Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that was developed in the early 20th century. It has a strong emphasis on personal spiritual development and the worship of a Goddess and a God. Many Wiccans believe in magic and rituals to connect with the divine and bring about change in their lives. For those interested in learning more about Wicca, there are many books available that provide a comprehensive introduction to the religion. These complimentary Wicca books cover a wide range of topics, from the history of Wicca to practical instructions on how to perform rituals and spells. One of the most well-known books on Wicca is "Witchcraft Today" by Gerald Gardner.
One of the most well-known books on Wicca is "Witchcraft Today" by Gerald Gardner. This book, published in 1954, is considered one of the foundational texts of modern Wicca. It provides an introduction to the beliefs and practices of the religion and includes information on the history of witchcraft.
Bells in Witchcraft
Bells are repellers of witches and evil spirits. Bells are associated with the divine: their sound is symbolic of creative power, their shape a symbol of the female force and the celestial vault. The sound vibrations created by the ringing of bells have been believed for centuries to possess magical and/or spiritual power. Bells are used in many religious rites. In Wicca and Paganism, small hand bells may be rung in rituals to enhance harmony and augment power. In African religions and Vodun, bells and dancing are used to invoke the gods and has (see African witchcraft). Shamans have long used magical bells in their rituals to chase away evil spirits.
In folk magic, the ringing of bells drives away evil spirits, witches and the Devil himself, and wards off the Evil Eye. Bells have been attached to clothing, worn as amulets, tied to children and hung from the necks of horses, camels, cows, asses and other animals important to a community.
As fertility charms, bells have been worn on human phalluses in certain rites. Bells are sometimes said to have curative powers; medicine is drunk from them. In the Middle Ages, bell ringing was believed to clear the air of disease and was prescribed by some doctors. Bells also have been used to raise the spirits of the dead and Fairies.
Since the fifth century C.E., Christian church bells have been ascribed a special magical potency to combat evil and chase off the wicked spirits that lurked on every church threshold. In the Middle Ages, on nights when witches were believed to be about, such as Samhain (All Hallow’s Eve) and Beltane (also known as Walpurgisnacht), church bells were rung to keep the witches from flying over a village. The townspeople also turned out and added to the noise by banging on pots and pans and ringing their own bells. In witch trials, accused witches testified to being transported through the air to Sabbats on the backs of Demons or the Devil, and to being thrown off to fall to the ground when a church bell sounded in the night.
Thunder and lightning storms were believed to be the work of witches and Demons, and church bells also would be rung at an approaching storm in an attempt to dispel it. At someone’s death, the tolling of the church bells helped the departing soul on its way to heaven and prevented evil spirits from interfering with the journey.
Church bells were baptized, named for saints and in some cases, ascribed human characteristics. Some were said to talk, ring on their own and sweat blood at the invasion of their community. Medieval Europeans believed that their church bells travelled to Rome on Good Friday; everyone stayed inside so as not to witness their flight from the belfries. A bell that missed the Good Friday pilgrimage brought bad luck to the community.
Shopkeepers hung bells over their thresholds, not so much to alert them to the entry of customers but to keep evil spirits from entering their premises.
The Necromantic Bell of Giradius.
Bells have been used in rituals for summoning the dead. One such necromantic bell is that of Giradius. Eighteenth-century French instructions specified that the bell be cast from an alloy of gold, silver, fixed mercury, tin, iron and lead at the exact day and hour of birth of the person who intends to use it.
The bell was to be inscribed with various astrological symbols and the magical words of Adonai, Jesus and the Tetragrammaton (see names of power). The bell was to be wrapped in green taffeta and placed in the middle of a grave in a cemetery. It was to be left for seven days, during which time it absorbed certain vibrations and emanations. At the end of a week, the bell was properly “cured” for necromancy rituals.
FURTHER READING:
- Farrar, Janet, and Stewart Farrar. A Witches Bible Compleat. New York: Magickal Childe, 1984.
- Thomas, Keith. Religion and the Decline of Magic. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1971.
Church bells were baptized, named for saints and in some cases, ascribed human characteristics. Some were said to talk, ring on their own and sweat blood at the invasion of their community. Medieval Europeans believed that their church bells travelled to Rome on Good Friday; everyone stayed inside so as not to witness their flight from the belfries. A bell that missed the Good Friday pilgrimage brought bad luck to the community.
Another popular book on Wicca is "The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk. Published in 1979, this book presents a feminist perspective on Wicca and explores the connections between nature, spirituality, and social change. It includes rituals, spells, and meditations for individuals and groups. "The Wicca Handbook" by Eileen Holland is a practical guide to Wicca that covers everything from creating an altar to casting spells. It also includes information on the ethics of Wicca and the significance of the Sabbats and Esbats, which are the Wiccan holy days. For those interested in exploring the history of Wicca, "The Witch's Book of Shadows" by Phyllis Curott is a recommended read. This book combines personal memoir with a historical exploration of Wicca and includes instructions for rituals and spells. Other complimentary Wicca books include "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" by Silver RavenWolf, "Drawing Down the Moon" by Margot Adler, and "The Witch's Book" by Raymond Buckland. Overall, these complimentary Wicca books provide a wealth of information for individuals interested in learning more about the religion. Whether one is new to Wicca or has been practicing for years, these books offer guidance, inspiration, and practical advice for exploring the path of Wicca..
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