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Practical Magick

Divination with Runes

Runes divination is an ancient practice. Modern Pagans continue to follow this practice today. Runes can be compared to reading tarot cards. However, it is key to note that rune casting does not predict the future or tell your fortune. Instead, it only provides guidance and works with your subconscious to solve problems. Even though their meanings can be pretty obscure at times, modern readers who cast runes find that they can incorporate them to ask specific questions.

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Amulets, Talismans, and Charms

Many people believe in amulets, talismans, and charms. However, there are only a few people who actually try them out. If you think that they are only for historic interest, you could not be more wrong as they are still used to do this day. Even though you might not have come across people wearing amulets, talismans, or charms, it does not mean that their popularity has died down. No matter where you might be located globally, a noticeable amount of the population wears amulets and charms. It is common to confuse the three as being a synonym. However, they have their fair share of differences, as mentioned below.

Amulets

Amulets are said to have been worn by people for thousands of years for protection. Early humans lived in a strange and frightening world where things occurred without any proper explanation. Thus, amulets were used for protecting livestock, families, and entire homes. They were used to ward off the evil eye. The belief behind the evil eye is that a person or animal could harm another by simply staring at them with an evil intention.
The belief is thought to be at least five thousand years. Many religions confirm the belief of the evil eye, such as Islam. Ancient clay tablets even detail the damage inflicted by the evil eye. Ea, a Sumerian god, spent most of his time fighting the evil eye. Various types of amulets are worn to avert the evil eye. Originally, amulets were natural items like semi-precious stones or even animal teeth. Many police officers during the early twentieth century in New York even carried medals as amulets for protection. You can either purchase an amulet or create one yourself.

Talismans

Talismans are different from amulets as they are created to provide energy, power, and specific benefits. They are often used for their astrological or spiritual significance. Talismans are commonly made using metal, stone, or parchment. The substances can be used for inscribing pictures or words for additional power. Talismans tend to be made with the help of predatory animals such as the feather of an eagle, shark tooth, or leopard claw. People who are involved in competitive fields use talismans to achieve their goals.

Charms

Finally, there are also charms. They are also referred to as lucky charms. These were initially being sung or spoken. The word “charm” is derived from the French word “Charme,” which means song. When a priest gives a blessing towards the end of a service is considered a charm. However, people have opted for a solid object rather than spoken words. Today, charms are considered objects that hold special significance, such as the cross of Jesus. Anything can be regarded as a lucky charm, such as coins and buttons. Anything that you find to be lucky can be considered a lucky charm.

Now you will know about the differences between amulets, talismans, and charms. Thus, you will get to use the right option for the right occasion. 

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Basic Pagan Principles

What Is The Wiccan Rede?

Whether you are interested in the Wicca religion or are new to the modern Pagan religion, chances are that you have come across the Wiccan Rede. When we talk about the laws of Wicca, the Wiccan Rede holds priority. It is impossible to ignore it. Most magical practitioners today use it. Now, it is essential to note that the Wiccan Rede serves as a guideline. Today’s Pagans have no ethical standards or universal set of rules to adhere to.

The earliest version of the Wiccan Rede was popularized by Doreen Valiente during the early 60s. Then, Lady Gwen Thomspon published a new version of the Rede in the 70s in a Pagan magazine called “The Green Egg.” She credited Adriana Porter, her grandmother, for the work. Aleister Crowley also produced a similar guideline wherein he advised readers to love without any limitations. He has admitted to being influenced by Homilies on St. John’s First Epistle, a much older text of St. Augustine. Lady Gwen Thompson’s version is prevalent today among Wiccans. It would be unreasonable for you to assume that every Pagan follows the Wiccan Rede. Besides, not every Pagan is a Wiccan. There is vast room for interpretation.

Never Causing Harm

When you read the Wiccan Rede, you will conclude that one should never cause any harm. The fact is that death is considered a part of life in the religion. Eating a steak, killing a cow and eating it, munching on a celery stick, or any other moral dilemma is just a tiny issue compared to what goes on in the world. No matter what choice you make, you are constantly faced with the challenge of not harming someone.

If you read Lady Gwen Thompson’s Wiccan Rede, you will notice that parts of it are pretty old. Wiccan authors Theitic and Robert Mathiesen have dissected each line of the Rede and have made startling conclusions. Most of the rhymed couplets can be found in other places, especially 19th-century folklore. Archaic language is also widely used in the Rede, wherein old English grammar rules are followed. It only cares to show that Lady Gwen Thompson’s Wiccan Rede had two authors, herself and her grandmother.

Importance of the Wiccan Rede

Any Wiccan starting out can turn to the Wiccan Rede as a guideline. With so much information available today, it can be challenging to find the information you are looking for. Hence, it makes perfect sense to read the Wiccan Rede. It holds the answers that you seek. You will be blown away by its emphasis on love and not harming anyone. As a Wiccan, you have a responsibility to spread love and nothing else. Hence, you need to read the Wiccan Rede to ensure that you are on the right path. 

There is no reason for you not to want to uphold the values that Wiccans have followed for a long time now. You will find the teachings to be beneficial.

From my Practical Magick Series

Have you ever wished you knew how to cast a spell?

Are you interested in learning the ins and outs of magick?

The Practical Magick Series is the ultimate guide to learning how to use magick, understanding its nuisances, and putting what you learn into practice.

This series features guides like:

  • Wiccan Basics
  • Candle Magick
  • Wiccan Spells
  • Abundance Spells
  • Herb Magick
  • Creating Your Own Spells
  • Protection Magick

And so much More!

Discover everything you need to know about practical magick, its principles, the best practices, and more with the Practical Magick Series.

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The Origins of Ancient Pagan Beliefs

Paganism is an ancient practice, religion, or spiritual belief system that existed before Christianity rooted itself in the “one true god” philosophy.

It is quite difficult to categorize or conceptualize ancient paganism briefly because of its rich history. Historians have never stopped debating its existence, maybe because the idea of humans living in harmony with our natural surroundings seems too good to be true.

According to Teresa Moorey, the author of A Beginners Guide to Witchcraft, evidence suggests that a mother-goddess was worshiped as a part of paganism as far back as the stone age. The mother-goddess was the fertility provider, food source, and many other psychic bonds between humans and nature.

It is important to note that pagans were not always labeled according to their beliefs. People who did not believe in Christianity were labeled as pagans or heathens in a derogatory way due to their faith in natural entities instead of true gods.

Ancient pagans were also known as those who lived off the land. Like modern-day paganism, their beliefs were firmly rooted in their close relationship with their natural surroundings. Most pagans were farmers, hunters, and gatherers who were highly dependent on rituals to bring about food sources and other entities that represented life.

The Celts were also considered pagans because they believed in many gods and goddesses, the most prominent one being the Great Mother. The Celts also used the moon as a source of time and planned most of their existence around the telling of the sky.

Ancient Pagan Beliefs & Practices

Ancient pagan beliefs and neopagan beliefs do not hold a lot of significant differences. The main difference would be that modern pagans do not participate in many group rituals and often use modern technology to aid their practices.
For example, as modern beings, we do not hunt for our food and, therefore, do not see hunting rituals as a necessity. Unless you feel like doing a ceremonial dance in the nude in front of your local grocer, then you are hitting it old school.

The two do submerge in a way. It is important to note that modern or neopaganism does not exist without ancient pagan beliefs. These beliefs are more commonly known as “the old ways” and involve many more ritualistic periods of worship.
The Celts, for example, believed that the spirit world walks amongst us, and we can still view them out of the corner of our eyes. They also thought there is more than one reality and that logical thinking could only get them to a certain point and no further.

The Importance of Ancient Beliefs

These ancient beliefs and practices are carried over to the modern-day or neopagan belief systems. Some of them have integrated more than others, but they still hold significance in the power of paganism.
Practices like herbal medicines, cleansing/smudging, festivals, and nature-worshipping are still widely practiced by pagans today.

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A Glimpse Into Ancient Pagan Beliefs

To fully engulf yourself in paganism, it is rather important to understand the history and origins of ancient pagan beliefs.
There are so many stories and historical events that played a crucial part in the formation of modern paganism, which can be difficult to understand if you do not have the correct approach. It has a rich history with a lot of twists and turns, so buckle up for the ride.

The Origins of Ancient Pagan Beliefs

Paganism is an ancient practice, religion, or spiritual belief system that existed before Christianity rooted itself in the “one true god” philosophy.
It is quite difficult to categorize or conceptualize ancient paganism briefly because of its rich history. Historians have never stopped debating its existence, maybe because the idea of humans living in harmony with our natural surroundings seems too good to be true.
According to Teresa Moorey, the author of A Beginners Guide to Witchcraft, evidence suggests that a mother-goddess was worshiped as a part of paganism as far back as the stone age. The mother-goddess was the fertility provider, food source, and many other psychic bonds between humans and nature.

It is important to note that pagans were not always labeled according to their beliefs. People who did not believe in Christianity were labeled as pagans or heathens in a derogatory way due to their faith in natural entities instead of true gods.
Ancient pagans were also known as those who lived off the land. Like modern-day paganism, their beliefs were firmly rooted in their close relationship with their natural surroundings. Most pagans were farmers, hunters, and gatherers who were highly dependent on rituals to bring about food sources and other entities that represented life.

The Celts were also considered pagans because they believed in many gods and goddesses, the most prominent one being the Great Mother. The Celts also used the moon as a source of time and planned most of their existence around the telling of the sky.

Ancient Pagan Beliefs & Practices

Ancient pagan beliefs and neopagan beliefs do not hold a lot of significant differences. The main difference would be that modern pagans do not participate in many group rituals and often use modern technology to aid their practices.
For example, as modern beings, we do not hunt for our food and, therefore, do not see hunting rituals as a necessity. Unless you feel like doing a ceremonial dance in the nude in front of your local grocer, then you are hitting it old school.

The two do submerge in a way. It is important to note that modern or neopaganism does not exist without ancient pagan beliefs. These beliefs are more commonly known as “the old ways” and involve many more ritualistic periods of worship.
The Celts, for example, believed that the spirit world walks amongst us, and we can still view them out of the corner of our eyes. They also thought there is more than one reality and that logical thinking could only get them to a certain point and no further.

The Importance of Ancient Beliefs

These ancient beliefs and practices are carried over to the modern-day or neopagan belief systems. Some of them have integrated more than others, but they still hold significance in the power of paganism.
Practices like herbal medicines, cleansing/smudging, festivals, and nature-worshipping are still widely practiced by pagans today.

Check out the series!

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