centering; Truth; Sincerity; Meditation; Peace; Power of a Higher Nature; Greater Attainments in Life; Spirituality.

RED: -- South; Protection; Strength; Blood; Passion; Courage; Health; Power; Fire Elemental; Sexuality; Vigor; Energy; Enthusiasm; Will Power; To conquer fear or laziness.

LT. BLUE: --Healing; Patience; Happiness; Psychic Awareness; Quests; Intuition; Opportunity; Tranquility; Understanding. Ward Depression; Safe Journey; Harmony in the Home; Peace.

DARK BLUE: --The Goddess; West; Water Elemental; Inspiration; Truth; Dreams; Protection; Change; Impulse; Fidelity; Deep Emotion; Peace; Meditation; Changeability; Psychism.

GREEN: --North; Money; Fertility; Growth; Employment; Earth Elemental; Herb Magic; Luck; Healing; Balance; Prosperity; Courage; Nature type Faerie-magic; Garden blessing; Abundance; Generosity; Renewal; Marriage.

YELLOW: --East; Air Elemental; Intellect; Creative Work; Learning; Changes; Confidence; Attraction; Harmony; Clairvoyance; Charm; Imagination; Power of the Mind; Gentle persuasion; Action.

BROWN: --Earth Elemental; Animal Health; Endurance; Steadiness; Houses & Homes; Physical Objects; Overcoming uncertainty and hesitancy; Attract Money and Financial Success; Concentration; ESP; Intuition; Study.

PINK: --Love; Peace; Femininity; Friendship; Honor; Morality; Emotional Love; Affection; Romance; Spiritual Awakening; Healing of the Spirit; Togetherness.

ORANGE: --The God; Attraction; Stimulation; Energy; Healing; Vitality; Encouragement; Adaptability; Luck; Pulling things to you; Clearing the Mind; Dominance, Sudden Changes; Change Luck.

PURPLE: --Power; Dignity; Spiritual Development; Meditation, Spirituality; Intuition; Ambition; Spirit Communication; Tension; Business Progress; Healing Severe Diseases; Occult Wisdom; Success; Idealism; Higher Psychic Ability; Break Bad Luck; Drive Away Evil; Honors.

GOLD: --The God; Solar Energy; Physical Strength; Power; Success; Mental Growth; Skill Sought; Healing Energy; Fortune; Divination; Creative Work; Intuition; Money; Fast Luck; Attracts Higher Influences.

SILVER: --The Goddess; Lunar magic; Removes negative forces; Opens astral gates; Conducts Energy; Meditation; Creative Work; Protection; Money; Psychic Development; Success; Balance; Ward Negativity; Remove Negative Energy; Stability; Victory.

VIOLET: --Self Improvement; Intuition; Success in searches; Creative Work.

BLACK: --Endings; Closing of Doors; Psychic Work; Death; Ward Negativity; Remove Hexes; Protection; Spirit Contact; Truth; Remove Discord or Confusion; Reversing; Releasing; Repel Dark Magic and Negative Thought Forms.

GREENISH-YELLOW: --To Negate; Discord, Sickness, Anger, Jealousy, Cowardice, Anger.

INDIGO:--Meditation; Spirit Communication; Karma Working; Balance; Learn the Ancient Wisdom; Neutralize Another's Magic; Ward Slander, Lies or Undesirable Competition

GRAY: --Non-Nature Faerie Magic; Travel to Otherworld; Vision Quests; Veiling; Cancellation; Hesitation; Competition.

LAVENDER--Spiritual Development; Psychic Growth; Divination; Sensitivity to the Otherworld; Blessings.

MAGENTA: --Very High Vibrational Frequency that tends to work fast so usually burned with other candles; Quick Change; Spiritual Healing, Exorcism.


CANDLE MAGIC

Candle magic can be quite a complicated procedure, but these steps should help make it a little easier.

1. Pick a specific purpose for your ritual.  Do not chose more than one purpose.  Keep it simple and to the point and you will have the best luck.
2. Check the sun sign, moon sign and astrological sign that the moon is in to help determine what rituals to do when.
3. Choose an appropriate color: The color of the candle you use is your second concern. You must correlate the color with the goal you have in mind. (See the list of candle colors above for reference.) 
4. Cleanse the candle: Now that you've chosen the appropriate color of candle, your next task is to remove energies infused into the candle during the manufacturing process (Unless you made the candle yourself with a particular goal in mind).
5. Saturate a tissue with rubbing alcohol and, holding the candle in your hand, cleanse its surface, moving from bottom to top. This expels energy from the candle (If you are working with a glass encased candle, clean the exposed wax and the glass with the alcohols.  It always helps to repeat a cleansing chant while you are doing this.  I like the, "I walk in beauty; beauty fills my life" chant for many cleansings.
6. Consecrate the candle: This is where you will dedicate the candle to your specific purpose:      Carve symbols into the candle: Take a sharp object (such as your working knife) and carve appropriate symbols into the side of the candle (or the top if glass-encased). If you are working toward prosperity, then a dollar sign may be appropriate or if the goal is romance, then a heart would work. Astrological signs, runes, element signs, or personal signs may also be used. Think intensely of your goal while you carve. Even better is to repeat a verbal formula, such as an incantation or affirmation.           
7. Oil the candle: Most metaphysical stores carry a wide range of oils for sale, some pre-mixed for particular goals, choose one of these or mix your own. Dip your fingers into the oil and anoint the entire surface of the candle with it. If you want to attract good, oil the candle from the top to bottom. If you want to expel something from your life (such as a bad habit, illness, or an unwanted situation) oil the candle from bottom to top. If you can't decide which direction to oil from, try an alternative method; begin at the center of the candle and apply the oil upward toward the top, then from the center down. If working with a glass-encased candle, oil the exposed wax: clockwise (deosil) to draw good, counter-clockwise (widdershins) to expel negativity. It's important to use a verbal formula, a chant or affirmation, while you oil the candle, for this focuses your mind on the work at hand.
8. Spray, sprinkle, or anoint the candle with water. Purchase a water (such as Prosperity, Love, Success or Healing Water) from a metaphysical store, and pour some into an atomizer or plant mister. Spray the entire surface of the candle as you repeat your affirmation or incantation. If you don't have an atomizer or plant mister, simply sprinkle the candle, or dip your fingers in the water and anoint the candle as you would with oil. You can make your own ritual waters too.  We will discuss this in a later class.
9. A cleansed and consecrated candle should be used for one purpose only. If you prepare a candle for prosperity purposes, don't use it for anything else. You should decide how often and for how long a time you are going to burn your candle. Choose your candle size according to your purpose. If your goal is very important, you may wish to burn your candle every day for several days; this means you must use a very large candle. An alternative is to use several smaller candles and burn one each day. If you choose to use smaller candles remember to cleanse and consecrate each one before use.
10. Remember to respect FIRE (It is one of the magickal elements!) and to practice your candle magick SAFELY,  I cannot stress this enough.  I have had a few wonderfully successful rituals using fire inside my home that almost got away from me. How successful would they have been if they would have burned my house down?  BE SAFE!
11. And, as always--remember the Wiccan Rede in every act of magick you perform, no matter how large or small.  "An that it harm none; do as you will."  It is very hard to do anything without causing some harm to someone or thing.  Keep this always in mind, as well as the law of return, when you do anything in your Wiccan practices. 
12. Blessed BE!!

Class # 4; Intro to Crystal Visions Celtic Wicca 101

WICCAN INFORMATION SHEET: MAGICAL TOOLS AND THEIR USES

Item           Element      Direction   Purpose

Athame     Air              East             Definition, delineating, altar tool of the air element

Bell            Air              East             Change, summoning.
Sword       Air              East             Truth, delineating, circle casting

Candle      Fire            South           Illumination, altar tool of the fire element

Stang        Fire            South           A forked staff symbolic of the Horned god

Wand        Fire            South           Intent/focus, altar tool of the fire element

Cauldron Water         West             Potential, void, magical crucible for potions

Chalice    Water         West            Healing/libations, altar tool of the water element

Shell        Water          West            Holding incense, smudge, candles or water. Sacred to the Goddess

Pentacle   Earth         North           Protection, altar tool of the earth element

Salt           Earth          North           Cleansing/protection

Crystal     Earth          North           Representation of Earth on Altar

Holey stone Earth      North          Protection, good luck, goddess blessing-Union of God and Goddess with phallic crystal

Herbs          Various Various        Invocation, empathic magic, cleansing, divination

Familiar Astral/earthly Various   Protection, ally, shamanic power animal, guide

Broomstick                                     Cleansing, banishing, protection, astral travel

Book of Shadows                          A Witch's personal record of his/her experiences

Class # 3; Intro to Crystal Visions Celtic Wicca 101: Basic Moon Lore

NEW MOON
When the moon is new, Her face is hidden within the darkness, taking the time to internalize time passed. Rituals at this time offer new beginnings and self/hidden knowledge.

WAXING MOON
Moving from new to full the moon's face begins to show slowly. This buildup of light offers time for rituals that require energy of the following: increase, growth, and gaining new insight in all aspects of life. The waxing moon gives us the opportunity to intensify what is already going well within our lives.

FULL MOON
The moon is at the height of her energy; therefore, this is the best time to raise the most amount of energy during workings. She is in full Mother aspect at this time and offers the most visible glory of the moon's power. Because of this, it is easier to draw down the energy when learning of her mysteries.

WANING MOON
Moving from full to new the moon's face begins to diminish. At this time, rituals can be done that help rid ourselves of problems, addictions, attitudes, or anything else that we need to lessen. (Remember ALWAYS “harming none”.)

BASIC WICCAN WHEEL OF THE YEAR

S A M H A I N
(pronounced “sow-in” the sow being pronounced like cow)
(October 31st -Nov 1st) also known as: Halloween, ShadowFest, Martinmas, Old Hallowmas. The Last Harvest. The Earth nods a sad farewell to the God. We know that He will once again be reborn of the Goddess and the cycle will continue. This is the time of reflection, the times to honor the Ancients who have gone on before us and the time of 'Seeing" (divination). As we contemplate the Wheel of the Year, we come to recognize our own part in the eternal cycle of Life.

NOVEMBER’S FULL MOON
is also known as Snow Moon, Dark Moon, and Wolf Moon. The Earth lies sleeping beneath a blanket of snow, gathering strength for new life in spring. This is the time for healing and communication. The zodiac association is Scorpio.

DECEMBER’S FULL MOON
is also known as Oak Moon, Cold Moon, Winter Moon, and Wolf Moon. This is the time of the Dark Lord; the Oak is his symbol, and the wood traditionally used for the Yule log. This is the time for rebirth. The zodiac association is Sagittarius.

YULE
(Around DECEMBER 22nd) also known as: Yuletide, Alban Arthan. Yule is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. The Winter Solstice had been associated with the birth of a "Divine King" long before the rise of Christianity. Since the Sun is considered to represent the Male Divinity in many Pagan Traditions, this time is celebrated as the "return of the Sun God" where He is reborn of the Goddess

JANUARY’S FULL MOON
is also known as Ice Moon, Wolf Moon, Snow Moon, and Cold Moon. Ice was deemed safe at this time for walking over in the northern cultures. This is a time for introspection, diverting your energy from worrying about others and concentrating on yourself. The zodiac association is Capricorn.

I M B O L C
(February 1st or 2nd) is also known as: Candlemas, Imbolg, Imbolgc Brigantia, Lupercus, Disting The earliest whisperings of Springtide are heard now as the Goddess nurtures Her Young Son. As a time of the year associated with beginning growth, Imbolc is an initiatory period for many. Here we plant the "seeds" of our hopes and dreams for the coming summer months. Imbolc is known as Bride’s Day in Ireland.

FEBRUARY’S FULL MOON
is also known as Ice Moon, Storm Moon, and Hunger Moon. At this time of the year, the waters of the earth are beginning to flow once again. This is still the time of blizzards and snowstorms. This is a time of growth and looking ahead towards the future by setting goals. The zodiac association is Aquarius.

Oak MARCH’S FULL MOON
is also known as the Storm Moon, Seed Moon and Maple Moon. The Oak moon was named for the king of trees as worshipped by the Druids. Now is the time to be realistic when making life decisions. The zodiac association is Pisces.

O S T A R A
(around March 21st but date may vary by more than two days )
also known as: Spring Equinox, Ostara, Alban Eiler, Esther, Eostre, Ostarun, ôstartag', Eastre, Eoastrae, Oestre The first true day of Springtide. The days and nights are now equal in length as the Young God continues to mature and grow. We begin to see shoots of new growth and swelling buds on the trees. Energy is building as the days become warmer with promise.

APRIL’S FULL MOON
is also known as Chaste Moon, Growing Moon, Hare Moon, Maiden Moon, and Planting Moon. This was the time when one began to notice the days getting longer, one could hunt again and could feel the return of the Maiden. This is a time of returning balance back into your life. The zodiac association is Aries.

B E L T A I N E
(April 30-May 1 - Western Hemisphere) also known as: Mayday, Walburga, Galan Mai, Shenn da Boaldyn, Bealtinne, Beltine, Beltain, Beal-tine, Beltan, Bel-tien, Beltein, Bealtuinn and Bealtaine The Land represented by the Goddess is now ripe and fertile and the Young God expresses His Love for Her. This is a time of joyous reveling as the first flowers of Summer are gathered in Their Honor. Also, the time of the famous Blue Ridge Beltane Festival---a never miss event!

MAY’S FULL MOON
is also known as Seed Moon, Hare Moon, and Bright Moon. The earth is becoming fertile again. This was the time for the planting rites. Now is the time for connecting with other beings and recommitting yourself to the Gods and the Earth. The zodiac association is Taurus.

JUNE’S FULL MOON
is also known as Mead Moon, Strawberry Moon, Honey Moon and Flower Moon. This moon lets us know that summer is coming, and we can start looking forward to the warm moonlit nights. This is also the time for lovers. Before the height of summer, use this time to strengthen your weaknesses. The zodiac association is Gemini.

MIDSUMMER
Summer Solstice, June 21st, also known as: Litha, Feill-Sheathain, Jani, Alban Hefin, Juhannus, Midsommarafton, Saint John's Eve. "Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you." -- Maori proverb. Solstice is the time when the sun appears to stand still in His yearly migration across the heavens. Be it in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere, the journey of the sun pauses, deliberately and when his journey resumes the tide of the year has once again begun to ebb and flow. Together we journey into separate halves of the year, very much two sides to the same coin, each coupled to the other, as Light is coupled to Dark, without Light there would be no Dark as without Dark there would be no Light -- much like we find without a path there would be no journey...

JULY’S FULL MOON
is also known as Hay Moon, Wort Moon, and Mead Moon. Pagans celebrate the summer with dancing, drinking, and song. The mead is now made for the coming Lammas celebration. This is the time for relaxing and enjoying the warm comfortable days and nights. The zodiac association is Cancer.

LUGHNASADH
(on or about August 1st) also known as: Lugnasad, Lammas, Cornucopia, Thingtide, Lammastide, Lughomass, Festival of Light, Latha Lunasdal. Falling midway between Summer Solstice and Autumnal Equinox is the cross-quarter holiday of Lughnasadh, which is the first in the trilogy of harvest festivals, Lughnasadh, Mabon and finally Samhain. It is at the time of Lughnasadh when the days suddenly seem to shorten and the nights grow longer

AUGUST’S FULL MOON
is also known as Corn Moon, Harvest Moon, and Barley Moon. This moon marks the beginning of the corn harvest and of drying herbs. This is the time for celebration with people who are close to you. The zodiac association is Leo.

SEPTEMBER’S FULL MOON
is also known as Harvest Moon, Barley Moon. The harvesters would gain extra time in the fields by the light of the harvest moon. What a wonderful time to view the gorgeous colors surrounding this month. The leaves are beginning to show a rusty tinge and beautiful shades are coming into life. This is a time of organizing and preparing for the coming months. The zodiac association is Virgo.

M A B O N
(around September 22nd) also known as: Alban Elfed, Winter Finding, Virginia Pagan Pride Day. Others. AUTUMN EQUINOX/MABON: (on or about September 21) The Second or Continuing Harvest. Now, as at Ostara, the days and nights are equal once again. Gardens are in full bloom and heavy with nature's bounty. There is a slight nip in the air already and preparations begin to prepare for the long cold months which are to come.

OCTOBER’S FULL MOON
is also known as Blood Moon, and Hunters Moon. This is the annual slaughter of all but breeding stock that took place at this time of the year. This is the time of seeking inner peace and truth. The zodiac association is Libra.

Class # 2; Intro to Crystal Visions Celtic Wicca BASIC GROUNDING AND CENTERING EXERCISES-practice these daily!

(I am not the person who wrote this lovely grounding exercise. I am unaware who the author is and if you are the author--please let me know so you can be credited and a link to your work be put with this wonderful meditation.)

Seat yourself on a chair or on the floor.
If you sit on a chair, make sure your feet are flat on the floor.
If you are sitting on the floor, make sure you have your feet arranged so that they are not crossed at the ankles as this inhibits energy flow.
Visualize your spine as an antenna.
The top is at the crown chakra, the bottom is at the base chakra.
Straighten your posture and shift your body until you find your alignment with the earth.
It may take only moments or you may have to work with it as you learn to attune yourself with Mother Earth.
Take your time.
When you are ready to proceed with the meditation:
Take two or three deep, cleansing breaths.
With each breath out, release any pent up tension or anxiety in your body.
Imagine yourself confined within an acorn.
Buried beneath the surface of mother earth, you can feel the top of the seed-covering pressing against the top of your head.
Your knees are against your chest, your arms around your knees.
Your base chakra is pressed against the bottom of the acorn.
You feel the warmth of the sun on the moist, warm earth above you. It is calling you to join in the dance of spring.
Your base chakra puts out a small feeder root that descends from the bottom tip of the acorn.
It wends its way between grains of rich, warm, damp earth, stopping every now and then to sample a delicious bit of pure, clean water.
Soon the root comes upon an underground stream of remarkable purity and sweetness.
As it sucks it up you feel the coldness of the water.
It invigorates you and your fill the acorn to bursting.
Father Sun is beckoning you to join him.
The top of the acorn bursts as a shoot emerges from your crown chakra.
It pushes its way up through the earth, emerging into the warm sunlight.
The gentle breezes brush the little tree, encouraging its tiny leaves to unfurl.
Deep in the earth, the root divides growing in all directions, providing a secure base for the young tree.
Each time nourishment is sucked into the tree the sapling grows larger.
Now the sun is warming the little tree.
Its leaves fairly glow as sunlight is absorbed and turned into energy.
The tops of the leaves are warm, almost hot, as the fire of the distant sun rains down.
Branches form, leaves erupt from new buds.
The little tree grows higher.
Its roots branch out further.
And with each breath you take, the tree grows larger.
The gentle wind ruffles the leaves.
The sun beams down.
The water beneath the tree provides cool nourishment and the earth provides stability and minerals needed for growth.
The tree continues to grow until an inner boundary is reached.
Perhaps the tree is a large sapling.
Perhaps it is a giant oak.
Or a world tree.
At some point, this tree has reached its ultimate.
The water continues to pour into the tree from the large root system.
Now there is more nourishment than the tree needs.
The crown chakra opens and a fine blue mist rises from the top of the tree.
Water rains to the ground around the tree, soaking back into the earth, returning to the land from which it came.
Beneath you, solid and protective, Mother Earth provides the base upon which your tree exists.
Feel the way your roots have sunk deep into her body. Taste the elements that rise to nourish your body.
Experience the feeling of being filled with energy.
All your needs are met and there is energy left to spare.
That which is not needed pours from your crown chakra.
From this, you can fashion all things magickal.
The trees leaves quiver as the wind trembles through them and the water is lightly buffeted by an addition of air.
You can combine air and water, creating a bubbly fountain.
The sun heats the top of the bubbly fountain and a steaming cloud rises into the sky.
Water, air, and fire have met and combined.
Continue to cycle energy through your tree body. Feel the effects of earth, water, air and fire.
Then, when you are ready to return, begin to withdraw your roots.
First a few, then more.
You find the energy that shot high into the sky from your crown chakra soon is just that which you need.
As the energy continues to diminish, you begin to shrink.
Your branches pull back until your arms appear.
Your roots contract until your feet stand upon the ground.
You stand alone upon the field where once a mighty oak stood. But you have changed. You are no longer the tiny acorn. You have experienced the power of earth, water, air, and fire.
At any time you wish, you can return to this place. You can reach deep into the earth for nourishment, take long drinks of pure water, feel the touch of the breeze and feel the strength of the sun. And from each you can weave a creative power.
Plan on spending 20 - 30 minutes the first time you do this meditation. The more often you do it, the faster it goes.
Commit to doing this once a day for a week.
The following week-do it twice a day.
The third week-three times a day. You will not be spending more than a few minutes at a time on it by then.
Next assignment-do it as often as you can remember to do it, shortening the time to a breath.
The goal is to learn to be grounded and centered at all times. If you work at this, you can eventually achieve a state where you will no longer notice that you are grounded and centered. You will, instead, only notice when you are not grounded and centered.

VISUALISATION
When you visualize something, you use your five senses in your mind. If you want someone to call you, sit down and relax. Breathe and then visualize on the phone ringing (sound) and see (sight) yourself going to the phone and picking it up. Feel (touch) the coolness of the telephone. Smell (Smell) the pot of flowers near the telephone. That is visualization.

MEDITATION
To meditate, sit or lie in one place with no (as little as possible) disturbances. Breathe. Breathe in 1-2-3-4-5 Hold 1-2-3 Breathe out 1-2-3-4-5 Hold 1-2-3 and repeat. When you breathing rate has lowered and you are in alpha state you are meditating. This is the time when you can do spells in your mind and send out energy for luck, health etc. You can also heal yourself.

CONE OF POWER
The cone of power is a cone of energy that is raised within a circle by witches. Physical movement such as dancing will achieve this. Tradition dictates that one should dance deosil for spells of increase or attraction, and widdershins for decreasing or banishing spells. Start steadily and gradually increase until you feel the energy building up. Then, while concentrating on the goal, release the energy to where it is needed.

Other methods of raising power in this manner include drumming, chanting, visualizing, and so on.

Meditation Exercises

1. Sit in a straight-backed chair, supporting your lower back with a pillow if necessary. Your chin should be level with the floor, eyes closed, back straight, hands resting on your knees, palms up and fingers relaxed. In this position, you should be comfortable and relaxed, the spine straight and the torso erect.

2. Breathe deeply for several minutes. Relax. Forget. Visualize the myriad tensions and worries of your everyday life exiting your body with you breath. Relax into the chair.

3. Now, open your consciousness. Allow your conscious mind to be receptive and alert. Commune and talk with the deities. If you wish, chant one of the names of the Goddess or God, or a group of them. This is an excellent tool for slipping into the twilight world.

Note: Select your time and place for meditation with care. Light should be subdued; candlelight is excellent. Burn specific candles attuned with relaxation or your purpose if you wish. A bit of incense is fine too, but too much smoke can (obviously) cause problems during deep breathing. Immediately after each meditation session, record all images, thoughts and sensations in your Book of Shadows.

Class # 1; Intro to Crystal Visions Celtic Wicca 101

The first text we will be using is Timothy Roderick's WICCA: A Year and a Day. (You can pick this up at Alibris for about $5. I recommend Alibris, because no one should ever pay full price for a book these days. Also, Alibris is where I have my own used books listed for sale. I also have a book site on Ebay.)

Timothy Roderick's WICCA: A Year and a Day is by no means a definitive text, but it is set up into accessible small entries on each major topic of Wicca and is one organizational approach. There are as many Wicca 101 books out there now as there are types of Wicca and then some more on top of that. NONE of them is 100 % accurate for you. AND what resonates with YOU may not be 100% accurate for me. This is the part about Wicca that drives some folks absolutely crazy. There are no absolutes. First, read the introduction to Roderick’s book and the story about Cerridwen in his introduction.

THEN, read this first article about Cerridwen written by Kerritwyn, a priestess in the Order of the White Moon. This is your first, small foray into learning about Celtic Mythology. Celtic thought is full of contradictions and with the rise of the Celtic Reconstuctionists, different schools of thought contradict one another. PLEASE always read with a critical eye and know that there is no ONE interpretation of any bit of knowledge. If you learn anything from me in these lessons, I hope you come away with the idea that nothing is carved in stone and no one should be your absolute guru. Figure out what is right for you and then the rest will fall in place for you.

The Legend of Cerridwen’s Cauldron
Historical Myth By Kerritwyn kerritwyn@yahoo.com
High Priestess; Charter Member of the Order of the White Moon She has her own Yahoo Group and School, The Sacred Three Goddess School

Cerridwen is one of the Old Ones, one of the great megalithic pre-Christian Goddesses of the Celtic World. Although, in her story, she embodies all three lunar aspects of the Goddess, Maiden, Mother and Crone. She is primarily worshipped in her Crone aspect, by and through her Cauldron of Wisdom, Inspiration, Rebirth and Transformation. The cauldron has an intimate association with femininity. Together with the cave, the cup and the chalice, and the association of femininity with justice, wisdom and intelligence; this association goes back to very ancient times.1-4

The people of Wales originally worshiped Cerridwen. It is told that she lived on an island, in the middle of Lake Tegid, named after her husband, with her two children, a beautiful daughter, Creidwy, and a very ugly son, Afagdu. To compensate her son for his unfortunate appearance, Cerridwen brewed a magickal formula, known as "greal" 5, which would make Afagdu the most brilliant and inspired of men. For a year and a day, she kept six herbs simmering in her magickal cauldron, known as "Amen" 6, under the constant care of a boy named Gwion.

One day, while Gwion was stirring the cauldron, a few drops of the bubbling liquid spattered on his hand. Unthinkingly, and in pain, Gwion, sucked his burned hand, and, suddenly, he could hear everything in the world, and understood all the secrets of the past and future. With his newly enchanted foresight, Gwion knew how angry Cerridwen would be when she found he had acquired the inspiration meant for her son.

He ran away, but Cerridwen pursued him. Gwion changed into a hare, and Cerridwen chased him as a greyhound; he changed into a fish, and Cerridwen pursued him as an otter; he became a bird, and she flew after him as a hawk; finally, he changed into a grain of corn, and Cerridwen, triumphant, changed into a hen, and ate him.

When Cerridwen resumed her human form, she conceived Gwion in her womb, and, nine months later, gave birth to an infant son, whom she, in disgust, threw into the water of a rushing stream. He was rescued by a Prince, and grew into the great Celtic bard, Taliesin 7.

Rebirth and Transformation.
Cerridwen's cauldron is an ancient feminine symbol of renewal, rebirth, transformation and inexhaustible plenty 8. It is the primary female symbol of the pre-Christian world, and represents the womb of the Great Goddess from which all things are born and reborn again 9. Like the Greek Goddess, Demeter, and the Egyptian Goddess, Isis, Cerridwen was the great Celtic Goddess of inspiration, intelligence and knowledge, and was invoked as a lawgiver and sage dispenser of righteous wisdom, counsel and justice 10.

Symbolism.
The image of her cauldron, holding the magickal potion of wisdom, is the mythical origin of the Halloween image of a cauldron-stirring hag, making up her witch's brew 11. The brew had to simmer for a year and a day, a common passage of time in Celtic lore, and a standard time before magickal initiation. Today, many Druidic pagans believe that her shape-shifting chase after Gwion was meant to represent the different elevations of Druidic initiation rites 12. The chase can also be seen as representative of the many changes our souls must make, into different forms, and over different human lifetimes, before we can discover the very reason for our existence 13.

The potent nature of her brew has, today, transformed Cerridwen, in some eyes, into a goddess of fertility, creativity, harvest, inspiration, knowledge and luck 14. A festival in her honor is celebrated on July 3rd, and the pink sow, a symbol of fertility, good fortune and enrichment, is said to be her matron animal 15.

Metaphor.
The story of Cerridwen is often interpreted as being fueled by anger, but it can also be seen as a metaphor for the relationship of teacher and student.

Cerridwen was the teacher, and Gwion the student, and it is the job of a teacher to challenge the student, when the student is ready. The random drops of Cerridwen's special brew, which flew out of her cauldron, and onto Gwion, can be seen as sparks of knowledge, which, when they hit our being, run through us like wild fire, exploding with sudden meaning 16.

During the chase, Cerridwen forced Gwion to acquire new wisdom, as she shape shifted into the predator that could catch and kill the prey whose form Gwion had assumed. Cerridwen forced him to use the knowledge he acquired, as they ran, together, and, in the end, she devoured him, to bestow upon him a new and greater identity, that of the legendary poet, Taliesin. Thus, was he initiated into the mysteries. 17

Transformation.
Transformations of all kinds are an integral part of Celtic mythology, and the center of this mythical element is often a cauldron. In the Celtic Mystery Tradition, there are three types of cauldrons, the Cauldron of Transformation, the Cauldron of Rejuvenation and Rebirth, and the Cauldron of Inspiration, and Cerridwen's cauldron symbolizes the merging of all three of these aspects into one archetypal cauldron 18. The Celtic afterworld is called the Land of Youth, and the secret that opens its doors is found in Cerridwen's cauldron: the secret of immortality lies in seeing death as an integral part of the cycle of life, where every death brings rebirth, every ending a new beginning 19 .

Random Inspiration.
Gwion's sudden absorption of the three drops of brew from Cerridwen's cauldron also shows what appears, to humans, to be the random nature of greatness and inspiration. The three drops of Cerridwen's brew are an encryption of primal creative power. Gwion appeared to be a random recipient of the cauldron's bounty, yet, when he was reborn, he became the famous poet, Taliesin. The impact on Gwion was such that he literally had to be transformed, several times, and reborn, in human form, to assimilate the knowledge he had unwittingly gained 20.

The ancient cauldron of the Goddess was reinvented, by patriarchy, as the Holy Grail of Arthurian legend 21, and was transformed into a solar symbol, the Chalice used by Yeshua, or Jesus Christ, at the Last Supper 22. Very little of its mystical meaning was changed, however, and it is still, today, a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual transformation 23.

Notes.
1. Farrar, Janet and Stewart, A Witches' Bible, Phoenix Publishing, Inc., Custer, WA. p. 79.
2. Grimassi, Raven, The Wiccan Mysteries, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN., p. 195.
3. Ibid., fn. 1, p.157.
4. Eisler, Riane, The Chalice and the Blade, Harper San Francisco, Harper Collins, New York, NY., p. 69.
5. Farrar, Janet and Stewart, The Witches' Goddess, Phoenix Publishing, Inc., Custer, WA., p. 209.
6. Ibid
7. Monaghan, Patricia, The New Book of Goddesses and Heroines, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN., pp. 82-83.
8. Ibid., fn. 4, p. 265.
9. Ardinger, Barbara, Ph.D., Goddess Meditations, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN., p. 53.
10. Stone, Merlin, When God was a Woman, Harvest/HBJ, New York, NY., p. 4.
11. McCoy, Edain, Celtic Myth and Magick, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN., p. 191.
12. Ibid.
13. Matthews, Caitlin, The Celtic Spirit, Harper San Francisco, Harper Collins, N.Y., New York, p. 316.
14. Telesco, Patricia, 365 Goddess, Harper San Francisco, Harper Collins, N.Y., New York, July 3rd.
15. Ibid.
16. Matthews, Caitlin, The Celtic Spirit, Harper San Francisco, Harper Collins, N.Y., New York, p. 385.
17. McCoy, Edain, Celtic Women's Spirituality, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN., pp. 39-40.
18. Ibid., fn. 2, p. 195.
19. Starhawk, The Spiral Dance, Harper San Francisco, Harper Collins, N.Y., New York, pp. 97-98.
20. Matthews, Caitlin, The Celtic Spirit, Harper San Francisco, Harper Collins, New York, NY., pp. 148, 375, 385.
21. Starhawk, The Spiral Dance, Harper San Francisco, Harper Collins, New York, NY., pp. 97-98.
22. Ibid., fn. 14
23. Ibid.
(PLEASE NOTE THAT I HEARTILY RECOMMEND READING ANDY AND/OR ALL OF THE ABOVE BOOKS. I HAVE SOME WHICH YOU MAY BE ABLE TO BORROW.)

***Question—How does the historical version of the legend compare and contrast to what is in Roderick’s book? Which do you prefer? WHY?***

Definitions of Wicca

Remember that there are as many definitions of Wicca as there are Wiccans. This is, to many of us, exactly how it should be. Each of us should create our own version of our path and then walk it. Wicca is a shamanic path to some, a magickal path to others, and spiritual path to yet another group. To some it is all three or any derivative thereof.

***Question—Which is it to you? Alternatively, is it something else altogether?***

Witch Defined
The concept of "witch" can be found in just about every world culture and language in some form or another. Be it kahuna, hexe, strega, bruja, baobh, bacularia or makhsheyfe; the thought that lies behind it is still the same.

So -- Where did the word come from? What does it exactly mean? How did it become such a universal principle?

Etymology
Etymology traces the development of a word-form from its earliest recorded occurrence in a language to the present day. Because language is a living entity, words, spellings and meanings are constantly changing. This means that the history of a word and its possible etymology *may not* necessarily coincide.

—WITCH—
Word's Origin
witch [1] n. -es [ME wyche, from OE wice, wic; probably akin to OE wïcan to yield, give way-more at weak]: any of several trees having pliant branches.
[2] n. -es [ME wicche, from OE wicca, masculine, wizard and wicce feminine, witch; akin to OE wiccian to practice witchcraft, MHG wicken to bewitch, to divine, OE wigle divination, wiglian to divine, wïg idol, image ON yé temple -- more at victim] 1.a dialect British : Wizard, Sorcerer b.(1) : a woman practicing c. (1) : one supposed to possess supernatural powers especially by compact with the devil or a familiar (2) : a magic spell : hex (it's) d. or witcher -s: dowser 2 : one that bewitches ; specifically : a particularly charming or alluring woman 3.a (1) : storm petrel (2) : grebe (3) or witch bird : animal b. also witch flounder: a small mouth blackish or brownish deep water flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus) of the north Atlantic that is of some importance as a food dish c : witch moth.
[3] adjective : of , relating to, or used against witches <~cult> <~ doors used to ward off evil spirits>
[4] verb -ed /-ing/-es [ME wicchen, from OE wiccian to practice witchcraft] 1: bewitch 2 : dowse. [1]

Definitions and Meanings

Generic A witch is a person who practices sorcery. Sorcery can include a variety of aspects such as healing, divination, magic, alchemy, necromancy, spells, herbs, meditation, etc. These practices are often an avenue within an established spiritual structure. It is the Generic interpretation that is the common link among the cultures worldwide.

Christian A witch is a person who practices the black arts and possesses supernatural powers due to a pact with the devil -also known as Satan. The origins of this definition came from the medieval period circa 1500 when it also included heretics, eccentrics, lepers, Jews and anyone else who didn't conform to the Christian Church. During this time 'witch' usually referred to women, evidenced by words like hag and crone.

Modern A witch is a member of a particular spiritual construct often based on an amalgamation of different religious concepts and practices -and- who practices magic/sorcery within the scope of this faith. The Pagan community and other Earth based spiritualities make it clear that the practice of magic is the distinguishing factor for the description of witch. Basically, it is a mutually exclusive relationship that states: not all Pagans are witches and not all witches are Pagans.

Notes
1. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Volume III
2. A History of Witchcraft—Jeffrey B. Russell; p. 24.
3. Encyclopedia of Occultism;Parapsychology 4th ed. Vol.2
4. Drawing Down the Moon, —Margot Adler

***Question: Once again—what is Wicca to you?***

A Short Dictionary of Terminology Necessary to our Studies

WICCA - A modern tradition of witchcraft based on the old earth religions of Europe. The term comes from an Old English word meaning “to bend” or “to have wisdom.”

SHAMAN - A word derived from the Tungas language of Siberia, it is a generic term for healers and spiritual leaders in tribal societies. Traditional shamans induced trance states through drums, dancing, ingesting hallucinogens, self-mutilation and deprivation and virtually any means by which one might achieve an altered state of consciousness. While in such a trance, the shaman crosses over into another world to get information for his people such as the cause of illnesses and other misfortunes. The shaman is the peoples’ link to the spirit world.

PAGAN A practitioner of an Earth Religion; from the Latin a country dweller. Also considered any religion that is not Christianity.

ANIMISM Belief that a spirit or force residing in every animate and inanimate object, every dream and idea, gives individuality to each. The related Polynesian concept of man holds that the spirit in all things is responsible for the good and evil in the universe.

ARCHETYPES Universal symbols that speak in the language of the subconscious. They are the ideal images of deities and other powers.

EARTH-CENTERED SPIRITUALITY- In Earth-Centered Spirituality, it is the Earth and Nature that is sacred. This sacred power is called the Divine Spark, Higher Power, Great Spirit, God, and/or Goddess. Those who practice Earth-centered Spirituality find Divinity in the natural world and because they love, honor, and respect the environment, many Earth-Centered practitioners work to protect Mother Nature.

EARTH MAGICK - A form of magick in which the powers of the Earth are sought and used to conduct ritual and magical workings.

EARTH RELIGION A religion whose main tenet is that the worshipper is in harmony with the Earth and with all life. Such religions oppose the idea that the world is a resource to be subdued and exploited.

IMMANENT (ĭm'ə-nənt) adj. Existing or remaining within; inherent: believed in a God immanent in humans.

IMMANENCE (ĭm'ənəns) [Lat.,=dwelling in], in metaphysics, the presence within the natural world of a spiritual or cosmic principle, especially of the Deity. It is contrasted with transcendence. The immanence of God in the world is the basic feature of pantheism.

KABALA - Mystical teachings from the Jewish-Gnostic tradition that formed the basis of ceremonial magick and the Alexandrian tradition of Wicca as put forth by Alex and Maxine Sanders. An elaborately structured Tree of Life is central to the system of study. Also Qabalah and Cabala.

PANTHEISM - literally means "God is All" and "All is God". It is the view that everything is of an all-encompassing immanent God; or that the universe, or nature, and God are equivalent.


***Question: Which of these terms appeal to you? Which do not? Why?***

What Is “Crystal Visions Celtic Wicca”© ?

What Is “Crystal Visions Celtic Wicca”© ?
An Emerging and Evolving Personal “Mystical Tradition”
according to Lady Branwenn WhiteRaven

CVC Wiccans acknowledge that all life is composed of both light and shadow and realize that most of our living falls somewhere in between. No one is perfect, but anyone may aspire to advance to a higher level of being and understanding. You are a beloved child of the Lord, the Lady, and the Universe; you must learn to also truly love and accept yourself completely, both your positive and negative characteristics, before you can overcome difficulty or large obstacles that may seem insurmountable at times.

When I say that I am a Crystal Visions Celtic Witch, I mean that I am a student first and always, a healer, a teacher, and a Priestess who is struggling to follow a path of balance and harmony seeking to evolve to a higher level of being. At the same time, I am able to relax and enjoy the here and now and to be content in what the Universe has brought my way today.

My own cultural heritage is Irish, Scottish, and Welsh (along with some German and Cherokee.) Thus, I am fascinated by the Celts and the recent resurgence of the ideas of Pan Celticism. “Pan Celticism, according to its advocates, is recognition by the Irish, Scots, Manx, Welsh, Bretons, and Cornish of the special relationship they have with one another due to their common Celtic origins.” (Peter Berresford Ellis, Celtic Dawn: Celtic Survival in the Modern World, 1993, page 19.)

My grandmother was the daughter of a first generation Irish immigrant who still spoke his native language and grew up near Galway in County Clare. Legend has it that Grandmother Florence Irene Mullan was born on the way over on the boat from Ireland. Since my Irish grandmother was the single, most influential person in my life, I choose the Celtic legends and pantheons as one of my pathways to self-development. Studying the Celtic myths and legends is just one of the myriad ways that one can acquire self-knowledge. Applying the lessons of these mythic heroes and spiritual leaders to our own lives may help us toward enlightenment, wisdom or, perhaps, (just) another learning experience.

There are many definitions for Witch, Wiccan or Wicca, and much controversy over which definition is correct. There is perhaps even more controversy currently over the idea of “Celtic Wicca,” an idea which is held in great disdain right now by a large part of the Celtic Reconstructionist community. Crystal Visions Celtic Wicca is an eclectic belief system and lifestyle based upon combining the “attempted reconstruction” of pre-Christian traditions originating in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales with the neo-Pagan religious framework created by Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente, Alex Sanders, Janet and Stewart Farrar, Vivianne and Chris Crowley and others.

The pre-Christian Celts followed a primarily oral tradition, so accurate “reconstruction” is difficult at best. Crystal Visions Celtic Wicca seeks to add the dimension of the mythic experience and the archetypal psychological traditions started by Carl Jung and furthered by Joseph Campbell, and other more recent practitioners of this path, to its two primary characteristics of neo-Pagan traditions and Celticism. These three paths combined together form a strong foundation, I believe, for a healthy quest for positive self-evolution.

CVC Witches see life as a never-ending journey of personal self-development and magick as a side effect of that self development, albeit usually a positive one, but not the entire thrust of the tradition, as in some Wiccan cultures and traditions. CVC Witches do not claim to have the one answer to all of life’s questions, or even the best answer. The best rationale I can find for the gathering together of these elements is that they “work” for me, and have worked effectively for others over the years. This is an evolving tradition. Perhaps you may find the idea of having the words “evolving” and “tradition” side by side to be an oxymoron, but the end of evolution is stasis, stagnation and death. CVC Wicca is a living tradition---ever changing and growing in the search for new truths---either recently discovered by personal experience or from antiquity.

What CVC Wicca strives for:
The idea of balance in each and every aspect of life is central to all the teachings of CVC Wicca. CVC Wicca is a positive, life-affirming, spirituality that encourages its students to think for themselves and find the religious or spiritual path that is “right” for them. We encourage commonsense, learning, scholarship and the development of the ability to learn to listen to your own “inner bell” to determine what is specifically right for you in this world. We stress the divinity of all living things and therefore respect for all life. We strive to live our lives in balance with the four elements, with both the male and female principles inside each of us, and also with both the God and Goddess representations of Spirit which is both immanent (inside us) and eminent (outside us-the Universe) . No blame is given to anyone or anything outside ourselves for the daily happenings in our lives. We assume full responsibility for the course and actions of our lives and for balancing and maintaining a positive equilibrium of healthy growth in our lives.

The phases of the moon, the wheel of the year’s eight seasonal celebrations, and the natural ebb and flow of the cycles of the Earth and our own lives compliment and enhance our spirituality. CVC Wicca emphasizes living in harmony and achieving balance with all things. We do not cast “spells” as much as we do creative visualization exercises which lead us towards healing our inner turmoil both physical and emotional and empowering us with harmony and creativity. CVC Wiccans believe that Spirit, represented by the Goddess and the God, exist in ALL things and make up the ONE, the UNIVERSE, the unknown web of life that surrounds us and connects us in an intricate relationship to ALL things around us. Every action we take has an effect on our entire universe. Snow, animals, plants, both outdoor and houseplants, the oceans, each other and all creatures, even things made by man, are ALL aspects of the divine. This belief creates a reverence and respect for the environment, and for ALL life upon the Earth.

CVC Wiccans see life to be composed of powerful symbols, myths and archetypes which we employ to help us make sense of our Universe. We also work with the symbolic attributes of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water - the classical four elements - which along with Spirit comprise and bring forth all creation. We do not look at our path as the only way, but as one path among many to the same end. We do NOT seek to convert new members to think the same as we do. We are willing to share what we have learned with those who are seeking and questing along this path. We will not LEAD seekers to our own personal truths, but allow them to find truths of their own. We seek balance, the Middle Path, and try not to discriminate against other religions even those who seek to persecute us practicing tolerance, creating harmony and moderation in all things, even moderation itself.