The Dance of Pagan Recovery: One Last Dance

Friends, this will be my last “Dance of Pagan Recovery” column.

It’s been my pleasure to write on this subject, but it’s time to close this chapter and begin another.  Next week, I will begin a new blog for Patheos Pagan entitled The Urban Pagan Homestead:  Earthy Adventures of a Dirt-Heart Witch (here — currently under construction). The offerings there will include practical tips on chicken-rearing, recipes for ginger-beer, rituals for the small gods, and much more.  I look forward to those conversations!

Before I go, I offer you this ongoing ritual for Serenity, Courage, and Wisdom.

What you need:

• Three Candles of size large enough to write on with a pin
  • White
  • Red
  • Yellow
• Pin or other carving tool
• Charcoal incense burner
• Copal
• Dragon’s Blood
• Frankincense
• Muslin or flannel bag
• Angelica Root
• High John the Conquerer Root
• Solomon’s Seal Root

What you do:

Begin with the White Candle, the Copal, and the Angelica Root. Light the Copal and take a moment to let the smoke soothe the space.  On the White Candle, carve your name 3X, alternating with the word “Serenity.”  I usually turn the candle sideways so I am writing along the length of it, from base to wick. As you are writing, call up images of what Serenity looks like, a time that you’ve felt at peace.  Place the Candle in or on some kind of fire-proof holder and put the Angelica root in front of it.  Chant the word “Serenity” over the root, while holding in mind the image of calm.  Do this for 15 or 20 minutes.  Put the root in the bag and carry it with you.  Do this every day for 3 days.

On the 4^th day, gather the Red Candle, the Dragon’s Blood and the High John Root.  Light the Dragon’s Blood and let the smoke invigorate the space.  On the Red Candle, carve your name 3X, alternating with the word “Courage.”  While writing, call up images of your Courage, your strong action in the face of adversity.  Again, place the Candle in a safe burning place and put the High John root in front of it. Chant the word “Courage” over the root, holding in mind the image of bravery.  Do this for 15 or 20 minutes.  Put the root in the bag with the Angelica and carry it with you.  Do this for 3 days.

On the 4^th day, gather the Yellow Candle, the Frankincense, and the Solomon’s Seal.   Light the Frankincense and let the smoke clarify the air.  On the Yellow Candle, carve your name 3X, alternating with the word “Wisdom.”  While writing, call up images of your Wisdom, smart choices you’ve made from your learning and experience.  Again, place the Candle in a safe place and put the Solomon’s Seal in front of it.  Chant the word “Wisdom” over the root, holding in mind the image of your good judgment.  Again, do this for 15 or 20 minutes.  Put the root in the bag with the others and carry it with you.

Repeat for as long as you like!  Replace the candles as needed.  You can punch this up by adding appropriate oils or doing it at particular times of the moon.  I prefer simpler spells, unless it’s a crisis situation.

May this working serve your work, your play and your healing.

Blessed be!