1 Trimester

8/10/2019 1 Trimester

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First Trimester



Lesson 1

What is Wicca?What is Wicca?What is Wicca?What is Wicca?Wicca is an Earth-based; Nature focused spirituality, drawing on the beliefs andpractices of pantheism, Gnosticism, ceremonial magick, witchcraft and the paganreligions of the old worlds.

Although the words “Wicca” and “Witchcraft” are often used interchangeably, it isvery important to note that they are notthey are notthey are notthey are not the same thing, although there is asubstantial overlap.

So what is Wiccan then?So what is Wiccan then?So what is Wiccan then?So what is Wiccan then?

Wicca is traditionally an initiatory Tradition, and most Wiccans work in a groupcalled a Coven, which can be a small group of two or as big as 13 or more. Wiccansbelieve in a Goddess & God and celebrate the union between them. Wiccans alsoperform their ceremonies in a ‘circle’ and work closely with the four elements.Wiccans meet to celebrate the 8 Sabbats (The Wheel of the Year or SeasonalCelebrations) and often also meet to work together at the Full Moon.

InitiationInitiationInitiationInitiationWicca is a three-degree system:

Different titles are given at each of these initiations; although this varies these titlesreflect the experience and responsibilities of the initiate. Most Covens today alsoexpect those who are interested in joining their Coven to undergo a ‘Dedication’ or‘Probationer’ initiation when they first join, this is followed by a period of instructionwhich when completed and both parties happy to continue will lead to First Degreeinitiation. Many people may argue the point of initiation, saying that you only need

to decide you are Wiccan, to be Wiccan. This has led to much confusion andmisunderstandings, which can all be easily avoided by looking at the origins of thistradition. Taking it back to the time of Gerald Gardener (Founder of the GardnerianTradition) and more recently to the time of Maxine & Alex Sanders (Founders of theAlexandrian Tradition)- you will find that it is clearly an initiatory tradition. Thismeans that in order to learn the practices of Wicca one had to be accepted by a Covenwho would initiate you into their mysteries and train you in their rituals and beliefs.

First Degree

Second Degree

Third Degree



Wicca is often described as a ‘mystery’ tradition and these mysteries include theinitiation rites and a few other group practices, which can only be fully understoodthrough experience of them.

Obviously it is not that easy to be initiated, and there are a great many factors to takeinto account. Some people find it hard to even find a Coven in their local area, othershave personal commitments (such as studies, work or children), which could make itdifficult to commit the time and energy that Coven life demands. And even if thereare no obvious obstacles there are still only a small number of Covens in comparisonto the levels of interest today which means that it can be very difficult to gainentrance into a Coven even when you manage to find one, some even have waitinglists!

NonNonNonNon----Initiated WiccansInitiated WiccansInitiated WiccansInitiated WiccansThe surge interest in Wicca & Paganism in general, has led to many new books andwebsites, which aims to provide information and guidance on the practices of Wicca& Paganism for those who are interested and want to start learning by themselves.Unfortunately many of these have been done by those quite new to Paganismthemselves and often have confusing material, which can be very frustrating, andmisleading as ‘absolute’ fact, some others sell courses at inflated prices! It is verydifficult to know where to go at times!

With so much information being made available, especially in the 1970’s with the

publication of the books by the Farrar’s, many more people than before were able toaccess the rituals and beliefs of ‘Wicca’. By using these books they were able to teachthemselves much of the rituals and practices themselves and started working assolitaries or sometimes formed groups of their own based on the material available inpublished sources. Some performed self-dedications (also sometimes called self-initiation) and some used the published initiation rituals to initiate others. Today it iswidely accepted that the term ‘Wicca’ can and should also be applied to those whohave learned in this way, as their practices and beliefs do hold a lot in common withinitiated Wiccans- although there are some small differences as some teachings andexperiences remain part of the oral tradition.

So what is the difference between Wiccans and Witches?So what is the difference between Wiccans and Witches?So what is the difference between Wiccans and Witches?So what is the difference between Wiccans and Witches?It is confusing isn’t it? Wiccans call themselves Witches, Witches often practicerituals very similar to that of Wiccans- one way of looking at it would be to see theterm “Wiccans” as those who have been initiated into a Wiccan Coven or Traditionsuch as Gardnerian, Alexandrian or Seax-Wicca or those who have learned fromreputable books and made a study of Wicca without initiation and have practices and



beliefs akin to that of the Gardnerian/Alexandrian movement. Witches (as opposed toWiccans) may be solitary practitioners (hedge witches), self-initiated or self-dedicated to a particular tradition or path, or they might have been initiated into atradition outside of Wicca such as Santeria, Voodoo or one of the few traditionalEuropean traditions which are still surviving today.

So when can you call yourself Wiccan?So when can you call yourself Wiccan?So when can you call yourself Wiccan?So when can you call yourself Wiccan?There are so many websites and books out today which completely confuses the twowith each other and newcomers often get wrapped up in what to call themselves,because of all this confusion!

Our opinion is that you can call yourself Wiccan, providing you have a goodunderstanding of the practices, history and beliefs of the tradition, and that youyourself share those beliefs and practice similar rituals. In addition to do this, in

situations where initiation is not possible (for a good reason!) you can mark your owndedication to the tradition through a self-dedication ceremony, which although it isnot the same as initiation is an important step on your path- it is a pact between youand the Gods which is very special and private, during which you dedication your lifeto Their Work and service- which means striving to fulfill your own potential in allyou do!



Lesson 2

What do Wiccans do?What do Wiccans do?What do Wiccans do?What do Wiccans do?Before you become Wiccan, you will spend a period of time studying as a probationerto a Wiccan Coven. Some Covens offer a training program for a ‘Year and a day’regardless of previous knowledge, whereas others will take into account theknowledge you have brought with you from working on your own or with othergroups. (This depends on your HPS & HP). Spending a year and a day in training,learning as much as you can is a good idea even when you decide that you want to doa self-dedication, as it will give you time to learn and think through things beforemaking serious promises to the Gods! (Which is a bigbigbigbig step!)

You will be expected to put a lot of work into practicing and preparing yourself for

1st degree initiation. Wiccan Covens work from a Book of Shadows (BOS) that hasbeen handed down from the original Book of shadows of Gerald Gardner, AlexSanders or the founder of their particular tradition. The Book of Shadows istraditionally copied by hand by the new initiate, and more material is added as newworkings are done. Solitaries who have no access to a group BOS will often copy outrituals and spells from published sources to which they can add further material eachtime they perform rituals or other workings.

Wiccan Covens meet on a regular basis. The entire Coven with their probationersmeets 8 times a year to celebrate the turn of the wheel at each of the Wiccan Sabbats.

These events are often followed by a social after the ritual has been completed.

Probationers might have workshops to attend, offered to them by their High Priestessand High Priest or another initiated member. The way training is offered variesgreatly from group to group.

The Esbats are celebrated more or less thirteen times per year, one for each of theLunar months. Groups will often try and hold these rituals as close as possible to theFull Moon. Esbats are attended by Coven members, and are often the times whenhealing and other spell work is done.

Wiccans perform a variety of rituals and magickal workings through the year andthese can be divided into:

MagickMagickMagickMagick----MysticismMysticismMysticismMysticism----ReligionReligionReligionReligion

Magick being the spell work, Mysticism being initiations and the practice of certain



rituals, and Religion, which is the devotional aspect of our beliefs, and practices.



Lesson 3

What do Wiccans believe in?What do Wiccans believe in?What do Wiccans believe in?What do Wiccans believe in?Firstly, when it comes to practices, Wiccans abide by the Wiccan Rede which is oftenquoted in its abbreviated form “Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill- An’ It Harm nonDo As Ye Will.’

All Wiccans believe in a female Deity, The Goddess, Who is worshipped alongsideHer male companion, often seen as the Horned God. In Wicca, the Goddess is usuallyrepresented by the Moon and the God by the Sun, there are however many differentpantheons from which Deities might be drawn from, many Wiccans prefer to workwith the Celtic Deities, in particular the Welsh and Irish Gods and Goddesses.

Wiccans celebrate the union of the Goddess and the God, which is a theme central tomany of our practices and rituals.

Wicca is a life-affirming and positive spiritual path. We celebrate the cycles of Natureand the divinity of the Earth. Wiccans, even when they work in groups have to do alot of research, study and practice by themselves!

It is not a path for lazy people, as it requires a lot of hard work and dedication. It is apath that people find their way to, which enables seekers to celebrate the cycles ofNature whilst growing spiritually.

The Wiccan RedeThe Wiccan RedeThe Wiccan RedeThe Wiccan RedeBide ye the Wiccan laws ye must,

In perfect love in perfect trust.

Ye must live and let live,

Fairly take and fairly give.

Cast the circle thrice about,

To keep unwelcome spirits out.

To bind the spell well every time,

Let the spell be spoken in rhyme.

Soft of eye and light of touch,Speak ye little and listen much.

Deosil go by waxing moon,

Chanting out the Wiccan runes,

Widdershins go by waning moon,

Chanting out the baneful tune.

When the Lady’s moon is new,



Kiss the hand to Her times two.

When the moon rides at Her peak,

Then the heart’s desire seek.

Heed the North wind’s mighty gale:

Lock the door and trim the sail.

When the wind comes from the South,

Love will kiss thee on the mouth.

When the Moor wind blows from the West,

Departed spirits have no rest.

When the wind blows from the East,

Expect the new and set the feast.

Nine woods in the cauldron go,

Burn them quick and burn them slow.

Elder be the Lady’s tree,

Burn it not or cursed ye’ll be.

When the wheel begins to turn,

Let the Beltane fires burn.

When the wheel has turned to Yule,

Light the log and the Horned One rules.

Heed ye flower, bush and tree,

By the Lady, Blessed be.

Where the rippling waters go,

Cast a stone, the truth to know.

When ye have and hold a need,

Harken not to others’ greed.With a fool no seasons spend,

Or be counted as his friend.

Merry meet and merry part,

Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Threefold Law ye should,

Three times bad and three times good.

When misfortune is enow,

Wear the blue star on thy brow.

True in love ye must ever be,

Lest thy love be false to thee.These words the Wiccan Rede fulfill:

An ye harm none, do what ye will.

The above is one of the poetic versions of the Wiccan Rede. The actual ‘rede’ is muchshorter and is simply - “An ye harm none, do what ye will.” This is taken to be a pathof responsibility and Wiccans need to learn to apply to all that we do.



Lesson 4

What is Witchcraft?What is Witchcraft?What is Witchcraft?What is Witchcraft?Witchcraft is the spell craft of the nature ways, healing and herbs, faery and folk,passing on wisdom that works, walking the wild ways and learning from nature allaround.

Some witches choose Wicca as their religion, their way of worshipping the Old Onesin a group into which they have been initiated or through learning from publishedmaterial and working on their own following a self-dedication to the tradition and itsbeliefs and practices. Not all witches are Wiccans, nor are all witches religious.

Some witches are Jewish and some even claim to be Christian (Xian). It is important

to note that Witchcraft is much older than Wicca, and that it encompasses manydifferent traditions- the word Witch was first used to describe the Azande tribe inAfrica.

Witches work magick according to personal preference, sometimes solitary (alsocalled hedge witch) and at other times with kindred spirits.

A thousand paths to a thousand witches, for each witch the craft is something slightlydifferent. A personal relationship with nature, which may include deities, angels,guardian spirits and other creatures.

“So when can someone call themselves a witch?”“So when can someone call themselves a witch?”“So when can someone call themselves a witch?”“So when can someone call themselves a witch?”This question always fuels a debate of some sort, but our opinion is that if youpractice ‘Witchcraft’ then you can call yourself a ‘Witch’. Being a ‘Witch’ is alifestyle, it’s not something to be taken lightly, it’s not a culture specific label, and it’snot just the way you dress! It is a commitment for life. If you are just starting out andlearning about the ways of Witchcraft it is best to describe yourself as someone withan interest in Witchcraft- until such time that you start practicing seriously!



Lesson 5

What is Paganism?What is Paganism?What is Paganism?What is Paganism?The word Pagan derives from the Latin Paganus (meaning: peasants, country folk,rural people.)

A Pagan was one who practiced “country ways”. Specifically, Pagan referred to oldcountry practices originating before the Xian era.

Paganism includes Witchcraft, Wicca, Druidry, the Northern Tradition, Hinduism,Tantra, Goddess Spirituality and many other paths within its scope.

What are the common strands that bind all these paths together asWhat are the common strands that bind all these paths together asWhat are the common strands that bind all these paths together asWhat are the common strands that bind all these paths together as

being pagan?being pagan?being pagan?being pagan?1. Celebration of Deity/Deities, Their place in our lives and our connection withThem.

2. Love and respect for nature and other living creatures.3. Tolerance of other people’s beliefs, especially spiritual, as long as they do not

harm anything living.As you can see, paganism is not just one belief system but a range of many from avariety of cultural and geographical origins.

As a spirituality that teaches reverence for nature and all Her aspects, celebrating

fertility and life, it can be traced back to the earliest civilizations. Whether, like usyou see Paganism today, as Neo-Paganism, a revival of the old religions, or anuninterrupted continuation of those beliefs since time began, calling yourself Pagancarries many responsibilities. It is not something to be taken lightly at all, there is noone there to tell you how to behave, there is no set of rules.

As long as you harm no one, including yourself, you do as you please, alwaysremembering the Goddess and God aspect in yourself, and in everyone around you,and equally as important, always remember your duty to Mother Nature, in all herforms.

Assignment AAssignment AAssignment AAssignment AWrite down the following questions in your new magickal diary and answer them inas much detail as possible, using the information provided on these pages, and alsodrawing from your own experiences and other books and websites you have read.1. How would you define Wicca?



2. How would you define the beliefs and practices of Wicca?3. What is the Wiccan Rede?4. What do you perceive the differences between Wicca and Witchcraft to be?5. How would you define a witch, and would you call yourself one? If you would

call yourself a witch, explain why.6. What are the basic beliefs of Paganism?

Practical Exercise:Practical Exercise:Practical Exercise:Practical Exercise:Hand copy the Wiccan Rede into your magickal diary and consider its meaning asyou do so. You may also enjoy decorating your new diary if you have not alreadydone so!



Lesson 6

Introducing the Wheel of the YearIntroducing the Wheel of the YearIntroducing the Wheel of the YearIntroducing the Wheel of the YearThe Sabbats are seasonal festivals which mark the turning of the Wheel of the Yearand the cycles of nature. Most western pagans celebrate the eight Sabbats; theSummer and Winter Solstices, the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes and the quarterdays or fire festivals- Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnassadh.

These Sabbats help you tune in to the cycles of nature as they exist within you as wellas without. The idea of the eight-fold Wheel of the Year was created by Ross Nichollsand Gerald Gardner in the 1950’s.

The festivals themselves, however, are very old, and mark important times in the

agricultural cycle of the year. All of the eight Sabbats were celebrated in the ancientworld, but not all necessarily by the same people or in the same place.

It should be remembered that the energies at different times of the year are differentdepending on where you are. If you are living in the southern hemisphere, theseasons and therefore the festivals are reversed.

It is important to try to learn what you can about the myths, legends, beliefs andfestivals of the land you live in, to enable you to tune in to the natural energies asperceived by the inhabitants of the land through time.



Lesson 7

The Wheel of the YearThe Wheel of the YearThe Wheel of the YearThe Wheel of the YearSamhain-31st OctoberSamhain, or Halloween, is the death festival, marking the decent of Winter. Theleaves are falling from the trees in drifts, and life is drawn away from the surface ofthe earth, and descends deep into the earth. Life is now in the roots and bulbs ofplants which rest over the Winter. The Horned God who was Lord of Life and theWild Greenwood has now truly taken His throne as Lord of the Underworld, thedread Lord of Shadows, the comforter of souls.

The earth prepares for sleep and draws energy inwards. This is a time forintrospection, as we took draw our energy within and prepare for the Winter. The

Earth is becoming cold, and barren, and we see Her as Cailleach, the Crone, the WiseOne. She is the Dark Mother who devours the God that She may give birth to Himagain. Her womb is also the tomb, and the Underworld, and the Horned God thusresides within Her womb over the Winter months.

Samhain is a time of transformation and inner work. It is also a somber time ofremembrance, when we remember and honor those who have died. The veil isthinnest between the worlds and we call on the spirits of the dead and invite them tofeast with us on this, the feast of death. We call upon our ancestors and contact theancient wisdom. It is a time of endings, but also a time of beginnings, as Samhain is a

Celtic New Year’s Eve festival. Thus we give up the past and look to the future, and itis also a good time for scrying.

It is the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. Samhain is a good time forbanishings, and for sorting out unfinished business. At Samhain we look back andtake stock of the past year and contemplate what we have learned. Samhain is also thetime to face our shadow, the dark side of ourselves.

We find no wild flowers blooming, yet the colors of nature are rich and warm.Magick mushrooms grow to help us explore other realms, to make the veil thinner

still. Samhain is also a harvest festival, but a harvest of flesh. The livestock would bekilled at this time so that there would be meat throughout the bleak Winter. Thewind blows, Jack Frost makes patterns on our windows and the mists rise. It is nowonder this season is one of mystery.

The Winter Solstice: Yule- 21st DecemberYule is the time we celebrate the return of the waxing sun. Light and life can be seen



to be returning and conquering death. Yule is a turning point, a point of change,where the tides of the year turn and begin to flow in the opposite direction. It is thedarkest time of the year, the time of the longest night, but there is the promise of thereturn of light.

We encourage the sun to rise and to grow in power, and we remember the seasons ofplenty. Magickally we bring back the season of plenty, and we feast on rich foods anddrinks. The fir tree represents life amidst death, it is evergreen, representingeverlasting life, and lasting friendship.

Holly and Mistletoe bear berries at this time, symbolizing fertility. Mistletoe berriesare white, representing the semen of the Horned God, the Holly berries are blood red,symbolizing both the menstrual blood of the goddess and the sacrifice of the God.Evergreen trees also represent youth and freshness, and are symbols of the promise ofspring. A Yule custom, still practiced at Xmas is to dress an evergreen tree, and makeofferings.

We honor the spirit of the spirit of the tree, and what it represents. It is sad that acustom of honoring the living tree has been replaced by the meaningless decorationof ghastly plastic or tinsel trees, or the cutting down of thousands of living trees sothat people can have them in their living rooms for a couple of weeks, and then dumpthem, causing environmental damage. It is far better to honor a living tree, outdoors.

The tree may be decorated with appropriate offerings, fruit, decorated pine cones,

jewelry, symbols of the sun, symbols of fertility, birds, animals, ect. At Yule we saygoodbye to the dying sun, and wait through the long, cold night for the sun’s rebirth.The night belongs to the Goddess, and is a night of waiting, through her pregnancy,for the Child of Promise.

In the morning we greet the new sun and celebrate the waxing year. The rising sunbrings the promise of spring and the gifts that will bring. It is still a long time beforethe sun will be strong, but we hope and we trust. The sun is now the Child ofPromise, the young hero God. It is a time of making wishes and hopes for the comingyear, and of setting resolutions. From the darkness comes the light.

Imbolc or Bride- 1st FebruaryThe Festival of Imbolc or Bride, is celebrated around 2nd February by Pagans, and byXians who call it Candlemas. Imbolc is Irish-Gaelic, translated variously as “in thebelly” and “ewe’s milk”, and represents the quickening of Light and Life.

The first stirrings of the coming of Spring can be seen, as the first flowers (snowdrops



and winter aconite) begin to appear. Seeds which have lain dormant within the earthover the cold Winter months begin to stir with life, as yet unseen. At Imbolc wecelebrate the Waking Light of the soul. Our spirits begin to quicken as we anticipatethe rebirth of Nature. In Wicca it is the traditional time for initiation. Now is thetime for the banishing of Winter and the welcoming of Spring. We welcome theGoddess who is renewed, reborn as the Flower Maiden. She has passed through Herphase as the Hag, Crone or Wise One, and is a Maiden again. Bride or Brigid is athree-fold Celtic Goddess who has been Xianized into St. Brigid, whose day iscelebrated on 1st February.

In Ireland, St. Brigid’s cross is made of rushes and straw, and goes back to pre-Xiantimes, representing the Sun Wheel or Fire Wheel. It may also be lined to an ancientceremony connected with the preparation of the grain for sowing in the Spring. Itwas believed that the Spirit of the Grain, or the Goddess Herself, resided in the lastgrain harvested, and the last grain from the Harvest Festival was ritually brought intothe house at Imbolc, blessed and planted as the first seed of the next harvest.

The grain may also be made into a female figure, the Brideog (little Brighde) anddressed. Bride’s bed is made, and She is welcomed in. The Goddess is seen in Herthree aspects at Imbolc, as the new-born Flower Maiden; the Mother, or bride offertility, awaiting the fertilizing Sun God, and the Dark Crone of the dark half of theyear. The sun is growing in strength, the Child of Promise, re-born at Yule, is nowthe Conquering Child.

What was born at the Solstice begins to manifest, and this is the time forindividuation, as we each light our own light, and set ourselves tasks and challenges.We nurture and kindle our resolutions and begin to look outwards again, do outeractivity, although first we look deep within to discover what potential lies therewaiting to be fulfilled.

Through the weeks ahead the days grow gradually longer, but we are still in the darkhalf of the year (until Beltaine) and this is the time to develop non-physical skills,such as psychometry, clairvoyance and precognition.

Eostre: The Spring Equinox- 21st MarchThis festival is named for the Anglo-Saxon Goddess Eostre or Eastre, also known inOld German as Ostara. Little is known about this Goddess, except that Her festivalwas celebrated at the Spring Equinox, and became Easter, and that She was a Goddessof fertility, and was connected with hares and eggs.

She may also be connected with the Greek Eos and the Roman Aurora, both Dawn



Goddesses, and with the Babylonian Ishtar and Phoenician Astarte, both loveGoddesses. The Anglo-Saxon lunar month, which became April, was calledEastermonath. The equinox is a time both of fertility and new life, and of balance andharmony. Light and dark are here in balance, but the light is growing stronger. It is atime of birth, and of manifestation. Daffodils, tulips and crocuses are all in fullybloom, blossom appears on trees and catkins can be found on hazel and willow. Ritesare best performed at dawn or dusk, (but better at Dawn) that time between light anddark.

The days grow lighter and the earth grows warmer. As at Imbolc, seeds may beblessed and planted. Seeds of wisdom, understanding, and magickal skills may also beplanted. Eggs may be used for the creation of talismans, or ritually eaten. The egg is asymbol of rebirth, and its yolk represents the sun, its white, the Goddess. Eggproduction in hens is stimulated when the bird’s retina is stimulated by more than 12hours of light, thus more eggs are produced after the equinox.

This is a time both of growth and of balance, and we may work on balancingourselves and the subtle energies within us, such as our charkas, the inner masculineand feminine qualities, the light and dark aspects, ect. The equinox is also the time ofPersephone’s return from the underworld, to re-unite with Her mother Demeter,making the earth green again.

This is the time of spring’s return, the joyful time, the seed time, when life burstsforth from the earth and the chains of winter are broken. It is a time of balance when

all the elements within must be brought into new harmony. The Prince of the Sunreaches out His hand, and the Kore, the maiden, returns from the dark underworld.Where they dance, wild flowers appear, sorrow turns to joy, and scarcity turns toabundance.

Beltaine-1st May“This is the time when sweet desire weds wild delight. The Maiden of Spring and the

Lord of the Waxing Year meet in the greening fields and rejoice together under the

warm Sun. The shaft of life is twined in the spiral web and all of nature is renewed.

We meet in the time of flowering, to dance the dance of Life.” - Starhawk.

The Spiral Dance Beltaine (also spelled Bealteinne, Bealtaine and various other ways)is the beginning of the Celtic Summer, the light season of the year. Like Samhain, it isa time when the veil is thin between the worlds, a time to communicate with spirits,particularly at this time nature spirits. In Irish Gaelic, Bealtaine is the name of themonth of May.



In Scottish Gaelic Bealtuinn means May Day. The word originally meant “Bel Fire”,and Beltane is associated with the Celtic God Bel, also known as Balor or Belenus. Belis a God of Light and Fire and has equated with the Greek Apollo, and associated withthe Sun, although He is not specifically a Sun God. Fires were traditionally built atBeltane, and people would jump over the fire. Young, unmarried people would leapthe bonfire and wish for a husband or wife, young women would leap it to ensuretheir fertility and couples lap it to strengthen a bond.

Cattle were driven through the ashes or between two Beltane fires to ensure goodmilk yield. The maypole, still used in Mayday festivities, represents both the phallusand the Goddess. It is also the World Tree connecting the three Worlds, its root inthe Underworld, its branches in the Heavens. The shaman’s spirit may travel betweenthe realms via the World Tree, and the phallus is also connected with life, love anddeath.

The phallus and the World Tree may be seen as two aspects of the God in Hisrelationship to the Goddess in His cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The May Queenis still elected in many villages May Day festivals, although the May King is largelyleft out these days (apart from in Pagan circles). The May King is the Green man, andwas often covered entirely with leaves.

The mating of the Green Man with the Goddess as Queen of May was a magickal actconsidered necessary for the fertility of the Earth. Beltane is a time of fertility and isalso an excellent time for Handfastings, the couple enacting the Heirosý Ó gamos, or

sacred marriage. The Hawthorn tree (also called the May tree) blossoms at this time,and we are in the Hawthorn month. The blossoms can be gathered, and a deliciouswine made from them, to be drunk the following Beltane. Celebrate Beltane bytaking pleasure in life and enjoying the gifts of the Goddess.

Litha: Summer Solstice-21st JuneAt the Summer Solstice the sun is at its highest and brightest and the day is at itslongest. The Lord of Light has fought the powers of darkness, and is triumphant,ensuring fertility in the land. But in so doing so, He sows the seeds of His own death.The Wheel turns and the Dark God (the Holly King) begins to Wax in power as the

Light God (Oak King) wanes.

The Goddess shows Her Death-in-Life aspect, the Earth is fertile, and all is in bloom,the Goddess reaches out to the fertilizing Sun God at the height of His powers. At thesame time She presides over the death of the God. The Goddess dances Her dance ofLife and Death, the Sun God loves Her, and dies of His love. The Summer Solstice is atime of fulfillment of love.



Flowers are in bloom everywhere, i.e. in sexual maturity, ready for pollination,fertilization, yet once fertilized they die that the seeds and fruits may develop. At thesame time, summer fruits appear, for a short but delicious season.

June was considered by some to be the luckiest month to be married in, and is thetime of the mead moon, or honey moon. A tradition was for newly weds to drinkmead daily for a month after their wedding, hence the post wedding holiday beingnamed the honeymoon.

Although the days begin to grow shorter after the Summer Solstice, the time ofgreatest abundance is still to come. The promises of the Goddess and God are still tobe fulfilled. This is a time of beauty, love, strength, energy, rejoicing the warmth ofthe sun, and the promise of the fruitfulness to come. It seems a carefree time, yet inthe knowledge of life, is the knowledge of death, and beauty is but transitory. Wecelebrate life, and in the triumph of light, but acknowledge death, and the power ofthe Dark Lord which now begins to grow stronger.

At this time of year, our physical energy is generally at its peak, and we are active andstrong. Games involving a show of strength, such as tug of war, wrestling, ect. areappropriate here, and are often staged at summer fayres. This can be considered aremnant of pagan customs involving the battle between light and dark Gods.

Lughnasadh-1st August

Lughnasadh or Lammas is celebrated on August eve or August 1st and is the festival ofthe first of the harvests. Lammas is the Anglo-Saxon name for the festival, meaningLoaf mass. Lughnasadh is the festival of Lugh, a Celtic God of Light and Fire and Godof crafts and skills. His Welsh form is Llew law Gyffes, and in the Mabinogion storyof Blodeuwidd and Llew, the theme of Llew as the sacrificed God can be seen (weneed of course to consider the pre-Xian origins of the story.)

Mabon: The Autumnal Equniox-21st SeptemberThe two equinoxes are times of equilibrium. Day and night are equal and the tide ofthe year flows steadily, but whilst the Spring Equinox manifests the equilibrium

before action, the Autumnal Equinox represents the repose after action, the time totake satisfaction in the work of the summer and reap its benefits.

The Autumnal Equinox is celebrated on 21st September, and is the second harvestfestival, with the fruit being gathered in. We celebrate the abundance of the earth,and make wine from the excess fruit, to preserve the richness of the fruits of the earthto give us joy throughout the year.



This is the time of the Vine. The God, who was Lord of the Greenwood in thesummer and the Corn King at Lughnassadh now dances His last dance upon earth, asDionysus, God of wine, music and dance, before making his descent to theunderworld to take up His role as Dread Lord of Shadows. The Lord of Light, the SunKing, His power waning, exists briefly in balance with the Dark Lord before givingway to the growing power of darkness, but the power of the sun is encapsulated inthe grape and the fruits of the earth. The win will remind us of His power throughoutthe year. The leaves falling from the trees and rotting into the earth are a reflection ofthe Horned God’s journey from the Greenwood to the underworld, deep into thewomb of the Mother, where He will reside until He begins to emerge with the newgreen shoots in the spring. The Autumnal Equinox marks the completion of theharvest, and thanksgiving, with the emphasis on the future return of that abundance.

The Eleusinian mysteries took place at this time, during which the initiate was said tohave been shown a single ear of grain with the words “In silence is the seed ofwisdom gained”. The themes then of the Autumnal Equinox are the completion of theharvest, balance of light and dark, and of male and female, and an acknowledgment ofthe waning power of the sun and the waxing power of the Dark Lord.

Assignment BAssignment BAssignment BAssignment BWrite down the following questions in your magickal diary and then work throughthem one by one, you can draw on the material given or use other reference material,remember the more work you put in, the more you will get out of working through

this course!1. When is the next Sabbat? Which one is it? Explain what this sabbat and the time

of the year mean to you and how it affects your environment.2. Describe the aspects of the Goddess at the different sabbats/seasons.

Practical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExerciseGo to a nearby forest or park and gather any items such as leaves, flowers, ect thatrepresent the current season. These items can be put on a shrine if you have one. Youcan also draw pictures or make something which represent the current season onyour own shrine or altar.



Lesson 8

Sacred SpaceSacred SpaceSacred SpaceSacred Space----the Magickal Circlethe Magickal Circlethe Magickal Circlethe Magickal CircleWhen performing any magickal work, it is usual to create a sacred space. This isnormally done by casting a circle (although it is really a sphere) around you. Theelements are called into the circle after the casting. Casting the circle can be done in anumber of ways.

One of the simplest ways is to visualize a sphere of blue or gold light forming aroundyourself and expanding for several yards in each direction.

Other ways include walking round in a circle beating a drum, clapping or using bells,and visualizing the circle being created as you walk around.

The traditional Wiccan method is using the sword or athame to draw the circle,walking deosil (clockwise) whilst doing the visualization and saying:“I cast this circle, my circle of power, to be a shield of protection and a boundary

between the worlds of Men and the realms of the Mighty Ones. I bless thee and

consecrate thee, in the names of the Lady and Lord. The Circle is Cast. So mote it be!”

Representations of the elements may be carried around the circle, such as a censer or joss stick (air), candle (fire), water (water), and salt (earth) to consecrate the space.

You may also want to sweep the circle with your broom prior to casting the circle. Dothis by walking Deosil (clockwise) sweeping the boundaries of the circle.

Circles are generally cast clockwise (I.e. sunwise) in the northern hemisphere,starting and finishing in the east, the place of the sunrise. At the end of a ritual, thecircle is opened by reversing the casting, so if you visualized colored light forming asphere, you take the light back into yourself; if you walked around playing a musicalinstrument, you walk around anti-clockwise, playing the instrument again, ect.

The Traditional Wiccan way of doing this is to walk anti-clockwise or widdershins

closing the circle with the sword or athame (same item that was used for casting), andsaying:“By the Earth that is Her body, by the living waters of Her womb, by the fire of Her

bright spirit and by the Air that is Her breath, the circle is open yet unbroken!”



Lesson 9

Sacred SpaceSacred SpaceSacred SpaceSacred Space---- Altars and ShrinesAltars and ShrinesAltars and ShrinesAltars and ShrinesAn altar is your main working tool storage area during a ritual. Everything you willneed for a ritual, such as salt and water, candles, magickal weapons, food and drink,are all placed on the altar so they can be easily reached during a ritual or spell.

Altars do not need to have statues of deities on them, although you may do so if youfeel it is appropriate to the nature of the work you are performing.

A shrine is a devotional area to a specific deity or energy (such as season of the year,element, planet, ancestors). It may be as simple or elaborate as you like, and should

contain only items you feel appropriate to the nature of the shrine. Examples of itemsthat may be placed on shrines are flowers, crystals, statues, pictures and candles.

Assignment CAssignment CAssignment CAssignment CPractical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExerciseSelect one of the methods for casting the circle that you feel comfortable. Choose aspace where you will be undisturbed. If this is indoors, make sure all telephones(including mobiles) are switched off. Light a candle, cast the circle in the way youhave chosen, and then spend a few minutes meditating.

Then open the circle in the way described for that technique and write down yourexperiences, detailing how you felt, how the energy felt and how the space feltduring and after the circle casting and opening.



Lesson 10

Introducing the ElementsIntroducing the ElementsIntroducing the ElementsIntroducing the ElementsThe five elements make up everything. They are not merely earth, air, fire, water andspirit-but they are concepts, energy states, states of being, philosophical concepts. It isimportant to realize how fundamental the elements are to our existence.

Working with the elements enables us to balance ourselves and remain centered, andpromotes growth through realization of imbalances in ourselves (be they qualities,emotions, habits, ect) and the means to change the qualities, through working withthem and transmuting them.

The aim of any Witch regardless of tradition would include mastering the four

elements and bringing them into balance. This can take a lifetime to achieve, but is agoal worth perusing. The elements make up everything and as such is part of thefoundations of practical magick.

Assignment DAssignment DAssignment DAssignment DPractical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExerciseElemental Meditation Exercise

Focus on your body and meditate on how each element is present within it.

You may become aware of how air is present as the oxygen in your lungs andbloodstream, fire as the nerve impulses and digestive process, water as the blood andbulk of the tissues, earth as the bones, teeth, hair, ect.

Assignment EAssignment EAssignment EAssignment EPractical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExerciseLook back at your notes from Assignment D. Try copying out the lists, deleting andre-attribution any attributions you do not agree with, adding any other details aboutthe element that you can think of and how you perceive it.

As you make your list, note how many of each of the positive and negative qualitiesof the element apply to you. You will then have a way to check which elements aremore or less active in yourself, and be able to concentrate on the weaker elements,and on changing the negative traits of an element in yourself into positive traits ofthe same element.

When you have your list of negative qualities, ask yourself why you have those



qualities. This requires a lot of honest self-exploration, and working through pastevents in your life which may have been left unresolved.

Whilst you are doing self-exploratory work, remember to meditate on the positivequalities of the element you are working with, and as energy is released fromreleasing blockages, focus it into meditating on the positive qualities of the element.

When doing this work, bear in mind that emotions such as anger and sadness arenatural, and often necessary, states, which can produce positive growth as wellthrough their experiences.

Assignment FAssignment FAssignment FAssignment FPractical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExercisePractical ExerciseMeditate on each element in turn, facing the direction of the element.

Start by considering the element in yourself as you have already done, and thenvisualize whatever feels right for you (e.g. rivers, rain, waterfalls, the sea, ect forwater) and see how it makes you feel.

If you can, go and be near the elements, e.g. by the sea, or a river for water, or out ina storm. Consider the presence and action of the elements in our lives around us allthe time, and add this to your notes.

For example, consider when you have a bath, you bathe in water, which cleans you,

then you use a towel (earth) to dry, you may use a dryer on your hair (air, poweredby electricity, fire), ect.

When you use this method of perception you will appreciate the elements and theirqualities much more, and develop your relationship with them, and see how you canuse them to balance yourself.



Lesson 11

Air: To KnowAir: To KnowAir: To KnowAir: To KnowDirection: East

Tools: Dagger/Athame, Censer, Flute

Time: Dawn

Season: Spring

Colors: Yellow and White

Sense: Smell

Concepts: Intellect, Knowledge, Clarity, Discrimination, Mind, Speed, Sound,Intuition

Qualities (+): Inspiration, Wisdom, Hope, Logic, Joy, Analysis, Discernment,Decisiveness

Qualities (-): Anxiety, Fear, Impulsiveness, Paranoia, Dispersion, Prejudice, Insecurity



Lesson 12

Fire: To WillFire: To WillFire: To WillFire: To WillDirection: South

Tools: Wand, Rattle, Sistrum

Time: Noon

Season: Summer

Colors: Red and Orange

Sense: Sight

Concepts: Energy, Freedom, Success, Drive, Transmutation, Light, Power, Vision

Qualities (+): Courage, Motivation, Drive, Enthusiasm, Passion, Will, Creativity

Qualities (-): Fickleness, Vengefulness, Violence, Possessiveness, Fear, Hatred,Violent, Cruelty, Physical, Anger, Egotism



Lesson 13

Water: To DareWater: To DareWater: To DareWater: To DareDirection: West

Tools: Chalice

Time: Dusk

Season: Autumn

Colors: Blue

Sense: Taste

Concepts: Emotions, Dreams, Intuition, Death/Rebirth, Taste, Primal Chaos,Underworld, Unconscious, Blood, Womb

Qualities (+): Compassion, Sympathy, Empathy, Nurture, Sexuality, Trust, Serenity,Tranquility, Depth

Qualities (-): Sadness, Jealousy, Hatred, Insipid, Treachery, Sorrow, Deceit, Spite,Venom



Lesson 14

Earth: To Keep SilentEarth: To Keep SilentEarth: To Keep SilentEarth: To Keep SilentDirection: North

Tools: Pentacle, Drum

Time: Midnight

Season: Winter

Colors: Green and Brown

Sense: Touch

Concepts: Body, Strength, Stillness, Endurance, Mystery, Power, Healing, Skill,Touch

Qualities (+): Strength, Steadfastness, Stability, Sensuality, Humility, Selflessness,Patience, Responsibility, Persistence, Realization, Tolerance

Qualities (-): Laziness, Stubbornness, Greed, Attention Seeking, Inertia, Domineering,Depression, Melancholy



Lesson 15

Spirit: To GoSpirit: To GoSpirit: To GoSpirit: To GoDirection: Center (Within/Without)

Tools: Cauldron and Sword

Time: Between the Worlds

Season: The Turning Wheel

Colors: Purple, Black, White

Sense: Hearing

Concepts: Will, Harmony, Evolution, Life Force, Transcendence, Sixth Sense,Transformation Continue to Spirit

Spirit is represented by the top point of the upwards pointing pentagram and is said tobe present when the four elements are in balance.

Assignment GAssignment GAssignment GAssignment GPlease write a short description of how you view each of the five elements.

Which is your favorite?



Lesson 16

Calling the QuartersCalling the QuartersCalling the QuartersCalling the QuartersHaving meditated on the elements and experienced them more in your life, you willwant to be able to invite them to join you and bring their qualities into yourcelebrations and rites.

Calling the elements is usually performed after having cast your circle.

As you call the elements raise your arms in the blessing position. The elements areusually called starting in the East, place of Air and new beginnings. You then turndeosil (clockwise) to the South to call Fire, then to the West to call Water and to theNorth to call Earth, finally turning back to the East to complete the circular motion.

The traditional Wiccan way of calling the elements is as follows:The traditional Wiccan way of calling the elements is as follows:The traditional Wiccan way of calling the elements is as follows:The traditional Wiccan way of calling the elements is as follows:Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air; I do summon call and stir

you up, to witness our rites to guard the Circle

Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Lords of Fire; I do summon call and stir

you up, to witness our rites and to guard the Circle

Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Lords of Water; I do summon call and

stir you up, to witness our rites and to guard the Circle

Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, ye Lords of Earth; I do summon call and

stir you up, to witness our rites and guard the Circle.

Some groups tend not to use this form, as they feel it is preferable to invite theelements rather than command them, as commanding implies dominance and powerover rather than power with.

The form some use to call the elements is as follows:The form some use to call the elements is as follows:The form some use to call the elements is as follows:The form some use to call the elements is as follows:Powers of Air, I call to you and invite you to join us in this rite, to share your

qualities with us; In Love and Truth, we bid you Hail and Welcome!

Powers of Fire, I call to you and invite you to join us in this rite, to share your


Powers of Water, I call to you and invite you to join us in this rite, to share your




Powers of Earth, I call to you and invite you to join us in this rite, to share your


Obviously when you have finished your rite you say farewell to the elements, startingin the North with Earth and moving widdershins (anticlockwise) to Air in the East.

This is done before opening the circle , as the closing of a rite is done in reverse orderfrom the opening.

Banishing energies and departures are usually performed in a widdershins direction.(anticlockwise)

Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the North, ye Lords of Earth; I thank you for

attending my rite; and ere you depart to your fair and lovely realms, I bid thee Hail

and Farewell.

Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the West, ye Lords of Water; I thank you for

attending my rite; and ere you depart to your fair and lovely realms, I bid thee Hail

and Farewell.

Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the South, ye Lords of Fire; I thank you for attending

my rite; and ere you depart to your fair and lovely realms, I bid thee Hail and

Farewell.

Ye Lords of the Watchtowers of the East, ye Lords of Air; I thank you for attending

my rite; and ere you depart to your fair and lovely realms, I bid thee Hail and

Farewell.

Again, another way of saying farewell is slightly different, i.e.Again, another way of saying farewell is slightly different, i.e.Again, another way of saying farewell is slightly different, i.e.Again, another way of saying farewell is slightly different, i.e.Powers of Earth, I thank you for joining me and sharing your qualities with me in

this rite, and with love and joy and thanks I bid you Hail and Farewell.

Powers of Water, I thank you for joining me and sharing your qualities with me in

this rite, and with love and joy and thanks I bid you Hail and Farewell.

Powers of Fire, I thank you for joining me and sharing your qualities with me in this

rite, and with love and joy and thanks I bid you Hail and Farewell.

Powers of Air, I thank you for joining me and sharing your qualities with me in this

rite, and with love and joy and thanks I bid you Hail and Farewell.



If this is done in a group, you would see “We” rather than “I” and “us” rather than“me” when performing the calling and the farewells, and any other people presentshould all chorus “Hail and Farewell” after you have said it. You can also change thewords for each of the quarters, but we recommend that you try and keep someuniformity as this helps when building energy in a ritual.

Assignment HAssignment HAssignment HAssignment HThis assignment is a Practical Exercise doing an Elemental Ritual.

Prepare your ritual space, on your altar place a presentation of each of the elements. Burning incense for Air Red Candle for Fire Bowl of Spring Water for Water

A Bowl of ground for EarthMake sure that you will not be disturbed, switch your phone off and take a few deepbreaths.

Now cast your circle starting with Air in the East call each of the Elements to joinyou in your circle.

Now take your incense and observe the rising smoke. Observe the patterns the smokemakes as it rises, smell the sweet smells and become aware of Air, which is all aroundyou.

Next, meditated for a few minutes on the burning candle. Watch the flame, feel theheat that it is producing. Become aware of the powers of Fire in Nature.

Now, take your bowl of water. Smell the water and touch it. Feel the sensation of thewater and become aware of the qualities of Water. Its place in Nature.

Lastly, take the bowl of earth. Smell it and touch it. Feel the sensation of the Earthand become aware of the qualities of Earth and its place in Nature.

Now it is time to say farewell to the Elements-starting with earth in the North.Banish your circle and ground yourself with some cakes or bread.

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1 Trimester