June Ahern's Blog - Posts Tagged "witch"
Talking to the Dead Halloween Ritual
Halloween – dress up - dress down to the bone, it’s all for amusement, right?
Not if you follow some ancient beliefs about this special celebration. In ancient times Halloween (Holy Eve or All Hallows) and the days following November 1st - All Saints’ Day - November 2nd - All Soul’s Day or Day of the Dead, were more than fun; it was a sacred time of the year for people such as the Celts to honor their elderly, ancestors and dead. Festivities and rituals of these three days can be found in Celtic paganism history and later Catholicism holydays combined pagan beliefs with saints. In the Celtic pagan tradition it was thought that the veils between the two worlds - the living and dead - thinned so that spirits of the dead could float through or walk the earth to visit their living relatives. Then they crossed back over to the “underworld”.
During the spirits’ visit spooky things happened, as you can imagine. The living would dress-up in hopes that some spirits wouldn’t recognize and haunt them. But if they wanted the spirits to visit they would invite them with a similar ritual below.
To connect with the spirits of your loved ones to say hello and/or ask a question do this beautiful sacred ritual.
Gather: Pen (perhaps a favorite color) and paper
Flower – any kind
Photo of deceased
Incense – pleasant plus helps create a mood
Candles – white, black and orange – white – clear visions, black - spiritual unknown and orange for season and color of renewal
Burning vessel – ashtray or cauldron and matches
Glass or bowl of water – signifies the other world and also can douse any fire mishaps.
Sweet & beverage – Symbolic gesture for visiting spirit guests
Table or clothe on floor – to lay the above upon.
Chair - optional
Or you can do it simply by lighting a white candle, place it in a window along with a treats and add a chair for a spirit to sit and visit. Remember to snuff candle before leaving the room for the night.
For a few minutes quiet your self, then say, ‘Only good can enter herein.’ Perhaps add a prayer to the Divine to bring forth healing, loving energies to you and protect you from negative fearful thoughts and/or energies. After all it is Halloween and negative energies/entities can roam free along with your loved ones’ spirits.
Next - make a list of all of those who have passed, and how they affected your life. I write thanking my departed loved ones for all they gave me - love - support etc and to my ancestors for bestowing blessings upon me such as the abilities and talents that help me living fully.
You can fold the paper, keep it overnight and bury in earth or burn it while performing your ritual. As the paper burns it turns to smoke rising up and is symbolic for sending your thought to the mental psychic airwaves. Doing either is ‘mailing your message’.
Peer into the water, relax and connect to the psychic mind - perhaps an image will form or a memory will be recalled. After that, invite your spirits to visit by taking your white candle, sweets and beverage to a window so as they walk the earth they will see the light and recognize you (home.)
Stay as long as you like, thinking of your loved ones, talking to her and him. If you hear, think or sense a message was given, take note it for later examination. Or, after your ritual (remember to snuff the candles and incense), you might dream about the spirits, as this is an easier way for them to communicate.
Spirits often can’t get through to their loved ones because the grief is so strong. To your best ability, endeavor to be calm, upbeat and peaceful. You might get a message for another (relative or friend). If you do, share it.
Spirit communication is often stronger when conducted in a group - even two people - so perhaps a relative and/or friend might want to do this ritual with you to share in the experience.
Wishing you a merry frolicking good time and a cauldron full of blessings.
In my novel, "The Skye in June", the main character communicates with the dead, her angel and the living telepathically. Read more at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
Not if you follow some ancient beliefs about this special celebration. In ancient times Halloween (Holy Eve or All Hallows) and the days following November 1st - All Saints’ Day - November 2nd - All Soul’s Day or Day of the Dead, were more than fun; it was a sacred time of the year for people such as the Celts to honor their elderly, ancestors and dead. Festivities and rituals of these three days can be found in Celtic paganism history and later Catholicism holydays combined pagan beliefs with saints. In the Celtic pagan tradition it was thought that the veils between the two worlds - the living and dead - thinned so that spirits of the dead could float through or walk the earth to visit their living relatives. Then they crossed back over to the “underworld”.
During the spirits’ visit spooky things happened, as you can imagine. The living would dress-up in hopes that some spirits wouldn’t recognize and haunt them. But if they wanted the spirits to visit they would invite them with a similar ritual below.
To connect with the spirits of your loved ones to say hello and/or ask a question do this beautiful sacred ritual.
Gather: Pen (perhaps a favorite color) and paper
Flower – any kind
Photo of deceased
Incense – pleasant plus helps create a mood
Candles – white, black and orange – white – clear visions, black - spiritual unknown and orange for season and color of renewal
Burning vessel – ashtray or cauldron and matches
Glass or bowl of water – signifies the other world and also can douse any fire mishaps.
Sweet & beverage – Symbolic gesture for visiting spirit guests
Table or clothe on floor – to lay the above upon.
Chair - optional
Or you can do it simply by lighting a white candle, place it in a window along with a treats and add a chair for a spirit to sit and visit. Remember to snuff candle before leaving the room for the night.
For a few minutes quiet your self, then say, ‘Only good can enter herein.’ Perhaps add a prayer to the Divine to bring forth healing, loving energies to you and protect you from negative fearful thoughts and/or energies. After all it is Halloween and negative energies/entities can roam free along with your loved ones’ spirits.
Next - make a list of all of those who have passed, and how they affected your life. I write thanking my departed loved ones for all they gave me - love - support etc and to my ancestors for bestowing blessings upon me such as the abilities and talents that help me living fully.
You can fold the paper, keep it overnight and bury in earth or burn it while performing your ritual. As the paper burns it turns to smoke rising up and is symbolic for sending your thought to the mental psychic airwaves. Doing either is ‘mailing your message’.
Peer into the water, relax and connect to the psychic mind - perhaps an image will form or a memory will be recalled. After that, invite your spirits to visit by taking your white candle, sweets and beverage to a window so as they walk the earth they will see the light and recognize you (home.)
Stay as long as you like, thinking of your loved ones, talking to her and him. If you hear, think or sense a message was given, take note it for later examination. Or, after your ritual (remember to snuff the candles and incense), you might dream about the spirits, as this is an easier way for them to communicate.
Spirits often can’t get through to their loved ones because the grief is so strong. To your best ability, endeavor to be calm, upbeat and peaceful. You might get a message for another (relative or friend). If you do, share it.
Spirit communication is often stronger when conducted in a group - even two people - so perhaps a relative and/or friend might want to do this ritual with you to share in the experience.
Wishing you a merry frolicking good time and a cauldron full of blessings.
In my novel, "The Skye in June", the main character communicates with the dead, her angel and the living telepathically. Read more at www.juneahern.com
The Skye in June
GREAT CITY FOR BOOK LOCATION
There are many great cities for a story to take place in; London, Paris, Venice, New York City, Glasgow and of course, Baghad-by-the-Bay.
San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen coined the term Baghdad-by-the-Bay for San Francisco's exotic multicultural, multicrazy citizens -- my city. I hear some natives who have long moved it say, it's not like it used to be! True, because it, like the waters surrounding it, is in constant change -- people sail in, sail out and the beat goes on.
How could I not develop a story around San Francisco?
My novels, "The Skye in June" and "City of Redemption", set in this interesting place tell of times gone past. What hasn't changed are the hills the characters climb up and down, in and out of shops nestled the valleys as fog lingers nearby. A visit to Playland to listen to the hysterical Laughing Sal is a reminder of an amusement park that remains in many memories. A writer can't tell a story about San Francisco without taking readers on a cable car ride with a clang, clang of bells and end at Woolworth's store on Market.
The City is full of history of unsavory characters and wild happenings. When the Bloom of Summer of Love 1967 in the Haight Ashbury paled, the squalor was left for those who called San Francisco home. We went on, more to talk about - then dam hippies! - and then those strange ones came; The Castro grew new life, people, ones like the home-grown city people never saw. Did the world end? Did the City crumble? No. Baghdad stories flew far and wide. The beat went on. And will.
Memories continue to be made, changes never cease. Like it or not. My stories, my bookswill be around for a long, long time, long after I pass on to the big party in the sky. Readers will know what life was like back in the day - they will will know a bit more about my city - my Baghad-by-the-Bay.
Books at Amazon.com, Createspace.com and for personally autographed copies juneahern.com
City of Redemption
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen coined the term Baghdad-by-the-Bay for San Francisco's exotic multicultural, multicrazy citizens -- my city. I hear some natives who have long moved it say, it's not like it used to be! True, because it, like the waters surrounding it, is in constant change -- people sail in, sail out and the beat goes on.
How could I not develop a story around San Francisco?
My novels, "The Skye in June" and "City of Redemption", set in this interesting place tell of times gone past. What hasn't changed are the hills the characters climb up and down, in and out of shops nestled the valleys as fog lingers nearby. A visit to Playland to listen to the hysterical Laughing Sal is a reminder of an amusement park that remains in many memories. A writer can't tell a story about San Francisco without taking readers on a cable car ride with a clang, clang of bells and end at Woolworth's store on Market.
The City is full of history of unsavory characters and wild happenings. When the Bloom of Summer of Love 1967 in the Haight Ashbury paled, the squalor was left for those who called San Francisco home. We went on, more to talk about - then dam hippies! - and then those strange ones came; The Castro grew new life, people, ones like the home-grown city people never saw. Did the world end? Did the City crumble? No. Baghdad stories flew far and wide. The beat went on. And will.
Memories continue to be made, changes never cease. Like it or not. My stories, my bookswill be around for a long, long time, long after I pass on to the big party in the sky. Readers will know what life was like back in the day - they will will know a bit more about my city - my Baghad-by-the-Bay.
Books at Amazon.com, Createspace.com and for personally autographed copies juneahern.com
City of Redemption
The Skye in June
The Timeless Counselor/A Complete Consumer's Guide to a Psychic Reading
WITCHES DO MARRY
Witches do marry -whether it be a handfasting ceremony and/or a legal affair (according to the man-made laws of the land).
My husband and I married both in a handfasting country New Year's Day ceremony in ‘02 and a civil ceremony in ’06.
Brides everywhere always have a great concern: What to wear?
What to wear? Witches can and do, wear traditional wedding clothing. The bride: a white gown or full ritual witch clothing. Where to buy witch clothing? You can put together a gown that might look like Elvira's maybe in white though rather than her black. Of course, wear black if you wish or visit a Renaissance or Celtic faire for capes and dresses. And, let us not forget that special sexy (witches are very sensual beings) undergarments, something a bit deliciously wicked!
Like other brides and grooms witches (includes pagans, Goddess' Worshippers and Wiccans) wish for their wedding vows, rituals and celebrations to be beautiful, memorable and reflective of their spiritual beliefs.
To have a wedding that is a true expression of witchcraft (pagan - Wiccan) beliefs and values witches begin with creating their own wedding vows––words that reflect true intentions and magic.
Vows: Create vows to be a sacred message for all to hear of your devotion to the goddess(es) and for some, the gods. Vows which declare the power, faith and devotion of your love for the intended as well as the purpose of uniting families. End your vows with saying Blessed Be or So Mote it Be (it's the truth or the truth is spoken), which is like saying Amen. You've sealed it.
Perhaps you would want to include a few ancestors - those who have gone on to the Underworld or Slumberland (heaven etc) who inspired and loved you. Those who have passed on can certainly be a positive part of your wedding as you bring them in through calling their names(s). Blessed be.
Another suggestion: after exchanging vows place the paper your vows are on in a circle on your wedding altar. The circle can be drawn before or at the time of the ceremony and made from small stones, crystals, shells or rose petals. Or you can choose to burn the while at the altar in a fire-proof container such as a table size cauldron or a larger one, like a fire pit. We burned our papers afterwards in a cauldron to send the words up to the ethers - the cosmos.
Scatter the ashes in a moving body of water or bury in the ground.
The altar: prepare it before before the ceremony. Place a white candle in the center and on the four corners of the altar place candles in the four directions: East (can be white or yellow), South: red, West: blue, and North, green.
Include four elements, fire (white candle) incense (air); water; a cup or bowl of water and Earth can be salt or a crystal. Flowers are beautiful on altars for all celebrations and they're a gift from the goddess. Add whatever else has meaning to you.
After our civil marriage ceremony my husband and I exchanged vows again at our reception. They were written on special paper (parchment)with selected colored pens. I also read an old Celtic poem.
We it a unity candle (two figures intertwined). The image candle was a man and woman united in wax. It burned throughout the reception in a safe fire-proof container away from guests bumping into it but where it could be seen.
At our the handfasting we had two separate image candles - ones we chose independently - my husband chose a green man and I, a red woman. They were placed in a pie pan facing each other. Oh, how fun to see the different colors of the candles blending together, becoming one melted wax design. A niece and nephew dressed up some Barbie dolls and placed them around the bottom of a tree trunk where we stood for the ceremony. The dolls, they said, were the forest fairies. It truly was fun and cold!
If you want to include family or friends to light the unity candle symbolizing the brining together of important people in both of your lives, ask from each family a parent, grandparent or child to light at the unity candle. My husband's daughter and my son lit separate candles and then presented them to each of us, which we lit the unity image candle.
As a minister when I officiate a wedding I provide two image or figure candles set on a platter and later after they have burned down, I “read” the wax combination for the couple. The reading includes how the couple will blend their lives together.
If older family members or guests of another religion perhaps consider including a piece or part of a conventional rituals or religious aspects in a show respect. It can help to bring them into accepting and celebrating your pagan union in a joyous way. The word God might be said, as would The Lady and The Lord, or a particular goddess, such as the Greek goddess Hera aka Juno Roman name, goddess of marriage.
Hanfasting: If you are exchanging rings afterwards blend in the handfasting ritual. Clasp hands and with the free hands tie a ribbon around the united hands. There are different colors of ribbons you can use. Research which ones appeal to you.
Jump the Broom - old pagan wedding ritual - at the altar stand within a circle drawn beforehand or the bride’s attendees can draw a circle around the couple before or after the vows are exchanged. After the vows one of your wedding party can lay the broom down for both to jump.
Jumping the broom marks the beginning of making a home together and symbolizes that the groom and bride physically and spiritually crossing the threshold into the land of matrimony. As they sweep away the old and the welcome the new they begin a new life together with a clean sweep!
Four Corners: Witch, Wiccan or pagan ceremonies and rituals begin the magic with Calling in the The Four Corners (Elements.) This can be done by the officiate - the High Priestess or Priest.
A wand or finger can be used as one moves around the four directions and a colored candle (see above) placed in each direction is lit.
• Face East - As we welcome the sun each morning, the dawn of a new day we welcome in energy of the east.
• Face South - As we welcome the spark of the day to spark the fire of my actions we welcome in the energy of the south
• Face West - As we leave my dream world we bring them forth into our waking day to manifest within the right time. We welcome the energy of the west.
• Face North - As we bring into form that which is manifesting, that which we work to create we welcome the energy of the north.
• All around: We welcome the powers of above, the powers from below and the powers all around.
After each direction is welcomed by the officiant or one or both of the couple the guests can participate by saying "Welcome!"
Here's a website to gather more information:
http://www.ceremonies.com.au/sitefile...
Anther four corner ritual: acknowledge the corners again in a different order. This is said by the couple:
• Face South: Fire: From fire comes love and warmth. The spark that created our passion. Welcome Fire!
• Face West: Water: Water is the giver and purifier of life, sustaining us, as it will this marriage.
• Face East: Air breaths new life into love. Giving both _______ and ______ the freedom to be themselves.
• Earth: The earth upon which we walk provides us with our home and our future.
Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again. Wishing you a very joyous union of love.
Handfasting and Wedding Rituals: Welcoming Hera's Blessing by Raven Kaldera suggests how to create a holy pagan/witch/Wiccan wedding.
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
The Skye in June
My husband and I married both in a handfasting country New Year's Day ceremony in ‘02 and a civil ceremony in ’06.
Brides everywhere always have a great concern: What to wear?
What to wear? Witches can and do, wear traditional wedding clothing. The bride: a white gown or full ritual witch clothing. Where to buy witch clothing? You can put together a gown that might look like Elvira's maybe in white though rather than her black. Of course, wear black if you wish or visit a Renaissance or Celtic faire for capes and dresses. And, let us not forget that special sexy (witches are very sensual beings) undergarments, something a bit deliciously wicked!
Like other brides and grooms witches (includes pagans, Goddess' Worshippers and Wiccans) wish for their wedding vows, rituals and celebrations to be beautiful, memorable and reflective of their spiritual beliefs.
To have a wedding that is a true expression of witchcraft (pagan - Wiccan) beliefs and values witches begin with creating their own wedding vows––words that reflect true intentions and magic.
Vows: Create vows to be a sacred message for all to hear of your devotion to the goddess(es) and for some, the gods. Vows which declare the power, faith and devotion of your love for the intended as well as the purpose of uniting families. End your vows with saying Blessed Be or So Mote it Be (it's the truth or the truth is spoken), which is like saying Amen. You've sealed it.
Perhaps you would want to include a few ancestors - those who have gone on to the Underworld or Slumberland (heaven etc) who inspired and loved you. Those who have passed on can certainly be a positive part of your wedding as you bring them in through calling their names(s). Blessed be.
Another suggestion: after exchanging vows place the paper your vows are on in a circle on your wedding altar. The circle can be drawn before or at the time of the ceremony and made from small stones, crystals, shells or rose petals. Or you can choose to burn the while at the altar in a fire-proof container such as a table size cauldron or a larger one, like a fire pit. We burned our papers afterwards in a cauldron to send the words up to the ethers - the cosmos.
Scatter the ashes in a moving body of water or bury in the ground.
The altar: prepare it before before the ceremony. Place a white candle in the center and on the four corners of the altar place candles in the four directions: East (can be white or yellow), South: red, West: blue, and North, green.
Include four elements, fire (white candle) incense (air); water; a cup or bowl of water and Earth can be salt or a crystal. Flowers are beautiful on altars for all celebrations and they're a gift from the goddess. Add whatever else has meaning to you.
After our civil marriage ceremony my husband and I exchanged vows again at our reception. They were written on special paper (parchment)with selected colored pens. I also read an old Celtic poem.
We it a unity candle (two figures intertwined). The image candle was a man and woman united in wax. It burned throughout the reception in a safe fire-proof container away from guests bumping into it but where it could be seen.
At our the handfasting we had two separate image candles - ones we chose independently - my husband chose a green man and I, a red woman. They were placed in a pie pan facing each other. Oh, how fun to see the different colors of the candles blending together, becoming one melted wax design. A niece and nephew dressed up some Barbie dolls and placed them around the bottom of a tree trunk where we stood for the ceremony. The dolls, they said, were the forest fairies. It truly was fun and cold!
If you want to include family or friends to light the unity candle symbolizing the brining together of important people in both of your lives, ask from each family a parent, grandparent or child to light at the unity candle. My husband's daughter and my son lit separate candles and then presented them to each of us, which we lit the unity image candle.
As a minister when I officiate a wedding I provide two image or figure candles set on a platter and later after they have burned down, I “read” the wax combination for the couple. The reading includes how the couple will blend their lives together.
If older family members or guests of another religion perhaps consider including a piece or part of a conventional rituals or religious aspects in a show respect. It can help to bring them into accepting and celebrating your pagan union in a joyous way. The word God might be said, as would The Lady and The Lord, or a particular goddess, such as the Greek goddess Hera aka Juno Roman name, goddess of marriage.
Hanfasting: If you are exchanging rings afterwards blend in the handfasting ritual. Clasp hands and with the free hands tie a ribbon around the united hands. There are different colors of ribbons you can use. Research which ones appeal to you.
Jump the Broom - old pagan wedding ritual - at the altar stand within a circle drawn beforehand or the bride’s attendees can draw a circle around the couple before or after the vows are exchanged. After the vows one of your wedding party can lay the broom down for both to jump.
Jumping the broom marks the beginning of making a home together and symbolizes that the groom and bride physically and spiritually crossing the threshold into the land of matrimony. As they sweep away the old and the welcome the new they begin a new life together with a clean sweep!
Four Corners: Witch, Wiccan or pagan ceremonies and rituals begin the magic with Calling in the The Four Corners (Elements.) This can be done by the officiate - the High Priestess or Priest.
A wand or finger can be used as one moves around the four directions and a colored candle (see above) placed in each direction is lit.
• Face East - As we welcome the sun each morning, the dawn of a new day we welcome in energy of the east.
• Face South - As we welcome the spark of the day to spark the fire of my actions we welcome in the energy of the south
• Face West - As we leave my dream world we bring them forth into our waking day to manifest within the right time. We welcome the energy of the west.
• Face North - As we bring into form that which is manifesting, that which we work to create we welcome the energy of the north.
• All around: We welcome the powers of above, the powers from below and the powers all around.
After each direction is welcomed by the officiant or one or both of the couple the guests can participate by saying "Welcome!"
Here's a website to gather more information:
http://www.ceremonies.com.au/sitefile...
Anther four corner ritual: acknowledge the corners again in a different order. This is said by the couple:
• Face South: Fire: From fire comes love and warmth. The spark that created our passion. Welcome Fire!
• Face West: Water: Water is the giver and purifier of life, sustaining us, as it will this marriage.
• Face East: Air breaths new life into love. Giving both _______ and ______ the freedom to be themselves.
• Earth: The earth upon which we walk provides us with our home and our future.
Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again. Wishing you a very joyous union of love.
Handfasting and Wedding Rituals: Welcoming Hera's Blessing by Raven Kaldera suggests how to create a holy pagan/witch/Wiccan wedding.
How to Talk With Spirits: Séances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts
The Skye in June
