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Wiccan Rede
Bide the Wiccan law ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust;
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill;
‘An ye harm none, do as ye will’;
Lest in self-defense it be, ever mind the rule of three;
Follow this with mind and heart;
And merry ye meet and merry ye part.
Athame Star
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The Ways of Making Magic
The [eight pointed asterisk] sign on the Athame is said to represent, among other things, the Eight Paths
which all lead to the Center and the Eight Ways of Making magic, and these are:
1. Meditation or concentration.
2. Chants, Spells, Invocations. Invoking the Goddess, etc.
3. Projection of the Astral Body, or Trance.
4. Incense, Drugs, Wine, etc. Any potion which aids to release the Spirit
.
5. Dancing
6. Blood control. Use of the Cords.
7. The Scourge
.
8. The Great Rite.
You can combine many of these ways to produce more power.
To practice the Art successfully, you need the following five things:
1. Intention. You must have the absolute will to succeed, the firm belief that you can do so and the
2. Preparation. You must be properly prepared.
3. Invocation. The Mighty Ones must be invoked.
4. Consecration. The Circle must be properly cast and consecrated and you must have properly
consecrated tools.
5. Purification. You must be purified.
Hence there are 5 things necessary before you can start, and then 8 Paths or Ways leading to the Centre.
For instance, you can combine 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 together in one rite; or 4, 6 and 7 together with 1 and 2, or
with 3 perhaps. The more ways you can combine, the more power you produce.
It is not ment to make offering of less than two score lashes to the Goddess, for here be a mystery. The
fortunate numbers be 3, 7, 9 and thrice 7 which be 21. And these numbers total two score, so a less
perfect or fortunate number would not be a perfect prayer. Also the Fivefold Salute be 5, yet it be 8
kisses; for there be 2 feet, 2 knees and 2 breasts. And five times 8 be two score. Also there be 8 Working
Tools and the Pentacle be 5; and five eights be two score.
(Note: 8 plus 5 equals 13. 8 multipled by 5 equals 40.)
NOTES
Published in Janet & Stewart Farrar's The Witches' Way. They say it comes from GBG's BOS
(Text B and Text C)
l
Power
Power is latent in the body and may be drawn out and used in various ways by the skilled. But unless
confined in a circle it will be swiftly dissapated. Hence the importance of a poroperly constructed circle.
Power seems to exude from the body via the skin and possibly from the orifices of the body; hence you
should be properly prepared. The slightest dirt spoils everything, which shows the importance of
thorough cleanliness.
The attitude of mind has great effect, so only work with a spirit of reverence. A little wine taken and
repeated during the ceremony, if necessary, helps to produce the power. Other strong drinks or drugs
may be used, but it is necessary to be very moderate, as if you are confused, even slightly, you cannot
control the power you evoke.
The simplest way is by dancing and singing monotonous chants, slowly at first and gradually quickening
the tempo until giddiness ensues. Then the calls may be used, or even wild and meaningful shrieking
produces power. But this method inflames the mind and renders it difficult to control the power, though
control may be gained through practice. The scourge is a far better way, for it stimulates and excites both
body and soul, yet one easily retains control.
The Great Rite is far the best. It releases enormous power, but the conditions and circumstances make it
difficult for the mind to maintain control at first. It is again a matter of practice and the natural strength
of the operator's will and in a lesser degree those of his assistants. If, as of old, there were many trained
assistants present and all wills properly attuned, wonders occur.
Sorcerors chiefly used the blood sacrifice; and while we hold this to be evil we cannot deny that this
method is very efficient. Power flashes forth from newly shed blood, instead of slowly exuding as by our
method. The victim's terror and anguish add keenness and quite a small animal can yield enormous
power. The great difficulty is in the human mind controlling the power of the lower animal mind. But
sorcerors claim they have methods for effecting this and that the difficulty disappears the higher the
animal used and when the victim is human disappears entirely. (The practice is an abomination, but it is
so.)
Priests know this well; and by their auto-da-fe's, with the victim's pain and terror (the fires acting much
the same as circles), obtained enormous power.
Of old the Flagellants certainly evoked power, but through not being confined by a circle most was lost.
The amount of power raised was so great and continuous that anyone with knowledge could direct and
use it; and it is most probable that the classical and heathen sacrifices were used in the same way. There
are whispers that when the human victim was a willing sacrifice, with his mind directed on the Great
Work and with highly skilled assistants, wonders ensued - but of this I would not speak
.
NOTES
Published in Janet and Stewart Farrar's The Witches' Way; they got it from GBG's BOS (Text B or
C; it's the same in each).
To Get the Sight
Sight cometh to different people in divers ways; 'tis seldom it cometh naturally, but it can be induced in
many ways. Deep and prolonged meditation may do it, but only if you are a natural, and usually
prolonged fasting is necessary. Of old the monks and nuns obtained visions by long vigils, combined
with fasting and flagellation til blood came; other mortifications of the flesh were practiced which
resulted in visions.
In the East 'tis tried with various tortures whilst sitting in a cramped position, which retarded the flow of
blood; these tortures, long and continued, gave good results.
In the Art, we are taught an easier way, that is, to intensify the imagination, at the same time controlling
the blood supply, and this may best be done by using the ritual.
Incense is good to propitiate the spirits, also to induce relaxation to the aspirant and to help build up the
atmosphere which is necessary for suggestibility. Myrrh, Gum Mastic, Aromatic Rush Roots, Cinnamon
Bark, Musk, Juniper, Sandalwood and Ambergris, in combination, are all good, but the best of all is
Patchouli.
The circle being formed, and everything properly prepared, the aspirant should first bind and take his
tutor into the circle, invoke suitable spirits for the operation, dance round till giddy, meanwhile invoking
and announcing the object of the work, then he should use the flagellum. Then the tutor should in turn
bind the aspirant - but very lightly, so as not to cause discomfort - but enough to retard the blood slightly.
Again they should dance round, then at the Altar the tutor should use the flagellum with light, steady,
slow and monotonous strokes. It is very important that the pupil should see the strokes coming, as this
has the effect of passing, and helps greatly to stimulate the imagination. It is important that the strokes be
not hard, the object being to do no more than draw the blood to that part and away from the brain; this,
with the light binding, slowing down the circulation of the blood, and the passes, soon induce a drowsy
stupor. The tutor should watch for this, and as soon as the aspirant speaks or sleeps the flagellum should
cease. The tutor should also watch that the pupil becomes not cold, and if the pupil struggles or seems
distressed he should at once be awakened.
Be not discouraged if no results come at the first experiment - results usually occur after two or three
attempts. It will be found that after two or three attempts or experiments results will come, and soon
more quickly; also soon much of the ritual may be shortened, but never forget to invoke the Goddess or
to form the circle, and for good results 'tis ever better to do too much ritual rather than do too little at
first.
It has been found that this practice doth often cause a fondness between aspirant and tutor, and it is a
cause of better results if this be so. If for any reason it is undesireable there be any great fondness
between aspirant and tutor this may easily be avoided by both parties from the onset, by firmly resolving
in their minds that if any fondness ensues it shall be that of a brother and sister, or parent and child, and it
is for this reason that a man may only be taught by a woman and a woman by a man, and that man and
man or woman and woman should never attempt these practices together, and may all the curses of the
Mighty Ones be on any who make such an attempt.
Remember, the circle properly constructed is ever necessary to prevent the power released being
dissipated; it is also a barrier against any disturbing or mischievious forces; for to obtain good results you
must be free from all disturbances.
Remember, darkness, points of light gleaming amid the surrounding dark, incense and the steady passes
by a white arm, are not as stage effects but rather they are mechanical instruments which serve to start
the suggestion which later unlocks the knowledge that it is possible to obtain the divine ecstacy, and so
attain to knowledge and communication with the Divine Goddess. When once you have attained this,
ritual is needless, as you may attain the state of ecstacy at will, but 'til then or, if having obtained or
attained it yourself, you wish to bring a companion to that state of joy, ritual is best.
NOTES
Published in Janet and Stewart Farrar's The Witches' Way, from GBG's Text B/C BOS
.
To Leave the Body
'Tis not wise to strive to get out of your body until you have thoroughly gained the Sight. The same ritual
as to gain the Sight may be used, but have a comfortable couch. Kneel so that you have your thigh, belly
and chest well supported, the arms strained forward and bound one on each side, so that there is a
decided feeling of being pulled forward. As the trance is induced, you should feel a striving to push
yourself out of the top of your head. The scourge should be given a dragging action, as if to drive or drag
you out. Both wills should be thoroughly in tune, keeping a constant and equal strain. When trance
comes, your tutor may help you by softly calling your name. You will probably feel yourself drawn out
of your body as if through a narrow opening, and find yourself standing beside your tutor, looking at the
body on the couch. Strive to communicate with your tutor first; if they have the Sight they will probably
see you. Go not far afield at first, and 'tis better to have one who is used to leaving the body with you.
A note: When, having succeeded in leaving the body, you desire to return, in order to cause the spirit
body and the material body to coincide, THINK OF YOUR FEET. This will cause the return to take
place.
NOTES
l Published in Janet and Stewart Farrar's The Witches' Way, from GBG's Text B/C BOS.
Astral Projection
Written by Mephisto
What is 'Astral Projection'? Well, it is the 'sending out' of your spirit body from your physical body. This file will tell how to accomplish separation from your physical body. I will only present one method, though there are many, many more out there in various books.
To begin... You will need a place that is quiet, with a very small amount of light (but not total darkness). You must not be interrupted, either. The place should be comfortable, but not so much that you fall asleep. (I would suggest doing this while lying on the floor, an hour or so before you normally go to bed.) You should have no restricting clothing on, including watches, jewelry, underwear, etc. (As a matter of fact, you will have better results if you are naked.) If you are wearing something tight, it will be extremely difficult if not impossible for you to achieve separation. (From personal experience I can suggest that you remove your watch if you wear one)
Also, during the three (3) hours before you begin this, you should not eat anything, nor should you have drunk anything with Caffeine or Alcohol in it. If you have, your system will be either sped up, slowed down, or involved in digestion, which will make it very hard to achieve separation. And now that you have your place and are physically ready, you should clear your mind. As you progress through the following steps, you will become susceptible to random thoughts, you MUST maintain control of your thoughts or you will have to start over.
Take a deep breath. Now, either aloud or to yourself, say "I am going to go to my Alpha State."
Now, begin to visualize, in order, the colors Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet. (Roy G. Biv) To do this, visualize an object that is that color or just the color itself. (A stop light, or tee-shirt, or some other thing you are familiar with will work well) When you are satisfied that you have actually SEEN the color in your mind, even if for but a brief second, go on to the next color. When you have gone through all of them, say to yourself "I am now at my Alpha State."
You should now be VERY relaxed, you are basically in the state your body goes into while you sleep, although you are remaining conscious now. Now, concentrate on your big toe (either foot). It should begin to tingle. If it does not immediately tingle, keep concentrating, it WILL.
When it begins to tingle, concentrate on the other foot's big toe. And when it tingles, move to the soles of your feet, then the top. Do not worry about the areas that you have already gotten tingling, they will continue to tingle after you move on. Now, move the tingling up each of your legs, up to your waist. Then, starting with your fingers, do the same thing to your arms. When both your arms and legs are tingling, bring the sensation up from your waist through your back and up to your shoulders. Then bring it from the top of your arms across your shoulders, then down your chest. Keep concentrating until your entire chest tingles. Now every part of your body except your neck and head should be tingling. If there is a spot that is not, go back to it for a little while. When you have everything but the head/neck tingling, slowly take the feeling up through your neck. Now comes the hardest part... Relax ALL the muscles of your head, even your lips should be relaxed. Bring the sensation over the BACK of your head, until your scalp is tingling. It may take a while, but when that is done, send the tingling sensation over the rest of your head.
Your entire body should be tingling, as if you are plugged into an electrical outlet. If it is not, continue to concentrate until it is. It may take a while at first, but gradually it become easier and easier.
Now... To separate... Think of a place you would like to go, the closer it is the easier it will be... Visualize what the place looks like if you are familiar with it. Will yourself to go there, to BE there. By mere strength of will you should be able to separate from your body. Continue willing yourself to go until you do indeed separate. Some people
hear a metallic 'Click' when separation is achieved.
Move about... Simply will yourself to move. You do not have to walk, you do not have to go around objects. You are no longer limited by your physical body. You do not have to walk, you can, actually, fly! Whenever you want to return to your body, simply will yourself to be there... Going back is the easiest trip!
Now when you return to the body, slowly open your eyes. Do NOT move about suddenly... You will probably feel a little disoriented, and like you just woke from a deep sleep. Slowly move your arms around, and bring your legs up (bend the knees). After you have moved around a bit, stand up and walk around a bit. Now you are back in your phsyical body, so go about what you would normally do! Congratulate yourself on a successful trip!
After you have actually seperated, it will become increasingly easier and easier for you to do it.
NOTES
The above is just the technique, some notes are in order. If you are a beginner, the separation process may take a LONG time. Even the tingling sensations may come slowly to you, but eventually they do come. Just have patience and continue to try, and eventually you will make it out. Some people make it out in their first 5 tries, others take as many as 30 tries. You will eventually be able to leave your physical body behind.
On your first few trips, don't try to leave the country or planet! Just simply travel about in the room you are in. After you have done that, you can try going around in your house, then around your property. It is easier to go to places you are very familiar with, so it will be easier for you to begin by staying around your house. Do not be scared by your physical body, it may look dead, but if it was dead you wouldn't be Projecting, correct?
Eventually you will get the hang of it... It is like everything, keep practicing and you'll get better and better.
MYTHS ABOUT A.P.
Can I Get Hurt By Projecting?
No... Now, you can get into fights, but they will be mental, not physical, and the only way you could get 'hurt' is to remember what it is like. If you find yourself scared badly, you will probably find yourself back in your body, but if it doesn't happen automatically, will yourself back when you feel you need to be there.
Can I Get Stuck Out Of The Body?
No... If your physical body is disturbed or placed in danger, you will immediately be recalled... (Of course, if your house blew up while you were out, I don't know what would happen, but. . . .)
The tingling sensation I have described feels differently from person to person. I feel like electricity is pumping through my body (I've had it happen so I know what it feels like!), but others feel like someone is pricking them gently with pins. It will vary, but you will know when the sensation begins...
When separating, people have had different sensations. Some feel like their physical body is being emptied out, some feel like they are being pulled straight up, some feel like they are melting upwards. Again, this will depend on you and where you are trying to go.
The progression to the Alpha State can be a very useful technique for you. Angry? Under stress? Run through the colors in your mind. It is a very relaxing exercise... You can even do this to get to sleep by doing it in some place where you are VERY comfortable, such as your bed. Those interested in Self Hypnosis will also find it a useful method of relaxation...
When you are getting the tingling sensations to spread, and just before you separate, you may become aware of what your physical body is going through. As you know, when you sleep your breath rate goes down. Well, you are approaching the same state as when you sleep, therefore you will be breathing SLOWLY. Do not let it bother you...
Some lucky individuals engage in 'sex' with their Astral bodies. I personally have not done this, but from what I read and hear, it is many time better than what most people experience physically... I wish you luck with that if you wish to pursue it...
CLOSING WORDS
I certainly hope this has helped you with learning how to Astrally Project. I have, by no means, told everything there is to know, that is beyond the scope of this file. However, I have presented everything you really need to know about it, everything else will come with time and experience. Good luck, and happy projecting.
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