There are a number of ways to explore topics, and sometimes your themes might even help you find a way to explore. In one group, we all created our own individual rune system using symbols from our respective lives and our mutual group mind. To me, that was a much more effective way of understanding runes than using a manufactured set of runes. Another time, we meditated on what we knew of the Tarot and created a card that would represent ourselves.
Another approach is to explore different meditation techniques in relationship to the theme. Perhaps breath meditation during a meeting exploring air or an air sign, shamanic drumming and power allies during a meeting exploring the Chinese zodiac, or time spent creating chants, writing, or dancing. There are lots of possibilities.
While all of this is fun and meant to be fun, many of the revelations can be intense, sad, or even heart-breaking. By building in solid techniques for grounding, checking in, and releasing these energies, you can make sure that the intensity doesn’t become disastrous. Sometimes it’s as simple as providing a tissue; other times, it’s being there with a listening ear, a grounding meditation, or a shoulder to cry on.
A long time ago, I was part of a religious study group. After each lesson, we each came up with an application, something the lesson brought to the foreground that we would carry with us and use in the world. It could be very simple. One of mine was based on the preciousness of water, and my application was to turn off the water as I brushed my teeth. It honored the earth, the gods, and me. Developing an application from the lesson became a transformative way to make sure we didn’t just forget information from meeting to meeting—a way to remember that the lessons we learned were meaningful and would change our lives. Encouraging people to think in this way can be as simple as asking what their application of the lesson might be. During the next meeting’s check-in session, follow up on those applications.
A new moon group will ebb and flow just as the moon herself does. At some time you may need to end the group or change its form. Remember: the moon calls the waves to rise and fall in rhythm with her wisdom. Seek the joy of her love and reflect it in your own sense of fun and belonging.
Gail Wood has been sewing and embroidering since the second grade. She comes from a long line of practical women who sewed, quilted, and knitted as an expression of love and a way to stretch the budget. She has been a priestess of Wicca for more than 25 years. She can be reached at [email protected] or through her website at www.rowdygoddess.com.
Illustrator: Kathleen Edwards
The Art of Magickal
Care Packages
Blake Octavian Blair
We live in a time when we have the ability to send communication at the touch of a finger through technology such as email and text message. But sometimes a bit more personal and tangible touch is called for. We like to know that others are thinking of us not only in times of need, but also just because they care. This is why sending magickal care packages can be such a joy and a great form of reaching out to foster and strengthen a sense of community, both locally and beyond.
The reasons to send a magickal care package are as numerous as the items you can include in them. Your reason for sending the package will help you determine what to include in the parcel. At this point, you may be asking yourself, “What exactly makes a care package magickal?” The answer is, of course, you! The energies and intentions you put into the process of choosing, creating, gathering, and packing the items create a great amount of magickal energy.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might send a magickal care package to someone, as well as a few ideas of what kind of items you may choose to include. One of the most obvious reasons would be to send well wishes and healing energy to a person recovering from an illness, medical condition, or surgery. Other ailments can include the loss of loved ones (animal or human), the loss of one’s job, or if a person you know is going through a particularly rough emotional patch. As witches we are well aware of the effectiveness of sending directed healing energy, and a care package is a tangible manifestation of this power. A wonderful inclusion in this type of package would be a candle that has been anointed with a healing oil such as lavender or eucalyptus, carved with healing symbols, and charged with healing energy. Perhaps one could also employ their kitchen witch skills to bake the person a batch of scrumptious lavender cookies, visualizing their healing during the baking process. Other items that lend themselves well to healing packages include crystals and gemstones that correspond to the ailment and area of the body that is in need of healing, such as bloodstone for the circulatory system/heart/kidneys or labradorite for problems relating to the digestive tract. Clear quartz crystals can be programmed with any intent you wish. Let’s also not forget that healing and soothing teas like green tea and chamomile tea make an excellent gift.
The acquisition of a new home is another wonderful opportunity to let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them. A person’s home is their sanctuary, refuge, and temple. Creating a magickal housewarming package can be especially fun as you choose items to help lend your
