Defining the Sprial Dance

It is time. Time for the “Plain Language” portion of The Plain language Pagan! Time to explain certain words and concepts, as I understand them! I will use many and sundry internet dictionaries and the like, as well as books. Yes, let’s all collectively gasp at that word. “Books” real, holdable, rich smelling, needing to use your eyes, Books! I do read them!

Without further ado, let’s get into our first phrase.

Spiral Dance:

Wikipedia defines it as follows;

The spiral dance usually involves a drumming group and a chant or song in addition to the dancers. All members present hold hands and follow a leader in a counter-clockwise motion using a grapevine step. As the leader comes near closing the circle, he or she whips around and begins moving clockwise while facing the rest of the dancers. By continuing this formation, every dancer in the line will eventually be face to face with every other dancer.

In some close-knit circles, where people are comfortable with the idea, a kiss is given to each person at the moment they pass each other in the dance. In some cases kissing may be discouraged upon during large or public rituals, due to disruptions of the rhythm of the dance.

Rather neat sounding, yes?

Wiktionary defines it thus: spiral dance (Noun)-A neo-pagan group dance emphasizing community and rebirth

Community, and rebirth? Those are something to consider!

A dance where you love, and respect one another. A dance where you want to see the best of someone in hopes they succeed, and want the same for you?

The 3 dances I have been in were all that is described. A sense of fun, well being, and belonging! After a long ceremony, that feeling is rather uplifting! You can even stumble, and the fact that you are holding hands means that you will not fall. It means that you are supported!

Now, you know what Spiral Dance means, and can read more for yourself!

Tell me, do you have words or phrases that others have used you’d like defined? Ask me to define them here! I will try, and then, we can learn together!

Merry meet!

Merry Part!

Merry Meet Again!

Some 19 years ago, I was first introduced to Wicca in all its varying forms. I am not saying that introduction, that open Writ, is correct. More, I am saying that it has coloured how I see Wicca today.

I make no claims that my views are correct. Its just what I saw. 
Back then, I didn't know what I was seeing, but I saw several distinct groupings. 

A bit of back story here, before I go into much more detail. See, I lived, at that time, in a university town. I knew that different spiritual paths and religions existed, but I didn't know their names. So, it was a shock and surprise when a then close friend asked if I wanted to go to a Samhain (pronounced "sow-in)open writ. It was explained to me at that time that it was a autumn festival that celebrated the seasons changes, and that it also honored ancestors. If I chose to go, I would be asked to respect others beliefs, and to bring a gift in the form of a harvest food. If at all possible, if I could make it with my own hands, it would be better, more honorable.(harvest food being something of a seasonal food, fresh baked whole gain bread, corn anything, or apples in some form) I brought some homemade cornbread.)
My hostess, or perhaps, I might call her a guide now, was pleased with my offering.


At the university grounds there exists a fair sized lake that students can use as longs as its not destructive, or disruptive to others. The organizers of this event had even gotten permission to have a fire. There was a picnic table covered in pies, cakes, bread loaves, casserole dishes, and the like.
It was around this time that I saw that there were groups. Mind you, there were many people that wandered and spoke to the different groups, generally being gregarious, but the groups stood out to me. Here is where I risk offending people.


I didn’t know, at that time, that many Wiccans identify, sometimes VERY strongly with a particular branch, or path of Wicca. Akin, I would say to the many different forms of Christian worship. In that many believe in a higher Power. But disagree on HOW to worship.
 I will describe them, in no particular order. I saw a group of very excited men, wearing clothing in muted, but many colours. All in, I was assured, what was natural fibers. Cotton, linen, and such. They were happy, and talkative, and very huggy with each other. They were, almost to a one, Gay. I found out later that this was important to them.
I have since learned that they considered themselves male followers of the Dianic Wiccan Tradition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dianic_Wicca)
Now, some distance away, I saw another group. They were glaring at the all-male group, in a rather insulted, and angry fashion. They consisted of all females. They were dressed in denim, leather, combat boots, and metal studs. They all had rather punkish styled hair, spiked, and mohawked. There was a sense of shared pain, and solidarity about them. A closeness, that I found appealing.
I learned that they were an all-Woman Dianic group. As well, they were angry because they believed (or so I was angrily told by them at the time) that there should never be an all-male Dianic group, and that there was, was, to them offensive.
Next, I saw a rather handsome, stately older man. Tall, in a long handmade broadcloth robe. Almost leonine in bearing and face, silver and white hair swept back, and proud looking. He was surrounded by a handful of very pretty, very giggly young woman. I noticed that all of the ladies in question were in robes similar to his in cut, but of a more translucent material, and cut low in the neck, to show, it seemed, more cleavage.
Again, there was a sense of power to the group of them. Not so much as individuals, more the group together was powerful.
I have been since told that this group was Gardnerian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardnerian_Wicca)
Not far from them was another group of Woman. Wearing comfortable, plain clothes, almost all handmade looking.  They were shoving, jostling each other, tickling, and generally being touchy feely with one another. While I got a sense of great affection, if not love, it was universally a family feeling. This was my first experience with a close knit Coven. They happily told me that they had been so for about 5 years. And my working Craft together, it had brought them closer and made them sisters.
Incidentally, from them is where I got my habit of calling magic and spellwork, crafting, and craftwork, alternately. Thank you Ladies! I hope that somehow one of you reads this, and you are all still sisters!
Lastly, A group that I am…hesitant to speak of. Mainly because I don’t fully understand exactly what I feel, to this day even!
7 of them, all approximately the same age, 30ish, and wearing nothing special, jeans turtle necks, boots running shoes. Nothing noteworthy. However, all had rather spectacular pendant necklaces. Palm sized made out of metal. A black or dark metal. They all stood there, taking in what others were doing, hands in pockets, seemingly relaxed and confident.
They all gave off, quite simply, power. Waves of it.
I have since learned that they might very well be called Feri.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feri_Tradition)
At that point, the Circle was called, and closed. Blessings were offered all around, food was offered. Anyone who had a ancestor they wanted to honor was asked to come forward and do so. After many came forward, much thanks was offered, and the circle was opened. Our hosts asked all to link hands and proceeded to lead us all in a joyous spiral dance!
After the dance, we all sat down to talk socialize and enjoy that freely offered food!
Just so you all know words like “opening and closing the circle” and “Spiral Dance” I will explain in further posts! Don’t worry! I’ll not abandon you in fancy words!
As I sit here, I smile, cheek achingly wide at the memory. Those first observations I took into myself, on that night, have stuck with me. I have seen many differences in how some worship, but It always seems to come back to those initial observations.
I am in NO WAY saying that these are the only way, or the correct ways. I have been told, and seen in myself, that Wicca, in its many and varied forms can be a solitary path. If that is what feeds your soul, and honors you, then by all means pursue that!
Can any of you remember what it was like for you, that first experience?
Merry Meet,
Merry Part,
Merry meet again!

Whats magic?

Yes, I know it’s been a long time, over a year in fact, but I am in school, and understandably, that takes one’s mind away from musings of the esoteric and spiritual kind.

So, without further ado, here is the musing that’s been in my head recently.

Magic is hard.

Not the emotion driven knee jerk magic. I have heard some try to say that, for example, when someone hurts you, let’s say, steals your hard work. You were working on a project for work. It would get you promoted, more pay, you put passion into it. Imagine your anger when you find that a co-worker has just put forth YOUR idea and smiles at you in a cocky way. You just know they were eavesdropping, and they stole your Idea. In your rage you wish that they’re car would break down. Or, perhaps, something equally silly. Or, even something more mean spirited and dangerous. (I won’t give you any more ideas, as I am sure you are creative enough yourself!)

That seems to be a knee jerk type of magic.

Looking further at a commercially available Tome of spells (Illes, March 25, 2004), I have found an awesome list of what some might term “black magic”  and a comprehensive list of “Love” spells.

Rest assured that the rest of the tome is filled with a wealth of other, massively constructive spells, potions oils, and chants and prayers.

But looking at love spells, I realize that most of them are forced. Not all mind you, but a great many. They involve making the target think they you and you only are good enough. Or, making the target’s partner less desirable. In essence, making the target, and the targets current mate, break apart.

Even going as far as to sneak your own essence, be it blood, spit or sexual fluids into a dish you make for your target, forcing them to accept you.

To me, that’s almost a form of rape.

So, rather, I would say that Constructive, loving magic is hard. It’s almost better to do things the, non-magical  normal way.

For example: I make dinner for a target. Rather than kitchen witch and make that dinner full of lust and desire, and be disappointed when the target doesn’t immediately throw themselves at my feet. Instead, I would make a meal, one that I know my target likes. I will make it simply, and as cleanly as I can, imbuing it with my caring , and my skill, and yes, my love. The best I could expect is that my target leaves me with a good feeling that someone cared enough to make a meal for them. A side effect, such as is it, would be that the target feel more affection towards me, but I’d not expect it.

That way the s[ell isn’t meant to force, its meant to sooth, and lift and strengthen. YES, it’s slow. I get that, but it at least then is respectful, and kind of both my target AND myself!

Perhaps slow magic is deeper, and stronger. It may very well honor yourself and your target.

But that leaves hex’s and curses. Goofer dust, bad luck wishes and the like. I wonder how angry you’d need to be to cast one? To risk a backlash. The “3 fold rule”  Do some truly believe that a curse follows the maxim “and it harm none”?

May questions, please respond if you’d like. Id love to hear your thoughts!

Merry meet

Merry Part

Merry meet again!