Kat Sanders's Blog, page 5
January 10, 2013
Three Things To Consider When Setting Up An Altar For A Group or Coven?
When you are setting up an altar for a group or coven, it is different than setting up an altar for a solitary practitioner. The biggest difference is taking into account the personalities of each individual in the group. Those individualities can make setting up an altar fun or frustrating.
Limitations
When working with another person or group of people, talk to them. Ask about limitations, allergies and anything else that might change how you would set up your altar.
The one that comes to mind the quickest is allergies. You know yourself and what allergies you need to take into account. Most of the time, this isn’t even something you consciously think about. Unless you are using a new product or supply, you know what you can and cannot use.
However, when you are working with others, they may have allergies you don’t know about. If it is a family member or friend, then you probably do know what to take into consideration, but if it is someone new or an acquaintance, then you need to ask.
Are there other limitations? Is there someone in the group with a disability that you need to take into consideration? For your offering of wine, should it be changed to fruit juice due to someone’s struggle with alcohol or someone is pregnant? Take all these things into consideration.
Focus
Also, take into account the reason the altar is being set up. If you are performing an initiation ceremony, then a lot of the altar will be set up with the initiate in mind. What are her/his favorite colors, flowers, gems etc. Who is the focus of the ritual or spell? This will give you a basis on what supplies you will need to gather.
Supplies
When working with others, will you need more than one copy of a supply or ingredient? How much of each item will you need? Some items like the Athame will be shared as needed for the ritual or spell, but others like a potion or food and drink will be consumed by each individual. Make sure you have enough.
Each altar is different depending on who is using it and for what purpose it is being used. Take all these things into consideration when purchasing or making supplies.
What other things should you take into consideration when working with a group? Answer below in the comments.
January 6, 2013
Wiccan Altars: What Are They and Do You Need One?
Physically, an altar is a table or cabinet that holds your spell components and supplies. It is a physical representation of your spirituality and a place where you will perform spells and rituals.
An altar can be permanent or temporary depending on your situation and daily needs. Some Wiccan may use a table or cabinet that is normally used for another purpose on a day to day basis. Other Wiccans have the space and are not restricted from having a permanent altar. You will have to decide for yourself which is right for you.
Do you need an altar?
The answer to this question is not simple. It is both yes and no. You are not required to have an altar. However, an altar makes it easier to perform spells and rituals. It makes it easier to focus on what you need your spell to do.
If you can’t have an altar, you could create a visualization altar. Not all spells need a physical form or focus. Using your imagination, visualize your altar in your mind. This will allow you to focus on the spell at hand.
Five Reasons You Should Have An Altar
An altar is:
a focal point for your magick like the magickal circle is a container for your magick.
a day to day reminder of your beliefs and ideals. As your beliefs and ideals change, so will your altar.
a place of refuge for the Divine where you can seek shelter and peace of mind. Focusing on your altar will allow your mind to calm and speaking with your Deity will allow you to know care and companionship.
a reflection of yourself and your spirituality. When you invite others to view your altar, it will show them who you are spiritually. This is a very intimate gesture and should be considered carefully before sharing.
a vehicle for your magick and your will to help you complete your tasks and goals. Spells and rituals do not have to be a one-time performance. There are spells that will continue to need attention after the initial ritual has been completed. Your altar will be a holding place for your spell while other actions are taken to complete the tasks. Visiting your altar will remind you of what needs to be done and what steps still need to be completed.
How should you set up an altar?
There are many different ways that altars can be set-up. There is no right or wrong way. It will change as you learn and grow in your spirituality. Everything new you learn will lend itself to those changes. As you grow, you will have to make the decisions on just how your altar will look.
That being said, there are some standard altar set-ups. Each Wiccan or Pagan tradition has its own set up. Some spells will demand that the altar be set up a certain way. And your everyday altar will be set up in a way that is convenient for you.
The most basic set-up calls for four object representing the four elements/directions. These are:
Pentacle: North and Earth
Athame: East and Air
Wand: South and Fire
Chalice or Cauldron: West and Water
You will also need a representation of the Goddess and/or God. These representations could be anything that is meaningful for you. It may be a statue of your deity of choice or it could be something as simple as a flower or gemstone. Whatever it is, it should represent what the Goddess or God means to you.
Always remember that your altar is a reflection of who you are. If something doesn’t work for you, then don’t use it. If you can’t stand the color pink, then it shouldn’t be on your altar. If you are allergic to certain flowers, then don’t put them on your altar. If you are working a spell or ritual that calls for something that you can’t or don’t want to use, substitute something else for it. Using something that you can’t or don’t want to use will counter the positive energy you are sending out.
Should you have more than one altar set-up? Answer below in the comments.
For More Information:
January 3, 2013
Poetry: The Trees Talk
The trees talk.
They whisper hellos and goodbyes as I walk through the forests of Gaea
They talk of the old days.
Days long ago where everything was lush and green
Days where people respected the animals and the trees
When rituals of thanks were made to the Deities of the day and the night
They talk of the times long past
When men walked the earth or rode horses across the land
They talk about a time before mechanical transportation
When men and women knew how to live, love and laugh
A time before steam rose to power
They talk of the rise of steam
Where everyone wanted things faster
Where machine replaced people
And life started getting a little bit harder.
The talk about the wars of the world
Where violence and inequality reign supreme
Where brothers fought and people lost
And life was a little more desperate
They talk about the age of computers
Where machines are worshiped and Deities are slandered
Where the world is smaller than ever
But no one knows their neighbors
They talk about history
And cry for the future
The trees know that we are
Destroying ourselves on day at a time.
For more poetry like this, please visit my poetry site, Wicked Pride Poetry, by clicking here.
December 30, 2012
Art Gallery: Pentagrams & Happy New Years!
Yule and Christmas have come and gone and now it is time for the New Year to begin. This will be the year of getting my business off the ground which includes How To Witchcraft as well as learning new ways to create arts and crafts. I will continue sewing and painting, but will also be adding back photography and drawing.
Look for new posts to come about twice a week. If you have any subjects you are interested in reading about, please let me know in the comments or email me at katsanders@howtowitchcraft.net. If it isn’t something I know about, I’ll try to track down someone who does and see if they will write a guest post or series.
If you are interested in writing for How To Witchcraft, please let me know.
And now for some Wiccan/Pagan artwork:
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Have a wonderful and happy New Years. May the coming year be filled with joy and laughter!
December 27, 2012
Poetry: Contemplations
When at night I close my eyes
I see the past long gone by.
I look upon the ancient runes
That tell the tales of Mother Earth
And her great glory brought to birth.
Through the long lost pantheon
We count the stars and see the fears,
Of those that were and that are here.
What fears are those that we share?
Whose mind is it that we bare?
When love is lost, does Eros go?
Or does he stay to find anew
That which was given to so few.
Does War rage across the land,
With vile and vicious thought;
Or is he here to keep the peace
We had all thought lost?
Are the Fates allowed to wait
Upon the light as it breaks
Or must they cut the cord
Before he even wakes?
Who’s to say what will happen?
Is the past a forgone ending?
Is it too late to predict the beginning?
To this I say to all that are here:
All is not lost and hope reigns dear.
For more poems like this one, you can purchase my e-book, Once Upon A Time, here.
December 20, 2012
December 16, 2012
Thoughts on Yule, Christmas and the New Year
There is less than a week to Yule and just over a week until Christmas. Most of my Christmas/Yule presents are ready and wrapped. I tend to make the majority of my presents each year and this year was no exception. I tend to make presents for the ladies in my life rather than the gentlemen. It is just easier. I paint, sew, draw, make jewelry…
This year I have made purses, pillows, picture frames, drawn and painted knotwork letters, zipper bags, smart bags… I have made a lot this year including drawing, scanning, designing and sewing unique embroidery patterns for some of my presents. And because of the lack of money until late November, I have been doing more with less time. With all that being said, I have been having the best time.
I love making something for someone and seeing their expression when they open their gifts. A couple of years ago, I made my Mom a smart bag for her 60th birthday. This year, my Mom and Dad went on a trip around the USA from February until September. My Mom used that smart bag everyday to carry notepad, pens and other essentials for her trip. That is the type of thing I love to hear about my gifts.
I can’t wait until Yule/Christmas for all the presents to be unwrapped!
Christmas vs. Yule
I have spent many years celebrating Christmas rather than Yule. This year I will be celebrating both. My Yule celebration will next Friday with just my immediate family. We will have dinner, exchange gifts and play games. It should be a lot of fun. I will spend Christmas eve with my parents and Christmas day with Marsha’s family. It will be a busy weekend, but a lot of fun!
I don’t think there is anything wrong with celebrating both Yule and Christmas. I think that it is respectful of my parents and Marsha’s family. They are Christian/Catholic and don’t believe in Wicca or Paganism. They have agreed to not pressure me about my religion and I don’t throw mine in their faces. If this means that I don’t invite them to my Yule celebration, then that is just the way it is. I’m not hiding my spirituality, but I’m not flaunting it either. I know a lot of people will disagree with this sentiment, but I don’t. I almost lost my father a little over 10 years ago to an aneurism. Spending time with my family no matter what they believe is more important than anything!
New Years!
Everyone talks about New Years resolutions. They make them and then before January is over, they break them. I am just as guilty of this as anyone else. This year, I’m not making resolutions. I am making a plan. This is how I want my year to go.
How To Witchcraft:
I plan to keep adding two posts a week to How To Witchcraft. At least one post a week will be educational. That means that I will add information that will explain aspects of Wicca and Paganism at least once a week. This will start with the continuation of my Tarot posts. The last Tarot post was #7 The Chariot. That means that there are 14 more Major Arcana post, 4 Minor Arcana posts and 6 Spreads posts. That is another 24 posts. That will last well into spring (minimum 12 weeks but probably longer).
I am in the planning stages for a series on deities. I also have posts written for each of the sabbats which will come out closer to those holidays. I also am planning posts on esbats, types of magick, and requesting my guest authors to write more posts.
If anyone is interested in a specific topic, please let me know in the comments. If you are interested in being a guest author, please email me at katsanders@howtowitchcraft.net. I would love to feature a new author every quarter or maybe every month if there is enough interest.
Wicked Pride Press:
WPP is the business side of How To Witchcraft. It is a small publishing company specializing in publishing e-books on Amazon and Smashwords. I have published a couple of books already. I am in the middle of writing another book and in the planning stages for a couple more.
I am also waiting for my best friend, Marsha, to finish her novella and will be publishing it once the editing and rewrites are complete. I am also looking for authors who want to write but don’t want the hassle of publishing. I love the editing, formatting, writing press releases and promoting side of writing and publishing. I want to help other writers to start making money on their books without the hassles of publishing. For more information, please click here to visit Wicked Pride Press.
Arts and Crafts
My plan for my artistic expression is to make my own clothes. I am researching fabrics and patterns. I want to make my own patterns eventually. To this end, I will be taking classes to learn about pattern making. I also want to expand my embroidery designs. My plan is to add at least two new embroidery patterns to my store each month. I will be adding them to my Artfire store which you can visit by clicking here.
These are my plans for the new years. I am in the middle of writing down these plans and the steps to accomplish them. Once I have everything set, I am printing them and taping them to the wall over my desk. Once a quarter, I will review my plans and see where I am in completing them. I am hoping to exceed them.
What are your plans for the new years? Have you written them down along with the steps to accomplish them? What are you doing to keep yourself accountable?
Thoughts on Yule, Christmas and the New Year…
There is less than a week to Yule and just over a week until Christmas. Most of my Christmas/Yule presents are ready and wrapped. I tend to make the majority of my presents each year and this year was no exception. I tend to make presents for the ladies in my life rather than the gentlemen. It is just easier. I paint, sew, draw, make jewelry…
This year I have made purses, pillows, picture frames, drawn and painted knotwork letters, zipper bags, smart bags… I have made a lot this year including drawing, scanning, designing and sewing unique embroidery patterns for some of my presents. And because of the lack of money until late November, I have been doing more with less time. With all that being said, I have been having the best time.
I love making something for someone and seeing their expression when they open their gifts. A couple of years ago, I made my Mom a smart bag for her 60th birthday. This year, my Mom and Dad went on a trip around the USA from February until September. My Mom used that smart bag everyday to carry notepad, pens and other essentials for her trip. That is the type of thing I love to hear about my gifts.
I can’t wait until Yule/Christmas for all the presents to be unwrapped!
Christmas vs. Yule
I have spent many years celebrating Christmas rather than Yule. This year I will be celebrating both. My Yule celebration will next Friday with just my immediate family. We will have dinner, exchange gifts and play games. It should be a lot of fun. I will spend Christmas eve with my parents and Christmas day with Marsha’s family. It will be a busy weekend, but a lot of fun!
I don’t think there is anything wrong with celebrating both Yule and Christmas. I think that it is respectful of my parents and Marsha’s family. They are Christian/Catholic and don’t believe in Wicca or Paganism. They have agreed to not pressure me about my religion and I don’t throw mine in their faces. If this means that I don’t invite them to my Yule celebration, then that is just the way it is. I’m not hiding my spirituality, but I’m not flaunting it either. I know a lot of people will disagree with this sentiment, but I don’t. I almost lost my father a little over 10 years ago to an aneurism. Spending time with my family no matter what they believe is more important than anything!
New Years!
Everyone talks about New Years resolutions. They make them and then before January is over, they break them. I am just as guilty of this as anyone else. This year, I’m not making resolutions. I am making a plan. This is how I want my year to go.
How To Witchcraft:
I plan to keep adding two posts a week to How To Witchcraft. At least one post a week will be educational. That means that I will add information that will explain aspects of Wicca and Paganism at least once a week. This will start with the continuation of my Tarot posts. The last Tarot post was #7 The Chariot. That means that there are 14 more Major Arcana post, 4 Minor Arcana posts and 6 Spreads posts. That is another 24 posts. That will last well into spring (minimum 12 weeks but probably longer).
I am in the planning stages for a series on deities. I also have posts written for each of the sabbats which will come out closer to those holidays. I also am planning posts on esbats, types of magick, and requesting my guest authors to write more posts.
If anyone is interested in a specific topic, please let me know in the comments. If you are interested in being a guest author, please email me at katsanders@howtowitchcraft.net. I would love to feature a new author every quarter or maybe every month if there is enough interest.
Wicked Pride Press:
WPP is the business side of How To Witchcraft. It is a small publishing company specializing in publishing e-books on Amazon and Smashwords. I have published a couple of books already. I am in the middle of writing another book and in the planning stages for a couple more.
I am also waiting for my best friend, Marsha, to finish her novella and will be publishing it once the editing and rewrites are complete. I am also looking for authors who want to write but don’t want the hassle of publishing. I love the editing, formatting, writing press releases and promoting side of writing and publishing. I want to help other writers to start making money on their books without the hassles of publishing. For more information, please click here to visit Wicked Pride Press.
Arts and Crafts
My plan for my artistic expression is to make my own clothes. I am researching fabrics and patterns. I want to make my own patterns eventually. To this end, I will be taking classes to learn about pattern making. I also want to expand my embroidery designs. My plan is to add at least two new embroidery patterns to my store each month. I will be adding them to my Artfire store which you can visit by clicking here.
These are my plans for the new years. I am in the middle of writing down these plans and the steps to accomplish them. Once I have everything set, I am printing them and taping them to the wall over my desk. Once a quarter, I will review my plans and see where I am in completing them. I am hoping to exceed them.
What are your plans for the new years? Have you written them down along with the steps to accomplish them? What are you doing to keep yourself accountable?
December 13, 2012
20 Informative Yule Sites
The December Sabbat is Yule. It is a time of celebration and gift giving. It is a time of hope, kinship and good fortune. Here are some websites that give additional information on Yule and its rituals:
You Tube: Yule Rituals
Wiccan.com: Yule Ritual
The Wiccan Life: Solitary Yule Ritual
Tryskelion.com: Yule Ritual
The Wiccan/Pagan Times: Yule Ritual
The Wiccan Way: Yule Ritual: Guide for Covens
The Pagan Housewife: Winter Solstice/Yule Ritual
Wiccan Studies: Yule History
The Pagan Library: Interfaith Yule Ritual
The Pagan Library: Winter Solstice or Yule
The Pagan Library: 1996 Yule Ritual
Wicca Spirit: Yule Ritual
Witchology: Yule (Winter Solstice)
Bellaonline: Yule Ritual
Circle Sanctuary: Celebrating the Seasons
Natural Life Magazine: Celebrate the Winter Solstice With Your Family
School of the Seasons: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Circle of Light: Winter Solstice Ritual
Mother Earth Living: Winter Solstice Traditions: Rituals for a Simple Celebration
How To Witchcraft: The Sabbats: Winter Solstice
December 9, 2012
The Wheel of the Year: Winter Solstice
This festival celebrates joy, love and peace with family and friends. It is a time of celebration and fertility. The Yule tree was a symbol of hope and wishes. It was believed that any wish put upon the Yule tree was given into the “arms of the Universe”.
The best rituals during the Winter Solstice is one where family and friends are included and wishes are made to the Universe. Decorate the altar with holly, wreaths and small gifts to be given to the participants.
Once the ritual or spell is complete, spend time in joyous celebration with friends and family. Give them the gifts that sat on the altar and open them.
More Information:
Date: 22nd December
Other Names: Yule
Meanings: commencement, hope, good fortune, kinship, tradition
Colors: brown, white, green, red, gold
Element: earth,
Symbols: Yule tree, mistletoe, holly
Aromas: pine
