{"product_id":"2940153026312","title":"Ceremonial Basics","description":"\u003cp\u003eBefore you can cast your first Circle, or chant your first spell, you need to have an understanding of tools that are used, and how to consecrate those tools. Some of these tools are not as obvious as a knife. They include things like an altar, robes, and salt.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce you have cast the Circle, and created your Sacred Space, you call to the Quarters or Elements, to protect that space. These Guardians are powerful, and must be properly controlled if you hope to use them in ritual.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProperly casting your Circle for the first time is where you find out that you really do have the power to change reality. A Cast Circle is a place that is not a place, and a time that is not a time. It is an odd feeling knowing that the world outside still exists, but not being able to sense it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNow you can invoke the Gods, and ask them to join you. Unlike the Quarters, you cannot command the Gods, you simply invite them. As Witches, we talk to our Gods, and listen to them, on a regular basis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost who are new to Witchcraft, think that hearing voices is a sign of insanity, but really, what good is a God that never answers your prayers? In reality, you are simply communicating with that part of yourself that has the power to change your life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnce your Circle is complete, and your Temple erected, you begin the Working. I capitalize the word because your Working is the entire purpose for the ritual. This is where you celebrate the holiday, or cast your magick. It is called a Working because it is just that, work.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis can be a celebrational working such as a Sabbat, or the magickal Working of an Esbat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter completing whatever ritual Working you need, it’s time to relax with cakes and ale. If done correctly, the Working will have depleted your energy significantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBy sitting down with food and drink (alcoholic or not) you can ground and center yourself, replenish your energy, and begin the journey back to the real world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe last step in returning to the here and now, is opening the Circle. You thank the Gods for their presence, dismiss the Quarters, and cut the Circle. The Circle is now open, but remains unbroken. While the ritual is now over, it remains with you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs you practice your Craft more, you will find that there are times when you need a ritual. You will feel it. For the same reasons some people find comfort in going to church, you will find that ritual can comfort and soothe you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen it’s done right, you come out of ritual more alert, and refreshed than when you started. You feel a power that is indescribable. You have talked to your Gods and listened to their wisdom. You have reconnected with the Divine within you, and confirmed that you can deal with whatever life decides to throw at you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAre you ready to learn? Let’s begin.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Black Witch S","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47081419342064,"sku":"2940153026312","price":4.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940153026312_p0.jpg?v=1764028062","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940153026312","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}