A Witch's Cauldron

In my personal view, the most important tool for transformation (both physical and spiritual) would have to be the Cauldron. Physically, the cauldron is a vessel that holds the ingredients of your potions, stews and other concoctions with a purpose of healing, nourishing or transforming. I've used my cauldron to hold candles, mash up herbs, and divination through scrying. The cauldron represents all the elements to me: metallic earth, heated by fire, cooled by air and tempered by water. But what about a cauldron for personal transformation?

Many times, I've been transformed mentally and spiritually by the events in my life, but what things have I done purposefully to transform myself with an outcome already predetermined? I've gone about life letting things happen and reacting to them, and I wondered what would happen if I actually set out to determine the steps and the method and the desired outcome, magically through visualization, meditation, ritual and writing. So, that is what I have set out to accomplish. I want to be a better me, all throughout my life. I want to live my life purposefully, and to shed the veils I hide behind.

I have had many 'chapters' in my life, all pretty much defined by relationships I have had in the past, my religious beliefs at the time, and the choices I made to survive and get along without causing too much turmoil for others. From a very early age, this was my conditioning. I learned not to discuss things that were personally damaging to me, and to bury it deep and try to forget. I adopted another "me", the one I presented to the world as the functioning, regular person. All the while I was a confused and lost soul, unsure of who to please and what to ask for myself. Being able to leave my former religion behind and start thinking for myself was the pivotal moment in my life. Ever since then, I have evolved into someone who is slowly learning to ask for what I need, not settle for what I can get. This has caused some strife and turmoil for others in my life, but I had to make a choice, live for others or live for me.

Recently, I was labeled a liar, a charlatan, and a phony. I had ended a relationship because I made a choice to do the least harm, even though I knew I would be causing some turmoil and tension by doing so. Ultimately it came down to being honest with myself and my own needs, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I just couldn't continue on, so I stopped. For this reason, I have been vilified by people I once held in high regard, and I have a desperate desire to defend myself to anyone who would listen. The thing is, no one has come to me to ask me any single question about what truly happened. So, I have to put myself through a reality check time and time again. This is my cauldron.

I conjure up all of the worst possibilities, all of the things that could have been said, or supposed, or outright imagined. Then I have to realistically and logically work through them all, determining the "what if's" of each scenario, until I can settle on just a couple of possible outcomes. In the end, it matters not what has been said, or imagined. It does not matter what one believes about my intentions, or my actions. The only thing that is real is that I know what my own thoughts and opinions are, I know what my own reasons were, and I do not have to justify them to anyone who believes I was a liar from the start. Nothing I say will have any effect on a stalwart opinion that draws me in the black ink of deceit. So, it is likely better to not say anything at all.

My problem is that I can't pretend as if everything is fine, it's all been worked out, and there is no reason for tension. I know it will be there, as long as others wish to carry it around with them, and not work through their own "cauldron". So, I have to wait it out and let the real me show through it all, not run and hide, not put on a front. Eventually, truth wins out, and my real nature will be evidence enough.

It's a difficult task. The cauldron bubbles and boils over at times. The process starts over again. But each time, it gets shorter, easier to deal with. And I have more opportunities to see myself as others see me, and more chances to change my perceptions of others as well.

The Magic of Charms and Symbols

Magical charms can bring powerful, positive vibrations into your life. Most of us use charms without realizing their power. We "knock on wood" for luck, exchange wedding rings and wear the colors of our favorite team while watching a game. These actions originate from a time when everyone believed that the energy of the universe could be channeled into objects and symbols. This is known as "sympathetic magic"-- the idea that carrying a reminder of something imbues its owner with the powers of the original.

Charms are still effective tools today when used with awareness and clear intent. For example, a horseshoe hung with the points facing upward brings you luck as it symbolizes a new Moon; wearing the same clothes as a celebrity allows you to feel as successful as them.

How your magic charms work

Chose a charm that bestows the protection or powers you require.

Symbols, letters and numbers

These ancient symbols tap into a current of magic that has benefited humanity since antiquity. Harness it with runic pendants, Celtic tattoos and ankh earrings.


Lucky objects

Finding a lucky penny and cherishing it attracts wealth; a letter from a friend carried in your pocket becomes a popularity charm.

Plants and crystals

Carrying or wearing plants and crystals brings us into direct contact with the magical energies of nature.

Representation

A symbol of something can contain the qualities of the orginal. A lion can bestow courage; a bear, protection; and a dog, loyalty.

Divine help

Religious images as jewelry carry protection and healing from the spiritual source.

Placing your Charms

There are many different charms you can choose and many ways you can use them. Use this checklist below to give you some ideas.


Herbs and Flowers

Herbs and flowers are known to have healing qualities,which means they make very useful charms.

*Lavender is great for averting worry, and rosemary is protective.

*Coriander makes a romantic love charm.

Hang bunches of herbs in the home, or make an amulet by sewing a small pouch and filling it with an appropriate mixture of leaves and flowers.

Charms in the Home

Where better to experience the beneficial effects of magical charms than at home? Charms can protect our possessions and family, help us sleep, attract prosperity, boost health and create a calm atmosphere.

*Place a statue of Buddha by the main entrance and touch it daily for luck.

*Hang a dream catcher above your bed to allay nightmares.

*Place a cross of elder twigs on your front door to deter unwelcome guests.


Food Charms

When we eat symbolic or charmed foods we literally ingest their power.

*The Yule Feast affirms the prosperity of the year ahead with the currants in mince pies and yule pudding representing money.

*Sharing oysters with your partner gets you both in the mood for love.

Gifts

You can also give charms as presents-- passing on luck.

* A silver cup for a baby at Wiccanning is a symbol of health and happiness.

*A horseshoe charm at a wedding increases the fertility of the union.

*The key that adorns 18th and 21st birthday cards unlocks the secrets of adult life.


Jewelry

Worn next to the skin, the power of the charm affects the wearer all day.

*Jewelry enables a combination of magical elements to work together: metals, precious stones and symbols should be carefully selected to suit your purpose.

*Always charge your charm before wearing it.

*Leave silver jewelry outside on the night of a full Moon in order to refresh its energy. Gold charms, in contrast, need sunlight to activate them and should be left out in daylight.


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The Magic of Lavender

Lavender has been an essential ingredient in spells and charms since ancient times. You can still use it today in your love, healing and purification magic.

Lavender Folklore

In ancient times, lavender had magical and healing associations. Known by the ancient Greeks as the "witches' herb," it was associated with the goddess Hecate, queen of enchantment. The Romans burned lavender over coals during childbirth to ease labor pains and purify the air. Meditating on lavender is said to heal depression and ensure a long life.

In medieval cosmology, all things on Earth fell under the governance of a planet. Lavender is governed by Mercury, the fleet-footed messenger of the Gods in Roman mythology. Mercury's character is seen as changeable and potent in the areas of intellect and communication, thus mercurial plants are often known for their stimulating and balancing effects on the mind, indeed, lavender has long been renowned for its uplifting and calming properties on body and spirit. This enchantingly scented herb has many associations and traditions in folklore:

* In traditional methods of gardening, it was thought that planting lavender close to beds of crocus bulbs would repel and scavenging birds.

* In folk medicine, chewing lavender seeds was said to purge worms from the body. It was also used as a cure for "cold diseases" of the head, convulsions, and fainting fits.

* Apothecaries named pure lavender oil "Oil of Spike" because of its potent sting quality. It was used on the limbs to treat palsy.

* In the Mediterranean, lavender sprigs were woven into the rim of hats to prevent headaches caused by the Sun.


Talisman of Love and Protection

Lavender is important in love magic and was traditionally worn by prostitutes to attract customers. Wearing a sprig of lavender is said to offer protection from violence and cruelty, while combining it with rosemary is an ancient remedy to preserve chastity. According to folklore, if you place lavender under your pillow and make a wish, your dreams will reveal whether it will come true. Lavender is also thought tot help you get in touch with the spirit world.

How to use Lavender in Spells

Lavender can be used in magic the following ways:

* Spell Bags
* Charms
* Anointing
* Love Spells
* Purification


Working Lavender Magic

Lavender candles can be powerful ingredients. Follow the step-by-step examples below to see how you can use a lavender candle in castin your own spells.

Casting a Spell to Attract Love

You will need:

* A Lavender Candle
* A Small Mirror
* A Red Makeup Pencil
* A Pink Pen
* A Pink Piece of Paper
* A Sprig of Lavender

1. Sit in a quiet place and imagine your ideal partner, then rub the paper with the lavender flowers.

2. Hold the candle in your right hand and visualize your ideal lover. Imagine what qualities you would like them to possess. Make sure you don't picture a real person; concentrate instead on the aspects that are important to you (for example, "he must share my passion for dancing").

3. Light your candle while saying, "Hecate, queen of enchantment, I ask for my soul mate to join me. Blessed Be".

4. Draw a heart with the makeup pencil around your reflected face in the mirror. Say, "I am in love."

5. Write a letter to your soul mate, explaining what kind of relationship you would like to have with him. Burn it in the candle flame and say, "I send you this letter, my true love. May you come to me swiftly."

6. Carry the lavender sprig in your pocket until you meet your lover- it may well happen soon!


Candle Wish Spell

You will need:

* A Lavender Sprig
* Some Olive Oil
* A Glass Jar
* Some Dried Lavender

1. On a full moon, hold the lavender to the Moon and say, "Lady Moon, I call your magic into this herb."

2. Put the herb and oil in the jar. Seal the jar and store in a dark place.

3. On the New Moon, when the first sliver of crescent is visible in the sky, fetch the jar and the candle.

4. Hold the candle in your right hand and visualize your wish, clearly using all of your senses. Starting at the center, anoint the candle with the oil, working first left and then right. Say your wish out loud.

5. Light the candle and visualize the flame going out into the universe to make your wish come true.