Something I’ve really come to notice from my reading and learning (along with personal stuff in general), is the use of fear within initiation, whether it be to a coven/group or performed by spirits.
The idea of going out in the middle of the night, going to a specific spot, performing a simple ritual, then waiting for the sun to rise. A good example of this is with the Logan Stone rite and the Fairy Wart Tree rite found in folkloric examples.
I was curious if anyone had any thoughts in regards as fear being a tool and factor within witchcraft?
I haven’t come across this myself (lack of experience and research) but I do think fear revolves around witchcraft regardless.
A witch is “supposed” to be fearless; or to be the one that strikes fear in others. Supposed to walk alone in a forest and be what lurks in the night – not be wary of it. Just up and get personal with spirits and beings like it’s no big deal.
Lots of people fear witchcraft. Fear the practice will lead to hell or damnation. Fear that it’s all curses and maledictions.
I can only imagine that if witches are supposed to be fearless, that they have to overcome fear to rightfully gain the title. So yeah…I would gather that rites and initiations are sometimes meant to utilize fear as a catalyst for growth, change or title.
Definitely this. Even the title itself, is one that can inspire fear. Not so much today (not saying that it still doesn’t happen. It does), but back in the day, with the Witchcraft acts, calling yourself a witch and practicing was illegal. You could be ridiculed, shamed, and punished.
A fantastic example of this is with The Devil, though it is /somewhat/ losing the fear it once had. It’s a scary thing to say out loud. People are deterred by the fear it has, so they don’t pursue any further. For some (and myself), it is why the Devil is seen as a holder of secrets and the great initiator.
Another fantastic example, is a ritual initiation where the initiate is “kidnapped” (the initiate is told this will happen, but not of when and how, and gives consent), bound and blindfolded. He then is taken to a strange place, stripped naked, then meets the Devil. In the ritual, he has to touch and kiss the Devil’s hoof.
This is neither a curse, nor a hex, as it does not return
the pain caused (though it can easily be reformatted to do so), but simply
makes the aggressor aware of it. More than that, it is to force them to
understand the pain caused. Do not be wary of its simplicity, for its effects
are tried and true.
Gather
A large bowl – the darker in color the better **
Water **
(Optional, though highly recommended): a personal affect of
your aggressor)
(Optional: a Candle, black or white)
** Alternately, you can replace the bowl and water for a
mirror or other scrying surface of your choosing
Instructions
Take with you your items to a dark room. Light the candle
(or another dull light source) and pour your water into the bowl. The goal is
to arrange it so that you cannot see through the water, but can only see the
reflection on its surface.
When you have found the perfect lighting, take the personal
affect in your left hand and “find” them in the water. You want to use the
affect to attune to their spirit/energy so that you can “see” them. Keep
working until you have a definitive link. You will know it when you have it.
Once the link has been made, using your right hand, dip your
fingers into the water (hence why the bowl of water is preferred) – this represents their subconsciousness.
Bring forth the incident in which you were wrong and “place alongside” it, your
own pain. Not in such a way as to inflict the pain, but to make them aware of
your own. If you find it easier, feel free to speak what they have done aloud and
the results of their actions. “This is what you have done.”
When you have said your peace and shown them what they need
to see, break the link by flicking the water from your fingers onto the surface
and releasing the personal affect from your hand. Pour out the water wherever
convenient and do with the personal affect whatever you feel is appropriate.
There is no need to destroy or get rid of it – in fact, you may wish to hold
onto it for any further work.
Hair, bodily fluids, nail clippings, cigarette butts, handwriting, their clothing/jewelry/etc. If all else fails, a name paper will do, but for this ritual, you can forego the affect altogether.
You can find them without! It’s not too difficult, honestly.
This is neither a curse, nor a hex, as it does not return
the pain caused (though it can easily be reformatted to do so), but simply
makes the aggressor aware of it. More than that, it is to force them to
understand the pain caused. Do not be wary of its simplicity, for its effects
are tried and true.
Gather
A large bowl – the darker in color the better **
Water **
(Optional, though highly recommended): a personal affect of
your aggressor)
(Optional: a Candle, black or white)
** Alternately, you can replace the bowl and water for a
mirror or other scrying surface of your choosing
Instructions
Take with you your items to a dark room. Light the candle
(or another dull light source) and pour your water into the bowl. The goal is
to arrange it so that you cannot see through the water, but can only see the
reflection on its surface.
When you have found the perfect lighting, take the personal
affect in your left hand and “find” them in the water. You want to use the
affect to attune to their spirit/energy so that you can “see” them. Keep
working until you have a definitive link. You will know it when you have it.
Once the link has been made, using your right hand, dip your
fingers into the water (hence why the bowl of water is preferred) – this represents their subconsciousness.
Bring forth the incident in which you were wrong and “place alongside” it, your
own pain. Not in such a way as to inflict the pain, but to make them aware of
your own. If you find it easier, feel free to speak what they have done aloud and
the results of their actions. “This is what you have done.”
When you have said your peace and shown them what they need
to see, break the link by flicking the water from your fingers onto the surface
and releasing the personal affect from your hand. Pour out the water wherever
convenient and do with the personal affect whatever you feel is appropriate.
There is no need to destroy or get rid of it – in fact, you may wish to hold
onto it for any further work.
While not necessarily a separate entity, da Lixeira is the aspect of Rosa Caveira that Devours. It is she who feeds on the negativity and purges it with her sulphuric fires. She is ecstatic, she is ferocious and she is cleansing.
She appears (to me) in the form of a woman – tall and lean with large, black, ringlet curls and tanned skin. While her features are soft (like the other aspects) her expression is pointed. She exudes a white hot-force that crackles in the air, and uses her long, sharp nails to rip at those who dare face her. Her eyes beat savage – primal, vibrating – and a terrifying smile plays at her lips.
Heavy, beat-ladden music is best when working with her, as it seems to both heighten and focus her otherwise chaotic energy.
**not to be confused with Maria Mulambo da Lixeira**
Just as the title suggests, this is a very simple spell to garner truth from the one who conceals it. This is very straightforward and requires few ingredients, though if you wish to delve deeper and put forth a bit more work, I recommend appealing to Rahab, who can find truth in any matter or a Pomba Gira Cigana.
Gather
Salt
White Fabric
An envelope (or bottle)
Solomon Seal Root
Violet Stems
Instructions
Take your white fabric and cut it into a shape vaguely resembling a tongue and mark thereon the above symbol. While performing the following, proceed chanting the following incantation:
Through the mirror I see – Through the cloud I see – Through the mask I see – Speak it.
Place half of the violet stems horizontally upon the symbol side of the tongue and the root atop the stems, then roll the tongue into a “scroll.” Tie it up and place it into a small envelope that has been primed with powdered Solomon Seal and violet stems as well as enough salt to cover the scroll once within. Allow this to “marinate” for 3 days, as which time retrieve the “scroll” and wear it about the neck as a visible charm. Use the remaining powder to dust the tracks of he/she you wish to be honest with you.
The Qedavian Apocrypha 