http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/-t1.htm The basics of the craft, wiccan or otherwise... Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:26:51 GMT 10 http://i84.servimg.com/u/f84/12/54/82/52/ban410.gif http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/-t1.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/witch-trials-salem-t77.htm Tiamat THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS 　 　 Throughout time, witches have been feared even as far back in time as the early reign of William I, statutes have been made against Witchcraft. It was not until 1401, however, that the first of the Witchcraft Laws was passed. The description as to what Witchcraft was, has evolved over the Centuries but the penalty for being found guilty remained the same - being burnt at the stake It was common belief that a ‘witch’ was a person who had made ... Witchy basics Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:26:51 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/witch-trials-salem-t77.htm#103 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/witch-trials-salem-t77.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/samhain-31st-october-t59.htm Pythia Also known as All Hallows Eve, All Hallows, Summers End, All Saints Day, Halloween, Calan Gaeaf, Calends Of Winter, Ancestor Night, Feast of the Dead, The Day of the Dead. Known as one of the most powerful festivals within the Arthurian and Gregorian calendars, it is the Celtic and Druidic New Year. It is the night when the veil between our world and the Otherworld is thinnest. This is thought to be because this is the time of year the old and very young are thought to perish from winter’s ... Witchy basics Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:04:39 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/samhain-31st-october-t59.htm#73 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/samhain-31st-october-t59.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/mabon-september-21st-t58.htm Pythia Also known as Alban Elfed, Bright Autumn, Light of the Winter, Autumnal Equinox. The Autumnal Equinox is one of the lesser sabbats. It is a day of the year when night and day are the same length and is also a time for us to see things as a balanced whole. Some modern pagans refer to today’s festival under the Welsh name of Mabon. This is yet another time when the name more commonly used doesn’t appear to have any great significance where the actual festival is concerned. Many modern witches, ... Witchy basics Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:00:49 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/mabon-september-21st-t58.htm#72 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/mabon-september-21st-t58.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/lughnasadh-1st-august-t57.htm Pythia Also known as Lammas, Gwyl Awst, Feast of August, Feast of Lugh This is traditionally the beginning of autumn. The days grow visibly shorter and darkness prevails above all else. Lammas literally translated means “loaf-mass”. It represents the baking of loaves from the first grain harvest of the season. These loaves were then placed on church altars as offerings. The main premise of this festival is that it is a feast day. Its name Lughnasadh is for the god Lugh whose feast day falls on ... Witchy basics Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:52:46 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/lughnasadh-1st-august-t57.htm#71 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/lughnasadh-1st-august-t57.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/element-of-water-t50.htm Tiamat ELEMENT OF WATER Water is vital to all things living. Along with Earth, water gives nourishment to the soul and aids spiritual growth and regeneration. It is considered the most important and potent element, water is a cleansing, healing and loving element. Its energies can be felt and contained within ourselves. Its cardinal point is West and its energies said to be receptive. Water is a powerful cleanser, used before and during magickal rites or workings, it can be used for ... Witchy basics Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:19:18 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/element-of-water-t50.htm#57 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/element-of-water-t50.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/element-of-fire-t49.htm Tiamat ELEMENT OF FIRE The element of Fire is a light, active element and is contrary to Water. It is associated with the qualities of brightness, thinness and motion. It is creative yet destructive and unlike the other elements, it does not exist naturally, It forms only by using other elements. Fire is the element of authority and leadership. When used in candle magick, we are calling upon the energy of Fire whilst containing its destructive qualities. Fire can also be used in divination, ... Witchy basics Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:00:48 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/element-of-fire-t49.htm#56 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/element-of-fire-t49.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/element-of-air-t47.htm Tiamat Air is vital to the survival of all living things. This invisible element can be felt with every breath we take, for without it we would not exist nor be able to communicate. In magickal terms, Air is the power of the mind, the force of intellect, inspiration, imagination. It is ideas, knowledge, dreams and wishes. The element of new life and new possibilities and is essential to spells and rituals, various forms of divination, and freedom. Air is an aid to us with visualization ... Witchy basics Thu, 05 Mar 2009 21:31:04 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/element-of-air-t47.htm#54 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/element-of-air-t47.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-beltane-t46.htm Tiamat BELTANE - APRIL 30 BELTANE - Meaning 'Fire of Bel' Beltane is celebrated by most Pagan traditions and is one of the two major Celtic festivals. During this Sabbat we celebrate the return of vitality and passion to the earth and we honour two male deities: The Green God/Oak King/Horned God, usually represented by Cernunnos, is growing strength having reached maturity. Some Pagan traditions say that Beltane marks the emergence of the young God into manhood. He desires the Goddess. ... Witchy basics Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:58:15 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-beltane-t46.htm#52 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-beltane-t46.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-ostara-t45.htm Tiamat OSTARA - MARCH 21 The Spring equinox is defined as one of the 'Lesser' or 'Solar' Sabbats. Mid point between Imbolc and Beltane it marks the official beginning of Spring. It is the renewal of Nature herself. The seeds for the years crops are now sown and life is more noticeably returning to the land . This is a festival that celebrates the victory of light of darkness. During this Sabbat we honour the Goddess Eostre whose symbols include the egg and the rabbit, This is a time of ... Witchy basics Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:56:00 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-ostara-t45.htm#51 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-ostara-t45.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-imbolc-t44.htm Tiamat IMBOLC - FEBRUARY 2 IMBOLC - Meaning 'in the belly' A 'cross quarter day', this sabbat lies exactly halfway between Yule and Ostara and through the star sign of Aquarius. It may still be cold but we are now on the tail end of winter, days gradually become longer and the fields may now be prepared for the yearly crops. In ancient times as one season gave way to another, It was customary to burn the dregs of last season's crops on big fires set on hillsides. This day was originally to ... Witchy basics Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:53:36 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-imbolc-t44.htm#50 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-imbolc-t44.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-yule-t43.htm Tiamat YULE - DECEMBER 21 The Winter Solstice is more commonly known as the shortest day of the year. For some traditions this is the 'New Year', for other traditions Samhain is classed as ’New Year’. Yule is also known as the longest night of the year, this is a time when celebrations were held in anticipation of the rebirth of the Oak King/ the Sun King and the Giver of Life. At this time it was commonplace for bonfires to be lit in the fields, and crops and trees were 'wassailed' with toasts ... Witchy basics Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:49:09 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-yule-t43.htm#49 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/the-sabbat-of-yule-t43.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/symbols-their-meanings-t41.htm Pythia *work in progress* Pentagram The pentagram is a five-pointed star representing the five elements as understand in witchcraft. Upright it represents spirit and its control over the other four elements (earth, air, fire & water). Used predominantly as a protection symbol. Pentacle A pentagram within a circle represents spiritual mastery of the spirit over the four elements. It also represents the suit of earth in the tarot. Triquetra Represents the triple goddess, ... Witchy basics Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:30:27 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/symbols-their-meanings-t41.htm#45 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/symbols-their-meanings-t41.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/cleansing-meditation-t35.htm Pythia To begin, sit yourself comfortably. Preferably upright if possible, (However you can lie down if you feel more comfortable). Close your eyes and begin to take deep breaths. Inhale through your nose, and exhale out through your mouth. Slowly, become aware of a ball of blue-white light floating above your head. When ready, visualize this ball of light lengthening to become a lance shaped arrow which sinks in through the crown of your head. With each breath you inhale, the light becomes brighter, ... Witchy basics Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:06:11 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/cleansing-meditation-t35.htm#39 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/cleansing-meditation-t35.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/basic-tools-of-the-craft-t30.htm Pythia A practiced witch will know that anything can be utilized for use in the craft. In days gone by, during the witchcraft trials and similar, using common everyday materials was a necessity if you wished to remain unknown. Nowadays, though a stigma is still attached in parts, tools designed specifically for the craft are easy to acquire and make a great impact upon a witch’s work. Here I will list the basic tools and their uses. Athame Traditionally a wooden or black-handled knife, it ... Witchy basics Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:41:07 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/basic-tools-of-the-craft-t30.htm#33 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/basic-tools-of-the-craft-t30.htm http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/litha-june-21st-t7.htm Pythia Also known as Midsummer, Alban Hefin, Bright Summer, Light of the Shore, Summer Solstice. More commonly known as the Summer Solstice, it is known to be the longest day of the year and has the shortest night of the year. Although it is known as the Summer Solstice, this name is factually inaccurate. Beltane is the actual beginning of summer whereas the Summer Solstice is more factually Midsummer as the sun begins its descent before summer’s end which takes place at Lughnasadh. As the ancient ... Witchy basics Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:09:26 GMT http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/litha-june-21st-t7.htm#9 http://edsme.heavenforum.com/witchy-basics-f3/litha-june-21st-t7.htm