The WItches Compass and Spring Equinox

Hello Everyone,

Well after being in my cave with no inspiration through Imbolc I have returned with a lovely blog for all to read. 

Being involved in public rituals on the Sabbats has opened my eyes to many wondrous things and beautiful people , yet with spring comes a re-awakening in my heart to share information with you all again after a small hiatus and busy with the small business of incense making.

It is here, the birds are singing mating calls and the leaves are appearing on the trees with the yellows and oranges of daffodils along the roads. Spring has sprung and thoughts of Eostre and lady spring are with us all. We find ourselves planning for the summer and Beltane. A favourite Sabbat among many of us as it marks the start of the summer months.

Therefore I want to write about many different experiences I have had at many different open rituals and talk about The Witches compass. This blog is not saying what is right but is just to give those who may find different practices strange a little info on a tool used in everyday magic.

The Witches compass is known as a tool used in casting a circle for magical and ceremonial practices. Four elements stand at their designated quarters and draw in on the essence of their elements to cast open a circle for protection whilst in ritual or performing magical rites.

The most widely used and most known compass is the wiccan compass which is as follows:-

  • North - Earth
  • East - Air
  • South - Fire
  • West - Water
This is done imagining that you physically draw a compass on the ground. looking down on the ground from above, a birds eye view if you like on the compass. Many people use this one in open rituals because it is well known and documented, Are there others? surely this is the only one? well no there is another I want to talk about.

The Traditional Witches compass.

Imagine instead of drawing the compass from above but holding it out in front of you it would look like this image here.
 
You see North is pointing upwards as if to the sky and south is pointing to the ground as if to earth itself. the sun rises over the hills in the east and sets over water in the west, there is an incline into what the compass points here are.

  • North - Air
  • East - Fire
  • South - Earth
  • West - Water
Gemma Gary explains in her book Traditional Witchcraft - A Cornish book of ways, beautifully how to work with this compass. The animal totems and symbols used within this compass and how it works in a ritualistic sense. I will post a link to the author's book at the end of this blog.
 (Image copyright Gemma Gary 2011)

There are many other ways of The Witches compass, Avalonian Tradition is different again and its more about the intent of your actions with the compass and what fits right for you. As I always state there is no wrong or right in the craft, and for me personally it is the traditional compass that works for me.

So have a look try the different ways of looking at the compass for your rituals and magic and if you want any more information I will leave links at the bottom of the page.

I help out with The Circle of the Sacred Moon in Solihull Birmingham UK and this year for equinox we had a beautiful labyrinth made by Priestesses of Avalon, The Goddess temple had wand making and a lovely market stall with wonderful merchants. A stunning ritual to end it all in the woods and a coming together of people from all paths which is beautiful and humbling.

I hope you have found this blog useful and any questions leave a comment.

Sigrid Skadi

Link to the book by Gemma Gary - http://www.troybooks.co.uk/traditional-witchcraft.html




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