This is a great exercise to do daily until you can do it on your own without any assistance. Here is a link for a better understanding of the runes.

The core principles of shamanistic beliefs are a belief in a spirit world or worlds, belief that communication with spirits is possible, spirits can be good or evil, divination of the future or psychic reading, vision questing for knowledge, the shaman’s spirit can leave the body and travel between worlds for information or communication, and yes many believe in the ability to help and heal the sick. Nature and animals play a very big role to many shamans as well. It is a common practice for the shaman to induce himself into a trance-like state of ecstasy by using rhythmic drums or rattles, dancing, chanting, sweat lodges,  and many use a form of hallucinogens as well, but not all. It is usually within this state of trance, that the shaman does his or her most serious work or tasks.

Start by taking several slow deep cleansing breaths. Try to feel the tension leave your body. Focus on the beat of the drum. Let the rhythm flow through your body. Stay focused on the rhythm of the drum until you feel like your spirit can move with every beat. Slow deep breaths in and long exhales. Some find it helpful to imagine starting at the feet and working your way up to the top of your head relaxing the muscles. Many people feel it important to imagine in the mind’s eye, a white or rainbow spectrum light surrounding their body for protection. This way they can feel safe in the astral or any other realm they encounter spirits or guides on.

There are many reasons to meditate. Meditation is a great way to calm the mind and relax the body. This is also one of the best ways to keep your spiritual balance, reduce stress, and to receive psychic information. It is also one of the best ways to meet a spirit guide! Many people are unaware of the presence of spirit guides, but through meditation the awareness can be awakened. This is a great way to contact your spirit guide and feel the loving connection that is shared with the universe. There are many different methods of meditation to use and sometimes it takes trial and error to find the best method that works for you.

A simple method is to find a setting in which you will not be disturbed. You can try some soft meditation music and incense or something else if you prefer. The concept is to release the body’s stress then calm and still the mind.

Start by taking several slow deep cleansing breaths.  Try to feel the tension leave your body. Continue to slow your breathing . Slow deep breaths in and long exhales.Some find it helpful to imagine starting at the feet and working your way up to the top of your head relaxing the muscles. Many people feel it important to imagine in the mind’s eye, a white or rainbow spectrum light surrounding their body for protection. This way they can feel safe in the astral or any other realm they encounter spirits or guides on.

Many people like to create a place to meet these guardians, such as a beach or a creek in the woods, by a lake, in a garden, or on a mountain top. The point is to imagine a place that is appealing to you and visualize it in your mind. This will be your special place to meet your guardians. Once you have created the place in your mind and you are still feeling relaxed, just imagine asking to meet your guardian and then just still the mind and try to be as receptive to what you may see, hear or feel.

This is a process that works differently for everyone. You might feel a sensation or vibration in your body, you might actually hear words, you might see an image of someone or something in your mind’s eye. What is important is to focus on the special connection that is shared. You can ask if there is something you need to know and then again still the mind and listen. You can ask them their name if you do not recognize them. The choices are up to you. Before you finish, thank them and recenter yourself in your minds eye or in other words picture yourself back in your designated meditation place- ie chair,couch, bed, bath.

If this does not work for you the first time do not get discouraged. Meditation and self relaxation is something that takes practice. You can do it and it will work if you are persistent. Remember there are many ways to relax and meditate. Just find a method that works best for you.

Alexandrian Wicca – Founded by Alex Sanders and his wife Maxine, Alexandrian Wicca became a popular tradition during the resurgence of modern Paganism. Heavily influenced by Gardner and his tradition, Alexandrian Wicca uses a degree system and has ties to ceremonial magic systems.

Celtic Wicca – Based upon old Celtic and Druidic practices, and ritual Gardnerian design. The emphasis is placed heavily upon Celtic deities, the elements, nature and the magic of trees.

Dianic Tradition- Feminist based craft movement that itself has different variations and traditions. Named after Diana, virgin goddess of the hunt; a stem of the Old Religion which has all-female members.

Eclectic Wicca- Basically a loosely based tradition which uses any practices of other paths and incorporates them into their own.

Gardnerian Wica- Named after Dr. Gerald Gardner its founder and is one of the first traditions to make itself known to the public in the mid 1950’s in England. Gardner was an initiate of a Celtic coven. Raymond Buckland and his wife started it in the United States.

Norse Tradition-Has roots to northern Europe and Germany. Deities are from the Norse Pantheon the Vanir and Aesir which include Odin, Freya, Thor, Tyr and many more.

PectiWita – Developed in Scotland and is attuned to nature and solar and lunar changes

Seax – Wica Founded in 1973 by Raymond Buckland, this tradition incorporates Saxon lore.

Strega Tradition- Stregheria is the old Italian word for Witchcraft and has roots in ancient Etruscan religion

Here are some common versions:

Version 1:

Darksome night and shining moon
Hearken to the Witches Rune.
East then South , West then North
Hear! Come! I call thee forth!
By all the powers of land and sea
Be obedient unto me.
Wand, pentacle, and the sword
Hearken ye unto my word.
Cords and censor, scourge and knife
Waken all ye into life.
Powers of the witches blade
Come ye as the charge is made.
Queen of heaven, queen of hell
Send your aid into the spell.
Horned Hunter of the night
Work my will by magick right.
By the powers of land and sea
As I do say, “So mote it be!”
By all the might of moon and sun
As I do will, it shall be done!

Version 2:

“Eko, Eko, Azarak,
Eko, Eko, Zamilak,
Eko, Eko, Cernunnos,
Eko, Eko, Aradia!

Darksome night and shining moon,
East, then South, then West, then North;
Hearken to the Witches’ Rune
Here we come to call ye forth!

Earth and Water, Air and Fire,
Wand and Pentacle and Sword,
Work ye unto our desire,
Hearken ye unto our word!

Cords and censer, scrounge and knife,
Powers of the Witch’s blade
Waken ye unto life,
Come ye as the charm is made!

Queen of heaven, Queen of hell,
Horned Hunter of the night
Lend your power unto the spell,
And work our will by magic rite!

By all the power of land and sea,
By all the might of moon and sun
As we do will, so mote it be;
Chant the spell, and be it done!

Version 3:

Darksome night and shining moon
Hearken to the Witches Rune.
East then South , West then North
Hear! Come! I call thee forth!
By all the powers of land and sea
Be obedient unto me.
Wand, pentacle, and the sword
Hearken ye unto my word.
Cords and censor, scourge and knife
Waken all ye into life.
Powers of the witches blade
Come ye as the charge is made.
Queen of heaven, queen of hell
Send your aid into the spell.
Horned Hunter of the night
Work my will by magick right.
By the powers of land and sea
As I do say, “So mote it be!”
By all the might of moon and sun
As I do will, it shall be done!
Eko Eko, Azarak
Eko Eko, Zomilarak
Eko Eko, Cernunnos
Eko Eko, Aradia. 

Moon Phases

The lunar phase is important and helps in determining the best time for magic. There are basically two lunar phases: waxing moon (ideal time for constructive magic) and waning moon (ideal time for banishing and destructive magic, study, and meditation). In between you’ll have the dark moon (the time of greatest power for banishing and negative magic) and the full moon (the time of greatest power for positive magic).
Basically, as the moon grows, so grows the opportunity or desire for which you are working. As the moon gets smaller, so does the habit or thing you are trying to overcome or push away from you. Most witches of The Craft and pagans work around these lunar phases.

WAXING MOON -When the moon is growing in size (right hand crescent in Northern hemisphere)

Time: From New Moon to Full Moon (Approx 14 days)
Goddess Aspect: Maiden.
Magical Attributes: Invoking beginnings, New projects, Ideas, Inspirations, Energy, Vitality, Freedom.
General workings on this day are for: “Constructive” magic, (love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or health. Time for casting spells concerning attraction and growth and putting plans into action. )
 

FULL MOON

Time: Approx 14 days after New Moon (Energy lasts from 3 days before Full Moon to 3 days after actual Full Moon) Midnight is the best hour to work the magic.
Goddess Aspect: Mother.
Magical Attributes: Manifesting goals, Nurturing, Passion, Healing, Strength, Power.
Workings on this day are for: Protection, Divination, “Extra Power”, Job hunting, healing serious conditions. Also love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams, artistic endeavors, beauty, health, and fitness, change and decisions, children, competition, dreams, families, health and healing, knowledge, legal undertakings, love and romance, money, motivation, psych-ism, self-improvement.

WANING MOON – When the moon is decreasing in size (left handed crescent in Northern hemisphere)

Time: From Full Moon to Dark Moon (Approx 14 days)
Goddess Aspect: Crone
Magical Attributes: BANISHING Releasing the Old, Removing Unwanted Negative Energies, Wisdom, Psychic Abilities, Scrying, Reversing Circumstances.
General workings on this day are for: Banishing Magic, ridding of addictions, illness or negativity, physical and psychic cleanisings.Time for casting spells to release and diminish. 

NEW MOON

Time: From Dark Moon to Waxing Moon (depends).
New moon – The magic should be performed between dawn and sunset for the best use of this magic.
Goddess Aspect: Maiden
Magical Attributes: Banishing, Releasing the Old, Removing Unwanted Negative Energies, Wisdom, Psychic Abilities, Scrying, Reversing Circumstances.New beginnings Weight loss, Goal setting, Planning, Cleaning, Personal Cleansing, General beginnings and considerations.
Workings on this day are for: Starting new ventures, new beginnings, love, romance, health, or job hunting.
New moon – beauty, health, and self-improvement; farms and gardens; job hunting; love and romance; networking.
Dark moon – addictions, change, divorce, enemies, justice, obstacles, quarrels, removal, separation, stopping stalkers and theft.

Lunar Eclipses
Eclipses represent the perfect union of sun and moon. Any type of magic is acceptable.

Blue Moon
 The “blue” one is always the 2nd full moon in the same month. Historically the Blue Moon was considered unlucky and a real nuisance when it occurred at various times of the year and upset scheduling of church festivals. In love songs the Blue Moon is often a symbol of sadness and loneliness.

New moon, Dark moon.
Dark moon occurs either side of the new moon. The new moon is between the last of the waning moon and the beginning of the waxing moon. The new moon has the power of in-between, a time which is not a time, similar to midday, midnight etc.

Runic alphabets first appeared among German tribes in central and eastern Europe. The runes were made of straight lines to make the characters suitable for cutting into wood or stone. The Old Germanic Runic alphabet or “Elder Futhark” contains 24 runes. The first six runes of the alphabet spell out the word “FUTHARK”.

Here are the 24 runes that make up the Elder Futhark

FEHU RUNE

Fehu – Divination meanings: finances and prosperity, could also refer to person’s libido

Magical uses: energy projection or drawing energy, increase wealth, increase libido

URUZ RUNE

Uruz – Divination meanings: Represents health matters or courage

Magical uses: Healing, shaping and forming of desire or will, knowledge of self

THURISAZ RUNE

Thurisaz – Divination meanings: Aggressive conflicts or aimed might- stubbornness

Magical Uses: Warding and protection, curses, awaken the magical will

ANSUZ RUNE

Ansuz – Divination meanings: Communications, wisdom and learning from past

Magical uses: magical incantation, wisdom, psych-ism and divine communication

RAIDHO RUNE

Raidho – Divination meanings: Travel or movement, moral right and wrong

Magical uses: Moral justice, rhythm and timing, ordered movement

KENAZ RUNE

Kenaz – Divination meanings: Being in control, knowing what to do

Magical uses: Control of sexual energy for  creative shaping and reshaping, releases spirit into realms of power

GEBO RUNE

Gebo – Divination meanings: Gifts, any matter of exchanging, relationships

Magical uses: love magic, endless exchange of energy, mystical union, binding, a gift for a gift, karmic payback

WUNJO RUNE

Wunjo – Divination meanings: Personal Wishing, joy or happiness

Magical uses: Personal happiness, healing relationships,

HAGALAZ RUNE

Hagalaz – Divination meanings: Uncontrolled destiny or forces that affect us (can be disruptive)

Magical uses: Completeness and bring into being, warding or protection

NAUTHIZ RUNE

Nautiz – Divination meanings: Need, testing or suffering

Magical uses: Overcoming fate and stress, develops magical will, sudden inspiration and inner might

ISA RUNE

Isa – Divination Meanings: Stuck or blocked, frozen,  could reference the ego

Magical uses: strengthen concentration and will, binding as in constraint or constriction, halt movement 

JERA RUNE

Jera – Divination meanings: Harvest, hopes and expectations, could also be gradual change

Magical uses: Patience and natural harmony of magical will, Spiritual understanding, creative planning, interactions with nature and natural time cycles

EIHWAZ RUNE

Eihwaz – Divination meanings: A person’s motivation or will power

Magical uses: Death initiation, wisdom from past lives, increase and store power, spirit communication

PERTHRO RUNE

Perthro – Divination meanings: Divination, that which is becoming or something hidden

Magical uses: Divination, perception of fate, to manifest magical intent

ELHAZ RUNE

Elhaz (Algiz) – Divination meanings: Protection, Spiritual connection or protection

Magical uses: Protection, communication and connection with guardian spirit, spiritual cleansing, strengthen magical power, traveling through other worlds or astral travel

SOWILO RUNE

Sowilo – Divination meanings: The higher self or guidance, triumph

Magical uses: Strengthen magical spiritual will, guardianship and guidance, personal triumph

TIWAZ RUNE

Tiwaz – Divination meanings: Ordering force,  justice or legal matters

Magical uses: Victory and justice, defense magic, to strengthen with spiritual and moral force

BERKANO RUNE

Berkano – Divination meanings: Birth or fertility, female nurturing or issues

Magical uses: Fertility magic, concealment and secrecy, to bring into being

EHWAZ RUNE

Ehwaz – Divination meanings: Bonding or relationships with others

Magical uses: Soul travel, shamanic totem animal, mystical wisdom, projecting and linking magical thoughts

MANNAZ RUNE

Mannaz – Divination meanings: Matters of the mind, attitude, personal balance

Magical uses: Strengthens all matters of the mind and psychic ability, balanced through meditation

LAGUZ RUNE

Laguz – Divination meanings: Emotions, issues with death itself or of someone you know , occult      matters

Magical uses: Increase and fill yourself with life-force, to probe the subconscious and the unknown, physical and magical strength

INGWAZ RUNE

Ingwaz – Divination meanings: Man’s personal sacrifice, male fertility, stored power

Magical uses: To store or transfer magical power

DAGAZ RUNE

Dagaz – Divination meanings: Spiritual awakening, completion of a cycle

Magical uses: To become one with the universe through mystical inspiration, synthesis of opposites into a single concept such as light and dark; life and death, happy and sad; etc

OTHALA RUNE

Othala – Divination meanings: Inheritance, heritage, home and family life

Magical uses: Strengthen the clan or family including spiritual ancestry, to gain past life wisdom or talents, to gain wealth and protect what you own

Teutonic numerology is different from western numerology and has a different spiritual meaning of numbers in that counting worked on a base 12 system. Therefor the concept of perfect numbers is shifted to 12 and its multiples. In Teutonic numerology the numbers have specific meanings that usually correspond with rune magic.

One – represents the prime source and is the end of the synthesizing process

Two – represents duality, twins and active balance

Three – One of the first magical numbers of the Teutonic people. Three represents action and reaction. It represents the synthesis of opposites.

Four – this is the number of stability, completeness, and the wholeness of Earth. It bears reference to the four dwarves who forged Freya’s necklace. It is also associated with the sun.

Five – The Germanic week was only five days long. Five is a number of active order and control

Six – It is another magical number, representing the balance of two and the synthesis of three, but is not mentioned much in Teutonic mythology

Seven – This number is not mentioned much in the myths, but some believe it can be a number of death and can be used for contact with other worlds.

Eight – Represents the completeness of the Heavens and the otherworlds. It is the number of travel between the worlds being associated with Sleipnir. It is a number of wholeness. There are 3 sets of 8 runes that make up the elder futhark.

Nine – This is the greatest magical number. Odhinn hangs nine nights on the tree Yggdrasil. There are also nine worlds in Teutonic belief. It is a number of power and direction.

Ten and Eleven have very little meaning in Teutonic numerology

Twelve – Another number of great wholeness and being. There are 12 Gods and 12 Goddesses and 12 great halls of Asgard. Twelve is a number of earthly power

Thirteen - This is a number of wisdom and magical power.

Most Wiccans believe in the aspect of one universal entity or God that have aspects of a male god and goddess and that they exist in all things.   In the trees, rain, flowers, the sea, in each other and all of natures creatures.   This means that Wiccans must treat “all things” of the Earth as aspects of the divine.   Wiccans attempt to honor and respect life in all its many manifestations both seen and unseen. The aspects most often celebrated in the Craft, however, are the Triple Goddess of the Moon (Who is Maiden, Mother, and Crone) and the Horned God of the wilds. Wiccan beliefs vary markedly between different traditions. However, various commonalities exist between these disparate groups, which usually include views on theology, the afterlife, magic and morality.

To the witch, there is no sin therefore no need for forgiveness.  There is no need for salvation, as there is nothing to be saved from.  The main tenet of Wicca is the “Wiccan Rede” which states “And it harm none, do as ye will”.  Basically, as long as you don’t hurt anyone, anything goes.  Of course, views of what actually causes harm vary from person to person.  Most also believe that whatever you do will come back to you three-fold, so it pays to be careful.  Some, however, believe that it is sometimes acceptable to cause harm as long as you are willing to accept the karmic consequence.

Here are the 13 Principles of Wiccan Belief :

1. We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the moon and the seasonal quarters and cross quarters.

2. We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with nature and ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3. We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called supernatural but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4. We conceive of the creative power in the universe as manifesting through polarity as masculine and feminine, and that this same creative power lies in all people and functions through the interaction of the masculine and the feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of each other. We value sexuality as pleasure as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energy used in magical practice and religious worship.

5. We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds sometimes known as the spiritual world, the collective unconsciousness, the inner planes etc., and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and Magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

7. We see religion, Magick and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it, a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft, the Wiccan way.

8. Calling oneself Witch does not make a Witch, but neither does heredity itself, nor the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.

9. We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the universe we know and to our personal role within it.

10. Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be the only true way and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.

11. As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, or the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future

12. We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as Satan or the devil as defined by Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor accept that personal benefit can only be derived by denial to another.

13. We seek within nature that which is contributory to our health and well being.

 The pentagram or pentacle is an important symbol in Wicca. It is a circle surrounding a five pointed star. The five points showing the different elements of nature important to the Wiccans. Those elements are earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. Each element has associations with compass direction as well. Earth is north, air is east, fire is south, water is west and spirit is center.

“Blessed Be”