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Selected excerpts from Volute written 1986 to 1995. Volute is the administrator of PaganPath.com, also known as A. Minahan. Volute has since chosen the name of "Friday" as of December 21, 2011 instead of Volute.

Introduction: Finding Power Without Tripping Over It

There are many Books of Shadows that have charts of correspondence tables to tell you when to work a spell, what color of candle to use for every situation, and which invocations to use. There is no need for this type of reiteration. Much of Craft writing and teaching discusses what technical knowledge is required to be a 'first, second or third degree initiate' or how to work a spell. However, these are simply presentations of technique. Without an understanding of what it takes to find, develop and use power, technique is just decoration. Decorating your house doesn't help if you never clean your house in the first place.

There is power in Witchcraft. This power is a drawing card that attracts all kinds of people with all types of motives. Finding a book, a teacher, or a mentor that is clear and honest can be a challenging task. The quest for power can be an honorable one, but all too frequently there are people who claim to be a "Grand High Elder of the So & So Tradition" or say that they are a "Third Degree High Priest/ess of The High & Mighty Coven". Too many of these people have missed the point. In the quest for power, they have in turn created that which they may have been trying to escape in the first place. The only difference may be that this time they are at the top of the hierarchical pyramid.

Categorizations and labels in the Craft are numerous. There are now "non-Wiccan Witches", "Green Eclectic Kitchen Witches" and even "Ceremonial Magick Witches". It would be convenient to be able to describe our beliefs in a handful of words, but why place spirituality into little compartments? Following in the footsteps of others can often be an easier...

End Note

Remember when you first started down your Witchy path? If you've become disillusioned because you've lost one too many battles in the anti-defamation and misinformation league, remember the enthusiasm you once had. Getting in touch with your original fiery spirit may keep motivated to change misconceptions about the Craft.

With the wisdom you've gained over the years, you now know that there is a time to fight, and a time to share your experiences on a beautiful spiritual path. Avoiding...

Part VII: Be your own guru

Meditation can be your best teacher, but sitting in a knot half asleep sucks. Try guided visualizations to refresh your energy, make up your own. This may be more fulfilling than that OM chanting. Record everything in your journal/BOS

1) Meditation in a house, with a spouse? Visualize entering a house, what rooms are there? How many floors, anyone home?

2) Meditation in a cave: Go to an ocean, find a cave, go in, find a pool, someone emerges from the pool and approaches you?

3) Meditation...

Part VI: Worship

Part VI: Worship; or, giving yourself permission to connect with what moves you in whatever way you deem best

What is being a real practitioner? As you know, guilt is self-defeating, so why include it in your spirituality? Some MORE examples:

For a year, while living and working in a private residence, I was unable to "practice" my craft, or as I felt at the time, be a Real Witch. Then, I began making a packet of instant ginseng tea every night after my duties were completed. I would say a...

Part V: Finding your Specialty

The exercises you've done so far will help you determine what areas you are good at, and at what times you work best. It is not necessary to specialize, but if you desire to do so, then the more you practice the more you will know of ideas for areas of specialization. Here are some exercise ideas:

1) want to try your hand as an herbal healer? Make infusions of teas and sense what they are doing to you, record physical, psychic, and mental experiences (including taste, smell, etc.) Try easy...

The PaganPath Library

Introduction: Finding Power Without Tripping Over It

End Note

Part VII: Be your own guru

Part VI: Worship

Part V: Finding your Specialty

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