172 Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard
of such simple belief some of the most powerful and
effective magick can be woven. Our bodies are the
particular piece of the Great Mother especially en-
trusted to us. In the experience of that sacred trust,
sex becomes an act of worship, engaging and awak-
ening the God and Goddess in our partners. “For be-
hold; all acts of Love and Pleasure are My rituals”
(Doreen Valiente, “The Charge of the Goddess”).Substances
The four Elements, Earth, Water, Air, and Fire,
are actually the four states of matter: solid, liquid, gas,
and plasma, going from lesser to greater energy. These
comprise the Body, Blood, Breath, and Energy of
Gaea. All of material existence is composed of these
Elements in varying combination, and so we honor
them in our rituals. Many also add Spirit as a fifth
Element. Within these broad categories may be
grouped all the Sacred Substances:Earth
Bread, Fruit, and other foods are considered
to be the body of the God and/or Goddess. The most
common phrases to accompany the passing of food
are: “May you never hunger,” or “May you always
have sufficiency.”
Chocolate is jokingly referred to in many
magickal Circles as the “Fifth Element.” Celebrants
are known as “Chocolytes,” though those who over-
indulge are known as “Chocoholics.” Chocolate bev-
erages were considered a drink for the Gods during
the time of the Aztec Empire. Chocolate has a divine
taste as it melts in your mouth. The chemical theo-
bromine (literally, “food of the gods”) in chocolate
causes a euphoric state that satisfies the deepest of
desires and most compelling of cravings.Water
Water is the essential foundation of all life, com-
prising 80% of our body mass. Water is the very blood
of Mother Earth; the chemical constituency of the
blood in our veins is the same as that of the ancient
seawater of 540 million years ago, which we assimi-
lated into our bodies as we developed in Her oceanic
womb. We are all One—sharing the same blood!
Blood, sweat, and tears are the waters of our lives.
The physical properties of water, manifesting as solid,
liquid, and gas at biologically compatible tempera-
tures, and water’s unique property of having a solid
form (ice) that floats in the liquid, allow the possibil-
ity of life on Earth—and throughout the Universe.
The sharing of Water is a sacred act of communion in
which we say, “Water shared is Life shared.”
Of course, other liquids, such as wine or fruit
juice, may be shared sacramentally as well; they all
partake of the “essence” of Water.Air
Breath—Breath is a rhythm that accompanies
every moment. Unlike our heartbeats, we can con-
sciously control breath by holding it, speeding it up,
slowing it down, making it shallow or deep, raspy or
smooth. Yet when we are asleep or unconscious, our
breath continues. Because breath can be controlled
both by the conscious and unconscious minds, it is
used as a bridge between the two.
In many languages the word for “spirit” and the
word for “breath” are the same: ruach in Hebrew and
esprit in French. In other traditions the word for
“breath” and “life energy” are the same: prana in
Sanskrit and pneuma in Greek. Breath has been used
since prehistory not only as a bridge between the con-
scious and unconscious, but as a bridge between body
and spirit. Breath is used in ritual to raise and focus
energy and to bring an experience of full aliveness,
embodying the spirit and inspiring the body.
Music—Music plays a central role in almost
every religious tradition. Diverse groups of people
can grow very close very fast through an experience
of music or singing. Music fills the air around us,
embracing everyone present and echoing in our souls.
The magickal community is blessed with many in-
spired musicians and Bards, and these folk contribute
to every large ritual and occasion, often inviting ev-
eryone to join in. The two most ancient and wide-
spread sacred instruments are voice and drum. Both
are intimately connected to the rhythms of the body—
the voice to breath and the drum to heartbeat.Fire
Campfires—The most ancient and distinctively
human experience is that of sitting around a camp-
fire, sharing songs and stories with your clan. A camp-
fire automatically forms the focus of a primal circle,
and scrying into the flames may reveal many things....
Firewalking also has been learned and prac-
ticed by some of us as an initiatory and transforma-
tive experience.
Burning candles of selected colors may be used
in spellwork (see 4.7: “Spells”).Spirit
Dance—One of the most primal and prevalent
scenes at magickal festivals is a fire circle with drum-
mers and dancers. Expressing the joy, sorrow, and
beauty of our lives through our bodies and through
dance affirms our identity as part of the natural world
and prevents our rites from becoming mere head-trips.
Humor—Magickal people seem to have an in-
ordinate fondness for humor and jokes, both clever
and dumb. Puns especially are virtually a trademark
of our sense of humor, and the references from which
these are drawn are an affirmation of our common
group heritage.- Rites.p65 172 1/15/2004, 9:08 AM