Final Steps Which Take A Life Time

Good Afternoon and Blessings Everyone!

I have read so many papers over the years and books as well on The Craft. I always wanted to see if it was

different for others than it is for me. I mean was there more to it? Something I was missing but there wasn't. The thing is, often when I sat and talked to people I wondered if they even understood the path they were on. It's really not that hard to learn except there is a lot of reading, listening, sharing, and learning involved. As I walked along this path I didn't start out having rituals or casting spells. I wasn't attracted to the Magick of this path I walk I was attracted to the spirituality of it.  What brought me here was the peacefulness of this path and the love for that which Mother Earth has blessed us with.

The next step is your final step in becoming a Witch. Once you have studied for  a while, picked out your special place to meditate and do  your work, including your reading and writing in your bos, then it is time to get to know and understand the power of your words and actions. The power of magick!

See most people feel they can say what they want, do what they want and there are no consequences to their words or actions. Nothing is further from the truth. Before you speak you must think what the impact will have on others, on the world around you. Your words, your feelings, your emotions are all what sets magick into action. I make it a rule never to cast when angry. I am cautious not to say words I will regret and be unable to take it back. I was always told the law of three was for Wicca not for The Craft but as I was growing up my mother, grandmother and great grandmother had their own version of this law. Actually I am more afraid of their version. The Law of Three says, "What ye sends out come back to thee, three x three." Meaning good or bad what you put out there will come back at you times three. Now my mother, grandmother and great grandmother told us "Be careful what you say or do because it will come back at you ten fold!" I think you have to admit it does put a bit of fear into you. I mean three times is bad enough but ten, Yikes! Respect the law of three. If you don't want something coming back at you then be careful what you say and be careful what you wish for. It's the old saying once again coming back to bite you, "Be careful what you wish for, You just might get it!"

I work very hard not to use the words hate, drop dead, I wish and then following it up with something I can not take back. I and I alone am responsible for the wishes I put out there for the Universe to hear and do with as it sees fit. Before you cast a spell or hold a ritual you must first learn to use magick. You must learn to appreciate and respect it. Magick comes from deep within you. It is your wish, your desire. Never cast a spell if angry because that is what will come back at you. Respect the will of others. No you can not change someone's free will. You cannot make someone do something just because  you want it to be so. We all have a right to chose what we do and how we do it so it is not correct for us to go into a spell knowing we are trying to change someone's free will without their consent. Here is a perfect example:

Cindi's husband Paul, is an alcoholic which is bad enough but when he gets drunk he gets violent therefore leaving Cindi and their children at his mercy. How can you help this family the right way and the wrong way to do this.

The wrong way would be to cast a spell forcing him to give up his drinking:   I want Paul to stop drinking and get sick at the thought of taking another drink. I want him to feel ill whenever he picks up a drink so he never terrorizes his family again. I want him to know and feel the pain he has caused...........NO, NO, NO! Not good!

Here is a better way of doing this for the better of all concerned.

Please heal Paul and help him get past the problems and the anguish he is going through that causes him to drink and inflict pain on himself and his family. Help him to let go of the guilt he carries over the mistakes and pain he may have caused while drinking. I ask you to help heal him so he can be the man he has always known he could be, the husband and father Cindi has always seen him to be. Guide and protect him along the way. Restore this family once more. I ask you to heal all concerned.

Now usually I would do my spells in rhyme but not everyone casts the way I do. Here you are not infringing on his free will you are asking for him to be healed. For him to not carry the guilt of his actions so the entire family can begin to heal and become a family once more. See it's how you word it.

You can light a candle, use herbs, wish into the wind, talk to the water, how ever you feel you want to set the wheel in motion is how you do your spell. Before you start you decided what you will need to cast your spell because you should never start to cast and then realize you forgot a supply. Be sure to gather your herbs, essential oils, candles, brown paper, ink, whatever you are going to need to cast. Your broom, your athame, be sure to have it all with you when you start right down to the matches to light the candle and incense if you chose to use them.

If you aren't sure consult your notes, your books, and most important your mentor. As a solitary witch I know how hard it is to find someone to talk to but over the years I have found when needed the Universe puts someone in my path to help show me the way. Always seek and think before you do. 

Be sure to write down exactly what you want to say so you do not make any mistakes and you can see it before you speak it. This way you remember to ask that all are cared for in the path of the spell you are about to cast.

Too many people get interested in this path and think they can cast spells and do rituals without really knowing anything about it. There isn't a lot of steps to becoming a Witch it is more responsibility. You read, your learn, your study, you experience, you develop your very own BOS, you learn to respect that which is around you (Mother Earth), think before you do. You set up your sacred space and take responsibility for your actions. Just remember I have taught Wicca 101, Year and a Day and all though those classes are great it is not enough. At the end of a Year and Day your learning does not stop. To be a Witch to walk this path takes a lifetime. It is a choice you make when you decide it is right for you. Even now I learn, I listen, and I study. There is always time to learn something new that will help you along the way or perhaps teach you that it isn't exactly the right way to handle things.

Final step before you cast your first spell. Pick your magickal name. Hmmm how do I do that? Well it's a lot like naming a child you find the name that fits you. For me it was different, surprise, surprise. I didn't pick my magickal name it was given to me by a friend of mine. We had met on the internet many years ago.She was sharing her experiences with me and I with her. She too was a teacher helping people along the way. One day she told me it was time I had a magickal name. I just wasn't able to find one I felt fit me. One day she told me the perfect name for me came to her the night before when she was meditating. She couldn't have picked a better name. My magickal name is Zandra or as some of my students, friends, and Sisters call me, Lady Z. It means defender of mankind, works for peach and harmony. For those of you who know me, well, I think you will agree that it does fit. Always looking for a more peaceful way of doing things and helping those who are in need, ill, just reaching out. It's who I am, my destiny.

Magick

By Toni Gamarro

Anyone can cast a spell,

But to do it right and do it well,

Takes time, for you need to study,

You will know when you are ready,

Respect the power magick holds,

Careful as it unfolds,

Think before you decide to cast,

Do not speak your words to fast,

Choose them wisely and with respect,

Watch as they take effect, 

Oh its not like in the movies you will see,

The outcome isn't one, two, three,

Some spells will take no time at all,

While others seem to crawl,

Then there will be those which do not work,

With magick there is that quirk,

But do not despair you are not alone,

Do not pout, get angry or groan,

You see the Universe hears your wish,

Perhaps it felt it was a bit foolish,

The Universe can get in your way,

Help you not to go astray,

So think before you speak your spell,

Do not cause the Universe to yell,

Remember to keep balance in all you do,

It is what is expected of you,

Study, learn and share,

Casting a spell is like saying a prayer,

One that you write with good thoughts in mind,

Purest of heart keep the Universe aligned,

Magick is to be treated with care and respect,

It's not the latest science project,

It's real and you hold it deep within your soul,

So set your sights on that special goal,

Write your words in your own hand,

Speak them with certainty and command,

Be careful not to cause harm,

Not to set off the Universes alarm,

Because if you do you will see,

There really is "The Law Of Three,"

Give thanks to those who assisted you,

Because that is right thing for you to do,

Remember before you cast make sure you know,

Magick is real, this isn't a show!

Second Step In Studying The Craft

Good Afternoon and Blessings Everyone!

Now that you have began your reading it is time to figure out if this path is right for you. As you read and study Beginning Witchcraft you can start to get the feel it and form your opinion of The Craft. If there is something along the pages you are reading that makes you feel uncomfortable or as if you skin is crawling then you need to find out what it is that is bothering you and whether or not this path is right for you. Just because something interests you does not always mean it is calling you to follow it.

Not every Witch walks the path because of heredity. Some have decided to follow this path because they are not comfortable with what they have known since birth. They want to explore and find out what else there is or perhaps they just want to rebel against what society sees them as. For me it was a little bit of both I believe. I was drawn to helping people. I was never one who even liked doctors and always figured I could get well on my own so finding a natural cure was better for me. Oh I will admit there are somethings I need to see a doctor for but for the most part I still look into the alternative. It's just who I am.

Once you figure out if this is the path you truly want to take then the next step in your journey would be to find a special place to do your thing. Oh I think this part is true for any spirituality not just The Craft. You will want to chose a place where you can do a ritual, cast a spell, or just sit and meditate without being disturbed because contrary to popular belief someone who is following The Craft isn't spending every evening casting or performing a ritual. There are many times we just want to sit and clear ourselves of all the negativity, meditate and bring ourselves back into balance. For this a quiet place, a place that calls out to you, would be nice. For me I have always had an alter set up in my room. Not the usual Witches alter I will admit but my alter all the same. What calls to me and makes me feel as if I am communicating with my guides and the Universe. Actually my alter has not changed since I was kid except I have added a few things and taken a few away over the years of study.

If you were to walk in my room right now you may be a bit confused. I have a statue of Jesus next to my bed with his parents, Joseph and Mary, on either side of him. Off to the left of them I have another stand. Here I have my variety. When my father passed last year he wanted me to have his statue of Our Lady of Fatima since she has come to me since I was a child. I proudly display her on the top shelf. In front of her I have some gemstones and geodes but sitting in the middle of all my stones I have a small image of Lord Ganesh. Placed in front of him I have the symbols for Ochosi. On my  next shelf I have an image of Jesus along with Saint Lucy, an Angel, St. Michael, and Eagle. Those of you who know me well know I am an Eagle person and I want to thank Bryant and Donna for gifting him to me. He is an amazing addition to my alter. Placed in front of these images once again I have my stones. This is my quiet place. It is where I cast, pray, and do whatever else I feel I need to in order to be me. Sometimes  I just sit and talk out loud to no one in particular. I'm just getting my thoughts and feelings out there but then I feel the warmth engulf me and I know I am being heard. It's an amazing feeling. One word of caution, when you speak or think of a wish or desire please, please choose your words cautiously.

Here is an example: If you are upset about something or someone you may wish they go away but specify in what way. example: "Sally is driving me crazy with all her negativity, I just wish she would disappear." doesn't sound all that disastrous right? Wrong, this can be taken in so many ways and the Universe will do with it what it sees fit. A better way to state that wish would be something like this, "Sally is driving me nuts with all her negativity, I need a break from her visits. Perhaps she could stay away until she starts to see things on a more positive level. I wish for her to see the positive side of things. I don't want to lose my friend." or something like this, "Sally is driving me crazy with all her negativity, I wish her peace and happiness." So you see you changed the feeling of the first wish all together just by thinking before you speak.

When I had my store just out the back door was the South River. There was an area there I used to love to go where I sat and soaked up the power of the river. Here I felt reborn. I felt myself become empowered and balanced. I was able to go under the tree there and cast my spells or have a ritual and feel totally alone. The silence that surrounded me there made me feel as if the rest of the world had been shut out. For those of you who know me from the store know exactly what and where I am talking about. That is how your special place should make you feel. I was lucky to have been able to experience that not only out by the river but in my home as well. 

One of the reactions I enjoy from my friends is how they feel when they enter my home. I am often told no matter how crazy their day has been once they walk in my front door it all disappears. As if it has rolled off their backs and into the floor where my home picks it up and cleanses it into positive energy. Yes I have designated one place in my home for my spells and rituals where I can not be disturbed but in truth my home is my special place. From the moment I walk in the front door it welcomes me. The warmth and peacefulness engulfs me and I know I am where I should be.

Once you find your special place and you are sure this is the path for you, then it is time to start your Book of Shadows or BOS for short. I know we have talked about making your BOS before but let's just touch on that a moment now. A Witches Book of Shadows is her journal. In it you will write your dreams, your experiences, and all the  knowledge you gather over the years. Sounds like a lot for one book right? Well it is. I have more than one Book Of Shadows and any Witch who has been around awhile will. This is where you put your spells and rituals. It is where you make note of how your the spell or ritual went. You make note as to if it worked or if it didn't work. Yes you do put your spells in even if they do not work. It is not a book of all your successes because then how will you remember or learn what did not work and improve on it? You design your book and pages in your book. Make it a part of you, make it your own. I like to decorate the pages with my art work. This is where I put my poems.

Now in the days of digital access many witches put their spells on flash drives which is good too but when it comes down to needing a spell they have in their BOS then they need to write it out by hand. You see if you store all your information on a flash drive all well and good. But let's say you have a spell on this drive you need to do or a ritual. First step for me would be, to write it on a piece of brown paper. I prefer brown paper because it is the purest form of paper. You need to write it in your own hand to make it your own, lay claim to it. I like to use a particular pen or even ink such as doves or bats blood but my favorite is dragons blood ink. The choice is yours.

So how do you like this path so far? It's definitely not something you can do in your spear time. It is a way of life you are now choosing to live. A more peaceful and loving existence. Some say I am too trusting but they do not realize I feel for the people I meet. I feel their pain and their happiness. I am not a fool, I know when they need my help but I also know when to let go and let them find their own. You can not dabble in this path because of the doors that open to you. So before you begin you must always be aware that for every action there is a reaction be it positive or negative. "What ye sends out, Comes back to thee."

Spiritually Strong
By Toni Gamarro

I love to walk, dance, and sing,
I love the fresh smell of spring,
To have a walk in the rain,
Or listen as it taps the window pane,
To feel the power of the storm,
Or the Sun as it keeps me warm,
I love all that Mother Nature brings,
Like listening quietly as the bluebird sings,
Feeling the grass beneath my feet,
Brings me closer to Mother Earths heart beat,
On this path I choose to walk,
I've learned how to listen and not just talk,
I've learned how to appreciate natures gifts,
From the smallest insect to the highest cliffs,
All the beauty that lays before me,
From the blue sky to the sea,
These gifts are meant to be,
There to balance you and me,
To pull what we need to survive,
So we learn how to thrive,
As I studied and learned The Craft,
I often heard I was daft,
But I chuckled, laughed if you will,
As I fine tuned my skill,
I learned from books and the crone,
How to stay in my zone,
All the lessons I was taught,
Gave me the knowledge I sought,
As I learned to dance and sing,
No matter what life may bring,
To love and worship the white light,
To cherish the image of Eagle in flight,
A path that teaches me to be strong,
Teaches me we all belong,
I feel its power every day,
As I start out on my way,
God is deep in my soul,
Guiding me to reach my goal,
So how could this path be wrong,
Spiritually it has made me strong.

First Step in Learning The Craft

Good Evening Everyone!

I trust you are all well and happy this beautiful evening. Tonight I want to talk to you about the different steps you would take along your journey into Witchcraft also known as "The Craft of the Wise." There is so much to learn on this journey so lets start at the beginning.

We are all curious by nature. It is not unusual to wonder what it is like to walk this path or any other path in life. Perhaps you have a friend or two who are Wiccan or Pagan and wonder what that would be like to follow that path. As I have said before just because they are Wiccan or Pagan does not mean they are a Witch. Or perhaps you have a friend or family member who follows another path in life that peaks your curiosity the method on how to start out is all the same. You have to study, learn all you can before you can make an educated decision as to whether or not that particular path is for  you.

Look at it this way. As a senior in high school you have to decide what path you are going to take in the adult world you are about to enter. Be it find a job or move onto college or a trade school you have to take the time and do the research in order to get the answer that is right for you. Well it is no different when deciding what spiritual path you are going to walk in life. Yes some of us follow the path we are born into but then there are those of us who are even more curious and want to learn all they can about other spirituality's. In order to this we must do our research. Same as picking out the right career or school to attend. You just don't wake up one day and say that's it I am going to be a lawyer and go out and open up an office. You have to go to the right school, study, and learn all there is in order to be the best you can be. 

Over the years I have met many a curious person. Many who have come to me and said I want to be a Witch and cast spells. At this point, for me anyway the buzzer goes off in my head warning me this person has no clue. When this happens I generally start telling them about my learning experience and how long it was before I even attempted to cast a spell. But no matter what, I stress the need to read and learn. To gather knowledge like squirrels gather nuts because you can not take the necessary steps and move ahead without the knowledge to do so. A person who does that I consider a dabbler. Someone who dabbles in The Craft, reeks havoc and  in the end calls me or someone like me to fix the mess they made because they took a short cut and went straight to casting or invoking. I am sure you have all heard of at least one person in your life who played where they did not belong. Perhaps they picked up a book on spells and figured anyone could do it just because they read a chapter or two. I do know by doing it that way you are opening doors you will not be able to close, at least, not without help.

I put together a small list of books to help you get started along your path. The reason being if you read a book or two you may find this isn't for you and move on without causing any unbalance in the Universe. On the other hand you may decide the complete opposite. You may find this path or one like it is for you and long to learn more and more.

"Called of the Horned Piper" by Nigel Jackson, "A Witch Alone" by Marian Green, "The Hedge Witches Way" by Rae Beth, "Witchcraft Today" by Gerald Gardner, 

"Complete Book of Witchcraft" by Raymond Buckland, "A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham, "Witch Crafting" by Phyllis Curott, "Witches Bible" by Janet and Stewart Farrar, "The Craft-A Witches Book of Shadows" by Dorothy Morrison, "A History of Witchcraft" by Jeffery Russell, "Witchcraft of Tomorrow" by Doreen Valiente. I think this is a good list to get you started. 

I always say I am not Wiccan or Pagan but trust me there are those who will argue with you or me that of you are following the Craft then you are Wiccan. I don't see it that way because I learned from a very Wise Woman to be a Witch is to learn all you can about all spiritualities and use a little bit of this and a little bit of that in the work you do along your path. In other words you take a little from each path you study and use it in your practice of The Craft. I have said time and again I love to read and learn but the best lessons I have had came from a Wise Woman or two along the way. I am proud to have known them and learned from them. I am proud they saw fit to teach me and help me along the way so I too can become a Wise Woman. In achieving this goal I am proud to have followed in my Great Grandmothers footsteps. 

So folks this is step one. Study, study, study and learn all you can. Knowledge should be absorbed and shared. Experience is an amazing teacher so seek out those who are at this a lot longer than you. Most importantly before you even think about casting a spell know what you are doing and seek the advice of someone a bit Wiser than you. Again I am always here to answer your questions. What I do not know I will seek out the answer for you from those who are Wiser than I.

Knowledge 

By Toni Gamarro

I love to open books and read,

Planting the knowledge seed,

Soaking up all there is to learn,

For the next book I yearn,

Knowledge comes to us in many different ways,

Reading a book, a blog or even essays,

You also learn from those wiser than you,

Listen and learn what you need to,

Do not think you know all there is to know,

For that is when you will find it definitely isn't so,

It takes years to master the subject at hand,

Be it history or playing in a rock band,

You need to read and study all there is,

You need to practice and even take the quiz,

You need to seek out the advice,

Of those who have walked the path, paid the price,

You can not succeed if you do not try,

You need to listen and question why,

Learn to appreciate the written word,

But to think that is all you need is absurd,

Keep an opened mind and you will see,

Leaves begin to bloom on the Knowledge Tree,

As you begin to master your choice,

Reach your goal and you can rejoice,

For you have mastered the subject at hand,

And you can help others take a stand,

Now even though you reach your goal,

Remember to always take a stroll,

Down the path towards the Knowledge Tree,

And push to be all you can be.

To Be A Witch

Good Morning and Blessings Everyone!

Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year celebration to welcome in 2014. I wish you all a very Happy, Safe, Healthy, Blessed and Magickal New Year!

Today I thought I would talk about the Craft.No not sewing, crocheting, or scrap booking. The Craft I am talking about is Witchcraft. With shows like Bewitched, Charmed and Harry Potter to name a few, there is a false sense of what a witch is and what they can do. Believe me when I tell you I would love to be able to clean my kitchen with a twitch of my nose, get rid of someone who is causing massive disturbance with a vanquishing spell, or go for a ride on my broom since I no longer drive a car but that is not how it goes. That is Witchcraft in the movies. Another disrespect to Witches as a whole is the way Hollywood portrays us as all being evil and doing black magick. Oh I am not going to tell you there are no witches who delve into the dark side because that would be like telling you anyone who follows a spiritual path is good. Truth be told there are good and bad in all walks of life. What bothers me is the few shows that show witches as being good don't go very far in the ratings. People love to watch movies about evil and darkness because just like sex, it sells. The truth, well that doesn't always go over so good. Sad but true!

What is it like for someone who follows the path of The Craft. It's not all magick and games. It's not about casting spells or rituals. There is much more to it than that. When you decide to follow the path of The Craft you make a conscious decision to live your life in a particular way.You make a conscious effort to make changes in yourself not in outer appearance but deep with in. You commit to making yourself better, stronger, greater and more aware of what is going on all around you. You work hard studying everyday to become a better person and learn your craft. No matter how long you have been walking this path you are always learning and re-learning. There are books I put on the shelf years ago but I re-read them from time to time and believe it or not I am still able to pick things out I did not remember from the last time or the first time I read it. It's all about self improvement. Think about this if you work hard everyday to improve yourself, to make the changes you feel you need to in order to be a better, stronger, and greater person, doesn't it stand to reason that the world around you would change too. Those people who you had around you that caused all the negativity in your life are now gone, things are starting to look up and with that your little corner of the world is starting to improve. You have taken the steps necessary to see that happens.

These changes don't happen over night they take hard work and dedication. Most importantly they take effort and a great deal of energy. Nothing ever comes easy. To be a Witch, to walk the path of The Craft, you must be brave and have the courage it will take to make the  necessary changes. You have to change that inside you and around you that you do not like. You set the pace to reach your goals but never lose sight of where you want to go and how you want to get there. Remember no matter how much you want to achieve these goals you are to be careful about who and what you do on this path. Remember No harm to any one or anything. Always choose your words wisely as well as your actions because every action has a reaction positive or negative it is how you put it out there.

In my life as a Witch, I have chosen to remain with my Catholic up bringing which many say can not be done. They believe you have to be Wiccan or Pagan to be a Witch but that is not true. I have said this time and again my great grandmother was a Wise Woman and she was also Catholic and raised her children the same.

For me, the changes I made in my life, I fight to keep the negativity and drama away from me. True I am a helper of those in need so their drama is sometimes pulled into my circle but I do not hold onto it or claim it. I am careful to cleanse myself after contact with such people. I am careful to make sure I protect myself from those I feel can do harm to me or my family. My environment is one of peace and tranquility but that does not mean I allow others to walk over me or push me around. I have to be strong enough to know when to remove someone from my life and walk away without looking back before they hurt me or my family. Some people scream out for help loud and clear but do not take it when offered no matter what. They just like to hear themselves talk. While others don't ask for help and accept it with opened arms keeping things at an even balance.

As a Witch I vow to take care of myself, my family, those I love, and my environment. Mother Earth is not here to be treated as if she is our dumping ground she is here to help nourish her children. Not just the people who breath the air or eat the food she supplies but the animals that are used for that food, the plants which serve so many purposes and the water which provides for all. When I see garbage on the ground I clean it up even if it's not on my property. I take pride in who I am and where I am. I see to it that it is cleaned up and kept in balance as long as I am in that space.

No to be a Witch, to follow the craft, isn't all fun and games. It isn't all about spells and rituals but there is magick in the changes you make in yourself, in your life and in your environment so you can reach your goals of becoming a Witch, a stronger, better, greater person than you ever were inside and out.  I won't tell I never cast because that would be a lie. I cast and I am careful when I do to be thoughtful of all who may come in contact with my spell. I am careful to protect all. Most importantly I think before I do.

If anyone who reads wants to walk the path of The Craft I will be more than happy to share my knowledge with you. I will be more than happy to help you along the path to reach your goals. But no matter what path you choose to walk in life make sure the end result is to improve who you are, life around you, and what you are inside and out. Have a Blessed and Safe Journey!

To Be A Witch

By Toni Gamarro

The path in life I have chosen to walk,
Causes a lot of people to talk,
Behind my back but not to me,
I guess I can understand to some degree,
What they do not understand they fear,
The truth they do not want to hear,
But like it or not I hold my head high,
Even though they turn a blind eye,
They do not wish to see,
There is nothing to fear from me,
I do not set out to cause pain,
I do love singing and dancing in the rain,
Absorbing the power of a good storm,
As it helps me to transform,
Into a stronger, better person,
Of this I am certain,
My path in life is to improve,
No matter who disapproves,
There will be times I cast a spell,
But it is not to raise hell,
It will be to help those in need,
So they may also succeed,
Or perhaps to help someone heal,
Or be able to feed their family a meal,
My spells are not for personal gain,
I do  not wish anyone pain,
I am a Witch proud and true,
My path is not to cause harm to you,
To be Witch is to walk proud and tall,
To listen to the Universes call,
To be cautious of those around you,
To always think before you do,
So please do not assume,
I am all about gloom,
For I work with the power of light,
I strive for balance and to set things right,
I am proud of the path I walk,
I do not care if you wish to talk,
Just understand a Witch is who I choose to be,
There is nothing to fear from me.