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From THE SALEM JOURNAL
#1
(our former
title):
PRECIOUS OILS, INCENSE,
CANDLES & COLOR
by Autumn Terzian, D.P.
The mystic lands of far away were long ago bathed in fragrances
pleasing to the gods. The ancients knew the power that could be drawn
forth by proper use of precious oils and incense.
Scents can be the essence of magic, the lure of passion, the vitalizing force of health, the special offering laid on a cathedral altar. Precious oils and incense can be used to entice a lover, anoint a battle sword, bless a house, or draw the darkness of mystical power.
Incense is a necessary gift made to the gods and the spirits. It
may be used to raise and/or change vibrations, bless and purify sacred objects
or weapons, or to purify the self and one's surroundings.
Incense may be used as a prayer offering, an aid to spiritual work, or to
awaken the higher centers. It is said that angels may be invoked by
the proper use of incense. Just as there is a certain oil to be used
in obtaining any desire, there is a special incense to burn in helping one
achieve a particular aim.
For every desire and every dream there is a correct candle that can be used to help obtain fulfillment of one's goals. The candle must be selected as to color and vibrational influence. It must be correctly anointed with oil before it has any value. Each sun sign has a corresponding candle which best suits its nature, just as each day of the week has a corresponding candle which best suits its nature.
The following is a list of candles, colors, oil and incense recommended for each day of the week.
DAY OF THE WEEK COLOR OF CANDLE ANOINTING OIL & INCENSE
SUNDAY WHITE ROSE
MONDAY BLUE FRANGIPANNI
TUESDAY RED MUSK OR PATCHOULI
WEDNESDAY ORANGE ALLSPICE OR CHERRY
THURSDAY PURPLE JASMINE
FRIDAY GREEN HONEYSUCKLE
SATURDAY YELLOW ORANGE BLOSSOM
When working to accomplish any goal you should bum a candle appropriate to your Sun Sign as it will increase the vibrations of your own nature. The following is a list of astral colors which corresponds to the earth colors, and the anointing oils and incense to be used. I recommend you properly anoint and burn both the earth and astral colored candles.
SIGN EARTH COLOR ASTRAL COLOR SCENT
ARIES RED GREEN MUSK
TAURUS BROWN CREAM CINNAMON
GEMINI LIGHT BLUE LIGHT ORANGE FRANGIPANNI
LEO YELLOW MAUVE HONEYSUCKLE
VIRGO BROWN VIOLET EUCALYPTUS
LIBRA BLUE OR PINK LIGHT GREEN APPLE BLOSSOM
SCORPIO BLACK SILVER WHITE PATCHOULI
SAGITTARIUS PURPLE YELLOW PEPPERMINT
CAPRICORN GOLD RED JASMINE
AQUARIUS DARK BLUE DEEP ORANGE ANISE
PIECES VIOLET GOLD GARDENIA
The following is a list of candle colors, incense and oils which are very effective to accomplish specific goals. The scents may be worn on the body also.
CANDLECOLOR GOAL OIL & INCENSE
RED FOR LOVE, PASSION, ENERGY
PINK FOR LOVE AND ATTRACTION FRANGIPANNI
PURPLE
AGAINST EVIL.
POWER OVER RUE, ROSEMARY,
OTHERS. OVERCOME OBSTACLES. CYPRESS,
ALMOND
FOR PSYCHIC WORK.
WHITE PURITY, SACRED, SPIRITUAL CARNATION, JASMINE, FRANKINCENSE
ORANGE FOR ANY LEGAL PROBLEMS CINNAMON
YELLOW FOR PEACE OF MIND APPLE BLOSSOM, LILAC
RED COURAGE CHERRY, ROSE
BLUE
FOR CALMNESS.
SANDLEWOOD,
ALMOND
FOR PSYCHIC WORK.
GOLD
GOOD FORTUNE, LUCK,
MINT, MYRRH
MONEY DRAWING.
BROWN GENERAL SUCCESS ANY HERB OR SPICE
LAVENDER
MENTAL STIMULANT.
HONEYSUCKLE, LILAC,
AID TO PROPHETIC DREAMS.
MINT, WISTERIA
GREEN
HEALING VIBRATIONS FOR
MUSK
THE ILL
Specific oils and incense to be used for healing along with a green candle.
ALLSPICE for VITALIZING & ENERGIZING
CHERRY BLOSSOM for RELAXING & REST
LAVENDER for BUILDING ENERGY
CARNATION for STIMULATING and BUILDING ENERGY
EUCALYPTUS for GENERAL HEALING
VIOLET for TRANQUILIZING
LILY OF THE VALLEY for SOOTHING and QUIETING THE NERVES. CALMS THE EMOTIONALLY UPSET and CONTROLS THE QUICK TEMPERED.
The following is a list of herbs which may be finely ground and mixed in with your candle anointing oils. By adding herbs the vibrations and effectiveness of the oils are increased to the fullest.
For HEALING use BETONY, CARAWAY SEED, CORIANDER, RUE.
For LEGAL MATTERS use CASCARA SAGRADA, GUINEA PEPPER, GALANGAL, CALENDULA.
For LOVE use KHUS KHUS, LAVENDER BUDS, ROSE BUDS, VETIVERT
For ENCOURAGING VISIONS use ANISE SEED, CELERY SEED
For PSYCHIC WORK use ACACIA, ANISE SEED, HYSSOP
For LUCK use LUCKY HAND ROOT, MOJOE BEAN, TONKA BEAN
For MONEY & BUSINESS SUCCESS use BUCKEYE. HIGH JOHN ROOT
For POWER use POPPY SEED, MYRRH GUM, ELDER BARK
For PROTECTION use FIVE FINGER GRASS. DILLWEED OR DILLSEED BLOOD ROOM ROSEMARY.
For PEACE & HAPPINESS use CLOVES, SANDLEWOOD CHIPS, POWERED FRANKINCENSE.
All of these items can be purchased at your market, health food store
or an occult supply shop. If you are burning other candles along with
a white candle, it is a good idea to elevate the white candle slightly above
the others.
Light a white candle 25 minutes toward the hour. Light colored candles 5
minutes after the hour. Never light any candle used for healing between
the hours of 2 a.m. and dawn. Always extinguish the flame with a candle
snuffer or some other instrument. Don't blow out the flame.
Also, never use any candle for more than one purpose or person. To be effective, burning a candle in TRINITY is most important. Cut a triangle from white silk, linen or paper. Place the candle in the center of this triangle. This gives the candle power from three sides.
Every candle should be properly anointed to be a value. This is called DRESSING. I do this, take the candle in your left hand, holding it at the bottom. Always dress from the center of the candle down or from the center of the candle upward. Never anoint in both directions.
If your desire or request is to go out or away from you, such as sending toward or for another person, you must dress the candle from the center upward. In a calling request, such as drawing money, lovers, friends, etc., anoint the candle from the center downward or toward you. Always anoint a candle with an oil appropriate to your needs and desires.
LIVE WITH LIFE. MAKE THAT LIFE THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE.
From THE SALEM JOURNAL
#1
(our former title):
THE WITCH IN MODERN SOCIETY
by GEORGE A.
AGOGINO
DISTINGUISHED RESEARCH PROFESSOR.
EMERITUS
DEPARTMENT OF
ANTHROPOLOGY
The religion of the Wicca, as modern witches prefer to call their worship, is more popular today than anytime in the last two hundred years. Today, Wicca is made up of secret covens existing within the larger general framework of Christianity. Claims of baby sacrifice, drugs, and s_x org- ie s are generally false or greatly exaggerated. It is true, however, that in many covens the members attend their worship sky-clad, that is, n u -d-e. While the Wicca religion is non-Christian, since it involves worship of either the Christian devil or one of the pre-Christian deities of the Old World, members feel it is not incompatible with Christianity. However, most covens believe there are many gods and forms of worship and their tolerance for other beliefs is remarkable.
Witchcraft generally involves secret worship and procedures. Most covens require an oath of secrecy, not because they wish to be exclusive but due to the fact that they believe the press and Christian church will distort the facts and bring negative publicity to them.
There appears to be no standard book of rituals for witchcraft. In fact, the Wicca religion has as many sects or divisions as Christianity. These groups range from semi-religious private clubs interested in secrecy more than religion to a wide variety of serious devotees with diverse rituals and beliefs. Although there is no common book of rites and beliefs, most Wicca groups maintain a secret "book of shadows" containing their specific rituals.
Today it is not difficult to find and join a coven. Many "New Age" magazines have advertisements announcing new or established covens with information on how to contact them for possible membership. The final acceptance of new members depends almost completely on how the group perceives the seriousness of their intent. Many seek membership because they feel that through the rituals they might find group or individual s_x partners. In most instances these candidates are rejected.
In the initiation ceremony both the candidate and his/her
sponsor, a member of the opposite s_x, must be n u -d-e (sky-clad) in the
belief that one must be without clothes to be in harmony with the psychic
world. In many instances, in fact most, the sponsor and the initiate
get married or at least live together. This is not a firm requirement,
but a common Wiccan religious pattern. The witch's circle, which generally
starts and ends to the north, is drawn to protect the candidate and sponsor
from distracting outside forces. In the initiation ritual and in the
religion of the Wicca in general, beliefs are borrowed from ancient forms
of worship found in the Mediterranean world, India or the Orient. One
widely used belief taken from these religions is the use of the broom for
both cleanliness and to sweep undesired thoughts from the group.
Most Wicca circles start at the north. Perhaps this custom pays homage
to the ancient Scandinavian religions or has some connection with the
north-pointing magnetic compass needle. The circle is outlined by the
use of the athame, a ceremonial dagger. This object is usually ornate
in decoration and the handle is generally made of silver. A sacrificial
goat is often used symbolically in Wicca worship. Both chants and dancing
are important. Changes in stages of the ritual are marked by the sounding
of a bell and the ceremony ends with the same sound.
The broom is important to most witch groups. Besides the ideas associated with it already mentioned above, it has s_xual significance with the staff--a male ph_llic symbol and the sweeping part symbolic of the female. In addition to the magic dagger, an ornate sword may be employed. In the ritual it is emphasized that the witch's power comes from within and must be cultivated to grow. The external power of the moon, especially when it is full, aids in developing this power. With coastal Wicca groups the tides also are used to produce psychic power.
The modern Wicca groups are difficult to describe in a way that will hold for all of them. Each coven has its own variety of ceremony and worship. It is impossible to have ritual conformity since most covens are extremely secretive about ritual and membership. Thus, variations between groups can be extreme. This paper has given a general description of modern witchcraft ritual and ceremony that are probably not exactly characteristic of any specific group.
I live in Portales, New Mexico, a town of about 11,000 people, with Clovis twenty miles away with roughly three times that population. From my research on witchcraft I believe there are three witch cults in Portales and two in Clovis that are active and perform rites in small groves of trees, as well as indoors. Since our area of the High Plains is largely grasslands with only a few wooded areas, it is easy to know, if one is vigilant, when these outdoor ceremonies take place.
In most Wicca cults, a majority of members are female, perhaps due to the fact they resent that Christianity had no female members among the disciples. The Wicca often believe in a dominant female god or at least a bi-s_xed deity. There is no attempt to discredit the existing dominant Christian religion and in fact in rare instances both nuns and male clergy have joined Wicca groups.
In closing, I must also state that there are deviant forms of Wicca that are not true religions. These groups exist, protected under the Freedom of Religion Act, but are simply s_x and/or blood frenzy cults. They may claim to be Wicca sects but are despised by both Christianity and traditional Wicca covens.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Crowe, W. B., A History of Magic, Witchcraft and
Occultism, London, 1968.
Crowley, Aleister. Magic and Theory in Practice, New York City, 1968.
Crowley, Vivianne. Wicca: The Old Religion in the New Age, London, 1989.
Levi. Eliphas, Transcendental Magic, London, 1968.
Parker, Derek & Julia, The Power of Magic, Simon and Schuster. New York City, 1992.
From THE SALEM JOURNAL
#1
(our former
title):
HEINRICH WHO?
by JOHN D. CHIME
If someone were to say, "Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim will get you, if you don't watch out," you'd probably think them a candidate for the Hotel Silly. But if they said, "The bogeyman will get you, if you don't watch out," you would know exactly what they meant.
Everything we fear results from something we have seen or heard. From ancient men encircled by knowledge seekers, to modern movies like the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series, we have been initiated and inundated with reasons to fear.
Myths and legends carry these fears from yesterday to the tales of today, we, in turn, pass these stories to the next generation and, in the process, revise them for more contemporary themes.
The bogeyman has haunted our nightmares for ages. Unbridled punishments for ill-behaved children have always abounded in stories and movies, however, as with many legends and myths, there are links to reality for the bogeyman, a man behind the monster, a history behind the legend. As Vlad the Impaler anchored the legend of Dracula, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim is a possible explanation for the bogeyman.
Agrippa, born in Cologne, Germany in 1486, died in Grenoble in 1535. In life he earned his black reputation and in death his influences became legendary. Being born Heinrich Cornelis, he Latinized his name and endowed himself with a mock, noble title derived from the Roman founder of Cologne. He became Heinrich Cornelis Agrippa von Nettesheim.
Agrippa was unstable, as shown in two of his publications. Occult Philosophy states that man can understand all things through wisdom and magic, while The Uncertainty and Vanity of the Sciences and Arts states exactly the opposite: man's attempt to understand the universe is futile.
Occult Philosophy, published in three volumes in 1531, is Agrippa's best known work and his claim to fame. It is based on the idea of macrocosm and microcosm.
Macrocosm and microcosm philosophy states that the universe is a human organism and man is a copy in miniature. This doctrine sees man as a miniature copy of God.
Agrippa believed we could become the sum total of all things by expanding our consciousness through magic. He states in Occult Philosophy, "Therefore man . . . hath in himself all that is contained in the greater world, so that there remaineth nothing which is not found even truly and really in man himself, and all these things do perform the same duties in him as in the great world."
Agrippa believed everything that exists has a soul. This soul is part of a total soul which shows itself in the magical properties of herbs, metals, stones, animals, and other phenomena of Nature. As an example, Agrippa believed a sure contraceptive for pregnancy was for a woman to drink mule urine once a month. Because mules are sterile, the woman will be sterile. Today's men and women would find this hard to swallow.
Agrippa had a few original thoughts. Most of his work was collected through previous publications. One Hermetic text states man can transcend any limit placed on him, including time and space. According to these writings, we can become higher than any height, deeper than any depth, incorporate all the qualities of all creatures, and, like God, be everywhere at once, be living and dead. The text states, "By such an expansion of the range of his consciousness, man may rise into oneness with God who is Himself the Whole."
Centuries after the Hermetic text, Agrippa states in Occult Philosophy that a master magician is a man, "Who has cohabitated with the elements, vanquished Nature, mounted higher than the heavens, elevating himself to the archetype itself with whom he then becomes co-operator and can do all things."
Agrippa also used the teachings of the cabal in reaching his determinations for Occult Philosophy. The cabal writings, also known as: cabbala, Kabala, kabbala, and, in Hebrew, quabbalah, was originally made up of the initial letters of Charles II's advisers and was meant as a pun. It became developed by rabbis from the 7th to the 18th centuries and reached a height of popularity between the 12th and 13th centuries, affecting some medieval and Renaissance Christian thinking.
The cabal is based on a mystical method for interpreting Scripture. The cabalists believe by using these methods, they can penetrate sacred boundaries and foretell the future. A central theme of the cabalists is all creation is an emanation from the Deity and the soul exists from eternity.
Agrippa drew heavily on cabalistic magic, which is mainly based on combining Hebrew letters and their numerical values, magic squares, anagrams, etcetera. Agrippa used these mathematico-mystical combinations, known as gematria, and enhanced them in Occult Philosophy. He believed these operations and calculations were sources of great power and this power could be used to practical and theoretical ends.
Agrippa focused on the use of magic squares. Many of the math instructors in today's school systems doubtfully know the history behind what they see as harmless puzzles.
Numbers and letters have great magical powers. This theory cited in the Cabal influenced persons like Barrett in Magus, Eliphas Levi in Transcendental Magic, and Agrippa in Occult Philosophy.
Aggripa cited a complicated criterion for the production of a magic square. In a number square, each number can be used only once. All vertical and horizontal rows of numbers, along with each long diagonal, must calculate to the same number. These requirements are what gives the square its magical powers. For example, Saturn's magic square add up to 15 and Jupiter's is 34.
There is reason behind what total is used for each planet, moon and sun. Saturn has three rows of three figures because it is the third sefirah on the Tree of Life. Jupiter has four rows of four figures because it is the fourth sefirah on the Tree of Life. Mars has 5, equaling 65, Venus 7, equaling 175, Mercury 8, equaling 260 and the moon 9, equaling 369. The sun has 6 rows of six figures equaling 111. The total of all the numbers used in this square is 666, the number of the Beast. One deduction made from this is the Beast of Revelations is an aspect of the sun or life force.
According to Agrippa, magic squares can also be made of letters. The SATOR square is the most famous. It can be found inscribed on old Bibles and should be able to be read around the edges backwards and forwards.
In Occult Philosophy, Agrippa recommends drawings and illustration from the ancient book, Picatrix, as suitable for engraving on talismans.
It was Agrippa's controversial views about the working of man and God that acquired him a dark reputation. These conceptions of how our universe works and the role of man within it, lead to countless rumors and stories, some true, some obscured in mystery.
One such story is, Agrippa went out and left the key to a secret room with his wife. She, unknowingly, lent the room a lodger for the night. The lodger, a student, came upon a huge book of spells and began to read it. After a while, he looked up to find a demon staring at him, wondering why it had been called. The student gaped at the demon in horror and it strangled him. Agrippa, fearing a charge of murder, evoked the demon to bring the student back to life. The student left. When the demon's powers wore off, he fell dead in the street.
The German book, Struwwelpeter, published in 1847, depictes Agrippa as the bogeyman who disciplines young children by dunking them into giant inkwells. Prior to Struwwelpeter, Agrippa is said to be the inspiration for Francois Rabelais's astrologer, Her Trippa, in The Third Book. He also is claimed to be an inspiration for Goethe's creation of Faust.
Agrippa's life flowed with the smoothness of flooded water over large rocks. He had been a theologian, philosopher, court secretary, town orator and secret political agent. One moment he was mixing with royalty, the next in debtor's prison, but it was his reputation as a great occult magician that led to his demise.
Agrippa had been a public advocate in Metz, but was denounced for defending an accused witch. Later, he was imprisoned for criticizing the Queen Mother, and in 1535, after a battle with an inquisitor, he was branded a heretic and pursued across Europe. Imprisoned and tortured in Grenoble, Agrippa was left so broken by his enemies, he died within a few weeks.
Agrippa's recognition of being a master magician and occult expert have left generations with seeds of fear. There are even some who believe he may have found the secret to immortality.
In life, he built a reputation shrouded by mystery. He
was famous and feared. In death, he may have attained immortality with
a single warning: "The bogeyman will get you, if you don't watch
out."
MORE TO COME!
