Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "Pagan Info"

As Paganism is a very diverse religion with many distinct though related traditions, the forms of Pagan worship vary widely. It may be collective or solitary. It may consist of informal prayer or meditation, or of formal, structured rituals through which the participants affirm their deep spiritual connection with nature, honour their Gods and Goddesses, and celebrate the seasonal festivals of the turning year and the rites of passage of human life. As Pagans have no public buildings specifically set aside for worship, and most believe that religious ceremonies are best conducted out of doors, rituals often take place in woods or caves, on hilltops, or along the seashore. To Pagans the finest places of worship are those not built by human hands - as well as at stone circles, in parks, and private homes and gardens. Women and men almost always worship together and Paganism generally emphasises equality of the sexes. In certain paths, however, women may take the leading role as representative of the pre-eminence of the female principle. Ceremonies usually begin with the marking out of a ritual circle, a symbol of sacred space which has neither beginning nor end, and within which all stand as equals. At the quarter-points, the four directions and the corresponding elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water will be acknowledged and bid welcome. There may follow, according to the purpose of the rite, any or all of meditation, chanting, music, prayer, dance, the pouring of libations, recitations of poetry and/or the performance of sacred drama, and the sharing of food and drink. Lastly the circle will be formally unmade, the directions, elements, and all the forms of divinity that have been called upon thanked, as the rite ends. Pagans do not believe that they are set above, or apart from, the rest of nature. They understand divinity to be immanent, woven through every aspect of the living earth. Thus, Pagan worship is mainly concerned with connection to, and the honouring of, immanent divinity. The rituals are akin to a symbolic language of communication between the human and the divine: one which speaks not to the intellect alone but also to the body, the emotions, and the depths of the unconscious mind, allowing Pagans to experience the sacred as whole people within the act of worship. The approach is primarily mythopoeic, recognising that spiritual truths are better understood by means of allusion and symbol rather than through doctrine.

Throughout history, the besom is traditionally linked to Witchcraft, and "flying Witches". It is still widely used today in magick ritual, to "sweep" the psychic dirt away, cleanse the circle, or ritual area. There are many explanations for the idea that witches can fly on broomsticks. One popular belief being that witches often used the mandrake root for pain relief, especially to ease menstrual cramps. Mandrake contains scopalamine, which is (along with atropine) also found in thorn apple/belladonna. Both were commonly used in 'witches potions' to induce out of body experiences. The root would be concocted into a paste which seeped through the skin when applied to relieve the pain. It was often rubbed in the armpit area, or vaginally, applied with the handle of the broom. Being highly hallucinogenic, this may have given the feeling or "flight" or "riding the broomstick". It is also said that in the times of the Witch hunts, that the Church wanted to spread fear surrounding Witches, and during those times, what better way that to accuse them of having the ability to fly. Whatever the reason, the broomstick, or "besom" is still a widely used tool in Pagan rites, and often used in blessings of fertility. Some folklore of the Besom... An old English Saying: "Buy a broom in May, and you will sweep your friends away." In Welsh Tradition among the Gypsies, there was an old custom of the broomstick wedding. The couple solemnized their rites before witnesses by jumping over a broom placed in a doorway, without dislodging it. To dissolve the marriage, they had to reverse the process, jumping backwards out of the house, over the broom, before the same witnesses. An old Yorkshire belief: Should a young girl inadvertently step over a broom handle she will become a mother before she becomes a wife. In Sicily, on Midsummer's Eve, a broom is placed outside the home to ward off any wickedness that might come knocking. Never sweep after the sunset, for fear chasing away happiness or hurting a wandering soul. Brooms laid across the doorways are believed to keep evil out. Never use a broom when there is a dead person in the house. Never bring old brooms into new houses as a broom becomes attached to houses so leave the old one behind. Never walk on a broom. Never use a broom to sweep outside the house, unless the inside of the house is cleaned first. If you sweep under someone's feet tell them that you will dance at their wedding. Otherwise they will have bad luck. A new broom should sweep dirt out of a house only after it has swept something in.

The Uniter of Worlds The Tree of Life is an important symbol in nearly every culture. With its branches reaching into the sky, and roots deep in the earth, it dwells in three worlds- a link between heaven, the earth, and the underworld, uniting above and below. It is both a feminine symbol, bearing sustenance, and a masculine, visibly phallic symbol- another union. In Jewish and Christian mythology, a tree sits at the center of both the Heavenly and Earthly Edens. The Norse cosmic World Ash, Ygdrassil, has its roots in the underworld while its branches support the abode of the Gods. The Egyptian's Holy Sycamore stood on the threshold of life and death, connecting the worlds. To the Mayas, it is Yaxche, whose branches support the heavens. The tree has other characteristics which lend easily to symbolism. Many trees take on the appearance of death in the winter- losing their leaves, only to sprout new growth with the return of spring. This aspect makes the tree a symbol of resurrection, and a stylized tree is the symbol of many resurrected Gods- Jesus, Attis, and Osirus all have crosses as their symbols. Most of these Gods are believed to have been crucified on trees, as well. The modern Christmas tree hearkens back to trees decorated to honor Attis, the crucified God of the Greeks. A tree also bears seeds or fruits, which contain the essence of the tree, and this continuous regeneration is a potent symbol of immortality. It is the fruit of a tree that confers immortality in the Jewish creation story. In Taoist tradition, it is a divine peach that gives the gift of immortality. In ancient Persia, the fruit of the haoma bears this essence. The apples of Idun give the Norse gods their powers, much like the Gods of the Greek pantheon and their reliance on Ambrosia. This aspect of the tree as a giver of gifts and spiritual wisdom is also quite common. It is while meditating under a Bodhi tree that Buddha received his enlightenment; the Norse God Odin received the gift of language while suspended upside down in the World Ash (an interesting parallel is the hanged man of the tarot). In Judeo-Christian mythology, the Tree of heaven is the source of the primordial rivers that water the earth- similar to the Tooba Tree of the Koran, from whose roots spring milk, honey, and wine. This tree and its gifts of immortality are not easy to discover. It is historically difficult to find, and almost invariably guarded. The tree of Life in the Jewish bible is guarded by a Seraph (an Angel in the form of a fiery serpent) bearing a flaming sword. To steal the apples of knowledge, the Greek hero Hercules had to slay a many-headed dragon Ladon. In Mayan legends, it is a serpent in the roots that must be contended with. Similarly, the Naga, or divine serpent guards the Hindu Tree. The Serpent Nidhog lives under Ygdrassil, and gnaws at the roots. The tree as the abode of the Gods is another feature common to many mythologies; in some, the tree itself is a God. The ancient Sumerian God Dammuzi was personified as a tree, as is the Hindu Brahman. The Byzantine World tree represents the omnipotence of the Christian god. Another form, the inverted Tree, represents spiritual growth, as well as the human nervous system. This tree, with its roots in heaven, and its branches growing downward, is most commonly found in Kabbalistic imagery. A similar tree is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, "The banyan tree with its roots above, and its branches below, is imperishable." In Jewish Kabbalah, the inverted tree represents the nervous system as well- the 'root' in the cranial nerves, with the branches spreading throughout the body; it also represents the cosmic tree- rooted in heaven, the branches all of manifest creation.

Wards - How to set them up and use them properly People who have studied magic have heard of shields or wards. A lot of books give you instructions for setting these up. I have some simple methods that I enjoy using and they are effective. You should use the simple wards first. The reason for this is the more practice you have in creating wards the better you will become. You will be able to invent your own methods of protection. The first methods are the magical use of herbs. Herbs sprinkled around the house are effective and easy to do. You pick a protective herb. My favorites are Rosemary, Marjoram, mint, cloves, cinnamon, dill, thyme, and fenugreek. All of these by themselves and in combination will protect you from different influences. Rosemary repels demons and the people who are in bondage to demons. Marjoram absorbs all the negativity around the house and prevents arguments. It also defends the person who sprinkles it in the corners of their house. Mint is an activator and energizer. It can be used to set up a shield when sprinkled around the outside of the house. It is especially good against the effects of Psychic Vampires. Cloves are protective when sprinkled in the corners of the house or used as incense. It gets rid of entities and stubborn thought forms. Cinnamon is protective and brings luck into the house. It also can be used as incense to banish negative entities. Dill hinders others from casting their spells upon you. Thyme prevents magic from affecting you and your home. Fenugreek keeps all demons out of your house and brings good luck into your home. To activate these herbs you say a heartfelt prayer over them mentioning what you want to prevent happening. You then sprinkle a little bit in the corner of every room in the house. You can also circle your home with the herbs to keep anything bad from entering your home. I prefer to use mint, fenugreek, and rosemary for encircling a home for protection of everyone and everything with in it. The next step is magical symbols. You can draw magical symbols that are compatible with your beliefs and that bring protection into your home. This is your choice. I like the runes myself. Others might like the cross, Star of David, etc. You must pray over these symbols and ask for help from the forces that you are invoking to protect you. You visualize your walls being connected by a bright wall of force that will protect you. You should make these walls of force vibrate at a high pitch and hum to a high note. I would say the best demonstration of this is a tuning fork. You want them to hum and vibrate like a tuning fork at a pitch no one else can hear. I also use stones set in the four corners of the yard to defend myself. You draw a protective symbol on them and pray over them. You then set them in the four corners of your yard. You visualize a wall of force connecting them that nothing that will cause harm can cross. You will again want them to vibrate and hum at a high pitch. You can also bury them. You can do this upon brick or wood fences. You just use a colored marker that will blend in with the color so no one will notice the symbols. You can use hex-removing oil to seal all the doors and window. You do this by drawing a magical symbol on the frame of the door or window. You again visualize a wall of force preventing anything that would cause harm from entering. You can also use other oils if you can not find uncrossing or hex-removing. These are cypress oil, cedar oil, rosemary oil, or dragon’s blood oil. If you can not afford or find oils I suggest using an herb tea. The tea can be made with any of the protective herbs and strained. It can be a weak tea so it does not discolor any of the walls. You pray over it or the oils before you use it to make the symbols. Personal wards can be a little trickier. You have to be able to visualize properly and link it to a symbol or crystal on your body that is good for protection. There are many lists of these types of stones. You again want them to hum and vibrate at a high pitch to keep anything nasty away. You can also visualize them as reflecting magic back at the person sending it. They also have talismans that you can make and energize to do this for you. Wearing it is not enough because you have to make it hum and vibrate so the field of force encloses you. I have found that most talismans or stones start to do this when you pray over them and state your purpose. You then should fill them with energy and that will start them vibrating and humming at the level of your purpose. If you are being hexed then you should do this for your vehicles, and the people you love and care for because most magicians want to harm the person they are cursing. They really don't care what they have to do to accomplish this. You can use the same protective oils or teas as you did inside of your house. I also like to hang a dream catcher from the mirror with a piece of flint or turquoise tied into the dream catcher. Both of these stones protect people against accidents. I rub the oil upon the stones and pray over the dream catcher. As an exercise I would like you to set up your own personal wards and see how they make you feel. The colors to use must be white, blue, yellow, gold, and purple. They should be the pastel colors or very pleasant. Do not use the dark shades of these colors. Write down your feedback when you do this. You can decide what shape, color and method is the best for you. Some people have problems visualizing. You can make a model of the wards you want to set up out of string. You then put a picture of your home and the people you want to protect in the model. You can include the car, pets and anything you want to keep safe. You can then seal it in with a verse such as "Who comes to me I keep, who goes from me I free, none may enter here who knows not my key. You then write down what you will think as the key to unlock the wards. It is a very simple method and has been used for centuries. I have known people who have no talents for crafts of any kind. I would suggest a Tupperware or any other type of sealed container. The pictures would go in the container. You would draw protective symbols upon the sides, top and bottom then store it in a safe place. One other simple method is to take two mirrors and glue them together. You then say the verse- who spies on me will see themselves, who tries to harm me will harm only them, let the evil find only them. You write the verse I gave for the wards on both backs of the mirrors. Hang the mirrors above the doors. It will make it so no one can send magic to you but will only see the mirrors or blackness. It is especially good for people who try to see you to harm you. I hope that these methods have helped you to defend and protect yourself and your family. They are simple but are effective.

Elements and directions are important in Pagan tradition and magickal practice. Each of these has specific attributes and is part of the Tarot and astrology. According to Western European Pagan traditions, the four traditional elements correspond to the four directions. There are Native American tribes that also share this belief. Akasha, according to some practitioners, is the spiritual power of the universe and fifth element. Fire This element creates and destroys. It can't exist without demolishing something and transforming it into another form such as ashes, smoke, heat and light, therefore, it has to be controlled. Fire purifies, energizes, cleanses and is forceful. Its energy is projective, masculine, and the colors are red or white. Its powers are used for courage, protection, energy, strength, creativity, increasing one's personal power and banishing negativity. * Direction: South, Okaga Ska*, place of growth, rejuvenation and youth * Elemental spirits: Salamanders and Firedrakes (fire breathing dragons) * Archangel: Michael * Season and time: Summer and noon * Tarot suit: Wands or Swords (As with Air, there are two different interpretations, according to sources.) * Astrological signs: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius * Totem: Thunderbird * Spirit Keeper of the South: Shawnodese**, Coyote * Keywords: Pita's*, Eternal Life Earth This is the densest of the elements and is the mother who sustains life. Its energy is receptive and feminine. The element's natures are fertility, grounding, stabilizing and nurturing. Its energy is used to attract prosperity, abundance, grounding, career and fertility. Its colors are green or red. * Direction: North, Luta*, the place of renewal, wisdom and the grandparents * Elemental spirits: Gnomes * Archangel: Ariel also called Uriel * Season and time: Winter and night * Tarot suit: Pentacles * Astrological signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn * Totem: Turtle * Spirit Keeper of the North: Waboose**, Buffalo * Keywords: Maka's*, renewal Air This element is the power of movement, intelligence and refreshing. Movement sounds and flying are manifestations of Air. Energy is masculine and projective. Attributes are intelligence, travel, freedom, knowledge, recovering lost items and study which are used to attract these qualities. Its color is yellow. * Direction: East, Gi*, the place of clarity * Elemental spirits: Sylphs * Archangel: Raphael * Season and time: Spring and dawn * Tarot suit: Air or Wands * Astrological signs: Gemini, Libra and Aquarius * Totem: Butterfly * Spirit Keeper of the East: Wabun**, Eagle * Keywords: Niyan*, Life Force Water Healing, cleansing, psychicism and loving are associated with this element. Energy is receptive and feminine. Water is used for purification, psychic growth, peace, love, friendships and dreams. Its colors are deep blue and black. * Direction: West, Sapa*, place of meditation * Elemental spirits: undines, nymphs and merfolks * Archangel: Gabriel * Season and time: Autumn and Dusk * Tarot suit: Cups * Astrological signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces * Totem: Frog * Spirit Keeper of the West: Mudjekeewis**, Bear * Keyword: Mini's*, creativity Akasha The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "kash" which means to shine or radiate. It's also another word for Spirit, the omnipresent immutable source of all energy. It's the domain of promise, potential and paths to be traveled. The energy permeates the Universe, the primal source that creates and nourishes the elements. Colors are white, purple and black. Akasha is transcendence. Elemental spirits are angels. Much else about this spiritual element is, yet, unknown or undefined. While some other traditions recognize this element, Akashan Witchcraft is a new tradition. * Lakota Sioux ** Chippewa Sources: The Astrologer's Handbook, Frances Sakoian & Louis Acker, (Harper & Rowe, Publishers, 1973) Celtic Magic, D. J. Conway, (Llewellyn Publications, 1994) Earth, Air, Fire & Water, Scott Cunningham, (Llewellyn, 1995) Enchantment of the Faerie Realm, Ted Andrews, (Llewellyn Publications, 1994) The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards, Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer & Helen Sarkis, (Destiny Books, 1994) The Medicine Wheel, Sun Bear and Wabun, (A Fireside Book, 1992)

* Alexandrian Wicca Founded in England during the 1960s, Alex Sanders referred to himself as the "King" of his Witches. The rituals are said to be modified Gardenarian. * British Wicca A mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. Most famous organization at this time is the International Red Garters. British Traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar studies (the famous Witch husband and wife from England.) They too are fairly structured in their beliefs, and train through the degree process. Their covens are also co-ed. * Celtic Wicca The use of a Celtic/Druidic pantheon mixed with a little ritual Gardnerian, and heavily stressing the elements, nature and the Ancient Ones. They had a vast knowledge of and respect for the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and fairies. * Caledonii Formally known as the Hecatine Tradition, this denomination of the Craft is Scottish in origin, and still preserves the unique festivals of the Scots. * Ceremonial Witchcraft Followers of this Tradition uses a great deal of ceremonial magick in their practices. Detailed rituals with a flavor of Egyptian magick are sometimes a favorite, or they may use the Qabbalistic magick. * Dianic First pinpointed by Margaret Murray in 1921 in "The Witch-Cult in Western Europe," this term appears to include a mixture of various traditions. However, their prime focus in recent years is on the Goddess, and has been pegged as the "feminist" movement of the Craft. * Eclectic Wicca Look in any personals column in a Craft-oriented newsletter or journal and you will see this catch-all phrase. Basically, it indicates that the individual does not follow any particular Tradition, denomimation, sect, or magickal practice. They learn and study from many magickal systems and apply to themselves what appears to work best. I happen to be an Eclectic Wiccan. * Gardnerian Wicca Organized by Gerald Gardner in England in the 1950s. Just why is this fellow so darned important? Gerald was one of the few people so determined that the Old Religion should not die that he took the risk of publicizing it through the media. Under all the hype, I truly believe he understood that the young needed the Craft as much as the Craft needed a new generation to survive. * Hereditary Witch One who can trace the Craft through their family tree and who has been taught the Old Religion by a relative who was living at the same time. Channeling doesn't count. How far one has to go back on the family tree to meet the conditions of the first part of this definition is debatable. Family Trades (another name for Hereditary Witches) occasionally adopt individuals into their dynasty. This decision is never a light one, and usually stems from the lack of offspring to carry on the line, or the high regard they hold for the person in question. The ceremony is intricate and important. After all, it is not every day you can pick your relatives! It is much like the marriage of an individual into a family. * Kitchen Witch You will hear this term every once in a while. Basically, this type is one who practices by hearth and home, dealing with the practical side of religion, magick, the earth and the elements. There are some who groan loudly at this type of terminology, viewing it as degrading or simply inappropriate. Just remember that the Old Religion started somewhere, and most likely the kitchen (or cookfire) was the hub of many charms, spells, healings, and celebrations. After all, where does everyone congregate during the holidays? Grandma's kitchen has always produced magickal memories for humanity; visions of Mother making that something special for a sick child still holds true today for many of us. * Pictish Witchcraft Scottish Witchcraft that attunes itself to all aspects of nature; animal, vegetable, and mineral. It is a solitary from of the Craft and mainly magickal in nature with little religion. * Pow-Wow Indigenous to South Central Pennsylvania. This is a system, not a religion, based on 400 year old Elite German magick. Pow-Wow has deteriorated to a great degree into simple faith healing. Although Pow-Wow finds its roots in German Witchcraft, few practicing Pow-Wows today in Pennsylvania follow the Craft or even know the nature of its true birth. * Seax-Wicca Founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973. Although of Saxon basis, it was authored by Raymond himself without breaking his original Gardnerian oath. Raymond Buckland's contribution to the Craft is a significant one. Not only did he develop a Tradition that is more than acceptable to many individuals, he also has written a large volume of textbooks on different magickal aspects and practices of the Craft, thereby enhancing many lives in a positive direction. * Solitary Witch One who practices alone, regardless of Tradition, denomination, or sect. Solitaries come in various forms. Some were at one time initiated into a coven and eventually chose to extricate themselves from that environment and continue practicing a particular Tradition or sect by themselves. A solitary can also be an individual who has no desire to practice with or learn from a coven structure, but still may adhere to a specific Tradition or sect through the teachings of another. And finally, a solitary Witch can be a person who has decided to tough it out on their own, learning from books, networking, and fellow Witches of different Traditions. These people have the ability to pick themselves up and brush themselves off, and live to try again. More and more individuals are selecting the solitary path rather than that of group interaction. * Strega Witch Follows a tradition seated in Italy that began around 1353 with a woman called Aradia. Of all the traditional Witches, this group appears to be the smallest in number in the U.S.; however, their teachings are beautiful and should not be missed. * Teutonic Witch From ancient time the Teutons have been recognized as a group of people who speak the Germanic group of languages. Culturally, this included the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. This is also known as the Nordic Tradition. Mind you, this is a short list as there are many other paths of wicca. Will try to expound on this for a more complete list in the near future.

This past full moon (Monday May, 19th) I went to another group gathering in my area and was pleasantly surprised to see so many familiar faces. We all gathered and participated in a full moon drum circle dedicated to Pachamama in an Andean South American ritual which was absolutely fulfilling and deeply moving. I just wanted to share some basic information for those interested since it was also new to me. Pachamama is a goddess revered by the indigenous people of the Andes. Pachamama is usually translated as "Mother Earth" but a more literal translation would be "Mother Universe" (in Aymara and Quechua mama = mother / pacha = world, space-time or the universe) [1]. Pachamama and Inti are the most benevolent deities and are worshiped in parts of the Andean mountain ranges, also known as Tawantinsuyu (stretching from present day Ecuador to Chile and Argentina). In Inca mythology, Mama Pacha or Pachamama is a fertility goddess who presides over planting and harvesting. She causes earthquakes. Her husband was either Pacha Camac or Inti, depending on the source. Llamas are sacrificed to her. After conquest by Catholic Spain her image was masked by the Virgin Mary, behind whom she is invoked and worshiped in the Indian ritual, in some parts of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru (Merlino y Rabey 1992)[2]. Since Pachamama is a "good mother", people usually toast to her honor before every meeting or festivity, in some regions by spilling a small amount of chicha on the floor, before drinking the rest. This toast is called "challa" and its made almost everyday. Pachamama has a special worship day called "Martes de challa" (Challa's Tuesday) where people bury food, throw candies, burn incense. In some cases, celebrants assist to traditional priests called "yatiris" in ancient rites to bring good luck or the good will of the goddess, such as sacrificing guinea pigs or burning llama fetuses (although these last two are no longer very common). The festival is after carnival and one day before the Catholic "miércoles de ceniza" (Ash Wednesday). Ritual The central ritual to Pachamama is the Challa or Pago (Payment). It is carried out during all the month of August, and in many places also the first Friday of each month. Other ceremonies are carried out in special times, as upon leaving for a trip or upon passing an apacheta. According to Mario Rabey and Rodolfo Merlino, Argentine anthropologists who studied the Andean culture since the decades from 1970 to that of 1990, "the most important ritual is the challaco. Challaco is a deformation of the quechua words 'ch'allay' and 'ch'allakuy', that refer to the action to insistently sprinkle (Lira 1941: 160 y 161[3]). In the current language of the peasants of the southern Central Andes, the word 'challar' is used like a synonym of 'to feed and to give drink to the land'. The challaco, just as is practiced in the studied area (Merlino y Rabey 1983: 153-155[4]), covers a complex series of ritual steps that begin in the family dwellings the night of the eve, during which cooks a special food, the tijtincha, and that culminate in an eye of water or the beginning of a ditch where is carried out the main ritual to the Mother Earth, with a series of tributes that include food, beverage, leaves of coke and cigars" (Rabey y Merlino 1988[5]). The religion centered in the Pachamama is practiced currently in parallel form to the Christianity, to the point such that many families are simultaneously Christian and pachamamistas (Merlino y Rabey 1983 [6]). References 1. ^ Lira, Jorge A., 1944 Diccionario Kkechuwa - Español. Tucumán, Argentina 2. ^ Merlino, Rodolfo y Mario Rabey, 1992, Resistencia y hegemonía: Cultos locales y religión centralizada en los Andes del Sur. Allpanchis, 40: 173-200 3. ^ Lira, Jorge A., 1944, Diccionario Kkechuwa - Español. Tucumán, Argentina 4. ^ Merlino, Rodolfo y Mario Rabey, 1983, Pastores del Altiplano Andino Meridional: Religiosidad, Territorio y Equilibrio Ecológico. Allpanchis, 21: 149 - 171. Cusco, Perú 5. ^ Mario Rabey y Rodolfo Merlino, 1988, El control ritual-rebaño entre los pastores del altiplano argentino. En Jorge Flores Ochoa, ed., Llamichos y paqocheros: Pastores de llamas y alpacas: 113 - 120. Cusco, Perú 6. ^ Merlino, Rodolfo y Mario Rabey, 1983, Pastores del Altiplano Andino Meridional: Religiosidad, Territorio y Equilibrio Ecológico. Allpanchis, 21: 149 - 171. Cusco, Perú

The Faerie Folk have inhabited the hills, valleys and plains of the Earth since the very beginning of time. Shamanism is as old and as vast as the night sky, Paganism, as a belief based on Shamanism and Faerie, has been a part of humanity since the building of the first small communal village. Faerie Paganism is a modern expression of these three Universal Creations. Faerie Shamanism and Paganism is a religion and belief system of great personal and universal power Imbedded in the Faith of the Fey is a deep reverence for the Earth and all of her bounties. A firm belief in the Faerie Folk of the Ancient Celtic and Norse Worlds, a respect for all life from the tiny insect to the gigantic whale, a personal internal and external power called Magick! A love of the nature inherent in human beings both inner and outer, and a communion with the Ancient Divinities of the Earth, Sea, Sky, and Stars. One of the first and most important beliefs of Faerie Paganism is a Respect for the Earth and an environmental consciousness which runs so deep it connects with the divine spirit within. Energy and healing are gained from the soil. Knowledge and wisdom are gained from the trees, cleansing and purging comes from the lakes, rivers, and streams. Protection comes from the rocks and fire. The Earth is a magickal, mystical Realm which mirrors the Astral Other Worlds And it is important to see her as the Ultimate Mother who nurtures and protects her children, whether they are Faerie, Human, Animal, Plant, or Mineral. Rites are practiced which attune the seeker to the harmonious workings of the seasons of nature. Faerie Paganism has a firm belief in the Faerie Folk stemming from the mythologies and folk beliefs of the Celtic and Norse Peoples. The Faeries are sought for protection, companionship, wisdom, knowledge, inspiration, and magick. They are invited to all of the Rites and Rituals, and they are acknowledged in every aspect of life. Along with this comes a respect for all creatures, both great and small. For the Fey are Shape-Shifters, and can assume any shape, from a lady bird, to a bear, to a rock, a tree, or spring mist. Magick is an integral part of the Faerie Shaman Faith. Magick is the art and science of causing change in ones environment in conformity with one's will. Magick can be used to heal, to divine, or to assist in the obtaining of goals. The only possible limits of Magick are the self, the imagination, and the knowledge of the Faerie (or any other) Magickal System. In Faerie Paganism, the natural human body, soul, and mind are seen as beautiful, powerful, and divine. Human beings were not cast out of paradise, they are born into it. Human beings are not born inherently evil or bad, they are born innocent with the gift of choice. Human beings do not answer to the laws of an omnipotent god, they answer and account for their own actions. And the eternal afterlife of a human being is not judged by one lifetime alone. Many lifetimes will be traversed before we are all reconnected with divinity. Finally, in Faerie Paganism, there is the communion with the Ancient Divinities of the Ancient World. The Gods and Goddesses, Heroes and Heroines of the ancient Celtic and Norse lands. The original race of Faeries who first came to the Earth from the Stars were known to the Celts as the Tuadha De Dannan, or People of The Goddess Dana. Eventually, when the Milesians (humans) came to inhabit the Earth, The Tuadha De Dannan moved into the Realm of the Faerie, or Faerie Land. We know speak and commune with them when we travel to their Realm or when they cross over into reality. Faerie Paganism is a religion of love and beauty. It is a wonderful ideology coveting the goodness inherent in humankind. It is a religion containing all of the wonderful enchantments of the Faerie Realm, and it is a religion revering the wondrous beauty, enchantment and magick of the Earth, the Sea, the Sky, and the Stars.

1) Never experiment or practice with magickal applications, symbols, or systems that you do not FULLY understand. If you do not know the full gambit of what you are doing, Do Not Do It. Retribution and causalities can be far reaching and abound in more ways than you can imagine. 2) Do not link money with your magick. It will effect the outcome and the caster. Reimbursement for supplies, time, and effort is acceptable but, never demanded. 3) Never use your skills and abilities to impress or fascinate someone. The God and Goddess do not need another arrogant buffoon. You will fail miserably. 4) Do not scare or threaten others with magickal intimidations or the like. We are Witches, not thugs. Remember the Law of Three. 5) Know that thoughts are things, and that which you create may and probably will manifest in this reality. 6) Never lie to yourself or others. This is the epitome of deceit. This becomes a circle of self-destruction. 7) All things that are -bad- in your life are most often the result of low self-esteem or negative self-think, not bad luck. 8) The power of a Witch grows in direct relation to his or her wisdom and capability. 9) Nothing can harm you or control you unless you allow it to and believe that it does. 10) Never use your abilities to harm another. However, you may defend yourself, and the ones you love, the best way you see fit. 11) Always do the best that you can do. No one is perfect but, we try to constantly improve ourselves and to evolve. Have faith. The God and Goddess will take care of you in the best possible manner. 12) As long as you adhere to what you believe in, do not worry about the ridicules of others. Ridicules are the result of fear, low self-esteem and self-doubt. Do not waste your time on such nonsense. 13) Regard property of another better than you would have them regard your own. Be respectful. 14) Do nothing that would endanger the Craft or someone of the Craft. 15) Do not do something that will bring about conflict with the law of the land. Do mind your beliefs, the beliefs and laws of your Coven, and the beliefs and laws of your Clan - above all others. 16) Witches may teach to others outside of the Craft if: The environment is safe to all, The teacher is knowledgeable and responsible, The student is willing and sincere, The information is already available to the general public-no secrets, and The information Harms None. 17) Perform all magick within the circle. This is especially true for beginners. Only those of great experience and ability may work outside of the circle. 18) Do Nothing to bring Shame to yourself, your coven, and your clan. We, as Witches, have a responsibility that others only speak about but, never fully practice. Each of us is a direct representative of our religion and the Craft, as a whole. 19) Always be proud of who and what you are. Know that you are among the elite and of something far greater than most will ever know. Be proud, be compassionate, and be kind, for you can afford to be. 20) Never shed blood in circle. The God and Goddess do not want us to waste their creations and their children in such a manner. All things are of the God and Goddess. Respect theirs and ours. Killing is for defense and survival -only. 21) Always remember that the God and Goddess are with us. They will provide and protect us. We are never alone. As such, be mindful and remember. 22) Always keep the laws, the Rede, and the rules of the coven and clan. They are written for a purpose and not to fill space on the paper. Keep the laws and they will keep you. 23) Always follow your beliefs diligently, for they are who you are, and they define you for all to see. 24) Do not cast spells while sick, ill, or under the influence of drugs or heavy medication. The results can and probably be extremely baneful. Always be in complete control of yourself. 25) Do not let anyone tell you that what you believe in - the Craft- is wrong, evil, or bad. This is a trick to persuade you to be a puppet of another. 26) Always keep an open mind to the ways and beliefs of others. We are all here to learn and grow together. Keep yourself and your beliefs but, learn from and about others. The higher mind is a diversified mind. 27) Do not mock the way of others. For they may know something you may not -and you might not realize it ...yet.

- Winding copper wire around the tip of your wand will help the power to flow. - Clap your hands loudly to disperse excess physical power. - Birch twigs are traditionally used for cleansing, so fashion your witches' broom from these, tied to an ash or pine wood handle. - Burning blue candles will bring peace into your home; this is especially effective if there has been conflict there recently. - Light a pure white candle to honor the goddess at the new moon. - Place your athame or wand in the path of the full moon's rays the charge it with magical power. - When your get new magickal tools, pass them through incense smoke and a candle flame, then sprinkle with water and salt to cleanse them. - When the wind is strong, go outside and let it blow your aura clean. - Sweep your ritual space from the center outward to disperse negativity. - A bell rung three times will effectively purify the space when your circle will be cast. - Hold new candles in your hands and visualize them being bathed in cleansing light, which will remove all previous energies from them. - Eat after psychic work or ritual to ground yourself.