The Goddess Kingdom – Wiccans and Goddesses

Wheel of the Year – Ostara

On the first Sunday following the first full moon of spring, Christians the world over celebrate the death and resurrection of their deity, Jesus Christ. Christians call this celebration of life and death- Easter. Common customs practiced in celebrating the Christian holiday include decorative baskets, treat gifting, bunnies, chicks, and brightly-colored eggs. Undoubtedly, there exists a dominant belief that modern-day Easter celebration and its traditions are rooted in Christianity. However in truth, Easter’s iconic symbolism (including the holiday...

Wheel of the Year – Lunar Sabbat Imbolc

Since 1887, hundreds of thousands of Americans have gathered in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to catch a glimpse of Phil, the famous weather-divining groundhog. On the morning of February 2nd, Phil emerges from his den. If Phil encounters his shadow, six more weeks of winter are predicted. If he does not, an early spring is predicted. Over the years there have been multiple “Phils” and the culmination of their predictions have had less than a 40% accuracy rate. Yet,...

Wheel of the Year: Winter Solstice and Yule

Winter is once again upon us and ornaments of evergreens, mistletoe, reindeer, elves and a certain jolly, old man in ermine-trimmed clothes adorn homes, shops and schools throughout. Most around the world would associate these symbols with Christmas, the Christian holiday dedicated to the birth of Jesus “the Son of God.” Yet, the truth and fact is that each and every one of these symbols and customs are rooted in the Pagan traditions of Yule celebrated hundreds of...

Who Was Aradia: The Queen of Witches

In a previous article, “Aradia di Toscano: Fact or Folklore,” (view article here) we took an in-depth look at the legend surrounding Aradia and discovered how societal changes, modifications within papal legislation, and documented Italian witchcraft trials supported the existence of a mortal woman, a Witch, who led a revolt against the Italian aristocracy and Holy Roman Catholic Church in the 1300’s. Among other mysteries, questions still remain as to who exactly was the woman named, Aradia? Through...

The Christianization of Aradia: The Origins of Lucifer – Prince of Darkness

There is no denying that ever since its date of publication, there has been controversy surrounding Aradia, Gospel of the Witches (1899). George Godfrey Leland, the “author” of Aradia had a reputation for embellishing some of his previously published works. Leland’s source for the manuscript, Maddalena (a hereditary witch from northern Italy), never publicly identified herself. Scholars argued a lack of historical record documenting the 13th century Witch (Wiccan) Aradia, who initiated a revolt against the Roman Catholic...

Aradia di Toscano: Fact of Folklore

In the early 1880s, American folklorist Charles Godfrey Leleand traveled to northern Italy to document the lore of Estrucian culture. It was there in the year of 1886 that he met a Tuscan hereditary Witch, named Maddelana. Through a collection of ancient lore and spells gathered from amongst Maddelana’s Witch “sisters,” Leland learned of a sacred manuscript regarding the Wiccan Grand Goddess Diana and Her daughter, Aradia. The revered text not only described the Wiccan belief of creation...

Wiccan Handbook – Part III: Magick of Aradia

While there are different forms of magick associated with specific Wiccan Traditions, (for example Faery Magick practiced by Celtic Traditions - see “Wiccan Handbook Part II” in the Anthenaeum section of our website), there are forms of magick practiced amongst all traditions of The Craft. These magickal skills are consistent across all traditions, myths, lores and literature and are considered to be primary abilities that every Wiccan or Witch should aim to master. Found within the "Aradia:...

Wiccan Handbook – Part II: Faery, Elemental and Angelic Magick

According to Merriam Webster, magic (n) is defined as: “the use of means (such as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces.” While this definition is fairly simplistic, “magick (v) to produce, remove, or influence by magic,” is truly much more complex. Ask an authentic Wiccan to define magick and you may receive an answer similar to the following: magick is the ability or power to effect change on the physical or metaphysical plane...

Wiccan Handbook – Part I: History of Traditions, Literature & Lore

Wicca: Why does the word inspire so much controversy- and confusion? Is it one of the oldest religions on earth- or is it the youngest? Is Wicca a spiritual belief system- or is it a religion of witchcraft? Do Wiccans worship God(ess)s or nature? Do they truly possess ancient wisdom, or are they merely a cultural subset that likes to dip their toes in the taboo? The truth is: Wicca can be described as all of the...

How to Choose Spell Correspondences: A Wiccan Guide to Candle Magick

Almost every single spell a Wiccan will ever perform will more than likely incorporate a candle. Candles are one of the most common magickal tools used by Wiccans and Witches. We use them for practical magick as well as formal magick. We light them in honor of deity and the elements; we light them to manifest our desires. Candles may be lit to purify a space, or to aid a departed soul in crossing over to the other...

How to Choose Spell Correspondences: A Wiccan Guide to Stones and Crystals

For as long as humans have walked the earth, precious stones and glittering crystals have captured their imagination entranced by their beauty. Stones and crystals are highly valued and have long been used as symbols of power. Today, semi-precious stones and crystals fuel modern technology, but for more than 6,000 years, their power has been used to fuel magick! Of course, it’s no surprise that Wiccans and Witches, too, use the power of stones and crystals in...

How to Choose Spell Correspondences: A Wiccan Guide to Plant Magick

Wicca is an earth-based religion, and as such, Wiccans use plants extensively. We use plants in practical magick. We use plants in ceremonial magick. We decorate our altars with plants, and we burn plants for cleansing and purification. With plants, we make charmed sachets, bouquets, and wreaths. From plants, we mix magickal salves and oils, and we brew healing herbal teas. We bring fresh plants into a room to affect the space’s vibration, and we use plants outside...

How to Write an Invocation: A Wiccan Guide to Goddesses, Gods & Patron Deities

At the beginning of Wiccan prayers, ceremonies, rituals, and spells; devotees recite an invocation. Originating from the Latin word vox, or voice, an invocation is a formal calling of a Goddess and God in requesting their presence and aid. One of the most well known examples of an invocation is found within the Catholic Rosary. Upon initiating the Catholic Rosary, the following words are spoken: “Hail Mary, full of grace…” Similar to a Catholic prayer, at the...

Introduction to Magick: Lesson VII The Art of Spellcasting

For some Wiccans and Witches who may not always share a passion for writing, creating a personal and unique spell may seem a little challenging. Writing an effective spell can require a few essential skills including: learning to be creative, gaining good knowledge of Goddesses (and/or Gods) and acquiring knowledge of crucial magickal correspondences. As a result, many who are new to the Craft (as well as some intermediates) may simply choose to seek and follow published spellworks...

Introduction to Magick: Lesson VI Casting a Magick Circle

One of the most fundamental skills all Wiccans must learn is: How to cast a magick circle. A magick circle is consecrated sacred space that the Wiccan (or Witch) creates to perform ceremonies, rituals, and/or spells. Although it is called a circle, it is actually a sphere (or bubble) created by energy. This sphere allows the Wiccan to generate energy or raise power within it. After the ceremony, ritual, or spell is completed, the circle is opened allowing...

Introduction to Magick: Lesson V Altars and Setup

For newly initiated Wiccans and Witches, one of the most frequently asked question is: How to set up an altar? There are multiple variables to take into consideration in order to answer this question because there are multiple types of altars. Therefore, before the newly initiated sets up their altar they must define the type of altar they are creating. One type of an altar is an altar that pays homage to deity. This type of altar...

Introduction to Magick: Lesson IV Magickal Tools and How to Use Them

Wiccan tools are the implements used to work magick. Some traditions require a great number of tools while others are much more simplistic. Different spells will require the use of specific tools. Regardless of the tradition or spell, there are five tools considered sacred and should always be present upon the altar. These tools include: athame; wand; chalice; salt; and pentacle. All Wiccan tools should be cleansed and consecrated before the first use and cleansed before each...

Introduction to Magick: Lesson III Psychic Hygiene and Shielding

When one follows the path of the Wiccae, they can open themselves to the magick of the universe and all the energies therein. The path is indeed filled with wonder and awe but the road can become hazardous if one is not careful and wary. For along the path, many hidden enemies can lurk in the shadows craving energy from your divine light. Therefore, before any novice Witch can attempt spellcrafting they must first master the most important...

Introduction to Magick: Lesson II Energy

For those who practice witchcraft, life’s a magical experience and it’s the desire for a magical experience that attracts many individuals to the Wiccan religion. After all, creation and transformation are what Wicca and Magick- is all about. In Lesson I, we discussed how the Art of Magick is the intentional manipulation of universal energies through the utilization of the laws of nature in conjunction with the power of the mind and emotions. In this lesson, we’ll...

Introduction to Magick: Lesson I The Journey Within

Witch: what an incredibly powerful word. From the depths of our subconscious, it conjures images of a cackling crone hunched over a bubbling caldron. For individuals trapped in the dogma of religion, witch repels; it draws forth feelings of fear and foreboding. For individuals searching for a more meaningful spiritual experience, the word witch excites and fascinates; it draws forth feelings of hope when there is nowhere else to turn. Which association of the word witch is...

Heeding the Call of the Goddess: A Wiccan Guide for a Year and a Day

Do you have an inexplicable connection to nature? Are you fascinated by the mysterious beauty of the Moon? Do you feel an intense desire to acquire spiritual wisdom? Are you craving a meaningful connection with the universe? Does the thought of practicing magick excite and empower you? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are hearing the Call of the Goddess. She is the Source of All Life- Keeper of Hidden Wisdom- Great...

How to Harness the Magick of the Cosmos: A Wiccan Guide for the Astrological Zodiacs

“As above, so below; as below, so above.” This axiom is regarded as an accepted truth in many New Age, occultist, and hermetic traditions, as well as in Wicca and Witchcraft. The paraphrase accredited to the Hellenistic figure, Hermes Trismegistus and his Emerald Tablet; was understood to be a reference regarding the effects of celestial mechanics on terrestrial events. This concept is identical to the Wiccan’s Wheel of the Year. This universal law is a concept that Wiccans,...

How to Harness the Magick of the Moon: A Wiccan Guide for the Lunar Phases

Since early antiquity, the Moon has been gazed upon with awe- and fear. During its full illumination, early humans hunted and foraged by its bright light. While it was shrouded in darkness, they feared predators and enemies lurking in the shadows. The Moon’s ever-changing faces were used to measure the passage of time, denote animal migrations, and predict the coming rains. It was also a source of omens that ruled the priests, the kings, the people, and the...

How to Harness the Magick of the Wheel: A Wiccan Guide to Sabbats and Festivals

For our ancestors, Sabbats were a time of both revelry and reverence. Families traveled great distances to partake in the festivities, bringing with them the very best they had to offer. Bread, cheese, oil and wine- all were valued sacrifices for the Sabbats. Sacred fires would be lit in honor of the turning Wheel; spiritual leaders called upon the Goddess and the God to request their blessings and favor upon the people and land. Through the night, communities...

How to Harness the Magick of the Dance: A Wiccan Guide for the Wheel of Life

The Wheel. The Circle. The Pentagram... What do these magical symbols have in common? They are but a few of the ancient representations of the greatest mystery of the universe: the never-ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth. As Wiccans, we call this the Dance of Life, and it’s our reverence for the Dance that binds us together. Our eyes behold the majestic union between spirit and matter. Our souls feel the ebb and flow of energy...