~ EUTM ~ Forum for Witchcraft & Wiccan Spirituality

[+DiamondStone+]

The 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief

(When I first began to study, these thirteen points stood out to me. They may mean nothing to you, but this is how I choose to live my live out and practice my religion)

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters.

2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with nature in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called ‘supernatural’, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4. We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity – as masculine and feminine – and that this same Creative Power lies in all people and functions through the interaction of the masculine and the feminine. We value neither above the other knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sex as pleasure as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energy used in magical practice and religious worship.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconsciousness, the Inner Planes etc – and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

7. We see religion, magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it – a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft – the Wiccan Way.

8. Calling oneself ‘Witch’ does not make a Witch – but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seek to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and without harm to others and in harmony with nature.

9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.

10.Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be ‘the only way’ and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.

11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

12.We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as ‘Satan’ or ‘the Devil’ as defined by Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

13.We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

[+DiamondStone+]

Colors
RED
Signifies: Strength, health, vigor, lust, danger.
Holiday: Yule
Planet: Mars
Day: Tuesday
Astrological Sign: Scorpio
ORANGE
Signifies: Encouragement, adaptability, stimulation, attraction, plenty, kindness.
Holiday: Candlemas
Deities: Brigid
Planets: Sun, Mars, Mercury
Days: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Astrological Sign: Leo, Sagittarius
YELLOW
Signifies: Knowledge, learning, concentration, persuasion, charm, confidence, jealousy, joy, comfort.
Planet: Mercury
Day: Wednesday
Astrological Sign: Gemini, Leo
GREEN
Signifies: Finances, fertility, luck, success energy, charity, growth rejuvenation, ambition, counteract greed and jealousy, plants kingdom including herbal healing.
Planets: Venus, Mercury
Days: Friday, Wednesday
Holidays: Spring Equinox, Beltane
Astrological Sign: Taurus
BLUE
Signifies: Tranquility, understanding, patience, health, truth, devotion, sincerity, honor, loyalty, peace, wisdom, protection during sleep, astral projection.
Planets: Moon, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter
Days: Monday, Friday, Saturday, Thursday
Astrological Sign: Libra, Sagittarius
VIOLET/PURPLE
Signifies: Power, piety, sanctity, sentimentality, tension, sadness amplification of other energies, wisdom, high ideals, spiritual protection and healing, psychic ability, protective energy.
Planet: Jupiter
Day: Thursday
Astrological Sign: Sagittarius
BLACK
Signifies: Negation without reflecting, unlocking when stuck, banishing evil or negativity.
Holiday- Samhain
Planet- Saturn
Day - Saturday
Deities- The Crone
Astrological Sign: Scorpio & Capricorn
WHITE
Signifies: Purity, consecration, meditation, divination, exorcism, the full moon, healing, peace, spiritual strength.
(May be substituted for any other color.)
Planet: Moon
Day: Monday
Astrological Sign: Cancer
GRAY
Signifies: Balance, neutrality, used in erasing, canceling, neutralizing, and return to the universe without repercussion destructive energies.
Planet: Moon
Day: Monday
Deity: Athena
Astrological Sign: Virgo
PINK
Signifies: Healing, familial or emotional love (rather than sexual), friendship, affections, unselfish emotions, spiritual healing, banishing hatred.
Gem: Rose quartz
Planet: Venus
Day: Friday
BROWN
Signifies: The Earth, grounding, trees, concentration, telepathy, spells to locate lost objects, protection of the familiars, pets, and animals.
Planets: Moon (tan browns), Venus (all), Saturn (dark browns)
Days: Monday, Friday, Saturday
Deity: Gaia
Astrological Sign: Capricorn
Holiday: Mabon
SILVER
Signifies: Purity, the moon, treasure, values, female energy, the unconscious mind.
Day: Monday
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Deity: Artemis and other Moon Goddesses
GOLD
Signifies: The sun, male energy, wealth, financial wisdom, conscious mind, attracting happiness, activity, intelligence.
Planet: Sun
Day: Sunday
Astrological Sign: Leo
Deity: Apollo and other Sun Gods

Color energies are useful in many ways. One of the most basic ways to use color symbolism in magick is to select candles of the color appropriate to your purpose. The power of color may be added at any point in rituals and spells to enhance the symbolism, and thus the power of the spell.

Examples include:

Candles
Altar Cloth & Flowers
Fabric and components for Amulets, Talismans, Dream Pillows, etc.
Food coloring choices in Bath Salts.
Label/Container choices for brews, teas, essential oils etc.
Meditations on colors for reaching specific chakras, or areas for psychic development.
Garments for ceremonies or simply on days when you wish to attract (or deflect) certain energies.
Colored papers and inks for written spell work.
Awareness of colors you select in your decor and environment.
As with most things magickal, how you feel about the color and your aims is the most important guide. If a color feels right to use for a purpose, even if it is not listed here, use it! As shown in the varying and sometimes overlapping associations above, the power and meaning of colors varies somewhat form person to person.


Crystals

AGATE -Eases stress and pain of a loss. Reduces anxiety.

AMBER - Fossils from pine tree resin, they add strength to magick and spells, attract love and increase beauty.

AMETHYST - Increases spiritual awareness, used in all workings for peace, love, happiness and protection, used in divination and psychic work.

APACHE TEARS - Apache Tears are "transparent" black obsidian. It is said that these are the tears that Apache women cried when warriors did not return from battle. Simply hold them up to a light or the sun and you can see through them. Good for Protection, grounding, good luck, and they may used for divination.

AVENTURINE - Increases mental powers, perception and creative insight, gambler's stone.

BERYL - Attracts Deep Romance and Love.

BLOODSTONE - Increases physical strength and courage, brings victory in the courtroom, used to banish, exorcise.

CARNELAIN - Promotes self-confidence and peace, eases depression.

CLEAR QUARTZ - Holding or increasing energy

CORAL - Protects against the evil eye, all spells intended to harm the wearer, natural disasters and unfortunate occurrences.

DIAMOND - Reconciling differences between those who have quarreled. This stone is said to symbolizes peace, fidelity and opulence.

EMERALD - Precognition and the ability to see into the future. It is said to nurtures love and beauty, and turns all negative spells back to the sender.

FLUORITE - Reduces emotional involvement, used to gain perspective, increase mental power.

GARNET - Enhances strength and endurance, protection, healing, enhances self-esteem and encourages success in business.

HEMATITE - Legal Matter, Victory, Healing

JASPER - Can protect from pain and guard one's independence. It is said to bring the wearer good fortune and protection from the controlling influences of others.

JADE - Good Luck, Protection from disease or Evil spirits. It is said to enhance one's occult powers. It presents serenity and immortality.

LAPIS LAZULI - Stimulates wisdom, truthfulness, psychic awareness, healing.

LEPIDOLITE - A calming stone, this is carried for peace, spirituality and to drive off negativity.

LODESTONE, GREEN - Draws money, employment, strengthens loyalty, used in bindings

LODESTONE, RED - Draws love, friendship, strengthens loyalty, used in bindings

MALACHITE - Draws money and protection, guards wearer from danger

MOLDAVITE- Form of Tektite. Made when meteorite hit the earth thousands of years ago,...it's getting very rare, as it is only found in a small region of Russia. Said to have links to extraterrestrial energies and will greatly enhance the power of other stones. Brings you into communication with your higher self.

MOONSTONE - Draws love, hope and protection, promotes unselfishness and helps settle disputes, induces prophetic dreams.

OBSIDIAN - Used for grounding and centering, divination, and increasing spirituality

OPAL - Good luck, and extra mental powers

PETRIFIED WOOD - Good for past life work, nervous conditions, and grounding.

ROSE QUARTZ - Draws love and happiness. Helps heal broken heart.

RUBY - Qualities of Power, Loyalty, and Courage

SAPPHIRE - Radiate Gentleness and Peace. It is said that this stone helps bring Justice and truth to light

SODALITE - Used for meditation, brings wisdom and calms inner conflicts

TIGER'S EYE - Draws wealth and money, protects travelers, increases clarity of thought.

TOPAZ - Give protection to warriors, has the qualities to put demons to flight and vanquishes the evil spells of sorcerers. Can be used for Divining purposes.

TURQUOISE - Believed to bring love and courage. It is said to be a protector against violence in thought and deed. Also good for reducing bodily and mental tensions.

ZIRCON - Attracts fame and fortune. It is considered to be a wishing stone. It is also a protector against accidents or natural disasters.



Daily

Monday: The Moon; best for emotionally based spellwork, such us attracting confidence and intuition, protection spells, clairvoyance etc..

Tuesday: Mars; great for spells to inspire passion and energy such as a spell to boost confidence. Mars is a warrior, so if you need a spiritual battle, this is the day for it. Tuesday is also a good day for protection spells.

Wednesday: Mercury; Great for communication (worldly or otherwise). Good for spells involving the granting of information. Like Willow in Buffy when she says "Reveal!"

Thursday: Jupiter; probably the best day for spell work as Jupiter is so benevolent and loves to give. All prosperity spells or luck and success spells should be done on this day (be sure to keep it with the waxing moon).

Friday: Venus. . .ahhh, sweet love. This is a day for love spells and also a good day to offer your love to the gods/goddesses of choice. As the Cure say, "Friday, I'm in Love!"

Saturday: Saturn. A restrictive energy. Good for banishing spells and ridding old energies. Binding spells are also potent on this day. Also good for focusing and developing patience (something a lot of witches don't have). Typically, I do not do spells on Saturdays unless it is to get rid of unwanted energies or desires.

Sunday: The Sun; Truth in all matters. The sun is great for truth spells and generating warmth in your heart. If you feel that you are frigid inside and holding tons of resentment, use the Sun energy on Sundays to shine through a cloudy heart.

[+DiamondStone+]

What I think is the most important factor that plays into spell casting... The Moon phases.

New Moon
The new moon is the beginning of the lunar cycle, and means that the moon is completely in line with the sun and the earth. We see a dark sky with no visible moon. It's a time of newness and rejuvenation. The new moon is the three days after the new face of the moon and also includes the day of the new face of the moon.
Spells: New beginnings of any sort, beauty, health, personal improvement or new employment.

Waxing Moon
The waxing moon is the period of time between the new moon and the full moon. Every night, the moon gets a little larger. Any spellwork that requires growth should be done now.
Spells: Courage, motivation, inspiration, friendship, elemental magick, healing or luck.

Full Moon
This is a time when the Moon is at its most powerful, and the magic most potent. Performing any positive spell at this time will achieve good results. Since the full moon only truly occurs for one night out of the entire lunar cycle, it can be hard to fit it into your schedule. You can harness the energy of the full moon for about 2 days before or after the night the moon is truly full.
Spells: Artistic projects, love, romance, fertility, psychic abilities or making decisions. Also healing, guidance, and completion spells.

Waning Moon
The moon is waning as it gets smaller again, after the full moon. As the moon seems to disappear in the sky, use this time to do spellwork to remove things from your life. The waning moon is a good time for the casting out of the old ways, banishing old habits, smoking, eating habits, the removal of troubles and worries.
Spells: Banishing bad habits, addictions, or ending relationships

Typically, there is one full moon every month, but since the lunar cycle is a bit shorter than our calendar months, there is sometimes two. The second full moon in any given month is called a blue moon.

I want to mention the Dark Moon here, also called "The Dark of the Moon" because I find it very interesting personally. Many witches do not bother themselves with the dark moon or are not aware of the meaning of it. Below is a description of the dark moon.

Dark of the Moon - The Dark of the Moon (or Dark Moon) is traditionally the last three days of the Lunar cycle, immediately preceding the New Moon, and the time when the night sky is notably absent the presence of the Moon. George [1] notes that: “The earliest peoples understood that the power of life lay in the darkness of the moon.” “The purpose of the dark phase of any cycle is that of transition between the death of the old and the birth of the new. The dark time is a time of retreat, of healing, and of dreaming of the future.” i.e. the fallow times preceding outbursts of creativity and growth.

“Most of us do not realize we all have many dark phase times in our lives, and that these are naturally occurring periods in any life cycle. We fail to understand that endings are the precursors to new beginnings; thus when our life rhythms move us into and through these dark phases, we are ignorant of what is actually happening.” [1] It is the grandeur of Death and Rebirth, not merely an ending with the proverbial ride off into the sunset.

“The dark phase of the cyclical process is a phase of healing and renewal rather than one of fear and unknowing; a time of mystery, wisdom, and healing power -- all gifts of the Dark Moon Goddess.” [1]

“There is less energy available for outer activities and meeting the expectations of others, because the purpose of the dark phase is for focusing on the inner dimensions of our bodies and minds. If we can learn to attune ourselves to the natural rhythms of ebb and flow in our lives, we can use the intrinsic function of the dark times for healing and renewal. When we resist this inward motion in our psyche, then anxiety, stress, and fear are more likely to take hold of our emotions.” [1]

“The Triple Moon Goddess, in her new, full, and dark phases, was a model for the feminine nature in her entirety as maiden, mother, and crone. In her original worship the Dark Goddess, as the third aspect of this lunar trilogy, was honored, loved, and accepted for her wisdom and for her mystery teachings of renewal.” [1]
Spells: Healing, renewal, psychic spells. A good time to meditate on the inner self.

[Bougainvillea]

Would you mind if I stole your information on the moon phases? If not, it's completely fine! I was just wondering