Article

• First Key: Journey
• Sabbatic Process: Procession to the Sabbat
• Chakra: Root
• Alchemy: “Initiation”
• Planet: Earth
• Astrological Aspect: Semi-Sextile
• Witchdom Teaching: Witch Power
• Incense: Patchouli, Dittany of Crete
• Sacramental Medicine: Beer, Ale

Invocation:

By the voice of light and lightning
Who guides us on the way
By the Secret Fire in the heart of all
Whom we still do serve
By the powers of life and love
And those of death and decay
By the Mysteries of the Old Ones
Which we all preserve.
I open the gate
I open the way
I walk the path to the Phosphorous Grove
I will not wait
To the Akelarre
I enter the land of Witchdom
The nation our Lord and Lady wove.
So mote it be.

Ritual

• On the evening of April 24, cleanse and prepare yourself and your space.
• Prepare your sacramental drink in your ritual cup if desired.
• Light your candle for the sabbat.
• Ignite any incense if desired.
• Enter into a trance state using whatever method you prefer such as countdown, breath work, or music.
• Recite the opening to the Sabbat of our Mighty Dead:

By Stone and Stang and Cauldron Well
By the darkest of Earths
By the deepest of Hells
By the light of the Watcher Stars
Who shine through the night
By Law and by Love
By Life and by Light
By the truths found between the Horns
By the Child who is never born
By the Skull and Crown
By the Root and Cord
By the Web of the Lady
By the Song of the Lord
We call you to come and be with us still
By the Sovereignty of the Stone
The Compassion of the Cup
The Sword of Truth
And the Wand of Will
Come one, come many, come one, come all
Come by the Stone and Stang and the Cauldron call.
Hail and welcome.

• Feel the presence of the Mighty Dead in the other world, the members of the Timeless Tradition of the Witch’s Sabbat, awaiting you.
• Recite the Invocation of the First Key:

By the voice of light and lightning
Who guides us on the way
By the Secret Fire in the heart of all
Whom we still do serve
By the powers of life and love
And those of death and decay
By the Mysteries of the Old Ones
Which we all preserve.
I open the gate
I open the way
I walk the path to the Phosphorous Grove
I will not wait
To the Akelarre
I enter the land of Witchdom
The nation our Lord and Lady wove.
So mote it be.

• Contemplate the perceived space between you and the otherworld of the sabbat. Contemplate the journey required to reach the sabbat. Just as the spirits come to us on Samhain, we can go to the spirits near Beltane. The ability to fly forth to the sabbat is one of the first manifestations of the Witch Power beginning, or initiating, the process of the sabbatic mysteries. Contemplate the Witch Power, the fire within you that can be expressed in many ways. What ways has it be expressed in you? What powers have you naturally had, if any? What powers have you honed through practice? What powers are you still seeking to nurture.
• Who are the allies that walk with you? What animals, ancestors, angels, guides, and gods aid you in the process of going from here to there in your spiritual journeys? Call upon them. Commune with them about the journey and about the mysteries of the sabbat awaiting you this time. What guidance do they offer?
• What is your vehicle? Any animal ally? A broom? A stang? A chariot?
• Gather your Witch Power within. Use your Witch Power. Walk, drive, or fly the road. What do you see and experience? For the journey is as important as the destination. Seek with your allies the edge of the sabbatic grove.
• When you find the gate, but before you approach the guardian, withdraw from the vision, returning to this point with the invocation of the second key.
• Drink the sacrament if you have prepared one.
• Recite the closing passage:

In this house of the ancestors
I call forth the light of life
Spirits of the Journey
We hold open the gate
Regenerating the world
And we dispel sickness and strife.

May there be peace among us
And peace between us all
Blessings be upon us
As we pass through these hallowed halls.

Blessed be.

Solitary Visionary Seven Day Vigil for Beltane in the Temple of Witchcraft Tradition

by Christopher Penczak

A complimentary tradition to Beltane/May Day is that of Hexennacht or Walpurgisnacht, The Witch’s Night, on May Eve where Witches travel to the Sabbat in spirit flight to celebrate the dance upon or beneath the mountain mound with the Queen of Witches and the Horned God.

The Sabbat can be seen as an alchemical transmutation of seven stages, seven steps into the mound, seven gates to the depths, and seven wandering stars, as seven is the number of Aphrodite Luciferia, the emerald goddess within the Earth. We can reflect upon and work more deeply with the sabbatic mystery by taking seven evenings to work with each key to the mystery in depth akin to a novena in other traditions. Together this leads to the mysteries of Beltane celebrated by the wider community through dance, song, and feasting on the eighth day, but the seven keys are for those seeking the inner alchemy of the timeless tradition of the Witch.

• April 24 – Journey: Procession to the Sabbat
• April 25 – Test: Guardian of the Gate
• April 26 – Agreement: Pact and Exchange
• April 27 – Feast: Sacrament
• April 28 – Battle: Night Battles
• April 29 – Congress: Orgy of the Sabbat and Great Rite
• April 30 – Game: The Game Board of Life
• May 1 – Dance: Weaving of Life and Fate

For those who want one long celebration, the entire working could be done on April 30, the eve of Beltane and the traditional Hexennacht, or the eve of astrological Beltane, the day before the Sun enters the fifteenth degree of Taurus.

Practitioners can make a seven knot Witch’s Ladder as a form of prayer string, a seven beaded mala, or a seven key necklace/prayer loop to focus upon for this ritual. Though there is no mantra, one key/knot/bead can be dedicated to each night, held during the vision working.

A single, central white candle that can last for seven to eight meditative sessions, such as a pillar or jar candle is recommended.

Overview of the process and powers:

Each day will be correspondences, an invocation, and suggested intentions for the visionary working and vigil in the form of a meditative ritual. The work is personal and adaptable to what you have and your own intentions and experience.

In the vision, you will enter the ancestral mound or mountain, and seek deeper and deeper levels of the Witch’s Sabbat. The intention is not only for personal alchemical transformation, but deepening partnership with the spirits of Witchcraft. Rather than the wooded sabbat, we seek the sabbat in the mound, in and upon the mountain of the Witch. We seek to open the gates so the tides of life and light can rise from the interior Earth and rejuvenate the land, dispelling illness and strife, and regenerating the world.

During the seven (eight) days, you’ll be devoting a portion of your energy and awareness to maintaining this connection to the sabbat, despite your every day life continuing between sessions. This is a holy season, and the flow of life force returning to the world, and your service in helping keep that gate open to commune with the spirits of the sabbat, aids in the turning of the wheel and the regeneration of the world in this waxing tide of light and life. One is not required to fast or restrict themselves in any specific way, but keeping the connection, the axis of Taurus-Scorpio in the Beltane-Samhain alignment. Much like any multi-day magickal working, be gentle with yourself and keep your intention in mind for the duration of the world, culminating in the feasting, drinking, and celebrating of Beltane if you so choose.

Those in the Southern Hemisphere might choose to switch this work, doing the Samhain Septena for the Ascension of All Souls in April/May, and the Seven Keys of Hexennacht in October/November.

For more information on the Sabbat, see The Mighty Dead and the forthcoming Sabbatic Visions books.

by Justin Gaudet

For as long as humans have existed, we have used myths to navigate the complexities of life. Myths, far from being relics of the past, are active frameworks that influence how we perceive and engage with the world. They serve not only to explain the mysteries of existence but also to reflect the dynamics of our personal and collective identities. Each of us carries within us a mythic thread, a narrative lens through which we make sense of our lives. These stories are dynamic, adapting and evolving as we grow and encounter new challenges and experiences.

We are mythmakers, consciously or unconsciously crafting narratives that shape our identities, relationships, and understanding of the world. These modern myths are not mere reflections of our lives; they are powerful constructs that influence our perceptions, decisions, and actions. By exploring the structure and significance of these narratives, we can begin to understand their profound impact on shaping our reality.

The Power of Story

Humans are storytelling beings. From ancient oral traditions to the epics of Homer and the modern content streams of social media, stories have been central to how we make sense of existence. They provide structure and coherence in an otherwise chaotic world, helping us interpret our experiences and define our place in the universe. At their core, stories are how we bridge the known and the unknown, offering stability and meaning in the face of change.

Every story we tell is infused with archetypes—universal symbols that resonate deeply across cultures and eras. Consider the hero’s journey, a timeless narrative framework that mirrors the human experience. This archetype reflects our struggles, growth, and transformation, reminding us that even in adversity, there is the potential for resilience and triumph. The enduring appeal of these archetypes lies in their ability to reflect fundamental truths about the human condition, truths that we often internalize as personal narratives.

These stories, however, are not limited to grand epics. They permeate our daily lives, influencing how we interpret success, failure, love, and loss. The stories we tell ourselves—about our worth, potential, and purpose—shape our interactions with the world. Over time, these narratives form feedback loops that reinforce themselves, influencing not only what we perceive but also how we act in response.

Personal Mythologies

Each of us carries a personal mythology—a set of narratives that define how we see ourselves and the world. These narratives are deeply intertwined with our sense of identity and our beliefs about relationships, success, and the nature of existence. For instance:

• Who are you? Are you the hero overcoming obstacles, or do you see yourself as someone held back by external forces?
• What do you believe about relationships? Are they sources of growth and connection, or are they fraught with difficulty and impermanence?
• How do you perceive the world? Is it a place of opportunity, a battlefield, or a realm of learning and discovery?

These personal myths are not abstract; they have tangible consequences. A belief that “I am not good enough” can lead to self-doubt and missed opportunities, reinforcing the narrative. Conversely, a story like “I grow through challenges” fosters resilience and openness to new possibilities. Such narratives are often self-fulfilling, shaping the reality we experience.

Cultural and societal influences also play a significant role in shaping our personal myths. Societal narratives about success, beauty, and morality can become deeply ingrained, often blending seamlessly with our personal stories. Recognizing these external influences is crucial for distinguishing between narratives that empower us and those that limit our potential.

Myth and Reality

The interplay between myth and reality is a defining feature of human experience. The stories we tell ourselves don’t merely describe our reality; they actively shape it. Cognitive biases—mental shortcuts that influence our perception—serve as the scaffolding for these narratives, reinforcing the beliefs we already hold. For example, if your personal myth is “I am always unlucky,” your mind will seek evidence to support this belief, often overlooking moments of good fortune.

This feedback loop extends beyond perception to action. A narrative of inadequacy might lead to avoidance of opportunities, while a belief in personal growth can inspire bold choices. Over time, these actions accumulate, shaping the trajectory of our lives and reinforcing the narratives we tell.

At the societal level, shared myths have a similarly profound impact. Narratives like the “American Dream” or the belief that “anyone can succeed with enough effort” shape cultural attitudes and behaviors, influencing everything from policy decisions to individual aspirations. These collective stories underscore the power of myth in shaping not just personal realities, but the fabric of society itself.

Rewriting the Myth

If myths shape our reality, then reclaiming agency over our personal narratives offers a path to transformation. Here’s how:

1. Reflection: Begin by identifying the dominant stories in your life. What narratives define your sense of self, your relationships, and your worldview? Reflect on the origins of these stories. Are they rooted in your experiences, or have they been inherited from family, culture, or societal expectations?
2. Discernment: Evaluate your narratives. Which stories empower you, and which ones limit you? For instance, a story like “I always fail” might perpetuate self-doubt, while “I learn from every challenge” fosters growth. Consider whether these stories align with your values and aspirations.
3. Reimagining: Craft new, empowering narratives that reflect your potential and aspirations. Replace limiting beliefs with affirming ones. For example, shift from “I’m not good enough” to “I am capable and deserving.” These new myths should feel authentic and inspiring, grounded in both your current reality and your desired future.
4. Ritual: Use symbolic actions to reinforce your new narratives. Rituals—such as lighting a candle while affirming your new story or enacting elaborate sacred dramas—help bridge the conscious and subconscious mind, anchoring the new myth in your psyche.
5. Integration: Allow these new stories to take root through consistent practice and reflection. Change takes time, and small, incremental steps can lead to profound shifts. Celebrate moments of alignment with your new narrative as evidence of its growing influence.

Living the Myth

Your personal myth is not a static construct; it is a living, evolving tapestry. As you grow and change, so too will your stories. By consciously shaping your narratives, you step into the role of the hero in your journey, actively creating a reality that reflects your authentic self. This process is not about denying the past but about integrating its lessons into a narrative of empowerment and possibility.

Consider this: What story are you living right now? Does it serve you, or is it time to rewrite it? Myths are not confined to ancient texts or fantasy; they exist in every belief, decision, and moment of your life. Each day offers an opportunity to craft a narrative that uplifts and inspires.

By embracing the mythic, you invite magic into your existence. You become the author of your destiny, the storyteller of your soul. Through conscious mythmaking, you don’t just live your life—you craft it, weaving a legacy that reflects the depth, beauty, and boundless potential of your true self.

Justin Gaudet is a High Priest of the Temple of Witchcraft, a devoted Witch, Seer, and lifelong student of the Mysteries. With a deep love for Witchcraft, Spirit Work, and the Healing Arts, his path weaves together Seership, Alchemy, Astrology, and Mysticism. Justin believes that magic is a journey we walk together, and he is passionate about supporting fellow seekers as they explore their own paths. Ever curious and always learning, he honors the ever-unfolding Great Work of transformation and alchemization of consciousness. Blessed Be.

Spring is here in this part of the world. The cherry trees are in bloom in DC and even here the pear and redbud and wisteria, along with the pine, oak, and gumball tree’s heavy laden with pollen… all are exclaiming that spring has truly sprung.

The blackbirds as the migrate north sing songs that remind me of happiness. The male cardinal,  right red, sits above my little patio and studies me… the new gal in town… and waits patiently for me to bring him a snack of sunflower seeds. Everywhere all around there are signs of new growth emerging.

Yet, it has also been a month filled with death. A classmate from my W1 class died unexpectedly. He was 44 in what we all thought was good health. He got sick and within an impossibly short time, died. He was an exceptional fellow who had worked very hard to put some figurative demons to rest from his past. We as his classmates bore witness to his transformation. He was the one who seemed the most dramatically changed of the nine of us in the 13 months of our working together in classwork. The one we watched transform from a bitter angry soul to one filled with steady calm and an inner joy that bordered at times on glee. He was my friend.

There was also this month the opportunity to help a fellow witch, who is a medium, help a revenant cross fully over. Revenant, as in restless undead. Sounds terrifying. Like a zombie or foul fiend. And I’m not saying those aren’t out there. Nor am I saying I travel beyond the Veil. This was, decidedly, an exception, and one I’m sure would not have been possible alone. But as my witch friend was describing what had happened and how she had the young fellow (teenage boy) “held” till she could deal with him. In a series of flashes, I could sense the boy, what he was terrified of and why, and knew the answer that would help him cross over. I asked my friend if I could help and told her what I had sensed. She agreed I could come with her… and so I did. Tears  streamed down my face as I knelt and held out my open palms and with mother’s love and compassion shared what I knew would help him… and then the strangest thing happened… this dog… his dog way down on the other side… yipping and barking… dancing with exuberance at the sight of his beloved boy. “Listen!” I told the teen. “Don’t you hear your dog? He’s vouched for you and sees you. Yes, he sees you! Go, go and be with your dog, ____. Go through the window there next to him. Once inside, you can’t be turned out unless you wish it so.” And off he went: a streak of gold like a comet shot away and instantly  I was back in my room, staring at my hands, still saying the words to thank the ones who had both helped and received him.

Then, just this week, there has been the raccoon who decided my office parking lot was as good a place as any to slowly, agonizingly die. We thought at first he had revived. Just old or sick with parasites. I was touched to watch my CEO, my office President, creative directors, designers, editors, all try to help this raccoon. He was not mean. Was too sick to be aggressive and there was great comraderie amongst the staff as he was named, fed, watered, videod and generally made much of. He disappeared for a day and then, as I was driving to a client lunch, I saw his body and reported back to the office. Except he wasn’t dead. I came back to find him flopping about unable to stand. I fetched water. A co worker. We called animal control to come put Sir Muffins out of his misery. It was awful. Terrible. He was dying and it was not a kind death. A buzzard circled overhead. Waiting. I fetched more water. And then more. My coworker got a muffin and broke it in pieces for him. I had never been this close to a wild raccoon before. Every blade of fur. His eyebrows and sharp teeth and claws. Oh how could I help him? I took a deep breath and then another, and then began to weave, pulling strands of brown and green and pink with my breath and hand, pulling it from the earth, my other hand starting to shake softly as I felt the energetic current moving. “What do you want?” I whispered to the ancient raccoon. “Rest” he quietly replied in a voice in my mind much higher pitched than I would have imagined. Bright tears filled my eyes as I nodded. “Yes.” I agreed and let the threads do their work around the dying coon to buffer and shield him… and give him ease as his death wore on. I stayed with him awhile just breathing with him and offering him more water. My coworker sighed, “I think he got into rat poison or something. He’s drinking way more water than any animal his size should.” It seemed as good a guess as any. It hardly mattered. He was not going to recover. Animal control never came. My coworker and I stayed a little while longer and then went back inside. We had done all that we could and now could only let Nature take her course.

Life and death. Sometimes, we are lucky when it comes to death. We come right up next to it and are giving another chance at life. Sometimes, one part of us takes a hit for the “team” of our body. A valiant ear for example. Or a tooth. We endure a serious ordeal through that process. The sovereign choice to course correct our actions and thereby be given an extended stretch of days. Or not. That is our sacred right as well.

That choice will find ourselves a statistic: much to the shock and chagrin of our family and friends.

Life and death blooms all around us. It is good to be reminded of both truths. To hold them and to honor both.

Erica Sittler is a Witch practicing her craft in Mississippi where she is an active member of the Temple of Witchcraft. Her magick is in the mundane and in bringing honor and attention to those small things that build a sustainable and adventurous life. She is a Temple Mystery School student under the instruction of High Priestess Sellena Dear.

Photo by Mẫnn Quang via Pexels.com

by Christopher Penczak, edited by Tina Whittle

Awake. Asleep. Dreaming. Unconscious. We use these words often around the spiritual experience, and they can create as many problems as explanations. Many spiritual seekers will describe their state of consciousness as “awake” when compared to non-magickal or consciously mystical people. Sometimes this leads to a place of being pejorative, of looking at the “masses” as sleepers, and that one who is awake is somehow better than others. I know I’ve said and done as much. There is a basis in some of the more pessimistic gnostic traditions, such as the Mandaeans and later Cathars. That has led to the modern New Age ideologies of the red pill and blue pill, and that we are living in a Matrix, a simulation, from which we must escape like the heroes gathered around the character Neo from the movie The Matrix. What is old is new again.

We often see the same sentiment in the whole sheep/goat analogy, that most people are sheep, easily led, but some individuals and rebels are the goats, and they have important things to do or say. I’ve said that too, and in some moments, that feels true. It can be helpful when distinguishing yourself from your birth religion and breaking societal norms and expectations to dive deeper in the mystical. In other situations, the idea is super dismissive, and it’s easy to get stuck in this “better than” mindset. Yet when you are frustrated with people who are not actively participating in the things you have deemed important, it’s easy to be contemptuous and insulting.

Some look in the reversed symbolism, that the world is akin to a divine dream made from our perceptions and belief structures, and we are all actively dreaming. We are all asleep, but those who learn the arts of lucid dreaming are consciously creating the dream, taking the form of not only lucid dreaming but meditation, affirmation, energy work, trance, spirit summoning, and ritual magick, and those who don’t are still creating, but unconsciously. And this can certainly be a helpful image in our training, though when we use symbols of sleeping and dreaming, there has to then be an awakened state, but awakened is not necessarily superior to sleeping. Perhaps truly awakening takes you “out” of the dream and is the equivalent of enlightenment, ascension, or nirvana.

For those on a magickal path, initiatory experience is often compared to waking from the dream, or inversely, putting you into an enchanted dream world that is more real than the “real” world. In either image, it is a drastic change that alters your perception of the world, yourself, and what is possible. Psychic phenomena, ghosts and spirits, healing, successful spells, out-of-body experiences, verified past lives, and of course, traditional initiation rituals can all utterly change our perception and relationship with reality. That is the key of magickal training.

Yet not everyone stays in that state of wonder and enchantment, or uses it further. This baffles me, but it’s true. Many people have a peak experience, and don’t go further. They don’t seek to understand it, find context, or look for the next peak. They don’t seek greater change. They decide the process might not be for them or that it requires too much. Walking a magickal path requires sacrifice; some say you must be willing to give up everything to receive all. And there is truth to that statement. Ultimately you must give up the comfort of your old self, even if it’s an unhappy self. Change, even needed change, is hard.

But even after a path of mystery, of exploration and challenge, one can hit a moment where they give it all up, consciously in one direct action, or slowly, little by little, losing the new perspective to return for the old. Teachings tell us that once you are a Witch, you are always a Witch. If you say, “I used to be a Witch,” then you never were. Witchcraft was a step on your path, but not intrinsic to your nature. And that is fine. I think some people still are Witches by function and orientation, even if the word doesn’t work for them. For others it was a healing step on the path, and for others still, a lark, an experimentation, an exploration of self. All of that is fine with me until those who are not Witches seek to define the Witchcraft experience for others.

A helpful teaching for me (despite the fact that I am not a Left Hand Path practitioner) is the seven stages of initiation described in the Left Hand Path as outlined in the work of Don Webb, particularly Uncle Setnakt’s Essential Guide to the Left Hand Path. I wrote about its relationship to other models of initiation in The Living Temple of Witchcraft, Volume I. The stages are described as follows:

1. Wandering
2. First Shock
3. Daydreaming
4. Second Shock
5. School
6. Third Shock
7. Work

Each of these has an associated virtue to embody and vice to avoid. Each shock is an opportunity to “awaken” to a new level of reality, and each runs the risk of falling back to sleep. Stage three is clear, with daydreaming. One must navigate the daydream to come out of it through keeping a sense of humor and not forgetting past orthodoxies, as they might have had a purpose. In the first shock stage, one can be filled with hubris as the vice, thinking you are better than those still wandering rather than working and creating quantifiable pride based on the results of your work. The second shock can lead to the vice of despair, and one must be open to a new way of being. The third and seemingly “last” shock runs the risk of becoming obsessed with magick, often the minutia or power over, and one is forced to synthesize what they learned into their own magickal paradigm. At any of the seven stages, an initiate can get stuck, fall back asleep, or otherwise grow corrupt. That can be part of the trial of initiation, as long as one moves through it, eventually.

I used to worry or get upset when a fellow Witch seemed to fall “back” into unconscious patterns, losing their magickal perception and will. I think I did because I feared that if it happened to them, it could happen to me. And it could. But you can’t control other’s paths, and you really can’t anticipate and control your own path. All you can do is live it as consciously as you can.

Some feel it’s our duty to “wake up” those who have gone dormant in their Craft. You can’t. You can attempt to, but most often it yields heartache. Going back to sleep most often, but not always, yields heartache, as something will always seem to be missing, the loss of an enchanted worldview, but you don’t know what is best for that person. Perhaps they accomplished the karma of their magickal will. That is why they are done. You can choose how you remain in their life, assuming they want you to do so because some, when they recognize this shift, break all ties to their Witchcraft friends and community. You can also realize that perhaps the friendship is done for now, and that it may or may not circle back again.

I can find it hard when someone leaves Witchcraft and disavows the identity of the Witch after having it. I see the bond of the Craft, and then ask myself, “What bond did we have?” It’s like a queer partner declaring they are straight with no real explanation. It shakes the foundation of the relationship. Of course you share the human experience, but we can feel grief in losing the Witchcraft bond with someone we saw as spiritual kin on a different level. That is a valid feeling and something we need to work through. Ultimately I don’t think it’s our job to awaken anyone. We need to respect people’s wishes, and people’s paths, and let things unfold over their own time. Some will circle back and some will not, but all we can do is mind our own crooked path and realize this is one of those unexpected bends that might shock and surprise us.

Do we use the shock as an initiatory condition and deepen our magickal experience? Or do we seek to go back to the old and familiar? In my experience, the Witch must go forward upon the road and take in all the changes and shifts as they do!

by Justin Gaudet

Why do we rely so heavily on metaphors and analogies when discussing magick and spirituality? The answer lies in the very essence of these subjects: they grapple with the abstract, the ineffable, and the transcendent—concepts that exist beyond the boundaries of direct language, linear logic, or empirical understanding. These realms resist concrete explanation, requiring us to turn to symbols and analogies to make the intangible more approachable.

Magick and spirituality are experiential and intuitive. They operate on levels of reality that are felt, perceived, and imagined, rather than observed in conventional ways. To communicate the insights and truths gleaned from these experiences, we use metaphors as linguistic tools to frame the unframeable. By doing so, we create bridges of understanding that allow others to grasp what words alone cannot encapsulate. These metaphors are not merely poetic flourishes but essential elements of how we share and connect around spiritual truths.

Bridging the Unknowable

The Mysteries—those profound truths at the heart of spiritual and magickal practice—exist beyond the reach of definitive comprehension. They encompass infinite complexity, stretching across dimensions of space and time that the human mind is unequipped to fully navigate. Attempting to explain these Mysteries in literal terms is akin to capturing the vastness of the ocean within a single cup—a task doomed to inadequacy.

Yet, through metaphor, we can lift that cup and glimpse the ocean’s reflection within it. Metaphors act as alchemical tools, transforming the unfathomable into something tangible enough to contemplate. They do not claim to encapsulate the totality of the Mystery but instead provide signposts that guide us on our spiritual journey. These markers remind us of the truths we sense intuitively but cannot fully articulate. They direct our attention toward what is sacred without confining our exploration.

Capturing Beauty in Reflection

Consider the moon’s reflection on water: it is not the moon itself, but it still reveals something of its light, its form, and its presence. Similarly, when we describe spiritual truths through metaphor, we are not defining those truths but reflecting their beauty in ways we can perceive. These reflections open a dialogue between ourselves and the sacred, where imagination becomes a vital bridge to understanding.

For example:

• The metaphor of “walking a path” conveys the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. It implies movement, choice, and progression, even though there is no literal path to follow. This imagery resonates deeply because it mirrors our lived experience of seeking, evolving, and transforming.
• The Divine is often referred to as “light,” evoking qualities like clarity, warmth, and illumination. While the Divine transcends physical properties, this metaphor connects us to the feeling of revelation and inspiration that often accompanies encounters with the sacred.

These metaphors engage our emotions and imaginations, inviting us to interact with the Mysteries rather than merely observe them. They deepen our sense of awe, reminding us that the ineffable can still be experienced, even if it cannot be fully grasped.

A Shared Language of Symbols

Metaphors and symbols also serve as a shared language within spiritual and magickal communities. The nature of these practices is highly personal, often rooted in subjective experiences and inner revelations. Without a common framework for expression, these experiences can feel isolating. Metaphors allow us to translate the personal into the collective, fostering connection and understanding among practitioners.

Consider the symbolic use of the classical elements—fire, water, air, and earth. These archetypes transcend individual cultures and traditions, serving as a universal shorthand for complex ideas. Fire may symbolize passion and transformation, water emotion and intuition, air intellect and communication, and earth stability and nurturing. By using such symbols, we create a tapestry of shared meaning that bridges individual experiences, allowing us to explore the Mysteries together.

This communal aspect of metaphor is not only practical but also profoundly unifying. It reminds us that while our journeys are uniquely personal, they are also part of a greater collective exploration. Metaphors and symbols become the threads that weave us together in a shared pursuit of understanding.

Honoring the Mystery

One of the most important roles of metaphor in magick and spirituality is its capacity to honor the Mystery itself. By relying on metaphor, we acknowledge the limitations of human comprehension and the impossibility of fully encapsulating the infinite. This humility is not a concession of failure but a recognition of the sacred nature of what we seek.

The work of spirituality is not about solving the Mystery or reducing it to manageable pieces. Instead, it is about engaging with it, reflecting its beauty, and allowing it to inspire us. Metaphors serve as invitations to this engagement, offering glimpses of the infinite while leaving space for wonder. Each metaphor becomes a spark, igniting curiosity and reverence, deepening our connection to the sacred.

The Reflection is the Gift

Metaphors are far more than explanatory devices; they are gifts of meaning and creativity. They invite us to participate in the ongoing creation of understanding, weaving connections between the seen and unseen, the known and the unknown. In this sense, the act of crafting and sharing metaphors is itself a sacred practice, one that mirrors the magickal process of transformation.

When we use metaphors to capture the beauty of the Mysteries, we are not diminishing their depth—we are celebrating their transcendence. These metaphors remind us that the journey of understanding is as vital as the truths we seek. They reflect the unfolding nature of the Cosmos within and around us, urging us to embrace our roles as seekers and creators of meaning.

Through metaphor, we do not conquer the infinite; we honor it. And in doing so, we invite others to join us in the dance of discovery, knowing that every metaphor is an open door to exploration, a reminder that the sacred is always within reach.

Justin Gaudet is a High Priest of the Temple of Witchcraft, a devoted Witch, Seer, and lifelong student of the Mysteries. With a deep love for Witchcraft, Spirit Work, and the Healing Arts, his path weaves together Seership, Alchemy, Astrology, and Mysticism. Justin believes that magic is a journey we walk together, and he is passionate about supporting fellow seekers as they explore their own paths. Ever curious and always learning, he honors the ever-unfolding Great Work of transformation and alchemization of consciousness. Blessed Be.

Through the Eyes of a Broom Closet Witch: Ostara

Blessed Ostara, and Welcome Back! Claire de Lune here, a High Priestess in the Temple of Witchcraft tradition, with the 24th article in our “For Broom Closet Witches” series.

To me, seeing “through the eyes of a Witch”, in one way, means seeing something other than what is seen on the “outside”. For me, it means that, though the physical eyes face outward, the “inner eyes” – the “Witch Eyes” – face inward, understanding what is seen outwardly on an inner plane. And what is seen inwardly is not always so easy to describe or explain outwardly.

For example, the center of an apple cut through the middle may look like this to some people…

To a Witch, however, that same apple core might look like a pentagram!

But so might this:

These flowers are important to me for the Ostara season because where I live, the White Cherry blossom is the first sign of Spring, with its buds making their appearance for Imbolc, and their blossoms making a bold statement for Ostara. In fact, it is a spectacular sight to behold when I go outside, as every White Cherry tree on the grounds of the apartment complex where I live is covered with these beautiful, delicate, tiny white pentagrams! These two had fallen from one of the trees, and I picked them up. I immediately knew then that they should grace this article for Ostara!

As this year’s theme for the articles in our “For Broom Closet Witches” series is “Through the Eyes of a Witch”, and how to go “inward” with our practice as “Broom Closet Witches”, one way to do that is to do research! And unless you have someone standing over your shoulder, looking at your computer screen, or following you around in the library, your research is pretty much private – in other words – “inward”!

So, I wanted to find out if there were more flowers with five petals, as well as if there was any lore about Cherry blossoms, in addition to the story about George Washington chopping down a cherry tree when he was a boy.

My research revealed that the Cherry blossom in Japanese culture is very important and symbolic of profound concepts, such as the transitory nature of Life itself, like the short-lived beauty of the Cherry blossom. I also found out that there are varieties with pink flowers, as well.

Come to find out, the apple blossom also has five petals! And so do some wild roses, buttercups, jasmine, lilacs, daffodils, forget-me-nots, geraniums and periwinkles. There are others, as well, but flowers like these with five petals are described as “pentamerous”, meaning that they contain five parts. They also belong to the “Pentapetalae” Family. In both words, “pent(a)” means “five”.

There is much more lore about flowers with five petals. For instance, the five petals can represent the five fingers on the human hand. In the Chinese and Hindu traditions, the five petals are seen as symbolizing the five elements – Earth, Fire, Air, Water and Spirit. To the Greeks, the five-petalled rose symbolized the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. To the Romans, both Venus and Persephone were linked to the five-petalled rose.

This is just a small sampling of what might be interesting to include as entries into your Book of Shadows for Ostara. Of course, though, it is highly likely that where you live, Ostara will be welcomed by some other signs from the Plant Kingdom, in which case your entries into your own Book of Shadows would be different.

I hope this article has been helpful, and until next time –

Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet again!

Ostara Blessings,
Claire de Lune

by Justin Gaudet

When I began my study of magick, I didn’t immediately grasp how much the various systems and traditions—Wicca, Hermeticism, Chaos Magick, and others—function like distinct languages. Each has its own structure, terminology, and symbolic framework designed to help practitioners connect with the forces of nature and the unseen. Understanding this earlier would have clarified much of the confusion I initially experienced. Let me explain this concept in greater depth.

Magickal Systems as Languages

Language is a uniquely human system that uses symbols and sounds to create meaning. Similarly, magickal systems provide symbolic frameworks to interpret and interact with reality. Just as languages like English, Mandarin, or Arabic offer different ways of describing the same world, magickal traditions present distinct perspectives on the same underlying truths.

For example:

• Wicca might be likened to a poetic language, emphasizing connection with the divine and reverence for nature’s cycles.
• Hermeticism operates like a precise, technical language, with its detailed correspondences and logical structures.
• Chaos Magick resembles an experimental, adaptive dialect where personal creativity takes precedence over established conventions.

No one system is inherently superior to another. Instead, each offers unique insights and tools for engaging with reality. Just as learning multiple languages broadens your understanding of the world, exploring various magickal systems deepens your appreciation of the diverse ways we can engage with the sacred.

The Symbolic Nature of Magick

Magick, much like language, relies on symbols to convey meaning and intent. A pentacle, a planet, or an herb becomes a word within the magickal lexicon. Spells and rituals, then, are akin to sentences that weave these symbols together to articulate a specific desire or intention.

Crucially, these symbols derive their power from the meaning we ascribe to them. A pentacle, for instance, is not merely a geometric design but a representation of balance and unity among the elements. When we engage deeply with these symbols, they cease to be abstract concepts and become living, potent elements of our practice. This process mirrors how immersion in a spoken language transforms mere words into expressions rich with context and emotion.

The Path to Mastery

While exploring different systems is essential, there comes a point when deeper engagement with a particular tradition becomes invaluable. Mastery of a magickal system is analogous to achieving fluency in a language. At first, you may only grasp basic phrases, but with consistent practice, you begin to think and express yourself within that system’s framework intuitively.

This depth of practice enables you to uncover the subtleties and hidden connections within the system. It allows for more effective spellcraft, richer rituals, and a more profound connection to the energies you are working with. Mastery doesn’t mean abandoning exploration; rather, it provides a stable foundation from which further growth and experimentation can flourish.

The Role of Practice

Practice is the cornerstone of mastery. Each spell cast, ritual performed, and meditation undertaken strengthens your connection to the magickal language you are learning. Over time, what begins as a deliberate process becomes an intuitive flow, much like conversing in a second language after years of study.

Every practice session contributes to your understanding, whether through success or failure. Both outcomes offer invaluable lessons. Regular engagement not only refines your technical skills but also deepens your relationship with the symbols and energies of your chosen system.

Advice for Beginners

Reflecting on my early experiences, here’s the advice I would offer to anyone just beginning their magickal journey:

• Experiment widely. Don’t feel pressured to commit to a single system immediately. Allow yourself to explore different traditions and see which resonate with you.
• Stay inquisitive. Embrace the mindset of a lifelong learner. Magick is an evolving practice with infinite layers to uncover.
• Seek depth. Once you find a system that speaks to you, invest time in mastering it. True understanding comes from going beyond surface-level knowledge.
• Trust your intuition. Your path is unique, and it’s okay to deviate from established norms to create a practice that aligns with your needs and values.
• Be patient. Mastery takes time and persistence. Focus on progress rather than perfection, and allow your practice to evolve naturally.

Magick as an Ongoing Journey

The study of magick is much like learning a new language: it expands your perspective and enhances your ability to engage with the world. However, the goal is not to master every system or adhere rigidly to any one tradition. Instead, it is to discover the approach that feels most authentic to you and to pursue it with curiosity and dedication.

When you commit to deepening your understanding of a magickal system, it becomes an integral part of your life. Over time, the symbols, rituals, and practices become second nature, allowing you to access the transformative power of magick effortlessly. Remember, the journey itself is as important as the destination. Embrace the process, stay open to learning, and let your practice guide you toward deeper connection and understanding.

Justin Gaudet is a High Priest of the Temple of Witchcraft, a devoted Witch, Seer, and lifelong student of the Mysteries. With a deep love for Witchcraft, Spirit Work, and the Healing Arts, his path weaves together Seership, Alchemy, Astrology, and Mysticism. Justin believes that magic is a journey we walk together, and he is passionate about supporting fellow seekers as they explore their own paths. Ever curious and always learning, he honors the ever-unfolding Great Work of transformation and alchemization of consciousness. Blessed Be.

(partial text exchange with a dear friend):

“… I feel as though I am in a stage of enormous rebirth… one wonders… does the caterpillar weep as her body melts and reworks itself inside its cocoon? We assume she is asleep through the transformation. Yet what if she is not? What if, as a sentient being, the breaking and sundering and re-creating is felt in all its agony? As mine is fully felt. And the emergence, newly winged also fraught with the trauma of coming forth fully as this new self? Like birth… long labored, excruciating… yes, the pain worth the new life born and the pain dimmed with time… but the crux of the cocoon and the emergence… does the butterfly grieve? Does she grieve and then weave it into the brilliant patternwork of her individuated wings… yes, this is a monarch… or this a swallowtail… recognizable by coloring and marks… yet each one’s depth of coloring varies and each of the marks as unique as snowflakes…”

Little did I realize that less than 12 hours later, I would be fleeing my husband in the dark of night to a safe house with my youngest son, our dog, and the most precious of the small possessions we could stuff with some clothes into our car.

For the next 10 days we were unhomed as I tried to extricate my angry spouse from my home, but like a blight or an ill-tempered badger, he refused to budge. Spirits, guides, and allies… the animate house itself was enlisted to work with me… and continues to do so.

I fled, the trap by with I felt caged by for so long shattering into particles of airborne rust… the mental, emotional and verbal abuse that I had endured for so long unleashed upon my son… the trap obliterated instantly. I was willing to lose everything to protect my son. That I was not willing to do it for myself is a conversation to be had with my therapist in depth.

But suddenly, I was free. We were free. Refugees for a bit, but safe. And so, I was able to breathe more fully for the first time in months. Breathe and think and plan. I had been meaning to earlier, but it was a suffocating immersion that left little room for more than a near constant heavy shielding against the anger, ill will and irritation that was my life.

And so, over the series of days, I went to work and did my job, but I let them know what had happened so that, by their own volition my firm became a safe haven. I spoke to my other, adult children and let them know, including the ones who are still in relationship with him. That is their choice. Their right. Their dynamic to navigate. I spoke to my inner circle of closest friends. Hearing their perspectives. Heeding their insights. Those dear ones have my eternal gratitude. They were, of course, already well aware, as my confidantes, of the situation, but none of us were expecting me to be literally escaping at midnight nor that being homeless for over a week was both my and my son’s actual reality.

Yet it was. Emergency therapy session. A consult with a lawyer to make certain nothing I was doing could be used against me and harm my son. A second consult with a second lawyer on the grimmer, grislier work of separation (note: there is no legal separation or “no fault” divorce in the state of Mississippi). I found a place for my son and I to live with a short term lease that could be extended if needed. Once procured, and under my lawyer’s advice, I hired an armed security guard and three burly movers, a witch friend, and a moving van… showed up at my beloved home unannounced in the early morning light and, much to my husband’s chagrin as he came out the door in his bathrobe asking “what was going on?” and my sovereign self standing tall and proud sang back loudly, “Oh! I’m here to collect some of my things. We will be right in!”

There was a calm, firm chaos in my wake as I and my hired brute squad spent four hours collecting furniture and possessions, so that the rented space would be recognizable as home for my son and myself.

Over the next 24 hours, I transformed the beige space that was to be my son and my temporary abode into a place of sanctuary. A nest. An oasis of tranquility. Boxes emptied. Pictures hung. Our combined altar expanded, candle lit, censed and blessed as the focal point of our living space. space… then I brought my weary, frustrated son in and welcomed him to our temporary abode. As the days have passed, we are both settling in. Laughter and song. My son, like some masssive golden retriever puppy rolling around the floor in happy contentment. Enjoying our elderly cat (the dog is safely with his older brother).

Cost to freedom:
Therapy session: gifted
Lawyer: $350 for one hour consultation
Movers/moving van: $750
Security guard: $500
Rental: $1500/mo (laughing… let’s lovingly call it shabby chic)
Gifts to those who took us in for 10 days: $300
Eating out more than usual: $200

I’m putting those numbers out there for those of you who need time to squirrel away money. For those who feel that there is no way you can afford to leave.

That is an illusion. You can afford to leave. I sold my wedding band to pay for part of those expenses. I put some of it on credit. Funds surprisingly may reveal themselves to you… through a lawyer’s advice or friend’s wise counsel. Lose the house, if you must, but first… especially if you have a working relationship with your home, ask it to help you. Give it the opportunity to participate. Rent a place you can stay in… perhaps longer than you think, so make sure you can afford it. Break free no matter the cost, Dear One. You can take care of yourself. You just don’t know it yet.

No creature should live in an abusive situation. Be they human, animal, plant or beyond. When I was thrifting for a few items the day before the moving van was scheduled, I walked in and there staring at me was a gold-leafed, hand-painted, Byzantine-styled stoic icon just over 8-by-10 inches of an angel holding a lance with a banner attached. I wasn’t certain which angel or archangel it was pictured, but I recognized the words on the banner. They were the thrice mentioned, highly ritualized words used when ordaining someone in a holy office…
Axios
Axios
Axios

Which being interpreted means:
Worthy
Worthy
Worthy

I am worthy.
Worthy of living a life not filled with abuse.
Worthy of a living space not fraught with anger and hostility.
Worthy of grace and joy.

You are worthy also, Beloved.
Blessed be.

Erica Sittler is a Witch practicing her craft in Mississippi where she is an active member of the Temple of Witchcraft. Her magick is in the mundane and in bringing honor and attention to those small things that build a sustainable and adventurous life. She is a Temple Mystery School student under the instruction of High Priestess Sellena Dear.