Awakening the Witch Within, 5th Step.

I've taken the 5th step to win the Wisdom and to Awaken the Witch Within.

Using the Phyllis Curott's Witches' Wisdom TAROT Deck, I did 1-card read with this intention, the intention for the Deck to show me the way for Self-Development as a Buddhist/Wiccan Witch.


The card drawn was '6 of Water'.

Meaning of the image seems to be about going with the flow and hunting in the waters. Everything flows, everything changes.


But according to Phyllis Curott's guidebook for the TAROT deck, the meaning of the Card is as follows:

6 of Water,
- Diving Deep -

1. WISDOM.

A Cormorant plunges into a darting school of Fish. The Water, the seabrid's feather, the fishes' scales, bubbles of rising Air and unexpected light light all glisten, sparkle, and move. Water is the ever-changing flow of Life. Whole worlds live within it. The messages, the stories, the lives that it holds are always moving. Water itself is always moving, swirling and changing, dissolving and creating anew. Within it, the Life lives and dies and lives again - fish becoming bird, bird becoming prayer, prayer becoming manifestation, manifestation coming to life. The Waters of Life are always moving....

2. ESSENCE.

Dive deep. Let go, go with the flow. Unexpected change.

3. COUNSEL.

You cannot redirect the river of Life. Instead, plunge in, surrender to it, dissolve in it, allow the 'molecules' of your expectations, plans, and intentions to mix with the Waters flowing all around you. Let go and let your heart become a vessel of understanding. Let it hold the memories of your life, of all life. To remember, you must allow the Waters of Life to flow through you. Begin now--fill the Waters of your life with stories, before the Cormorant appears.

4. MAGIC: Self-Blessing.

Fill a clear bowl with warm Water (approximately 98^oF or 37^oC). Add three tablespoons of salt for the past, present, and future. Stir the Water until the salt dissolves. Bless yourself with the saltwater from which Life first came. Remember you too are a vessel.

--

I've understood that it's wise to 'go with the flow' of life, to not struggle too much against going where life takes one with it. One should remain true to one's priorities, rest is irrevelant.

Panta Rhei.
(Everything Flows).

I've understood that sometimes life and one's reality change suddenly, and that one should adapt if one wants to survive. Sometimes, however, mere survival is not worth living the life one's forced into. For example, i don't think it's worthwhile to live without True Love.

I've understood that life is full of the hunters and of the hunted. Sometimes Hunters Hunted too.

Awakening the Witch Within, 4th Step.

I've taken the 4th step to win the Wisdom and to Awaken the Witch Within.

Using the Phyllis Curott's Witches' Wisdom TAROT Deck, I did 1-card read with this intention, the intention for the Deck to show me the way for Self-Development as a Witch.


The card drawn was 'Guardian'.

Meaning of the image seems to be about oneness with nature, about protecting the Mother Earth from various threats. Humans are only a part of Life and Mother Earth, there are Plants and Animals too.


But according to Phyllis Curott's guidebook for the TAROT deck, the meaning of the Card is as follows:

Guardian.


1. WISDOM.

The Pilgrim's quest has stripped away fears and falsehoods. Unmade and made again by nurturing darkness and engendering light, he sees himself reflected and affirmed by the world that strengthens and sustains him. He is finding confidence and comfort far greater than wealth or privilege can provide. He has learned that there's always reason for hope. The world he lives in is sacred.

He strides forward on the path less traveled, hearing the song of Creation calling him to something greater than himself, calling him to serve. It's dawn. Mist is rising from the verdant greenwood, and because the Pilgrim is ready, the Guardian appears.

Chosen by the Godess Sovereignty, long ago he was called the King, a title and identity sought ever since by frauds who lust for power and treasure and fakers without wisdom or humility. It's an office destined to be held by he who serves the land and all its peoples. This is what makes him worthy: holding his purpose with integrity.

Compassion, inspiration, and example are how he wields his authority, but to defend the Life he serves, he can also wield a sword against those who are cruel, indifferent, and corrupt. His wisdom and motivation arise from the order of Creation. He is the faithful and passionate partner, embodied and divine, of the Godess, whom he has loved since the beginning of time. His every action serves Her creed: That all things make the world a better place for Life,

The Pilgrim stands before the Guardian and feels the strength and gentlesess that radiate from him in equal measure. A modest potion falls upon him like an honor to be carried: to till the fields and tend the animals, stand guard, and step forward. The Pilgrim is ready to be mentored and empowered by responsibility.

2. ESSENCE.

God. Confidence, self-respect, responsibility, integrity. Harmony, hope. Protect.

3. COUNSEL.

You're coming into a true sense of yourself and your ability to create the life you want. When you're fully present and act with integrity, you'll be increasingly freed from the limitations of ego, jealousy, and selfish ambition, whether yours or someone else's. You're discovering your self-worth and earning your own respect. You're ready to serve something greater than yourself, to stand up for your values, for others, and for the wellbeing of Creation. The Guardian reminds you to seek the mentorship of the older men in your life, especially those who have offered some part of their lives in service. They will remind you what thrue strength is and that there's always reason for hope.

4. MAGIC.

Go outside and pay attention to the trees. When you feel one calling to you, address it as the Guardian:

Guardian, the power of all things
that grow, teach me how to grow,
to be strong, to serve the Life that
is greater than my own.

Sit with your back against the tree's trunk. Feel the Earth below you, the Sun above, the power of Life making all things grow. Feel it moving through you. Feel yourself growing stronger, healthier, more joyful. Remember all good things you are creating in your life. Ask for guidance. Listen to what the Guardian has to teach you. Thank the Guardian, the tree, the grass beneath you, the Plant and Animal People around you. Mother Earth. Sense their acknowledgement. Leave an offering and act on the advice that Guardian has given you.

--

I've understood that to develop as a Buddhist/Wiccan Witch, I need to take the responsibility of protecting friends, lessons and the natural world. I need self-integrity and attitude of fighting against ego - both mine and of other beings.

Awakening the Witch Within, 3rd Step.

I've taken the 3rd step to win the Wisdom and to Awaken the Witch Within.

Using the Phyllis Curott's Witches' Wisdom TAROT Deck, I did 1-card read with this intention, the intention for the Deck to show me the way for Self-Development as a Witch.


The card drawn was 'Moon'.

Meaning of the image can be found when looking at the moon - either directly or in distorted water-reflection, when one lets his/her wild side surface, when one howls to the moon like wolves do. Modern humans hide their wild side, retreat from nature to the comforts and safety of civilization, but call of the wild still can be felt, longed for.

But according to Phyllis Curott's guidebook for the TAROT deck, the meaning of the Card is as follows:

Moon.

1. WISDOM.

There's a wildness within us that yearns to be physical, sensual, animal, free. But fear of this unknown part, of the shadows where it dwells, of where it might take us and who it might make us, has left us all only half alive.

We live in a human world of comfort and possessions, safe and secure but cut off from the natural world, from our body, from the magic of embodiment. It's the Moon that illuminates our ancient longing. When it appears in the night sky of our soul, it's a holy grail finally within reach, a cup of the wine of Life in which our dreams of wholeness float. It's the Moon that pulls us forward with it's rhythmic ebb and flow, a mystery that women's bodies know. Diana, Godess of Witches and all things wild, holds the mirror of her full and shining Moon for us to see our sacred selves, no longer hidden, doubted, or unconscious.

The Pilgrim goes to see her reflection. She enters the dark woods and Wolves appear. She slips into the deep Waters where Otters play. She even dares to brave the Dragon's Lair.

Wildness is the only path to the Moon. There's no need to dread the companions who will teach you how to shapeshift into hoof and horn, paw and claw, fur and feathers, fins and scales, bud and leaf and flower. Set your foot upon the silver path. The Moon will light your way from fear to the fierce and freeing desires of your wild and natural self.

2. ESSENCE.

Mystery. Wildness, physical instinct. Liberated feminine power.

3. COUNSEL.

When the Moon appears and the wild calls, what will you choose? The illusory safety of your city tower? The sanctuary of a Witch's cottage with its tiny light shining in the forest? You can't pretend that's wildness. Howl at the Moon. Race with Wolves, swim with Otters, fly with Owls. Look back into the far distance and see the light from your cottage window. Feel a pang of sorrow for all that you have to let go. Then turn to the Moon above and feel a shiver of delight as you hear the answering howl of your companions. Watch the Moon, follow it's rhythm in the sky, see how it pulls the tides below. Feel that pull within you, rising and subsiding. Feel the Moon in your body, in your heart, in your mind. When you choose to return to your cottage and community, you'll return changed - free, whole, and holy, blessed by the Moon.

4. MAGIC.

At the next full Moon, take a small round mirror and go to outside. Capture the Moon's reflection in the mirror. Now look at yourself in it. See the light in your eyes, even in the darkness. Tilt the mirror until you can again see the shining Moon. Look at yourself again. See yourself more clearly. See the light that shines within you, see the future that awaits you. Lift the mirror to the Moon and give thanks for the blessing She has given you.

--

I've understood that to develop as a Witch, I need to set my wild side free, to feel it, to let it arise within my mind, my body, my heart. I need to reconnect with nature as well.

The Witch Craze (also called: 'Burning Times') and Inquisition.

This is what i've read in 'Wicca Made Easy' book by Phyllis Curott:

In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII published a papal edict authorizing the use of torture to elict confessions of Witchcraft (which has yet to be rescinded).

Two years later, two german monks published a handbook called 'Malleus Maleficiarum', an anti-woman screed on how to fulfill the Pope's orders, and in 1542, Pope Paul III established the Holy Office of the Inquisition (which also continues to this day).

It is considered that the Witchcraze, or Burning Times started in the late 1300s and finally ended 500 years later in the early 1800s.

--
See also, if You wish:
> [ About witch-hunting and about the 'Burning Times' ],
> [ Inkubus Sukkubus - 'Burning Times' ].

Wicca Made Easy: Guided visualization: Storytelling.

'There are many shamanic techniques, called ecstatic practices, that enable you to gain access to the Other World; among them are dancing, drumming and journeying, fasting, ritual and working with sacred plants.

There's also the age-old magic of storytelling, now called guided visualization. The right stories told in the right way for the right reasons can take you into the realms of Spirit'.

--
I've positioned myself confortably, closed eyes and breathed deeply, relaxing.

I've felt my body relax as I exhaled, and felt my mind calm itself when I inhaled.

My hands over my heart, and I felt it's steady, slow rythm.


My breath reached outward and deeper inward, and I've felt it to connect inner and outer, outer and beyond, beyond and within.

I've felt my consciousness changing, shifting, opening into the radiant dimensions within and beyond my physical body. As I've continued breathing I've felt myself rising, free to move anywhere.

In front of me door appeared. Old, beautiful, wooden door with handle made of gold in the shape of a curving branch. I've gripped the handle and pulled, but doors were heavy. I've pulled it harder and it opened.

I've found myself in disappearing mist, in the magical, natural land in the spring-time of the year. Following a carpet of green grass, full of spring violets. The sun was rising, the sky was blue and there was a soft warm breeze.

I've inhaled and filled myself with energy of this place.

Followed a well-worn path through a meadow and into the woods. With birdsongs in background, i've heard a stream with small rocks and water plants. Through the stream i've finally reached woods.

I've opened my eyes, and found in front of me a being full of love an compassion. It was green man, who was my guide.

Why a man appeared instead of woman?

I am not a gay, and woman would probably be a competition for a buddhist witch that I love. So the man came, for it was safer choice for this gender.


I've opened my heart and received his blessings, whatever needed was offered.

I've felt blessings, felt the energy of Creation coursing through me. It was place of Spirit.

Feeling my body infused with light and energy, love and Spirit, there was something in my hands, a gift for the Green Man.

There was something in my hands, something shaped from this energy. A sphere of light, with quickly moving butterfly-alike wings. A symbol of beauty flowering, after living for a while as a larva.

I've offered my gift and said thanks to the green man.

Time in this world came to an end. I've returned the way I came, past the door into my apartment, into my body, into the present.


I've returned with the power of Creation to manifest love and beauty, to give shape and form to Spirit, to create life that i long for. This was magic i am seeking.

I've opened my eyes, and clapped my hands three times, to help me ground myself and return consciousness to normal.

My feelings during this practice could be described as spring-time, young and beautiful. I am grateful for the green man's gift, perhaps he was best guide for me for now.

I've described in short my Guided visualization: Storytelling practice in my magical journal (this blog is my magical journal, among other topics).

Thoughtform & Energy.

About.

Just as sound can alter your consciousness and a phrase can help magic manifest, an image or symbol can provide a visual focus for meditation and for magic.

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

/ EN: 'thought form' = PL: 'myślokształt' /.

It's also called 'setting your intention'.


Blog author's comment.

Thought forms can be visualized, sending energies can also be visualized.

Thought forms play their parts in determining what happens when energy is sent to them.

Traditional tools for directing energies are: Athamé and Wand, but the trained mind alone can do energy projection/direction even without these tools.

Energies in one's body can be raised by performing tiring, ecstatic practices such as:
- dancing,
- running on a treadmill,
- riding a home exercise bike,
- performing martial arts (for example: Karate) kata forms,
- practicing Qi Gong,
- going to a hard rock concert,
- etc...

One can combine dancing and/or other energy-rise exercises with chanting and/or drumming, as well.

etc...

After performing this/these practice(s), one can feel the body's heat rise, and can use imagination, body/hand(s) gesture(s), and/or other traditional tools to direct that energy before it dissipates.

Sometimes it's a good idea to speak/shout/think one's wishes as energies are directed/sent.

There's also the Wiccan rite called: 'Cone of Power' that uses these energy-rising, wishing & directing practices.

Wicca Made Easy: Magical Chanting ('Nice, Scented, Attractive').

Chanting is one of the most joyful ways to alter our consciousness
(which has been scientifically proven),
and make magic.

I've given some thought to a short phrase that expresses what I want to change, accomplish, create in life. I didn't overthink, letting my playful side have some fun composing something that I enjoy.

Nice, Scented, Attractive, ...
Nice, Scented, Attractive, ...
Nice, Scented, Attractive, ...
Nice, Scented, Attractive, ...
Nice, Scented, Attractive, ...
Nice, Scented, Attractive, ...
Nice, Scented, Attractive, ...
...

I sat in a place where i wouldn't be disturbed. I've breathed until I felt my mind and body grow quiet and peaceful. I've felt energy flowing through me and around me.

I've felt my consciousness shift and my perception became clearer. I've felt my heart open, i've felt myself to be increasingly connected to the Sacred. I've felt myself coming into union and wholeness. I've thanked Creation for receiving my intention, my energy, my magic.

I've inhaled fully and naturally. I've chanted my enchantment as I exhaled.

...

I've completed the Chant, as described in a book ('Wicca Made Easy', by Phyllis Curott).

I've created a Spell, and wrote it in my Magical Journal (this blog is my magical Journal, among other topics).

What you chant, repeat, visualize,
imagine evokes change within
you and in the world.

Wicca Made Easy: Purifying Myself & Experiencing the Divine.

The book arrived.

After reading introduction and first chapters, i've found a salt-water purification practice and guided meditation practice for experiencing the Divine presence.

I did the purifying, holy bath ... and then observed how my disturbing thoughts and feelings go down the drain with salt-water.

Then after a while of rest i practiced meditation for experiencing the Divine presence.

Some breaths, some muscles tensing & relaxation in the whole body, then i've set my focus on an occasion when i've felt the Divine presence. In was in the nearby park when i've seen a young man dressed in Mahakala cloak behind me. I've felt blessings & energies rushing around and through me. If i am remembering correctly, I was about 25 years old when this happened.

On another day, i repeated the practice of experiencing the Divine presence.

I've experienced the Blessings of Warm, Loving and Protecting Energies, I've felt Calmness and Peace when i've meditated in a Buddhist Center. I think that Parvati, Hindu deity of Power played a part in this. Voices in my head, some of them I associate with certain Buddhist Teacher whose name I won't reveal here, tell me that Parvati played her part in blessings for sure. I'll include Parvati in my further practices, when needed.

I've asked the Divine Couple - the Mahakala and Parvati to stay with me. I've asked them to Protect and Guide me, in service for the Buddha Karmapa 17th Trinley Thaye Dorje. I'll offer Them something worthwhile as well. I know that Mahakala accepts Cookies and Tea, and from what i've seen - Parvati likes Light & Flowers. Perhaps the Lotus Incense will be a nice offering for her.

/ Parvati, the Hindu Deity is the one who gives life energy or Shakti to all beings. When Parvati, godess of Power, manifests as Kali, She is the Fierce Protector as well. /

I've said thanks, and opened my eyes.

Now i am writing about this on my blog, for it is my magical journal, among other topics.

Awakening the Witch Within, 2nd Step.

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

Using the Phyllis Curott's Witches' Wisdom TAROT Deck, I did 1-card read with this intention, the intention for the Deck to show me the way for Self-Development as a Witch.


The card drawn was 'Witch of Fire'.

Meaning of the image can be found within Witch's Eyes, can be found by looking within and can be found in Self-Discovery.

But according to Phyllis Curott's guidebook for the TAROT deck, the meaning of the Card is as follows:

Witch of Fire.

1. WISDOM.

Deep within Mother Earth, a sacred cave is filled with heat and dreams. Swirling smoke conceals then reveals the Witch of Fire. The spark of Life burns in her eyes as she tosses bay leaves into a bowl of glowing embers. Fire dances as she summons visions. The mythic snake wraps round the immortal Oracle as the Pythia looks into your heart. She knows what the future holds and what magic will create it. She knows how the spark of Life becomes flames of joy. But before she shares her precious wisdom with you, you must know yourself.

--
Blog author's comment: Pythia was the priestesses of the greek deity Apollo. Pythia were highly regarded, for it was believed that she channeled prophecies from Apollo himself, while stepped in a dreamlike trance.

A Pythia was chosen among the priestesses of the temple upon the death of the previous Pythia. At the height of its popularity up to three Pythiai were known to hold office. Pythias were likely women from higher-class families, were educated, and well-read.

At the temple center, Pythia sat on a covered tripod cauldron over a deep well-like chasm. Seated in this way, enveloped by vapors while shaking bay branches, the Pythia would fall into a trance state and channel the god. In this way did the Pythia pronounce judgment and prophecy to those in attendance.

Those seeking the counsel of Apollo and his priestess would bring offerings of laurel branches, gifts of money, and a sacrifice of a black ram.

Apollo was deity associated with the bow, music, poetry, healing, purification, medicine and divination. The epitome of youth and beauty, source of life and healing, patron of the arts, and as bright and powerful as the sun itself, Apollo was perhaps the most loved of all the gods.

Divination is more or less fortunetelling, obtaining information.

2. ESSENCE.

Look within. Know yourself. Find gold in the dark.

3. COUNSEL.

The Fire Witch challenges you to discover what you truly want. It may not be what you first think. Look within and don't be blocked by what frightens you. There is gold in the darkness - lessons that will liberate your Spirit and empower you. When you recognize that, the Fire Witch will show you how to bring your dreams into being and fill your life with joy.

4. MAGIC.

Create a dream pillow. Hold dried mugwort / EN: 'Mugwort' = PL: 'Bylica', 'Piołun' /, preferably organic, and ask it to work with you. Fill a small cotton / EN: 'cotton' = PL: 'bawełna' / bag with it or tie it in a cotton handkerchief. Ask your question. Ask for a sign, for a guide. Ask your dreams to help you. Place the dream pillow under your pillow. Go to sleep. When you wake up, before getting out of bed, write down everything you remember from your dreams.

--

I've understood that I need to look within, to understand what I truly need. This might be different from what I thought so far.

I've understood that I need to precise what I want from Wicca/Witchcraft, why I want to be an officially initiated Wiccan/Witch.

From Wicca/Witchcraft i want friendships, wisdom, protection, blessings and to develop my love-attractiviness and good style. Slim shape, nice scent, nice dress etc. But I also want from Wicca/Witchcraft to teach me how to perform wisely the supernatural acts, how to empower my spells, how to make my spells manifest faster and better. I want my practices to be as simple as possible, to be a fine and beautiful works of Art, Art of Magick & Light. I want to see/hear/etc. proofs that my magick & other supernatural powers really work. Finally, I want Wicca/Witchcraft and Buddhism to understand each other, to nicely, fairly and efficiently work together, to fulfill mutual goals together.

I want to repay Wicca/Witchcraft in kind, to serve, to help, to support & to donate money for all the efforts Wiccans/Witches do for me. I understand that Wiccans/Witches also have their costs & expenses, and I do not want to unfair & ungrateful.

I've also understood that i should not be afraid of life's hardships, for these are lessons. By going through hardships, one develops inner strength and wisdom, at least.

'Real development happens beyond the comfort zone'.