witchcraft
Spiritual Rituals Provide Sacred Space
Spiritual ceremonies, where humans gather together in a circle, are especially potent. An energetic hoop gathers over the circle to assist in the endeavor for the gathering, whether it be for the purpose of celebrating a new birth, honoring a solstice, or to express anything of importance to humanity, as individuals, or as a group.
Altars are also powerful. They are a gathering place for spirits to provide protection and shielding, to aid in a calling or, perhaps, to provide a sacred place for the energy of one who has crossed to another dimension to gather and connect. Or, we might choose to build an altar dedicated to providing an anchor for our business when we are away, the same as when we are present. Continue reading
The African River Man
During the time of my ukuthwasa (period of initiation to become a traditional healer or sangoma) some decades ago in Southern Africa, my mentor and some other village elders would join our group of ithwasa (sangoma trainees) by the campfire and discuss other spirits. That is, others in addition to those of our ancestors.
We heard many tales of other spirits who control the rivers, oceans and lakes, as well as those who live in the sky and control the rain. There were also stories told of sacred places where spirits inhabited mountains, trees and rocks. I loved hearing those stories from various individuals whom have had unique experiences and felt they had seen and communicated with those various spirits. Continue reading
The Secret To Smudging Is In The Smoke
“The secret to smudging is in the smoke.” These were the words of my mentor when I undertook my Ukuthwasa as a shaman initiate many years ago in Southern Africa. I have also come to know that the true intention behind any smudging ceremony is a very significant part of its success.
An initial part of my rigorous training as a Sangoma, or traditional healer, was a self-cleansing ritual using Mphepo, made up of herbs indigenous to Southern Africa.
“Smudging,” simply put, is the burning of certain herbs to create a cleansing smoke bath. The smoke is used to cleanse areas used for rituals and ceremonies, as well as any tools or objects used for such cleansing, as well as to cleanse people. Continue reading
The Pentacle – Ancient Magical Symbol
Possibly no other spiritual or religious icon in our culture is as misunderstood as the pentacle, or five-pointed star. Many people automatically believe the pentacle is connected to some form of darkness, evil or satanic worship. This could not be further from the truth.
Along with its powerful symbolism in Wicca and other pagan traditions, the pentacle also has roots in Christian and Jewish mysticism, as well as Native American religion.
Over the centuries the symbol has taken on many meanings. Its most lasting symbolism, however, is that of the five classical elements: Earth, Fire, Air, and Water, with Spirit at its head. Continue reading
Psychic Surgery
The subject of psychic surgery has always fascinated me. Although I have never personally witnessed this kind of procedure first hand, some 20 years ago I saw footage of a psychic surgeon in action in the Philippines. Despite the bad quality of the film, it really resonated as being genuine to me and not some parlor trick, as some skeptics would choose to view it.
The actual film I saw was presented in a small conference room of a local hotel by an enthusiastic spectator of the procedure, who brought back the footage from a trip he took to the Philippines. He explained how the skin of a patient is penetrated with this bare-handed psychic surgery through polarity, and that although it is based on energy and vibration, it originates from dimensions we don’t, as yet, understand. Continue reading
Using A Wand To Enhance Good Intention
I like to envision my wand as an energy tool which harnesses and directs good intention, as a means of bringing about change in myself, another person, a pet, or a situation.
I use my wand mainly to project healing energy onto a person who happens to be in a healing session with me, or I use it remotely, using a photo or an item belonging to the recipient of the healing. With the help of my wand, I project healing to shift blocks, or to heal wounds; even to work on pulling out pain or negativity. When I do a healing session, which involves pulling out any negativity, I ensure any negative energy is transmuted by asking for help from my spirit helpers. Then I also offer a prayer for the violet flame to transmute that negative energy, and finally, on cleaning the wand itself. Continue reading