Rose Ariadne's Chitchcraft Blog

Dear Friends,

Crystal magic is a type of magic that gets a lot of intention. Not only are crystals powerful (and even nice to look at!) but they can add extra energy to certain spells and rituals when they are used correctly. So why use crystal magic and how can you use it properly?

We like to believe that everything is interconnected. Therefore, when we use different objects such as stones, crystals, incense, herbs, and even candles we do so with the idea in mind that the power that these items contain can work together with us and our own power and energy in order to create a balance or energy that can then be applied and directed.

Some people take the animistic point of view and think that crystals possess a spirit. An idea exists that crystals are a physical appearance of spirits. Even many scientists will agree that quartz crystal has a certain electrical emission and even has a memory. Quartz crystals are used in a lot of spells and rituals.

Crystals have been enthralling us for thousands of years and people from every culture have always thought of them as a very important aspect of their ritual tools. Sparkling crystals have held a curious allure to us that seems to call to our spirits. It was no wonder that people from thousands of years ago thought they were magical-just looking at them brings a bit of wonderment.

There are quite a few crystal deposits in Sedona, Arizona and when I visited there a few years ago there was definitely a strong energy and pull to the area. A lot of people visit Sedona and immediately feel something magical and mystical there. Historically, temples were often constructed upon mineral outcroppings and granite zones.

Directing the energy of crystals can be used to help you meditate, get into a trance, or even see visions if that is what you desire. I also use crystals to help me connect with the spirit world and to open my eyes. Crystals can also be used for healing and they have a potent harmonizing energy with herbs. While herbs offer energy and cures for our physical being, gemstones supply something similar for our spiritual bodies. They assist us in our spiritual growth and help balance us. They are one of the most powerful “props” that can be used in a spell.

I use my crystals in many different spells but I try not to over-use them, too. They need time to regroup and re-vitalize, just like I do sometimes. They make a great addition if you need a little extra boost or clarity but understanding your own crystals and how they work is integral to using them correctly.

What, exactly, do I mean by this?

Even though there is a similarity of energy when it comes to crystals, I have found that each of my crystals has its own distinct personality as well. You will probably learn this about your own crystals over time. There are some, for example, that are better for spiritual guidance and some that I simply use to meditate with. It’s important to look at your crystals not simply as “pretty rocks” but as organisms that hold power.

So why are crystals important in terms of magic? Well, all creatures depend on minerals for life and sustenance. It’s not always obvious how they do this, but take a look at the Appalachian Mountains. At one time, they were as tall as the Himalayans. Now, they’re substantially smaller. Over time they have worn down and turned into rich, fertile soil that contains many minerals. This makes the area great for growing crops and other plants, for animals to thrive in, and even for people to live and worship in. In parts of Kentucky, Native Americans refused to make their permanent home there because the land was so rich and fertile that they preferred to share it with other tribes rather than claiming it for themselves.

Eventually, plants, animals, and even humans break down into their own mineral components themselves so energy can never be lost. It just keeps recycling. If we look at crystals in the same way, we can gain a better understanding of why they are important to us and how we should respect them.

Personally, I try to have respect and appreciation for all living things. Although you can’t feed and water a crystal in the traditional sense, you can respect it and care for it and use it wisely. Some of the energy that crystals have come from our own inner energy and this just makes them all the stronger.

I hope that regardless as to whether you use crystal magic or not, your week is filled with magic of all kinds.

Brightest blessings,

Rose Ariadne
Your Warm and Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”

Dear Friends,
Many practicing Wiccans were not born into Wicca, but are converts. Some came to it early and life and some much later. Some found out about Wicca on their own and others were drawn to it through friends or family members who were practicing.

So is it possible for newbies to make mistakes? Well, it is my belief that practicing is a personal thing and what’s right for you might not be right for someone else and vice versa. Still, there are some common things that you should keep in mind that might make rituals, spells, and other things easier, more productive, and even more pleasant in some instances. Plus, there are terms and names that everyone should be familiar with-if for no other reason than it’s nice to be informed. An informed witch is a happy witch.

Some newbies, and even those who have been practicing for some time, have difficulty finding out information about Wiccan and even claim that there isn’t “much” out there. The fact is, information does exist, but you have to be active in your pursuit of it. Fifteen years ago it might have been difficult to find relevant information that was unbiased and useful, but now it’s even easier-thanks to the Internet. (After all, you found me!)

Of course, it can sometimes be frustrating to separate the useful information from the unhelpful information, but there is some good stuff out there. If you have difficulty finding websites then don’t limit yourself. Also check out blogs, webrings, groups, and other informational writings on the ‘Net.

In your local bookstore and library you might not always find books on the Occult under “Religion” but with some careful searching you might stumble across them in other random places, such as “Philosophy,” “Paranormal”, “New Age,” “Self-Help,” “History,” and even “Culture.” It’s going to take some sleuthing on your part in some places, but they are out there…

Some people also believe that they must have all of the right equipment in order to perform rituals or spells. Although the right herbs, stones, candles, and scents can be very helpful in your rituals, and in a perfect world you would be able to have everything you need at all times, it doesn’t always work this way. In fact, you’re not always going to be able to find the right candle color, the right herbs, or the right stones when you need them.

I look at it this way: certain things have a certain amount of power. However, to a certain extent we also give those things power as well. A good majority of the power rests inside of us. Use that wisely. Channeling your own power and energy and using that in your spell or ritual can be just as useful as using the right stone or incense.

Of course, if you want to be prepared then I suggest that you stock up on things when you can. There is a candle outlet store close to me and whenever I visit it, I buy as many candles as I can in a variety of colors. I am constantly buying candles because I never know what I might need. I grow my own herb garden because I was having difficulty finding some of the less popular herbs, and I tend to hoard incense as well because I go through it quickly.

Another tip that I have learned has to do with stones. You might not have this trouble, but sometimes I do. Have you ever purchased several stones and then, once you got home, promptly forgotten which one is which? This happens to me frequently.

I have discovered that using small paper sandwich bags , placing the stones in them, and then marking the names of the stones on the bag is a great way of remembering which stone is which. Yet again, in a perfect world I would remember, but in an imperfect world I have responsibilities and grocery lists and other things that cloud up my mind and sometimes those things are just plain hard to tell apart!

Many beginners have a little skewed expectations when it comes to spells, too. A glamour spell is not going to give you a smaller rear end, unfortunately. While you might eventually learn to astral project if you so desire, I’m afraid that the broom standing in the corner of your kitchen will have to used for its intended purpose-to sweep up dirt. Be a little bit realistic about these things.

Lastly, you don’t want to jump into Wicca thinking that you are automatically going to become a High Priestess or High Priest. Much as in the same way that preachers and ministers and rabbis have to have a lot of schooling, go through a lot of soul searching, and make personal sacrifices, the same can be said about the High Priest/ess. It is not a decision to take lightly and it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

Everyone makes mistakes! However, everyone must choose their own path as well. I hope that your path is filled with love and light and that you continue to find the answers that you seek.

Brightest Blessings,

Rose Ariadne
Your Warm and Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”

Dear Friends,

Some people are under the impression that magick can only be achieved by spells, potions, and rituals. However, you can add some magick to your life on a daily basis-even if you don’t have time for a drawn out spell! In fact, oftentimes everyday magick can be just as powerful as those rituals that we spend a lot of time and energy on.

So how can you start incorporating magick into your daily routine?

I have many non-Wiccan friends who think that if I want money than all I have to do is sit down, light some candles, chant for a few minutes, and go on about my day. Oh, if only it really worked that way! The fact is, while rituals can help bring things to you and create a positive atmosphere in which to welcome them, you still have to do a bit of work yourself to get them. I am still waiting for the spell that will send a million dollars my way. I’ve been waiting for years, as a matter of fact.

Many people believe that we witches have to do huge spells with lots of bells and whistles and props in order to see any results. What I have learned is that some of my smaller, more directed spells, have had a lot more results.

When I first plant my garden, for instance, I always do a ritual to promote fertility and a good growing season. Every day, though, I stop and visit my plants, talk to them, encourage them to thrive, and tend to them-even if it’s just to pull out a few weeds and thank them. While that might not sound like the kind of spell that’s going to be seen in a Hollywood blockbuster, it’s magick to me-especially when I see my plants growing well.

Twice a year I also do a remembrance ritual for my loved ones who have passed on. Whenever they cross my mind, however, I say a quick blessing for them and wish their soul at peace.

Some people pray before they sit down to eat a meal. If the food has come out of my own garden then I make a special effort to thank my garden for what we are eating and give it special encouragement to keep providing. If we’re at a restaurant then I say a quick blessing for those who have prepared it for us. I also give thanks that my family can enjoy a meal together, when so many others cannot.

What some people forget is that spells and rituals give us energy, create a positive atmosphere for things that we would like to happen to occur, and even feed off of our own energy. With that being said, we still have to put work into everything. I can do all sorts of spells on my garden to help it grow, but if I don’t get out there and weed it or water it then it’s still not going to thrive.

Therefore, I try to do rituals that will help me. Does that sound selfish? I don’t mean for it to. Last year around December I was feeling a little sad. The news had been particularly harsh and some stories about families in need had made me reevaluate my own priorities and problems. Instead of doing a spell to help all of those families that I had witnessed on television, I instead did a ritual that would help me find the energy and opportunity to be able to do something to help them myself. A few days later, I came across some information that asked for volunteers to help an organization hand out food, clothing, and toys to families. I immediately signed up to help them. I felt as though my ritual had been very successful.

Keep your daily habits in mind. Practice kindness and patience to animals, people, and even plants. There is real magick in that, and kindness and patience on your part will not only give them energy, but will also help fuel your own positive energy as well.

Here are some things to consider:

• Thank your plants each day and talk to them-even if it’s just your African violet in your kitchen and not an entire garden.
• Instead of passing up the homeless man that you see every day, stop in a store and purchase some fruit for him and give it to him.
• Pick a name off of a charity’s holiday tree and purchase presents for someone less fortunate.
• Give a silent thanks each and every time your family does something together-even if it’s simply sitting down to watch television in the evenings.
• Light a candle in remembrance of someone who has passed on.
• Spend an extra 5 minutes applying lotion, brushing your hair, and taking care with yourself. Remember that you’re important and that it’s okay to pamper yourself. (I know-difficult for us moms to keep in mind sometimes!)
• Straighten up your altar. Treat your altar with respect and don’t let it get messy or disorganized. Wax will sometimes make a mess and it’s not always easy to keep your altar cloth straight, but try to make a point of keeping it orderly.

Remember that there is magick in everyday actions and feelings. Everything you do matters and can make a difference to someone or something.

Brightest Blessings,

Rose Ariadne
Your Warm and Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”

Dear Friends,

One of my English friends recently asked me to explain the difference between a Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist. Even when I was finished, they still claimed that they didn’t understand what the big deal was between them and why someone would prefer to be one over the other. This got me to thinking about some of the terms in my own religion that sometimes get used interchangeable such as Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches.

So, what are the differences between the three terms and are the differences really that different?

If we look at the terms historically then there are some differences. The term “pagan” was once used to describe folks that lived out in the countryside in small villages and still kept to the “old ways” when the Roman Empire started expanding. It was a generic term that encompassed many people, some of which practiced rituals and traditions that were vastly different from what other people who were referred to as “pagans” practiced.

While the Romans were trying to convert everyone, the term took on a negative connotation because, well, the people were different. They didn’t worship in churches and some of their traditions seemed to be barbaric. Of course, there was a lot of politics behind this, too.

On the other hand, the term “witch” has usually referred to a specific person (or groups of people in some instances) within the community. A witch generally practiced the same traditions and rituals as everyone else in the village, but had something a little extra. Sometimes, the witch had healing powers. Other times, the witch could help with the growing of the crops and bringing on rain or sunshine or whatever else the area needed. As the “old ways” began dying out, and people began converting, the idea of this type of person became frightening. Again, a lot of politics behind this and people tend to fear that of which they cannot explain. Add that to a lot of other people telling you that the person is evil and there is bound to be trouble!

In terms of history, Wiccans haven’t really been around that long, as far as the word itself goes. In fact, although Wicca uses elements of “old ways” and traditions that go back thousands of years, some the spells that are used are fairly new when it comes to the wording and the name has only been around for about 100 years.

So what does all of this mean now? Is Wicca less relevant because it’s new? Of course not! At one time, ever form of religion was new. In the history of civilization, even the Catholic Church is fairly new. The Church of England? Even newer.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that many practices under different religions can be interchangeable. Although I am not Christian, I can still pray. I don’t call it “praying” necessarily, but talking to the Goddess, thanking her, and asking her to watch over my loved ones…is that really that much different than kneeling at a pew and folding my hands? I am not a Tibetan monk, but I do chant. It’s the meaning that you give behind the practices that sets them apart, not necessarily the terms themselves.

I look at Wicca and even witchcraft as a form of paganism. I once hear someone refer to themselves as being a “Patchwork Pagan” because they had a variety of beliefs and rituals that the followed that stemmed from everything from some Native American tribes to Celtic tribes and modern Wicca.

I find it interesting, too, that many so-called “devout Christians” that I know who really turn their nose up at Witchcraft and Paganism actually practice a lot of traditions and rituals that are very Pagan in nature. Even with their holiday rituals aside, I know people who will send a “prayer cloth” that they have prayed over to me when one of my loved ones is ill and have herb gardens that they use for healing. And isn’t making a wish before you blow out your birthday candle a simple form of candle magic? It is possible for one to practice magick and not actually be a Witch.

So what is a Pagan now? Some people would say that anyone who practices traditions and rituals that have been carried out for hundreds of years but does not belong to any of the big religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taosim, etc.) is a pagan. Yet, when I had a similar conversation with friends recently, they were quick to say that people in Ireland before the Catholic Church came there were pagans, yet they do not consider Native Americans pagan, despite the fact that some of their traditions, beliefs, and rituals are very similar.

In the end, there really is no set definition that everyone is going to agree on. Personally, I think of paganism are being an earth and nature based religion. Does Witchcraft fall into this category? I would think so. This would still make it a very universal word, however, and describe any person or group that base their beliefs on moon cycles, Earth-based cycles, etc. So that would include some shamanism groups, Goddess worship, Wicca, animism, and many others around the world.

So can you be Wiccan and not practice Witchcraft? Well, I know someone who does. There are Shamanic Wiccans who consider themselves Wiccan but really like it more for the ceremony and not necessarily the magick.

Sometimes, it’s best not to get stuck on a word or a term. In the end, we need to follow the path that is best for us anyway.

Brightest blessings,

Rose Ariadne
Your Warm and Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”