Children of Artemis - Ask a real Witch

Home > Ask Aunt Tabatha > Question not Answered?

Search

Witchcraft & Wicca Magazine

Aunt Tabatha writes a regular column in the Children of Artemis magazine "Witchcraft & Wicca". The latest issue is now available, priced at £2.50. It is stocked by many outlets in the UK. Please ask at your local Pagan/Occult/New Age bookshop. (It is also available by post for £3.00 for readers in the UK, & £4.00 for the rest of the world, including post and packing. See here for details).

Aunt Tabatha

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Aunt Tabatha is now only answering questions in the Online members area of this web site. So if you wish to ask a question apply for free online membership here.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Tamara in Salem
(04.03.08-18:09)
Dear Aunt Tabatha There is this boy at school who thinks he knows it all and i know i shouldn t have but i cast a spell on him to make him quiet i know i did it right but it hasn t seemed to work as well i hope. What do you think is the problem

Dear Tamara,
This situation may have resolved itself but I really would look at undoing what you have done as best as possible and releasing this boy from your spell.

It is perfectly possible to cast a spell on someone to make them do something you want them to do but it's not recommended for many many reasons. One good one is that when you want to affect someone in a negative way you are working to a certain extent with negative energy. When you build energy for a spell and release it, if it's positive energy and you're not as focused as you might be, it doesn't really matter, a little more positive energy in the world is a good thing. With negative energy, if you're not 100% focused then the energy which is not correctly delivered will quite likely attach itself to the nearest things available - such as yourself or your spell causing you bad luck and/or your spell to malfunction.

Whatever the outcome has been, best to undo your spell and try something more positive, like helping yourself not to listen to what he says!

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From zachary in chapel-en-le-frith
(09.03.08-08:37)
dear Aunt Tabitha do you have to be a certain age to be a witch because i am eight years old can i become a witch

Dear zachary,
Dear Zachary

I've answered a very similar question in the past and I won't repeat myself too much here.

Many people may say that at 8 you might not properly know what you want but many witches I know knew what they were at your age so I won't assume anything here.

What I will say is that unless you have family who are witches and who can teach you, it is unlikely that you will find anyone willing to teach you at your age - and if you do you should be VERY worried about their motives. It is not appropriate for any adult to teach you privately about any subject, not just something as sensitive as the craft, without your parent's full knowledge and approval.

At your age I recommend reading and learning as much as you can so that once you are older and ready to find your own coven you will be prepared and ready to move on.

Becoming a witch is not simple, it is a long and serious path of learning.

If you are still interested then welcome! Tread carefully and truly my friend.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From sophie in leamington spa
(28.01.08-12:43)
I have read a lot about witchcraft and I find it really interesting. How do I become a witch

Dear sophie,
Dear Sophie

Many others have asked the same question and so this is for all.

Some say that witches are born, not made however many only realise their path once they have found it.

It's not enough however to read a few books, wear a velvet dress and a pentacle and call yourself a witch - it does require knowledge, thought and ideally, time with more experienced witches.

Modern witches follow several paths, most of which require joining a coven and receiving training and this is the most established way to become a witch - it is also valuable experience and I recommend it to everyone.

It's not easy for everyone to find a coven however and much information does exist in book form. Study, time and practice will give you a good start.

Finally, the COA website is a great place get started and you may meet someone interested in helping you move forward.

Bright blessings!

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From clair in midhurst
(15.01.08-13:50)
i wish to use spellwork to help me remove the terribly negative feelings i have towards a man who decieved me recently.. i dont want to actively affect HIM by my work just myself and my feelings..is this ethical can i use his name in the spell or should i avoid this

Dear clair,
Dear Clair

You could use his name in your work but I would actually advise against it. Unless you are certain that you have worked out your intent and outcome before you commence, you risk making his influence on you even stronger.

Remember, any time you include someone else in a spell you are tacitly making them important to the outcome where-as in this case, I would imagine your outcome should be entirely focused on how you want to feel, not how you don't want to feel.

Many blessings and good fortune.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Tamar in YORK
(21.01.08-15:52)
where can I find a High Priestess locally I need her to physically come to see my brother

Dear Tamar,
Dear Tamar

You might try using the Coven Finder on the Children of Artemis site to see if there is a coven near you. You could also look to see if there are any local Moots near you and then go to meet your local Wiccans and see if someone there can help you.

Failing that, it may be that you can ask for help on the site and perhaps someone will step forward.

Good luck!

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From ella in gateshead
(10.01.08-00:27)
I have had a run of bad luck since 2003. I am financially crippled on the brink of losing my job due a car accident in October 07 and am due to loose my home in March. Please is there any hope for me

Dear ella,
Dear Ella

Of course there is hope for you - there is hope for everyone.

I'm not certain what you are asking of me here but many things happen for a reason and it may take a long time to find out what that reason is.

For now, it is important that you stay strong and have faith that the gods have a plan for you. Meditate if you like on what that may be, ask them for their help but you must stay positive in all aspects of your life - positive and active in trying to make things better. While you can ask for help, it won't come unless you are already doing everything you can to help yourself.

Good luck.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From leah in stoke-on-trent
(18.12.07-23:08)
Dear Aunt Tabatha I belong to a coven and I ve just had my first degree dedication. The thing is I feel as if I am the only one who hasn t discovered whether I have any special ability. I love Wicca very much and I understand that it s too early to know. I mean is it sth that takes practise and time Well sometimes I feel nervous. And sth else whenever I practise visualisation with a specific person he seems to be feeling my blockages. Why Does it mean I will not be able to evolve further in the Craft Will that keep me behind Blessed be.

Dear leah,
Dear Leah

That is a good question - but in a way you have answered it yourself.

Sometimes it can take years to develop a particular special ability - but that doesn't mean that you don't have one or that it will never come.

Often, and this applies to many things in life, when we really want something and we are really trying hard to get it, we gather stress around it which actually stops us from developing. A runner who trains too hard for example can injure their muscles and actually stop themselves becoming a better runner.

You may just need to relax - it could be that your 'blockages' are simply your worries about not being able to visualise.

Try practicing when you are close to sleep and your brain is relaxed - you may find that removing the pressure actually helps you to progress.

I'm sure you'll find your ability in no time at all.

Good luck!

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From clair in crawley
(18.12.07-18:31)
i was wondering if there were any spells or there was any way of dealing with negative energy/events. it seems lately i ve had a real run of bad luck as have people close to me. i know they say trouble always comes in threes id just like to know if there was any way of preparing myself for things to come many thanks xx

Dear clair,
Dear Claire

It sounds as though you need to protect yourself from anything negative in future.

Sometimes the best protections are the simplest and an easy one is to cleanse negative energy from your home with a salt/hyssop/lavender mix. Wash your floor and all around every door and window frame that goes out of the house with this mix. You should also bathe in a similar mix and imagine yourself filling with white light so that no negative energy can come in. If you like, burn a black candle and a white candle at the same time, the black to absorb negative energy and the white to put positive energy in it's place. Let them both burn out (always burn candles safely and put them on safe, fire-proof surfaces, particularly when burning them down to nothing).

There is also a protection spell which involves filling a glass jar half-full of broken mirror pieces, pins and other sharp objects topped up with your own urine and burying it beneath your front step or in your garden. These are often called 'witches jars' or 'witch bottles' and are said to repel negative energy.

I hope you have had no further problems.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From donny in paragould
(30.10.07-22:18)
what should i give to the gods and the goddesses for a offering when they do something for you

Dear donny,
Dear Donny

A nice question! The traditional offering is to pour a little wine into the earth, or to bury some of the cakes and ale left over from your ritual as thanks to the gods for their presence.

I like to offer something more when I feel I have been particularly blessed and you can offer anything you like, as long as it is meaningful. For example, you could make an offering of your time by volunteering for a charity. You could make an offering of a particular gem stone or of silver or something appropriate to the gift you have received and bury it. You can make an offering of something you have made - make a candle and burn it, carve an image and bury or burn it, or throw it into the sea.

As long as it is meaningful and appropriate, the gods will always understand - and I personally feel that giving thanks is always particularly important.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Chantelle in Goole
(09.10.07-13:50)
Dear Aunt Tabatha Me and my partner are plan a handfasting for next year so we will both be eighteen and will have been together about seven year we what to make a commitment to ourselves and our relationship and my religion which my partner has taken an interest in. But the reality of it is harder than we fist though we are having trouble finding someone to perform the rite as we want one or two friend to be there to share in our special day however as we are not in a coven it makes thing more tricky and to have no covens close that we know of is make this special day less of a reality. It s also proving difficult as we can not find a handfasting rite which we both like since I like the traditional side and my partner like the modern side to wicca and paganism. Please help me as our special day seem like a distance spot on the horizon which doesn t seem to rise.

Dear Chantelle,
Dear Chantelle

Firstly, congratulations on finding your life partner so young in life!

Now, as for the hand-fasting rite itself, you are correct in that you need to find a priest and priestess who can do the rite for you. You might try posting something on the Children of Artemis site to see if there is someone out there who would be willing to do this for you. You would have to offer them something for their services however but there may be people out there who are willing to share their gifts with those who have nobody near by to do this for them.

Next, you can of course write your own Rite - however you need to involve the Priest and Priestess who are performing this for you. You may be able to tell them a bit about what you want and they can come back to you with a suggested Rite, or you can write your own and give it to them so that they can make it work.

You may find that they have a particular rite they prefer to use and it is up to you if you wish to use it or to try to find someone else.

The most important thing is that you are happy with your partner and that you love each other.

I hope this goes well for you!

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From lorraine in barcaldine
(02.10.07-09:30)
can i perform spells during the day or does it have to be at night

Dear lorraine,
Dear Lorraine

You can perform magic at any time of the day or night you please.

There are, however, times which are better suited to particular forms of magic then others. There's actually an interesting article on how this relates to archangels in the next issue of Witchcraft and Wicca magazine.

When it comes to picking the time of day in which you wish to cast a spell there are many factors to consider. If you are working with a particular element, or herb or colour then there are tables you can find to show you what hour of the day is most aligned with them and that is the hour for you to perform.

The position of the sun or moon in the sky can have a bearing on when you might like to cast certain spells. For example, a spell to create something, to grow or enhance something may be best cast when the moon or the sun is rising so that the power of your spell rises with them. A spell to banish something would be best when they are setting so that you can visualise whatever it is you are banishing disappearing with the sun or moon. The sun, or daylight, would be best for masculine spells, or spells involving brightness and positivity. The moon however rules the feminine and is good for things which are secret.

There is much information available to you in book form or even online but you should also meditate and cast your spell at a time of day or night which feels right to you in this particular case.

I hope this helps you!

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From hallie in pittsburgh
(22.09.07-00:59)
how do i tell my family i m becoming a wiccan

Dear hallie,
Dear Hallie

This is a question I get asked a lot in various different ways. Often people have families with devout beliefs in another faith and they are worried about causing a rift in the family. Sometimes it is just that they feel their family won't understand and will in some way reject them for their beliefs.

I can only imagine that if you are asking my advice it is because you are worried about the reaction your family will have.

Firstly, I would ask you seriously why you feel that you have to tell them about your beliefs? Many Wiccans keep their beliefs from their families so as not to cause them any worry or pain and you must look very carefully at why you wish to do this.

Do you think it would hurt them or hurt your relationship to tell them? If so, then do you really need to say anything to them at all? If however there are pressing reasons, such as you are making a change from one faith to another which means that you would no longer feel comfortable accompanying your family to their church or for another reason it is going to be difficult to disguise your beliefs from them then you need to find a gentle way to talk this through and you should approach things very carefully.

Look at their beliefs and find areas of similarity, firstly. Tell them that you have found a faith which attracts you and emphasise the humanitarian and nature-based aspect of the Wiccan faith. Many people when approached this way are very receptive to Wicca.

Don't go for a shocking approach, don't stand up and say 'I am a witch now' as many people do not know what that means and have assumptions about the term based on bad media representations witches. Don't talk about casting spells or gaining personal power as this is threatening to many people - keep it gentle and positive. Remember, what you say about Wicca and how you represent it affects us all in some way - be a positive representative.

However you approach it, remain sensitive to what your family and friends believe, don't out-and-out reject their beliefs (or non-beliefs) but find a way to bridge the gap between what you believe and what they believe so as to show that you have thought deeply and carefully about what you are doing and have sensitive and real reasons both for your choice of faith and for telling them about it.

Ultimately, if you have a close family relationship and are sensitive to them, your family should accept your beliefs - but remember, if they reject your beliefs, that is their right, just as you have exercised your right to reject theirs.

Good luck!

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Elina in Baltimore
(09.06.07-20:57)
Dear Aunt Tabatha I ve read that the Moon is known as the Great Mother and stands for birth rebirth healing women and such. And I ve just been wondering ...I ve had several problems with my menstural cycle is there any simple spell or ritual I can do to heal myslef Thank You for listening.

Dear Elina,
Dear Elina
Firstly, I’m sorry to hear of your trouble. You are right, the Moon is very much associated with women – the ancient Greeks worshiped her as the Diana, the huntress and frequently women find their cycles matching that of the full moon. If you are having difficulties with your cycle remember that the waning moon, from full moon to dark moon is a time when you can banish that which you do not desire to have while the waxing moon is a time to begin new things. Normally the three days before, after and during a dark or full moon are most potent for performing magic. Let’s take a banishing approach as the Full Moon is often associated with menses. A good way do a spell involving your own health is to bathe in a mix of herbs in a warm bath, perhaps with some sea salt in the water – the warmth and calming effect of a bath is particularly good for focusing on your body. Concentrate on the area which is causing you difficulties and imagine becoming well and healthy again. A blue candle can be burned for overall health while you do this – if this is a fertility issue, you might try burning a green one. Use herbs singly or in multiples of three – you can try Fennel, Lemon Balm and Bay as calming herbs for your bath. When you’re ready, pull the plug and imagine your pain and difficulty draining away with the bath water. The key here is your focus which must remain calm and clear. Imagine your trouble burning away with the candle and when it’s done, bury the wax in the earth. I would also urge you to see a physician about your troubles – your spell can also help to strengthen any professional care you receive. I wish you luck

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Brandi in Indianapolis
(07.06.07-02:11)
Hi I am getting married on the 23rd of this month and the christians will not let me get married with out being in a church. My friend referred me to you and I was wondering if you knew where I could get someone to marry us. It will be out side and I want it universal for all religions... Thanks Brandi

Dear Brandi,
Dear Brandi

I’m not sure if it’s the same where you are in Indianapolis but here in the UK you can arrange with your local registrars office to have your marriage ceremony anywhere you want, so long as the place is licensed for marriages. See if you can hire a Justice of the Peace to marry you outside a church – and, failing that, do what friends of Aunt Tabitha did in Canada: get married at town hall on the quiet and then have a friend or someone you respect write you a ceremony and perform it in front of your entire friends and family where-ever your heart desires. It’s your life, your wedding and you should make it yours to remember – anyone who loves you will want the best for you.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Lyris in Sutton
(14.04.06-09:52)
I have a very confusing relationship issue. I have two people telling me directly opposed stories and although I do know that someone is lying to me I can t tell who. It s impossible for me to find the truth to make a balanced decision. Please could you suggest a method for divining the truth of the matter Many thanks

Dear Lyris,
Before taking any magical action, even divination, it is wise to consider all the mundane methods first. You should consider the previous reliability, or lack of it, of these two people to identify who is more likely to be telling the truth. You could also confront each of them and gauge their reaction, using your intuition here is more important than logic. If these methods fail, or you have already tried them then I would recommend dowsing with a pendulum. Unlike many methods of divination, it is the ideal method to obtain clear true or false results for a question such as yours.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Victoria in London
(20.03.06-15:10)
I am finding difficulty finding a reliable wicca shop in my local. As you can see from my date of birth I am quite young so my parents wouldn t like me travelling all that far and also they are not all into Wicca and I know they prefer it if I just did not practice it. Going back to the original question do you know of any good places to go to to try and find out places in my loaclity that would sell candles incense oils etc.

Dear Victoria,
There is a shop called Mysteries in Covent Garden that will sell everything you need. If your parents are not happy with you travelling that far across London, then why not try to persuade them to buy you things online there is a good shop at http://www.witchshop.org.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Rhiannon in kpt
(27.03.06-07:01)
Dear Aunt Tabatha I still have feekings for my ex we are still friends and I think that he uncertain of what or who he wants in his life I truly believe that we could have a great relationship what should I do

Dear Rhiannon,
You should not even consider magic to attempt to improve the situation with your ex-partner. Such a spell would break the Wiccan Rede as you would be interfering with someone else’s free will. With relationships the simple answer is often the best, talk to him and tell him exactly how you feel. If you do not put him under any pressure he has the choice whether he wants to resume the relationship with you or not. Whichever way this works out I am sure it will be for the best, so make the effort to talk to him as soon as you can.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Louise in London
(23.03.06-14:58)
I have been asked by my cousin to perform a spellto bringgood fortune and luck to her boss. They have all been made redundant recently and I agreed to do it as I thought it was a nice idea on her part. She wants to be there and also respects my beliefs enough to ask. I m not sure how to go about it as the phase of the moon will be waning. Any advice would be good as I don t want to let her down.

Dear Louise,
Performing a general good luck spell for someone who has requested it has few risks, if you ensure the desired result remains abstract. In this situation, you are the experienced practitioner so you should decide what should be done and when. If you feel it would not be advisable to perform the spell on the waning moon then tell your cousin it will have to wait until the moon is in a more conducive phase. You can predict the dates by using the moon calendar on www.witchcraft.org. Think about the spell carefully beforehand, plan what ingredients you will need and arrange a time and place to perform the ritual. A well-planned spell is far more likely to work so I am sure yours will be a success, I wish you the best of luck with this endeavour.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Alexandria in Halifax
(26.03.06-16:47)
Me and my friend Luisa would like to start our own coven since we have both been practsing witchcraft for a while and we would like to know what kind of things we could do where we could meet and what events are nearby or even worldwide events we could celebrate at home . . . thanks XxXxX

Dear Alexandria,
In an ideal world, there would be Wiccan training covens in most areas, giving the opportunity of initiation to dedicated seekers. Unfortunately, the reality is that there is a severe shortage of covens and many of those are full. You cannot start a Gardnerian, or Alexandrian coven unless there is a Wiccan High Priestess or High Priest involved. This leaves people who would like to start a coven with a dilemma, they cannot get the required training hence they cannot even start. This problem only exists for the more established traditions; there are many other more accessible eclectic traditions if you do can find one that appeals to you. Firstly, learn as much as you can from books, good books in your situation are “Witchcraft for Tomorrow” by Doreen Valiente and “The Real Witches Handbook”, or “The Real Witches Craft by Kate West. Once you are established as a coven always be truthful about your self starting origins to newcomers who seek you out for training. Attempting to disguise your lack of a heritage is dishonest and ultimately damages your credibility. Be proud that your group of friends had the courage to start without the benefit of a more experienced guide.
To meet other like-minded people you should consider going to as many Witchfests as possible. The talks, workshops and rituals will provide invaluable training at an very reasonable cost. The opportunity for meeting people is possibly even more valuable and will give your group the confidence that you truly are not alone.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Amethyst in Chelmsford
(27.03.06-09:18)
Dear Aunt Tabatha I am a 17 year old girl and I have been a Wiccan for about three years now. I have two friends who are also Wiccans. The problem is I now go to college from 9.00am til 5.00pm and I have lots of Assinments and assesments and I am finding that I have less and less time to practice the Craft. I am very upset by this as I used to practice almost every night and I am begining to feel ditant from the God and Goddess. My two friends have been having similar problems and we would be very grateful if you could tell us what we should do. We are proud to be Wiccans and know in our hearts that it is the right path for us. Please could you tell us how we can work our Spell casting around our College work Blessed Be Amethyst x

Dear Amethyst,
Wicca is a pragmatic belief system and will adapt itself to your circumstances better than almost any other religion. You obviously still feel have the same beliefs now you have a busy life, even though it does not leave as much time for formal Wiccan practice, or study. You should only devote, as much time as is practical to Wicca, you should not neglect your studies. This period in your life will not last forever; after your education is complete, you will have more time. In the meantime, worship of the God and Goddess does not have to be time consuming; even a quick meditation to either or both in a break or while travelling is possible. Therefore, have patience and remember the God and Goddess will wait for you.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Elaine in Coventry
(17.07.05-17:25)
A dog i m very attached to died this morning i was wandering if there was a spell to help numb the pain for the owners and my self or is it best to just grieve naturally.

Dear Elaine,
I believe that it's better to allow the grief to flow naturally. However, you could light a candle for him as a way of saying goodbye and helping his journey. Allow the candle to burn all the way down, on successive nights if you can't watch it constantly.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From maria in aberdare
(15.07.05-01:47)
i would really appreciate your help. i love being a member of CoA and am learning all time through reading all posts. back to my question. i have met a man from morocco and we want to meet because we have fell in love big time. only thing is we dont know what to do because i wont go there so it means he has to come here and we dont know how. can you help me in how please. he says that he will send papers to me and i take them to embassy. but i dont even know where that is or what to do. we have spoke about our religion and he said it dont matter to him because he just wants to be with me no matter what. Help please

Dear maria,
Before I get to your question, there are some basic guidelines that you should take when you do meet this man. First and foremost, always meet in public area and have a couple of friends nearby who can step in if anything bad should happen. I don't say this to scare you, but personal safety should never be taken for granted.

With regard to him coming to this country. I'm not an immigration expert, but, as far as I'm aware he will be responsible for gaining entry visas into the country. Applications for these, I think, should be made to the British Consulate in Morrocco. You can check this with your local Citizens Advice Bureau, a good immigration lawyer, or the Home Office website.

One other thing, when he does come over, make sure he stays in a hotel. The culture in Morrocco is very different from here and respectable single ladies do not put men up in their own homes. It would not put you in a good light to do so.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From lokia in boonville
(20.07.05-01:46)
i have many rules of the craft and one of them says not to reveal the coven and its members. who i be breaking that rule if i wrote a book about the events that take place within that coven even though i changed the coven name and the names of the members of that coven

Dear lokia,
You certainly would be breaking the rule, which is set up to protect those members who do not wish their beliefs to be known publically. However, if you ask permission from you HP/HPS and the other members of the coven and ensure that you change the names properly, then there should be no problem with writing the book, providing the permission is given.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Brooklyn in Salyersville
(22.07.05-03:29)
What dose an upsidedown triangle mean

Dear Brooklyn,
An upside-down triangle is the magical symbol for the element of Water. The other elements are represented as follows:

Earth = upside-down triangle with a horizontal line.

Air = upright triangle with a horizontal line.

Fire = upright triangle.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From tim in crawley england
(08.07.05-04:45)
dear aunt tabatha please can you give me some advice as i am not sure which way to turn i have been reading everything that i can get my hands on about wicca and witchcraft but i find that every book tells a differant way and i am not sure which one is the right one... for instance one book says never blow out candles and to use a snuffer but another says to use your fingers this conflict is confusing me as i would like to try my first spell but have read that only high priest and priestess can perform them without insulting the god and goddess. please help as think i have read to much... blessed be. tim

Dear tim,
Judging by the number of solitaries there are on the path, I pretty sure that the Gods will not be upset if the person casting the spell isn't a HP or HPS.

Different people do have different ways of doing things. The best advice I can give you is to think about what feels right for you. Just because a book tells you to do something, it doesn't mean you have to do it that way. The same goes for a teacher.

We are all different and what is right for one person, may not be right for the next person. The key is to find out what works for you and do it your way.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Michelle in Roxie
(26.06.05-19:08)
I was born on Halloween and i believe myself to be a real witch because of dreams and some natural powers i possess. What do you think Is it possible to be born a natural witch

Dear Michelle,
I believe we are all born with inate abilities, but that most people are taught to ignore them so they gradually lose them as they get older. Some people, however, are able to keep focusing on those abilities and so use them throughout their lives. Whether this is because they are natural witches, or because they haven't been taught that the gifts are wrong, or simply because they have a stronger link to the sub-concious, is something I'm not too sure of.

Either way, these are very special abilities.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From sarah in Newmarket
(24.06.05-21:07)
Dear Aunt Tabatha i am new at this and i am wondering do I have to be just a witch or could i be a witch and christian i am willing to become one but if am a child of wicca am i still a child of the christian lord

Dear sarah,
You can't mix Wicca & Christianity, as Wicca has a core set of principles of its own and is a religion in its own right.

There are those who claim to successfully integrate Christianity and general witchcraft, although much of Christian dogma prohibits the use of witchcraft.

This is a complicated issue and, ultimately, one that only you can answer. Do what feels right for you.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From James in Satellite Beach
(23.06.05-16:08)
If a famous person were wiccan or pagan do you think they should reveal it to the public Wouldnt so many other craft users become enraged by all the fans becoming wiccan out of a -poser- sense of mind Or would it cause neglect and more negativity towards users of the crafts Its a highly debatable subject but I felt like asking you before going into the forums with it. Blessed be and thank you. -James

Dear James,
I truly believe that a person's spiritual beliefs are their own business. Whether they choose to reveal their beliefs should be entirely their decision. No-one, whether famous or not, should be forced into either hiding or revealing their beliefs if they don't wish to.

With regards to the fans. Well, there are already those who come to Wicca because of shows like Charmed and Buffy. Some do stay with the path, learn a great deal from it and enjoy the spirituality of this way. However, the vast majority come to it expecting it to fit certain ideals, only to find that it's not right for them. This is how I belief it will be with any fans as well.

Those that find fulfillment within the craft should be encouraged to deepen their studies, while those that find it's not what they are looking for should be respectfully encouraged to examine other paths.

I don't believe we need to be angry with those that only come to it because of someone famous. Some will stay with it, others won't. That's the way it has always been.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From KC in roy
(22.06.05-22:36)
my question may not have any thing to do with witchcraft but i still need help. theres a guy i like and although i may be young it feels like we are meant to be together i think he likes me as well but he doesnt want another relationship for a while because his last girlfriend used him. he believes that he is not worth being with which i totally dont agree with and i cant seem to convince him otherwise. i want to tell him how i feel about him but im afraid of rejection. also he is my best friend and i dont want it to ruin our friendship. what do i do do i tell him the truth or wait with the possibility it might be to late when he finds out that i think i love him

Dear KC,
The most important thing for you to do right now is to just be there for your friend. I'm sure he's hurting at the moment and will need time to get over this. Your support as a friend is what he needs right now.

By all means tell him how you feel, but understand that he probably isn't ready for another relationship at the moment. Be prepared to put your feelings aside for the more important friendship. Don't try to rush him. Let him come to you when he's finally ready.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Lilian in Newton Abbot
(21.06.05-20:06)
Aunt Tabatha please may I ask if one ever too old to become a witch or change one s religion to that of Wicca Everytime I mention my age in my personal and public life it is as though I am dismissed as useless and past it I know I am not but I should be interested to hear your views on age in relation to Witchraft and Wicca. Blessed Be and Thank you.

Dear Lilian,
No, I don't believe you are ever too old to make changes in your life. Age should never be restrictive to those wishing to make the change to Wicca or witchcraft, as the path makes the most of life experience, something we get more of as we get older. There will undoubtedly be things from your past that you can draw on to make your first steps easier and very special for yourself. You will also find that you will continue to draw on these things as your knowledge of the craft grows.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From anjali in gurgaon
(23.12.04-07:22)
Dear Aunt Tabatha I wanted to know if covens are really safe or not. I mean...is it better to be in a cven or to be a solitary witch I faced a problem coz I joined a coven in which the mentality of some of the members did not match mine. So they attempted to defame me and I did not even know them. They announced on the group site that I had negative vibes and that I was a rotten fish taht would spoil everyone else in the group. I was very disturbed by such baseless accusations and since then have a fear of covens Can you help me out Should I do a spell to make those people own up

Dear anjali,
It does sound as though this group weren't very ethical. However, rather than trying to do a spell on them, I'd just move on and forget about the group in question.

Covens can be very beneficial, but everyone has to gel fairly well. With any group there will always be times when not everyone agrees with something. So the group has to be right for the individuals envolved, but equally, the individuals have to be right for the group.

Being on a solitary path can be harder. You have to find your own information from reliable sources, Sabbats can get a little lonely unless you have someone you can celebrate with. Having said that, you have a freedom that isn't always available to groups. You get to practise as and when you want and you can do things in your own way.

There are pros and cons for each and you have to decide what is right for you.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Nicole in Campbell River
(03.01.05-07:36)
I am wondering about how to put a candle out. I have always been told to never blow a candle out always use your fingers or a snuffer I am just wondering if you know the full reaon as to why this is. I have read some things about it offends the fire gods but I remember a there is much more detailed reason for it just not to sure as to the reason if you could explain it that would be muchly appretiated Thank you

Dear Nicole ,
It's often said that if you ask 3 witches a question, they will give you a dozen answers. This is one of those questions.

Some people say you should never blow out a candle, as it offends the element of fire and blows away the energy that you've put into the spell. Others, e.g Ray Buckland, say that you should never pinch out the candles for the same reasons.

Personally, I always use a snuffer as I've never liked burnt fingers.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Cara in London
(19.06.05-22:55)
Dear Aunt Tabatha I have been studying and practicing ritual for some time but sometimes I just don t feel like I m doing things right and I often use rituals that come from a book. It s not that I don t like Wicca I absolutely love it and try and do things as guided by whatever books I can get my mits on but I feel as if I m not quite there and connecting with the Goddess and God just sometimes doesn t feel real. Do you think I am doing things wrong or that I shouldn t be doing them at all or that I am a fluffy-bunny-witch That could be kind of an interesting question to answer but any insights would be appreciated a lot

Dear Cara,
If you feel that the rituals that are in the books don't feel right, then adapt them for yourself. Just because they are given in a particular way in a book doesn't mean that you have to do them that way. You may find that you want to say different words, or do things in a slightly different order. That's fine. If that's what feels right, then do it.

Keep a record of how you felt with each ritual you've done. Write down how you felt about the words you used, the actions you made, the meditation sessions, etc. That way you will be able to see where your rituals may need changing.

Another thing you can do is to create your own rituals. Many books include a section that shows you how to go about creating a ritual and may be of use. These are often the most powerful rituals, as they become very personal to us.

To gain a deeper connection to the gods, try meditating on them. Look at how you view them - how they look, what they wear or what animals they associate with. Very often you will find that you connect to a particular deity and see particular images associated with them, even if you don't know anything about them.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Lisa in Nuneaton
(17.06.05-20:22)
Aunt Tabitha Witchcraft is only something I have seriously started to get in to recently and have started to practice although I have always had an interest in it. I have attempted my first spell which is trying to locate my cat that has been missing for over a week. I have fashioned a milagro and have asked Artemis to guide his way home as i have also read he is a protector of cats but now I ve read something about spells being cast for personal gain. I might just be acting naive but is this classed as personal gain And if so will it go wrong Any insights you offer are gratefully received.

Dear Lisa,
While Artemis could be seen as a patron goddess of cats, due to the Greeks association of the Egyptian cat-goddess Bastet with her, this really isn't properly her field and you may have more success asking Bastet herself.

Also, don't forget do the mundane work of putting up posters asking if anyone has seen your cat.

Regarding the personal gain issue. I don't believe that this is at all necessary to worry about. While there will undoubtedly be problems caused by casting magic out of greed, asking for things that you want, or need, to happen, doesn't pose a problem at all. In your case, it's perfectly acceptable to want your cat to come home, as I'm sure you miss him.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Andy in Gloucester
(11.06.05-14:19)
I m realy interested in Rune casting and reading and the norse panthion but I ve no idea where to look or were to get training is there any why you can help.

Dear Andy,
There are a number of good books about the runes and the Northern Tradition. Good authors to look out for are Edred Thorsson and Nigel Pennick.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Dwayne in London
(31.05.05-00:18)
I ve just come across this site because i wish to explore witchcraft... where would be the best place to start

Dear Dwayne,
The best place for anybody to start is with good books. Those by Kate West are excellent for beginners and Triumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton is a good book for the history of Wicca.

Another good thing to do is to go out and find some of the wilder places in your neighbourhood. These can be old parks, areas of wasteland or other areas where you can get a sense of the beauty and magic of nature.

Another good thing to do is to join an online community, such as CoA, where you can ask questions and get a wide range of ideas and opinions. That way, you can learn things that the books don't always answer and also create your own path as you go.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From hannah in somerset
(22.02.05-11:58)
hi i was wondering why lots of things used in magick are black because my book said that black means death and rebirth so why are most of the cloths and things in black.thanks hannah

Dear hannah,
There are a number of different reasons for using black, depending on the circumstances. For example, you might use a black candle for a banishing spell.

Other items are black for different reasons. Witches' cloaks, for example, are traditionally black so that they were harder to spot in woods at night, making it easier to escape during times of persecution.

Black can also be associated with that which is hidden from the everyday senses. One of it's properties in the physical realm is that it absorbs light, which is why it appears black in the first place. For this reason, it's also often used to absorb energies.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From sue in Bedfordshire UK
(19.03.05-18:23)
I have been drawn to witchcraft since a teenager and have been studying solitary witchcraft for the past 6-7 months and have attended Wicca workshops. I have read so much but all the books I read seem to be directed to Wicca and I feel this is not the correct path for me hence I ve studied hard and continue to study but not practiced as to do this would not seem right. I believe that I should be taking a non-wiccan path could you point me in the right direction as most web sites and books appear to be Wiccan based. I just don t know where to go from here. Thank you for your time.

Dear sue,
One of the best beginners books for solitary witchcraft is Marian Green's 'A Witch Alone' which contains 13 lessons and is very much non-wiccan in format. Her other books are also very good.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Helen in Cardiff
(07.06.05-02:23)
Dear Tabitha I have been somewhat curious of Witchcraft for some years now more or less since childhood . I have done some research into it s history and practices though I have not yet committed to the path though I will be attending the Cardiff Witchfest to find out even more . What has encouraged me onto this path of discovery has been my visions concerning death. In 1998 my Grandmother passed away but I was given a verbal warning the night before but am unsure by what/whom. Since then I have received similar fortellings ranging from the physical feeling of the life draining from someone to just knowing when it would happen. This has happened for all persons close to me who has passed over. I am uncomfortable with this and for some time tried to be a Christian but was told so many times by other Christians I discussed this with that the being giving me these impressions was evil and thusly so was I. I wouldn t say I was a perfect human being but certainly I am not evil and I don t feel the being who shows these things to me is either. However I remain uncomfortble because I don t know who/what it is. Since I am alone and have had no tutorage really speaking aside from reading I was wondering if you could help me identify more about what this being would be I feel I cannot commit to any path of sprirituality until this hurdle is passed.

Dear Helen,
First of all, I don't think you're evil. Premonitions of this nature occur to people from all walks of life and different paths.

Whether they are caused by an actual entity or not, isn't really something I can answer for you. It's possible that it was your spirit guide giving you the warning, or it may have been an auditory premonition, caused more by your subconcious than an actual spiritual entity.

The other feelings you've described point, in my mind, more to the latter. So, rather than being a spirit giving you the information, it seems to be more a case that you're able to tune in to the actual energy of the people involved and your subconcious mind interprets that in its own way.

I hope that helps.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From ivan in beccles
(14.06.05-18:43)
i have been in vited to join a covern waht should i do will it put up my noledge abou the craft

Dear ivan,
There are good points and bad points about coven work just as there are about solitary work. On the plus side, you get to have regularly meetings with people who, hopefully, are reasonably knowledgeable about the craft. You also, hopefully, get a fairly structured learning environment.

On the other hand, you are forced to work within the framework of the group and must give up a certain amount of the freedom available as a solitary. You also have to make the time to attend the rituals and meetings of the group. No more fitting rituals in when you can.

Coven work appeals to some people, while others prefer the solitary path. Only you can decide if it's right for you, but it can be helpful when you're first learning the craft.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Jacqueline in Haywards Heath
(14.06.05-14:53)
I am seeking to join a new coven and have been invited to a moot with the idea of possibly joining their coven in time. Is this the right thing to do

Dear Jacqueline,
If it feels like it's the right thing for you, then that's the way to go. It's good that you've been invited to the moot first, as this gives both sides a chance to get to know one another. The group can then determine if you're right for them and you can decide if they are right for you.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Jessica in San Angelo
(11.06.05-08:03)
Our coven is falling apart. We are growing distant. There were four of us. Now there seems to be a rift that threatens one of us. Another is just having maternity problems which is understandable. But lately it feels like there are only two of us who are really going to stick to Wicca. Please give us some advice. It would really help.

Dear Jessica ,
The energies within groups naturally ebb and flow. It can seem, at times, as though the group is going to collapse, only to have someone new come along and revive it.

You can still work with just the two of you, although you may have to adapt your rituals to fit.

Be there to support your friends. It may be that they just need some time away from the group for a short period. If they then find they are ready to return, that shouldn't be a problem for any of you.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Lady Forest Pixie Mother of Baby Fire Pixie in South Africa
(14.06.05-18:29)
Dearest Aunt Tabatha My baby pixie girl is a true blessing in my life and she lights up any dark day for me in seconds of her sweet smile I am a stay at home mom my husband works alot so my job is to care for our baby and the house. With a baby you don t get a day off I get so tired sometimes it feels like I just can t relax. As much as I love my lovely pixie girl I feel she s too much for me sometimes. I m realy worried that she ll grow up and think I was a bad mother or that I did something wrong Going from Maiden to Mother was wonderful but I thought it was supposed to be so magickal all the time and that I d know everything and be patient with everything Well to tell you the truth I feel like I don t have a clue Is this normal What can I do to feel more in control of my life and role as a Mother

Dear Lady Forest Pixie Mother of Baby Fire Pixie,
I think what you're feeling is normal with any new mother. As you say, with a baby you don't get a day off.

One technique that you could use to handle the tiredness is what's called 'power napping.' When the baby is asleep, set a timer for around 20 minutes and settle yourself down on the sofa to sleep. Do this a few times throughout the day if you can. Recent tests have shown that this can make up for lost sleep and is a technique used by round the world yachtsmen.

Nobody has all the answers when they first start out. You're not alone in feeling you don't know anything. A good book on parenting can help, as can mother & baby magazines. But the best place to get tips is going to be other mothers. Try to find the time to be around other women who have already been through the stages you're going through. Socialising with others who have already got the experience of being mothers, can help you a great deal and may provide tips that aren't always in the books.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Tom in Birmingham
(22.04.05-14:52)
Dear Aunt Tabitha blessed be how are you these days I need your guidance i have twice attempted a Lost Things spell using a gold ring and a gold coloured metal ring they both yielded no results is t because it was is the daytime I have just tried to find someof mybrothers CDs which have ben lost using the spell how long do you think the spell will take to work if at all If i try this spell for a third time might it be a better idea to try in the next four few days when teh moon is full Can you help or offer any suggestions please Aunt Tabitha Blessed be take care Tom Tom

Dear Tom,
I'm not sure what you were expecting to happen with the spell. You say you tried it with a couple of rings. Do you mean you had someone hide them and then tried to use the spell to find them? If this is the case then it wouldn't have worked, as the rings weren't really lost.

When you did the spell to find the cd's, did you then continue to look for them? Most spells of this nature generally guide you to the location of the object, rather than drawing the object out into the open. You still have to put the mundane work in, as with all spells.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Stefan in Chicago
(09.06.05-00:06)
Dear Tabatha.I asked a question earlier today but forgot to include this one.I m interested and drawn to the more Traditional Witchcraft.Not interested in wicca.Can you please suggest one or two extreemly well written books on Trad. Witchcraft covering all its tenants ways and practices To many books claiming to be witchcraft but their actually wiccan or something else.Looking for one or two of the best complete comprehensive books on Trad. Witchcraft by very authentic time seasoned Trad. witch authors.Thanks may the universal force always flow freely in you Stefan

Dear Stefan,
Good authors to look out for are Marian Green and Paddy Slade. Seasonal Magic, by Paddy Slade is an especially good book to look out for.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Stefan in Chicago
(08.06.05-22:42)
Dear Tabatha Hello.Iv e heard that originally witches wore white robes in the old early times in history and black came into vogue much later in history.Is this true If so can you please elaborate more on this historically and why and is it ok to wear white robes and capes if one is a traditional witch Also If one is a tradtional practicing witch oppossed to being wiccan what is the proper direction to place alter in facing north or facing east or traditionaly does it matter and whats the differences to the two directions Thankyou

Dear Stefan,
I'm not sure where you got your information from, but I don't believe their has ever been a uniform for witches. Of course, what we call witchcraft now, is very different from what our ancestors called witchcraft.

Modern witchcraft has it's roots in the pagan revivalists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It can also be linked to the practises of the 'cunning' men and women that can be traced back to around the 16th and 17th centuries, but these practises weren't actually called witchcraft then. In fact, the cunning-men and women made a lot of money selling charms to use as protection from witches and 'black' magic. It's only within the last 50 years or so that we have come to see witchcraft as anything other than negative. Actually, when the inquisition was first set up in the 12th century, it declared that the belief in witchcraft was a delusion. It only changed it's stance after Kramer and Sprenger published the Malleus Maleficarum.

On a practical level, assuming that witches did practise in the woods or fields, I think they would have worn black cloaks, so they would be harder to spot when making their escapes. What they would have worn in pre-recorded history is open to conjecture. The Celtic Druids were supposed to have worn white robes, but they, again, were not witches.

On a personal level, I believe that witchcraft is a very personal path. What you wear and how you practise should be down to personal choice. If it feels right to you and doesn't harm anyone else, then there shouldn't be a problem.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Marisa in Clarksburg
(05.06.05-23:46)
Dear Aunt Tabitha I am a thirty yr old woman that was seriously involved with a 24 yr old man we lived together about ten months and was going to be married I put it off wich I m glad I did. He has this clan of friends that I always had a problem with because they are trouble well he is too but he behaved himself for the most part of our relationship. He was very hostile and when we got together but I worked very hard to help for him myself and our relationship. We became very close very quick. But he started hanging with these people again and started acting funny so I had him leave also there was financial problems that were eating at me also. Well he was on probation and he had to go to anger management and not drink or do drugs well since he left he started getting into everything heavy again didn t go to anger management violated his probation didn t go to a status hearing he could of just decided to go to jail for thirty days and not worry about going to anger management. That s all he was facing but instead he s hiding when he knows that there is a warrant for his arrest now he is going to be in more trouble when he gets caught. Well here is my questions is he going to get caught soon I think jail is the best place for him will it help Will he stay away from these people and learn his lesson Does he still love me and should I get back with him after this is over Also we were trying to have a baby if I end pregnant its too soon to tell and if we don t get back together should I let him know about the baby or even let him see it Jeremiah was diagnosed with Borderline personality disorder and when he drank and was around these people it would set him off I also seen his personality switch at other times without drugs or alcohol or being around other people but he wasn t violent. the whole reason that he is on probation is because of domestic battery against me. There were 3 incidents 2 he got caught for and all were alcohol or drug related and the anger management didn t even help he would act worse because he was in group with people that was in there for pretty much the same thing. Also he wasn t on meds I believe he needs to be. Other than that we had a very loving relationship and he was a great father figure to my son he helped my son out a great deal. My son had alot of problems because of his biological father not wanting to and not being around. He helped with his homework and everything and was not abusive to him except for the time my son seen him beat he didn t touch my son he never did on me that can cause a child to have alot of problems but thankfully he s fine. I was very comfortable with him and he with me and he didn t have a problem with me wanting to be a witch and we had alot of things in common. But the list goes down the line with woman in my family being in abusive relationships. was I suppose to be in this relationship to overcome this and break the chain and move on unlike my family members Also for me to help Jeremiah and for Jeremiah to help Tristan. Then this happen and me move on or is he going to be reformed and the two of us get back together especially if I m pregnant but I know that is no reason to be with someone if it is not right. Are we meant to be together or should I stay away like I think I should. So Sorry for taking up so much of your time I thought I should ask someone wiser than me. I hope you write me back and hope if other people get to read this in a simialar situation it will help them to because I know alot of women would keep this to themselves and do they really shouldn t. Thank You and Blessed Be

Dear Marisa,
First of all, there are a number of your questions that I can't give you a definite answer too, as I'm not psychic. But I will try to answer as fully as I can.

The most important thing is that this man has hit you, on more than one occasion. Why would you want to be with someone who could do that, whether alcohol was involved or not? Whatever else he may have done for your son, this is not a good father figure. Your son, seeing him hit you, may grow up believing that it's okay for men to hit women and may continue the circle.

I'm no expert on this, but I'm not sure jail would be the best place for him. Rehab and psychiatric help would probably be better, although he may be able to get this in jail.

I think you know, in your heart, that you need to do the best thing for you and your son. To my mind, that is to cut all ties to this man.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Briony in kent england
(04.06.05-13:12)
hi recently i have been bullied because i have been doing witchcraft since i was 11 and i connect with spirits ihave my own close spirit friend named Mary may and she helps me through my problems and she told me she watches over me as im like a mother to her because her mother always used to send her away is there any way i could stop being bullied just because they dont believe me about this as thy have been brought up in a world to only belive what theyve been told and to fear what they dont understand blesed be Briony

Dear Briony,
Bullying is a nasty thing to happen to anyone. Make sure someone knows that it's happened - either your parents or a teacher.

People often do turn against things they don't understand. The best course of action for you may be to only talk about your experiences with people you completely trust. You could also keep a diary of your interactions with Mary May.

But don't forget to try to build friendships in this world, as well as the spirit world. Then you will have someone who can help you stand up to the bullies.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From louise in sunderland
(20.05.05-19:17)
hi aunt tabatha i have beeen looking into witchcraft now since i was 16 and now feel ready to enter a coven but can not find one in my area can you help me

Dear louise,
It's not always easy to find a coven, as they don't tend to advertise themselves. One thing that a coven doesn't want is anybody and everybody turning up on the doorstep looking for acceptance. Because the members of the coven need to trust each other implicitly, covens need to be very selective about who they allow into their circle.

So, the only real way to find a coven, is to mix with members, get to know them socially and hopefully they will introduce you to the HPs who may invite you to join. This is one way to go about it, there may be others.

Try and find out if there is a local gathering that you can attend. Some of the people who attend may be members of a coven, although that isn't guaranteed.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From Ashley in Wayne
(28.05.05-21:28)
Aunt Tabatha I want to know if I am a witch or wiccan it is a questin that has been bugging me for the past six years my friend is a wiccan and she says that I am one because I believe in all the things that wiccans and witches believe in but I don t know please help me I have to know. Is there any way I can see if I am or not Please help.

Dear Ashley,
Only you can decide if you are really a witch. To start with, you need to understand what generally held beliefs are and how your personal beliefs fit in with that.

The best place to start would be to read a good beginners book, e.g The Real Witches Handbook by Kate West. This will give you a very basic framework that you can begin to work with if you wish to.

Witchcraft is a very personal path and can be very freeing. Wicca, on the other hand has some very specific core principles, but at the same time can be more structured. Though that isn't always the case. The only real way to decide which one suits you, if any, is to read as much as possible on both and make your own mind up. But don't let anyone force you into becoming something that you're not comfortable with. You may find that the path isn't for you and that's okay.

Good luck in finding what you seek.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From clair in crawley
(24.05.05-09:33)
dear aunt tabatha i ve been iterested in wicca for a while but my knowledge is rather limited. my best friend has recently discovered she is very ill and although i ve prayed many times to help her recover i was wondering if there is anything else i can do. she s a good person who has already been through a lot i hate seeing her this way. anything you can suggest will be greatly appreciated. many thanks.

Dear clair,
I'm sorry to hear that your friend is unwell. It's good that you are trying to help her, but it is important that any healing practises you perform are done with her permission.

One of the simplest healing spells is to light a white candle, somewhere safe, and let it burn down while visualising your friend becoming well.

Dear Aunt Tabatha - From skyoberne in Norfolk
(28.05.05-13:58)
I don t consider myself a practicing witch or a psychic however I have experienced a number of unusual situations. Recently I purchased a quartz crystal ball and was admiring its beauty when I began seeing images from inside of it. I am baffled by this because I am nearly fifty years old. I have unusual encounters throughout my life but the ability to scry has not been one of them. Why is it happening now