Simple Working Altar

Here is my simplified altar after getting rid of some of the clutter. I've felt the need to simplify my life as much

An Offering

As I step off the porch with bare feet I feel the cool richness of the earth beneath me, the refreshing crisp air of an early December night, and I take notice of the stars shining against the black of night.  With the chalice in my left hand, and cut apple revealing it's sacred star in my right hand; I venture out to leave my offerings that have adorned my altar the previous day.  As I kneel down before the old tree I take a moment of silence as my heart is filled with gratitude.  I place the apple at the base of the tree and know that I'm giving back a gift that already belonged to the earth.  I slowly tip the chalice and let the aromatic wine pour over the fruit. 
As I rise, I look up once more and I feel the connection between myself and deity.  Seeing the stars glistening above the branches, I recognize the world tree in the place where I stand.  The old tree becomes the stang which connects this world to the upperworld and the underworld.  The earth itself is the great cauldron womb of the goddess.  And here I stand, in awe of the mysteries that surround me.  Truly blessed to recognize the gifts all around me.  Thankful to be apart of such splendor. Such beauty.  For deep within, the witch feels the connection with the land, the sea, and sky.  Because of this, the offering is made, not from a feeling of necessity but rather an attitude of appreciation.

Humble Beginnings

As I sit at home this morning, gazing out the window and watching the trees dance in the wind; I'm reminded of my teenage years when I secretly practiced magick in the wooded hills of Kentucky.  I didn't have in my possession a single ritual tool.  The concept of drawing down the moon was foreign to me.  I had never heard of the Wiccan rede, nor did I know the dynamics of setting up a ritual altar.  However, there was such a connection between my spirit and that of the forest.  Instinctively I developed a relationship with the elements.  I felt a connection with the plants and the trees all around me. 

I remember being drawn to certain herbs of the woods and intuitively working knot magick.  I would speak ecstatic utterances under my breath and call up the winds and the local spirits of the land.  While I now have more experience and knowledge of the craft, that can never replace the raw, uncompromising communion with nature.  As a pagan, a witch, a devotee of Hestia; it is my prayer that I never forget the heart of this path.  While continually learning more is crucial to growth, I never want to get to the point where knowledge replaces experience.  I love studying, but even more I love stepping outside with bare feet and feeling the heartbeat of Gaia beneath me. 

The Charming Black Cauldron

When many people think of witches, the classic image comes to mind of an old crone stirring her potion in a large black cauldron over a rolling fire.  The cauldron holding her magickal brew is met with awe and mystery, as it is the tool of her mystical conjuration.  For those of the craft, the cauldron has come to be a symbol placed upon pagan altars, or a tool placed within the sacred circle.  But what of the cauldron?  What lies beyond its association with hags stirring up malevolent intent?

For many modern pagans, the cauldron is associated with the element water when used in rites and spells.  While I agree that the cauldron has a dominate symbolism of water, the versatility of this sacred tool is one it's most endearing features.  The very shape of the cauldron can be symbolic of the womb, feminine power, and the goddess....in whatever capacity she is known to the witch.  (While I use the term witch, I recognize that some affiliate themselves with different labels and mean no disrespect to fellow workers of the magick arts, regardless of their preferred name).

When a witch is working with the cauldron in its symbolism of the womb, a vast realm of possibilities are opened up.  After all, it is in the womb that life is manifested, developed and nurtured until it is ready to spring forth on its own.  In the womb, a developing baby is completely connected to the mother, distinctly his/her own life yet also still part of the mother.  So it is with spellwork utilizing the cauldron as the womb.  The witch is symbolically inseminating the womb of the cauldron with the particular spell or need.  This need/desire/wish is nurtured in the womb and connected to the goddess during the rite.  In my personal opinion, this is the most powerful aspect of the cauldron, and can be particularly affective when working with a feminine deity. 

When working with classic elements of witchcraft, the cauldron can be a most useful addition to the altar while symbolizing water.  In the same manner of the chalice, the cauldron works through the western gate for any matters dealing with water.  Matters of the heart, intuition, and emotions are at the forefront of it's domain. Corresponding herbs can be added to hot water in the cauldron and stirred while focusing on your intention.  Water can be added to the black, cast iron pot and looked upon for scrying.  Blessed water or holy water can be consecrated in the cauldron under the full moon or as the witches tradition calls for it.  For those practicing the Great Rite common to Wicca, the cauldron can be substituted for the chalice when appropriate.

Another useful purpose of this versatile tool is to employ it for working with fire.  I will add about an inch layer of salt to the bottom of the cauldron and just cover it with alcohol to get a beautiful flame going.  Herbs can be thrown into the fire as an offering or as a correspondance to a spell.  Petitions can also be written and cast into the fire.  While I feel that the cauldron retains its feminine symbolism when working with fire or air, it doesn't always carry a symbol of water.  This is simply my opinion on the matter, and partly why I consider the cauldron my favorite and most useful sacred tool. 

A great way to combine the elements of fire and water is to half fill the cauldron with water charged with your intention, then place a candle in the cauldron so that the water covers part of the candle.  Let the candle burn down until the flame is extinguished by the water.  This can be particularly effective when dealing with matters of the heart, or when needing to symbolically put out a fire or banish something.

I would encourage any workers of the magickal arts to think "outside of the box" when it comes to the use of their tools and see what possibilities exist.  The black cauldron may be one of the most basic symbols of witchraft, but it is also one of the most versatile, which only adds to its charm.

Blessed may you be!

Dionysus Altar

Sacred Oil of Dionysus

In the quiet of sacred space, before the altar of Dionysus, did I craft this intoxicating blend. With my Lady Hestia observing to the side, I had already quieted my mind and spirit in Her presence. The tarot had been spread and for the third day I had once again been reminded of protection all around me, having drawn the same card speaking this to my spirit.
Rather than lighting my white working candle, as is typical for my workings, I chose to light a lovely purple candle charged with purification for this time of crafting. Standing now before the altar dedicated to this god of liberation and ecstasy, I raise my hands and welcome His presence. I pour libation into the chalice and present it as an offering to the Lord Dionysus, the wild god being twice born. As I began to blend a sacred oil, I infuse my intention into the vial. For this will be an anointing oil to bless my lord. My heart is filled with a prayer that this blend be pleasing to Him.
It seemed only fitting to start with grapeseed oil as a base for this blend. For He is the lord of the vine. Adding oil of cinnamon to bring a little spice, I recognize how "spicy" he can make our lives! A touch of frankincense and myrrh, sweet smelling to the gods. I add a bit of damiana and patchouli, invoking the lustful passion of the wild one. A sprig of pine needles added, in remembrance of His sacred thyrsus. Lastly I add five seeds of a juicy red apple, symbolizing the fruitfulness of the masculine divine.
After the vial is blended in a sunwise motion, I anoint myself and honor the lord Dionysus. Taking up the libation, I receive his essence unto myself and partake of a drink. Leaving a bit on the altar, I am pleased with my fellowship with the divine. Over the next several weeks, the oil will begin to take in the essence of the sacred herbs, and I anticipate this blend will be used frequently for anointing. The smell is sexy, masculine, and refreshing. As is the god for whom it is dedicated.
Much love and blessings!

Hestia Altar

Sacredness of Space

Whether it be the kiss of moonlight that comes over us and fills our souls with adoration, or be it the calm of trickling waters soothing our very essence; we all have a need for sacred space in our lives. The renewing presence of energy, separating ourselves from everything else, yet being fully connected at the same time. This is pure magic in itself.
It's relatively easy to fix your mind and heart on sacred space while in the midst of nature and all it's beauty. But what about those times when you need to feel connected to the divine or need to open up your heart center right in the middle of your busy, hectic life? One of the great benefits of the pagan path is that our sanctuary is nature itself. We can connect with the divine or open up sacred space wherever we are, because we carry Spirit with us.
I keep some things that are sacred to me on my desk at work so that if I need a charge through the day I can look at my "desk altar" and breath in Spirit. Ultimately regardless of where your compass (circle) be cast, it first envelops the heart. For true spirituality and magic take place within before it is ever manifest on the outer planes.

Spiritual Adultery?

When I started out in my pagan path, I didn't have a specific god or goddess that I called upon on a regular basis.  I observed a broader view of deity being One Source with both male and female aspects as the God and Goddess.  Eventually I began a relationship with the aspect of the goddess known as Gaia, and the God as Father Sky.  While I retain a relationship with both Mother Gaia and Father Sky, another aspect of the goddess began to enter my life.

Nearly everyday for a few months, the name Hestia would come to me and I didn't know why.  I just kept thinking about Hestia and at times would find myself just speaking her name in a whisper to myself.  I came to realize that Hestia was, in fact, trying to make herself known to me.  I started studying about what history I could find on her.  The more I learned about her, the more I understood why we were drawn to each other.  Nevertheless, there was a nagging thought in the back of my mind, that perhaps this was wrong of me.  How did Gaia feel about my new relationship with another goddess?  Was it acceptable to offer myself as service to two different deities? 

After much quiet meditation, I have found that it is quite possible to enjoy a relationship with multiple deities.  After all, in my beliefs, they are all different aspects of the Higher Power.  While I have accepted my Lady Hestia as my matron goddess and offer my service to her, I still maintain a relationship with Mother Gaia and Father Sky.

For those of you perhaps just starting out on you pagan path....if you are looking for a specific god and goddess, let them come to you.  Keep yourself open to possibilities.  Perhaps a god or goddess will come knocking at your hearts door and wish to make themselves known to you.  You may find yourself drawn to multiple deities across different pantheons, and that is okay.  It is your path, and ultimately the Divine knows what is right for you.

Blessings!