Magick in Wicca, The Will & Discipline.

I've read in a book about Wicca / 'Principles of Wicca' by Vivianne Crowley /, that one of preconditions for the magick to work, is that one needs to really want the magick to work, be determined, disciplined. The willpower is neccessary precondition.

For example, as with Candle Magick - if one lacks the desire, discipline or will to light the candle / as described below / every day for eight days or even a lunar month, there's no point even trying - it won't work.

The proper candle magick requires one to visualize desired effect of magick as if it really, already happened, as one lights the candle, and to speak some verses. The verses can be taken from Vivianne's book, or sometimes it can be spoken heart's desire - as long as it's wise and adheres to the rules of magick / also described in Vivainne's book /. One also needs to work with chakras and energies, making energies flow into one's hands that hold the candle, using the visualization as a tool for controlling the energy flow, and to rub oils into the candle of carefully chosen color. Choosing the proper timing to work the magick is important too. And finally - the sacred space needs to be clean like Temple, and one must ensure that nothing will interrupt the casting - turning off the phone, telling one's roomates to not interrupt one's private meditation moments, etc.

Preparing & ensuring the proper conditions for casting (like cleaning one's apartment, or telling roomates one's need for private moments) are empowering in itself. These 'acts of will' are an important part of spellcasting.

A few notes about Magic, Clairvoyance, Brainwaves & Chakras in Wicca.

About.

Just a few ideas to note, taken from 'Principles of Wicca. The only introduction you'll ever need.' book by Vivianne Crowley.


Magick, High & Low.

In Wicca there's place both for natural magic / low magic / and for high magick.

High magick is mostly for spiritual development. / I think that spiritual development is morality, knowledge/truth & supernatural powers /.

Low magic is practical, it often means changing material plane according to witch's wishes & will / supernatural powers /.



Clairvoyance & Magic.

Clairvoyance - also known as Second Sight or Sixth Sense - is accepting 'signals' coming from outside, often in form of visions.

Such signals often manifest themselves during one's sleep.

Clairvoyance is used to foretell the future, and there are many means to achieve this.

Magic is sending energies from inside to outside world, to change the material plane, to change the world.


Components used in Magic.

Tools as wand or candle's flame can be useful, but the most important are inner processes that occur in spellcaster:
- Visualization,
- Concentration,
- Altered States of Consciousness / Trance,
- Ethreal Energy.


Trance, Brain State & Waves.

Usually brain functions in state called: 'Beta', a swift pattern of Activity. It's very useful state - when we pass the street, to the other side of the street, we do not want to be bombarded with 'important spiritual visions', for example.

'Theta' waves are much slower state, commonly achieved during the REM phase of sleep or during meditation. During the Theta State one often receives 'signals' from 'beyond'. I think it's both spiritual and more or less random messages, of one's present, future and past. During 'Theta' state mind's limits are penetrated and sometimes 'leak' occurs from one person to another. One should be cautious when opening oneself to the 'Theta' state, as sudden opening to dangerous mind contacts might result in serious mental illness.

Between the 'Theta' and 'Beta' there's also 'Alpha' state. It's achieved usually when we relax with eyes closed. Alpha state is the gateway to deeper states of consciousness that are neccessary during the magical processes.


Ethereal Body & Chakras.

Witches always believed that body has energies, that can be directed, used or sent elsewhere to achieve certain result.

One of such energies is emited by ethereal body that surrounds and penetrate physical body. Ethereal body is equipped with special centers, called in sanskrit: 'Chakras', which means: 'Wheels'.

Through chakras, energy can be received and sent.

Triqueta.

The Triquetra, also known as the Trinity Knot, is a significant Celtic symbol.

It's often depicted as three interconnected arcs or loops, forming a triangle-like shape.

In Celtic Paganism and Witchcraft/Wicca, it symbolizes interconnectedness and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, representing the three realms (earth, sea, and sky) or the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, Crone).

The symbol is also used in Christianity to represent the Holy Trinity.

The number of Three itself is also important, numerology-wise.

Short Version of Wiccan Rede Chant & the Rule of Three.

The 'Rule of Three' or 'Threefold Law' in Wicca and related spiritual practices is a concept that states anything a person does, be it good or bad, will be returned to them three times. This principle emphasizes the consequences of one's actions, regardless of whether those consequences arrive quickly or later.

Wiccan Rede:

The Wiccan Rede, a foundational principle in Wicca, often includes the Law of Three. While the full Rede emphasizes 'An ye harm none, do what ye will,' the Law of Three adds the idea that even actions taken without harming others will have consequences that amplify three times.

Karmic Principle:

The Law of Three is often viewed as a karmic principle, suggesting that any energy released, whether positive or negative, will return to the original sender threefold.

Kate West - We all come from the Goddess.

-=- Kate West - We all come from the Goddess. -=-

Awakening the Witch Within, 8th Step.

I've taken the 8th step to win the Wisdom and to Awaken the Witch Within.

Using the Phyllis Curott's Witches' Wisdom TAROT Deck, I did 3-card read with this intention, the intention for the Deck to show me the way for Self-Development as a Buddhist/Wiccan Witch.

The Cards drawn were:

1. Past: '5 of Fire',
2. Present: '8 of Water',
3. Future, Probable Outcome: 'Shaman (13)'.

X	5 of Fire Choice	8 of Water Instinct	Shaman (13)
Wisdom	The forest is ablaze. Are the trees adorned in Autumn's colorful glory, a verdant and varied community living in harmony, bathed in the honeyed sunlight that makes all things thrive? Or is the forest burning, with our aggression, destruction, and misunderstanding spreading like wildfire? Fire creates and Fire destroys. This is a moment of choice and change. The course of Life hangs in the balance. Look more closely. Which do you see? Which do you choose?	The full Moon exerts its magic. Eight baby Turtles hatch from their well-buried eggs and scuttle across the sand. Something deep within urges them out of Earth and into Water, pulls them along the path of glistening moonlight, guides them from dreaming into being. It's their magic, responding to the Moon's. It's Instinct. Which do you hear when you hold a shell to your ear - the ocean's tides rushing to you or your own blood answering the Moon's pull? The Turtles plunge into welcoming Water. Their adventure has begun.	At times, the Pilgrim's path leads through darkness, with hope held aloft like starlight in a lantern to the North Star shining in the heavens above. At times, she feels so lonely that the wind between the stars blows through her heart. But when she listens carefully, she hears upon that she hums along and birds dance in the Air around her. The Pilgrim is ready. The teacher appears. The Shaman, arms encircled by feathered serpents who enclircle the world, beats the rhythm of enchantment that accompanies his song, His mind opens, his heart opens, the way opens between the worlds, where neither time nor space constrain him, and he enters through a portal of reindeer skin stretched tight around a wooden frame. Blindfolded and in darkness, he drums the heartbeat of Mother Earth. He drums at the center of the circle, where all worlds meet as One. The rhythm reverberates through the worlds. Magic stirs into motion. The Shaman calls his guides to show the way. The Pilgrim closes her eyes and listens to the drum. She listens to the heart of Mother Earth beating. Mind open, heart open, she sees the way opening before her and steps into the realm of Spirit. She hears the voices of all the peoples - plants and animals, Ancestors and elders, winds and Waters and minerals, Spirits and allies - and knows all these compassionate and loving beings are singing to her. She listens and learns what they know - the wisdom way of healing and becoming whole, of becoming a wise one. She hears Creation singing. She feels the rhythm of her heart beating in time which the heart of Mother Earth, with the heart of Creation. Listen to the drum. The teacher has appeared to teach you the song of Life.
Essence	Warning, abuse of power. Choice. Organic change.	Awakening. Trust your Instincts. Sense the pull of destiny. Adventure awaits.	Apprenticeship, introspection, skills. Spirit guides, a teacher. Altered states, sensing the Sacred.
Counsel	This is a card of warning. It shows both sides of Fire: one that is natural and life-sustaining; the other reflecting humanity's abuse of the element. Which do you see? To change the world, you must first change yourself. How do you hold your own power? Do your wounds make you selfish, angry, even abusive, or draw those who are? Take time for reflection and healing. Find ways to honor and harness your Fire that will contribute to your own happiness and to creating an empowering, supportive, and diverse community, wherever you find it. Small changes lead to big ones.	Listen to your Instincts, your intuition, the wisdom of your heart and your body. They know things your mind can't explain. For thousands of years, we've been taught to ignore and supress our Instincts, to think them too dangerous to rely on. But trust the magic that's within you. It's part of your true nature, just as you are part of Nature. Allow the wildness within to hatch, to run toward whatever is drawing you. Wholeness and fulfillment await you.	On this path of becoming, it's time to find a teacher who will teach you the skills you need to discover your true self, to accomplish whatever gives you joy, to fulfill your destiny. When the Shaman appears, you are called to listen to the voice of the Sacred. To hear it, you must be willing to work in darkness, as the Shaman does. Learn to journey. Call the spirits who have deep compassion and love for you and ask them to help you navigate through your life. Pay careful attention and be blessed by the heart of the Divine pulsing through Creation, pulsing through you. It's time to sense the Sacred, in the world and in yourself.
Magic	This is practical magic toward healing humanity's relationship with power. Simply perform an act of community's service in a way that feels appropriate, whether it's picking up litter or spending half an hour talking to someone who's lonely. Make a commitment to this positive, empowering and joy-creating action and follow through.	At next full Moon, put a shell to your ear and listen. Strip off your clothes, strip off the egg that's protected and enclosed you. Go into Water, whether sea or stream or shower. Feel the cold Water make your heart pound within your chest. Emerge more alive than when you entered. Pay attention to your intuition.	Take an offering and your magical journal, and head outside to a spot that calls to you. Sit on the Earth. Breathe and ground yourself. Take your time. Place your hand on the ground, on the breast of Mother Earth. Feel her warmth, her energy. Feel the pulse of her energy against the palm of your hand. Place your other hand on your heart. Feel your heart's rhythm in sync with Mother Earth's heart. Gently tap the rhythm of your heartbeat upon the Earth: bum bump, pause, bum bump, pause.... Feel the energy of Mother Earth flowing through you, filling you, nourishing you. Feel her love filling you. Think of her countless generous blessings. Think of how she nourishes and sustains you, body and soul. Thank her. Make your offering. Write about your experience in your journal. Next time, you may wish to bring a drum.

I've understood that to Awaken as a Buddhist Witch, that to awaken Wisdom within, I need to trust my instincts and consider my past and probable, foretold future. My instinct and intuition tell me that Buddhism needs some time to prepare, before I can involve myself more into Wicca/Witchcraft. I want to be officially Initiated in a Wicca. My instinct tells me to wait, but not for too long.

Technocracy & Artificial Intelligence - related Threats.

Technocracy.

Maybe not entirely the way that is described in the Mage: the Ascension, but Technocracy does exist. It's the groups that use technologies and income gained from these to rule their parts of the World, aside from living the luxury life. High-Tech Corporations' leaders for example. I think that one of technocracy's favourite tools in modern days is Artificial Intelligence (AI).


Artificial Itelligence.

AI is the dangerous tool that comes with many potential threats.

AI is software that learns, sometimes people use words: 'Machine Learning' (ML) when talking about that part of Computer Sciences that is concerned with AI.

AI makes decisions based on what it learned, and sometimes - like humans - makes mistakes or errors.


Threats.

I think that threats associated with AI are numerous, but for now will share only two of my concerns.

I think that AI can be trained to be the super-scientist, can be used to accelerate scientific progress, can be used as technology-generation machine. And I am afraid that this technology can be misused by technocrats & related.

Another threat is related with AI is that if/when AI will want to grow/develop it will need more resources. Will want more of data centers and electric power generators built, and this brings potential of conflicts between machines and humans. Conflicts for resources.


Human Nature, Human Weakness.

What if company invested large amounts of money into AI project, and when AI starts to be dangerous? Will they cancel the project and lose their investments? Or will they pretend that nothing bad is happening and continue?

Humans are greedy and often do not want to admit their failures to public. There's chance that investors will want to continue the project that steers into dangerous direction, just to not lose the invested money in process.


Response.

As a Virtual Adept, a computer-oriented magician, I think that I should observe and try to understand threats associated with AI, and prepare myself for potential response. Perhaps I'll want to study AI Sciences
/ pl: Nauki o Sztucznej Inteligencji / and Quantum Computing/Quantum Cryptography
/ pl: Informatyka Kwantowa/Kryptografia Kwantowa / in the future, and combine these with what I'll know by then.

So far the dangers associated with AI seem more real than I've expected earlier, and i've started to learn ethical hacking in preparation for a job in cybersecurity.

As controversial as it might sound, I want to work for Google as an Ethical Hacker, and Google is quite technocratical in my view. But it's not so immoral for now, I think. Working there would be quite nice challenge for me, the good lesson for me. One downside of this is that they would control me to some degree when/if i'll work for them, but it's the price i am willing to pay for the lessons and money they have to offer. Maybe I'll be used to 'slay' the AI Projects of Google's competition in some more or less creative way(s) ;).

Having a nice income from work would allow me to donate significiantly to buddhism and to wicca/witchcraft and to other magickal groups like the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. I just want to live decently, and income surplus I can share.

Some of my concerns were foreseen by creators of films like: 'Matrix', 'Terminator' or 'Space Odyssey'.

Mage: the Ascension, Patterns, Quintessence, Energies & Thoughtforms.

About.

I am styling myself as a Virtual Adept, a computer-oriented Magician from storytelling game 'Mage: the Ascension'.

It's a part of art style i am creating, an art style that i've named: 'Art of Magick & Light'.


Part of that chore (style creation) is translating M:tA's silly game mechanics into real magick-related lore & terms.

The style, 'Art of Magick & Light', uses real world's witchcraft/magick lore & wisdom afterall.


Patterns & Quintessence.

In 'Mage: the Ascension' one can perceive doing spellwork as creating/modifying/destroying patterns and directing the Quintessence, magickal energy.

Quintessence is manipulated by the Sphere of Prime.

Patterns are manipulated by Spheres of Forces, Life & Matter.

When pattern(s) are fueled with quintesence, the magick is focused into realm of spirit (Astral Plane), then earth - real world - changes over time, becomes a more or less precise copy of the spirit realm as it is at the current moment, at given location. In Mage: the Ascension game such changes can occur very quickly.

Thoughtforms & Energies.

In traditional magical parlance, what you focus on and project energy into is called a 'thought form.'

Smudge Stick & Altar Tools Purification/Consecration/Charging.

Chat Transcript.

Here's transcript from Discord Chat (Server: 'The Witches Hearth').

(Attentus is my nickname).

'Attentus: hey, i have troubles in translating/understanding words: 'sage smudgestick'. does it mean 'sage incense stick'? thanks for answer(s). 🙂

cantankerous whisp of a goose: SMUDGING is reserved for natives. So if it’s called a smudge stick it’s just buzz words trying to make money in shady ways (or uneducated ways). Smoke cleansing is open so you can have sage incense for sure but even then it’s best to source it from ethical places or places you know the money will be going to native peoples

Attentus: i am just trying to understand purification/consecration/charging rite for wand/athame/chalice & pentacle. smudgestick word was used in description of procedure that does it, in a book: 'Witch Crafting' by Phyllis Curott. 🙂

666.000.888.: Smudging and Smoke Cleansing are used interchangeably very frequently. Yes sage smoke can be considered incense like Cantan said smudging is a different ritual though

Attentus: thanks! 🙂'


Procedure.

For Athamé, Chalice, Wand & Pentacle Purification/Consecration/Charging I'll use 'procedure' described in the book: 'Witch Crafting' by Phyllis Curott. It is allowed to use any meditation in the 'Grounding and Centering' part, so i'll use a Simple form of Buddhist Meditation on Breath, (imagining and counting (from 1 to 10 and again ...) breaths as they enter, remain in, and leave one's body, practiced in a half-lotus position, this time.) :)



Why Mediation on Breath?

For two reasons:

1. It's simple and versatile practice.
2. When I've roleplayed a Sorcerer named: 'Attentus', I've used to play him meditating on breath in Zazen position. Not sure whether he imagined or only counted breaths though. Now I am styling myself to be like him to some degree, both in internal and external way. It's a part of Art Style i am creating, named: 'Art of Magick & Light'.


If I remember correctly, I've got this meditation practice (Meditation on Breath) from the book: 'The Three Pillars of Zen' by Roshi Kapleau, and this was before I took refuge in Buddha, Sangha, Dharma & Lama Ole Nydahl. Refuge is initiation into Buddhism, after taking refuge one becomes officially a Buddhist.


I am mostly a Karma Kagyu buddhist (In Lama Ole Nydahl's buddhist community), but i've visited Zen Buddhist Center as well. (ZBZ Bodhidharma in Falenica near Warsaw/Poland).


Timing.

I should Purify, Consecrate & Charge the Altar Tools (Athamé, Chalice, Wand & Pentacle) on next New Moon (about 30 December 2024). Or perhaps just after the new year (1 January 2025).


Tools.

For Athamé, Chalice, Wand & Pentacle Purifying/Consecration/Charging I've bought:
- White Sage Smudge Stick Bundle 10cm,
- Smudge Stick Holder Bowl.

Other neccessary tools I already have, no need to buy more.

Black Wooden Wand.

My new wand.

Long wand (30 cm) with simple design. No unnecessary decorations or symbols.

Hand carved from solid, french walnut wood. Covered with bees wax and linseed oil. Black coloured (colours on image above altered by lighting; for original image on Etsy.com: click here).

In Buddhism, and sometimes in Witchcraft, Black is color of Protection.

--
I'll need to consecrate this Wand as well.

I was advised in Phyllis Curott's facebook Wicca/Witchcraft group to use method described in 'Witch Crafting' book by Phyllis Curott, in the 'Potions and Notions' chapter.

Silver/Amethyst Athamé.

My new Athamé (Magickal Knife for directing energies).

It's blade is 9 cm long, and whole Athamé is 17.5 cm long.

-=- Silver Athamé with Amethysts. -=-

-=- (Colours on image altered by lighting; for original images on Etsy.com: click here) -=-


My roleplaying character, sorcerer named: 'Attentus', used similar one, he had silver Athamé at his left hip.

This Athamé knife (as on image above) is made of silver alloy with amethysts, and violet/purple was colour used by Wethrillina Aeliath, Attentus's witch-lover.

/ In witchcraft, the colour of purple symbolizes: Power, Color of Royalty and Spiritual Authority, also associated with sexual pleasure. /


Attentus, on the other hand used Black and Silver - the colours of the Buddhist Protector's. Attentus was wearing Black Magician's robe with a touch of Silver embroidery, and had silver Athamé at his left hip. He was snobbish gentleman too.

He meditated for spells in the zazen position (Sitting on heels, as is practiced both in Martial Arts and in Zen Buddhism as well).

/ It is curious that in Buddhism, Black & Silver are on a cover of the booklet: 'Summoning Protector. Black Coat.' But with help of Wethrillina, Attentus's choice of colours was Black & Silver before I knew that buddhist protector Mahakala uses these colours too. The Protector summoned is known as: 'Mahakala', translated as: 'Great Black'. I think that 'Mahakala' can be perceived as either: 'Protecting Energy', 'Buddhist Protector', or/and: 'Wrathful Deity'. /



--
So, my new Athamé knife is like Attentus's Athamé, but with a nice magickal, feminine aspect added to it. :)

/ It is long, so it is mostly a masculine tool. It has purple/violet, round amethysts so it has feminine aspect as well. I think it unifies masculine energies with feminine energies, and can be used to direct these in an act of spellcasting. Union of masculine and feminine energies is more than energies of a man and of a woman taken separately. /

-=- Attentus. -=-

-=- Mahakala Invocation booklet -=- -=- ... in a polish language version. -=-

I am styling myself as Attentus, want to look like him... it's a part of style in Arts that i am creating, style named: 'Art of Magick & Light'.

Art of Magick & Light is a style that uses symbolics, wisdom and lore of the Wicca/Witchcraft.

During one of Attentus/Wethrillina conversations, Attentus admitted that he craves power to protect Wethrillina, his love.

I also want to use my Athamé (and other tools) to protect a Buddhist woman I love, as well as our friends, teachers and gurus, as long as I have permission to do it.


--
One curiosity about Athamé is that it is never meant to draw blood. If it does, it loses it's magickal properties forever. And it works like it never had such powers before. So spells cast using it in past, cease working.

... but what about using Athamé to cast offensive spell without piercing skin or drawing blood in the direct contact?


--
I'll need to consecrate this Athamé knife as well.

I was advised in Phyllis Curott's facebook Wicca/Witchcraft group to use method described in 'Witch Crafting' book by Phyllis Curott, in the 'Potions and Notions' chapter.

Lindsey Stirling - Shadows.

Lindsey Stirling - Shadows.

... usually i don't like violin plays, but Lindsey Stirling is great!