Invoking Fire


Fire is the Element of the south and is usually
represented by a candle or a cauldron with a
fire inside. Its colour is red and its associations
are to do with power, determination and
passionate energy.
You would call upon this Element for
protection from evil forces, cleansing and
creativity. The quality associated with Fire is
‘doing’ and it is a male principle. It is the third
quarter or cardinal point on which you call for
protection when working in a magical circle.
Without salamanders, the spirit of Fire, it is
said that physical fire cannot exist. They have
been seen as sparks or small balls of light, but

most often they are perceived as being lizardlike in shape and about 30 cm or more in length.
They are considered the strongest and most
powerful of all the Elementals. As nature spirits
they are greatly affected by the way that
mankind thinks. Out of control, salamanders
can be considered dangerous.

Three Fires

Three fires are burning within me,
three fires, no less and no more;
three flames are flickering in me
that drive me and dance at my core.

The first is faith, the bright lantern
with a steady beacon of light
that shines on the path I wander
to guide me by day and by night.

The second is poetry´s madness,
three blazing horns in my head,
that spark off rapturous gladness
when words to wod are wed.

Love´s third, the ardent desire
where self to Self is burned;
I willingly mount the pyre
where Embla to Ash is turned.

Three fires are burning within me,
In my head, in my heart, in my soul,
three brands are raging in me
and all they consume, they make whole.

“Fire Faerie Phoenix”

In the realm where the flames of magic danced and the air crackled with energy, there lived a faerie named Phoenix. With wings that glowed with the colors of a vibrant inferno and eyes that held the intensity of a blazing star, Phoenix was a master of the element of fire. Yet, her mastery extended beyond conjuring flames – she understood the deeper symbolism of fire, the power of transformation, and the necessity of letting go.

Phoenix spent her days amidst the heart of a fiery forest, where the flames danced in intricate patterns that mirrored the secrets of the cosmos. She would stand at the edge of the flames, her fingers trailing through the sparks, as she harnessed the energy of fire to illuminate the path of those who sought her guidance.

Guided by an ancient wisdom, Phoenix learned that fire was not merely a destructive force, but a symbol of renewal and rebirth. She understood that just as flames consumed the old to give birth to the new, so too must individuals release the burdens of the past in order to welcome the limitless potential of the future.

One day, a troubled faerie named Ember approached Phoenix, her wings flickering with the weight of her sorrows. “Phoenix,” Ember said, her voice tinged with desperation, “I carry the weight of past mistakes and regrets. How can I move forward when the ashes of my past continue to smolder?”

Phoenix turned her fiery gaze towards Ember and offered a comforting smile. “Dear Ember,” she began, “fire teaches us that in order for the new to arise, we must release the old. Just as flames consume the wood to make way for new growth, you too must symbolically or even literally burn away what no longer serves you.”

With Ember’s consent, Phoenix guided her through a powerful ritual. They stood before a controlled blaze, and Ember offered the memories and burdens that weighed her down to the fire. As the flames consumed her offerings, Ember felt a sense of liberation, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her heart.

In the days that followed, Ember continued to work with Phoenix, learning to release the shackles of the past and embrace the transformative power of fire. As she let go of old patterns, beliefs, and regrets, Ember felt a newfound sense of freedom and vitality. Her wings glowed with a renewed energy, and her spirit burned brighter than ever before.

Ember’s transformation did not go unnoticed, and other faeries began to seek Phoenix’s guidance. They, too, yearned to release the burdens of their pasts and ignite the flames of transformation within. Under Phoenix’s watchful eye, they learned to work with fire as a sacred tool, symbolically burning away what no longer served them and making space for the seeds of new beginnings to take root.
As the faeries embraced the teachings of Phoenix, the fiery forest itself seemed to come alive with a renewed energy. The flames danced in vibrant patterns, weaving stories of release and rebirth in their fiery choreography.

Beyond the realm of faeries, Phoenix’s message spread like wildfire, touching the hearts of humans who sought transformation and healing. They, too, learned to embrace the wisdom of fire, releasing the past and stepping into a future illuminated by the flames of renewal.

And so, Phoenix, the faerie who worked with the element of fire and understood the importance of letting go, continued to inspire the realm and beyond. Through her guidance, the faeries and beings of all kinds learned that just as fire transformed and renewed, so too could they release the old and ignite the flames of transformation within their own lives. Through the sacred dance of fire, they discovered the beauty of rebirth and the infinite possibilities that awaited on the other side of letting go. 

Fire Dust”


“Fire Dust” is created by grinding several ingredients with a mortar and pestle. (If you don’t own one, breaking up the items with your hands works too!)
You can sprinkle a pinch of your own personal mixture to water spells to enhance your inner fire. You are free to add this to your bath, tea, or food. (Please look into more information on certain herbs if you are unsure about them.)
Here are some main ingredients. The following are usually involved with the Fire element.

Herbs
Basil- Love, Protection, Wealth
Bay- Healing, Enhances Psychic Powers, Protection, Purification, Strength
Cinnamon- Healing, Enhances Psychic Powers, Spirituality, Success
Clove- Love, Money, Protection
Coriander- Healing, Health, Love
Cumin- Protection
Juniper- Health, Love, Protection
Rue- Enhances Mental Powers, Healing, Health, Love
Rosemary- Healing, Love, Mental Powers, Protection, Purification
Saffron- Happiness, Healing, Love, Power, Strength
Sage- Protection, Wisdom, Wishes
Thyme- Courage, Healing, Health, Love, Purification, Sleep

Flowers
Rose- Divination, Healing, Love, Luck, Protection, Enhances Psychic Powers
Sunflower- Fertility, Health, Wisdom, Wishes
Poppy- Fertility, Love, Luck, Money
Hibiscus- Divination, Love

(Or any petals that are white, red, orange, or yellow. Leaves of the same colors work too)

Incense
Dragon’s Blood- Protection, Courage, Purification, Enhances Psychic Awareness
Cinnamon- Wealth, Prosperity, Success, Aid in Healing, Strengthen Psychic Powers
Frankincense- Luck, Astral Strength, Protection, Courage, Induces Psychic Visions
Myrrh- Healing, Protection, Spirituality

(Use incense to bless your mixture for added strength.)

Food/Tea for a Fire Witch


Known herbs associated with fire are: Basil, Bay Laurel, Cinnamon, Cumin, Juniper, Saffron, Rosemary, Rue, Pepper, Coriander. (Among others)
Foods that are red, spicy, or bitter.
Preparing food with these herbs can also enhance your energy.
Or drying them and keeping them in your altar or around you also work.
(Cooking food in itself is use of heat and energy. Use it to your advantage)

Burning
Sometimes burning things can help you lighten your energy.
On a piece of paper, write down your stress, worries, or anything making you feel negative. Fill a whole notebook if you need! Or keep it small, this is up to you. When you burn it, release the negative emotion associated with it. Allow yourself to feel lighter and at peace.
Burn incense and run your hand over the soft, delicate smoke.
(For more precise results, choose incense with meaning)

Water
Believe it or not, Fire Witches can also feel a longing for water. Warm water does a great job in helping you cleanse yourself or releasing mental weight.
Whether it be a warm bath, swimming outdoors in the sun, or even boiling water for tea, use the warmth and strength of the warm/hot water to help you relax

This Divine Fire

We know of the existence of the life-force which ensouls all living things, that is, all that exists. We know that a spark of this Divine Fire is within each and every thing that exists, and that it does not die; only the form of it’s existence changes. We know that this spark of the life-force returns to manifestation again and again in order to fully realize and actualize it’s potential, evolving finally to the peak and essence of existence which is pure be-ing. In this process of reincarnation each form returns in the same type of form, though it’s ever-increasing actualization may lead to higher levels of existence of that form. Man returns as man, cat as feline, mineral as mineral, each class of form evolving as the individual forms of that class evolve.

Fire Faerie Phoenix

In the realm where the flames of magic danced and the air crackled with energy, there lived a faerie named Phoenix. With wings that glowed with the colors of a vibrant inferno and eyes that held the intensity of a blazing star, Phoenix was a master of the element of fire. Yet, her mastery extended beyond conjuring flames – she understood the deeper symbolism of fire, the power of transformation, and the necessity of letting go.

Phoenix spent her days amidst the heart of a fiery forest, where the flames danced in intricate patterns that mirrored the secrets of the cosmos. She would stand at the edge of the flames, her fingers trailing through the sparks, as she harnessed the energy of fire to illuminate the path of those who sought her guidance.

Guided by an ancient wisdom, Phoenix learned that fire was not merely a destructive force, but a symbol of renewal and rebirth. She understood that just as flames consumed the old to give birth to the new, so too must individuals release the burdens of the past in order to welcome the limitless potential of the future.

One day, a troubled faerie named Ember approached Phoenix, her wings flickering with the weight of her sorrows. “Phoenix,” Ember said, her voice tinged with desperation, “I carry the weight of past mistakes and regrets. How can I move forward when the ashes of my past continue to smolder?”

Phoenix turned her fiery gaze towards Ember and offered a comforting smile. “Dear Ember,” she began, “fire teaches us that in order for the new to arise, we must release the old. Just as flames consume the wood to make way for new growth, you too must symbolically or even literally burn away what no longer serves you.”

With Ember’s consent, Phoenix guided her through a powerful ritual. They stood before a controlled blaze, and Ember offered the memories and burdens that weighed her down to the fire. As the flames consumed her offerings, Ember felt a sense of liberation, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her heart.

In the days that followed, Ember continued to work with Phoenix, learning to release the shackles of the past and embrace the transformative power of fire. As she let go of old patterns, beliefs, and regrets, Ember felt a newfound sense of freedom and vitality. Her wings glowed with a renewed energy, and her spirit burned brighter than ever before.

Ember’s transformation did not go unnoticed, and other faeries began to seek Phoenix’s guidance. They, too, yearned to release the burdens of their pasts and ignite the flames of transformation within. Under Phoenix’s watchful eye, they learned to work with fire as a sacred tool, symbolically burning away what no longer served them and making space for the seeds of new beginnings to take root.
As the faeries embraced the teachings of Phoenix, the fiery forest itself seemed to come alive with a renewed energy. The flames danced in vibrant patterns, weaving stories of release and rebirth in their fiery choreography.

Beyond the realm of faeries, Phoenix’s message spread like wildfire, touching the hearts of humans who sought transformation and healing. They, too, learned to embrace the wisdom of fire, releasing the past and stepping into a future illuminated by the flames of renewal.

And so, Phoenix, the faerie who worked with the element of fire and understood the importance of letting go, continued to inspire the realm and beyond. Through her guidance, the faeries and beings of all kinds learned that just as fire transformed and renewed, so too could they release the old and ignite the flames of transformation within their own lives. Through the sacred dance of fire, they discovered the beauty of rebirth and the infinite possibilities that awaited on the other side of letting go. 

The Path of the Fire Witch

The path of the Fire Witch is not for the faint of heart. Strong and courageous, these Witches rarely take no for an answer. The Fire Witches are considered to be the rebels of the Elemental Witches. They possess a joy of life that is unequaled. They are extremely sociable creatures.
The Fire Witches are all about individuality. Each one is unique. For the most part, their lives are beautiful and poetic, yet there lurks an underlying current of tragedy. There is no typical personal style to the Fire Witch; it varies, as does each flame. The one thing you can be sure of is that she will shine. In blue jeans or diamonds, you know a Fire Witch by the confident aura that surrounds her.
The Fire Witch’s decorating style runs the gamut from sleek, modern, and sophisticated to all-out opulence and luxury. She has a flair for decorating, often incorporating candles and designer lighting to add a more dramatic touch. Frequently, Fire Witches love antiques and metal objects. Their house often feature warm, rich colours and dark woods.
The Fire Witch’s house is usually very neat and clean. She will spend whatever time is necessary to keep it that way. She will also destroy that cleanliness in an instant, when she is angered enough, by having a complete and total hissy fit, although that is rare. While the Fire Witch can be hotheaded and temperamental, her iron will usually allows her to maintain control.
The Fire Witch loves to dance and is very seductive, passionate, and lusty. She can be indulgent when it comes to her sexual nature. She often is very active and usually love to participate in sporting events. She is bold and daring and frequently pushes things to the absolute limit.
Because of her indulgent habits, the Fire Witch may unknowingly enable addictions or foster one of her own. Some Fire Witches may have addictive personalities. When a Fire Witch loves someone, she does so with a heart so pure that she can overlook any defects in the person for a long time.
This can place her in troublesome relationships until she has finally had enough and moves on. When a Fire Witch moves on, she has a compulsion to completely destroy the previous bond and is capable of being cruel in order to see to it that the situation is over for good. She is much more comfortable knowing that it cannot be repaired and can move herself forward more easily by not allowing herself to wonder about the past.
Philosophically, the Fire Witch has an open mind. She is the proverbial free thinker. Because of the placement of her element(both above and below the Earth), the Fire Witch has the ability to see all sides of any argument. She values honesty and courage above all else. There is nothing she detests as much as a liar. Fire Witches are usually quick-witted, think-on-their-feet types of folks. Their is a reason that smart people are called “bright.”
The fire brings the light, and with light there follows shadow. The Fire Witch is complex, passionate, and tumultuous. She is sizzling hot stuff. She has both a light and a dark side, and the two sides work together constantly.
The light side of the Fire Witch keeps her personal practices of spirit informal and fun. But when it come time for magickal work, the shadow side often takes over. The dark side of the Fire Witch holds a vast knowledge of the more complex magickal applications. Magickal equations and ceremonial practices are second nature to the Fire Witch. She may prefer the drama of a high magick ritual and a more ordered structure to things. However, she often utilizes a simpler style of Witchcraft, too. It depends on the situation.
Magically, the Fire Witch specializes in bonding with divinity, regeneration, energy, truth, manifesting, sex magick, banishing, purification, destruction, negative magick and defensive magick.
Fire has been used to honour the God since its inception. Many shrines and altars are guarded by an eternal flame. the Fire Witch understands that her every movement is an honour to divine forces.
She is very generous with her time and money when it comes to charity. She always seeks to help and improve the world around her in this manner.
Fire is a creative element, especially when seen in its regenerative aspect. In the same manner that the phoenix rises from the ashes or the sun undergoes an eclipse, a Fire Witch puts herself through a constant process of growth by tearing herself down in order to build herself anew. It can be an agonizing process, but she emerges renewed and stronger than ever. She will often disappear from the world for a few day at a time due to this process. She can be instrumental in helping others move beyond their own heartbreaks and pains and begin their lives again.

Gazing at a fire

Gazing at a fire is mesmerizing and trance inducing. When we gaze at a flickering flame, our brain begins to shift out of beta brainwave state, which is associated with thinking and alertness, into alpha brainwave state, which corresponds to a relaxed and creative state of mind.When we join gazing with rhythmic breathing ,we enter a trance like state that takes us even deeper than alpha brainwaves down to the theta brainwave ,which is almost dreamlike state of mind but with control ,that allows us to mentally journey to other realms and worlds .Always remember ,it isn’t the fire we gaze into but the illumination and flicker that entrances the mind

The element of Fire

The element of Fire is both creative and destructive, its qualities are Brightness, Thinness and Motion and its mode is Active. It is fire that we and our ancestors used to warm our homes, we use it to cook our food, we sit around it to ward of the darkness of night, and it fuels our passions. Fire, unlike the other elements, does not exist in a natural state. Its physical form can only take place by consuming some other element. Fire is the transformer, converting the energy of other objects into other forms: heat, light, ash, and smoke.

To feel the manifestations of this power, go out on sunny day and feel the warmth and light of the Sun, hear the crackling of logs and smell of smoke from a burning fire. As you gaze into the transformational flame of a candle, immerse yourself in the energy of Fire. Fire is the natural element of animals and mankind, and they “have, in their natures, a most fiery force, and also spring from celestial sources.”

In order to gain benefit from the energy of this element, we need to control Fire’s destructive aspect. When we light a candle, we are not only calling upon the energy of Fire, we are also limiting its power. This destructive aspect should not be seen as negative, forest fires, actually help, clearing away underbrush and encouraging seeds lying dormant within the Earth to burst forth into new life.

Fire is a masculine element, its aspects being change, passion, creativity, motivation, will power, drive and sensuality. It is sexuality, both physical and spiritual. Fire is used in spells, rituals and candle magic for healing, purification, sex, breaking bad habits or destroying illness and disease. Fire is the element of authority and leadership.

The properties of Fire, Heat, Making things fruitful, Celestial light, Giving Life to all things. Its opposite the Infernal Fire are a parching heat, consuming all things and darkness, making all things barren.

The Element Fire and its Natural Qualities

The Eement of Fire is a light, active element and is contrary to Water. It is associated with the qualities of brightness, thinness and motion.

Correspondences

DIRECTION: South – the place of heat.
TYPE OF ENERGY: Projective.
BASIC NATURE: Purifying, destructive, cleansing, energetic, sexual, forceful. Heat is a manifestation of this element.
COLOUR: Red – from the colour of flames.
PLACES: Deserts, hot springs, volcanoes, ovens, fireplaces, bedrooms (for sex), weight rooms, locker rooms, saunas, athletic fields.
RITUALS: Protection, courage, sex, energy, strength, authority, banishing negativity.
RITUAL FORMS: Burning or smouldering; heating.
HERBS: Stinging, thorny or hot, as thistles, chilli peppers and bouganvillia; desert-dwelling, as cacti; stimulating, as coffee beans; generally seeds.
STONES: Red or fiery, as in jasper; volcanic, as in lava; clear, as in quartz crystal.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Guitar, all stringed instruments.
CREATURES: Snake, cricket, lizard, praying mantis, ladybug, bee, scorpion, shark.
SEASON: Summer – the time of heat.
TIME: Noon.
MAGICKAL TOOL: Knife/Athame.
SENSE: Sight.
NATURAL SYMBOLS: Flame, lava, a heated object.
TYPES OF MAGICK RULES: Candle, storm, time and star.
GODDESSES: Brigit, Pele, Vesta.
GODS: Agni, Hepaetus, Horus, Promtheus, Vulcan.

FIRE FOLKLORE AND LEGENDS

Connected to the South, Fire is a purifying, masculine energy, and connected to strong will and energy. Fire both creates and destroys, and symbolises the fertility of the God.

Fire can heal or harm, and can bring about new life or destroy the old and worn. In Tarot, Fire is connected to the Wand suit (although in some interpretations, it is associated with Swords). For colour correspondences, use red and orange for Fire associations.

Let’s look at some of the many magical myths and legends surrounding fire:

FIRE SPIRITS & ELEMENTAL BEINGS:

In many magical traditions, fire is associated with various spirits and elemental beings. For instance, the salamander is an elemental entity connected with the power of fire – and this isn’t your basic garden lizard, but a magical, fantastical creature. Other fire-associated beings include the phoenix – the bird that burns itself to death and then is reborn from its own ashes – and dragons, known in many cultures as fire-breathing destroyers.

THE MAGIC OF FIRE:

Fire has been important to mankind since the beginning of time. It was not only a method of cooking one’s food, but it could mean the difference between life and death on a frigid winter night.

To keep a fire burning in the hearth was to ensure that one’s family might survive another day. Fire is typically seen as a bit of a magical paradox, because in addition to its role as destroyer, it can also create and regenerate. The ability to control fire – to not only harness it, but use it to suit our own needs – is one of the things that separates humans from animals.

However, according to ancient myths, this has not always been the case.

Fire appears in legends going back to the classical period. The Greeks told the story of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods in order to give it to man – thus leading to the advancement and development of civilisation itself. This theme, of the theft of fire, appears in a number of myths from different culture. A Cherokee legend tells of Grandmother Spider, who stole fire from the sun, hid it in a clay pot, and gave it to the People so they could see in the darkness. A Hindu text known as the Rig Veda related the story of Mātariśvan, the hero who stole fire that had been hidden away from the eyes of man.

Fire is sometimes associated with deities of trickery and chaos – probably because while we may think we have domination over it, ultimately it is the fire itself that is in control. Fire is often connected with Loki, the Norse god of chaos, and the Greek Hephaestus (who appears in Roman legend as Vulcan) the god of metalworking, who demonstrates no small amount of deceit.

FIRE AND FOLKTALES:

Fire appears in a number of folktales from around the world, many of which have to do with magical superstitions. In parts of England, the shape of cinders which jumped out of the hearth often foretold a major event – a birth, a death, or the arrival of an important visitor.

In parts of the Pacific Islands, hearths were guarded by small statues of old women. The old woman, or hearth mother, protected the fire and prevented it from burning out.

The Devil himself appears in some fire-related folktales. In parts of Europe, it is believed that if a fire won’t draw properly, it’s because the Devil is lurking nearby. In other areas, people are warned not to toss bread crusts into the fireplace, because it will attract the Devil (although there’s no clear explanation of what the Devil might want with burnt bread crusts).

Japanese children are told that if they play with fire, they will become chronic bed-wetters – a perfect way to prevent pyromania!

A German folktale claims that fire should never be given away from the house of a woman within the first six weeks after childbirth.

Another tale says that if a maid is starting a fire from tinder, she should use strips from men’s shirts as tinder – cloth from women’s garments will never catch a flame.

DEITIES ASSOCIATED WITH FIRE:

Bel (Celtic)

Brighid (Celtic)

Hephaestus (Greek)

Hestia (Greek)

Loki (Norse)

Pele (Hawaiian)

Svarog (Slavic)

Vesta (Roman)

Vulcan (Roman)

A Smoke and Fire Love Spell

One sheet of white parchment paper, love drawing incense (mix together 2 tbsp. each of sandalwood, lavender buds, orris root powder. To the powdered mixture add six drops rose oil and one drop cherry oil), church charcoal and censer, one red and one green candle, basic altar tools.

Try to time this spell with the turning of the moon from new to full. Before doing the ritual, draw the following symbols on the parchment paper. Place the paper on your altar and set the green candle on the Venus symbol and the red candle on the Mars symbol

Begin the ritual by casting the magick circle. Then light the green (Venus) candle as you say:

Lady of love, I appeal to thee.
Light the red (Mars) candle as you say:
Lord of lust, bring him [her] to me.

Light the charcoal. When the coal begins to glow, sprinkle the love-drawing incense on it. Stare into the smoke, visualize the one you desire, and chant the following three times in your most sultry, sexy voice:

The gods of love mine eyes dost kiss
And rise into ether, gather in mist

Then return to Earth, and my love impart A passion so great as to inflame his [her] heart.
The incense smoke will carry the message to the one you desire, imbuing them with love and desire only for you.

Fire Love Spell

One sheet of white parchment paper, love drawing incense (mix together 2 tbsp. each of sandalwood, lavender buds, orris root powder. To the powdered mixture add six drops rose oil and one drop cherry oil), church charcoal and censer, one red and one green candle, basic altar tools.

Try to time this spell with the turning of the moon from new to full. Before doing the ritual, draw the following symbols on the parchment paper. Place the paper on your altar and set the green candle on the Venus symbol and the red candle on the Mars symbol

Begin the ritual by casting the magick circle. Then light the green (Venus) candle as you say:

Lady of love, I appeal to thee.
Light the red (Mars) candle as you say:
Lord of lust, bring him [her] to me.

Light the charcoal. When the coal begins to glow, sprinkle the love-drawing incense on it. Stare into the smoke, visualize the one you desire, and chant the following three times in your most sultry, sexy voice:

The gods of love mine eyes dost kiss
And rise into ether, gather in mist

Then return to Earth, and my love impart A passion so great as to inflame his [her] heart.
The incense smoke will carry the message to the one you desire, imbuing them with love and desire only for you.

Hedge Witches’ Rites of Fire

Light incense.

Pass over working area.

Place the representation of your magick key near your other supplies for this night.

Close your eyes, and envision yourself surrounded by white light.

Take thirteen slow, even breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.

When you feel relaxed, open your eyes, smile, and repeat today’s affirmation three times.

Pick up the red candle and hold it with both hands.

Close your eyes.

Imagine the candle is filled with radiating light.

Say: “Peace with the gods, peace with nature, peace within.”

Open your eyes.

On the red candle, inscribe the word fire with a pin, nail, or clay-inscribing tool.

Place the candle in the appropriate holder.

Mix the cinnamon, hot peppers, galangal, and cloves together.

Sprinkle the herbs around the base of the candle.

Put your magick key beside the candle and herbs.

Light the candle, and hold your hands toward the candle and herbs.

Intone the following charm:

Herbal magick, speak to me Of fire! Passion! Creativity! Of Spirit’s gift of steady flow And herbs of flame that make things go.

Meditate for a few minutes on the meaning of fire in the life of a spiritual person.

Smile, and repeat today’s affirmation as much as necessary, followed by the word fire.

To conclude, chant the word fire several times, smile, and then open your eyes.

Draw your personal fire sigil in your journal and on a small piece of paper.

On the back of the small paper, write the project that you wish to begin.

Place the paper on top of the felt square.

Sprinkle the paper with some of the herbs from around the candle.

Add a lock of your hair.

Fold the felt toward you and then roll it toward you.

Tie it with the red string.

Place the rolled felt in your Hedge Witch project box.

Close the box.

Tap the lid three times, and say:

Easy! Easy! Easy! It always works.

Always a blessing.

This rite is ended.

Place the box where you can see it but where no one else will disturb it.

Allow the candle to burn completely.

Offer remaining herbs outside to Spirit, saying: “Thank you!”

Dispose of cold candle end and incense.

Remember to record any feelings or experiences about fire energy in your journal.

Don’t forget to write about any dreams you may have this night!

When you have successfully finished your project, burn the red felt packet, remember t0 thank the source of all things, and sprinkle the ashes in the wind.

Cleanse the inside of the project box by sprinkling a bit of fresh HedgeWitch formula clean Sing water in the box.

Allow the box to completely dry before closing.

Your project box will then be ready to use again anytime you desire!

Before you drift off to sleep, close this evening by saying:

Peace with the gods.

Peace with nature.

Peace within.

It always works.

Always a blessing.

Bonfires

The most likely derivation of the word ‘bonfire’ is that it was a ‘boonfire’ , that is, a fire for which the materials had been begged as a boon or gift.

We still see this taking place in the weeks before our present-day bonfire celebrations on 5th November, when children come round seeking fuel for their bonfires.

The latter, in commemoration of the Gunpowder Plot, have taken the place ·of the old Halloween bonfires, which from time immemorial had blazed at the end of October and beginning of November.

A ritual bonfire was a favorite pagan method of celebrating a festival.

The four great feast-days of the Celtic year, which have become the four Great Sabbats of the witches, were always occasions of ritual fire in one form or another.

The Celtic names for these feasts were lmbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain.

They were held at the beginning of February, the beginning of May, the beginning of August, and the beginning of November, respectively.

The Midsummer festival was also called Beltane, meaning ‘bright fire’ .

In later years, these occasions became known as Candlemas (2nd February), May Eve (30th April), Lammas (1st August) and Halloween (31st October).

There is something very magical about a bonfire, which somehow seems to invite people to dance round it.

The flickering of the flames, the crackling of blazing twigs, the showers of golden sparks, the pungent scent of the wood-smoke, all evoke an atmosphere of cheerfulness and excitement.

Also, the glowing fires in times past served the practical purposes of warmth, light, and facilities for cooking and roasting.

The latter were necessary and doubtless welcome when people had come to the Sabbat from considerable distances, bringing provisions with them.

In the thinly-populated countryside of olden times, big fires could be built in remote places, that provided enough heat for the traditional naked dances of the Sabbat, which so scandalized the Church.

Old place-names often recall the sites of pagan bonfires.

There are quite a number of Tan Hills or Tain Hills in Britain, deriving their name from the old Celtic teinne, meaning ‘fire’.

Sometimes these sites, as in the case of the one near Avebury, have been Christianised as ‘St Anne’s Hill’ ; but the fair that was held on this hill was still called Tan Hill Fair, thus preserving the older name.

Scottish place-names yield such examples as Ard-an-teine, ‘the light of the fire’ ; Craig-an-teine, ‘the rock of the fire’ ; Auch-an-teine, ‘the field of the fire’ ; Tillie-bet-teine, ‘the knoll of the fire’ ; and so on.

In Cornwall, we find Lantinney, meaning ‘the enclosure of the fire’.

The great time for bonfire festivals in Cornwall was Midsummer Eve, the second ‘Beltane’ in the Celtic year.

Fires were lit from one end of the Duchy of Cornwall to the other, and the country people, old and young, danced merrily round them.

Midsummer Eve was called ‘Witches’ Night’ ; but the pagan nature of the celebration was disguised by saying that the fires were built to protect against evil.

For a time, the old bonfire celebrations in Cornwall were allowed to fall into disuse.

However, in modern days people and societies interested in preserving old Cornish customs and the Cornish language, have revived them, and Midsummer Beltane blazes again from hill to hill.

The Cornish word for it is Goluan, which signifies both ‘light’ and ‘rejoicing’ .

The custom of the Midsummer bonfires was formerLy kept up all over Britain and recognized as having its origin in pagan fertility rites.

Thus in Langley’s version of Polydore Vergil ( 1 546), we find the following :

“Oure Midsomer Bonefyres may seme to have comme of the sacrifices of Ceres Goddesse of Corne, that men did solemnise with fyres, trusting thereby to have more plenty and aboundance of corne.”

Midsummer bonfires were popular throughout Europe, and indeed still are in many places; though today they are officially held to celebrate St John’s Eve, which takes place on 23rd June.

The purpose of many bonfire rituals was distinctly magical, apart from rejoicing.

Thus in Hereford and Somerset, the Midsummer bonfires were lit to bless the apple trees; and the old country folk feared their crops might fail if they omitted this ceremony.

In many places; the smoke from a bonfire kindled in the ancient way, by the friction of two pieces of wood, was a remedy against sickness among cattle, which were driven through the smoke for this purpose.

Ritual fire produced in this way was called need-fire, from the old Saxon nied-fyr, meaning ‘forced fire’, that is, fire produced by friction.

The ashes of ritual bonfires were lucky and protected against evil and ill-wishing.

They were gathered up after the ceremonies, and mixed with the seed when it was sown, or scattered over the fields where the young plants were beginning to appear.

The essential meaning of these old bonfire rites derives from fire as a symbol of life.

Fireplace Magick

This simple spell isused to make a wish come true, and is especially effective if done on New Year’s Eve. It is also great way to end a romantic evening or group gathering.

Items needed:

One square of red paper and piece of
yellow paper ribbon for each person doing the spell,
a small bottle of heliotrope oil, and a jar of basil.

Light a fire in the fireplace. Write out your wish on the square of red paper. In the center of the square, place a drop of the heliotrope oil and a pinch of basil. Fold the paper into a packet and secure with the yellow ribbon.

Gaze into the fire.

Visualize what you want.

Speak your wish out loud, and then toss the packet into the fire.

As the fire consumes the packet, chant the following:

Blazing fire, burning bright
Make my wish come true this night.

Incenses and Fragrances based on the Element of Fire

Allspice (money, luck)

Wear allspice oil to increase luck, especially when gambling. Allspice is added to incense to attract money.

Basil (love, wealth, protection)

Add basil to food, or sprinkle around the house to attract love. Carry basil in a pouch to attract money and wealth. Make a wreath of basil tied with red and black ribbon for protection.

Carnation (strength, healing)

Wear carnation oil to promote physical strength. Add carnation oil to frankincense resin and burn to promote healing.

Frankincense (spirituality)

Burn Frankincense to consecrate ritual space. Anoint candles to be used on the altar for ritual with frankincense oil.

Galangal (money, lust, protection, psychic power)

Powdered galangal is sprinkled on the ground to bring good luck and money. Pieces of galangal are carried to attract money. Galangal is burned as an incense to increase psychic powers. The powder is sprinkled under the bed to promote lustful feelings.

Heliotrope (wishes, money, healing)

Wear heliotrope oil to attract money. Burn heliotrope incense to attract money and make wishes come true.

Orange (divination, love, luck, prosperity)

Mix dried orange peel, rose petals, and lavender buds to make a love drawing sachet. Anoint forehead with orange oil before doing divination. Mix orange and allspice oil together and wear for good luck.

Rosemary (love, lust, healing, protection)

Burn rosemary and Lavender for protection and healing. Place a sprig of rosemary under your loved one’s pillow so he or she will dream of you. Anoint green candles with rosemary oil to attract love and lust.

Hedge Witches’ Rites of Fire

Light incense.

Pass over working area.

Place the representation of your magick key near your other supplies for this night.

Close your eyes, and envision yourself surrounded by white light.

Take thirteen slow, even breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.

When you feel relaxed, open your eyes, smile, and repeat today’s affirmation three times.

Pick up the red candle and hold it with both hands.

Close your eyes.

Imagine the candle is filled with radiating light.

Say: “Peace with the gods, peace with nature, peace within.”

Open your eyes.

On the red candle, inscribe the word fire with a pin, nail, or clay-inscribing tool.

Place the candle in the appropriate holder.

Mix the cinnamon, hot peppers, galangal, and cloves together.

Sprinkle the herbs around the base of the candle.

Put your magick key beside the candle and herbs.

Light the candle, and hold your hands toward the candle and herbs.

Intone the following charm:

Herbal magick, speak to me Of fire! Passion! Creativity! Of Spirit’s gift of steady flow And herbs of flame that make things go.

Meditate for a few minutes on the meaning of fire in the life of a spiritual person.

Smile, and repeat today’s affirmation as much as necessary, followed by the word fire.

To conclude, chant the word fire several times, smile, and then open your eyes.

Draw your personal fire sigil in your journal and on a small piece of paper.

On the back of the small paper, write the project that you wish to begin.

Place the paper on top of the felt square.

Sprinkle the paper with some of the herbs from around the candle.

Add a lock of your hair.

Fold the felt toward you and then roll it toward you.

Tie it with the red string.

Place the rolled felt in your Hedge Witch project box.

Close the box.

Tap the lid three times, and say:

Easy! Easy! Easy! It always works.

Always a blessing.

This rite is ended.

Place the box where you can see it but where no one else will disturb it.

Allow the candle to burn completely.

Offer remaining herbs outside to Spirit, saying: “Thank you!”

Dispose of cold candle end and incense.

Remember to record any feelings or experiences about fire energy in your journal.

Don’t forget to write about any dreams you may have this night!

When you have successfully finished your project, burn the red felt packet, remember t0 thank the source of all things, and sprinkle the ashes in the wind.

Cleanse the inside of the project box by sprinkling a bit of fresh HedgeWitch formula clean Sing water in the box.

Allow the box to completely dry before closing.

Your project box will then be ready to use again anytime you desire!

Before you drift off to sleep, close this evening by saying:

Peace with the gods.

Peace with nature.

Peace within.

It always works.

Always a blessing.