Hello Newbies!

So you want to be a Witch. Well, that's just fine...But are you sure?

Because this isn't going to be easy. It's going to take a lot of study and practice. It's going to be a lot of trial and error and things are going to go slowly at the beginning, because you're going to have to establish a personal rapport with the Natural world. It takes time and effort. Things that work for others may not work for you, and I will guarantee that they will not work for you in the same way as they work for others...because we all have different energy. We all vibrate on an individually unique level. Establishing that relationship with the forces of Nature is crucial to your success in using magick. This isn't Charmed or Practical Magic where you throw a fireball at an opponent to disable them. It doesn't work that way; being a Witch doesn't employ Hollywood special effects.

One does not simply sit down one day and decide to be a Witch. Calling yourself a Witch, plopping a pointy hat on your head, donning a flowing cape and carrying a broom doesn't make you a Witch
(although those things are all fun outward signs of such). Reading one-or fifty- books on Witchcraft doesn't make you a Witch. Knowledge and use of those things unseen is what makes you a Witch.
That's why Witchcraft is called the Craft of the Wise. .You must acquire knowledge and skill, which only comes with practice and putting what you have learned to use in everyday life. There are no shortcuts; I've been a practitioner for nearly 45 years now, and I'm still learning because Witchcraft is an art and process. I didn't learn everything I know straight away, and in fact when I began I didn't even have a name for what I was doing. I certainly never dreamed that it was Witchcraft. And because I had no mentor back in those years, I never dreamed that the little things I was doing were actually spell casting or ritual. I did things intuitively, in a place that felt safe, secluded away from others, where I felt close to Nature, and where Nature returned my efforts with the gift of powers to perfect and use. I always felt different from others in that way: not special, just different. And my inherent feeling turned out to be true: I had the ability to use the energy and forces of Nature in ways that were beyond the mundane. Nothing spectacular and flashy, mind you...but they were there. My ability grew as I studied on my own and finally with a group of like minded individuals who had their own unique set of abilities.

Finding the power in the forces of the natural world requires concentration and attunement in order to become sensitive to the vibrations around you. Some of us are better than others at this, but I believe that all humans are born with their own level of sensitivity, and that the majority of us loose this as we age due to the outside influences of society and culture. It's much like childhood imagination which simply goes away in some individuals...and thrives in others.

Back to those books...A book, any book, is not ever the 'end-all' because books should be used for a reference. I have a few books I favor because I like the author's style of writing and the way they disseminate information, but none of those books or authors are the final word or authority on any one given subject on magick or Witchcraft. And while those authors can be considered as teachers when no other is available even one-on-one teachers are merely guides. The power begins with you and comes from inside; books and teachers are vessels that help release the power within. Books are the spark of imagination that make you think; but the power has been yours all along. That's why you should never become so attached to a book ( or author) in a way that limits your practice. Like using a map or GPS when driving, you use other things when making the journey: your eyes and intuition and what is around you. Maps are used for reference. Sometimes the GPS takes you off course. It's the same with books.

While I have a deep and abiding regard for tradition, I am not a student of the "stand here and do this" school of magick. You can do things your own way (within reason), and to be honest, none of the really good authors or actual teachers I have studied with have demanded rigid compliance to instruction. Nearly all of them allow 'wiggle room' for individuality, and in fact most encourage it. Doing things rigidly 'by the book is', in my humble opinion, only a poor imitation of what someone else has done. I believe that not only does the power lie within you, I believe that the energy comes from the essence of what you are doing. I am a firm believer in putting yourself into your work and personalizing it-re-write a spell  to suit your intention, make substitutions, use tools you are comfortable with, dress comfortably. The knowledge of correspondences and herbs, etc., are all still necessary, but so is learning to use them in new and unique ways. The magick doesn't come from these things. The magick is you. ( There are many schools of thought on the subject of magick and this is only mine. You may like someone else's, or develop your own.) My own thoughts on the subject are if the information you are using has no real resonance with you, then it's essentially useless. Others believe differently. I think it goes back to that respect for tradition I spoke about earlier. For me, Witchcraft, like everything in our world, has evolved and changed over the years. What was useful back in an age when occult knowledge was hidden from the general population was like that for a reason which may still hold value, but our world is not the same, and we develop new understanding all the time.

In the beginning, Witches and cunning folk used what was available to them. They wrote their own words and conjured spells in a way that was personal and meaningful to themselves. The energies available to them came from the vibration and essence of those things. That's why their magick worked. That's how they used the Universal forces of Nature to their benefit. That's what made them who they were. And so can you!

Before I end this little pep talk, I do want to say something about negative elements. You may have heard about the Law of Return, that "whatever you put out come back to you three times". Phyllis Currot, a respected Wiccan High Priestess and author, charmingly calls it the "Boomerang Whammy Rule". It has to do more with the Hindu belief in karma than anything to do with magick. Nature is neither good nor evil. Dark and light need one another (Stars still shine in the daylight but are only seen at night). Universal energy is neither positive or negative but is receptive to the manner in which it is used. Why? Because through magick we experience immanent divinity. We literally touch God/dess and become one with the Divine and that gives us an experience of the interconnections of, well, everything. Even that nasty jackass down the street you'd like to turn into a toad. It changes your perspective. I'm not saying that witches never hex and curses are never laid-but they have their place and are used with caution because usually there is another way of handling the situation resulting in a beneficial outcome for all. No, it's not all sweetness and light, but it's too easy to get caught up by negative emotions which eat at you and will surely influence your practice in ways you'd probably regret. We don't not use negative energy because we're afraid of the repercussions, we learn ways of turning it around by finding something more effective that makes our work in tune with the holiness of the Sacred Divine. That's a lot for a beginner to think about, but everyone of us needs to do this at some point for our abilities to develop usefully.

And so...It's not about calling yourself a Witch...It's about what you want to do with the inherent birthright that is the use of personal power and the elevation of your unique vibration. Do you want to go about like the characterization of a fictional Witch, or do you want to genuinely practice the Craft of the Wise? The next move is yours... 















https://exemplore.com/wicca-witchcraft/5-Common-Mistakes-Made-by-Beginning-Witches

Low Magick

Image via Google Search (Originally posted to the Pagan Blog Project 2014 as Week L) >Because I have an ethical obligation by law, I'm including a disclaimer that any of the material in this post which alludes to folk magic/medicine should not be used as a substitute for medical care or in the treatment of any type of illness, and make no claims as to its effectiveness.The reader bares sole responsibility as to the use any material contained in this post at will.< I was excited to make the move to Southwestern Virginia last year because I knew I would be living in Appalachia, and I grew up reading the Foxfire Series of books. Foxfire, if you're not familiar, originated as a project for English teacher Eliott Wiggington's high school English class in Raburn Gap, Georgia in the 1970s. The project sent students out into the community to interview their elders about life in Southern Appalachia, and what resulted was a wonderful collection of personal recollections about the culture,crafts, skills and lifestyle; the information also included narratives about religion, faith healing,planting by the signs (moon cycles), ghost stories, folk lore, folk medicine and subjects covering a wide variety of 'cunning folk' knowledge woven through the pages. While I can wax poetic about the beauty and natural wonder of these mountains, the hard reality is that there is a lot of poverty here, and has been for decades. For every verdant valley and rolling hill crest, there are dozens of dilapidated and decaying buildings leftover from the period when coal was king and the next boom town was just over the ridge. Around every curve of the two lane highway into the next largest town there are the bones of ancient houses and trailers, and some pretty creative architecture which include lean-tos, and old buildings nailed together with sheets of plywood. There is beauty where Nature has taken over the dying man made structures of a bygone era, but a lingering sadness, too. In these places, the 'cunning folk' and 'granny women' still reside; they tend their gardens and guard their secrets with an admirable tenacity from outsiders like you and me. They don't trust us, and with good reason. For the most part, outsiders mean trouble: there is always someone from Social Services or the County Government on the doorstep telling these gentle folk that their way of life-the only one they've known for the most part-is unacceptable by today's standard. Either their yard is overgrown and unkempt or the house considered uninhabitable by current standards: conform or loose your land, your roots and your family history. There are instances where generations of a particular family has lived and died in the same place for generations, and the land has become saturated with their living essence, along with the spirit of those who came before. Appalachia may be financially poor, but it is historically rich beyond our wildest dreams for those who seek out "the old ways". The Craft is threaded through the fabric woven by the Scots, Irish, English, Italians, Hungarians, Polish and other Eastern Europeans who made their way her to work in the coal fields in the mid 1800's. If you look even deeper, you can glimpse a bit of  Native American and African influence. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_Granny_Magic] Low Magic is very practical. Unlike Ceremonial or High Magic ( The spelling of magick is rumored to be first used by Aliester Crowley to differentiate between slight of hand and occult ritual. It's a tradition that I occasionally use out of habit because it was used by my teachers. Auto correct hates it.  Popular author and Witch Elder Laurie Cabot spells it majick. I use both of the well-know spellings interchangeably because I think the intention is more important than the window dressing.) The specifically prescribed tools of Ceremonial Magick are not found in Low Magic: whatever is available is used by the practitioner. It is not uncommon for these people to be practicing Christians as they see their magic as a spiritual gift and to them "gifts of the spirit" are all the same. There are particular methods employed by these healers, such as "stopping blood"," blowing thrash", which are in effect forms of faith healing. These methods are not exclusive to Appalachia,and are often taught across generations to those who have the gift. (The first Foxfire book explored these phenomena  extensively, and you can read more about it here:[http://www.illinoishistory.com/bloodstopping.html ] The practitioner's gifts are used to benefit themselves and others to survive in the common life. Spells are cast for healing and prosperity, to put food on the table and as an expression of spirituality. Folk magic/ medicine is highly individualized and adaptable. Some practitioners work by invoking the name of Jesus or Christian saints such as St. Michael, and some do not. The single constant in their practice is that they are all herbalists who use whatever is available in their area. They have a deep connection and faith in the healing vibration of what is grown locally. [http://home.wlu.edu/~lubint/touchstone/AppalachianFolkMed-Stone.htm] It has taken nearly a year for me to gain the trust of some of these workers, and I am not only honored to have earned that trust, but am humbled by their collective storehouse of knowledge. I now have several journals filled with what I have learned from them just through casual conversation. The majority of them are not prone to the affectations of the current Pagan/Witch community and do not claim any title for their Craft. Likewise, their wisdom is simply referred to as a spiritual gift, or " Just what I learned". I use the terms 'granny women' and 'cunning folk' for the sake of identification and folk magic/folk medicine for clarification of actions. The fact is that anyone who has lived for a period of time in these mountains has become privy to more than a few 'home remedies'. Some of them work because they are common sense or have a legitimate chemical application, some by the power of suggestion, or through trust and faith. And some...are just historically interesting in an off beat way. *One of the most popular remedies is a bit of rock candy in whiskey or moonshine, which is used to tame a cough, body aches or anything else you can think of. Take a bit of the mixture several times a day. (My grandfather swore on the effectiveness of this one and drank it in hot tea. Personally, I think it's a great way to indulge in Rock and Rye.) *Baking soda mixed with water is a well known (and medically proved) digestive aid. Mint or wintergreen tea, or blackberry juice are also used. *Arcacia steeped in water or, marigold blossoms steeped in cider vinegar and applied to a compress are used to treat bruises. Cider vinegar alone can be massaged on sore muscles. *Chapped lips can be treated by applying olive oil, or making an ointment of clarified lard and the strained water from white willow bark. Add a bit of mint for flavor. *Rub a half a lemon over a clean face to help with oiliness or acne. Lemon juice or cider vinegar vinegar can be rubbed on the scalp to help with dandruff. Add a drop or two of olive oil for dryness. * Soak a dozen clove buds in vegetable oil, or ground cloves in oil for several days and strain. Use the oil to rub on sore gums or for a toothache. A warm compress held against the face will speed the action of the oil by increasing circulation to the area. *Soak a cup of steel cut oats in two cups of water and strain to make a soothing wash for sunburn or a rash. Using a cup of crushed almonds instead of the oatmeal and adding a few drops of olive oil will do the same. A poultice of baking soda applied liberally to a sunburn will "cut the fire". Leave on until it dries, then rinse off and reapply if necessary. *If you have arthritis, place a sharp knife under your bed to "cut the pain". You can also tie the pain up in a knot of sweetgrass (bury it afterward). *During a thunderstorm, tie knots in twine to harness the energy. Tie nine knots in a row and store for use later to add strength to any spell. Snip off a knot to add to a liquid, or untie a knot to release the energy. I'm also including this wonderful interview from Mother Earth News that I think you"ll enjoy: http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/southern-and-appalachian-folk-medicine-ze0z1403zhou.aspx

A Flash of Myth: Lightning

 Copyright Sam Javanrouh,2009

My grandparents used to tell a story about how Mom's mother Florence was literally scared to death by a bolt of lightning hitting a nearby tree. Allegedly the explosion either knocked her out of the rocking chair on the front porch of their clapboard farmhouse on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, or she was in such shock that she fell out of the chair on her own. At any rate, she took to her bed and died the next day.  I suspect there was more to the story than that, but like all snatches of eavesdropped family history, the story was colorful and short. Just like the fabled lightning bolt it charged the moment and was gone in a flash. Forever after that day the distant rumble of thunder was the signal to my grandmother that she should stop whatever she was doing wherever she was doing it and go to bed, where she would cover her head with the linens and wait out the storm. I rode out a lot of thunderstorms by myself during my childhood.

The other side of the thunderstorm anxiety coin in my house was my grandfather, who was the local fire chief. Being fire chief imbued Pop with a lot of Ripley's Believe-It-or Not kind of  knowledge about things other people didn't know. Things like: If you dunked a cat in ice water all it's fur would fall out. I never asked for the empirical proof of how he came by this tidbit, but I think it was the white fire chief's helmet that graced him with this plethora of wisdom. The guys at the fire house seemed to  think he was some sort of genius  because they would look up at him in awe...or maybe it was disbelief... I never could tell.  While the first rumble of distant thunder signaled Mom to go into hiding, Pop would run around the house and unplug every appliance with a cord on it from the wall sockets...except the lamps. Why the lamps were exempt from the rule is still a mystery, but since there weren't any circuit breakers other than the ones that were part of the ancient fuse boxes in our house, this might have not been a bad idea. Perhaps his subconscious fear of lightening originated from a particularly nasty aircraft crash that occurred during a vicious storm near our home-in the middle photo in the following link, Pop is the fire chief at the far left of the recovery crew. (http://www3.gendisasters.com/maryland/3859/elkton,-md-lightning-explodes-air-liner,-dec-1963)

And then, there was the Ball Lightning Incident, which was the antithesis of proof of Pop's vast knowledge of thunderstorms. It happened during a whopper of a storm that came up the Delaware River when I was about ten years old: a ball of bright blue fire shot through the screen door at the front of the house, traveled the entire with of the building, and exited through the open bathroom window, trailing a tail of  white smoke behind it. It was accompanied by a loud sonic report and the aftershock of fracturing glass and took only seconds. My grandmother was snuggled down beneath the bedclothes in a Valium-induced haze and slept undisturbed through the whole thing. Thereafter the front door and  windows remained firmly closed during any threatening weather, no matter how hot it got in the house upon orders of the local fire chief.

How I was never traumatized by my grandparents real or imagined fear of lightning I will never know. The simple fact is that I love the energy and power of thunderheads, I will run out into the downpour like a mad woman to embrace the wind driven rain. Maybe it's because I'm a Pisces, or maybe it's because I was raised not far from a river whose tides frequently pulled the storms in and out. I can smell the rain in the heavy atmosphere as the barometric pressure falls, and the hair will stand up on my arms in response to the gathering electricity of a thunderstorm.

Myth about the fear of thunder and lightning was once credited to the anger of the gods. In fact, one of the identifying attributes of Thor is the lightning bolt.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor) The lightning of Thor is often represented by the swastika, which is also a symbol of power in the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions. Native Americans recognize it as one of many representations of the Sun Wheel. Thunderbirds-a stylized form of the eagle- are thought to carry lightning bolts in their talons.The right facing swastika was adopted as the symbol of the Nazi Party during the 1920s as an amulet of power. It is said that the mighty Roman god Jove kept eagles to hurl thunderbolts as punishment for men. 

Folk magick abounds with  lightning lore: wood taken from a tree struck by lightning should never be used in a fireplace lest it attract lightning to the house. Mirrors are covered so as not to absorb or attract it in some places, while in others mirrors are set out to taken in the energy. Planting holly around the foundation of a home is said to deflect lightning, as well as elder, hazel or acorns kept in the dwelling. ( Cassell's Dictionary of Superstitions, pg. 157) A fire started by a lightning strike should be allowed to burn out on its own, and the charred wood gathered to be used in magick. A particular prized find were Devil's pebbles, beads of melted glass caused by lightning striking sand.

The Navajo have many taboos concerning lightning; items such as wood or stones should only be handled by a shaman because they have sacred significance. ( http://navajocentral.org/navajotaboos/taboos_nature.html ) Some Navajo blankets have patterns inspired by lightning in them.

Wiccan Author Scott Cunningham ( 1956-1993), an adept at elemental magick, recommended charging personal healing,protection and power items during thunderstorms by placing them in a secure open spot where the items will be exposed to the rain and reflection of lightning.  Cunningham taught that since lightning storms are periods of intense power, the spells cast during them will be amplified. He advised that protection spells would particularly benefit from this energetic boost.  (Scott Cunningham,Earth, Air, Fire and Water, pg. 189)

Ultimate respect should always be used when employing elemental magic. The forces of Nature are unpredictable, and therefore when practicing in the outdoors-particularly during a thunderstorm- I urge you to use caution and common sense. The feeling of lightning flashing all around you is indeed exhilarating, but standing in a clearing and pointing your wand at the sky during a violent storm with the hope of commanding the elements will make you more of a lightning rod than a magickian. Practice with safety first in mind!

Baubles,Beads and Buddha

Created by Amber Paschal of Morning Rain Designs

Pagans love jewelry! And why not? It's fun, and a visually stimulating form of temporary body modification. For some Pagans, jewelry is that "Outward and spiritual sign of an inward and spiritual grace" we keep hearing about.(My wonderful friend Amber is of Native American descent and  the beauty of her heritage is reflected in all of her creations. Visit her at Morning Rain Design's Facebook page for more information.)

I will admit that I love all kinds of  jewelry, but especially earrings because they don't get in my way (although I do take them off before bed). Most of my religiously inspired pieces are made of sterling silver alone or combined with semi-precious stones and beads.

Beads have been known to humans for at least 40,000 years and are  made from fired clay, stones, teeth, wood, shells, glass and organic materials ( think amber which is a resin and jet which is carbonated petrified wood.)They come in all shapes and sizes: round, oblong, conical, flat and asymmetric. Beads are usually created by drilling a hole through them or wrapping them with soft wire to provide a means for attachment. Although the usual application for beads is in jewelry making, they have also been used as monetary currency in some cultures. The legendary Native American Ghost Beads are made from dried juniper berries interspersed with colored glass seed beads. Likewise, the most simple Tibetan  Mala consists of bodhi or lotus seeds. The Rosary originated from the formation of beads made from rose petals heated in water over several days, compressed to remove the liquid and then rolled between the fingers into small balls which were pierced and strung to dry ( sometimes with the addition of a preservative and attar of rose for fragrance). There is a rich religious symbolism in this process: Mary, the mother of Jesus, named the Queen of Heaven, was represented by the rose. Red, and it's derivative color purple, are the colors denoting royalty.The red rose is also symbolic of  blood- the blood of  the mother in childbirth and that spilt as Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. In a much older version of a similar story, Mari is the Mother Goddess of Creation who gives birth to the Divine Child who then sacrifices himself  by spilling his blood onto the Earth which is nourished so that the crops will grown abundantly in order for Life to continue.

Beads are a spiritual tool and a form of adornment when incorporated into necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets  and belts or sashes.Tribal people ritualistically pierce their ears ( and other places) for the induction of beads and metal accoutrements  in celebration of the attainment of puberty or other milestone. Following this, I have done the same: my original ear lobe piercings took place at the age of 15, then I added a third hole in thanksgiving for the recovery from illness of a dear friend; the fourth (at the age of 40) upon the death of one of my spiritual teachers and mentors; and the fifth when I ceased my moon blood. Beads have been used to create fanciful and fabulous patterns and representations of spirits and animals when worked into tapestry ( think Native American and African bead work).

My own favorite 'power' bracelets are made from chips of semi-precious stones, beads and metal and include a simple one of clear quartz, another of square sterling and round hematite beads, and a Tibetan Mala made of moonstone. Included in my eclectic assort of beaded jewelry are earrings with carved abalone beads, jade, malachite, turquoise, wood and composition materials. Each piece has a particular natural energy vibration due to the materials it's made from, and I switch out pieces depending on my mood or the energy I want to acquire and./ or amplify in myself. Beads made of semi-precious stones are excellent for this, e.g., a necklace made of aquamarine -my Pisces birthstone- is particularly good at raising creative vibrations or when I want to think outside the box.

Courtesy Morning Rain Designs

Beads come in all shapes and sizes, and are easy to use to create your own magickal tools beyond just jewelry. Beaded hand grips for ritual knives and staffs, or sewing beads on clothing is not only beautiful, but a useful way to add a bit of energy to the piece. Beads can also be used on altar cloths and wall hangings. One of the most effective ways to utilize beads are by creating strings of prayer beads.

Donald L. Engstrom-Reese's chapter in The Pagan Book of Living and Dying inspired me to create my first set of Pagan prayer beads from common seed beads and those made of Connemara marble that came from a broken Rosary. His description of making a devotional tool to aid in focusing on the various kingdoms of Nature is simple and haunting. That particular set of prayer beads got me through a very difficult period of my life, for which I was grateful to have the routine comfort of a tactile way to connect with the Divine.( Another story with instructions from him appears here: http://web.me.com/iowariver/Walking_in_Beauty/Pagan_Prayer_Beads.html) Since then I have been gifted with a beautiful Pagan Rosary and several necklace Malas, all of which have taken on a golden patina from use, both endearing and spiritually strengthening.

Courtesy of darmashop.com

I particularly like using Tibetan-style Malas in my devotional  practice. Besides knowing that I have supported  an artisan from a country with incredible religious, political and economic oppression, I enjoy the historical aspect of the piece and beauty of the  materials. My skull Mala is very similar to the one pictured below, which is made from water buffalo  bone. It may seem macabre to some , but the symbolism of the skull in Tibetan art holds nothing sinister. Rather, the skull it represents the impermanence of  this mortal life and is an assistance in dispelling fear. I find the exposure to this particular symbol very therapeutic, because it reminds me that death is not only enviable, but a part of the cycle of creation. We usually do not fear what is a normal part of our everyday, and so incorporating this powerful image into my life allows me to keep this in perspective. Psychically, it also keeps me connected to the influence of my   ancestors. Anyone who has ever used a Rosary or set of prayer beads intrinsically knows the comfort of repetitive prayer.The familiar feel and click of the beads passing through your fingers lull the user into a state where the brainwaves actually change ( this has been scientifically proven, most notably by a study done using members of  Christian religious orders and Buddhist monks). For those of us who were raised in a faith tradition where public recitation of prayer using  beads to focus know this is an excellent practice to open the mind through the Third Eye.

There  is a psychological draw to our Inner Child through artistic expression.I find the  hands-on approach to using beads deeply satisfying.  More so if I actually make the beads myself from raw bisque (requires kiln firing) or polymer clay ( can easily be cured in a home oven). The beads can be made into any shape desired, then glazed or painted and sealed. It is gratifying to use these particular tools in magickal work for me: they have been created by the release of a creative process, and often made in a near trance state. When I sculpt or engage in other artistic projects, I find that I enter a wonderful state of blissful, somewhat like the fabled 'runner's high' which is due to the release of endorphins. My rational mind tells me this is a biological action, but what is Divine in me tells me differently. Working with the clay mimics the creative process of Goddess.

Several good books on Pagan Prayer Beads have been released in recent years; articles on the internet are also numerous. I personally recommend the excellent Pagan Prayer Beads: Magic and Meditation with Pagan Rosaries by John  Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn, which is relatively inexpensive.(http://www.amazon.com/Pagan-Prayer-Beads-Meditation-Rosaries/dp/1578633842) , and Donald L. Engstrom-Reese's descriptive contribution to the Pagan Book of Living and Dying (the text of the accompanying prayer can be found here as a webpage you might like to print as a resource:http://web.me.com/iowariver/Walking_in_Beauty/Beauty_Beads.html)

 As a rule I use any beads that catch my eye, but my favorites are made from natural materials or the ones I made. Most craft stores have a good selection, and I have found some beautiful antique beads by purchasing old or broken necklaces at yard sales and flea markets.

Despacho Medicine Bundle

 

 

Want to learn how to make a Despacho? It's a type of medicine bundle used in the Andes Mountains and contains items that signify a specific intention wrapped in a paper bundle...very cool.

What it takes:

A sheet of fancy paper large enough to wrap up the other items. Handmade paper is a nice touch and adds a bit more power if you make it yourself. It has to be large enough to fold into thirds and refolded until you have 9 squares-the items will go in the middle square. If you just fold it letter style into thirds, you will place the items in the middle flat, refold it like a letter, then fold in the sides from the left and right.

Bay leaves ( the original uses cocoa leaves which are illegal most places) At least three of uniform size and shape. Up to twelve groups of three, the number of mountain spirits in the Andes.

The design will be a madela of sorts.

Prayers, wishes, etc, written on small slips of thin paper. It can be a single word or a photograph of the item. I'd photocopy any personal photo because the bundle is going to be 'released' (destroyed) later.

Trinkets like small seashells, beads, seeds, feathers, etc. that are meaningful and apply to the intention.

Herbs, flower petals, powdered incense, a splash of essential oil or perfume of your choosing.

** The Ritual
Light a candle ans smudge the area where you will be working; focus on your intention or prayer offering to set the power in the items. Lay the items out in a pleasing manner,arranging them in anyway you desire. Fold up the paper around the items, making a neat package and seal it by tying with string, making a paper band, or using a wax seal. Decorate it as you wish, maybe using a sprig of rosemary or sage, a feather, or a few pieces of pretty string. Hold the package and imbue it with a final bit of energy. You must now decide how to 'release' it- by burning, burying it in the earth, leaving it for the elements, placing it in water, etc. It doesn't matter what method you use, as long as you also release any expectation about how the prayer will be answered. The Universe, Spirit, God/dess, etc. will answer in the most appropriate manner in the correct time period for the request.

The Despacho can contain as little or as much as you wish, and be of any size. They can be small and thin enough to send to a friend in a card, or carried in your pocket, or as large a greeting card...it's up to you.

In the Andes, Despacho practitioners receive special training in this ritual and are set apart for the task.