The Role of Meditation and Visualization in Wiccan Ceremonies

Wicca is a modern pagan religion that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is based on a reverence for nature, the worship of a pantheon of deities, and the practice of magic. Wiccans have a number of core beliefs that guide their ideology and inform their ceremonies and rituals. One of the central beliefs in Wicca is the worship of a goddess and a god, often referred to as the Lady and the Lord. These deities are seen as embodying the forces of nature and representing the duality of the universe. Wiccans believe in the divine femininity and divine masculinity, and they seek to honor and connect with these energies through worship and ritual.

A wand (also: magic wand) is a thin, straight, hand-held stick or rod made of wood, stone, ivory, or metals like gold or silver. Generally, in modern language, wands are ceremonial and/or have associations with magic but there have been other uses, all stemming from the original meaning as a synonym of rod and virge, both of which had a similar development. A stick giving length and leverage is perhaps the earliest and simplest of tools. Long versions of the magic wand are usually styled in forms of staffs or scepters, often with designs or an orb of a gemstone forged on the top.

A wand is also present in the Children of the Red King series in the possession of Charlie Bone as well as the popular MMORPG World of Warcraft where caster classes such as the mage and warlock use wands offensively. Generally, in modern language, wands are ceremonial and or have associations with magic but there have been other uses, all stemming from the original meaning as a synonym of rod and virge, both of which had a similar development.

Wiccans believe in the divine femininity and divine masculinity, and they seek to honor and connect with these energies through worship and ritual. Another key belief in Wicca is the concept of a divine immanent in nature. Wiccans view nature as sacred and view the Earth as a living organism.

WILD ABOUT HARRY

My recent post about the availability of wood lath from Houdini's New York home (278) proved to be wildly successful. Many Houdini buffs were able to get authentic pieces of Houdini's house, and in doing so helped fund the ongoing restoration.

Among those who took away a load of lath was Houdini fan and woodworker Barry Spector, who I had the pleasure of meeting at the 278 open house in 2017. As thanks, Barry sent me this magic wand made from the 120-year-old wood. How cool is this?

Barry tells me this is Wand #1. I'm not sure if he has plans to make more. However, he is working on a few more projects with the wood that he'll share with us in time.

Thanks to Barry and everyone who have helped in the restoration of Houdini's 278.

UPDATE: If you're interested in a wand Barry can be contacted at [email protected].

• Wood lath from Houdini's 278 for sale
• Houdini's 278 is coming back to life
• New 278 owners committed to preserving Houdini history

42 comments:

Beautiful work Barry! We are grateful and really enjoyed the enthusiasm of the Houdini community- there are a few people who requested a couple of pieces of lath we still need to mail to. Not to worry- we just have been buried with work but will get these out shortly. Reply Delete

I made 2 wands before i got distracted by a far more ambitious HH project. If there is interest i may make additional wands. My first big project is finished. Its gonna surprise! Reply Delete

What a great idea! I would love one of these wands as well. If you do decide to make more please put me on the list. Reply Delete

Sure, I would be interested. Very nice work. Please let me know if you will be making these available. Thanks! Reply Delete

I would be interested in a few wands (one for me, two others for friends) if your going to be making more please send me info. [email protected] thanks
Reply Delete

Hi guys,
I start shipping next week. I have a fun surprise for Johns readers who order. [email protected] Reply Delete

Wand #19 landed my way and it's a beauty. The wood has an old attic smell to it. Feels like a part of Harry is with me. Reply Delete

Oh, wow, I love that. The smell, yes. That's a part of the bones of 278 you are holding in your hands. It's just magnificent, isn't it? Delete

Indeed it is magnificent! Ever since I discovered HH in 1976, I would have never imagined owning a piece of 278. And turned into a magic wand, not just a piece of wood.

After opening the package, I immediately sniffed it from one end to the other, like a Havana cigar. The old wood smell transported me to the dark mysterious corridors of 278. Delete

Please add me to the list of wand purchasers; if I'm not too late to the party.

Let me know the price and how to pay. Email me at [email protected].

Just got mine in the mail today. Beautiful. Thank you Barry for making it, and John for getting the ball rolling on this project.

I now have a very unique piece of Houdiniana. Something I've wanted for almost 50 years. Reply Delete

I would like one if you. Still have any.

Thank you
John Custer Reply Delete

I don't know if Barry had any more, but you should send him an email. His address is there in the "Update" at the end of the story. Delete

Sadly--that delicious musty old NY townhouse wood smell eventually dissipated from my wand. It was wonderful while it lasted and conjured up the ghost of HH. Reply Delete

Yours had a smell? Mine didn't. I also have several pieces of raw wood and I've not picked up a smell off those either. But maybe you have a better nose than me. :) Delete

Yeah--it had a nice old musty attic smell. That same odor when you walk into the attic of an old house. It didn't last long and the wand eventually gave no odor. It was almost like being transported to 278 while it lasted. Delete

Hey Leo, I have lots of fresh Houdini wood dust and chips if you need some.i usually just use it to smoke my honeybees Delete

Thanks for the offer Barry! But you need those wood chips to smoke your honeybees. What is that btw? Delete

You know, that would be a cool thing to do at an official Houdini seance. Ignite a little kettle of Houdini wood chips on the table for smoke.

Ok, new project! Little packs of Houdini wood chips and dust. Or maybe mixed into candles! (I'm actually serious.) Delete

278 candles! After lighting one you get that old house, attic wood scent. Like being inside 278. Delete

Would very mush like to purchase one of these wands or to be put on the waiting list please
Many Thanks
Reply Delete

They seek to live in harmony with nature and recognize their interconnectedness with the natural world. This belief is often expressed through practices such as nature meditation, outdoor rituals, and the honoring of specific natural landmarks or sacred sites. Wiccans also believe in the concept of magic as a means of bringing about change in the world. They believe that magic is a natural force that can be harnessed and directed through focused intent. Wiccans practice a variety of magical techniques, including spell casting, divination, and ceremonial magic. These practices are often performed in conjunction with ceremonies and rituals to celebrate the cycles of nature and mark significant events in the Wiccan calendar. Wiccan ceremonies and rituals play an important role in the practice of the religion. They are often performed in sacred spaces, such as a home altar or a designated outdoor area. These rituals typically involve the casting of a circle, which is believed to create a sacred space and protect the participants from negative energies. The circle is often marked with specific symbols or objects representing the four classical elements: earth, air, fire, and water. The ceremonies and rituals in Wicca vary depending on the tradition and individual preferences, but they generally involve prayers, invocations, and offerings to the deities. Wiccans may also participate in activities such as chanting, dancing, or drumming to raise energy and connect with the divine. Ceremonies are often tied to specific holidays or phases of the moon, and they may involve the use of symbolic tools, such as an athame (ritual knife), a wand, or a chalice. In conclusion, Wicca is a modern pagan religion that is centered around the worship of nature, deities, and the practice of magic. Wiccans have a set of core beliefs that guide their ideology and inform their ceremonies and rituals. They believe in the worship of a goddess and a god, the sacredness of nature, and the power of magic. Wiccan ceremonies and rituals are an integral part of the religion, serving to honor the deities, celebrate the cycles of nature, and connect with the divine..

Reviews for "Wiccan Initiation: Spiritual Dedication and Growth"

1. John - 1 star - I personally found the Wiccan ideology and ceremonies to be nothing more than mumbo jumbo. The whole concept of witchcraft and casting spells seems ludicrous to me. It just seems like people playing pretend and trying to tap into some mystical power that doesn't exist. I couldn't take any of it seriously and I found it to be a waste of time.

2. Sarah - 2 stars - As someone who does not believe in magic or supernatural powers, I could not fully connect with Wiccan ideology and ceremonies. The rituals and spells felt more like elaborate role-playing and I struggled to see any real purpose to them. While I respect the freedom of religion, Wicca just did not resonate with me on any level.

3. Michael - 1 star - I had high hopes for Wiccan ideology and ceremonies, but I found them to be shallow and lacking substance. The rituals seemed repetitive and the use of symbols and ingredients felt like nothing more than empty gestures. I was expecting a deeper spiritual experience, but all I found was a superficial and seemingly arbitrary set of practices. It just didn't resonate with me at all.

Wiccan Coming of Age Ceremonies: Celebrating Life Transitions