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Entering the inner circle
Getting oneself invited to a witches' circle is not an easy task. They are not listed in the yellow pages and they don't generally advertise, at least not if you want to be initiated into a real witches' coven.
As I discovered, they are extremely particular about who it is they practice magick with; which is just as it should be when it comes to exploring this nightside of the self.
While movies like "the Craft" portray witches as female, young and conjuring up ancient spirits to impart "bewitching" like powers on themselves, real witches, I found, are quite a departure from this Hollywood stereotype.
My initial contact came through a mutual friend who had just finished reading Fiona Horne's book "Witch" and had followed up one of the contacts given in the book. Studying witchcraft under the guidance of an experienced witch makes the journey considerably easier (although not essential if you are prepared to read).
One of the first things any would-be-witch learns is how to "Cast a Circle". This is a ritual procedure to ensure that the magickal experience is contained. It is the most reliable way the neophyte witch has of entering into the psychic reality, and more importantly, a means of exiting from it.
Our teacher, a witch master of some considerable experience although keen to keep a low profile with the media, agreed to explain some of the fundamentals of ritual.
way of the witch
"First", I was told, "it is useful to try to understand the concept of being a 'witch' more as a psychic function, rather than simply as a literalism of trying to become something 'other' than who you are. We already basically have what we need to experience our psychic potential. It is in fact this oft times unconscious 'witch' within us that guides us when we use our intuition. So, although the practice of witchcraft may be many things (everything from a love of nature, to spell craft, to exploring the mysteries), our first steps are about self empowerment through exploring the ways of the witch-within." (continued see part two.)
booklet
for more information
Write and
request a copy of the booklet 'Witches'
an introductory guide to the art of witchcraft. Available for $5 (postage
included) :
PO Box 179 Newtown 2042.
(Sorry Australia only) •
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