~ Advanced WitchCraft ~

Preparing for Magic

Gods in Magical Workings
Advanced Chakra's & Meditation
Celtic Deities

Dowsing
Learning to Feel the power within

Altered States of Consciousness

Using Meditation for Occult Practices

Centering At Will

Learning to Feel the Power Without

Basic Alignment Exercises

Pathworking: Journeys of Power

Rituals of Invocation

~ Preparing For Magic ~

Preparation for ritual magic of any kind requires the self-discipline and techniques learned
from con- centration, focusing, visualization and meditation. If you desire to obtain
physical manifestation from your efforts, it is essential that you actually do and practice
these exercises.
Concentration is holding an image or idea in your mind without interruption. It is of great
importance during rituals when you must exclude everything not directly related to what
you are doing. No thoughts of the day's happenings, no extraneous noise, must be allowed
to dominate your attention for any length of time. If such things do intrude, they must be
immedi- ately dismissed as unimportant at the moment.
To strengthen your powers of concentration, you will need to practice two exercises. The
first exercise is done with a minimum of supplies. Light a candle and set it on a table before
you. Sit comfortably and look at the flame. It is easiest on the eyes to look at the blue
around the lower part of the wick instead of the bright upper flame. Do not stare; blink
your eyes whenever you need to. After a few minutes, close your eyes and look for the
flame. You will see it against your closed eyelids. Keep your thoughts on that flame image,
 and see how long you can maintain the mental picture before your conscious mind begins
to intrude.
The second exercise is much the same, but uses a picture instead of a candle. Choose a
picture that pleases you. Tarot cards are especially good for this. Stand or hang the picture
at a comfortable level and look at it for some time. Close your eyes and see if you can
discern a mental image against your eyelids. Hold that image as long as you can.
Focusing is important to ritual magic as it is the process of adjusting your "inner eye" or
attention on a particular object or goal. You must have a clear idea or picture of what you
wish to produce while doing magic. This is very similar to concentration but more refined.
An idea is harder to hold in the mental realms than a reflected picture.
It is not necessary to visualize a goal in absolute detail. Too much detail tends to limit the
manifesta- tion, especially if you could have had something better. Know what you want,
but never restrict yourself. The gods may be more generous to you than you are to yourself.
Focusing and concentrating on performance dur- ing ritual will channel your mental
powers, thereby clarifying and strengthening the function. The act of casting and
consecrating a magical circle (explained later) must have focus and concentration if it is to
be done properly. If you fail to do this, the circle will not provide you with the neutral area
in which to per- form magic, and most certainly will not give you protection.
Again, using the picture or card, this time elicit all associated images. See if you can create
movement within the picture. Go through the same exercise with the candle flame, this time
changing~ the size, height and color of the flame. Summon up associated images and follow
them through. Some startling ideas have come out of such exercises.
Meditation is a great aid in centering yourself, controlling destructive emotions and gaining
insight. But it should also bring a greater sense of awareness and increase your ability to
visualize. All of these skills are necessary in the practice of ma~S especially if you want
feasible results.
Meditation is really not a complicated exercise, unless you lack self-control. If you do, you
need meditation more than ever. Relaxing, smooth music is an excellent background to
help mask minor noises and help you relax. Turn off the telephone, hang a "do not
disturb" sign on the door, and choose a comfort- able chair.
Listen to the music while taking a few deep breaths. Relax and let yourself unwind. Next
men- tally surround yourself with white light for protec- tion. Imagine yourself standing on
a wooden bridge over a calm pond. Drop all your problems into the water, and watch it
close over them. This is a sym- bolic release that tells your subconscious mind that you need
an answer to solve these troubles. Then visualize yourself walking on across the bridge,
leav- ing everything behind.
To continue the meditation, project yourself into a meadow on the other side of the bridge.
A small stream runs through the grass and flowers. Shady trees surround it. Wander
through this meadow, soak- ing up the peacefulness and healing. You may see peo- ple or
nature spirits. Talk with them if you like. As long as you remain objective and do not push
to hear what you want to hear, you can receive very accurate guidance while in meditation.
If you strain to hear what you want, you will get only messages from your conscious mind,
which does not believe in what you are doing.
When in meditation, you are in an astral state. Therefore, it is always possible that at some
time you will meet a being that makes you fearful or uncomfor- table. If this should
happen, recall the white light and leave.
 You will be able to escape the meditation any time you choose. Simply become aware of
your body and open your eyes. As during ritual, time in medita- tion is non-existent. Time
is a limited idea belonging to the left brain and conscious mind. When working with the
right brain and subconscious mind, time has no meaning at all.
The symbolism of dropping your problems into the pond is essential. It is never a good idea
to go into meditation without doing this, just as it is imprudent not to use the white light.
Both are protective measures to eliminate taking negative vibrations into an other- wise
productive exercise.

Excerpt From D.J. Conway Celtic Magic, We really recommend you check out D.J.
Conway's Book for more information and as well as some of his other works.

~ Gods in Magical Workings ~

Communication
Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Amergin Irish Fides Roman

Mercury Roman Iris Greek

Hermes Greek Tashmit Chaldean

Creativity
Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Apollo Greek/Roman Athene Greek

Bragi Norse Brighid Irish

Odin Scandinavian Maya Hindu

Destiny, Fate
Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Fa Beninese Arachne Greek

Nabu Babylonian Fortuna Roman

Shai Egyptian Meri Chaldean

Dedication, Devotion
Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Ebisu Japanese Aramati Hindu

Fides Roman

Gaia Greek

Ida Hindu

Divination, Oracles, Prophesy

Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Apollo Roman Dione Phonecian

Evander Roman Gaia Greek

Odin Norse Gwendydd Welsh

Apollo Greek Hecate Greek

Shamash Babylonian Ida Hindu

Inanna Sumerian

Ishtar Babylonian

Fertility, Fruitfulness, Productivity

Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Apollo Greek/Roman Althea Greek

Baal Phonecian Astarte Canaanite

Bacchus Greek Bona Dea Roman

Dionysus Greek Freya Teutonic

Isis Egypt

Friendship
Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Mithras Persian Maitri Hindu

 Happiness, Joy
Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Baldur Scandinavian Hathor Egyptian

Omacatl Aztec Samkat Babylonian

Health, Well Being

Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Asclepius Greek Brighid Irish

Apollo Greek/Roman Gula Babylonian

Eshmun Phoenician Hygeia Greek

Home Matters
Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Bannik Slavonic Cardea Roman

Da-Bog Slavonic Hestia Greek

Penates Roman Vesta Roman

Knowledge, Insight
Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon
Gwion Welsh Buddhi Tibetan

Hermes Greek Cerridwen Welsh

Sia Egyptian Toma Tibetan

Love, Romance
Gods Pantheon Goddess' Pantheon

Angus Irish Aphrodite Greek

Cupid Roman Belili Sumerian

Kama Hindu Ishtar Middle Eastern

Venus Roman
 ~ Chakra's & Meditation ~

According to East Indian philosophy, man possesses seven major *Chakras* or psychic centers on his
body. Each of these forms a bridge, link, or energy transformer; changing pure (higher) energy into
various forms, and connecting the four bodies (ie. spiritual, mental, astral, and physical) together. The
chakras are located along the nadies (a network of psychic nerves or channels) and follow the
autonomic nervous system along the spinal cord.
Chakras correlate with major acupuncture points along the 'governing vessel meridian' (acupuncture
term). The seven major chakras are connected together by three major nadies which are parallel and
near each other. The middle nadi is called *sushumna* and it has neutral characteristics. The nadi on
the left (ie. nearest your left hand) is the *ida* nadi which has yin characteristics. On the other side of
sushumna (nearest your right hand) is the *pingala* nadi, having yang qualities.

Chakras are visible to clairvoyant sight as varously colored rotating circles or funnels. In the East they
are described as petaled flowers or lotuses. Sources disagree on the colors.

Chakra Locations
The first chakra, located at the base of the spine at the perineum is the *root chakra*, muladhara. It
primarily relates to the element of earth and to psychic smell.

The second chakra, known as the *sacral center, or sexual chakra*, svadhisthana, is located above
and behind the genitals. Its dominant element is water, and it is related to psychic taste.

Third of the chakras is the *solar plexus*, manipura, located at the navel and corresponding with the
emotions and with the element of fire; also with psychic sight (clairvoyance).

The *heart chakra*, anahata, is the fourth chakra, located over the heart and corresponding with the
element of air, and also with psychic touch.

The fifth chakra is the *throat chakra*, vishuddha, located at the base of the throat (thyroid) and
corresponding with psychic hearing (clairaudience).

The remaining two chakras are very important. They relate mostly to elevated states of
consciousness.

The *frontal chakra*, (or 'third eye') Ajna, the sixth chakra, is located between, and slightly above,
the eyebrows. Ajna is the center of psychic powers and can produce many psychic effects. Meditation
on ajna is said to cure nervousness.

Finally, the *crown chakra*, sahasrara, located atop the head, (pineal gland) is the seventh chakra. It is
referred to as the thousand-petaled lotus and corresponds with astral projection and enlightenment.

There are also many minor chakras throughout the body. Each chakra has a sound (letter) and a pitch
which is sometimes used to invoke it.

THE TATTVAS
Some occultists prefer to describe the magical elements as tattvas according to the Eastern system.
Notice that these symbols and colors are generally different than the western symbols and colors for the
elements.

Element
Earth
Water
Fire
Air
Spirit
Tattva
Prithivi
Apas
Tejas
Vayu
Akasa
Tattvic Symbol
Yellow Square
Silver Crescent
Red Triangle
Blue Circle
Black Oval

YOGA
Yoga originated in India. It is a physical or mental discipline designed to condition and invigorate the
mind and body. There are many kinds of yoga, but they may be generally divided into three main types...

Hatha yoga -- affect the mind through the body using physical exercises; improve physical health and
endurance.

Raja yoga -- affect the mind through mental training; improve concentration.

Mantra yoga -- affect the mind through chanting and affirmation; achieve relaxation.

MEDITATION
This is a much touted area of the occult. There are many meditation techniques, and many claims
made for the benefits of meditation. Basicly, meditation has two functions -- relaxation, and perhaps,
improved concentration. There are two main types...

1) concentration meditation (focusing),

2) insight meditation (mindfullness).

Most kinds of meditation are the concentrative type. One simply focuses his attention upon a single
physical object (such as a candle flame); upon a sensation (such as that felt while walking or breathing);
upon an emotion (such as reverence or love); upon a mantra spoken aloud or even silently; or upon a
visualization (as in chakra meditation, see below)...Concentration meditation is, simply put, a form of
self-hypnosis.

A mantra (or mantrum) is one or more words or syllables which are repeated -- often chanted --
aloud...A simple yet powerful mantra is to vibrate the mystical word 'OM'. This mantra has long been
associated in India with the godhead/unity. Use it to aid in tuning into universal vibrations which
promote feelings of harmony, peace, and well-being. Use it before magic ritual to 'get into the mood'
and afterward to 'dismiss the forces'. You vibrate a mantra by saying it slowly aloud in a lower-pitched
voice than your normal speech, and a more or less constant pitch as well. Let the sound fade at the end
of the mantra. A powerful one such as 'OM' will seem to vibrate the air around you. It should be
vocalized for 5-10 seconds and repeated a number of times with a few seconds rest between each
vocalization. Chanting of mantras may cause slight dizziness from hyperventilation.

The other main type of meditaiton -- insight meditation -- is the analysis of thoughts and feelings in
such a way as to cause realization of the subjectivity and illusion of experience. This is done in a effort to
attain trancendental awareness. Such statements as, 'This body is not me', fall under this category.
Buddhist meditations are usually of
this type.

CHAKRA MEDITATION
There is a special type of concentrative meditation which we will call 'Chakra meditation'. This is
basicly Kundalini yoga -- the practice of causing psychic energy (kundalini) to flow up sushumna,
energizing the various chakras along the way. The practice, considered dangerous by some, will produce
deffinite physiological sensations and psychological effects if continued long enough. It should not be
attempted by epileptics or persons with an unstable mental or physical condition, or with heart disease.
Certain drugs and medications, such as those used to treat epilepsy may retard progress. Although the
technique is very simple, it may eventually produce powerful results.
Results may at first appear hours after the practice during sleep. As each chakra is energized by this
practice, it is said to add occult powers (sidhis), until at last the crown chakra is reached, and with it, full
enlightenment is attained. Sometimes kundalini awakens all by itself.

To practice this chakra meditation, you simply concentrate on the chakras, beginning with the root
chakra, and moving progressively up, as you visualize psychic energy from the root chakra traveling up
shushumna and vivifying each higher chakra. As we mentioned the chakras have certain properties
associated with them, so that
this type of visualization may 'raise consciousness', promote astral projection, and other things -- once
you have reached ajna and eventually the crown chakra. You might typically meditate in this fashion for
15 minutes to a half hour a day. It might help to practice some hatha yoga or other physical exercise in
an effort to make the spinal cord
'more flexible'. Diet may also affect the process. The technique is also similar to the Tibetan 'Tummo'
meditation. The rise of kundalini is sometimes experienced as a 'vibration' or buzzing, as light, or as
heat.

HEALTH AND DIET

Certainly the way you treat your physical body will affect your mind. In magic you want an alert mind.
Therefore, your body must be as healthy as you can keep it. Take care of your body. Exercise regularly.
eat a good diet (with vitamin supplements), and do not consume anything which will have a negative
effect upon the mind. Drugs,
smoking,, and alcohol should be restricted, or eliminated. (The mind can create any condition which a
drug can create.) A good rule here is moderation in what and how much you consume. (Most of this
stuff is pretty obvious isn't it.) You may also want to cut down on sugar and processed foods. Many
occultists advise dietary changes,
expecially the non-eating of meat. We cannot deny the physical, psychological, and spiritual effect which
all foods have. This effect may be described as the 'heaviness' factor of foods. Various foods are so
ranked in the chart, lighter to heavier...

1. lettuce and other greens.

2. fruits and most vegetables.

3. wheat, rice, and other grains.

4. nuts, beans, and other legumes.

5. cheese, dairy products, including eggs.

6. fish, seafood.

7. chicken, poultry.

8. beef, pork, other red meats.

Note that meats, especially red meats are the 'heaviest' foods. Generally, foods which are harder to
digest, or which are higher in protein are 'heavier' than those which are not. Animal products are
heavier than plants. Foods high in carbohydrate (candy, bread, starch) are heavy. However, the
'heaviness' of foods is not directly related to
the amount of caleries.

What this means is that for various reasons, the heaviness of food in your diet will affect your magical
experiences. You may be able to increase your psychic receptivity ('energy level') by eating lighter foods,
or by eating less. Conversely, emphasizing heavy foods in your diet, or eating larger helpings, may help
to 'bring you down to earth'
should you 'rent the veil' too much. These are generalizations, of course, and it may take a number of
days of dietary change before you notice much effect. I do not advocate radical dietary changes,
excessive fasting, or malnutrition. Your good health is far more important in magic than any temporary
effect you get from prolonged starvation. A change in diet will sometimes only produce a temporary
effect, until the physical body adapts to the change. Healthy natural foods and lifestyle make it easier for
us to be healthy, but ultimately, good health is a mentual quality (attitude).

THE FOUR-FOLD BREATH

With physical exercise too, moderation is advised. (You should be cautious, or not attempt it if you have
a respiratory or heart condition. Check with your physician if in doubt, and don't overdo.) One of the
most useful physical exercises is pranayama, or controlled breathing (actually a type of hatha yoga
exercise). For this and any
other calesthentics or hatha yoga which you might choose to do a 'kitchen timer' is suggested (many of
these aren't accurate for under three minutes, but are helpful for longer periods).

The main purpose of pranayama is to relax the body and mind. There are many kinds of pranayama, but
a simple one called the 'four-fold breath' will suffice. This consists of four short quick inhallations, then
four short quick exhallations; then repeat, continuing until the allotted time is used up. It will take about
1 1/2 seconds for the four
inhallations, and about 1 1/2 seconds for the four exhallations; or about 3 seconds for the complete in-
out cycle ('rep' for repetition). There should be no strain of any kind during your pranayama. You will
probably notice a slight dizziness, particularly at first, since the effect of pranayama is to hyperventilate.
Try sitting back in a chair with
your eyes closed when you do your pranayama. Begin a minute a day for the first week and gradually
increase up to about five minutes a day. If you do the pranayama befor your magical activity, it will help
you to get 'into the mood'. It is also an excellent aid to relaxation and tension release. Pranayama should
not be done during heavy air
pollution. Other exercises you might consider are hatha yoga, calesthentics, walking or jogging.

REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) What is a chakra? List them.
2) Name the three major nadies. Which nadi is hot?
3) What is pranayama?

BOOK LIST:
Arthur Diekman, The Observing Self. W.Y.
Evans-Wentz, Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines. Sandra Gibson,
Beyond the Mind. King and Skinner, Techniques of High Magic.
Swami Sivananda, Kundalini Yoga. John Woodroffe (pseud. for Arthur Avalon), The Serpent Power.

Copyright (c) 1988 by Phil Hansford. This article is is licenced for free non-commercial distribution only.
 Formatting and conversion into HTML Code by Herne at The Celtic Connection. A link and
acknowledgement for
the time and effort expended would be appreciated if you use this document.

~ Celtic Deities ~

With current trends toward the resurrection and reconstruction of the old religions, it would be
possible to spend weeks writing about the various deities of each culture. Since this is primarily a
Celtic web site, I will focus mainly on those of early Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Due to the
limitation of space, I will give a brief summation of the attributes associated with each deity in
this text. There are many excellent texts available where you may study these in depth.

It is important to note that modern day Wiccans, Pagans and Witches generally focus on the
major aspect of The One, Goddess and God without breaking deity down into the many subsets
shown here.

ANGUS MAC OG (Makohk) ((Ireland)) *God*

One of the Tuatha De Danann. God of youth, love and beauty.

ANU (An-oo) / ANANN / DANA / DANA-ANA ((Ireland)) *Goddess*

Mother Earth, Goddess of fertility, prosperity, comfort.

ARAWN (Ar-awn) ((Wales)) *God*

God of the underground kingdom of the dead. Revenge, terror and war.

ARIANRHOD (Ari-an-rod) ((Wales)) Goddess

Mother aspect of the Triple Goddess. Honored at the full moon, beauty, fertility, reincarnation.

BADB (Bibe) / BADHBH / BADB CATHA ((Ireland)) *Goddess*

Mother aspect of the Triple Goddess in Ireland. Associated with the cauldron, crows and ravens.
Life, wisdom, inspiration and enlightenment.

BANBA ((Ireland)) *Goddess*

Part of a triad with Fotia and Eriu. They used magic to repel invaders.

BEL /BELENUS / BELINUS / BELENOS / BELIMAWR ((Ireland)) *God*

Closely connected to the Druids. Science, healing, hot springs, fire, success, prosperity,
purification, crops, vegetation, fertility. A sun and fire god.

BLODEUWEDD (blod-oo-eeth) / BLODWIN / BLANCHEFLOR ((Wales)) *Goddess*

The maiden form of the Triple Goddess. Goddess of the earth in bloom, flowers, wisdom, lunar
mysteries, initiations.

BOANN (Boo-an) / BOANNAN / BOYNE ((Ireland)) *Goddess*

Goddess of the river Boyne; mother of Angus mac Og.

BRAN THE BLESSED / BENEDIGEIDFRAN (Bran) ((Wales)) *God*

God of prophecy, the arts, leaders, war, the sun, music, writing.

BRANWEN (Bran-oo-en) ((Wales)) *Goddess*

Goddess of love and beauty.

BRIGIT (Breet) / BRID (Breed) / BRIG / BRIGID / BRIGHID ((Ireland, Wales, Spain,
France)) *goddess*
Associated with Imbloc. Goddess of fire, fertility, the hearth, all feminine arts and crafts and
martial arts. Healing, physicians, agriculture, inspiration, learning, poetry, divination, prophecy,
smithcraft, animal husbandry, love, witchcraft, occult knowledge.

CERNUNNOS (Ker-noo-nos) / CERNOWAIN / CERNENUS / HERNE THE HUNTER

((Known to all Celtic areas in one form or another)) *God*
God of nature and all wild things. Virility, fertility, animals, physical love, nature, woodlands,
reincarnation, crossroads, wealth, commerce, warriors.

CERRIDWEN / CARIDWEN / CERIDWEN ((Wales)) *Goddess*

Goddess of nature. Death, fertility, regeneration, inspiration, magic, astrology, herbs, science,
poetry, spells, knowledge.

CREIDDYLAD / CREUDYLAD / CORDELLIA ((Wales)) *Goddess*

Connected with Beltane, often called the May Queen. Goddess of summer flowers, love.

THE CRONE ((Known in all Celtic regions)) *Goddess*

One aspect of the Triple Goddess. She represents old age or death, winter, the end of all things,
the waning moon, post-menstrual phases of women's lives. All destruction that precedes
regeneration through her cauldron of rebirth.

THE DAGDA ((Ireland)) *God*

Protection, warriors, knowledge, magic, fire, prophecy, weather, reincarnation, the arts,
initiation, the sun, healing, regeneration, prosperity and plenty, music, the harp.

DANU / DANANN / DANA (Thana) ((Ireland)) *Goddess*

Probably the same as Anu. Mother of the Gods, Great Mother, Moon Goddess. Patroness of
wizards, rivers, water, wells, prosperity and plenty, magic wisdom.

DIANCECHT (Dian-ket) / DIAN CECHT ((Ireland)) *God*

Physician-magician of the Tuatha. God of healing, medicine, regeneration, magic, silver
working.

DON / DOMNU (Dom-noo) ((Ireland and Wales)) *God*

Ruler of the land of the dead and entrances to the otherworld. Control of the elements,
eloquence.

DRUANTIA ((All Celtic regions)) *Goddess*

Mother of the tree calendar. Fertility, passion, sexual activities, trees, protection, knowledge,
creativity.

DYLAN ((Wales)) *God*

God of the sea.

ELAINE ((Wales)) *Goddess*

Maiden aspect of the Goddess.

EPONA ((Britain, Gaul)) *Goddess*

Goddess of fertility, maternity, protectress of horses, horse breeding, prosperity, dogs, healing
springs, crops.

ERIU (Err-i-oo) / ERIN ((Ireland)) *Goddess*

One of three queens of the Tuatha Da Danann.

FLIDAIS ((Ireland)) *Goddess*

Goddess of forests, woodlands and wild things.

GOIBNIU / GOFANNON / GOVANNON (Gov-ann-on) ((Ireland and Wales)) *God*

God of blacksmiths, weapon makers, jewelry making, brewing, fire, metalworking.

GREAT FATHER ((All Celtic regions)) *God*

The Lord. The horned god, (Not Satan) lord of winter, harvest, land of the dead, the sky, animals,
mountains, lust, powers of destruction and regeneration. The male aspect of creation.

GREAT MOTHER ((All Celtic regions)) *Goddess*

The Lady. The female aspect of creation, goddess of fertility, the moon, summer, flowers, love,
healing.

THE GREEN MAN ((All Celtic regions)) *God*

See Cernunnos. A horned deity of trees and green growing things of earth. God of the
woodlands.

GWYDION (Gwi-dee-on) ((Wales)) *God*

Greatest of the enchanters, warrior-magician. Illusion, changes, magic, the sky, healing.

GWYNN AP NUDD (Gwin ap Neethe) ((Wales)) *God*

King of the fairies and the underworld.

GWYTHYR (Gwee-theer) ((Wales)) *God*

Opposite of Gwynn ap Nudd. King of the upper world.

HERNE THE HUNTER ((All Celtic regions)) *God*

See Cernunnos, The Horned God, and Green Man.

THE HORNED GOD ((All Celtic regions)) *God*

Lord of the wild hunt. The masculine, active side of nature. Earth father, growing things, wild
animals, alertness, fertility, desire, physical love, agriculture, flocks, brewing.

LLYR (Thleer) / LEAR / LIR (Hlir) ((Ireland and Wales)) *God*

God of the sea and water.

LUGH (loo or loog) ((Ireland)) *God*

God of skills. Druid, physician, smithing, war, magic, commerce, reincarnation, lightning, water,
arts and crafts, manual arts, journeys, martial arts, poets, musicians, historians, sorcerers,
healing, revenge, initiation, prophecy.

MACHA (Maax-ah) ((Ireland)) *Goddess*

Protectress in war as in peace, goddess of war and death. Cunning, sheer physical force,
sexuality, fertility, dominance over men.

MANANNAN MAC LIR (Mannan-awn maklir) ((Ireland and Wales)) *God*

God of the sea, navigators, storms, weather at sea, fertility, sailing, weather forecasting, magic,
arts, merchants and commerce, rebirth.

MARGAWSE ((Wales)) *Goddess*

Mother aspect of the Goddess.

MATH MATHONWY (Math math-on-oo-ee) ((Wales)) *God*

God of sorcery, magic, enchantment.

MERLIN / MERDDIN / MYRDDIN (Meer-din) ((Wales and Britain)) *God*

Great sorcerer, Druid, magician. Illusion, shape-shifting, herbs, healing, woodlands, nature,
protection, counseling, prophecy, divination, psychic abilities, foreseeing, crystal reading, tarot,
magic, rituals, spells, incantations, artisans and smiths.

THE MORRIGU (Moor-rig-oo) / MORRIGAN (Mor-ee-gan) / MORRIGHAN / MORGAN

(Moor-gan) ((Ireland, Wales, and Britain)) *Goddess*
Supreme war goddess. Queen of phantoms and demons, shape-shifter. The crone aspect of the
goddess, great white goddess. Patroness of priestesses and witches. Revenge, night, magic,
prophecy.

NUADA / NUDD/ NODONS ((Ireland and Wales)) *God*

Similar to Neptune. God of the water, oceans, fishing, the sun, sailing.

OGMA / OGHMA / OGMIOS ((Ireland)) *God*

Similar to Hercules.

PWYLL ((Wales)) *God*

Ruler of the underworld.

RHIANNON (Hri-an-non) ((Wales)) *Goddess*

The great Queen. Goddess of birds and horses. Enchantments, fertility and the underworld.

SCATHACH / SCOTA/ SCATHA ((Ireland)) *Goddess*

The shadowy one. Goddess in the destroyer aspect. A warrior woman and prophetess who lived
in Albion (Scotland), probably on the Isle of Skye and taught the martial arts. Patroness of
blacksmiths, healing, magic, prophecy, martials arts.

TALIESIN (Tal-i-ess-in) ((Wales)) *God*

God of the bards. Poetry, wisdom, wizards, music, knowledge, magic.

WHITE LADY ((All Celtic regions)) *Goddess*

Associated with the Crone aspect of the Goddess. Dryad of death, destruction, annihilation.

~ Information about Dowsing ~

The ability to find people, artifacts or substances by use of maps, pictures or physically being
in a place are currently the most popular applications of Dowsing. Most dowsers use two
'dowsing rods' and/or a pendulum. The rods, traditionally known as 'Wishing Rods', are formed
into an L shape and are usually made of copper although the oldest known material was wood,
usually forked Hazel branches along with Apple, Beech and Alder. (It is said that metal coat
hangers work just as well!). One rod is held in each hand and you have located what it is you are
looking for when the rods cross. When using a pendulum most people weight the line with a
crystal, or heavy weight. The important thing seems to be the length of the line which the
pendulum swings on. In his book, "The Power of The Pendulum," Tom Lethbridge explains his
own experiments into pendulum lengths and also his own theories as to how dowsing works.
However, what does seem a mystery is how diviners can dowse over a map to find people or
substances when the focus of the search can be many kilometers away. Indeed this does suggest
some sort of psychic activity.

Crystal pendulum dowsing can be performed in many ways and it is used for all sorts of
purposes, such as finding water, minerals, missing people and even lost objects. It is also used in
healing and to answer questions, and even to tell you if food is suitable for you to eat or not! It
can also be used for Reiki healing and divination.
 Crystal pendulums are unique, different cuts, different stones... different energy. They really
do have something quite magical about them. Any type of crystal can be used for pendulum
dowsing...in fact any heavy object will work, but in my experience crystals work best for me,
although many people prefer wood or natural stone.

Dowsing is reported to date back approximately 7000 years but origins are still unknown,
some believe that the Egyptians and the Chinese where the early practioners but that hasn't been
proven. It is accepted, however, that the Egyptians used images of forked rods in some of their
artwork as did the Ancient Chinese kings. In Europe, it was known for dowsing to be used in the
Middle Ages to find coal deposits. Since this time people have dowsed for everything from lost
objects to missing people, some of them are reported to be very accurate although the scientific
community as a whole have yet to decide if they support or refute this ability. Some people earn
money by advising mining companies before they carry out test drilling/core sample.

In 1930's there was a lot of activity in Europe with the formation of 'The British Society of
Dowsers'. The term Rasiesthesia was also coined by French priest Alex Bouly based on the Latin
words for 'radiation' and 'perception', although the term dowsing has stood the test of time.

In 1986 American dowsers argued that there was a connection between dowsing and
astrological links with the element Fire.

~ Learning to Feel the Power Within ~

Before we can begin to harness the powers of the individual archetypes which make up the
totality of the divine worlds, we must first learn to feel that power within ourselves. We
must learn to recognize the essence of our shared life force, and learn to connect it with out
own sense of being. This is done easily through basic meditation or altered state of
consciousness.

In many ancient cultures it was prerequisite to prepare for rituals involving the divine with
purification baths and/or pre-ritual fasts. While we have no hard evidence that the Celts
regularly practiced either, we do have several references from faery tales and nursery
rhymes about purification baths being taken on the Sabbats (the solar festivals) or the
Esbats (full Moons). Hunger strikes, as a means for achieving social justice, are recorded
in the monastic writings of the Celtic people, though there is no mention of them being used
as a part of a ritual preparation as was done with great efficacy in Native American
cultures. If you enjoy these preparatory rites and feel they enhance you efforts, the use
them anyway. Certainly they have a long history of Pagan use in other cultures, and can
help put you in a receptive frame of mind.
 Excerpt From Edain McCoy's Celtic Myth and Magick, We really recommend you check out
Edain McCoys Book for more information and as well as some of her other works.

~ Altered States of Consciousness ~

Meditating, or acquiring an altered state of consciousness, has taken on an unnecessary

aura of mystery in our modern world, yet we do it every day. You have changed your focus
of consciousness every night since the day you were born when you went to sleep. During
the night you go up and down from the light trance of alpha sleep to the deeper levels of
delta and theta sleep. If you were attached to an EEG machine (brain wave scanner) as
you read this page, the cycles per second would show you that you are in an alpha state, a
light hypnosis trance watching the imperceptible light pulsation's on the screen during a
television show or movie induces a mild altered state of consciousness.

Altering your consciousness for divine alignment exercises, pathworking, or any other
type of meditation, spell, or ritual work, is merely a process of learning to consciously
control which of these four brain wave levels you function at (usually always alpha and
theta for inner-plane work)l, and deciding yourself how long you remain in each.

Brain Wave Levels

Cycles Per
Name Human Condition
Second

Normal wakefulness, alterness, study, conversational level (person is aware

Beta 15 -18
of all physical sensations and bodily needs).

Light to medium meditation, daydreaming, focused concentration,

drowsiness, sat-napping, some astral projections, easy guided meditation,
Alpha 8 -12
very light sleep, reading, watching television, basic alignment exercises
(person finds waking from this level not difficult)

Deep meditation, medium to deep sleep, complex astral projections,

Theta 4-6 complex guided meditation, light unconsciousness, deity contact,
pathworking (person find waking moderate to very difficult)

Very deep sleep, coma or deep unconsciousness, near death experiences,

anesthesia before surgery (person has little or no consciousness of physical
Delta 0.5 - 2.5
sensations or bodily need, waking is difficult, maybe even impossible in the
deepest level.
 To place yourself deliberately into one of these altered states is not a mysterious or
frightening trip into dangerously unknown realms which can only be attained and
mastered by some great adept. Those who would try to tell you that do not know what they
are talking about. Anyone can achieve some success on his or her first attempt, though, as
with any endeavor, you will improve with practice. It is all a matter of focusing your mind
on one thing/event/idea to the exclusions of all else. When your mind wanders from the
intended focus, don't get upset, just gently bring it back.

With practice in meditation and sustained concentration, your altered states can become
longer and deeper, and at the deepest controlled states (the deep theta level) you can do
some more advance work such as unguided inner-world explorations, unguided past-life
regression work, and serious astral projections. These are very natural states. The only
difference here is that you are seeking to gain conscious control of them. The key to all
these things is in learning to concentrate for increasing periods of time upon one thing only.

You should now begin this daily practice of sustained concentration, especially if you are
not already used to using meditation in your spiritual practice. The better able you are to
keep focused, the better success you will have in working with mythic figures. To begin
practicing this, go to a place where you will be unlikely to be disturbed for twenty to thirty
minutes, gently close you eyes, and hold one image in your mind. Keep it simple. Choose a
geometric shape or occult symbol with which you are familiar. Use only one object,
symbol, word, phrase, or idea per session, and focus upon it alone. When you master this
you will automatically be able to sloe the cycle per second waves of the brain, inducing a
sort of awakened sleep during which all facets of ourselves are in a heightened state of
awareness and receptivity.

When you are able to keep this image in your mind for at least five minutes, then you can
create a more complex scene. Add more symbols, motion, color, or even make a mental
stage splay. Practice this exercise every day, increasing the complexity or your images, and
soon your mind will be disciplined enough to take you anywhere at any time.

Excerpt From Edain McCoy's Celtic Myth and Magick, We really recommend you check out Edain
McCoys Book for more information and as well as some of her other works.

~ Using Meditation for Occult Practices ~

Occult medititation si defined not onle as "focused thought," but also the "absence of
thought." It is a practice in which you attempt to empty your mind of all thought - a very
difficult propostition for an organ whish is active twenty-fout hours a day all the days of
your life. Either way, you are attempting to control your brain patterns so that you
connect with a deeper spritiual place within yourself, one which can connect you with
other, even outside, forces.

Begin as you did with the Altered States of Consciousness exercise. Only this time
choose a symbol of relevance to Deltic Paganism, or a symbol associated with deity, and
focus on that. Suggestion for symbols are the pentagram, the triskele, Arianrhod's wheel,
Badb's hooded crow, or Dagda's harp.

When you can sustain the image for five to ten minutes without your consciouness
wavering, begin to allow your inner-self to feel a kinship to the symbol. Allow yourself to
feel "pulled" toward it. Mentally feel and see every inch of its surface. You can even
project your own image into the scense of its subtle energies, and try to imagine the essence
of the deity for which it stands. Feel his or her power under your hands, feel it crackle
with the divine energy.

Next, step back from the object and view it from a distance. Try to get a sense for the
energy it possesses without touching it. Now turn your thoughts deeply inward and try to
find out that part of yourself which crackles with the fame energy as you just felt in the
object. When you find it you will know that you have discovered the spark of divinity
within yourself.

In keeping with Celtic practice, allow yourself to experience this energy association three
separate times before moving on to another symbol.

Excerpt From Edain McCoy's Celtic Myth and Magick, We really recommend you check out
Edain McCoys Book for more information and as well as some of her other works.

~ Centering At Will ~

Pagans often use the term "centering" to describe a deliberately induced altered state
designed to bring them into themselves and shut out the outside world. This is usually
done just prior to performing any ritual or Magic. work. With practice you will find you
can do this at will. The very act of preparing yourself for ritual in this way will have you
halfway to your goal.

Every Pagan has his or her own method of centering, the most common being to take a
deep breath, hold it, and release it while feeling yourself become the channel for a universal
(divine?) life energy. Others mentally circulate a vibrant light energy through or around
themselves, and still others picture themselves as the trunk of a great tree with their feet
being the roots which reach down to infinity, and their head and arms the branches which
do the same thing.

When you are ready you will choose a method for yourself. Chances are the choice will
be practically an unconscious one, for it will be natural outgrowth of practice and
knowledge.

Excerpt From Edain McCoy's Celtic Myth and Magick, We really recommend you check
out Edain McCoys Book for more information and as well as some of her other works.

~ Learning to Feel the Power Without ~

By using the power we have within, and combining that with a catalyst such as words,
sounds, or colors, we can being to get a feel for the subtle divine energies of the universe
around us. After all, these things contain an energy and a "life", one that, as Pagans, we
believe came from the deities.

What good, you might ask, is there in discovering the power in objects outside yourself
when your goal is presumably to fee deity within? The Celts believed that there was
tremendous power in the name of a person or thing, that the vibration of something;s name
not only connected you with it, but also gave you a measure of power over it. There is a
great similarity in the works for soul, breath, and name in both the Irish and Welsh
languages, showing a decided link of these functions in the popular mind.

Being these meditative exercises by selecting an inanimate object and holding it in your
receptive hand (the one that you do not write with, or your left if you are ambidextrous).
First study it with your eyes open. Turn it over and examine it. Say its name over and over
(preferably in multiplies of three) trying to feel the connection between the name of the
object and the energy you feel coming from it. Next do this with your eyes closed.

Practice this three times with each object until you are familiar with the energies it
emanates.

Nest you should practice this with colored objects. These too emit a specific energy
separate from whatever object they tint. The names of colors also relate to the energy they
emit. For example, think of the work "blue." Let the sound roof off your tongue. You'll
probably find that it is lazy sounding word, slow, languid and not overly energetic. Pagan,
occult, and New Age people all associate blue with peace, tranquility, sleep and passiveness.

Practice this through the entire color spectrum, three times with each color, until you
obtain a sense of the subtle energy f each. You can test your progress by holding pieces of
colored cloth sight unseen and seeing if you can guess the color by the energy you sense.

Excerpt From Edain McCoy's Celtic Myth and Magick, We really recommend you check out
Edain McCoys Book for more information and as well as some of her other works.

~ Basic Alignment Exercises ~

The exercise in which you learn to align with deity are basically the same as those you have
just practice. To do so will, perhaps, make you feel on some deep inner level that you have
merged your energies with those of divinity. This exercise is designed to get you used to
and learn to work with them on a regular basis.

Basis alignment is also a prelude to evocation and invocation, which is explained more in
Edain McCoy's Celtic Myth and Magick. But before you can being that work we have to
develop an understanding of, and familiarity with, the vibrations of divine energy.

For the time being, it is wise to stick with the divinity which corresponds to your own
gender for these exercises. Later on you will have the time, and even be encouraged, to
explore the energies of deities and heroic figures of the opposite sex. After all, they are all
part of us and we need to learn how to be comfortable with them.

Never let anyone tell you that aligning with any particular divine force is inherently
dangerous, a practice to be avoided at all costs. While in any occult practice there is some
slight risk of dealing with powerful universal forces, on the whole you are in much more
danger just sitting right where you are reading at this exact moment. Once you are
comfortable with basic God and Goddess energy you can begin to expand that knowledge
and try to aligning yourself with other aspects of those polarized forces, For example, you
might try to align yourself with the force of a youthful God, and an aged God, or even the
crone Goddess.

Even the so called "dark force," like the crone, have their place within us. You may hear
it suggested by the fearful and uninformed that these dark images are best avoided.
Hogwash! This only seeks to perpetuate the self=destructive myth that old women are
somehow repulsive and dangerous, and that darkness is evil and hides goodness and truth.
The crone is just one aspect of the Goddess, and the dark is merely a part of the light, and
to get to know, love and be comfortable with these dark energies is every bit as important
as are knowing and loving the Maiden, the Mother, and the light. They are all a part of the
whole, and we must explore each one if we are to become whole ourselves.

For out basic alignment exercise we will not be using any specific deities, but rather the
female or male principles which we generically label the "Goddess" and the "God." The
Celts believed themselves to be descended from a Mother Goddess and an
Otherworld.Underworld God. It is these two potent primal forces with whom we will begin
to merge ourselves.

If, like most witches, you keep a Book of Shadows (in Irish it is called the Oiche Leabher
which means "Book of the Night"), or some other type of magical/ritual journal, you may
wish to record in it the details of your alignment experiences to reexamine later on.

Alignment Exercise 1
The purpose of this alignment exercise is to understand that the deities who created you
bestowed upon you their characteristics, both good and bad, just as did your biological
parents.

Go to your private place and center yourself. Begin breathing deeply and steadily,
visualizing each breath you take as being filled with divine energy. See it sparkle with
silver and gold light as it enters you. Draw the breath in through your nose and exhale
through your mouth. This becomes energy) which benefits not only your ritual and
magical work, but your overall physical health and well-being as well.

Close your eyes and think of the threes principle qualities that you associate with either
the Mother Goddess or the Father God without visualizing a corporeal vehicle for them.
You may want to think of such qualities as strength, fairness, protectiveness, contrariness,
sternness, kindness, nurturance, guidance, or love. There will likely be as many different
sets of answers as there are people doing this exercise.

Now look within yourself and find as many similar qualities as you can. Meditate on
how the way you display these characteristic is like or unlike your perception of deity.
When you have done this, site quietly and still your mind. Begin to deliberately shift your
inner-energies so that yourself and that of the deity become more similar. You can think o
this as being either a temporary alteration, or the first step toward permanent self-change,
whichever you wish. Continue doing this until you can clearly sense the divine spark ignite
within yourself.

If you like, you may pick another three characteristics and continue the exercise, or
experiment with the qualities opposite the ones with which you being the exercise.

Alignment Exercise 2
The purpose of this exercise is to feel the power of deity in nature. If you have access to
natural land, or even a tree in your own backyard, this is the best place for this exercise. If
you don't you can try this exercise with a large house plant, or with visualization only.

Find a large tee, plant, or shrub to work with, one that is at least as tall as you are.
Stand in front of it and study it with your eyes open. Note its size, shape scent, texture,
everything about it that makes it unique.

Now it is time to look into the tree. With eyes either open or closed, peer into the soul of
the tree and feel the indwelling spirit. begin to see the divinity within the tree take
anthropomorphis shape. See the head, the arms, the eyes. See the God/dess dwelling there
as in all living things.

Now physically try to put a part of yourself into the tress. Fell how easily you merge
with the energies there. Know that this is because you and the tree share the distinction of
having been created by the same creative life source.

Do this experiment three times and compare notes on each experience to see if they differ
or if they remain the same.

Alignment Exercise 3
The purpose of this alignment exercise is to recognize yourself in a true and complete
image of the divine, and to understand that you can indeed work Magic through this image.

Go to your private place and center yourself. Being breathing deeply and steadily,
visualizing each breath you that as being filled with divine energy. See it sparkle with
silver and gold light as it enters you. Do this as it enters you. Draw the breath in through
your nose and exhale through your mouth. Do this several times until you are completely
relaxed and your brain waves have slowed considerably.

Close your eyes and, in your mind, form a picture of total blackness, the infinite primal
void which preceded all life as we know it. Allow it to engulf you, and see yourself at the
center of this dark nothingness.

In the far distance image now that you see the faintest glimmer of light. As you keep
your mind focused upon it, see it coming towards you, moving swiftly across the void. The
light is a blinding white, and it pulsates with the energy of all life that ever was or will be.
As it get closer, see it as an oval-shaped being which begins to take a human-like form the
closer it gets to you.

Through the being is your own size, its light and life force illuminates everything for
many miles around, and soon you see yourself engulfed in this white brightness.

As the begin some to stand front of you, imagine it taking shape in the form of either the
Goddess or the God. You can mold this image in any may you see fit. We all have out own
mental picture of deity, and now is your chance to utilize that image. Form every detail or
him.her in your mind, making the likeness as real as you can.

As you raise your right hand in greeting, so does s/he. As you smile at it, so it does at
you. Note that it matches you movements so precisely that you neither feel like its leader
nor its follower, and begin to ell the current of sympathetic energy which passes between
you. This is often felt as a gentle pull from the solar plexus area. Realize that this is the
divine energy in yourself which you share with this image of God/dess-hood. you are
neither ruled by it, nor do you rule it. You are partners, kinsmen, a shared presence.

Now, as you continue to watch the being in front of you, begin to see its face change so
that it looks exactly like you. It is you and you are it. When you feel this to be so, that the
being for coming to share with you. It may or may not choose to leave or dissipate then. In
any case you are not free to end the exercise.

Breathe deeply again and being to bring yourself out of the meditative state. To do this,
come persons like to count up from one to nine, others merely begin to slowly stretch
unused muscles, while others recall mundane thoughts. All ways are correct as long as it is
not done too quickly. You tool the time to properly take yourself down, don't skimp on
properly coming up.

Excerpt From Edain McCoy's Celtic Myth and Magick, We really recommend you check
out Edain McCoys Book for more information and as well as some of her other works.

~ Pathworking: Journeys of Power ~

Pathworking, as guided meditations are sometimes called, it a term which somes to us through
ceremonial magic. It is the most potent tools we have for aligning ourselves with the energies of
deities and mythic figures. The term "Ppathworking" has been adopted by Pagans who define it
as a guided journey into the inner-world, or universal/archetypal/astral plane, for the purpose of
acquiring a lasting change on both the conscious and sub-conscious mind of the journeyer. Other
terms which are synonymous with pathworking are journeying, inner-plane work, exploring
alternate realities, seeking, astral world, going within, going out-of-body, inner world
journeying, self-hypnosis, and vision questing.

Pathworking, sometimes referred to as an "advanced: magical practice, is as old as the art of

storytelling itself, an art highly prized by the Celts. Their itinerant storytellers (called
seanachais) have, by uing these ancient myths, helped transport many persons into the inner
realms and back againwithout their ever knowing such a transformation occurred.

Pathworking allows us to stretch our personal pwoer as it gently massages our deepminds to
stimulate meetings and interactions wiht mythic figures, but also to provoke creativity, aid in
other astral projection, facilitate past-life recall, energize spell work, open channels for
divination, and many other endeavors of importanct to seekers on any spiritual path.

Jungian psychologist Edward C. Whitmont summed up the essence of pathworking in his

book, "The Symbloic Quest", when he began his chapter, "Archetypes and Myths," with these
words:

"In order to affect a contructive and lasting change in our lives we must strive toward a
transformation..by reaching [our] archetypal cores. Such transformation can occur only when
we have cone beyond the personal diemension to the universal. This process is sustained by
guidance from the objective psyche through dreams and fantasies."

Pathworking provides these fantasies and takes us from the personal to the universal becuase
above all else, it forges a link between the conscious and sub-conscious minds, allowing each
access to the memories and capabilites of the other. This has benefits beyond the performance of
magical and ritual. It has lasting effects, reaching far beyond the boundaries of the working itself
into the everyday life of the journeyer. After all , this iis the place where the divine beings of the
Celtic pantheion can step out of the withered and yellowed pages of library tomes to live and
breathe, speak, and hear, show and teach. Once you train your mind to send fourth its
consciousness to them, once you learn to roam freely and safely in the inner-realms, and once
you learn to understand divine archetypes and the meaning they have for you, you can roam
these worlds without aid of a guide and explore new ideas, meet new entities, and expand all
your potential.

Archetpyes are universal. They are defined by Funk and Wagnalls as a "standard pattern" or a
"prototype." Archetypes speak to us in an ecumenical language. They are the images which
cloud our dreams, they are the inherent power of our deities, and they are the machinery which
makes Tarot and all forms of divination possible. Archetypal images are used heavily
throughout pathworking, foe this is the only language our sub-conscious (sometimes called our
super-conscious or deep mind) can understand, utilize, and with which it can communicate back
to our conscious minds.

Excerpt From Edain McCoy's Celtic Myth and Magick, We really recommend you check
out Edain McCoys Book for more information and as well as some of her other works.
 ~ Rituals of Invocation ~

Invocation is the process of calling the spirit energy of a deity into your physical self,
uniting temporarily the spiritual and corporeal essence of the universal life force in order
to make one whole, complete, and powerful existence.

There is but one purpose for invoking the spirit of a diety into yourself, though it can be
expressed in many unique ways: Invoke to allow an entity's energies to merge with your
own so that you can temporarily take on the needed characteristic(s) he/she possesses,
combining them with your own best qualities for the purpose of postive magic, ritual or
worship.

Such pratices are well known in Paganism, the most common two examples being the
rituals of Drawing Down the Moon or Drawing Down the Sun, where a coven will invoke
the spirit of the moon Goddess or sun God into the body of a High Priestess or Priest in
order that their presence can be felt and interacted with on festival occasions.

Invocation is slightly more difficult, and moderately more siky than evocation, though
the risk is still negligible. It is also more difficult to maintain the energy link once it is
made which is why many covens reserve this task for their leaders, the people who are
presumably the most experienced in occult practices.

Excerpt From Edain McCoy's Celtic Myth and Magick, We really recommend you check
out Edain McCoys Book for more information and as well as some of her other works.