The brighter the light of the so-called "New Age" gets, the clearer it becomes that we are at the re-birth of the 'Olde ways.' I couldn't be happier! Let the world return to the days of magick, sorcery, wizards, witches, cunning-folk, dragons, beastly familiars and the olde gods.
These days the average enchanter bears little resemblance to her counterpart of ancient times. Technological advances have transformed the world in fantastical ways. I embrace the very new as easily as the very olde. And why not? There is a sort of 'magick' happening every time we use our cell phones. Let us use ALL technologies at hand to sculpt our lives into the masterpiece of our choice.
You would think that the lords of science would have vanquished the olde ways long before this 21st century ever saw the light of day. But, look! The magickal, mystical aspects of life have more adherents today than ever before! As far as I am concerned, THAT is as good a "Good News" as anything the Christians can offer. On that score, as a former devout Christian leader, I can say without equivocation that a Pagan or Gnostic path is best for me. My path does not generate an irrational guilt that must then be forgiven and atoned for. Secondly, my relationship with SPIRIT (insert whatever word for the Supreme Being you prefer) is intimate and direct. It does not require an intercessor. The olde ways, adjusted for the modern mind, suit me just fine!
As a veteran of many coven rituals, workings, sabbats, esbats, etc., my main issue with them as magickal workings was that most times we were just going through the motions. Yeah, this one calls the corners, that one invokes the God/Goddess and so on. For people who are sensitive to subtle energies and who want to intensify the power playing at their rituals, your garden variety Sabbat observance can be pretty disappointing. They are often lackluster events - for me anyway. I like to feel the power move, surge, peak and ebb.
These days I work exclusively solo but let me make a few suggestions for anyone doing group rituals.
- TAKE YOUR TIME! Practitioners tend to run through their ritual script, each one reading their parts, and there is seldom sufficient time allowed for really FEELING the inner workings of the rite. If you invoke the God take TIME to FEEL his presence, to SEE him appear in your mind's eye. Use your inner senses to feel what's going on energetically, viscerally. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting you shouldn't use notes or read passages from paper - that's fine, but what I am saying is that you will get so much more out of your rituals if you allow lots of time to sense, feel direct and absorb the energies swirling around this event. Don't rush it!
- Typically, there is a range of skill and experience levels participating in your workings. That sort of diverse 'family style' activity is perfectly fine but even spiritually younger ones should be made aware that any sort of witchcraft will only be effective to the degree that you are directing, sensing, flowing ENERGY, aka POWER. In my opinion any age, skill or experience level can contribute something to the group energetically.
My advice to young witches and wizards everywhere is this: remember that its all about ENERGY. Wands and robes and other accoutrements can be wonderful tools if . . . IF . . . they are empowered and directed my the magick worker accordingly. Never lose sight of the whole unseen, invisible action going on in your workings. It really is worth every effort you put in to it!
I've known MANY witches, sorcerers and wizards and other magick folk over the years. Most follow this path for a time, then realize it's not their bag and leave. Experimentation is cool. How do you know if you'll like something unless you try it, right? Even so, I encourage anyone who is 'trying out' the mystical, magickal life - be it Wicca, Witchcraft, Voodoo, Hoodoo, spiritualism, channeling, etc., etc., etc., to really give it a good try. Just reading a couple of books and attending a Sabbat to get your "witchy" feel on does the path an injustice. Take it from someone who is a long time practitioner, it is a wonderful life- if it is YOURS. If it doesn't grab you by the throat, leave it alone. Most true magick folk have felt a strong attraction from very young- usually single digits.
Whatever you do, be true to yourself. No matter what anybody tells you, there is no absolute right or wrong way to follow your magickal path. What "fits" for you will be more effective than following somebody else's method. Magick is about unifying your power with that of Spirit/Nature/Divinity. You can't do that well if you choose to suppress what you are all about.
