What is Planet X?

Planet X is a recently discovered planet that is known to have come from the far reaches of our solar system and is now considered to be a great threat to the galaxy and most especially to the planet Earth. But what exactly do we know about this so called Planet X and how could it possibly destroy billions of living people and creatures here on Earth?

Planet X is also known as the planet Nibiru and was discovered by NASA in the early 1980s. The discovery was made by using state of the art infrared sensors that are equipped in their observatories and satellites. During that time, it was sited near the Milky Way's Kuiper belt and had then been considered to be a threat as it slowly travels towards the solar system. Planet X or more commonly known today as planet Nibiru 2012 has gained its momentum and is now known to be a couple of years shy away from making its destructive arrival here on earth, in 2012.

It is said that the effects of the arrival of Planet X, also known as the 12th planet, would be destructive. There are even those who say that the effects might be greater than those on the bible. These effects include billions of deaths, extreme natural disasters, famine, solar flares, wars and a lot more. Such devastating effects would happen when Planet X finally reaches the earth. This is why the imminent arrival of Planet X has been connected to a lot of end of the world prophecies, like the planetary alignment 2012 and Mayan 2012 prophecies.

The ancient Mayan calendar's long count cycle will end on December 21, 2012 and foretells of a big, devastating, mysterious and troubling end of the world as we all know it. This has caused a lot of people to believe that the arrival of Planet X would be the big, mysterious and troubling event that will happen. There are several ideas on how to prevent the arrival of Nibiru, such as the intervention theory, that has also been circulating as well as the usual band of skeptics, but considering the fact that the Mayan, Aztec and Sumerian culture is known worldwide for its great advancement in astronomy and mathematics, the prophecies attract more and more believers every day.

The ancient Mayan prophecy may be true, or it may be faulty but it does not belie the fact that Planet X is coming and as the days go by, slowly reveals itself as a threat to the planet's existence; the question now is, is there any way that we can stop it?

If you want to read more about Planet X, visit our 2012 Official Countdown website.

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Crystal Magic

Crystals and stones are sacred magical tools which help us to enhance rituals and magic. They are gifts of the Goddess and God. Some ways of Earth Magic with crystals and stones are:

Preparing The Circle

We can use the stones to mark our circle instead of using herbs. We begin and end at the North point, laying 7, 9, 21 or 40 quartz crystals around the circle, either inside the cord or in place of it. The points of the quartz crystals are placed facing outwards for a usual spiritual or magical nature, or facing inwards for a protective nature. Candles can be used to mark the four quarters of the magic circle in place of the large stones, but ring each candle with one or more of the following stones:

• North - Moss Agate, Emerald, Jet, Olivine, Salt, Black Tourmaline
• East - Imperial Topaz, Citrine, Mica, Pumice
• South - Amber, Obsidian, Rhodochrosite, Ruby, Lava, Garnet
• West - Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Jade, Lapis Lazuli, Moonstone, Sugilite

An Altar From Stone

The best way to make an altar from stone is to scour the dry river beds and seashores for a selection of smooth stones. You could alternatively buy from a rock shop. Create the altar with 3 large stones, 2 small ones as the base and a longer flat stone on top. Place 1 stone on the left to represent the Goddess. You could choose a stone of the Goddess.

Place a stone to the right to represent the God, a longer club shaped rock or choose a stone of the God.

Place a smaller stone in between the Goddess and God with a red candle to represent the element fire, and the devine energy from the Goddess and God.

Place a flat stone in front for offerings of wine, honey, cakes, flowers, fruit and semi precious stones.

If you can find a small cupped stone, place to the left of the offering stone and fill with water to represent the element.

Place another flat piece of rock to the left of the offering stone and pour some salt on to it to symbolize the element Earth.

You could place another flat stone in front of the offering stone to use as an incense burner.

Use a long quartz crystal as a wand and a flint or obsidan arrowhead for use as the magic knife.

Place any other tools required on the altar.

All Wiccan spells can be performed with this altar.

Stones of the Goddesses

Stones related to the Moon or Venus, Water and Earth stones should be used. Usually pink, green and blue stones.

• Aphrodite: salt
• Ceres: emerald
• Coatlicue: jade
• Cybele: jet
• Diana: amethyst, moonstone, pearl
• Freya: pearl
• The Great Mother: amber, coral, geodes, holed stones
• Hathor: turquoise
• Isis: coral, emerald, lapis lazuli, moonstone, pearl
• Kwan Yin: jade
• Lakshmi: pearl
• Maat: jade
• Mara: beryl, aquamarine
• Nuit: laps lazuli
• Pele: lava, obsidian, peridot, olivine, pumice
• Selene: moonstone, selenite
• Tiamat: beryl
• Venus: emerald, lapis lazuli, pearl

Stones of the God

Usually orange and red stones are used. Stones related to the Sun and Mars, Fire and Air ruled stones:

• Aesculapius: agate
• Apollo: sapphire
• Bacchus: amethyst
• Cupid: opal
• Dionysus: amethyst
• Mars: onyx, sardonyx
• Neptune: beryl
• Odin: holed stone
• Poseidon: beryl, pearl, aquamarine
• Ra: tigers eye
• Tezcatilpoca: obsidian

Cairns

Throughout the world , people used to build piles of stones to mark a historic event. These cairns had ritual significance. Cairns are places of power. Cairns are connected to the ground and face upwards to the sky to represent the connection between physical and spiritual.

Commonly during outdoor circles, a small cairn of 9 or 11 rocks were fashioned at each point of the Circle of Stones.

Visualize the Power of Stones

Sit in a lonely place where there are lots of stones. Visualize a magical need. Still visualizing, grab a stone. Feel the energy. Place on the ground. Pick up another and visualize the magic need and feel the power of the stone. Place next to the other stone on the ground. Keep visualizing and adding stones to your pile until you feel a vibration from the Earths energy and power within these stones. Place the last rock on top affirming your ritual intent. Place your hands either side of the pile and visualize your energy passing to these stones. Leave your cairn to do its work.

Crystal Healing Visit wiccan-rede.com Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill - an' it harm none, do what ye will. Blessed Be, Amethyst Hawke Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amethyst_Hawke

Wiccan Tools

Tools Used In Wicca

Just like most other religions, there are various tools and objects used for ritual purposes. They are used to invoke Deities, get rid of negativity and directing energy with our touch or intentions.

Most people will already associate a broom, cauldron and a magic wand with witches. While these do have there place within the Wiccan world, only Wiccans understand the real power associated with each. If you are just starting out, there is no need to spend great amounts of money on specialist items. These tools are symbolic so you can use what ever you like. You will find by making some of your own tools, you would feel more comfortable with the energy in you and your tool. That tool would be designed purposely for its use and for you.

Working with these tools and familiarizing yourself with their powers whilst adding your own energies into them, you will find that they become obvious and second nature. It can be quite difficult to acquire them but you will.

As you acquire each tool, clean it thoroughly to remove all associations and energies. Dry the tool and then bury it for a few days to remove any energies which were left. Dig it back p and wipe clean. It is now ready for your magic. You may choose to have a consecration ceremony for each tool if you desire.

The Broom

The broom is used in magic and ritual. Sacred to both the Goddess and God. Obviously Witches can't fly around on broomsticks. Witch persecutors invented this tale to show their alliance to dark powers. If this could be performed, it would be supernatural and regarded as the Devil in the eyes of Witches.

The broom is used today in Wicca. Before a ritual, the area either inside or out, may be swept with the magical broom before setting up the altar. The sweeping is more of a physical cleansing. The broom doesn't even need to touch the ground. Just by visualizing, the broom removes the astral buildup to purify the area before a ritual.

The broom is a purifier and is therefore linked with the element Water. It can be used in all water spells including love and psychic workings.

The old magical formula for making a broom is an ash (protective) staff, birch (purifying) twigs with a willow (sacred to the Goddess) binding. It doesn't really matter what kind of tree or bush you use. It can be as small or as large as you like. Just remember to thank the tree for its sacrifice to you!

Wiccan and pagan handfastings often include leaping over the broom during the ceremony.

The Wand

Utilized for thousands of years, the wand is used to direct energy, to draw magical symbols on the ground, to point towards danger and stirring the cauldron. The wand is one of the prime magical tools. Traditionally wands were made from various woods such as willow, elder, oak, apple, peach, hazel, cherry and more. Some Wiccans measure from the elbow to the tip of the forefinger and cut back their wand to that size. You could even use dowel, but I recommend you find and create one rather than buying. A wand will come to you as will most of your tools.

The Censer

The censer is an incense burner. During a Wiccan rite the censer hold the smoldering incense. When no particular incense has been requested for a certain ritual or spell, then pick your own. Most Wiccans favor the granulated incense but sticks and cones will be fine. Spirits are sometimes asked to appear visible in the smoke from the censer during ceremonial magic, not in Wicca though. Wiccans often reports seeing the Goddess and God in the rising smoke.

When performing a Wiccan ritual indoors, you must use incense, whereas outside you may use a fire. The censer represents the element Air. The censer can be used for fumigating and smudging, purifying, raising power, trance like states, banishing evil spirits, encouraging and welcoming spirits.

The Cauldron

The cauldron is an ancient vessel of cooking and brew making. The cauldron is highly mysterious and steeped in magical tradition. Wicca sees the cauldron as a symbol for the womb of the Goddess. Its symbolic of the element Water, reincarnation, immortality, inspiration and the essence of femininity and fertility. It is the main focal point during a ritual.The cauldron is used for burning, fertility magic, lunar magic, brewing herbs and potions.

Cauldrons can be found in all sizes from a few inches to three feet across. Ideally, it would be made of iron with three legs. Most Wiccans today, who live in the city, use their own pots and pans and their kitchen. Don't look too hard for a cauldron, they are quite hard to find, but if you need one, be patient and the Goddess and God might ensure it will come to you.

Athame

An athame represents the element Fire or Air depending on tradition. It is used for ceremonial purposes with male energy and symbolizes animus. The most important tool of the witches collection and should be sought after with conviction. It would be better to find or acquire it rather than buying unless you spotted it at a flea market etc and you knew you just had to have it. There are some nice letter openers out there which will do the trick. The athame is used for mixing, inscribing, charging, consecrating, empowering, drawing lines, making choices.

White Handled Knife

This knife is purely practical and not a ritualistic knife. It is used for cutting wands, herbs, cords and inscribing into candles or wood etc. It must be kept apart from the rest of the household and used only in preparation for rituals.

Crystal Sphere

The crystal quartz sphere is an ancient magical tool and is very expensive depending on the size. There are plenty of cheaper glass and leaded glass ones on the market today. The crystal is used in contemplative divination where the diviner gazes into the ball until images are revealed either in the mind or projected to the depths of the crystal.

Sometimes, in Wiccan ritual, the crystal sphere is placed on the altar to represent the Goddess. The crystal may be used to store energy raised in ritual or even receive messages from the Gods. Some Wiccans scry in the crystal to call up images of past lives and of the Goddess. It is a magical object which must be closely guarded.

Exposure to moonlight, rubbing the crystal with mugwort, will increase its ability for our psychic powers. It may also be the center of Full Moon rituals.

The Chalice / The Cup

Simply a cauldron with a stem. May contain the ritual beverage or just water. You could sit it on your altar to remind you of your blessings, washing and refilling it periodically as the water evaporates.

The Pentacle

Usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wood, wax, clay or even glass inscribed with symbols. The most common and the only necessary is the five pointed star which has been used for magic for millenia. The pentacle represents the element Earth, and can be used to place items upon it ready for consecration. It can be used to summon the Goddesses and Gods.

Pentacles can be hung with the star pointing upwards over doors and windows for protection.

The five points represent any of the following:

• birth, initiation, consummation, repose, death
• love, wisdom, knowledge, law, power
• spirit, air, water, earth, fire
• spirit, water, fire, earth, air

The Book of Shadows

The Wiccan workbook contains invocations, rituals, spells, runes and notes. Some Books of Shadows are passed on but most are composed by each individual. Traditionally, a Book of Shadows is hand written but nowadays computer written is fine. Use a Book of Shadows as a collection of notes you wish to keep for reference as you progress through life. Never feel tied down to other Books of Shadows, they are not "holy writ". You are free to use and change anything you like.

The Bell

The ringing of the bell has powerful effects depending on its volume, tone and construction material. The bell is often used to invoke the Goddess during ritual. The bell can be used to ward off evil and evoke good energies. Hanging a bell above a door guards the home. Sometimes bells are rung during rituals to mark the beginning or the end of a spell.

Witchcraft Secrets Visit wiccan-rede.com Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill - an' it harm none, do what ye will. Blessed Be Amethyst Hawke Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amethyst_Hawke

What is a Wiccan Book of Shadows?

A Wiccan Book of Shadows is one of the most vitally important of all possessions to anyone who practises the faith. Whether personal or designed for group use, it holds spells, thoughts and tracks your betterment along your chosen path. However, it is because it is so personal a possession that it can be hard for the beginner to understand what it's all about! So whether you are wanting to start your own Wiccan Book of Shadows or are looking to find out information on other examples of ones, here are some of the basics, written to help inspire you.

What is a Wiccan Book of Shadows?
A Wiccan Book of Shadows, is a journal or collection of spells, rituals, thoughts, observations, poetry and anything else that is relevant to the individual or group that own it. It represents a journey of growth and so therefore must always be kept truthful and all contributors must be respected. It may a single, large book but it can also be written in volumes.

Is There a Main Wiccan Book of Shadows?
There is no, one definitive Book of Shadows - there is no equivalent of the Bible or Quran for example. However, the Gardnerian Book of Shadows is seen by many as the main, central work and many covens work from this even if they have made adjustments of their own. Very similar is also the Alexandrian Book of Shadows which is followed by witches of this tradition.

Do I Need to Keep My Own Wiccan Book of Shadows?
Regardless of whether or not you intend to perform spells a, Book of Shadows is a very important accompaniment to your studies and development. So how you should you develop yours?

1)If you want something with the right mood, to have a feel of significance you can go for an ornate pre-made Wiccan Book of Shadows. These are available to buy and can come in a variety of designs, including with Wiccan symbols on the front. The pages inside are blank and ready for you to get started.

2) However, this isn't always necessary as you can also make do with a notepad or ring binder. You can decorate this as you wish, for example with pictures of things that are important to you on the cover. Whatever you want and whatever makes you feel connected to it - it's your special place. Maybe have a less 'fancy' one for every day work and another one for the more significant facts, points, spells, festival rituals etc.

3) You may honour a particular God or Goddess as part of your faith and your Book of Shadows is a good place to develop your rituals and keep any of the messages and private thoughts that you may wish to send out to your chosen deity. Pictures, drawings or poems can help give your journal structure and tie all of your thoughts together - the 'personality' of the God or Goddess will help to inspire you.

Above all, your Wiccan Book of Shadows is free to be whatever you want it to be. Treat it as a companion and a friend and you'll soon find you'd be lost without it!

For free spells and all things Wiccan and witchcraft, come to my blog at http://frans-free-spells.blogspot.com/

Take care and blessings to you.

Francesca

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A Brief Wiccan Beginner's Guide

A Wicca beginner's guide will only ever be able to whet your appetite and give you the basics on what is a rich and complex faith and way of life. This is not only due to the huge amount of reading material out there but actually it's also because of the deeply personal and flexible nature of Wicca. No two Wiccans ever practise in exactly the same way. So if you've ended up here due to an overload of info, this Wicca Beginner's Guide aims to give you the confidence to take your first tentative steps and makes some suggestions on what those steps should be.

Wicca or Witchcraft?

Wiccan and witchcraft actually have the same roots and in fact Wicca is a neopagan form of witchcraft that branched off to avoid being stigmatised after the centuries of persecution of witches. This leaves a lot of room for personal choice in the way you practise. Many prefer to stick to the ancient ways as much as possible (although there is a lot of dispute as to how much we know of what is genuine and what isn't), while others opt for a modern version. An example of this would be that most modern Wiccans choose to write spells in the modern tongue in order to avoid misinterpretation of the wording. However, what binds them all is usually an adherence to the original values. The powers of the universal elements that were honoured by our forbearers are still cardinal.

The Pentacle - The Symbol of Wicca

No good Wicca Beginner's Guide could fail to include the 5 pointed Wiccan symbol of the pentacle. This represents the universal elements of air, fire, earth, water and the spirit. These respected powers are both honoured and also garnered in spell work and rituals, each giving their unique characteristics to your spell. Take the time to study these and you will find much of what Wicca is truly about starts to become clear.

The Wiccan Rede & Three Fold Law

Sadly some people still associate 'the dark arts' with Wicca and so I feel this Wicca Beginner's Guide should address this by stating that the 2 main rules actively discourage this. There are very few rules to Wicca and few would have it any other way. However, a Wicca Beginner's Guide should most certainly include what could be described as the Wicca code of conduct - the Wiccan Rede, which goes "An ye harm none, do as you will". It is a simple but powerful morality which asks that you do not bring harm upon yourself or to others, and with this request met, you are free to do as you please.

The three fold law states that the energy you give out will come back to you but with three times the force. If your act or deed is one of kindness, this will be returned to you multiplied by three. If your actions or intentions are harmful, you should consider the outcome seriously.

Spells

It is very common for those who seek out a Wicca Beginner's Guide to actually be looking for info on spells! And it's no surprise, this being one of the most exciting aspects of Wicca. Spells are not actually essential and many choose not to work with them but for those who do, it is more about learning how to work in tune with the natural energies, to respect the elements around us, rather than creating miracles. Spell casting should be an emotional response rather than a desire to control.

It is very important to start off with something simple. This will give you the right grounding in what works for you and what your particular skills are. It is fine to use spells written by others but writing your own spells should be what you are aiming for so don't be afraid to make small adjustments here and there in order to make it more personal and therefore more effective. Find the right combination of ingredients, tools and wording that speaks to you and you will find you progress so much more quickly.

I hope you have found some useful suggestions here in this basic Wiccan Beginner's Guide. All that remains to be said is merry meet and welcome to you!

For more free spells and info on witchcraft and Wiccan in general, please visit my personal blog - http://frans-free-spells.blogspot.com/.

If you are looking for Wicca and witchcraft supplies and ingredients, new age gifts as well as fun and unusual items, you are welcome to come to our online store http://www.destinycharms.co.uk.

Blessings,
Francesca

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Witchcraft for Beginners - The Basics of the Art

Do you like watching or doing magic? If you do, there are possibilities that you are inclined towards magic as well as witchcraft. No wonder Harry Potter has become so popular! If you do have that inclination towards this sort of entertainment, it simply means that you might want to learn witchcraft. Witchcraft, in the very initial stage, is called witchcraft for beginners and is one of the most basic steps for anyone who wishes to learn the art of witch crafting.

There is a common misconception among people who are very religious and also some people who do not know much about witchcrafts. However, this has to be taken in mind that witchcraft is also an art and most of the witches or people who are practicing witchcraft for beginners are good at heart and do not constantly nurture cruel intentions.

However, before you take upon yourself to learn witchcraft, you must have the inner strength within yourself. This is of utmost significance since you can use this to your own advantage even while in the learning process, and also once you have mastered the art of witchcraft. One of the best ways to do is to meditate. Meditation is one of the most effective and trusted ways to keep yourself in sync with your inner self. Witchcraft requires you to commit yourself to the art completely, and this also means that if you wish to desire the use all the benefits of witchcraft, you will have to dedicate yourself to the demands of the art.

If you are beginner in witchcraft, the first thing that you need to do is to gain all the information about it. This must include even the minutest details. It is necessary to do so since this will give you an idea about what witchcraft really are; it's requirements, benefits and even its disadvantages. Buy some books or put the internet to its use to find information about the topic. After you think you have the preliminary knowledge, you can move on to some advanced topics like chanting mantras, casting spells, healing, meditation and also astrology.

Spell casting can be done in a number of ways. You can either use a spell that has originally been written by someone else, or you can just make up one of your own. However, it must be mentioned that your own spells will work better for you than the ones created by someone other than you. Writing a spell in not a very difficult task, and this is true even if you are only a beginner in witch crafting.

Witchcraft also requires you to learn about a variety of other topics. These include the importance of the various colors of candles, crystals, oils, incenses and also herbs. The information that you gain hereafter can be helpful when you are about to create a spell.

Witchcraft for beginners might seem slightly difficult, however, meditation and practicing will help you gain perfection at it. The only thing that you must always keep in mind is that you should always have good intentions when learning the art, and never think of using it to harm other people.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=April_Swanson

Top 3 Signs That Your House May Be Haunted

Many individuals that experience unusual phenomenon in their homes often ask themselves, "Is my house haunted?" The truth of the matter is, since the release of popular televised shows such as the Ghost Hunters TV show, A Haunting, and Ghost Adventures, many individuals are starting to attest unusual sounds, strange smells, unexplained fluctuations in temperatures, and even electrical complications to be real ghosts in their home. While all of these are signs of a potential haunting, it is important to know that they could be related to common issues typically experienced by a homeowner. In this guide, you will be introduced to the top 3 signs that your house may be haunted.

1. As mentioned previously, many individuals that believe their house is haunted have typically experienced some type of electrical fluctuation in the home. There are many different situations that could result in this type of activity. Examples include faulty wiring, issues with the electrical wiring running to the home, faulty circuit breakers, and even malfunctioning equipment. If you experience fluctuations in electricity or with appliances that are powered by electricity, it is important to have a professional electrician come in to determine if there is an issue. If no problem can be detected, your house may be haunted.

2. Many individuals that believe their house is haunted may experience terrifying situations such as seeing furniture and other belongings levitating, observing apparitions that are half body or full body, and even observing items being thrown around in the home. On the most part, there are very few explanations associated with these types of activities. If you have seen these types of activities in your home, there is a very good chance that there is a spiritual explanation.

3. In many cases where a person feels as if their home is haunted, they will have stated that they have experienced a personal physical attack of some type. The person may find scratch marks on their body, they may become extremely sick for no reason at all, and may even suffer from other physiological and psychological complications.

Naturally, the top 3 signs identified in this guide are among the most serious that may be experienced when a home is haunted. Do you find yourself asking, "Is my house haunted?", if so, it may be time to refer to a group of ghost investigators so that a ghost study may be conducted.

This author takes an avid interest in the paranormal and other types of entertainment. She enjoys writing, researching, and working field investigations concerning the paranormal. If you would like to read more on the paranormal and other unsolved mysteries of the world, visit her website today: Greatest Unsolved Mysteries

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