These are a range of questions I've been asked over the years. I've tried to separate them into meaningful categories to make isolating the type of question easier. If you can't find the answer to your question below, please feel free to contact me: faq@kereenasgrimoire.com
Q: What kinds of candles are best to use?
Q: What is it to anoint a candle?
Q: Is there a difference between one shape of incense and another?
Q: Is there a correct way to light and extinguish a ritual candle?
Q: When is the best time of day to pick herbs?
Q: How do I dry herbs?
Q: What do you do when you need to pick plants for spells, etc.?
Q: Is it okay to pick flowers for decorative use only?
Q: Is it okay if someone gives you cut flowers?
Q: Is it okay to pre-grind and store herbs over the Winter?
Q: What do I do if I can't find all the herbs I need growing locally?
Q: Can I use plants that have been growing by the road-side?
Q: What are the different Sabbats?
Q: What are Esbats?
Q: What is the second Dark Moon in a month called?
Q: What are the names of the Dark Moon?
Q: How do Wiccans in the southern hemisphere celebrate Sabbats?
Q: Do Wiccans who live in places with no seasonal change still celebrate Sabbats?
Q: Do you also believe in Hallows Eve?
Q: Do you follow the Winter Solstice like the Pagans do?
Q: Why do I spell magic with a "k" at the end?
Q: How do you know which colors to use in which spells?
Q: Why can't you place curses or hexes on people?
Q: Do Witches really use a broom?
Q: Can you identify another Witch when you pass them on the street?
Q: Do all spells have to be cast in a circle?
Q: Are all Wiccans vegetarian?
Q: Is it okay for a Wiccan to wear leather or own a feather pillow?
Q: When you use the word "part" in your spell ingredients what are you referring to?
Q: Why do some spells have spoken charms and others don't?
Q: What is a Balefire?
Q: What is placed on an altar?
Q: What are rituals used for?
Q: Do you leave your altar out for everyone to see?
Q: Do Witches use Holy Water and where does it come from?
Q: Is the Egyptian Tarot deck different and laid out differently?
Q: Isn't "Wiccan" just another word for "Satanist"?
Q: What is Theurgia and Goetia?
Q: Why do some people prefer to be called Witch and others like Wiccan better?
Q: If Wiccans don't believe in the devil, why is there one in a Tarot deck?
Q: If Wiccans are supposed to do no harm, is it okay to squish bugs?
Q: What is the difference between Kabbalah and Wicca?
Q: What kinds of candles are best to use?
A: Always try to get natural wax candles if possible. At the very least, steer clear of the artificially perfumed and chemically "enhanced" variety.
Q: What is it to anoint a candle?
A: To 'anoint' an object, basically means to rub or smear something on it. Anointing a candle is usually done to amplify or focus its energy on a specific task. It can be done with oils, powders, herbs, etc.
Q: Is there a difference between one shape of incense and another?
A: Other than the actual difference in shape? No. I've always though it was just a matter of preference. Some people like cone, others like the sticks. To avoid chemicals and artificial additives, others make their own and sometimes mold it into "non-commercial" shapes, or just use dried herbs thrown directly onto charcoal.
Q: Is there a correct way to light and extinguish a ritual candle?
A: It's all personal preference of course, but I use a specially anointed white candle to light all others. When I'm done, I either allow the ritual candle to burn itself out or I use a snuffer. It depends on the spell or ritual the candle was used in. What I never do is blow the candle out. In my practice, it's something of an affront to the spirits of the South to do that.
Q: When is the best time of day to pick herbs?
A: The best time to pick herbs is first thing in the morning, just after the dew has dried from its leaves. Herbs picked at this time seem to be the most flavourful and aromatic.
Q: How do I dry herbs?
A: There are different drying methods you can use, but the easiest is to hang them. Pick your herbs, remembering to leave long stems to bind them together. Rinse them under cool water to wash away any dirt or insects. Bind them together by the stem with twine. hang them upside-down in a dry warm place out of direct sunlight. This method can take up to 3 weeks before the leaves are brittle. Strip the leaves and store them in an airtight container away from the sun.
Q: What do you do when you need to pick plants for spells, etc.?
A: Anytime we go out into nature and take something for our own use we must always remember to thank the Mother for her generosity. Whenever possible, you should use matter that has already fallen to the ground. If you need to take something from a live plant, always thank it for its sacrifice, never take more than you absolutely need, and don't waste anything you've taken. I don't go out and remove entire living plants unless there is a good reason for it, and I never take so much that the plant is harmed.
Q: Is it okay to pick flowers for decorative use only?
A: First, why would any plant be used only for decorative use? The flowers I buy, or grow, are potted and living. I sometimes do buy cut flowers, but they never go to waste. When they are done blooming I save the petals and leaves and dry them for use in spells, potpourri, etc.
In the end, as long as nothing ultimately goes to waste, it's okay to pick flowers for decoration. Whatever you do, always remember to honour that which has given itself for your use (just like herbs, fruits, etc. that have been grown to be harvested need to be thanked for sustaining our lives).
Q: Is it okay if someone gives you cut flowers?
A: When I receive flowers I still treat them as I would any other flowers; I save and reuse whatever I can so that its sacrifice isn't wasted.
Q: Is it okay to pre-grind and store herbs over the Winter?
A: It is fine if you pre-grind your plants for storage over the winter. I would recommend that you store the ground plants by their parts - flower petals in one container, leaves in another, roots in a third. This will give you the option of using the individual portions when you need them.
If you are going to pre-grind your plants I would suggest you develop a generic blessing you can concentrate on while you grind. This will increase the plant's power, just like the blessings during the drying process.
Q: What do I do if I can't find all the herbs I need growing locally?
A: Unfortunately some ingredients will have to be bought from either a herbalist or an online supplier because they only grow naturally in remote parts of the world or are too difficult to grow locally. If you can't order them, then try to substitute for another plant of equal character or energy.
Q: Can I use plants that have been growing by the road-side?
A: Road-side plants are fine as long as they are not used in something you plan on eating or drinking. Wash them well before hanging them to dry.
You might try to transplant one of the plants to a location that's more isolated, like your garden. See if you can find somewhere with similar conditions and replant it there. If it takes hold and grows it will be safe to use next year in teas and foods as well.
Q: What are the different Sabbats?
A: There are eight Sabbats in a year - Referred to as the four Lesser Sabbats and four Greater Sabbats. They are:
Q: What are Esbats?
A: Esbats are celebrations held during the full moon. There are thirteen Esbats per year; one per month plus an extra (called the Blue Moon), which falls into a different month each year, giving that month two full moons. There are a number of different names used for the Esbats. I refer to them as:
Q: What is the second Dark Moon in a month called?
A: A second Dark Moon is referred to as a Sidhe Moon (pronounced "Shee") or a Fairy Moon. They, like the Blue Moon happen infrequently and are variable.
Q: What are the names of the Dark Moon?
A: There are a number of different names used for Faerie Moons. I refer to them much like those who follow the Faerie tradition do:
Q: How do Wiccans in the southern hemisphere celebrate Sabbats?
A: It's all based on the Wheel of the Year, the natural cycle of the seasons commemorated by the eight Sabbats. This calendar follows the seasons of the northern hemisphere, where the celebration of Sabbats originated.
Wiccans in the southern hemisphere usually celebrate the Sabbats on the opposite dates of the year (6 months apart from the northern dates), in order to follow the cycle of seasons where they live; i.e. an Australian Wiccan would celebrate Samhain on May 1, when a Canadian/American Wiccan would be celebrating Beltane.
Q: Do Wiccans who live in places with no seasonal change still celebrate Sabbats?
A: They sure do. No matter where you live, there is still a natural cycle that can be followed.
Q: Do you also believe in Hallows Eve?
A: Yes. Hallows Eve, also referred to as Samhain, is a time when we celebrate the lives and contributions of those who have gone before us. We honour them and seek their guidance and we bless them so they may rest in peace.
Q: Do you follow the Winter Solstice like the Pagans do?
A: Wiccans are considered Pagans (Those who follow or practice an earth-based or nature religion.). The Winter Solstice specifically is the day we celebrate the Sabbat called Yule, but we also celebrate many other dates throughout the year including the Esbats (full moons), and some Wiccans celebrate the dark moons as well.
Q: Why do I spell magic with a "k" at the end?
A: I spell it "magick" to distinguish it from the common use of the word, which refers to an illusion or slight of hand.
Q: How do you know which colors to use in which spells?
A: Associations are probably the hardest thing to remember. Which deity do you invoke / what herb / which stone. In this case we're looking at colours. Each colour has an associated "energy", which can be used in spells to improve their outcome. You discover which to use through study and practice, but to help you get started I've put together a basic colour guide available on the Resources Page.
Q: Why can't you place curses or hexes on people?
A: Never confuse self-control with inability. I'm fully capable of casting powerful spells, which would harm others; I choose not to. In my practice I firmly believe that the ill we do to others comes back on us three fold. I'm also of the opinion that no matter how bad a person's actions are, it's not my place to deal out retribution.
Q: Do Witches really use a broom?
A: Yes, but not in the manner popular entertainment depicts. Witches don't ride brooms through the air. A broom - properly referred to as a besom - is used to cleanse the circle before rituals or our homes to rid them of negative energy.
Q: Can you identify another Witch when you pass them on the street?
A: It's not like we give each other a wink or a secret handshake, but if I'm paying attention, yes I can tell. It has to do with our energy patterns. It's hard to explain; I can just feel the presence of another Witch.
Q: Do all spells have to be cast in a circle?
A: Nope. Personally, I still perform all my rituals and spells cast on Sabbats and Esbats in a circle, but where and how I cast spells on a daily basis are more flexible. Spells can be cast anywhere as long as you are able to concentrate and visualize on your goal adequately.
Q: Are all Wiccans vegetarian?
A: A number of the Wiccans I know are vegetarians to one degree or another. I personally am not. I am careful about the meats I consume however. For instance I look for poultry that has been kept free range, beef that has been 100% grain fed in a low yield herd from producers with responsible and ethical production practices, etc. I avoid any producer who has had a history of animal mistreatment and I do keep my consumption to a minimum.
Q: Is it okay for a Wiccan to wear leather or own a feather pillow?
A: I actually don't own much that is made of leather, no real furs, etc. If I can be certain that the animal that provided its skin was fully used (i.e., not just killed for its skin or feathers) then I'm not opposed to the use of it. Remember to never waste any part of what you have taken. Because it's difficult to know the fate of the animal (how it was kept, slaughtered and used) I don't usually buy those products. I don't think the slaughter of unconsumed animals is warranted (mink, chinchilla, etc.).
But regardless of whether the animal is consumed or worn, the most important thing in my practice is that the animal who has given its life is acknowledged and thanked for its sacrifice.
Q: When you use the word "part" in your spell ingredients what are you referring to?
A: When I use the word "part" in my spells it refers to a measurement. I use "part" so that you can determine how much of a mixture you need, and can easily adjust the proportions of the ingredients appropriately. For example, if you only need a small amount of a powder you can choose to use only a teaspoon. This means "1 part" = 1 teaspoon, and "3 parts" = 3 teaspoons. If you need a larger amount then "1 part" could equal 1 tablespoon, and "3 parts" would equal 3 tablespoons.
Q: Why do some spells have spoken charms and others don't?
A: Not all spells need to have a spoken charm. Some are very simple ones that use the natural power of the ingredients. You can add energy by creating and using a chant of your own.
Q: What is a Balefire?
A: Balefires are used in any meeting where magickal or ritual rites will be performed. When setting your balefire always keep basic fire hazard rules in mind! Woods used in Balefires are generally Cypress, Laurel or Oak. When lighting the branches, visualize the flames purifying and empowering all who near it.
Q: What is placed on an altar?
A: Well it generally depends on the ritual you are about to preform. I've created a little altar map which can be found on the Resources page, but any of the following items can be used:
Q: What are rituals used for?
A: Rituals are a time to connect with the God and Goddess. During rituals we ask for blessings and help working our spells, or just to honour the greatness that is all around us. We don't always cast a circle or do anything elaborate. Sometimes it's just a matter of looking at a flower and being thankful.
Q: Do you leave your altar out for everyone to see?
A: My altar is always in the same place, it's just that when there aren't any ritual materials on it, it just looks like regular furniture to anyone who happens to visit. Many of my ritual items also have secondary uses, so when I put them away, they don't attract attention either. It's not that I go out of my way to hide it. I just don't like people touching things on my altar, so I don't leave them there.
Q: Do Witches use Holy Water and where does it come from?
A: Yes some do, but not all. It depends on your beliefs and the rituals and spells you perform.
Some sources of Holy Water include:
Q: Is the Egyptian Tarot deck different and laid out differently?
A: There are many tarot decks in use, including several different Egyptian decks. The traditions behind each and the meanings of the cards can vary. The spread used depends on the reader and the answers being sought.
Q: Isn't "Wiccan" just another word for "Satanist"?
A: Absolutely NOT! Satanists are only interested in self-fulfillment and their own perceived superiority. They want power and self-gratification and are willing to step on others to get what they want or think they are entitled to.
Wicca on the other hand is about bettering the world and connecting to the God and Goddess through respect for nature, our fellow humans and ourselves. To harm none is considered to be one of our highest edicts (by most Wiccans anyway).
Q: What is Theurgia and Goetia?
A: Theurgia and Goetia are the two main types of magick. Theurgia (or white magick / high magick) is like the spiritual part of Wicca as a religion and magick in general. It's everything I do to align myself with the universal energies and with the God and Goddess themselves.
Goetia (or black magick / practical magick) is magick made to impact the physical world. Anytime you want to use magick to increase your luck, help a friend heal after surgery, or catch the eye of someone you favour is Goetia. I do these things, yes... What I don't touch are the "dark arts" so to speak. I won't curse another, send the spirits of the dead to do my bidding, or use magick to take away the free will of another, yet this is also Goetia.
They both come from a book called "Legemeton", which is another name for the Keys of Solomon. The Keys of Solomon contain all the names, offices, and orders of all the Spirits with whom Solomon ever had any contact with; together with the proper seals and characters for each Spirit, and the method of calling them forth. There are five parts:
These five books are split into The Lesser Key of Solomon and The Greater Key of Solomon. If you actually want to read The Keys of Solomon (along with a bunch of other interesting texts) you can find them here: http://www.liquidrealities.net/downloads.php.
Q: Why do some people prefer to be called Witch and others like Wiccan better?
A: Not all Witches are Wiccan. They may believe in Witchcraft but don't follow The Rede - though for the most part the rituals and beliefs are quite similar. Wiccans that don't like to be called Witch have a number of reasons for their preference, but the typical one I've come across is that it feels like the magick is given more importance over the faith.
Q: If Wiccans don't believe in the devil, why is there one in a Tarot deck?
A: The first tarot decks were created in Italy a very long time ago and were used as playing cards. At some point occultists in France and England began to think the deck had deeper powers and started using them for divination. Wiccans didn't create the tarot, but it is used for divination still. The devil in the deck is just a symbol. The Devil wields the power of materialism and the temptations of the flesh. It warns of violence and obsession, weakness and pettiness.
Q: If Wiccans are supposed to do no harm, is it okay to squish bugs?
A: It's true, we are not supposed to do harm. Even when we are threatened there is usually a way to defend ourselves without doing harm. This does include bugs. Nature is to be respected. Having said that, I have squished a bug or two in my time, but I do try to scoop them up and toss them outside when I can. If you are afraid of bugs, look into the use of natural repellents to keep them away.
Q: What is the difference between Kabbalah and Wicca?
A: The major difference is that Kabbalah is an aspect of Jewish mysticism. It deals with the speculation on the nature of divinity, the creation, the origin and fate of the soul, and the role of human beings. It consists of meditative, devotional, mystical and magical practices which were taught only to a select few and for this reason Kabbalah is regarded as an esoteric offshoot of Judaism. Wicca is not a part of Judaism and never has been though we, like most religions, are striving to find answers to many of the same questions. Wicca is a nature-based religion that centres on the connection of all things and the harmony between.
Another difference is the difficulty women within the Jewish faith have in studying Kabbalah. Because of traditional attitudes it's difficult to find a Rabbi prepared to teach it to a woman (in Hermetic Kabbalah women don't have the same difficulties). Wicca on the other hand is dominated by women and if you wish to study under a Priestess all you usually have to do is ask.
There are many similarities between the two - the casting of the circle, meditation, the use of the pentagram, etc. - but put very simply, we look at our God/Goddess differently.
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