Witchcraft Rituals

Ritual answers a need we all have. Ritual allows us to communicate with the gods in an organised and consistent manner, however we envision deity. Traditional Witchcraft ritual is not standardized. Nevertheless, while we have no set liturgy, there are standard rituals and informal guidelines that most Trads follow.

The Issue Of Secrecy

Many Traditional Witches, who usually prefer to be called Traditional Crafters or crafters, are very secretive of their rituals and spellcasting procedures. In fact, secrecy is a trait that is very common. Some family Trads even have an oath forbidding the disclosing of any information. Rituals and spellcasting are almost always considered strictly personal and no one's business. Suspicion of outsiders has been a strong influence for hundreds of years; and it does continue today.

Going Within

After the central importance of Nature in the thoughts of those in the Traditional Craft, Going Within, or meditation, has always been central spell workings as well as to preparation for ritual. See The Importance of Meditation for more on this topic.

To learn the process of Going Within, the foundation of magic, we provide a 7-week free Mini-Course on Traditional Magic.

Rituals:

British witchcraft ritual practices can vary a great deal from one Trad to the next. It is not the 'saying of the words' in an exact manner that is important, but what comes from the heart. Few crafters follow a set text. Each person should create their own wording for ritual and in spellcraft. All crafters do this. I provide examples of what could be said for various rituals are in the Course: The Journey to Trad Witchcraft.

The Compass Round:

The laying of a compass round is a time-honoured tradition in British witchcraft. Because we consider the Earth to be sacred, experienced crafters will not necessarily use a compass on a day-to-day basis. However, all seekers should use a compass for at least two years to get use to the ritual. Then do it as needed.

Why use a compass?

1) It is a vehicle for concentration.

2) When needed, it is an additional protective barrier. Experienced crafters will use a compass when they sense an unfriendly presenceor when a general feeling of negativity is present.

3) It can be used during a very important spellcasting.

4) It can be used during group ritual.

Going Deosil:

Within a compass it is a custom to always walk clockwise, or "deosil" in order to enhance energy.

It is a custom to walk counterclockwise, or "widdershins" when banishing negative energy and in taking- up or closing a compass.

Clothing:

During ritual or magical workings iy is not appropriate to be unclothed, to be so-called "skyclad." For Full Moon and Festival celebrations, it is appropriate (but not required) to bathe/shower and to dress with clean cloths.

Very few wear a robe. But if you do, a robe is worn over clothing- not instead of clothing.

Wearing Leather:

There is no reason to avoid the wearing of leather during ritual or magical procedures.

Dedication Ritual:

In the old manner, one became a seeker in The Old Craft by doing and not by virtue of a ceremony. The most important thing is to start doing. By doing, you become a seeker.

Nevertheless, some will want a dedication ceremony. While not really an old part of this Trad, it is understandable that solitary seekers may view it as a watershed event. As it is more logical to have such a ceremony after reading, understanding, and beginning to incorporate The Old Ways into your thinking and daily life, a suggested ceremony is in the Course.

Rituals