Here is your chance folks! If you have ever had a question you wanted to personally ask a witch, or you have a problem... you can ask me. I've been a new witch before, a closeted witch before and a confused witch before. I can't promise perfection, but I do promise that I will try!
I am also going to start posting the questions that I do get. I won't be putting any names on the web so you don't have to worry about confidentiality. My e-mail address is below...
NOTE:I have been receiving a lot of e-mails asking for love spells, black magick and I've also had many people asking me to do spells for them. I just want to make one thing clear. I am more than willing to give advice on a colour of candle, or type of herb to use, but I WILL NOT being doing spells for people or giving advice on evil magick. Thanks for being understanding... and please keep those e-mails coming.
February 9, 2002
Okay, I'm a christian religion based person. But then again, I am wiccan also. I believe that nature has its own soul and everything, but I believe in God and Jesus and eveyone else, too. I am wondering if I'm doing some wrong by doing wicca when I'm really Christian? Please answer back.
Religion is a tough concept eh? Well here is my opinion, take it for what it's worth. Since Christianity and Paganism are such diverse religious systems, I sometimes think its hard to be both. Maybe your beliefs fall somewhere in between. And that is totally okay. You are not doing anything wrong at all. My theory is that as long as you are not harming anyone, than you can't be doing anything wrong. Here is my suggestion. There is this quiz online at www.beliefnet.com and you answer a series of questions (it's long). Based on your answers a list of religious that are most like your answers will come up. Maybe you will find a totally different system of beliefs that you can research. I can't remember the exact name of the quiz, but I think it's called What's Your Spiritual Belief? Anywho, give that a try and let me know what you come up with. Good luck and many blessings to you.
December 5, 2001
Hi, I am interested in wicca and I have been visiting your web site. I have just bought two books on Wicca. They are To ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver RavenWolf and How to Create and Cast Effective Spells by Gerina Dunwick. Well, I was wondering if you could give me some advice on what I should do to get my tools and other supplies that I need. Also I was wondering what I should do b/c I'm 17 yrs. old and my family wouldn't understand me wanting to practice wicca. I can't tell them, so how do I hide everything I need, like the tools and other items. I was just wondering....thanx for your time.
So let's start with the books. Read all you can. I know you have two book already, that's great. Silver RavenWolf is great for starters. The book that you have actually has exercises that go alone with the chapters. If you have the time, I suggest you try out a few. They will give you an idea if this is really what you want to do.
Next is the tools. I wouldn't suggest you start casting until you've done lots of reading and research. Spells can backfire... especially if this is a new area for you. Once you are ready to get your supplies and tools... there are a couple of things you can do. First, my favourite suggestion is to make your own. It's cheaper, more fun and the tools usually mean more because they came from your heart and soul. If you don't want to make your own, I would next suggest going to some local occult shops or to check out some websites for your tools. If you go to www.witchvox.com, the have some wonderful listings of online and offline occult shops.
Finally, the issue with the parents. I know its hard telling your parents about your new found path. I was in the closet with mine for years. Finally I decided that if I was really going to do this, I was going to have to tell them. I hated lying to my parents. The decision about whether to tell them or not has to come from you and you alone. I wish I could tell you what to do, but I can't. I can give you a suggestion though. Don't tell them ANYTHING until you know for sure that this is the path that you will follow. There is no point in making trouble if you aren't 100% dedicated to being Pagan. Other than that, I suggest you go with your heart... it always gives good advice :-)
November 24, 2001
I have just made the decision to practice Wicca. I have one book on solitary practice. Unfortunately I am at work and the book is home so I can't remember the title. Any suggestions that you think may help me begin this journey will be appreciated.
I am also interested in spellcasting with one very precious goal in mind...a child. If you could please help me write a personal fertility spell, or direct me to a place to learn to write one, I would be eternally grateful. I know that writing my own spell would be best but I don't really know where to start except with pure loving intention. From there I am entirely clueless. Thank you.
The first step is always learning. I know it sounds silly, but read everything you can get your hands on. Also, practice what you read. The only way you can figure out what works best for you is to practice and make mistakes.
As for the fertility spell. I've made it a rule to never help people write spells. I believe that spellworking is a last resort. I only practice magick if all the things I have tried in the mundane world have failed. I would first look into fertility clinics, doctors and if you aren't adverse to it... drugs. If all those fail, you can try a spell.
A spell is simply a direction of energy into a single focual point. In this case the purpose is to become pregnant. Loving intentions is a good first step. But remember to be careful what you ask for. Many times fertility spells, if they work, can result in multiple births (I'm talking more than two here), so make sure this is really what you want. I would also suggust waiting until you've tried some other spells first. I suggest some simple candle magick or working with herbs. I would hate to see a mistake on this spell and mistakes almost always happen with the first few spells.
One last suggestion is to go to your local pharmacy and check out the natural herbs section. Do your research first, I'm sure there are many natural products out there that can increase you or your partners' fertility.
October 29, 2001
I have recently visited your webpage and had a question I have been asking around and no one can seem to answer. i have started studying on the solitary Wiccan path and have found myself at a total standstill (like a block) and can't seem to go any further... I dont understand this and was wondering if you can offer any advice or anything helpful for me so I can get past this sullen time....whatever advice or opinion you have will be of upmost help......thanks so much!!!
The stand-still that you're talking about is VERY common. If someone tells you that it hasn't happened to them before their either lying or lucky :-)
I've found that it often occurs during what Pagans call the Dark Half of the Year (Oct - March). During this time of the year its hard to do anything, let alone work on your BOS or expand your religious horizons. Our body also works in cycles. Maybe this is just a time for you to reflect instead of grow.
You probably want to know how to fix it right? Well, you could just ride it out... the next up phase will come. Or... There is one more reason this may be occurring. It is possible that Wicca is not the right path for you. I'm not saying that Paganism isn't right, but maybe you've learned all you can from this path. Try researching other areas such as High Magick, Visulization, Meditation or Divination. If you try something new you may find yourself walking a path that you never knew existed.
October 27, 2001
My question is this, I am starting a new carreer as a Truck Driver on the road, I won't have much room to take my alter, tools , ect, can you give me any advice on what (small) that i can take with me while I am on the road to practice??
I know many people who don't practice with tools at all. They mostly use their hands, energy working and visualization. But if you like working with tools or something that you can physically touch... then you can try this.
An altar needs only to consist of a God and Goddess figure... really. So if you have something that reminds you of them, bring it with you where ever you go. I have a piece of hematite that I bring with me everywhere. I know its only a stone, but it serves the purpose.
The God and Goddess are everywhere and no matter how far you go for your job they will always be there. All we have to do is remember to chat with them every once in a while. So if you have any object(s) that remind you of them and the committment you made to them... bring it with you.
I also know people who bring a portable alter with them on trips etc. This usually consists of a cloth, one candle (and lighter), a God and Goddess reminider and their athame or wand. These items don't really take up much space and can be set up and taken down with ease.
October 11, 2001
Hi, I have a question actually two. WHICH BOOK OF MAGICK REALLY WORKS...... DO YOU GARANTEE that that book of magic REALLY works? DO SPELLS REALLY WORK? DO YOU SWEAR? GARANTEE IT?
I'm glad that you e-mailed me... I'm always here to help people. But I won't guarantee anything... sorry. I compare Magick to school. If you don't do your homework, don't go to class and don't read the textbook... do you think you'll pass the final exam? Probably not. Magick works in the same way. If you don't work at it, you can't expect anything to come out of it. One thing I will promise you is this... the more you put into Magick and Wicca, the more you'll get out of it. I hope this helps.
October 7, 2001
I've always kinda been confused religious-wise. I've researched many different types of religions. Whenever i have researched wicca, I get this strange feeling of fulfilment. I think this might mean something, but I'm hesitant to have a religion, for some reason. do you think you can help?
I think that sometimes when we hear the word religion we automatically think structure. That is what scares me about most religions... that and blind faith. What I like at Wicca is that it is so much more than just a religion. I like to think of it as a way of life. Not only did my beliefs have a name, but so did the fundamental way I make decisions. If you don't like the word religion, there is always the term "system of beliefs"... which doesn't have the negative attributes attached to it. I hope this makes sense... I have been studying all day, so it might not. Let me know what you think :-)
July 19, 2001
First of all, like your own 'Silvermoon' name do most others have a wicca based or spiritual name and if so how do they attain one?
SilverMoon is my public Wicca name. The reason I choose this is because I don't want anyone to know my real name... the Internet can be a creepy place :-) As for a spiritual name, it is you decision to use one or not. I also have a private spiritual name that I use during ritual and spellworking. Silver RavenWolf's book has a whole chapter on your "magickal name". It is actually very well written.
Another technique I've heard is to ask for your name in your dreams or during meditation. The way I stumbled upon mine was actually quite simple. I meditate everyday. When I decided that I wanted a spiritual name I just asked the first "creature" (be it human or animal) that came along... "What is my magickal name?" The next time I meditated they came back to me and told me... that's it :-)
All of the techniques that I've told you about are if you are a solitary Wiccan. Some Wiccans also practice in groups called covens. You can move up the ranks in a coven just like in the work place. In some covens, you are given a magickal name when you are initiated... you will use this name during ritual that is performed with these people. If you choose you can also have a name for you solitary work.
Do you know anything about wicca based wedding ceremonies, ritual...?Wiccan wedding ceremonies are called Handfasting. It is seen as the joining on the hands (the souls) of two people. They are not legal wedding ceremonies in Canada or United States. ie: if you have a handfasting performed, you still need to get it legally binding by a justice of the peace etc. During these ceremonies it is also traditional for the bride and groom to jump over a broom hand in hand... this is to help with fertility. The reason it is called handfasting is because the priest or prietess ties a rope around both of your hands... binding you together. Sort of link wedding rings... most people then hang this cord in their homes for good luck. That's all I know about handfasting, but you can probably find tons of stuff on the net!
How does one actually become a witch and what different kinds of witches can one become?
Wow... that's a toughy. I guess its the same as becoming Christian, Jewish etc. Religion is a choice... once you've made the conscious choice to become a Witch... you are one. Most books will profess the "year and a day rule". What this means is this... when I discovered Wicca, I studied for one year and a day. This means that you pick up every book you can, talk to everyone you can get your hands on and go to every website. It also involves practicing too... have a ritual (or two)... try out meditating, praying, spells, build an altar etc. After a year and one day, if it still feels "right" to you, you can then perform a self dedication ceremony. All I did was sit outside on the full moon and talked to the God and Goddess. I told them about the life path that I am choosing and that I would walk this path until it no longer feels right.
It usually isn't a good idea to tell family or friends (unless they are REALLY open) until after your dedication ceremony. Why? If after this time you decide it isn't the path for you (which is perfectly fine) you may have caused some unnecessary tension.
How do you 'cleanse' the tools used in ritual?
I have a page on my site that talks about this... but it's only my method. You will find a different method in every book you read. The most popular, and easiest method is to put your tools outside for an evening (preferably during a full moon). The tools will then be cleansed, but you still need to consecrate them...
Consecrating is the act of instilling positive energy into your tools. You want them to in tuned into your bodies energies... that way they will work with you, not against you. This can be as simple as holding the tool in your hand and visualizing the task that you want the tool to be used for. There is also methods in Silver RavenWolf's books. If you aren't good at visualization, some people like to ask the God and Goddess to help...
"God of the Sun, Goddess of the Moon, I ask you to join me on this night to cleanse and consecrate these tools. I consecrate this _________ with positive energy for the purposes of __________"
You get the idea... the best rituals are the ones you write yourself. Memorizing can be distracting. I find that I concetrate more on getting the words right, then the ritual itself.
As far as asking a living thing for permission to remove part of it or use it (ex. a tree branch) does one require an answer from the living thing, like an actual response or is it simply an act of respect for that living thing?
I've never had anything respond... I think it's more a respect thing. I have felt the presence of animals and trees before. Once you start working with energies, you will become more sensitive to them. I touched a tree that had just been cut down and it hurt my hand... to me this means that the tree is in pain. A lot of the times I don't speak to the tree (it naive to assume that a tree can speak english, just because I do :-) I just touch it and smile... I send it my positive energy... telling it that I am not trying to hurt it, just use a part of it. You can also leave a gift for it... water or some other kind of liquid... kind of saying thank you.
How does this apply to the consumption of animals/plants?
I am a firm believer that our bodies need meat. We have certain proteins in our bodies that are specifically there to digest meat. Since it is impossible for me to be with the chicken or cow that I'm going to eat before it dies I usually just say a simple prayer before a meal. I don't eat a lot of meat because of the way humans treat them before they die. I also try to eat organic fruits and vegtables...since no pesticides were used on them... meaning they weren't harmed before they were picked. But organic foods are very expensive, so I have been buying "normal" stuff every since I became a student (for money reasons).
I am personally more interested in working with the Goddess as I believe that she/they embody all of the earthly male qualities as well as the female. Any suggestions? Perhaps a Dianic path?
If you you interested in working with the Goddess soley, then Dianic is probably the best bet for you. If you choose to remain solitary, it could simply mean only using female dieties during your rituals. For example, a love spell would call on Aphrodite... Greek Goddess of love.
Is there a rite/ritual/meditation which one can apply when in the throws of grief, death or dying?
Many Pagans/Wiccans belive in reincarnation. They don't seen death as an end...only an end to this part of the person's life. The physical body dies, but the soul goes on. I have never experienced this, so I can't tell you anything from personal experience. I have heard of meditation being used. Especially if you never got to say something important to the person before they passed away. You can talk to them during meditation or dreamworking.
I have also heard of a celebratory rite... many people celebrate because this person is on the journey of a new life...
If you have been brought up with a different religion, these things may not be easy for you to accept. My best advice... do what feels right to you. When I first started out I followed the books I had word for word... then I realised that I wasn't getting anything out of my religious practices. When I started doing things the way I wanted to, I was much happier and more intune with my spiritual side.
There is only one "rule" in Wicca. Harm None. As long as what you're doing isn't harming yourself or others, then it's okay. This is hard for a lot of people to accept because they want structure... they want a book telling them what steps to take and in what order. Once you get past this, you will see that the beauty of Paganism is the lack of structure... I like to call it "Choose your own religion" :-)
Finished Here?
