RE/CLAIMING: SELF, POWER AND POSITION
A Ritual From Six Ways by Aidan Wachter
There are few books that stand out to me when I think of what a beginner witch should read as a part of their basic and fundamental education in magical practice. No doubt there are hundreds to chose from, all ranging from the basic theory and dogma of specific traditions to beginner spell books and beyond. However, very few cover the empirical nature of working with energy and spirit through applied practice, in the same manner as Aidan Wachter’s Six Ways.
If you know me from my time at The Hearth and Hedge, then this is not the first time you’ve my promotion of this book, as not only a pre-requisite read, but a necessary addition to the library of anyone who would don a witch hat. I use the term “witch” as a vast generalization because the information in this book is rooted in witchcraft, folk magic, chaos magic and animist spirit work - and, as such, achieves the seldom accomplished goal of holding relevance to most, if not all, practitioners of magic.
The following ritual is one that I have suggested to friends time and time again - and I myself have performed it on numerous occasions, sometimes at every full moon. It was one of the first spells that I shared on the Hearth and Hedge and it simply wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t include it here at A Is For Agrimony. Here is just one of the many indispensable applications you can find in Aidan Wachter’s Six Ways: Approaches & Entries for Practical Magic.
You Will Need:
a printed photo of yourself (set on your altar)
a bowl of fresh water (enhanced with fresh or dried flowers of your choice, essential or anointing oil of your choice or even a favorite perfume – plain is also fine)
a candle (white is perfect for this working but you can also use red to represent your personal power)
an incense of your choice (i.e. dragon’s blood).
Arrange the candle, incense, bowl and photo on your altar or working space. Start by casting a circle, if you typically do so - this is only necessary if you think it is. Ground and center yourself or simply sit with your breath until you feel relaxed and calm. Light your candle and incense and begin.
First, you are going to forgive yourself your failures, anointing yourself with the water and repeating the following, out loud, 3 times:
“I forgive myself my failures, each and every one of them, past, present and future.”
Next, you will call back all your personal power that has been lost or taken in any way, again anointing yourself with the water and repeating the following, out loud, 3 times:
“I call back all my power. All that was taken from me, all that I gave away, all that I lost. I call it back to me. As it was, as it is, and as it shall be.”
Finally, bless yourself and give thanks. You will anoint yourself with the water a third time and repeat the following, out loud, 3 times:
“Here and now, ever and always, as an Avatar of the Ineffable, I bless myself. I give thanks to the powers that aid and guard me, I thank them for their help, their protection, and their infinite blessings. As was, as is, as is to come.”
You can change the wording and adapt the spell to suit you, if necessary. Just keep in mind that the intention is to Forgive Yourself, Call Back Your Power and Bless Yourself – past, present and future. The anointing process can be as simple as a few drops or a elaborate as a full body wash. Do what feels right for you. Just remember to give special attention to the head, neck, hands, feet and any area holding pain.
Blessed be.
