I am Witch

This poem or incantation can be found with various adjustments and has been credited to a number of different sources (where any citation is provided at all). The version below is as it was taught to me and as I use it at this time.

I am Witch

From beneath me arises the energy of the earth,

my home and my foundation.

From above me pours down the light of the sun,

and the enchanting moon.

To my right hand flows the strength to control and direct,

the power of magic.

To my left hand comes the skill to divine and to heal,

the source of blessing.

Before me arises the perfected one I strive to become,

my magical true self.

Behind me falls the one I was,

and with it my discarded failures.

Around me circle the eternal stars,

lamps of wisdom in the deeps of space.

Within me grows the Flame of Life,

the light of experience and understanding.

I am Witch.

Blessed be.

Calling The Quarters Poem

This is a poem I wrote that can be used as part of ritual to call in the quarters.

May the powers of the north ignite
The fire in my heart,
And join with me here on this night
Be with me as I start.
May your elemental strength be lent
In protection and in power
To reinforce my pure intent
In this and every hour.

May the powers of the west fulfil
The earth and all her needs
And join with me from now until
The completion of these deeds.
May your elemental strength be lent
In protection and in grounding
To reinforce my pure intent
With love and light abounding.

May the powers of the South inspire
The creative air within
And join with me here to admire
My imagining.
May your elemental strength be lent
In protection and in thought
To reinforce my pure intent
And deliver all that’s sought.

May the powers of the east enhance
The flow of water clear,
And join with me as I advance
With visions of a seer.
May your elemental strength be lent
In protection and in love
To reinforce my pure intent
From beneath me and above.

Your Major Arcana Card By Your Birth Date

Last week we looked at working out which major arcana card you are based on your birth date.

To calculate this, add each of the individual digits from your birth date. For example, if you were born on the 21st of January 1937 (which I wasn't, just in case you were wondering), you would add 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 9 + 3 + 7, which would give you 24. You then keep adding the individual digits of the results until you get a number between 1 and 21 (to represent one of the 22 major arcana cards, excluding the Fool, which is zero). In the previous example, you would add 2 + 4, which would give you 6 and therefore would mean that your major arcana card is the Lovers.

As it happens, when I performed the same calculation with my real birth date, I also came up with a 6 and therefore the Lovers card.

I usually work with the beautiful Tarot of Dreams deck by Ciro Marchetti. For more information on this deck click here. This is an image of the Lovers card from this deck:


The key word for the Lovers card is relationships. While the card depicts an intimate relationship, this card can represent relationships on any level, with friends, family - even the relationship with yourself. One explanation for the symbolism of the lovers to represent all relationships is that in love all emotions are present.

In some decks, the Lovers card can represent choices. Sometimes these choices are between that which superficial or materialistic and that which is spiritual or intellectual.

In the Tarot of Dreams deck, the lovers appear behind a thin veil. This may represent the secrets we keep or the parts of us that we sometimes hide. It can also refer to a relationship with someone with whom we are completely honest and who is in our inner circle of trust - or conversely may be with someone who is the opposite of this.

The eyes of these lovers are closed and they are not facing one other, which may indicate that their minds are somewhere other than where their physical bodies are. Perhaps they are worried about what is going on in the parts of their lives that are separate from this time, that what is happening at that moment will fade with the dawn and they will have to face up to the cold realities of their day to day lives.

Even though there is an allusion to secrets, these lovers are naked and thus have bared their whole selves to one another. They have opened themselves and have revealed their vulnerabilities and while they are comfortable with their choices, they do realise there are repercussions of all of their actions.

As a card that represents me, I felt this was fairly accurate. I think that it is true that most of us can see aspects of ourselves in each of the tarot cards (hence the relevance of the tarot to people of many cultures throughout the ages and the crux of the beauty and mystery of how they work), I was quite comfortable with this card being a major player in my personality.

While I have a great need for solitude and internal reflection as does the central figure in the Hermit card (hey, if you don't like your own company then who will, right?), I have a greater need for people in my life. I tend to think that human beings are hard wired this way, although there are some exceptions to every rule and it is also true that too much of a good thing can be detrimental, such as is the case where human beings exist too closely together, although I feel that I am starting to digress here a little.

I am also hugely loving and maternal; however, my love is best expressed and nurtured in a two way interaction, as opposed to the dominant matriarchal qualities of the Empress.

I'll leave you with a poem I wrote in July 2007 about this card:

As Lovers lie with limbs entwined
Joined in flesh but not in mind
Creation of relation new
Protection through connection true

As Lovers whisper secrets shared
Their souls and bodies both are bared
Expression of obsession found
Ascension of convention bound

As Lovers know the choice they face
To rise with pride or fall from grace
Realisation of sensation kind
Vision of decision blind

Turn The Wheel To Yule

Turn the wheel; turn the wheel, as we welcome Yule
The Holly King’s reign, today shall wane, as the Oak King begins his rule
At the solstice of the winter time we enact the winter rite
The shortest day, Callooh! Callay! Also brings the longest night

New year, new cheer, the sun’s return, the festival of Sol,
Adorn the tree in red and gold and reflect upon the soul
Light the log and let it burn for twelve midwinter days
Turn the wheel; turn the wheel, to see out this harshest phase.

Bless This Blog

Bless this blog and all who call
That its essence may enthral
Let words of wisdom grace this site
And resonant with love and light
By the lady and the lord
Your teachings cannot be ignored
Great your power through the ages
Share your knowledge in these pages

Blessed be