An Eclectic Pagan Book of Shadows: Witchcraft 102

By Jennifer L. Runham

This volume goes beyond the basic techniques and terminology used in most beginner books on witchcraft. Written by a High Priestess of the White Moon tradition, this text is intended for students of the Craft who have already begun their journey with the Old Ways, those who wish to learn, grow, and continue to evolve on their path. Within these pages you'll find introductions to the Wiccan Rede, the Witches’ Rune, and the Charges of the God and Goddess are found here, with some discussion on their meaning and uses. Insights into the various magickal correspondences and associations that you may find useful in your own workings are also shared here. The rest of this text will introduce you to some of the prayers, invocations, and rituals that I have written while walking with the Goddess over the last two decades. I hope that you find them useful and comforting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer L. Runham
• Release date: Jul 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310128219

Jennifer L. Runham

Jennifer L. Runham, who is also known as Moonwater Ashwood, is an ordained High Priestess and Eclectic Pagan, founder and teacher with the Phoenix Rising Goddess School branch school of the Order of the White Moon. Her love for the Goddess has helped her through some very difficult times in her personal life, as she lives with a history of PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and Non-suicidal Self Injury Disorder. Her work with the Goddess has grown to include becoming a Reiki Master, a crystal healer, and a death doula. as well as being a gifted Empath and Spiritual Medium. In her private life, she fills her hours with writing, art work, gardening, yoga, and meditation. She lives in a small town in Central Ontario with her husband, Michael, her mother, Susan, and their Russian Blue cat, Baby. surrounded by the natural beauty of Ontario's "cottage country".

Book preview

Introduction

When I first began this project early in 2014, the main question on my mind was, Where do I begin? Now, however, I find myself asking, Where do I end this text? There is simply so much information to cover, and so many excellent books that cover the basics of Wicca, paganism, and witchcraft already that the most difficult decisions for me all revolved around what needs to be included here, and what has been thoroughly covered already by others.

So perhaps I should begin by telling you what I will not be covering in the pages that follow. I will not be covering the basics of casting a circle, calling the quarters, grounding and centring, or methods for meditating. All of these vary greatly from tradition to tradition, so you should seek out texts that cover this information that are appropriate for your own specific path with the Divine.

I will not be discussing the definitions of Wicca, paganism, or witchcraft; there are many different interpretations of these terms and ideas, and I do not wish to add more mud to the waters. Nor will I discuss the similarities or differences between various traditions. Only you can walk your path with the Divine, and I believe only you can define what form that path will take.

I will not be covering techniques for energy healing, energy raising (with one exception), or the direction of energy. I believe all of these areas require focus and training that you should actively seek with a teacher so that you may ask questions and receive guidance, rather than seeking your answers in a book, no matter whom it is written by or how many years of experience they have.

I will also not be covering the topics of aromatherapy, herbal magick, or crystal magick. Each of these is at least one book on their own, and I could never do them justice within a short introductory section. Same with introducing you to the Gods and Goddesses of the world … That is a book I hope to write at another time.

Within these pages, however, you will find some answers and some suggestions, if you already have taken some steps on your journey with the Divine and find yourself wanting an eclectic platter of magickal hors d’oeuvres. For example, introductions to the Wiccan Rede, the Witches’ Rune, and the Charges of the God and Goddess are found here, with some discussion on their meaning and uses. I will also give you some insight into the various magickal correspondences and associations that you may find useful in your own workings.

The rest of this text will introduce you to some of the prayers, invocations, and rituals that I have written while walking with the Goddess over the last two decades. I hope that you find them useful and comforting.

~ Rev. Jennifer L. Runham, HPS., BA., Imbolc 2015

The Rede

Written by: Doreen Valiente

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.

Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.

To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.

Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,

let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.

Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,

and the werewolf howls by the dread wolf’s bane.

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.

When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.

When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.

When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.

Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's

insight.   Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.

Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.

White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.

Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.

Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.

When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.

As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.

When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.

When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.

Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the