Hi

[Seeker72]

I'm a new seeker on occult-related stuff. I'm particularly interested traditional witchcraft and shamanic stuff.

Thus far I'm reading Mastering Witchcraft by Paul Huson, but I'm put off by the ceremonial aspect of it, along with certain cheesy things. Otherwise, it's very well written. I'm planning on reading more of Robin Artisson's stuff, other than what's on his site.

[PennyTheMagnificent]

i'm not sure what your into exactly, but i think the ceremonial side of things is just to try conjure up more energy. I'm not into Religion and i think a few spells will still work without all the candles and worship. Yet they may be not as effective.
for example: with brews i use herbs that have scientific properties for what I'm after (first making sure they aren't poisonous) so potions get desired effect, and i try chanelling my own energies into what i'm after and try to get energy from the sun and moon. Crystals and candles annointed with oils can help enhance your own energies and also meditation helps alot.
What I'm saying is you don't need to rely on gods, goddesses, angels (whatever you choose to believe or know to exist) to supply energy. you can use your own energy (sometimes this is more effective for personal use of spells), or some people join a "coven" where they use the collective energy of the coven to enhance the witchcraft they use.

Maybe this is not what you were talking about at all by "ceremonial stuff" and i read it all wrong though. I'm only currently working on small things and am staying away from the ritual stuff until i know much more about it. I had an experience with a ceance that scared the hell out of me and has put me off in dabbling with anything i dont understand

[Light]

Welcome..:)

[Aradia]

Welcome to OF.

[Seeker72]

i'm not sure what your into exactly, but i think the ceremonial side of things is just to try conjure up more energy. I'm not into Religion and i think a few spells will still work without all the candles and worship. Yet they may be not as effective.
for example: with brews i use herbs that have scientific properties for what I'm after (first making sure they aren't poisonous) so potions get desired effect, and i try chanelling my own energies into what i'm after and try to get energy from the sun and moon. Crystals and candles annointed with oils can help enhance your own energies and also meditation helps alot.
What I'm saying is you don't need to rely on gods, goddesses, angels (whatever you choose to believe or know to exist) to supply energy. you can use your own energy (sometimes this is more effective for personal use of spells), or some people join a "coven" where they use the collective energy of the coven to enhance the witchcraft they use.

Maybe this is not what you were talking about at all by "ceremonial stuff" and i read it all wrong though. I'm only currently working on small things and am staying away from the ritual stuff until i know much more about it. I had an experience with a ceance that scared the hell out of me and has put me off in dabbling with anything i dont understand

Ritual stuff is the stuff you do during the ceremony - do this, do that, now we must do this. Take your wand and do that. After that, say the following and trace in the air...

That's what I mean about rituals. I degrades everything into rote ceremonial form devoid of any spontaneity.

[Seeker72]

Ok, thank you for your comment.