Author: A Solitary Pagan

Belief in the astral plane is part of the common heritage of occult philosophy which is shared by witch and ceremonial magician alike. The word ‘astral’ is derived from the Latin astrum, a star. It was used by medieval occultists to designate that super-physical medium by means of which the influence of the heavenly bodies was conveyed to the earth, and affected all things upon it. In ...

Lucius Apuleius is best known to us as the author of The Golden Ass, one of the most famous romances in the world, containing as it does the story of Cupid and Psyche. His importance to the study of witchcraft rests on the fact that The Golden Ass is a romance of witchcraft, and illustrates the beliefs which were held about witches in the pre-Christian world. This work of Apuleius proves that witc...

It is most convenient to mark the circle with chalk, paint or otherwise, to show where it is; but marks on thecarpet may be utilized. Furniture may be placed to indicate the bounds. The only circle that matters is the onedrawn before every ceremony with either a duly consecrated Magic Sword or an Athame. The circle is usuallynine feet in diameter, unless made for some very special purpose. There a...

An amulet is a magical object the purpose of which is to avert danger and evil influence from its possessor. It is a protection device, as distinct from a talisman. The latter is intended to attract some benefit to its possessor, whereas the amulet acts as an occult shield to repel. Pliny tells us that amulet was the country folk’s name for the cyclamen, which people planted near their homes in th...

It is probable that all alphabets were originally magical. Only in later times did they come to be reduced to the more prosaic transactions of mere record and trade. The names which the letters were given often concealed some religious secret, which they enshrined in an abbreviated form. Also, the number of the letters, and their divisions into consonants and vowels, had an inner and arcane meanin...

Anderson, Victor (1917–2001) Cofounder of the Feri (formerly Faery) Tradition of Witchcraft. Victor H. Anderson was born on May 21, 1917, in Clayton, New Mexico. When he was a young child, his family moved to Bend, Oregon. An uncorrected condition or ailment left him nearly blind for life. In Oregon, Anderson met and was initiated at about age nine into the Craft by Witches who called themselves f...

(Cichorium intybus) GFolk Names: Succory, Wild Cherry, WildSuccoryGender: MasculinePlanet: SunElement: AirPowers: Removing Obstacles, Invisibility,Favors, FrugalityMagical Uses: Chicory is used to remove allobstacles that might crop up in your life. Itis carried for this purpose.At one time it was thought to make itspossessor invisible, and to open lockedboxes and doors if held against the locks.B...

(Castanea sativa, C. dentata, C. spp.) GGender: MasculinePlanet: JupiterElement: FirePowers: LoveMagical Uses: Use chestnuts in love spells, orfeed to a loved one.

(Chameamelum nobile, Anthemisnobilis) PFolk Names: Camomyle, Chamaimelon,Ground Apple, Heermannchen (German),Manzanilla (Spanish), Maythen, WhigPlantGender: MasculinePlanet: SunElement: WaterPowers: Money, Sleep, Love, PurificationMagical Uses: Chamomile is used to attractmoney, and a handwash of the infusionis sometimes used by gamblers to ensurewinnings.It is used in sleep and meditationincenses...

(Matricaria recutita)Folk Names: Ground Apple, Heermannchen(German) Chamaimelon, CamomyleGender: MasculinePlanet: SunElement: WaterMagical Uses: German Chamomile is used incalming and sleep incenses and brews. It isalso used to attract money.The sunny nature of GermanChamomile has been used to combat cursesand spells.

(Chelidonium majus) PoisonFolk Names: Celydoyne, Chelidoninum,Devil’s Milk, Garden Celandine, GreaterCelandine, Kenning Wort, Swallow Herb,Swallow-Wort, TetterwortGender: MasculinePlanet: SunElement: FirePowers: Protection, Escape, Happiness, LegalMattersMagical Uses: Celandine aids in escapingunwarranted imprisonment and entrapmentsof every kind. Wear next to the skinand replace every three days ...

(Ricinus communes) PoisonSeed oil: P I Ab Lt (+8-10 days)Folk Names: Palma Christi, Palms ChristiRoot, Mamona, Makula Kula, Mbono,Mdogo, RacznickPower: ProtectionMagical Uses: Castor beans are good protectionagainst the evil eye, as well as all negativityThey absorb evil.